PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Ming-Te Huang

Publications and source records attributed to Ming-Te Huang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Weight loss and improvement of obesity-related illness following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure for morbidly obese patients in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a newly developed minimally invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. This study was conducted to evaluate body weight loss, surgical complications, and comorbidities after LAGB surgery. METHODS: Ninety-one morbidly obese patients (mean age, 31.2 years; mean preoperative weight, 120.8 kg) underwent LAGB in a private Taiwan hospital setting within a comprehensive multidisciplinary bariatric program. Patients were followed up to 36 months. Comorbidities were assessed in 55 patients who completed more than 12 months of follow-up by comparing each comorbid condition before surgery and during follow-up. RESULTS: All procedures were performed laparoscopically with no conversion. Mean operation time was 88.7 +/- 32.9 minutes. There were no intraoperative or major postoperative complications. Minor complication of stoma stenos is occurred in three (3.3%) patients. At 36 months after surgery, mean body mass index had decreased from 42.7 to 33.9 kg/m2, and mean percentage of excess weight loss was 44.8%. Late complications were as follows: intractable vomiting requiring band removal in one (1.1%) patient, tubing problems requiring revision surgery in four (4.3%), and stoma obstruction in two (2.1%). There was no mortality. Resolution or improvement of comorbidities was significant for hyperglycemia and diabetes-related index, dyslipidemia, abnormal liver function, hyperuricemia, sleep apnea, and arthralgia, but not for hypertension. CONCLUSION: LAGB provides good weight loss and significant reduction in comorbidities with few minor complications.

Adolescent↗

Role of appendectomy in laparoscopic training.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate whether laparoscopic appendectomy is suitable for training residents to become proficient in laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1574 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed at En-Chu-Kong Hospital between January 1998 and December 2003 (788 men and 786 women). These cases were divided into three groups: 543 cases (in 1998-1999) performed by 5 attending surgeons during the learning and trial stage; 536 cases (in 2000-2001) performed by 5 attending surgeons assisted by 2 senior residents with prior experience in open appendectomy; and 495 cases (in 2002-2003) done by these 2 senior residents, supervised by the attending surgeons. Demographic data, intraoperative findings, operative time, conversion rate, frequency of analgesic injection, timing of oral intake, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the operations performed by attending surgeons (mature stage) vs. senior residents in terms of intraoperative findings, operative time (60.1 +/- 60.4 minutes vs. 56.3 +/- 25.6 minutes), conversion rate (1.12% vs. 0.81%), frequency of analgesic injection (0.57 +/- 1.37 times/stay vs. 0.43 +/- 0.94 times/stay), timing of oral intake (23.7 +/- 30.2 hours vs. 20.8 +/- 27.5 hours), hospital stay (73.9 +/- 61.8 hours vs. 70.3 +/- 51.6 hours), morbidity, or mortality (0% vs. 0.2%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be safely incorporated into the training of surgical residents under the supervision of experienced surgeons. Laparoscopic appendectomy also provides knowledge of the basics of laparoscopic technique before going on to more complex operations.

Analysis of Variance↗

Palliative gastrojejunostomy for advanced gastric antral cancer: double scope technique.

Gastrojejunostomy through laparotomy is a traditional procedure for the relief of gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the gastric antrum. However, patients face pain and high rates of morbidity and mortality after this operation. We present two cases of gastrojejunostomy for unresectable and obstructing gastric antral cancer using a double scope technique. The operative time was approximately 90 minutes for each patient, and the postoperative hospital stays were 9 and 10 days, respectively. Operative results were good. Vomiting was relieved. There were no delays in gastric emptying. No recurrence of gastric outlet obstruction was noted in the first patient, who died 9 months postoperatively. The second patient survived without this problem 6 months postoperatively. Palliative gastrojejunostomy via the double scope technique is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the relief of gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable carcinoma of the gastric antrum. It also provides accurate staging of the disease perioperatively. It should be considered the surgical choice for geriatric patients when clinically appropriate.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Colonoscopic-assisted laparoscopic resection of a colon lipoma.

We report the case of a 51-year-old man who had abdominal distension and intermittent cramping pain for 4 months. A lower gastrointestinal double-contrast study revealed a protruding mass at the transverse colon. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a lesion arising from the submucosal layer. Instead of a laparotomy, the lesion was removed laparoscopically with the assistance of a colonoscope. No operative morbidity was noted. With future improvements of this technique, tumors that are difficult to remove with colonoscopy can be excised laparoscopically without the aid of an endoscopic stapler. In our case, the tumor was localized intraoperatively and extracted using the intraoperative colonoscopy. This double-scope technique is safe and cost-effective for some difficult colonic lesions.

Colonic Neoplasms↗

Gastrointestinal quality of life following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in Asia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. Previous studies in Western countries disclosed a significant improvement in co-morbidities and health-related quality of life. Data from Asia and regarding the specific GI quality of life following LAGB are lacking. METHODS: From May 2002 to May 2005, 107 consecutive patients - 48 men and 59 women, with mean age 31.4 years (range 17-57 years) with morbid obesity (mean weight 115.8 kg, range 81-174 kg; mean BMI 41.3 kg/m(2), range 32.0-59.8 kg/m(2)) underwent LAGB in a prospective trial. All bands were placed via the pars flaccida technique. Quality of life was measured by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), a 36item questionnaire before LAGB, and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: All procedures were performed laparoscopically with no conversions. There was neither intra-operative complications nor major postoperative complications. Minor complications occurred in 3 patients (2.8%); all were transient stoma obstruction. At follow-up, only one band (0.94%) was removed at 3 months postoperatively because of the patient's intolerance. No gastric slippage occurred. 4 patients (3.7%) had tubing problems and required revision surgery for port adjustment. Mean BMI decreased from 41.3 to 33.1 after 2 years. Percent excess BMI loss averaged 48.1% at 2 years (range 6.7-139.2). All co-morbidities were eliminated significantly. 80% of patients were satisfied with the results at 2 years. However, the GIQLI score remained similar before and after surgery. Preoperative score was 110.8+15 points. The score became 116.2+13, 114.7+13, 108.5+14 and 107.2+17 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The patients had improvement in 3 domains of general health (social, physical and emotional functions), but decrease in the domain of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although LAGB was successful in weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities in morbidly obese patients, the GIQLI did not improve. This feature will be the major disadvantage of LAGB.

Adolescent↗

Prevention of trocar-wound hernia in laparoscopic bariatric operations.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is a risk for fascial wound dehiscence and incisional hernia after abdominal surgery. The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques has led to a dramatic decrease in these complications. However, laparoscopic surgery may still be followed by trocar-wound herniation. Various methods have been advocated for its prevention. METHODS: The records of 752 patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric operations (610 mini-gastric bypass and 142 gastric banding) as treatment for morbid obesity between October 2001 and June 2005, with regular follow-up, were retrospectively reviewed. In all patients, the fascial layer of trocar wounds was not closed. Instead, a Surgicel plug was inserted into the muscle layer of trocar wounds of 10- and 12-mm diameter. RESULTS: 2 male patients in the mini-gastric bypass group developed a trocar wound hernia, for an overall prevalence of 0.33% (2/610). The intervals between surgery and diagnosis were 3 and 5 months respectively. In these 2 patients, the hernia occurred at the 12-mm trocar wound of the left midclavicular line, 2-3 cm below the costal margin, outside the left rectus muscle. These 2 patients have not developed intestinal obstruction as a consequence of the hernia, and have not undergone hernia repair. No patient in the gastric banding group has been found to develop a hernia. CONCLUSION: With our technique, the prevalence of trocar-wound hernia after laparoscopic bariatric surgery has been very rare.

Gastric Bypass↗

Laparoscopic resection of appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma.

Mucinous cystadenoma is a rare lesion of the vermiform appendix and is seldom diagnosed before surgery, although radiologic and ultrasonographic findings have been reported. We present the case of a 65-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with general malaise, poor appetite, fever, and right upper and lower quadrant pain of about one week's duration. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography revealed an 8 x 4 x 3 cm cystic lesion of the appendix. Laparoscopic evaluation confirmed this finding and the lesion was resected without rupturing the tumor during manipulation. Laparoscopic surgery provides the advantages of good exposure and evaluation of entire abdominal cavity, as well as more rapid recovery. It is important to avoid tumor rupture during manipulation, and formation of pseudomyxoma peritonei, in case the tumor is malignant.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y versus mini-gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized trial compared the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) and laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGBP) in the treatment of morbid obesity. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: LRYGBP has been the gold standard for the treatment of morbid obesity. While LMGBP has been reported to be a simple and effective treatment, data from a randomized trial are lacking. METHODS: Eighty patients who met the NIH criteria were recruited and randomized to receive either LRYGBP (n = 40) or LMGBP (n = 40). The minimum postoperative follow-up was 2 years (mean, 31.3 months). Perioperative data were assessed. Late complication, excess weight loss, BMI, quality of life, and comorbidities were determined. Changes in quality of life were assessed using the Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: There was one conversion (2.5%) in the LRYGBP group. Operation time was shorter in LMGBP group (205 versus 148, P < 0.05). There was no mortality in each group. The operative morbidity rate was higher in the LRYGBP group (20% versus 7.5%, P < 0.05). The late complications rate was the same in the 2 groups (7.5%) with no reoperation. The percentage of excess weight loss was 58.7% and 60.0% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, in the LPYGBP group, and 64.9% and 64.4% in the LMGBP group. The residual excess weight <50% at 2 years postoperatively was achieved in 75% of patients in the LRYGBP group and 95% in the LMGBP group (P < 0.05). A significant improvement of obesity-related clinical parameters and complete resolution of metabolic syndrome in both groups were noted. Both gastrointestinal quality of life increased significantly without any significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both LRYGBP and LMGBP are effective for morbid obesity with similar results for resolution of metabolic syndrome and improvement of quality of life. LMGBP is a simpler and safer procedure that has no disadvantage compared with LRYGBP at 2 years of follow-up.

Adult↗

Short-term results of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (MGB) is a modification of Mason's loop gastric bypass, but with a long lesser curvature tube. With weight loss results similar to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP), the MGB is a simpler operation with a low complication rate. Controversy exists concerning the efficacy and side-effects of this procedure. This report presents the technique of laparoscopic MGB and its results in 423 patients. METHODS: From October 2001 to October 2004, 423 consecutive patients (87 males and 336 females) underwent laparoscopic MGB (LMGB) for morbid obesity. Mean age was 30.8 years, preoperative mean weight 120.3 kg and mean BMI 44.2 kg/m2. RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Mean operative time was 130.8 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 5.0 days. 18 minor early complications (4.3%) were encountered, and 7 major complications (1.7%) occurred. Marginal ulcers were noted in 34 patients (8.0%) during follow-up, and anemia was found in 41 patients (9.7%). Mean BMI decreased to 29.2 and 28.4 kg/m2 at 1-year and 2-year follow-up, with mean excess weight loss 69.3% and 72.2%. The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index improved significantly 1 year after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: LMGB has a low complication and mortality rate. The learning curve is less steep than for LRYGBP, whereas the efficacy is similar.

Adult↗

Effects of obesity surgery on the metabolic syndrome.

HYPOTHESIS: Individuals with the metabolic syndrome (MS), a clustering of risk factors (high levels of triglycerides and serum glucose, low level of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity) defined by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel of Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) (ATPIII), are at high risk of developing coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus and may benefit from surgically induced weight loss. DESIGN: Prospectively controlled clinical study. SETTING: A tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: From December 1, 1999, to March 31, 2002, 645 consecutive morbidly obese patients were enrolled in a surgically supervised weight loss program, and the efficacy of weight loss 1 year after surgery was examined. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic weight reduction surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of the MS as defined by the ATPIII (>3 of the following): waist circumference greater than 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women; serum triglyceride level of at least 150 mg/dL (1.70 mmol/L); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L) in men and 50 mg/dL (1.30 mmol/L) in women; blood pressure of at least 130/85 mm Hg; and serum glucose level of at least 110 mg/dL (6.11 mmol/L). RESULTS: Of 645 individuals, 337 (52.2%) met the ATPIII definition of the MS. Individuals with the MS had significant differences in age (31.5 years vs 28.1 years), sex (127 [37.7%] of 337 men vs 81 [26.3%] of 308 women), and many metabolic abnormalities compared with patients without the MS. Laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty was performed in 528 patients (81.9%) and laparoscopic gastric bypass in 117 (18.1%). A significant decrease in weight was found in both groups, but individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass lost significantly more weight (mean +/- SD, 38.4 +/- 14.4 kg vs 35.1 +/- 16.8 kg) and achieved a lower body mass index (29.3 +/- 4.8 vs 32.0 +/- 5.4) than individuals who underwent laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty. Substantial mean weight reduction (31.9%) of patients with the MS resulted in a substantial reduction of systolic (11.0 mm Hg) and diastolic (11.4 mm Hg) blood pressure and levels of glucose (46.1 mg/dL [2.56 mmol/L]), triglycerides (196.6 mg/dL [2.22 mmol/L]), and total cholesterol (33.7 mg/dL [0.88 mmol/L]) 1 year after surgery. These improvements resulted in a 95.6% resolution of the MS 1 year after surgery. There was no difference between operations (laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty or laparoscopic gastric bypass) in the resolution rate of the MS 1 year after surgery (95.0% vs 98.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The MS is prevalent in 52.2% of morbidly obese individuals enrolling in an obesity surgery program. Significant weight reduction 1 year after surgery markedly improved all aspects of the MS and resulted in a cure rate of 95.6%. Obesity surgery performed by laparoscopic surgery is recommended for obese patients with the MS.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic drainage of pyogenic liver abscesses.

PURPOSE: To report our experience of performing laparoscopic drainage of liver abscesses in patients who failed to respond to conservative treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively compared the results and complications of 18 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver abscess drainage with those of 5 patients who underwent open drainage between June 1999 and October 2002. RESULTS: The operation times were shorter and oral intake was recommenced earlier in the laparoscopic group, which also tended to have less blood loss and shorter hospitalization. One case of recurrence, which developed 1 month postoperatively, was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage. There was no mortality in either group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic drainage of liver abscesses, combined with intravenous antibiotics, is a safe alternative for patients requiring surgical drainage when medical treatment has failed.

Aged↗

Is mini-laparoscopic appendectomy feasible for children.

Mini-laparoscopic appendectomy (mini-LA) can be performed safely and efficiently. It is the first treatment choice for patients with acute, uncomplicated appendicitis in our hospital. To evaluate the feasibility of mini-LA for simple and ruptured appendicitis in children, we retrospectively compared the outcomes between mini-LA and open appendectomy for appendicitis in children. From October 1998 to August 2000, the medical records of 585 patients with appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed. Children were defined as patients younger than 15 years of age. The percentage of mini-LA, operation time, time to first flatus passage, duration of hospital stay, and demand for intra-muscular pethidine injection were compared between the mini-LA and open appendectomy. The complications among simple and ruptured appendicitis and the cost of mini-LA and open appendectomy were also analyzed. The operation was performed with one infra-umbilical 10-mm incision, and pneumoperitoneum was established at 12 to 15 mm Hg. A 2-mm laparoscope was inserted via the supra-pubic port, and another 2-mm working port was set-up between the other two ports. Statistical testing using the Whitney-Mann U test and Fisher exact test was performed as appropriate. Of the 585 patients, there were 100 children. The youngest patient was 4 years of age and only 7 patients were younger than 5 years. Among children, 18% had a perforated appendix. Mini-LA accounted for 83% of appendectomies in the pediatric group, but it increased yearly (from 41.7% in 1998 to 92.5% in 2000). The operation time of mini-LA and open appendectomy were 57.32 minutes and 49.12 minutes. There was significant improvement in mini-LA from 1998 to 1999. Flatus passage, hospital stay, and pethidine use all favored the mini-LA. For pediatric appendicitis involving a ruptured appendix, postoperative ileus and length of hospital stay were significantly shortened in the mini-LA group. The postoperative complication was not significantly different between mini-LA and open appendicitis. Mini-LA can be safely performed in pediatric patients and it provides early postoperative recovery and short hospital stay. Even for a ruptured appendix, the mini-LA can be the treatment of choice in a well-equipped hospital with well-trained surgeons.

Acute Disease↗

Laparoscopic treatment of ileocecal intussusception caused by primary ileal lymphoma.

Intussusception seldom occurs naturally in adults, but is frequently found due to an underlying disease. We present the case of a 46-year-old man with the chief complaint of repeated abdominal cramping pain, especially in the right lower quadrant, and diarrhea of 1 year's duration. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography showed ileocecal intussusception, and colonoscopy found one protruding tumor at the cecum. Biopsy of the tumor revealed malignant lymphoma cells. Due to persistent symptoms, fear of intestine obstruction caused by further intussusception, and the possibility of mesenteric vascular compression, the patient underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy before systemic chemotherapy. The symptoms were relieved successfully after surgery. We emphasize that the majority of adults with intussusception may have an underlying malignancy. The most important rule in treatment is avoidance of tumor emboli spread during manipulation. Therefore, a trial of reduction of the intussuscepted intestine should be prohibited.

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal↗

Laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty and laparoscopic gastric bypass: a comparison.

BACKGROUND: Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) and gastric bypass (GBP) are the two bariatric procedures recommended by NIH consensus conference. Recent advancement in laparoscopic (L) techniques has made LVBG and LGBP alternatives for the conventional open approach. METHODS: From December 2000 to February 2002, 80 patients (24 men and 56 women; mean age 32 years, range 18-57) with morbid obesity (mean BMI 43.2 kg/m(2), range 36-59.8) were enrolled in a prospective trial and randomly assigned to LVBG or LGBP. Changes in quality of life were assessed using the Gastro-intestinal quality of life index (GIQLI). RESULTS: The conversion rate was zero for LVBG and 2.5% (1/40) for LGBP. There has been no mortality. Surgical time was significantly longer for LGBP (209 minvs 126 min for LVBG, P<0.001). Mean hospital stay was 3.5 days for the LVBG vs 5.7 days for LGBP (P<0.001). Postoperative analgesic usage was also less for LVBG patients (mean dose 1.4 vs 2.4, P<0.05). Early complication rate was higher in the LGBP group (17.8% vs 2.5%, P<0.001). All 3 major complications were in the LGBP group, of which 2 were related to anastomotic leakage (5%). Late complications consisted of upper GI bleeding, stenosis and others observed in 4 LGBP patients (10%) and 2 LVBG patients (5%). Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 18 to 30). BMI fell significantly in both groups, with significant improvement of obesity-related co-morbidities. LGBP had significantly better excess weight loss than LVBG (62.9% vs 55.4% at 1 year and 71.4% vs 53.1% at 2 years), as well as lower BMI than LVBG (29.6 vs 31.1 at 1 year and 28.5 vs 31.9 at 2 years). There was no difference in the reduction of obesity-related laboratory abnormalities at 1 year except a lower hemoglobin in LGBP (11.8 vs 13.8, P<0.05). Preoperative GIQLI scores were similar between the groups; however, at 1 year, LGBP patients had better GIOLI scores than LVBG patients (121 vs 106, P<0.01). LVBG had improvement in physical condition, social function and emotional conditioning but deterioration in GI symptoms which resulted in no increase in total GIQLI score. CONCLUSION: LGBP was a time-consuming demanding technique with a higher early complication rate compared with LVBG. Although both operations resulted in significant weight reduction and decrease in obesity-related co-morbidities, LGBP had a trend of greater weight loss and significantly better GIQLI than LVBG at the cost of a significant long-term trace element deficiency state. Each patient should be individualized for the operations according to the patient's decision.

Adult↗

Minilaparoscopic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a comparative study.

HYPOTHESES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the minilaparoscopic cholecystectomy (MLC) and to compare the clinical benefits experienced by patients who undergo MLC with those who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or 5-mm laparoscopic cholecystectomy (5-mm LC). DESIGN: Prospective consecutive study. SETTING: A tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: From September 1, 2000, through June 30, 2001, 90 patients with symptomatic gallstones were randomized to undergo 1 of these 3 procedures. INTERVENTION: Minilaparoscopic cholecystectomy, LC, and 5-mm LC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Duration of surgery, loss of blood, length of hospital stay, resumption of solid food intake, quantity of analgesic dosage administered, development of complications, degree of pain at ports 24 and 48 hours after surgery, and overall cosmetic result. RESULTS: Subsequent to excluding 6 patients who were converted to LC, there were 30 patients in the LC group, 29 patients in the 5-mm LC group, and 25 patients in the MLC group. The MLC necessitated a longer time to complete the procedure than was the case for the other 2 procedures. There was no notable difference in the mean dosage of the meperidine hydrochloride (Pethidine) administered between the LC and MLC groups, but an apparent increase in the analgesia requirements for the 5-mm LC group was noted when compared with those of the other 2 groups. There was no remarkable difference in terms of blood loss, resumption of solid food intake, hospital stay subsequent to surgery, or surgical-related complication between these 3 groups. The MLC group did have a lower pain score in the subxyphoid port only at 24 hours after surgery compared with the other 2 groups. The cosmetic results were evaluated and no notable difference was noted at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the MLC, it does require a longer surgical time and reflects a reasonably high possibility for the conversion to LC. Furthermore, the MLC did not provide any notable clinical benefit for the tested patients compared with those patients in the LC group. We concluded that there is no reason for the MLC to become the universally accepted mode of treatment for symptomatic gallstones before further improvements are made in the technique and instrumentation.

Adult↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy for solid tumor in the posterior portion of the right lobe: initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To prove the feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection for tumors located in the posterior portion of the right hepatic lobe. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Use of laparoscopic liver resection remains limited due to problems with technique, especially when the tumor is located near the diaphragm, or in the posterior portion of the right lobe. METHODS: Between October 2001 and June 2002, a total of 7 patients with solid hepatic tumors involving the posterior portion of the right lobe of liver underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy with the HandPort system at our hospital. Surgical techniques used included CO2 pneumoperitoneum and the creation of a wound on the right upper quadrant of the abdomen for HandPort placement. The location of tumor and its transection margin were decided by laparoscopic ultrasound. The liver resection was performed using the Ultrashear without portal triad control, with the specimens obtained then placed in a bag and removed directly via the HandPort access. RESULTS: The 5 male and 2 female patients ranged in age from 41 to 76 years (mean 62.3 +/- 14.4). Surgical procedures included partial hepatectomy for 6 patients and segmentectomy for one, all successfully completed using a variant of the minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure without conversion to open surgery. The mean duration of the operation was 140.7 +/- 42.2 minutes (90-180). The blood loss during surgery was 257.1 +/- 159 mL (250-500), without any requirement for intraoperative or postoperative transfusion. Pathology revealed hemagioma (n = 2), colon cancer metastasis (n = 2), and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 3). There were no deaths postoperatively, with 1 patient suffering bile leakage. Mean hospital stay was 5.3 +/- 1.3 days postsurgery. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that laparoscopic liver resection using the HandPort system is feasible for selected patients with lesions in the posterior portion of the right hepatic lobe requiring limited resection. Individuals with small tumors may benefit; because a large abdominal incision is not required, the wound-related complication rate might be reduced.

Adult↗