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Sidney C Abreu

Publications and source records attributed to Sidney C Abreu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Laparoscopic-assisted radical cystectomy with U-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder constructed using nonabsorbable titanium staples.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, nonabsorbable staples have been safely used in a variety of urologic open and laparoscopic extirpative and reconstructive procedures. We report the surgical steps of our technique of U-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder created with titanium staples. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Using stay stitches, a 45 to 50-cm ileal segment is arranged in a U shape with two segments of approximately 20 cm and an afferent limb of 5 or 10 cm. An opening is made at the lowest point of the U-ileal segment on its antimesenteric border. The jaws of the 80 x 3.5-mm nonabsorbable mechanical stapler are accommodated within the bowel loop and fired twice, bringing together and detubularizing approximately 15 cm of each arm of the U. To complete the pouch detubularization, another small opening is made at the bottom of the chimney on its medial border. After this, a third nonabsorbable mechanical stapler had its jaws introduced through this opening and through the open end of the bowel segment on the right side and the stapler is fired, completing the U pouch. Subsequently, the open ends of the U segment and the opening made at the base of the afferent limb are closed with absorbable running sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique is feasible and may represent an alternative to expand the spectrum of continent urinary reservoirs that could be expeditiously created with nonabsorbable staples. Continued surveillance is mandatory to determine the lithiasis-inducing potential of these titanium staples within the urinary tract.

Cystectomy↗
PubMed2006

Use of titanium knot placement device (TK-5) to secure dorsal vein complex during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and cystoprostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the feasibility and describe the surgical technique of using the Ti-Knot device TK-5 to secure the dorsal vein complex (DVC) during 20 consecutive cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and cystoprostatectomy. TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Bloodless DVC ligation and transection was successfully achieved in 19 (95.03%) of 20 cases. In only 1 case, venous bleeding occurred after DVC transection. However, in this case, the two stitches used to ligate the DVC were tightly tied, and the bleeding probably occurred because the stitches were passed too superficially on the DVC. In another case, a third stitch had to be placed and tied with the aid of the Ti-Knot device because the second 2-0 Vicryl stitch placed at the DVC broke. In only 1 case did we experience some degree of trouble with the knotting process because one of the ends of the Vicryl suture slipped back into the abdominal cavity. The time to tie each suture with the Ti-Knot device, defined after the moment the needle was passed underneath the DVC to the moment the titanium knot was crimped and the Vicryl suture trimmed, was less than 1 minute (median 50 seconds, range 45 to 56) in all cases, except the case described above. No cases of the Ti-Knot device misfiring or malfunction occurred in this series. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the Ti-Knot titanium knot placement device proved to be safe and efficient during laparoscopic ligation and control of the DVC.

Cystectomy↗
PubMed2005

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy has equivalent early and late renal function outcomes compared with open donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the patterns of early functional recovery and long-term function in laparoscopic and open procured live donor nephrectomy (LDN) kidneys, highlighting the radionuclide scan as an additional tool for assessment, because of concerns regarding renal functional recovery after laparoscopic LDN. METHODS: We reviewed the donor and recipient records of 101 laparoscopic and 35 open LDNs performed between August 1997 and September 2001. Data were collected on demographic, immunologic, and intraoperative variables and ureteral/vascular complications. Delayed renal function recovery in recipients was evaluated by serum creatinine greater than 2.5 mg/dL on postoperative day 5, dialysis in first postoperative week, and two renographic criteria--the time to peak activity and the time to one-half peak activity on postoperative day 5. Long-term outcomes were evaluated by serum creatinine at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and 2 and 3 years, creatinine clearance at 1 year, and patient and allograft survival. RESULTS: Donor and recipient age, sex, body mass index, and number of HLA mismatches did not differ between the two groups. The mean operating room time and blood loss were comparable. No differences were found in the early functional parameters (renography, creatinine at postoperative day 1 and 5, or dialysis in week 1) or long-term outcome (patient and graft survival, creatinine, and rejection at 1 year and patient and graft survival at 1, 2, and 3 years). CONCLUSIONS: Early recovery of graft function, longer term renal function, and 3-year patient and allograft survival are similar for live donor kidneys obtained by either a laparoscopic or an open surgical technique.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with intracorporeally constructed Y-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder using nonabsorbable titanium staples exclusively.

Increasing evidence in published reports has suggested that titanium staples may be well tolerated inside the urinary tract. Recently, the Italian Group from Piedmont described an "easy, fast, and reliable" technique of a Y-shaped ileal neobladder that was created during open surgery with nonabsorbable mechanical staples. They observed an acceptable 6% rate of stone formation at a median follow-up of 20 months (range 8 to 47). We describe our initial experience with laparoscopic Y-shaped orthotopic ileal neobladder constructed entirely intracorporeally using titanium staples exclusively in an attempt to mitigate the time-consuming and skill-intensive task of freehand suturing required during laparoscopic creation of continent reservoirs.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Dismembered percutaneous endopyeloplasty: a new procedure.

PURPOSE: We recently described a novel technique of percutaneous non-dismembered endopyeloplasty (Fenger type). Herein, we extend this transrenal technique further and report percutaneous dismembered endopyeloplasty (Anderson-Hynes type). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five pigs with unilateral ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction created 3 to 6 weeks earlier, percutaneous dismembered endopyeloplasty was performed. Percutaneous transrenal access to the UPJ was obtained, and the UPJ was completely dismembered from within the renal pelvis through the solitary percutaneous tract. The dismembered proximal ureter was circumferentially mobilized, and in two animals, the UPJ segment was completely excised and removed. A spatulated end-to-end endopyeloplasty anastomosis (Anderson-Hynes) was created transrenally with 5 to 10 interrupted sutures using a novel nephroscopic suturing device (Sew-Right SR-5; LSI Solutions, Rochester, NY). In two animals, the entire percutaneous procedure was performed with CO2 insufflation instead of fluid irrigation. RESULTS: The technique was developed in three pigs. Subsequently, two pigs were treated and sacrificed at 2 and 5 weeks. All UPJs were dismembered successfully, and a precisely sutured mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis was created. Intraoperative bleeding was negligible, and the operative time ranged from 3 to 5 hours, with the majority of the time dedicated to transrenal retroperitoneal dissection of the scarred, fibrotic UPJ. Carbon dioxide insufflation was efficacious because it minimized fluid extravasation and tissue edema and additionally enhanced visibility. Postoperative pyelograms revealed an adequately funneled UPJ, with good flow into the distal ureter. The two survival animals had minimal apparent morbidity from the procedure, and retrograde pyelograms at euthanasia revealed a patent anastomosis without extravasation. A 6F catheter easily crossed the reconstructed UPJ at autopsy in all animals. CONCLUSIONS: Dismembered percutaneous Anderson-Hynes endopyeloplasty is technically feasible and is promising. Further technical experience and additional functional outcome analysis in the survival model are necessary. With the technique described herein, we introduce the concept of percutaneous intrarenal reconstructive surgery (PIRS), wherein advanced intrarenal and retroperitoneal dissection with reconstruction can be performed endourologically, further broadening the horizons of conventional percutaneous techniques.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2005

Complications of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in 200 cases.

PURPOSE: We analyzed complications of the initial 200 cases treated with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for a suspected renal tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since August 1999, 200 consecutive patients have undergone laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Mean patient age was 61.6 years, mean body mass index was 29.9 and mean tumor size was 2.9 cm (range 1 to 10). There were 51 central tumors (25%) and 15 solitary kidneys (7.5%). A central tumor was defined as any tumor infiltrating up to the collecting system or renal sinus, during the excision of which entry into and repair of the collecting system was necessary. Mean estimated blood loss was 247 cc and mean operative time was 3.3 hours. Data on complications were obtained from a prospectively maintained computerized database and via telephone calls to patients and/or local referring physicians. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients (33%) had 1 or more complications, which were intraoperative in 11 (5.5%), postoperative in 24 (12%) and delayed in 31 (15.5%). Overall 30 patients (15%) had a non-urological complication and 36 (18%) had a urological complication, including hemorrhage in 19 (9.5%) and urine leakage in 9 (4.5%). Hemorrhage occurred intraoperatively in 7 cases (3.5%) and postoperatively in 4 (2%), while it was delayed in 8 (4%). Of patients with urine leakage none required reoperation, 6 (3%) required a Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) only, 2 (1%) required a Double-J stent with computerized tomography guided drainage and 1 required no treatment. Open conversion was necessary in 2 patients (1%), reoperation was done in 4 (2%) and elective laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed in 1 (0.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an advanced procedure with potential for complications. It requires considerable experience with reconstructive laparoscopy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Impact of intraoperative heparin on laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: At many centers systemic heparinization is performed during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy because of concerns regarding graft thrombosis. However, no consensus exists in this regard. We evaluated the impact of intraoperative heparin on donor and recipient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2000 and February 2003, 79 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic live donor left nephrectomy at our institution. They were sequentially divided into 2 groups, that is group 1-the initial 40 patients who intraoperatively received 5,000 IU heparin intravenously and group 2-subsequent patients who did not receive heparin. The 2 groups were well matched demographically. Data were compared using the paired 2-tailed t test. RESULTS: The 2 donor groups were comparable in regard to mean blood loss (139 vs 179 cc, p = 0.59), intraoperative urine output (1.6 vs 1.6 l, p = 0.74), warm ischemia time (4 vs 4.2 minutes, p = 0.52), operative time (3.5 vs 3.5 hours, p = 0.97), and cold ischemia time (75 vs 82 minutes, p = 0.38). Complications occurred in 1 patient in group 1 (rhabdomyolysis induced acute renal failure) and in 2 in group 2 (chylous ascites and lumbar vein injury, respectively). No graft was lost due to vascular thrombosis in either group. Recipient immediate, early and delayed (6-month) graft function was comparable between the 2 groups. Acute rejection occurred in 5 recipients in group 1 and 1 in group 2. There was 1 recipient death per group at delayed followup. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of heparin during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is not necessary. Because of its potential for causing intraoperative or early postoperative hemorrhage, we no longer routinely administer intraoperative heparin during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at our institution.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: patient selection and perioperative outcomes.

PURPOSE: We compared the results of transperitoneal (T) and retroperitoneal (R) approaches to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in regard to perioperative outcomes and technical considerations, thereby, identifying patient selection guidelines for each approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The choice of approach was dictated primarily by tumor location, that is TLPN for anterior or lateral lesions and RLPN for posterior or posterolateral lesions. The approaches differed primarily by the hilar control technique. During TLPN en bloc hilar control was achieved with a Satinsky clamp, while during RLPN individual vessel control was obtained with bulldog clamps. RESULTS: In a 3-year period 100 TLPNs and 63 RLPNs were performed for renal tumor. Of posterior tumors 77% were managed by RLPN, whereas 97% of anterior tumors were managed by TLPN. TLPN was associated with significantly larger tumors (3.2 vs 2.5 cm, p <0.001), more caliceal suture repairs (79% vs 57%, p = 0.004), longer ischemia time (31 vs 28 minutes, p = 0.04), longer operative time (3.5 vs 2.9 hours, p <0.001) and longer hospital stay (2.9 vs 2.2 days, p <0.01) than RLPN. Blood loss, perioperative complications, postoperative serum creatinine, analgesic requirements and histological outcomes were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We perform TLPN for all anterior or lateral tumors as well as for large or deeply infiltrating posterior tumors that require substantive resection (heminephrectomy). The limited retroperitoneal space makes RLPN technically more challenging but provides superior access to posterior and particularly posteromedial lesions. When feasible, we prefer to perform laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by the transperitoneal approach because of its larger working area and superior instrument angles for intracorporeal renal reconstruction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Right donor nephrectomy: a comparison of hand-assisted transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic approaches.

BACKGROUND: We compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of right live-donor nephrectomy (LDN) using either a hand-assisted approach (HALDN) or a pure retroperitoneoscopic approach (RLDN) in two institutions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were recorded prospectively in 59 patients undergoing right LDN using either hand-assisted (n=31) or pure retroperitoneoscopic (n=28) approaches. All HALDN cases were performed at the University of Cincinnati, and all RLDN cases were performed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. RESULTS: Demographics were similar with respect to age (41.1+/-11.5 vs. 44.5+/-8.5 years) and human leukocyte antigen mismatches (2.7+/-1.8 vs. 2.6+/-1.6). Operative times were longer for HALDN (3.4+/-0.7 vs. 3.0+/-0.7 hours, P <0.04), whereas warm ischemia time was shorter (3:55+/-1:47 vs. 4:55+/-0:55 minutes, P <0.001). Length of renal vein and artery were equivalent (2.4/3.4 vs. 2.3/3.2 cm, P =0.5). Complication rates were similar (10% vs. 7%, P =0.5), including conversion to open surgery (n=1), accessory upper pole artery transection (n=1), and swollen testicle (n=1) in the HALDN group, and a small parenchymal injury (n=1) and a capsular tear (n=1) in the RLDN group. Donor length of stay and convalescence were similar in both groups (43.5+/-14.1 vs. 45.7+/-25.3 hours, P =0.1; convalescence 23.5+/-5.3 vs. 20.2+/-4.1 days, P =0.5). One-week, 1-month, and 1-year serum creatinine levels were equivalent with both approaches. No grafts were lost in either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the HALDN and RLDN techniques can provide kidney grafts with equivalent-length vessels and excellent function.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy in a super-obese patient (body mass index 77 kg/m2).

Although obesity was initially considered a relative contraindication for laparoscopy, the retroperitoneal approach has been reported to be safe and effective for such patients during renal and adrenal surgery. We report a case of successful retroperitoneoscopic radical nephrectomy in a super-obese patient (body mass index 77 kg/m2) with a 12-cm renal tumor. The operative time was 3 hours, and the estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The patient was discharged home 36 hours after surgery. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. The pathologic examination revealed renal cell carcinoma, and all surgical margins were negative (pT2N0M0). The patient returned to normal activities 3 weeks postoperatively.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2004

Right retroperitoneal versus left transperitoneal laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe our preferred method of right laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LDN) using a retroperitoneoscopic approach to determine the indications for, and overall rate of, right LDN and to compare the donor and recipient early outcomes of right retroperitoneal LDN to those of left transperitoneal LDN in a consecutive single-institution series. METHODS: At our institution, LDN for allotransplantation was performed in 143 consecutive patients. The indications for right LDN (n = 29) included multiple left renal vessels (n = 18), early branching of the left renal artery (n = 1), left renal vein anomaly (n = 2), right renal arterial fibromuscular dysplasia (n = 2), right renal cyst (n = 3), mild right hydronephrosis with delay on renal scan (n = 1), or right nephrolithiasis (n = 2). RESULTS: Right LDN was performed in 29 (20.3%) of 143 patients using a retroperitoneal approach in all but the first case. Right retroperitoneal LDN was associated with decreased blood loss and operative time compared with left transperitoneal LDN. The hospital stay, analgesic use, and donor serum creatinine at discharge were similar in both groups. Despite a statistically significantly increased warm ischemia time and decreased renal vein length, right retroperitoneal LDN was associated with recipient functional outcomes at 5 and 30 days after transplant that were no different from those after left transperitoneal LDN. CONCLUSIONS: Right retroperitoneal laparoscopic LDN provides similar donor and recipient outcomes when compared with the left transperitoneal approach and obviates most of the technical challenges encountered with a right transperitoneal approach.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for two or more ipsilateral renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery in the management of two or more synchronous, ipsilateral renal masses. Minimally invasive nephron-sparing procedures are increasingly used for the treatment of select patients with a single, small renal tumor. METHODS: Since 1998, we have performed laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery in 288 consecutive patients, including laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 200) and renal cryotherapy (n = 88). Of these, 13 patients (4.5%) were treated for synchronous ipsilateral renal masses. RESULTS: A total of 27 renal tumors were treated in 13 patients. The patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the treatment. Group 1 (n = 3) underwent en-bloc laparoscopic partial nephrectomy encompassing both tumors; group 2 (n = 2) underwent individual laparoscopic partial nephrectomy of discrete masses during the same procedure; group 3 (n = 2) had one mass treated with partial nephrectomy and the other mass treated with cryotherapy; and group 4 (n = 6) had all tumors treated with cryotherapy. All cases were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery or laparoscopic nephrectomy. The mean overall operative time was 4.3 hours, and the mean blood loss was 169 mL. No intraoperative complications occurred. Three patients had postoperative complications, none requiring re-exploration. One patient in group 4 developed de novo tumors in the treated kidney, located distant from the cryoablated sites. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an emerging, efficacious laparoscopic treatment option for select patients. Laparoscopic cryotherapy is a useful alternative or adjunct to partial nephrectomy. The judicious combination of these complementary techniques further extends the scope of minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery.

Angiomyolipoma↗
PubMed2004

Factors related to delayed graft function after laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: Delayed graft function after live donor transplantation affects 5% to 10% of recipients regardless of procurement technique. This delay in function is associated with an increased risk of rejection and decreased graft survival. In the present study we critically assess allograft recovery to identify the risk factors related to delayed graft function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed donor and recipient medical records from 100 consecutive laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies from August 1997 to October 2001. Four criteria were used to classify delayed graft function: I) requirement of dialysis in postoperative week 1, II) creatinine 2.5 mg/dl or greater at postoperative day 5, III) time to half peak activity (mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan) at postoperative day 5 greater than 12.2 minutes (normal range 1 to 12.2) and IV) time to peak activity (mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan) at day 5 greater than 6.5 minutes (normal range 2.1 to 6.5). Patients could qualify for multiple outcome categories. Patients who did not match any of these criteria were classified as having normal renal function (outcome 0). RESULTS: The number of patients in the delayed graft function categories were 5 with outcome I, 14 with outcome II, 39 with outcome III and 24 with outcome IV. There were 23 patients represented in more than 1 category and 59 patients were classified as having normal function. Recipient age, donor/recipient gender relationship, unrelated highly mismatched donors and cold/total preservation time were identified as risk factors related to impaired early renal function recovery. None of the variables related to the laparoscopic technique itself represented risk factors for delayed graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Female donor kidneys into male recipients and highly HLA mismatched donors represent factors that may be controlled by donor selection when feasible. All attempts should be made to decrease cold ischemia time and, therefore, total preservation time. Prolonged carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, warm ischemia time, renal artery length or use of right kidney did not adversely affect the functional outcome of the allografts procured laparoscopically.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy in the presence of circumaortic or retroaortic left renal vein.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy is now an accepted alternative to open surgery in donors with normal renal vasculature. However, the suitability of laparoscopy for donors with anomalous vasculature is less well known. We compared the donor and recipient outcome data of 16 patients with circumaortic or retroaortic left renal vein to 20 recent patients with normal left renal venous anatomy undergoing laparoscopic donor left nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 170 patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at our institution from October 1997 to October 2002, 18 (10.6%) had either a circumaortic or retroaortic left renal vein (group 1). Demographic and perioperative parameters of these donors and their recipients were retrospectively compared to a contemporary cohort of 20 recent patients with a normal single left renal vein (group 2). RESULTS: All laparoscopic procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. Groups 1 and 2 were similar in regard to operative time (199 vs 226 minutes, p = 0.90), blood loss (125 vs 100 cc, p = 0.45), warm ischemia time (3.4 vs 3.9 minutes, p = 0.14) and hospital stay (2.9 vs 3.2 days, p = 0.45). Length of allograft renal artery and vein was similar between groups. Cold ischemia and revascularization times were also comparable between groups. Recipient serum creatinine was comparable at 5 days (1.7 vs 1.6 mg/dl), 3 months (1.5 vs 1.4 mg/dl) and 1 year (1.5 vs 1.5 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of a circumaortic or retroaortic renal vein is not a contraindication to laparoscopic live donor left nephrectomy. A left kidney with vasculature anatomically adequate for transplantation can be achieved with excellent donor and recipient outcomes.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy: initial experience.

PURPOSE: Ureterocalicostomy is a reconstructive option in the rare patient with surgically failed or difficult ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction with fibrosis and significant hydronephrosis. We introduce the technique of laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was performed in 2 patients, of whom 1 had UPJ obstruction and multiple secondary calculi in a dilated, dependent lower pole calix, and 1 had surgically failed UPJ obstruction with a scarred pelvis and significant hydronephrosis. Using a transperitoneal technique the UPJ was dismembered and suture ligated, the cut end of the ureter was spatulated, the attenuated lower pole renal parenchyma was amputated and mucosa-to-mucosa ureterocaliceal anastomosis was performed with running 4-zero absorbable suture over a stent. In the first case 32 renal calculi were also removed using a combination of laparoscopic nephroscopy and intraoperative ultrasonography. RESULTS: In cases 1 and 2 operative time was 5.2 and 2.5 hours, estimated blood loss was 200 and 75 cc, and hospital stay was 2 days, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications. The stent was removed at 8 and 5 weeks, respectively. Postoperative retrograde pyelogram and diuretic renal scan confirmed anastomotic patency and improved drainage in each patient. At 9 months patient 1 remains without flank symptoms and a second renal scan at 6 months showed further improvement in drainage. Patient 2, who continued to be symptomatic with flank discomfort despite objective improvement in drainage parameters, elected secondary nephrectomy at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy is feasible and it effectively duplicates established open surgical principles. To our knowledge the initial experience in the literature is presented.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Thoracic complications during urological laparoscopy.

PURPOSE: We documented thoracic related complications during urological laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1129 patients underwent major urological laparoscopic procedures in a 5-year period. Operative reports and postoperative radiographic reports were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with thoracic related medical and surgical sequelae. Of the patients 619 (55%) underwent at least 1 chest x-ray in the immediate or early postoperative period. In the remaining 510 patients (45%) there was no clinical indication to perform chest x-ray. RESULTS: Of 619 patients undergoing chest x-ray 438 (71%) were completely normal. Medical pulmonary complications, surgical thoracic complications and subclinical, incidentally detected gas collections in the chest were identified in 12.6%, 0.5% and 5.5% of patients, respectively. Medical complications in 12.6% of cases included pulmonary infiltrate/atelectasis in 9.7%, pleural effusion in 4.8% and pulmonary embolus in 0.3%. Surgical complications included symptomatic pneumothorax in 4 patients (0.35%), hemothorax in 1 (0.08%) and chylothorax in 1 (0.08%). Subclinical abnormal thoracic gas collections were radiographically noted in 34 of the 619 patients (5.5%) on chest x-ray, including pneumomediastinum in 19 (3.1%), pneumothorax in 10 (1.6%) and pneumopericardium in 5 (0.8%). Overall 36 of 40 (90%) thoracic surgical complications (3) and subclinical, incidentally detected gas collections (33) occurred during retroperitoneal laparoscopy. Re-intervention was necessary in 6 patients (0.5%), namely pulmonary embolus requiring vena caval filter placement in 3 (0.3%), pneumothorax requiring a chest tube in 2 (0.17%) and hemothorax requiring emergency open thoracotomy in 1 (0.08%). No patient underwent open conversion to complete the initial proposed operation. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its high solubility the expectant management of incidental CO2 pneumothorax, pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum is recommended initially in the clinically stable patient. Inadvertent diaphragmatic entry can be satisfactorily repaired laparoscopically without open conversion. Although it is rare, surgical thoracic complications are potentially life threatening, requiring prompt identification and management.

Adult↗