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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Combined use of mini-laparoscope and conventional laparoscope in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: preservation of minimal invasiveness.

Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a 2-mm mini-laparoscope has been reported to be beneficial but technically difficult. This study attempted to evaluate the relative efficacy of a new method, which provides the benefits of both conventional and mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From March 1997 to December 1997, 143 patients (49 men, 94 women, mean age 52.6 years, range 20-79), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I-II, underwent elective cholecystectomy by a combination of a 2-mm mini-laparoscope and 10-mm conventional laparoscope (combined lap-aroscopic cholecystectomy, C group) in National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. The entire procedure was done through four ports (one 11-mm port and three 2-mm ports). For comparison, records from 46 patients receiving mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy (M group, 17 men, 29 women, mean age 49.0 years, range 26-76) and 139 patients receiving conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (L group, 47 men, 92 women, mean age 51.2 years, range 28-82) by the same operative team were included retrospectively. Mean operation time, time until first postoperative oral intake, dosage of analgesic, and postoperative hospital stay as well as possible complications were compared. No significant differences concerning the age, sex, and ASA classification were identified between all groups. The operative time of the C group (59.9 +/- 17.3 min, p = 0.420) but was significantly shorter than that of the M group (72.8 +/- 26.5 min, p < 0.001). No differences concerning the analgesic usage (0.5 +/- 0.8 unit vs. 0.4 +/- 0.7 unit, p = 0.372), postoperative oral intake (4.4 +/- 1.9 h vs. 3.3 +/- 2.3 h, p = 0.067), and postoperative hospital stay (1.7 +/- 0.7 days vs. 1.7 +/- 0.7 days, p = 0.941) were found between the C group and the M group. However, compared with the L group, analgesic usage (0.5 +/- 0.8 unit vs. 0.8 +/- 1.0 unit, p = 0.003) and time until first postoperative oral intake (4.4 +/- 1.9 h vs. 6.2 +/- 3.0 h, p < 0.001) were less, and the postoperative hospital stay (1.7 +/- 0.7 days vs. 2.0 +/- 0.9 days, p = 0.002) was significantly shorter in the C group. Combined use of the mini-laparoscope and the conventional laparoscope in cholecystectomy provides the benefits of both conventional laparoscopic and mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is easier to perform than cholecystectomy that uses the mini-laparoscope alone and results in a much smaller wound with less pain than conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is a feasible, safe procedure, and the minimal invasiveness of mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preserved. It is an alternative way to deal with gallstone disease, especially for younger women, who tend to be more concerned about cosmetic outcome.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome: a study of comparisons between laparoscopic and open adrenalectomy, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy for differing adrenal tumors].

In order to evaluate the utility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome, the results of 6 laparoscopic adrenalectomies for Cushing's syndrome were compared with those of 34 other laparoscopic adrenalectomies, consisting of 7 pre-Cushing's syndromes, 13 primary aldosteronisms, and 14 non-functioning adrenal tumors. The results were also compared with 5 open adrenalectomies for Cushing's syndrome. The results of the laparoscopic adrenalectomies for Cushing's syndrome were as follows: the mean operating time was 216 +/- 46 min, and the mean estimated blood loss was 180 +/- 194 ml. From the third patient, an ultrasonic surgical system was used and the estimated blood loss decreased significantly. The ultrasonic surgical system, together with a more experienced surgical technique, also cut down the operating times. During surgical intervention, 2 complications occurred; a hemorrhage of more than 500 ml in one patient, and splenic injury in another, which was treated by compression. Postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients; paralytic ileus in one, and abdominal pain due to the pneumoperitoneum in the other. All patients except 2 patients with vertebral fracture began oral intake and ambulation 1 to 4 days postoperatively, and resumed normal daily activity on postoperative day 5 to 7. Compared with the laparoscopic adrenalectomies for the other adrenal tumors, the operating time and estimated blood loss in the Cushing's syndrome patients was not substantially different, though postoperative recovery was slightly longer. When compared with the open adrenalectomies, the operating time was longer, but the postoperative recovery period was significantly shorter. We conclude that with careful surgical intervention, experience of technique, and the introduction of proper equipment, a laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome can be performed as less-invasively as a laparoscopic adrenalectomy is for the other adrenal tumors. Furthermore, our findings suggest that laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome is likelier to have better postoperative results than conventional procedures, including a more rapid recovery to normal daily activity.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

A warm-up laparoscopic exercise improves the subsequent laparoscopic performance of Ob-Gyn residents: a low-cost laparoscopic trainer.

INTRODUCTION: Residents traditionally acquire surgical skills through on-the-job training. Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques present additional demands to master complex surgical procedures in a remote 2-dimensional venue. We examined the effectiveness of a brief warm-up laparoscopic simulation toward improving operative proficiency. METHODS: Using a "Poor-Man's Laparoscopy Simulator," 12 Ob/Gyn residents and 12 medical students were allocated 10 minutes to transfer 30 tablets with a 5-mm grasper from point A to point B via laparoscopic visualization in a warm-up exercise. Participants repeated the exercise following a 5-minute pause. Mean scores, expressed in seconds/tablet, and overall improvement (percentage difference between warm-up and follow-up) were analyzed according to postgraduate standing (PGY14), dexterity skills, and pertinent vocational activities. RESULTS: Significant improvements were noted for both residents (+25%) and medical students (+29%), P<0.0001. Scores between the 2 groups, however, were not significant (P=0.677). Proficiency was not influenced by PGY standing. Interestingly, the best (8.73 sec/pill) and the worst (25 sec/pill) scores were attained by a medical student and a chief resident, respectively, suggesting the contribution of individual aptitude. CONCLUSION: A brief warm-up exercise before an actual laparoscopic surgical procedure significantly improves subsequent laparoscopic performance.

Clinical Competence↗

Laparoscopic vs. hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis.

INTRODUCTION: Sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis can be technically challenging because of severe inflammation in the left-lower quadrant and pelvis. We hypothesized that hand-assisted laparoscopic technique may facilitate laparoscopic completion of this surgery while retaining the short-term benefits associated with "pure" laparoscopic surgery, in which an incision is made only for extracting the specimen. This study was designed to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent totally laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis. METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively collected patient database from July 2001 to June 2004 and compared the intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoidectomies for diverticulitis. Complicated patients (with abscess or fistulas) also were separately analyzed. RESULTS: The hand-assisted laparoscopic (mode age, 57 years; 48 percent male) and laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (mode age, 56 years; 90 percent male) groups were similar with regard to age and gender. Overall, patients who underwent laparoscopic (n = 21) vs. hand-assisted laparoscopic (n = 21) sigmoidectomies had a significantly longer operative time (197 +/- 42 vs. 171 +/- 34 minutes, P = 0.04) and shorter incision length (5 +/- 2.1 vs. 9.3 +/- 4.1 cm, P = 0.0001). Patients with complicated diverticulitis (n = 14; abscess, colovesical fistula, enterocolic fistula) who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomies (n=4) had a significantly longer operative time compared with hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (n = 10) group (255 +/- 18 vs. 177 +/- 34 minutes, P = 0.001). Conversion rate for the laparoscopic group was significantly higher (3/4 vs. 1/10, P = 0.04, Fisher exact) when complicated diverticulitis was present. There were no differences in postoperative outcomes or incision lengths in the complicated group. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis are similar to those seen in the pure laparoscopic method, with lower conversion rates and shorter operative times. Hand-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis is an attractive alternative to a "pure" laparoscopic method in complicated cases.

Adult↗

Open donor, laparoscopic donor and hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a comparison of outcomes.

PURPOSE: In experienced hands laparoscopic surgery has been shown to be safe for procuring kidneys for transplantation that function identically to open nephrectomy controls. While searching for a safer and easier approach to laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, hand assisted laparoscopic techniques have been added to the surgical armamentarium. We compare allograft function in patients with greater than 1-year followup who underwent open donor (historic series), classic laparoscopic and hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of 48 patients who underwent open donor, laparoscopic donor or hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy were reviewed. Only patients with greater than 1-year followup and complete charts were included in our study. Of these patients 34 underwent consecutive laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy and 14 underwent open donor nephrectomy. Mean patient age plus or minus standard deviation (SD) was 36.5 +/- 8.4 years for donors and 29 +/- 17 for recipients at transplantation (range 13 months to 69 years). In the laparoscopic group 11 patients underwent the transperitoneal technique, and 23 underwent hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy. RESULTS: Total operating time was significantly reduced with the hand assisted laparoscopic technique compared with classic laparoscopy, as was the time from skin incision to kidney removal and warm ischemic time. Average warm ischemic time plus or minus SD was 3.9 +/- 0.3 minutes for laparoscopic nephrectomy and 1.6 +/- 0.2 for hand assisted laparoscopy (p <0.05). Long-term followup of serum creatinine levels revealed no significant differences among the 3 groups. Comparison of those levels for recipients of open nephrectomy versus laparoscopic and hand assisted laparoscopic techniques revealed p values greater than 0.5. No blood transfusions were necessary. Complications included adrenal vein injury in 1 patient, small bowel obstruction in 2, abdominal hernia at the trocar site in 1 and deep venous thrombosis in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Classic laparoscopic donor and hand assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies appear to be safe procedures for harvesting kidneys. The recipient graft function is similar in the laparoscopic and open surgery groups.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, but not rebanding, should be proposed as rescue procedure for patients with failed laparoscopic gastric banding.

OBJECTIVE: To define whether laparoscopic rebanding or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass represents the best approach for failed laparoscopic gastric banding in patients with morbid obesity. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Countless laparoscopic gastric bandings have been implanted during the recent years worldwide. Despite excellent short-term results, long-term failures and complications have been reported in more than 20% of patients. Which rescue procedures should be used remains controversial. Therefore, we analyzed our experience with the use of laparoscopic rebanding versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after failed gastric banding. METHODS: Using a prospectively collected database, we analyzed the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of laparoscopic rebanding versus laparoscopic conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass after failed laparoscopic gastric banding. RESULTS A total of 62 consecutive patients were treated in our institution between May 1995 and December 2002 for failed primary laparoscopic gastric banding, including 30 laparoscopic rebandings and 32 laparoscopic conversions to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Rebandings were preferably done during the initial period of the study and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the last period. Both groups were comparable before the initial banding procedures. At the time of redo surgery, patients receiving a gastric bypass had more esophageal dysmotility (47% vs. 7%, P = 0.002) and higher body mass index (BMI) than those elected for rebanding procedures (BMI 42.0 vs. 38.4 kg/m2, P = 0.015). Feasibility and safety: Each procedure was performed laparoscopically. Mean operating time was 215 minutes for gastric bypass and 173 minutes for rebanding (P = 0.03). Early complications occurred in one case in the rebanding group and in 2 cases in the bypass group; all underwent a laparoscopic reexploration without the need for open surgery. There was no mortality in this series. Effectiveness: BMI in the gastric bypass group decreased from 42.0 to 31.8 kg/m2 (P = 0.02) within 1 year of surgery, while it remained unchanged in the rebanding group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic conversion to a gastric bypass as well as laparoscopic rebanding are feasible and safe. Conversion to gastric bypass offers a significant advantage in terms of further weight loss after surgery. Therefore, this procedure should be considered as the rescue therapy of choice after a failed laparoscopic gastric banding.

Adult↗

Hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy: comparison to standard laparoscopic nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We report our initial experience with hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, and compare it to our results of standard laparoscopic nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of 21 hand assisted and standard laparoscopic nephrectomies (15 simple and 4 radical nephrectomies, and 2 nephroureterectomies) were reviewed. Hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed with a hand placed intra-abdominally using the Pneumo Sleeve,* in addition to standard laparoscopic instruments manipulated through laparoscopic ports. Standard laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed using laparoscopic instruments alone. Perioperative data were recorded and questionnaires, including visual analog pain scales, were administered prospectively to 17 of 21 cases. RESULTS: The average operative time for 13 hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomies was 240 minutes, which was significantly less than the 325-minute average for 8 standard laparoscopic nephrectomies (p = 0.04). Major complications tended to be more frequent in the standard group (38 versus 8%, p = 0.10). Hospital stay, return to normal activity and corrected 2-week abdominal/flank pain score in the hand assisted group (3.1 days, 14 days and 0.8, respectively) were not significantly different from the standard group (3.0 days, 10 days and 0.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to standard laparoscopic techniques, hand assistance appears to facilitate the operative speed and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy without sacrificing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Hand assistance may make laparoscopic nephrectomy more appealing to urologists without advanced laparoscopic experience, may facilitate the laparoscopic management of demanding pathological conditions and is particularly useful when intact specimens are required. Hand assistance, by improving manipulative ability and tactile sense, is helpful for select cases of laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Adolescent↗

Prospective audit of the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the west of Scotland. West of Scotland Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Audit Group.

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly developed in the treatment of gall bladder disease in the absence of controlled clinical trial data its outcome parameters compared with open cholecystectomy remain unclear. A prospective audit of the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the west of Scotland over a two year period was carried out to attempt to assess this new procedure. A total of 45 surgeons in 19 hospitals performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy submitted prospective data from September 1990-1992. A total of 2285 cholecystectomies were audited (a completed data collection rate of 99%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 1683 (74%) patients and completed in 1448 patients (median conversion rate to the open procedure 17%). The median operation time in the completed laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients was 100 minutes (range 30-330) and overall hospital stay three days (1-33). There were nine deaths (0.5%) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy although only two were directly attributable to the laparoscopic procedure. In the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group there were 99 complications (5.9%), 53 (3%) of these were major requiring further invasive intervention. Forty patients (2.4%) required early or delayed laparotomy for major complications such as bleeding or bile duct injuries. There were 11 (0.7%) bile duct injuries in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy series, five were noted during the initial procedure and six were recognised later resulting from jaundice or bile leaks. Ductal injuries occurred after a median of 20 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. In conclusion laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly replaced open cholecystectomy in the treatment of gall bladder disease. Although the overall death and complication rate associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy is similar to open cholecystectomy, the bile duct injury rate is higher.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic ultrasonography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effectiveness of laparoscopic ultrasonography in demonstrating biliary anatomy, confirming suspected pathology, and detecting unsuspected pathology. METHODS: Laparoscopic ultrasonography was performed on 48 patients (17 M:31 M) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. An Aloka 7.5-MHz linear laparoscopic ultrasound transducer was used for scanning. RESULTS: Gallbladder stones were confirmed by laparoscopic ultrasonography in all patients and unsuspected pathology was found in five patients. Two patients were found to have common bile duct stones by laparoscopic ultrasonography and this was confirmed by laparoscopic cholangiography. Laparoscopic ultrasound was found to be helpful during dissection in four patients, particularly in a patient with Mirizzi syndrome. The entire common bile duct was visualized by laparoscopic ultrasonography in 40 patients but was poorly seen in eight patients. The mean time taken for the examination was 9 min (range 4-18 min). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ultrasound is useful during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic "drilling" by diathermy or laser for ovulation induction in anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Problems in inducing ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and anovulation (failure to ovulate) are well recognised. Surgical ovarian wedge resection was the first established treatment for anovulatory PCOS patients but was largely abandoned of the risk of post-surgical adhesion formation. It was replaced by medical ovulation induction with clomiphene and gonadotrophins. However patients with PCOS treated with gonadotrophins often have a polyfollicular response and are exposed to the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancy. Although effective, it is an expensive, stressful and time consuming form of treatment requiring intensive monitoring. A new surgical therapy, laparoscopic ovarian "drilling", may avoid or reduce the need, or facilitate the use, of gonadotrophins for inducing ovulation. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis with less trauma and fewer postoperative adhesions. It has been claimed in many uncontrolled observational studies that it is followed, at least temporarily, by a high rate of spontaneous postoperative ovulation and conception, or that subsequent medical ovulation induction becomes easier. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic ovarian drilling for ovulation induction in subfertile women with anovulation (failure to ovulate) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). SEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy of the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group was used for the identification of randomised controlled trials (RCTS). A computerised MEDLINE search was used to identify non randomised controlled trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Trials were eligible for inclusion if treatment consisted of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in order to induce ovulation in subfertile women with PCOS and compared with a concurrent control group. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Fourteen trials were identified; eight were included in the review of which seven were randomised. All trials were assessed for quality criteria. The main studied outcomes were ovulation and pregnancy rates. Miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and incidence of overstimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome rate were secondary outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: With the exception of multiple pregnancy rates no differences were demonstrated for any of the interventions studied but the numbers of patients who have been randomised to controlled studies at this time is insufficient to conclude that laparoscopic ovarian drilling is more effective than gonadotrophin therapy for other outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The value of laparoscopic ovarian drilling as a primary treatment for subfertile patients with anovulation (failure to ovulate) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is undetermined. There is insufficient evidence to determine a difference in ovulation or pregnancy rates when compared to gonadotrophin therapy as a secondary treatment for clomiphene resistant women. Multiple pregnancy rates are reduced in those women who conceive following laparoscopic drilling. None of the studied modalities of drilling technique had any obvious advantages.

Anovulation↗

Successful transfer of open surgical skills to a laparoscopic environment using a robotic interface: initial experience with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: For a skilled laparoscopic surgeon the learning curve for achieving proficiency with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is estimated at 40 to 60 cases. For the laparoscopically naïve surgeon the curve is estimated at 80 to 100 cases. The development of a robotic interface might significantly shorten the LRP learning curve for an experienced open yet naïve laparoscopic surgeon. To our knowledge we report the initial experience with robot assisted LRP of a surgeon without laparoscopic experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following a 1-day da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, California) robotic laparoscopic training course and 2 cadaveric robotic LRPs an experienced oncologist (TEA) without laparoscopic experience performed 45 robotic LRPs. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically with no rectal injuries or transfusions. The learning curve to 4-hour proficiency was 12 patients and mean operating time subsequently was 3.45 hours (range 2.5 to 5.1). Mean blood loss was 145 cc (range 25 to 350), the mean postoperative day 1 decrease in hemoglobin was 2.6 mg/dl (range 1.9% to 5.1) and mean hospital stay was 36 hours (range 18 to 168). Mean Gleason score was 6.8, mean prostate volume was 50.5 gm (range 12.5 to 163) and the margin positive rate was 35.5%. Four patients (8.8%) had a total of 6 complications, which were managed conservatively. Catheterization time was 7 days (range 7 to 42). Continence (0 pads) was 33% at 1 week, 63% at 1 month and 81% at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopically naïve yet experienced open surgeon successfully transferred open surgical skills to a laparoscopic environment in 8 to 12 cases using a robotic interface. This outcome is comparable to the reported experience of skilled laparoscopic surgeons after more than 100 LRPs.

Aged↗

Laparoscopic management of bile duct and bowel injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Accidental injuries to the bile duct and bowel are significant risks of laparoscopic surgery and sometimes require conversion to open surgery. Although some of the injuries related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be managed by endoscopic techniques, laparoscopic surgery is not yet sufficiently perfected. We investigated the efficacy of laparoscopic management combined with endoscopic tube or stent insertion in cases of bile duct and bowel injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted on 1,190 consecutive patients between April 1992 and June 1999. The first 70 patients underwent only preoperative intravenous infusion cholangiography (IVC), and the remaining 1,120 patients were subjected to both preoperative IVC and intraoperative cholangiography. We experienced 16 cases of bile duct injury (1.4%). Five patients with circumferential injuries of the bile duct were converted to open surgery for biliary reconstruction. The other 11 patients with partial laceration injuries of the bile duct and biliary leakage from the cystic duct underwent a laparoscopic simple closure technique. In 10 of these patients, an endoscopic tube or stent was inserted on the day after surgery to facilitate biliary decompression and drainage. Bowel injuries occurred in seven patients (0.6%). Three intestinal injuries were due to careless technique, and two duodenal injuries and two intestinal injuries were related to dense adhesions. All of these injuries were successfully repaired using laparoscopic techniques, autosuturing devices, or extracorporeal suturing via the umbilical incision. No postoperative complications were identified. We concluded that the biliary injury site could be closed with a laparoscopic technique so long as the biliary injury was not circumferential. Bowel injuries also could be repaired laparoscopically.

Adolescent↗

[Comparison of laparoscopic ultrasound and cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Results of a prospective study].

AIM: Prospective evaluation of the results of laparoscopic ultrasound and cholangiography to investigate choledocholithiasis and detect variations in biliary anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. METHODS: The biliary trees of 600 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were routinely explored by laparoscopic ultrasound and cholangiography. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ultrasound was performed in all 600 cases. Cholangiography was performed in 498 (83%). Laparoscopic ultrasound required less time than cholangiography: 10.2 minutes versus 17.9 minutes (P=0.0001). Common bile duct stones were detected intraoperatively in 40 cases (7%). Both methods were equally effective. The sensitivity of laparoscopic ultrasound was 80% and its specificity 99%. For cholangiography these values were 75% and 98% respectively. For laparoscopic ultrasound, false positives and false negatives were noted in the first 45 cases of individual trainees. Nevertheless, cholangiography showed 30 anatomical anomalies and laparoscopic ultrasound only 15. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ultrasound can be performed rapidly and in all cases. Results are comparable to cholangiography in the detection of common duct stones. Individual training is necessary to optimize efficacy. Anatomical anomalies are often missed.

Adult↗

New development of laparoscopic ultrasound and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in the management of patients with cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of laparoscopic ultrasonography (USG) in combination with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in the management of patients with cervical carcinoma. METHODS: A technique for detecting pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases through laparoscopic USG was developed. Laparoscopic USG was done prior to pelvic lymphadenectomy performed either laparoscopically or by laparotomy. Laparoscopic USG findings were compared with pathologic findings. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of laparoscopic USG in detecting pelvic lymph node metastases were 91 and 100%, respectively. Metastatic pelvic lymph nodes could be completely removed through laparoscopes in 7 of 11 patients, with no complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic USG is highly sensitive in detecting metastatic pelvic lymph nodes. Detection and removal of metastatic pelvic lymph nodes laparoscopically allow quick recovery from the operation and early commencement of radiotherapy.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis. Results of a multicenter study. Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group.

BACKGROUND: In the large bowel, resection of the sigmoid colon is the most commonly performed laparoscopic intervention because large bowel lesions often are located in this part of the bowel and the procedure technically is the most favorable one. A number of publications involving case series or the results of highly experienced individual surgeons already have confirmed the feasibility of laparoscopic resection in cases of diverticulitis. The aim of the present prospective multicentric investigation was to check the results obtained by a large number of surgeons performing laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon for diverticulitis in various stages of severity. RESULTS: Between January 8, 1995 and January 1, 1998, the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group recruited 1,118 patients to the prospective multicenter study. Diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, which accounted for 304 cases, was the most common indication for laparoscopic intervention. In most of these patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery (81.9%), the diverticulitis manifested as acute phlegmonous peridiverticulitis, recurrent attacks of inflammation, or stenosis. Complicated forms of diverticulitis in Hinchey stages I to IV and late complications of chronic diverticular disease with fistula formation and bleeding accounted for only 18.1% of the cases. For the overall group, the conversion rate was 7.2%. Patients with less severe diverticulitis (i.e., those presenting with peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation) had a conversion rate of 4.8% and the rate for complicated cases was 18.2%. Regarding laparoscopically completed interventions, 3 of 282 patients died (1.1%). In the group of patients with peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation the overall complication rate was 14.8%. The group with perforated diverticulitis in Hinchey stages I to IV or those with fistula and bleeding, the corresponding rate was 28.9%, and after conversion it was 31.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colorectal interventions in sigmoid diverticulitis are, for the most part, carried out as elective procedures for peridiverticulitis, stenosis, or recurrent attacks of inflammation. The conversion, complication, and mortality rates associated with these interventions are acceptable. Laparoscopic procedures in Hinchey stages I to IV sigmoid diverticulitis and in the presence of fistula and bleeding are more likely to be associated with complications, and should be carried out only by highly experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Diverticulitis, Colonic↗

Intraoperative laparoscopic renal ultrasonography: use in advanced laparoscopic renal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the use of intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography (ILUS) in complex renal surgery, as well its impact on management. ILUS has been used to facilitate advanced laparoscopic surgery, but only limited descriptions of the indications for its use have been published. METHODS: All patients undergoing laparoscopic renal procedures requiring ILUS from October 2001 to March 2005 were reviewed. A total of 50 cases, including 35 partial nephrectomies, cryoablation of 6 renal tumors, 6 radical nephrectomies, 2 perinephric explorations, and 1 resection of a renal artery aneurysm were assessed by ILUS. RESULTS: The average tumor size in the patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was 3.1 cm (range 1.4 to 8.0), and all margins were negative. Also, a previously unidentified satellite lesion was found in 1 patient. ILUS was essential in assessing iceball formation during laparoscopic renal cryotherapy. ILUS also proved useful in defining the anatomy during laparoscopic perinephric exploration, assessing renal vein thrombi during laparoscopic nephrectomy, and evaluating renal perfusion during laparoscopic renal artery aneurysm repair. CONCLUSIONS: ILUS can be extremely useful in advanced laparoscopic renal surgery. In a number of situations, it is an essential surgical tool. With expanding indications for laparoscopic surgery, the indications for ILUS continue to grow.

Adult↗

Conversions and complications of laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Formation for the Development of Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Group.

BACKGROUND: It is now known that laparoscopic surgery is associated with less discomfort and less pain during the patient's postoperative course. Laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is technically feasible. The advantages of this minimally invasive surgical route seem well adapted to a basically functional surgery. However, it is important to know whether laparoscopic access adds a specific risk to this type of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective survey was conducted among members of the Formation for the Development of Laparoscopic Surgery (FDCL) group during 1993. A form was filled in anonymously for each patient who had had either a conversion or a postoperative complication following a laparoscopic procedure for GERD. Items concerned preoperative workup, technical details of surgery, and postoperative course. Another form was used to ascertain how many surgical procedures for GERD had been performed during the same period, either laparoscopically or via an elective laparotomy. Nineteen surgeons from the FDCL group took part in the study. From 1991 to 1993, 758 patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure for GERD, while during the same period 38 patients underwent an elective laparotomy. RESULTS: In the laparoscopic group, there were 294 Nissen, 334 Nissen-Rossetti, and 106 Toupet procedures, and 24 Angelchik prosthesis placements. No deaths occurred. The operation had to be converted to an open procedure in 32 cases (4.2% conversion rate). In 7 cases the conversion was due to an intraoperative complication, whereas in 25 cases the conversion was done because of technical difficulties. In 6 cases an intraoperative complication was treated laparoscopically without conversion. Thirty post-operative complications were recorded (morbidity 4%), leading to a reoperation in 12 cases. Five major complications were observed: 2 esophageal perforations, 2 gastric perforations, and 1 bowel perforation. CONCLUSION: These results compare favorably with those of open surgery and suggest that laparoscopic treatment of GERD is as safe as open surgery when performed by a surgeon experienced in laparoscopy.

Chi-Square Distribution↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy as an alternative to traditional laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy.

The benefits of laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (LDN) are well described, while similar data on hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (HALDN) are lacking. We compare hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy with open donor nephrectomy. One hundred consecutive hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (10/98-8/01) donor/recipient pairs were compared to 50 open donor nephrectomy pairs (8/97-1/00). Mean donor weights were similar (179.6 +/- 40.8 vs. 167.4 +/- 30.3 lb; p = NS), while donor age was greater among hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (38.2 +/- 9.5 vs. 31.2 +/- 7.8 year; p < 0.01). Right nephrectomies was fewer in hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy [17/100 (17%) vs. 22/50 (44%); p < 0.05]. Operative time for hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (3.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.5 h; p < 0.01) was longer; however, return to diet (6.9 +/- 2.8 vs. 25.6 +/- 6.1 h; p < 0.01), narcotics requirement (17.9 +/- 6.3 vs. 56.3 +/- 6.4h; p < 0.01) and length of stay (51.7 +/- 22.2 vs. 129.6 +/- 65.7 h; p < 0.01) were less than open donor nephrectomy. Costs were similar ($11072 vs. 10840). Graft function and 1-week Cr of 1.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.6 +/- 1.1 g/dL (p = NS) were similar. With the introduction of HALDN, our laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy program has increased by 20%. Thus, similar to traditional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy provides advantages over open donor nephrectomy without increasing costs.

Activities of Daily Living↗