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Shanu N Kothari

Publications and source records attributed to Shanu N Kothari.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Heterotopic pregnancy: a rare cause of hemoperitoneum and the acute abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic pregnancy is the rare coexistence of intrauterine and extrauterine gestation. The incidence may be as high as 1 in 3,889 pregnancies. The diagnosis is difficult to make, but an important one to consider in the presence of acute abdominal pain, hemorrhagic shock, and intrauterine pregnancy. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Successful treatment of ectopic pregnancy with benign convalescence and viable intrauterine pregnancy delivered at term. CONCLUSIONS: Every clinician treating women of reproductive age should keep this diagnosis in their differential, especially for pregnant women presenting with abdominal pain and hemoperitoneum.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed2006

Use of transabdominal ultrasound to identify intraabdominal adhesions prior to laparoscopy: a prospective blinded study.

OVERVIEW: The aim of the current study was to assess the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound (TAU) in identifying intra-abdominal adhesions (IAA) prior to laparoscopy in patients with previous abdominal surgery. METHODS: Patients with previous open surgical procedures presenting for laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) underwent TAU by 1 radiologist. Attempts were made to identify IAA using TAU. The intended trocar sites were categorized as free movement (no adhesions), chaotic movement (omental adhesions), or no movement (frozen bowel). During LGB, adhesions at the 6 trocar sites were graded by 1 blinded surgeon. RESULTS: A significant degree of agreement was found between the radiologist's predictions and the intraoperative findings with regards to identification of trocar sites free of adhesions versus omental adhesions and frozen bowel. CONCLUSIONS: TAU can accurately identify IAA prior to laparoscopy. Widespread application of this technique may decrease trocar-related injuries during laparoscopic procedures in patients with previous abdominal surgery.

Abdominal Cavity↗
PubMed2005

Training of a minimally invasive bariatric surgeon: are laparoscopic fellowships the answer?

BACKGROUND: Fellowships in advanced laparoscopy with emphasis in laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) are available for obtaining experience in performing LGBP. The following is the first report in the literature prospectively documenting a single surgeon's experience with LGBP outcomes following completion of an advanced laparoscopic surgical fellowship. METHODS: Outcomes measured prospectively included length of stay, length of operation, complications, reduction in obesity-related co-morbidities, and percentage excess weight loss. Outcomes were analyzed by quartile to see if there was difference over time. Complications were also compared to outcomes in the literature. RESULTS: 175 patients (147 female, 28 male) underwent LGBP. The mean BMI was 49.2. Mean operative time was 123 minutes, and mean length of stay was 2.2 days. The percentage excess weight loss at 1 year was 73% (n = 79). One patient developed an internal hernia (0.6%) and 1 patient developed an anastomotic leak (0.6%). Post operative transfusion rate was 4.6%. There were no deep venous thromboses or pulmonary emboli detected. There were no conversions to open, and there was no mortality. Upon quartile analysis, there was no difference in complication rates. Complication rates were comparable to published outcomes in the literature. CONCLUSION: Fellowships in advanced laparoscopy with emphasis on LGBP provide the optimal training environment for acquisition of skills necessary to safely and effectively perform LGBP. With fellowship training, complication rates were comparable to published outcomes in the literature without a period of higher complications (the learning curve).

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Surgical management of obesity: a review of the evidence relating to the health benefits and risks.

Obesity continues to plague our society in epidemic proportions. Surgery for morbid obesity is considered by many as the most effective therapy for this complex disorder. Today, multiple surgical procedures for the treatment of obesity are available. As with most procedures, there are benefits and risks associated with open and laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, as well as with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and partial biliopancreatic bypass with a duodenal switch. The risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery may be serious and in some cases life threatening. However, surgery for obesity has shown remarkable results in helping patients to achieve significant long-term weight control. In addition, it is associated with improvement and often resolution of co-morbid conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, obesity hypoventilation, sleep apnea, venous stasis disease, pseudotumor cerebri, polycystic ovary syndrome, complications of pregnancy and delivery, gastroesophageal reflux disease, stress urinary incontinence, degenerative joint disease, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Asthma↗
PubMed2004

Stump appendicitis: case report and review.

The purpose of this study is to review the medical literature regarding the prevalence of appendicitis in patients with previous appendectomy. Stump appendicitis is a real entity not often considered when evaluating patients with right lower quadrant pain and a history of appendectomy. This leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment. An extensive review of the world literature using Medline, MD Consult, and the references of articles found using these methods to gather information regarding stump appendicitis. Results showed 29 cases of stump appendicitis have been reported in the world literature. Herein we review the literature as well as present a case study. Stump appendicitis is a real, yet probably underreported entity. It can occur after either laparoscopic or open appendectomy. Avoidance of a long appendiceal stump is the only suggested means by which to avoid its occurrence.

Appendectomy↗
PubMed2003

True ectopic ovary: a case and review.

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic ovarian tissue is a rare gynecologic problem. The nomenclature and classification systems are unclear and still debated. CASE REPORT: Herein we provide a case report and review the literature to help clarify the classification system of ectopic ovarian tissue.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Lap-band failures: conversion to gastric bypass and their preliminary outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The LAP-BAND is designed to be an adjustable laparoscopically placed gastric restriction device for the treatment of severe obesity. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome in patients who had failed to effectively lose weight with this device and were converted to a gastric bypass. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all LAP-BANDS placed in patients at our institution from March 1996 to June 1998. RESULTS: 36 LAP-BANDS were placed. To date, 18 of 36 (50%) have been removed. Fourteen of 18 were simultaneously converted to a gastric bypass. Indications for conversion included: failed weight loss (5), failed weight loss with esophageal dilatation (5), failed weight loss with leaking band (2), and symptomatic esophageal dilatation (1). Median time to conversion after LAP-BAND placement was 38.2 months. Median follow-up after conversion to gastric bypass was 8.3 months. Nineteen percent excess weight loss occurred after LAP-BAND placement. Forty-three percent excess weight loss occurred after conversion to gastric bypass (P =.025). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the LAP-BAND is associated with a high frequency of inadequate weight loss. Conversion to gastric bypass in this subset of patients is technically challenging but results in superior weight loss in a shorter time period.

Gastric Bypass↗
PubMed2002

Training in laparoscopic suturing skills using a new computer-based virtual reality simulator (MIST-VR) provides results comparable to those with an established pelvic trainer system.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that the Minimally Invasive Surgery Trainer (MIST-VR; VP Medical R, London, U.K.) would be as effective as the Yale Laparoscopic Skills Course in improving laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing skills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each student made six attempts to tie a knot laparoscopically. Students were then randomized to train on the MIST-VR for five sessions (six skills/session) or the Yale Skills for five sessions (three skills/session) over 5 days. On completion of training, all students were evaluated by a test consisting of six attempts to tie a laparoscopic knot. RESULTS: The percentage improvement in knot tying time did not differ significantly in the pelvic trainer group (30 +/- 21%) (from 443 +/- 135 to 311 +/- 137 seconds) and the MIST-VR group (39 +/- 21%) (from 409 +/- 109 to 256 +/- 140 seconds) (P = 0.308). CONCLUSIONS: The MIST-VR is equivalent to the Yale Skills Course for training in the advanced laparoscopic skill of intracorporeal suturing.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Travel distance, age, and sex as factors in follow-up visit compliance in the post-gastric bypass population.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the optimal rate of follow-up in the post-bariatric surgery patient population. METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2001 to 2003 were reviewed. Using patient zip codes, travel distances were calculated between the patients' places of residence and our clinic. Patients were then assigned to 1 of 3 cohorts according to the following distances: (1) < 50 miles, (2) 50 to 100 miles, and (3) > 100 miles. Patient compliance with follow-up appointments at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months was analyzed. Linear trends were identified using the Mantel-Haenszel test. Age and sex were analyzed as possible predictors of compliance using the chi(2) test. P values < .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study group comprised 150 patients (127 females and 23 males). The 3 cohorts contained 115, 21, and 14 patients, respectively. All patients in each cohort were compliant with the 3-week follow-up appointment. Although there were differences in compliance between cohorts at each of the remaining appointments, only the 9-month (70.3% vs 61.9% vs 35.7%) visit showed statistical significance (P = .035). The 6-month visit trended toward significance (85.2% vs 76.2% vs 64.3%; P = .088). Males were more likely to be compliant with the 12-month follow-up (P = .040). When controlling for sex, travel distance was also a predictor of compliance at this follow-up visit (P = .024). Age was not predictive of compliance (P = .827). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we conclude that travel distance from the clinic does not significantly affect compliance at the initial follow-up, 3-month, and 12-month appointments. However, distance does tend to affect compliance at the 6-month appointment and significantly affects compliance at the 9-month appointment. Males are more likely to be compliant at the 12 month follow-up visit. We must continue to strive for 100% follow-up in our post-bariatric surgery patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery on dyslipidemia in severely obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is common in the morbidly obese population. Lipid parameters typically improve after bariatric surgery, but the effects have been inconsistent and may depend on the surgical procedure performed. If bariatric surgery consistently improves dyslipidemia, there may be associated cost savings in lipid-modifying medications. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) for morbid obesity had lipid analyses performed preoperatively and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The number of lipid-modifying medications taken was documented by an electronic medical record review. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were enrolled. Of these, 96 patients had preoperative and 1-year postoperative data and 18 had preoperative and 2-year postoperative data. In the 1-year cohort, total cholesterol (TC) decreased by 12.5%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) decreased by 19.4%, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) increased by 23.2%, triglycerides (TG) decreased by 41.2%, and the percentage of dyslipidemic patients decreased from 82.3% to 28.1% (P < .001 for all). In the 2-year cohort, TC decreased by 7.2% (P = .036), LDL decreased by 21.7% (P < .001), HDL increased by 40.3% (P < .001), TG decreased by 27.3% (P = .015), and the percentage of dyslipidemic patients decreased from 94.4% to 27.8% (P < .001). In the 1-year cohort, 26.0% of patients were taking lipid-modifying medications preoperatively, compared with 14.6% postoperatively (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic RYGB improved all lipid parameters studied and decreased the percentage of dyslipidemic patients. Furthermore, fewer patients were taking lipid-modifying medications postoperatively, suggesting a substantial medication cost savings over time.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Length of stay and impact on readmission rates after laparoscopic gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: A decreased length of stay (LOS) is one of the many advantages of laparoscopic over open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity. However, the mean LOS after laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) ranges from 1.8 to 4.5 days. In addition, the LOS has tended to improve as bariatric programs have matured. With the use of a standardized perioperative care plan, we studied the effects of LOS on readmission rates in patients undergoing LGB in a new minimally invasive bariatric surgery program. METHODS: All patients undergoing LGB between September 20, 2001 and April 5, 2004 were entered into a standardized perioperative care plan. All patient outcomes were entered into a prospective database. The discharge criteria included adequate oral intake and adequate pain control on oral medication. The reasons for patients staying >2 days were analyzed and documented. RESULTS: A total 250 patients underwent LGB. Of these, 212 patients (84.8%) were discharged on postoperative day 2. The most common reason for a LOS >2 days was bleeding (42.1%), followed by nausea (26.3%), inadequate pain control on oral medication (15.8%), and various other reasons (15.8%). The mean LOS did not change with time (P = .19). Readmission within 30 days was significantly less in patients discharged by day 2 (1.9% versus 13.1%, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: The LOS remained constant as our program matured. The vast majority of patients undergoing LGB who have an uncomplicated postoperative course were safely discharged home on postoperative day 2. Patients staying >2 days were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of operative imaging techniques in surgical education.

BACKGROUND: Certain open surgical procedures are difficult to observe, and poor visualization of the surgical field results in a compromised teaching environment for residents and medical students. In an attempt to improve the visualization of the open surgical field, we performed an open surgical procedure while viewing it via a laparoscope mounted to the side of the operating room table with an alpha port. These images were then compared in a blinded fashion with images from a boom-mounted camera positioned above the surgical field and a head-mounted camera positioned on the operating surgeon. METHODS: Participants viewed all 3 images from a remote location in a blinded, random fashion. All participants then completed a Likert questionnaire evaluating each image. RESULTS: Fourteen participants were in the study. The alpha port/laparoscope image was superior to the head-cam image in all 8 categories. The alpha port/laparoscope image was superior to the sky-cam image in 4 of 8 categories. All 14 participants felt the alpha port/laparoscope image would benefit surgical education CONCLUSIONS: Use of a laparoscope mounted via an alpha port to an operating room table provides superior images during open surgery. This provides a unique and affordable way to teach residents and medical students operative procedures that are otherwise difficult to view.

Adult↗