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Leonardo Villegas

Publications and source records attributed to Leonardo Villegas.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Heated and humidified insufflation during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery: effect on temperature, postoperative pain, and recovery outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the efficacy of heated and humidified intraperitoneal gases in maintaining core body temperature. We performed a sham-controlled study to test the hypothesis that active warming and humidification of the insufflation gas reduces intraoperative heat loss and improves recovery outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures using a standardized anesthetic technique were randomly assigned to either a control (sham) group receiving room temperature insufflation gases with an inactive Insuflow (Lexion Medical, St. Paul, MN) device, or an active (Insuflow) group receiving warmed and humidified intraperitoneal gases. Esophageal and/or tympanic membrane temperature was measured perioperatively. Postoperative pain was assessed at 15 minute intervals using an 11-point verbal rating scale, with 0 = none to 10 = maximal. In addition, postoperative opioid requirements, incidence of nausea and vomiting, as well as the quality of recovery, were recorded. RESULTS: Use of the active Insuflow device was associated with significantly higher mean +/- standard deviation (SD) intraoperative core body temperatures (35.5 +/- 0.5 vs. 35.0 +/- 0.4 degrees C). Postoperative shivering (0 vs. 19%) and the requirement for morphine in the postanesthesia care unit (5 +/- 4 vs. 10 +/- 5 mg) were both significantly lower in the Insuflow vs. control groups. Patients in the Insuflow group also reported a higher quality of recovery 48 hours after surgery (15 vs. 13, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Insuflow device modestly reduced shivering and heat loss, as well as the need for opioid analgesics in the early postoperative period. However, it failed to improve laparoscopic visualization due to fogging, and provided improvement in the quality of recovery only on postoperative day 2.

Body Temperature↗

A method to attenuate pneumoperitoneum-induced reductions in splanchnic blood flow.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if increasing nitric oxide bioactivity by inclusion of ethyl nitrite (ENO) in the insufflation admixture would attenuate pneumoperitoneum-induced decreases in splanchnic perfusion. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Organ blood flow is reduced during pneumoperitoneum and can contribute to laparoscopy-associated morbidity and mortality. Previous attempts to control such decreases in flow have been ineffective. METHODS: Laser-Doppler flow probes were placed on the liver and right kidney of anesthetized pigs. After a baseline recording period, animals were insufflated to a final intraperitoneal pressure of 15 mm Hg. Group one received CO2 (standard practice), whereas group 2 received CO2 plus 100 ppm ENO. Insufflation was maintained for 60 minutes and then the abdomen was manually deflated; monitoring was continued for another 60 minutes. RESULTS: CO2 insufflation (n = 5) cut liver blood flow in half; liver flow remained at this level throughout the postinsufflation period. Inclusion of 100 ppm ENO (n = 6) attenuated both the acute and prolonged blood flow decreases. Statistical modeling of the data showed that, on average, liver blood flow was 14.3 U/min higher in the ENO pigs compared with the CO2 group (P = 0.0454). In contrast, neither treatment significantly altered kidney blood flow (P = 0.6215). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that ENO can effectively attenuate pneumoperitoneum-induced blood flow decreases within the peritoneal cavity. The result suggests a novel therapeutic method of regulating hemodynamic changes during laparoscopic procedures.

Animals↗

Basic ultrasound curriculum for medical students: validation of content and phantom.

Effective use of ultrasound requires an understanding of the physics, combined with the ability to interpret the sonographic images. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a basic ultrasound curriculum using a phantom to train medical students. Twenty-eight first- to fourth-year medical students were randomized to two groups: a control group that received no formal training and a trained group that received basic ultrasound training. Both groups took an initial multiple-choice written test and an ultrasound hands-on test using an agarose-based tissue mimic containing various objects. The curriculum for the trained group consisted of reading the principles of ultrasound and a hands-on session over the phantom. After training, both groups underwent a second multiple-choice exam and ultrasound practical test. The initial and the post-training test results were analyzed using a two-tailed Student's t-test. Baseline written and practical test scores were similar for both groups. After training, written test scores improved (82% trained vs. 66% control, P < 0.001). Hands-on ultrasound task performance also improved with training (96% trained vs. 60% control, P <0.001). The trained group took a shorter time to obtain a clear image and found on average one more object per scan. Parameters such as time to obtain a useful image and number of objects recognized also improved with training. Basic sonographic physics, imaging, and interpretation can be effectively taught to medical students during a short training session.

Curriculum↗

Is routine cholecystectomy required during laparoscopic gastric bypass?

BACKGROUND: Routine cholecystectomy is often performed at the time of gastric bypass for morbid obesity. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of gallstone formation requiring cholecystectomy following a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). METHODS: 289 LRYGBP were performed between November 1999 and May 2002. 60 patients (21%) who had prior cholecystectomy were excluded. If gallstones were identified by intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS), simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed. Patients without gallstones were prescribed ursodiol for 6 months and scheduled for follow-up with transabdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: During LRYGBP, gallstones were detected in 40 patients using IOUS (14%) and simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed. Of 189 patients with no stones identified by IOUS, 151 patients (80%) had a postoperative ultrasound after 6 months. 39 patients developed gallstones (22%) and 12 developed sludge (8%), as demonstrated by ultrasound at the time of follow-up. 11 patients had gallstone-related symptoms and subsequently underwent cholecystectomy (7%). 106 patients (70%) were gallstone-free at the time of ultrasound follow-up. Ursodiol compliance was found to be significantly lower for patients developing stones than for gallstone-free patients (38.9% vs 58.3%, z =-2.00, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of symptomatic gallstones requiring cholecystectomy after LRYGBP. Prophylactic ursodiol is protective. Routine IOUS and selective cholecystectomy with close patient follow-up is a rational approach in the era of laparoscopy.

Adolescent↗

Is routine cholecystectomy required during laparoscopic gastric bypass?

BACKGROUND: Routine cholecystectomy is often performed at the time of gastric bypass for morbid obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of gallstone formation requiring cholecystectomy following a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). METHODS: 289 LRYGBP were performed between November 1999 and May 2002. 60 patients (21%) who had prior cholecystectomy were excluded. If gallstones were identified by intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS), simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed. Patients without gallstones were prescribed ursodiol for 6 months and scheduled for follow-up with transabdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: During LRYGBP, gallstones were detected in 40 patients using IOUS (14%) and simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed. Of 189 patients with no stones identified by IOUS, 151 patients (80%) had a postoperative ultrasound after 6 months. 33 patients developed gallstones (22%) and 12 developed sludge (8%) as demonstrated by ultrasound at the time of follow-up. 11 patients had gallstone-related symptoms and subsequently underwent cholecystectomy (7%). 106 patients (70%) were gallstone-free at the time of ultrasound follow-up. Ursodiol compliance was found to be significantly lower for patients who developed stones than for gallstone-free patients (38.9% vs 58.3%, z =-2.00, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: There is a low incidence of symptomatic gallstones requiring cholecystectomy after LRYGBP. Prophylactic ursodiol is protective. Routine IOUS and selective cholecystectomy with close patient follow-up is a rational approach in the era of laparoscopy.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with bolstering partial posterior fundoplication for achalasia.

BACKGROUND: The ideal antireflux procedure following laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia is controversial. We present a novel laparoscopic technique of partial posterior fundoplication to bolster the myotomy. METHODS: Between August 1998 and March 2002, eight patients (five females and three males; median age, 40 years) underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy with bolstering partial posterior fundoplication. Results of barium swallow and manometry studies were consistent with achalasia. Failed medical treatments included balloon dilation, botulinum injection, and calcium channel blockers. RESULTS: The preoperative weight loss was 33 lb (range, 10-50) with a mean duration of symptoms of 29 months (range, 12-72). Seventy-one percent of the patients had reflux. Myotomy was confirmed with endoscopic guidance. Partial posterior fundoplication was performed with the edges of the myotomy on the right and left sides sutured to the stomach, which covered the myotomy. No conversion was required. In one patient, a perforation was recognized, repaired, and bolstered. The mean operative blood loss was 72 mL (range, 30-150). The mean operative time was 4 hours. Patients resumed solids at 2.5 days (range, 2-5). Postoperative complications included subcutaneous emphysema (n = 1), pneumothorax (n = 1), and umbilical port hernia (n = 1). None of the patients had reflux symptoms at 3 to 18 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial posterior fundoplication is technically feasible and effectively prevents reflux symptoms. Bolstering the myotomy may help heal small esophageal perforations.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal versus Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy: cost comparison at teaching hospitals.

Laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and effective and may result in less postoperative pain and faster recuperation compared with traditional open hernia repairs. Controversy exists as to the increased cost associated with laparoscopic repairs. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the cost of the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic repair and the tension-free Lichtenstein repair at teaching hospitals. The records of consecutive TEP (n = 28) and Lichtenstein (n = 28) repairs performed at Parkland Memorial Hospital and Zale-Lipshy University Hospital were reviewed. A detailed cost analysis was performed. Total patient charge (5,509 US dollars vs. 3,999 US dollars) and total cost (2,861 US dollars vs. 2,009 US dollars) were higher for TEP versus Lichtenstein repairs, respectively (P < 0.05). Operative time and complications were similar for both groups. Return to full activity (15 vs. 34 days) was faster for TEP versus Lichtenstein repairs, respectively (P < 0.05). Of 9 patients in the TEP group who had previously undergone an open hernia repair, 8 (89%) preferred the laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic TEP repair costs 852 US dollars more than the Lichtenstein repair. The TEP repair results in faster recuperation. Patient preference and faster recuperation may offset the increased cost associated with laparoscopic hernia repair.

Adult↗

Robotically assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of using robotically assisted laparoscopy to perform a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. This new method was compared with the open and standard laparoscopic approaches. METHODS: Eighteen pigs underwent a needlescopic common bile duct ligation to create a jaundice model. Three to 5 days later, transabdominal ultrasound was performed, and the common bile duct diameter was documented. For the Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, the pigs were randomly assigned to the open group (n=6), standard laparoscopy group (n=6), or robotically assisted laparoscopy group (Zeus) (n=6). One surgeon performed all 3 approaches with 1 assistant. Operative times, techniques, and complication rates were documented. RESULTS: The open approach was faster in all instances. At the hepaticojejunostomy, no difference was noted between the groups with the total number of stitches used. The robot required fewer stitches and less time in the posterior wall of the hepaticojejunostomy (P=-0.0083 and P=0.02049, respectively). The hepaticojejunostomy time was similar for the laparoscopy and robotically assisted groups. CONCLUSION: Robotically assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a feasible procedure. When compared with standard laparoscopy, operating time is similar.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y↗