PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Navez

Publications and source records attributed to B Navez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopy for abdominal emergencies: evidence-based guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Emergency laparoscopic exploration can be used to identify the causative pathology of acute abdominal pain. Laparoscopic surgery also allows treatment of many intraabdominal disorders. This report was prepared to describe the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery compared to laparotomy or nonoperative treatment. METHODS: A panel of European experts in abdominal and gynecological surgery was assembled and participated in a consensus conference using Delphi methods. The aim was to develop evidence-based recommendations for the most common diseases that may cause acute abdominal pain. RECOMMENDATIONS: Laparoscopic surgery was found to be clearly superior for patients with a presumable diagnosis of perforated peptic ulcer, acute cholecystitis, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. In the emergency setting, laparoscopy is of unclear or limited value if adhesive bowel obstruction, acute diverticulitis, nonbiliary pancreatitis, hernia incarceration, or mesenteric ischemia are suspected. In stable patients with acute abdominal pain, noninvasive diagnostics should be fully exhausted before considering explorative surgery. However, diagnostic laparoscopy may be useful if no diagnosis can be found by conventional diagnostics. More clinical data are needed on the use of laparoscopy after blunt or penetrating trauma of the abdomen. CONCLUSIONS: Due to diagnostic and therapeutic advantages, laparoscopic surgery is useful for the majority of conditions underlying acute abdominal pain, but noninvasive diagnostic aids should be exhausted first. Depending on symptom severity, laparoscopy should be advocated if routine diagnostic procedures have failed to yield results.

Abdomen↗

Laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND: A multicentric study was performed to evaluate the clinical results after laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts (PP). METHODS: We collected the data of 17 patients presenting with PP and operated on by laparoscopy between 1996 and 2001. There were nine men and eight women with a median age of 42 years (range 30-72). In 15 patients the PP developed after acute pancreatitis and the median delay between the acute onset and surgery was 7 months (range: 2-24). In two patients the PP was associated with chronic pancreatitis. All the patients had a single PP with a median diameter of 9 cm (range: 5-20). RESULTS: According to the location of the PP, a cystogastrostomy was performed in 10 patients and a cystojejunostomy in seven patients. The median operative time was 100 min (range: 80-300). Laparoscopic PP surgery was completed successfully in 16 patients and the median size of the cystoenterostomy was 3 cm (range: 2-5). Necrotic debris was present within the PP in 11 patients. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range: 4-24). No mortality and no immediate morbidity were recorded. However, two patients were readmitted within the first 3 postoperative weeks because of secondary PP infection. The first patient had an early closure of cystogastrostomy and was treated by endoscopic placement of a stent. The second represented with a right retrocolic abscess after cystojejunostomy and was treated by percutaneous drainage. One patient was lost for follow-up 2 months after surgery. The others had regular clinical and radiological controls. With a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 6-36), no recurrence of PP was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic treatment of PP was associated with a low postoperative complication rate and an effective permanent result. That approach avoided some difficulties, particularly bleeding that is classically linked with endoscopic internal drainage.

Adult↗

Should every patient undergoing laparoscopy for clinical diagnosis of appendicitis have an appendicectomy?

In cases of clinically suspected acute appendicitis, the rate of negative laparoscopic exploration ranges from 8 to 15%. In that situation, should we remove an apparently normal appendix or should we leave it in place? If there is no evidence of another cause to explain the acute right iliac fossa pain, it seems reasonable to proceed with an appendicectomy even if the appendix looks normal, because the rate of re-operation for recurrent symptoms is up to 6% and an endo-appendicitis which is defined as inflammation of the appendicular mucosa can be present in 11% to 26% of the cases. Anyway, the therapeutic decision is also influenced by the discussion between the physician and the patient before operation as well as by his past medical history. Good information about the risks and advantages of removal and nonremoval of an apparently normal appendix must be given.

Acute Disease↗

Patient's opinion about written information before laparoscopy: a consecutive series of 100 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the opinion of the surgical patient concerning written information before laparoscopic operations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective and consecutive series of 100 patients was studied. Information sheets concerning the planned laparoscopic operation were distributed at preoperative consultation. A short and clear questionnaire regarding this information was answered upon hospitalization. RESULTS: The majority of the 87 patients, who had read the information, were very pleased to be informed about the techniques (91%) and the risks (97%), although a significant group was worried by the explanations of the risks (41%). None of the patients cancelled the planned operation. None of the patients had become less confident in the surgeon. Most of the patients (95%) found this system of informed consent necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should no longer be reluctant to distribute standardized information sheets, as a majority of patients find this system of information necessary.

Female↗

Safety of laparoscopic approach for acute cholecystitis: retrospective study of 609 cases.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is now widely accepted as the modality of choice for the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated cholelithiasis. The application of the laparoscopic technique in the setting of acute cholecystitis (AC) is more controversial. The precise role as well as the potential benefits of LC in the treatment of the acutely inflamed gallbladder have not been clearly established through large clinical series. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility, safety, benefits, and specific complications of the laparoscopic approach in patients with AC. A retrospective chart analysis involving the patients admitted to two busy emergency digestive surgical units between October 1990 and December 1997 was carried out. Six hundred and nine patients meeting our criteria for AC were identified and evaluated. Overall complication rate was 15% with 12 postoperative bile leakages (1.97%) and 4 biliary tract injuries (BTI) (0.66%). The overall mortality rate was 0.66%. Local and overall complication rates were significantly correlated with the delay between the onset of acute symptoms and the operation but not the rate of general complications nor deaths. Our results demonstrate the safety and feasibility of LC in the setting of AC. Early cholecystectomy within 4 days is strongly recommended to minimize complications and increase the chances of a successful laparoscopic approach.

Acute Disease↗

Laparoscopic approach for acute appendicular peritonitis: efficacy and safety: a report of 96 consecutive cases.

SUMMARY: Several authors have demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach in the acute abdomen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance and safety of laparoscopy as a routine approach in the management of appendicular peritonitis. This retrospective study included 96 consecutive cases of acute appendicular peritonitis. All patients underwent a laparoscopic approach. The mean APACHE II score and Mannheim Peritonitis Index were 7.6 and 17.4, respectively. Laparoscopic diagnostic accuracy was 98%. Laparoscopy allowed the physician to correct the preoperative suspected diagnosis in 6 patients (6.5%). The results of preoperative clinical evaluation of the peritonitis severity were corrected by laparoscopic exploration in 26% (25/96) of cases. Complete laparoscopic management was achieved in 79% (76/96). Overall, the postoperative morbidity rate was 13% (13/96). Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess and wound sepsis rates in patients treated by laparoscopy were 2% and 1%, respectively. There were no deaths. The laparoscopic approach for the management of appendicular peritonitis is safe and effective and does not result in any specific complication. Advantages include the high quality of laparoscopic exploration, a very low incidence of septic complications, and a comfortable postoperative recovery.

Acute Disease↗

Laparoscopic training: results of a Belgian survey in trainees. Belgian Group for Endoscopic Surgery (BGES).

The assurance of adequate training in laparoscopic surgery still is a significant problem. This report aims to provide data and to formulate suggestions, based on the results of a questionnaire completed by 53 trainees, on a literature review and on discussions within the committee on training of the Belgian Group for Endoscopic Surgery (BGES). About 2/3 trainees think that their theoretical competence in laparoscopy is satisfactory or excellent. In contrast, 2/3 consider that their practical training is inadequate; only 53% of the sixth year trainees felt confident about their practical competence. The vast majority (72%) of senior trainees (5th and 6th year) performed less than 50 laparoscopic cholecystectomies or appendicectomies as first surgeon. Very few of them had the opportunity to perform advanced procedures, e.g. fundoplication or colon resection. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is the most common operation done by young trainees (3-4th year): 56% performed more than 10 procedures. In the majority of surgical centres, the trainee has few opportunities to perform supervised laparoscopic surgery because of the limited experience of the surgical staff, the learning curve of tutors, and the limited number of laparoscopic operations in some centres. Several solutions are proposed: training courses with laparoscopic procedures on animals, set up of quota (also for tutors), pelvi-trainer, recommended participation in theoretical courses (trainee session), more free time for attendance at scientific meetings and for reading surgical books and journals. Up to now, no formal process for certification of surgical competence in laparoscopy has been promoted. Moreover, not only the organisation and monitoring, but also the cost of training must be managed, and responsabilities must be taken by all persons and instances involved: teachers, teaching centres, professional board, government.

Belgium↗

Value of microlaparoscopy in the diagnosis of right iliac fossa pain.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of performing minimally invasive exploration of the abdomen could avoid unnecessary appendectomies. Micro-optics and instruments of 2 mm in diameter allow this type of exploration, but the feasibility and the accuracy of the diagnosis resulting from this method have not been evaluated. METHODS: A prospective study of 36 patients (11 men and 25 women) operated on for acute right iliac fossa pain was carried out. The abdomen was explored with a 2 mm optic and with a 10 mm optic in order to characterize the aspect of the appendix. The results were compared with the postoperative pathologic findings of the appendix. RESULTS: The micro-optic procedure failed in 3 patients. The appendix was visualized in 26 patients: in 18 patients through the needle-optic alone, 8 patients requiring additional instruments. The appendix was visualized in all cases with the 10 mm optic. Appendectomy was performed in 34 patients: with microinstruments in 6, with 5 mm instruments in 26, and through a MacBurney incision in 2. The appendix was not removed in 2 patients. A correct diagnosis was made by microlaparoscopy and confirmed by the pathology in 21 patients (58%), made and confirmed in 32 patients with a 10 mm optic (89%). Minor complications included a cecal wall insufflation in 1 patient and a peroperative hemorrhage on a 2 mm port site in another with an uneventful postoperative course. One postoperative parietal hematoma required reoperating removal. No mortality was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The low quality of the image obtained with microlaparoscopy does not permit safely evaluating the aspect of the appendix in case of acute right iliac pain. This method is not recommended for routine abdominal exploration.

Abdomen, Acute↗

Laparoscopic management of acute peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The presence of peritonitis has previously been considered to be a contraindication for the laparoscopic approach because of the theoretical risk of malignant hypercapnia and toxic shock syndrome. The aim of this retrospective study was to demonstrate that laparoscopy is feasible, safe and efficient in cases of peritonitis. METHODS: From January 1990 to July 1995, 231 patients had a laparoscopy for acute peritonitis in two centres (91 appendicular peritonitis, 69 gastroduodenal perforated ulcers, 35 perforations of the colon, 36 miscellaneous). RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of laparoscopic exploration was 84.8 per cent. The clinical preoperative diagnosis was changed by laparoscopic exploration in 25.1 per cent of patients. An unnecessary laparotomy was avoided in 6.5 per cent of patients and the site of traditional incision was modified in 8.7 per cent. Conversion rates were 25 per cent for appendicular peritonitis, 16 per cent for gastroduodenal perforation and 83 per cent (29 of 35 patients) for colonic perforation. The overall mortality rate was 3.9 per cent. No malignant hypercapnia occurred. Two patients (0.9 per cent) had postoperative septic shock but survived. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is feasible and safe in cases of peritonitis. Laparoscopic treatment is particularly effective in the case of appendicular and gastroduodenal perforation. In the case of colonic perforation, the conversion rate remains high but with growing experience and surgical skill, more of these cases will be treated laparoscopically in the future.

Acute Disease↗

Hernia of the diaphragm with gastric volvulus: laparoscopic repair.

The authors present a case of a diaphragmatic hernia with gastric volvulus, 29 months after a left thoracophrenolaparotomy. The surgical repair was performed by laparoscopy. The authors discuss the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of diaphragmatic disorders.

Hernia, Diaphragmatic↗

[Perforated peptic ulcer and laparoscopic treatment].

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possibility, safety and advantages of laparoscopic approach in the diagnosis and therapy of perforated peptic ulcer. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 69 cases of gastroduodenal perforation initially treated laparoscopically. The safety (morbidity and mortality) was estimated according to the two mortality rates fixed for laparotomies, APACHE II and Mannheimer Peritonitis Index (MPI). Sixty-nine patients (average age: 52 years), 23% of whom being over 70 years old, suffering from gastroduodenal perforation, were initially treated with laparoscopy. RESULTS: The laparoscopic diagnosis was done in 91% of cases. When the perforation was localized, the laparoscopic treatment was possible in 94% of cases. In 93% of cases a simple closure of the ulcerated perforation was performed. The conversion ratio was of 16%. One-hundred minutes (55-180) was the average operating. The morbidity was of 13%. One septic shock was reported in a patient with general purulent peritonitis diagnosed with laparoscopy and, after having converted, it was treated with laparotomy. No malignant iperCO2 was relieved. The reported mortality was of 4.3%, the theoretical mortality estimated was of 6% (MPI) and of 14% (Score APACHE II). The 3 deceased (87, 87 and 93 years old) had ASA index superior to 3. The remarkable advantage of laparoscopic approach is, in addition to diagnostic contribution, the absence of wall complications when the operation is not converted. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is suggested in gastroduodenal perforation, since it allows an etiological diagnosis and a treatment without conversion in 84% of cases.

Aged↗

A stratified intraoperative surgical strategy is mandatory during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for common bile duct stones. Lessons and limits from an initial experience of 92 patients.

BACKGROUND: Open exploration and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) remain the preferred treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS). The recent spread of laparoscopy has worsened the dilemna of choosing between surgical and endoscopic treatment of CBDS. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the results of our preliminary experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (CBDE) for CBDS. METHODS: Ninety-two consecutive patients were prospectively submitted to laparoscopic CBDE. Surgical strategy included an initial transcystic approach or laparoscopic choledochotomy. Failure of stone clearance was managed by conversion to open CBDE or by postoperative ES. Electrohydraulic lithotripsy and papillary balloon dilatation were selectively used. Stone clearance was assessed by choledochoscopy and control cholangiography. RESULTS: The overall laparoscopic stone clearance in this series was 84% (transcystic route 63% and choledochotomy 93%). Conversion to laparotomy was mandatory in 12% of the patients because of incomplete stone clearance and in 5% because of intraoperative complications. Postoperative ES was required in 4% of the patients, giving an overall surgical success rate of 96%. When indicated (small and limited number of stones located below the cysticocholedochal junction, with a dilated and patent cystic duct) the transcystic route had the lower success rate, the higher complication rate, and the shorter operative time and postoperative hospital stay. When indicated (accessible and dilated common bile duct over 7 mm), laparoscopic choledochotomy had the higher success rate, the lower complication rate, the longer operative time, and the longer postoperative hospital stay, which is related to associated external biliary drainage. The hospital mortality included two high-risk patients (2%) and the complications rate was 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic CBDE is safe in selected patients. A stratified intraoperative surgical strategy is mandatory in deciding between a transcystic route and choledochotomy with specific indications for each approach. When feasible, laparoscopic choledochotomy is more efficient and safe than the transcystic route, but it is associated with a longer postoperative hospital stay, which is due to external biliary drainage.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic repair of perforated duodenal ulcer. A prospective multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A series of 100 consecutive patients with perforated peptic ulcer were prospectively evaluated in a multicenter study. The feasibility of the laparoscopic repair was evaluated. METHODS: All patients had peritonitis, 20% were in septic shock, and 57% had delayed perforation. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in eight patients. The morbidity rate was 9% and mortality rate 5%. RESULTS: The mean delay of postoperative gastric aspiration (mean 3.4 days) and resumed food intake (mean 4.4 days) as well as the mean postoperative hospital stay (mean 9.3 days) were comparable to conventional surgery, but postoperative comfort was subjectively increased by laparoscopy and noticed by all laparoscopic surgeons participating in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer proves to be technically feasable and carries an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate, compared with conventional surgery.

Adolescent↗

[Hemobilia disclosing very small hepatocellular carcinoma ruptured into the biliary ducts].

In hepatocellular carcinoma, invasion of the biliary tree usually occurs in large tumors. We report a case of a minute hepatocellular carcinoma which invaded the biliary tree and was revealed by secondary hemobilia, in a 65-old alcoholic patient with cirrhosis. The tumour was not identified by preoperative morphological examinations. Surgical exploration was performed due to unexplained hemobilia. Tumoral debris were observed in the right intrahepatic biliary tract during operative choledoscopy, justifying a right hepatectomy. A 5 mm diameter tumour was found in liver specimen. No recurrence had occurred after 22 months. In conclusion, in cirrhotic patients, unexplained hemobilia can reveal a small, potentially curable, hepatocellular carcinoma which has spread to the biliary tree.

Aged↗

[Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy effective and reliable in acute cholecystitis? Results of a prospective study of 221 pathologically documented cases].

From December 1989 to May 1995, a prospective study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out in our department, in order to assess the reliability and safety of this method in the case of acute cholecystitis. During this period, 1453 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Acute cholecystitis was diagnosed in 280 patients, based on clinical history and macroscopic lesions. Only 221 cases (15%) were included in the study after positive histology was obtained (M: 86; F: 135). The mean age was 62 years (20-90). Sixty-two patients (28%) were classified as ASA III and IV. The mean interval between the first symptoms and the operation was 9.9 days (1-53). The mean operating time was 130 minutes (45-420). Conversion to an open procedure was necessary in 22 cases (10%). The operative mortality was 0.9% (2 ASA IV patients) and the overall morbidity was 13.5%. A bile duct injury occurred in 0.4% of cases (1/221). In conclusion, laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is a safe procedure, when performed by operators experienced in laparoscopic surgery.

Acute Disease↗

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly patient].

Biliary surgery in the elderly is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the complications or benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients over 75. From December 1989 to July 1992, 60 women and 15 men, all aged over 75, underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 32 (43%) were at high surgical risk. In one half of cases, complications were present (30 cases of acute cholecystitis and 13 cases of choledocolithiasis). 10 underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy preoperatively and 4 patients with common bile duct stones were treated by laparoscopy during the same operating time. Eight conversions were necessary because of inflammatory process. The global morbidity rate was 10.6%. Local complications were: 1 wound abscess, 1 wound dehiscence, 2 biliary leaks and 2 cases of bleeding at puncture sites. The general complications concerned the respiratory tract except for one case of urinary tract infection. The mortality rate was zero. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems to be better tolerated than laparotomy. It allows curative treatment of gallstones, complicated or not, with a low morbidity rate.

Aged↗