Biomedical subjects

Jordi Garriga

Publications and source records attributed to Jordi Garriga.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Energy sources for laparoscopic colectomy: a prospective randomized comparison of conventional electrosurgery, bipolar computer-controlled electrosurgery and ultrasonic dissection. Operative outcome and costs analysis.

The development of operative laparoscopic surgery is linked to advances in ancillary surgical instrumentation. Ultrasonic energy devices avoid the use of electricity and provide effective control of small- to medium-sized vessels. Bipolar computer-controlled electrosurgical technology eliminates the disadvantages of electrical energy, and a mechanical blade adds a cutting action. This instrument can provide effective hemostasis of large vessels up to 7 mm. Such devices significantly increase the cost of laparoscopic procedures, however, and the amount of evidence-based information on this topic is surprisingly scarce. This study compared the effectiveness of three different energy sources on the laparoscopic performance of a left colectomy. The trial included 38 nonselected patients with a disease of the colon requiring an elective segmental left-sided colon resection. Patients were preoperatively randomized into three groups. Group I had electrosurgery; vascular dissection was performed entirely with an electrosurgery generator, and vessels were controlled with clips. Group II underwent computer-controlled bipolar electrosurgery; vascular and mesocolon section was completed by using the 10-mm Ligasure device alone. In group III, 5-mm ultrasonic shears (Harmonic Scalpel) were used for bowel dissection, vascular pedicle dissection, and mesocolon transection. The mesenteric vessel pedicle was controlled with an endostapler. Demographics (age, sex, body mass index, comorbidity, previous surgery and diagnoses requiring surgery) were recorded, as were surgical details (operative time, conversion, blood loss), additional disposable instruments (number of trocars, EndoGIA charges, and clip appliers), and clinical outcome. Intraoperative economic costs were also evaluated. End points of the trial were operative time and intraoperative blood loss, and an intention-to-treat principle was followed. The three groups were well matched for demographic and pathologic features. Surgical time was significantly longer in patients operated on with conventional electrosurgery vs the Harmonic Scalpel or computed-based bipolar energy devices. This finding correlated with a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss. Conversion to other endoscopic techniques was more frequent in Group I; however, conversion to open surgery was similar in all three groups. No intraoperative accident related to the use of the specific device was observed in any group. Immediate outcome was similar in the three groups, without differences in morbidity, mortality, or hospital stay. Analysis of operative costs showed no significant differences between the three groups. High-energy power sources specifically adapted for endoscopic surgery reduce operative time and blood loss and may be considered cost-effective when left colectomy is used as a model.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Minimally invasive treatment for obstructive tumors of the left colon: endoluminal self-expanding metal stent and laparoscopic colectomy. Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Obstruction of the left colon may be the first manifestation of colorectal cancer. Resection of the colonic segment involved and the construction of an end colostomy (Hartman's procedure) is the most frequent treatment. Alternatives to the placement of a stoma are subtotal colectomy or intraoperative lavage of the colon and primary anastomosis, but their application depends on intraoperative findings and the availability of a skilled surgeon. The use of an expandable stent (SEMS) can enhance the feasibility of laparoscopic colectomy, avoiding the need for a colostomy and offering the advantages of a combination of two minimally invasive procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1997 and 2004, an SEMS was placed in 11 cases of left colonic obstruction due to cancer, the obstruction being successfully resolved in each case. Seven patients were approached by laparoscopy to attempt the definitive colectomy. We evaluated the location and pathological characteristics of the tumor, effectiveness and complications of SEMS insertion, time interval between the insertion of SEMS and laparoscopic surgery, and postoperative data. RESULTS: The tumors were situated in the recto-sigma (1 case), sigma (3 cases) and descending colon (3 cases). Immediate relief of the obstruction was achieved in all cases after SEMS insertion of the stent, and oral diet was started at 24 h. The 7 patients were operated on an average of 8 days (range 6-14) after insertion of the stent. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one case for reasons not related to the stent. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results of the combination of SEMS and elective laparoscopic surgery demonstrate that the procedure is feasible and that it presents all the clinical advantages of a minimally invasive approach. The procedure is a valid alternative to traditional major urgent surgery.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Laparoscopic surgery in situs inversus: a literature review and a report of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis in situs inversus.

BACKGROUND: Situs inversus (SI) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital defect in which the position of abdominal and/or thoracic organs is a "mirror image" of the normal one, in the sagittal plain. In 25% of these cases, SI is part of the Kartagener syndrome, together with bronchiectasis and chronic sinusitis. METHODS: We present a case of a patient with Kartagener syndrome and complete SI that was laparoscopically operated on for diverticulitis. We also review the published English information available on this rare condition. RESULTS: A review of the literature revealed another single case of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy and 27 cases of other laparoscopic interventions in the presence of SI. Those laparoscopic procedures included basic procedures such as explorations and cholecystectomies, as well as advanced procedures such as gastrectomy and gastric bypass. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach is feasible in cases of SI, although technically more complicated because of the different position of the organs and the different laparoscopic view of the anatomy.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Mesh in the hiatus: a controversial issue.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experience acquired to date on the use of prosthetic mesh to prevent recurrence after laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia. DATA SOURCES: Current English-language literature review. STUDY SELECTION: Case reports, series, and opinion articles on the use of mesh for paraesophageal hernia repair. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Study type and results were analyzed. Most articles were short case series. Few comparative or randomized trials assessing the procedure have been published to date. The information available showed that the use of a mesh for hiatal repair was safe and prevented recurrence. However, data on the long-term results were lacking, and infrequent but severe complications may arise. CONCLUSIONS: The mesh should be used selectively, and the decision to proceed should be based on clinical experience. In light of the evidence available, however, it appears to be safe, and the fears expressed in the past have not been confirmed.

Hernia, Hiatal↗

PubMed2004

The massive hiatal hernia: dealing with the defect.

The success of laparoscopic fundoplication has extended the use of the laparoscopic approach to treating more difficult situations such as paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) or type III (mixed) hiatal hernia. The results have shown that laparoscopic repair is feasible and safe. However, several series have shown recurrence rates of up to 42% as a result of difficulty in the closure of the hiatal gap. Some authors recommend the use of prosthetic mesh to reinforce the hiatal closure. This review analyses the different techniques proposed to prevent recurrence after laparoscopic repair of PEHs. The information currently available shows that the use of a mesh for hiatal repair is safe and prevents recurrence. However, data on the long-term results are lacking, and infrequent but severe complications may arise. The mesh should be used selectively, and the decision to proceed should be based on clinical experience.

Fundoplication↗

PubMed2003

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery.

HYPOTHESIS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been proposed as a useful alternative to conventional open or laparoscopic surgery. However, most information is fragmented and comes from specific or selective indications. To assess the current situation of HALS, a general overview of the fields of application, results, and quality of the evidence of these results is necessary. DATA SOURCES: Current English-language literature review. STUDY SELECTION: Case reports, series, and opinion articles on HALS. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Evaluation of the type of study and results. Most of the articles are short case series. Only a few comparative or randomized comparative trials on HALS for splenectomy and colectomy have been published. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery seems to be a promising technique that has been applied with success in a wide range of digestive tract-related surgical procedures. The main role is to help in difficult cases before conversion is necessary or for training unskilled surgeons, and not as an alternative to pure laparoscopic surgery. However, not enough evidence-based data are available to know exactly the final outcome of this technique in general surgery. Prospective randomized trials with established open or laparoscopic procedures are lacking, and these trials are needed to support the final role of HALS.

Colectomy↗

PubMed2003

Laparoscopic treatment for intussusception of the small intestine in the adult.

The term intussusception refers to a spontaneous invagination of a portion of the intestine into another bowel loop. Its incidence is higher in children, but in adults it causes 1% to 5% of intestinal obstructions. The diagnosis of intussusception in the adult is difficult due to the variability of the symptoms. The condition may be chronic, intermittent, or acute. Surgical intervention is necessary in all cases and in up to 90% of cases an organic lesion inside the invaginated part of the bowel is found to be the lead point. The laparoscopic approach offers both a diagnostic and therapeutic option. Laparoscopy may be used as the final diagnostic or therapeutic tool for intussusception in the adult.

Aged↗