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Biomedical subjects

G B Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to G B Thompson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Can adrenal incidentalomas be safely observed?

We currently recommend excision of adrenal incidentalomas > or = 4 cm in size and all hormonally active tumors. The optimal management and follow-up of smaller nonfunctioning tumors are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of a well defined population of patients with incidentalomas followed without operative intervention. The study group comprised 231 patients, identified from the records of abdominal or thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans performed between 1985 and 1989. The primary outcome variable analyzed was survival. Follow-up was obtained by office records, telephone contact, or letter. There were 101 male and 130 female patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 64 years (range 5-86 years). Most adrenal tumors were unilateral (right 113; left 98); 20 were bilateral. Mean tumor size was 2 cm (range 1-6 cm). In nine (4%) patients the tumor was > or = 4 cm. Follow-up [mean 7 years; range 1 month (patient died) to 11.7 years] was complete in 224 (97%) patients. Ninety-one (39%) patients had one or more additional CT scans performed during the follow-up period, with only four patients demonstrating a > 1 cm increase in the size of the adrenal mass. Surgical excision of these four lesions identified benign pathology. Eighty-one (35%) patients died of conditions unrelated to adrenal pathology. No patient developed subsequent adrenal hyperfunction or adrenal malignancy. Within the context of our guidelines, conservative management of adrenal incidentalomas considered benign or nonfunctioning at diagnosis is appropriate. Additional information provided by repeat CT scanning appears to confer limited benefit. This study does not support laparoscopic removal of small, nonfunctional adrenal tumors, as has been suggested.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic versus open posterior adrenalectomy: comparison of acute-phase response and wound healing in the cushingoid porcine model.

This prospective randomized study examined the acute-phase response and wound healing, comparing laparoscopic (LA) and open posterior (PA) adrenalectomy in a cushingoid porcine model. Repository corticotropin gel was given to 40 pigs for 21 days. Biochemical and tissue parameters of Cushing syndrome were confirmed. The pigs were randomized to undergo LA or PA. In addition to operating time and morbidity, the acute-phase response was compared by measuring the postoperative white blood cell count, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein, and nitrogen balance. Wound healing was assessed by (1) scored (1-4) gross appearance at 48 hours and 1 and 2 weeks; (2) histologic examination; and (3) tensile strength. There was no difference in operating time (mean +/- SD) (36 +/- 9 minutes open vs. 37 +/- 7 minutes laparoscopic), perioperative mortality, degree of leukocytosis, fasting glucose, or C-reactive protein (p > 0.05). Nitrogen balance, wound scores, and tensile strength at 24 hours and 1 week were more favorable in the LA group than in the PA group (p < 0.05). In the cushingoid porcine model, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was less catabolic and was associated with fewer wound complications than the open posterior adrenalectomy. These findings provide support for continued pursuit of laparoscopic methods for adrenalectomy in the clinical setting.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

Indications, technique, and efficacy of alcohol injection of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous alcohol ablation of the parathyroid gland (PAAP) has been proposed as an alternative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism in patients unsuitable for surgery. The current study aimed to determine the (1) selection criteria, (2) associated morbidity, and (3) efficacy of PAAP. METHODS: From 1987 to 1998, 36 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (mean age 65 years) underwent PAAP. The indications for PAAP were (1) medical comorbidity, (2) technically unsafe reoperative surgery, (3) partial ablation of a single remaining gland, and (4) patient choice. RESULTS: There were no long-term complications. Two patients had temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and 4 had temporary hypocalcemia. Over a median follow-up of 16 months, 12 (33%) of the patients remained eucalcemic. For analysis purposes patients were separated into 2 separate groups: 29 with attempted complete ablation and 7 with partial ablation of a single remaining gland only. Ten of the complete ablation group (34%) remained eucalcemic. In the partial ablation group only 2 remained eucalcemic, but all had adequately controlled serum calcium levels. CONCLUSION: PAAP should be considered for hyperparathyroid patients with excessive reoperative morbidity or prohibitive medical comorbidity or those in whom the intent is to partially ablate a single remaining enlarged gland. In these patients close follow-up of serum calcium is required, and repeat treatments may be necessary because recurrence of hypercalcemia is likely.

Adult↗

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide secreting islet cell tumors: a 15-year experience and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-secreting tumors of the pancreas represent a rare subtype of pancreatic islet cell tumors with an estimated incidence of 0.2 to 0.5 per million per year. We provide data on a relatively large series of patients with VIP-secreting tumors and review current literature regarding this specific entity. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with VIP-secreting tumors of the pancreas treated from 1977 to 1992 at our institution. Presenting signs, symptoms, mode of diagnosis, extent of disease, surgical resectability, tumor size, treatments, hormone levels, and survival were assessed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified, 9 male and 9 female. Ages ranged from 23 to 74 years (mean 51 years). Secretory diarrhea was the most common symptom, occurring in 16 of 18 patients (89%). The most common tumor location was the tail of the pancreas (9 patients). Fourteen patients (78%) had liver metastasis at diagnosis. Curative resections were attempted in only 5 patients (28%). The mean survival was 3.6 years with the longest disease-free survival being 15 years and longest overall survival 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: VIP-secreting tumors are extremely rare entities and usually metastatic at the time of diagnosis. Despite advanced disease, these patients can have extended survival.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Expression of p27kip1 and Ki-67 in benign and malignant thyroid tumors.

Thyroid neoplasms represent a broad spectrum of tumors with different biologic behaviors. The majority of these tumors can be readily diagnosed by characteristic histopathologic features, but the distinction between follicular adenomas and follicular carcinomas can be difficult. Recent studies with cell cycle proteins such as p27kip1 (p27), a cell cycle inhibitory protein, and Ki-67, a proliferation marker, suggest that these markers might be useful in predicting the behavior of various neoplasms. We analyzed 95 thyroid lesions (16 follicular adenomas, 23 follicular carcinomas, 22 papillary carcinomas, 27 anaplastic carcinomas, plus 7 non-neoplastic thyroids [NNTs], used as a control group) for expression of p27 and Ki-67 by immunostaining. The distribution of immunoreactivity was analyzed by quantifying nuclear staining in each case without knowledge of the diagnosis or outcome. Clinical history and follow-up information were obtained by chart review. There were significant differences in the expression of p27 between follicular adenomas (labeling index [LI] = 47.9+/-5.6) and follicular carcinomas (LI = 15.7+/-2.0). Papillary carcinomas (LI = 11.6+/-3.0) and anaplastic carcinomas (LI = 9.4+/-1.7) had p27 LIs similar to that of follicular carcinomas; the NNT group had the highest p27 LI (74.1+/-4.9). The Ki-67 LI of anaplastic carcinomas (57.6+/-3.8) was more than threefold greater than that of any other group. Logistic regression showed that p27 was effective in distinguishing follicular adenomas from follicular carcinomas (P = .0056) and that Ki-67 could also distinguish follicular adenomas from follicular carcinomas (P = .0060). Analysis of follicular carcinomas with and without metastases showed significantly higher expression of Ki-67 in patients with metastases (P = .0019). These results indicate that antibodies to p27 and Ki-67 might be useful in distinguishing between thyroid neoplasms that are difficult to diagnose by the usual histopathologic criteria.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

Unilateral total lobectomy: is it sufficient surgical treatment for patients with AMES low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Controversy continues regarding the optimal extent of primary thyroid resection in most patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), who are at minimal risk of cause-specific mortality (CSM). This study was designed to compare CSM and recurrence rates after either unilateral lobectomy (UL) or bilateral lobar resection (BLR) in patients with PTC considered low risk by AMES criteria. METHODS: Outcome was studied in 1685 patients initially treated during 1940 through 1991 and followed for up to 54 postoperative years (mean, 18 years). One thousand six hundred fifty-six patients (98%) had complete primary tumor resection; 634 (38%) had involvement of regional nodes. One hundred ninety-five patients (12%) had UL; BLR accounted for 1468 (near-total 60%; total thyroidectomy 18%). RESULTS: Thirty-year rates for CSM and distant metastasis were 2% and 3%, respectively. Twenty-year rates for local recurrence and nodal metastasis were 4% and 8%, respectively. There were no significant differences in CSM or distant metastasis rates between UL and BLR (P > .2). After UL, 20-year rates for local recurrence and nodal metastasis were 14% and 19%, significantly higher (P = .0001) than the 2% and 6% rates seen after BLR. CONCLUSIONS: UL was not associated with higher CSM rates, but it was associated with a significantly higher risk of locoregional recurrence. Thus BLR probably represents a preferable initial surgical approach to patients with low-risk PTC.

Adult↗

Follicular and Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasms. Is frozen-section evaluation worthwhile?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether (1) frozen-section (FS) evaluation of follicular and Hürthle cell thyroid neoplasms (FHCNs) is accurate, (2) FS aids in intraoperative decision-making, and (3) FS is cost-effective. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patient histories and FS and paraffin-embedded slides. Permanent histologic sections were considered the standard criterion. Follow-up was achieved in 92% of patients with a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing thyroidectomy for a suspected FHCN between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 1994. Patients included were those whose condition was diagnosed as FHCN, either on FS, permanent histologic sections, or both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of FS analysts were determined. Total adjusted hospital charges were compared for those undergoing 1 vs 2 cancer operations. Multivariate analyses were carried out to determine the optimal predictive model for follicular cancer. RESULTS: The study group included 1023 patients (737 women and 286 men), of whom 83 (8.1%) were diagnosed as having a malignant FHCN on permanent section. The diagnosis of malignant neoplasm was correctly established in 65 (78%) of the 83 patients on FS, thereby permitting definitive surgical management at the first operation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for FS diagnosis of malignant FHCN were 78%, 99%, 90%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, FS was the most significant variable predictive of malignant neoplasm. Approximately $400,000 was saved in hospital charges by the use of FS as a result of the elimination of many 2-stage operations. CONCLUSION: Frozen-section evaluation of FHCN can be performed with a high degree of accuracy, permitting considerable cost savings.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Laparoscopic colectomy shortens postoperative ileus in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: Proponents of laparoscopic colectomy claim a more rapid return of gastrointestinal function, but objective data supporting this contention are lacking. Our aim was to compare the duration of delay in gastrointestinal transit after total laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted, and open colonic resection. METHODS: Thirty-nine female dogs were assigned to three groups: group 1, laparoscopic colectomy; group 2, laparoscopic-assisted colectomy; and group 3, open colectomy. Transit studies were performed before operation and on days 1, 2, 3, and 5 after a mid-descending colectomy with end-to-end anastomosis. Gastric emptying of liquids and small bowel transit of liquids were determined by means of radionuclide techniques. Gastric emptying of solids and colonic transit were measured by following transit of radiopaque spheres instilled into the stomach and proximal colon, respectively. RESULTS: With each dog as its own control, gastric emptying returned to preoperative values by 2 days in group 1, 3 days in group 2, and 5 days in group 3. Small bowel transit returned to preoperative values on day 3 for groups 1 and 2 and on day 5 for group 3. Gastric emptying of solids and colonic transit returned to preoperative values on day 3 for group 1 and on day 5 for groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: These observations show that laparoscopic resection techniques in this canine model resulted in a more rapid return to normal gastrointestinal transit compared with open colectomy.

Animals↗

Is familial hyperparathyroidism a unique disease?

BACKGROUND: Familial hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition reported to behave more aggressively than sporadic hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: A retrospective (1975 to 1995) analysis was performed on 30 such patients. All patients had at least one first-degree relative with surgically treated hyperparathyroidism and no personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia. RESULTS: There were 19 women and 11 men with a mean age of 39 years (range, 13 to 78 years). Fourteen patients (47%) had nephrolithiasis. The mean serum calcium level was 11.6 mg/dl (range, 10.5 to 15.3 mg/dl). Twenty-three primary and 15 repeat explorations (eight recurrent and seven persistent disease) were performed during the study period. Follow-up was obtained on all patients and ranged from 1 to 21 years (mean, 12 years). At the conclusion of the study, hypercalcemia (five recurrent and one persistent) was present in six patients (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Familial hyperparathyroidism is a distinct and unique entity. Patients are diagnosed at a young age and have a high incidence of nephrolithiasis. Long-term follow-up is mandatory because of the high incidence of both recurrent and persistent hyperparathyroidism. Surgical treatment should include subtotal parathyroidectomy and routine transcervical thymectomy performed in centers with experience in the management of multiple-gland parathyroid disease.

Adolescent↗

The current role of parathyroid cryopreservation and autotransplantation in parathyroid surgery: an institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Hypoparathyroidism after cervical exploration is a rare but problematic complication. Cryopreservation and subsequent autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue are infrequently used to combat this problem; effective usage of this surgical adjunct remains variable. METHODS: From 1981 through 1995 we performed 3080 cervical explorations for hyperparathyroidism. Cryopreservation was performed in 112 (3.6%) patients. This review evaluates our indications and usage of cryopreservation and autotransplantation and the eventual outcome after autotransplantation. RESULTS: Of 81 women and 31 men, 106 (95%) had undergone previous exploration for hyperparathyroidism or thyroid disease. The primary indication for cryopreservation was uncertainty about the viability and number of remaining parathyroid glands. After operation 23 patients (20%) were permanently hypocalcemic and became autotransplantation candidates. Thirteen patients underwent a total of 15 autotransplantations (median postoperative interval, 7 months). Although 6 of 15 grafts (40%) were shown to secrete parathyroid hormone, only three patients (23%) were normocalcemic without supplemental therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Cryopreservation with autotransplantation is in theory a sound but difficult practice to correct postexploration hypocalcemia. The principal indication for cryopreservation is the uncertainty regarding the status of remaining normal parathyroid tissue. Because we cannot predict postexploration hypocalcemia, cryopreservation plays a small but sometimes integral role in parathyroid surgery. Indications for cryopreservation in our practice are rare, and the rate of cryopreservation tissue usage is low.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic versus open posterior adrenalectomy: a case-control study of 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: Few controlled studies have compared laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy (LA) to conventional open posterior adrenalectomy (PA). METHODS: Five patients have undergone successful LA at our institution between 1992 and 1996. A matched case-control study of 50 PA patients was performed during a similar time period. RESULTS: Follow-up was complete in 82% of patients with a mean follow-up time of 25 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the LA and PA groups with regard to the following demographic features: age, gender, endocrine disorder, side and size of tumor, and body habitus. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), however, were present (LA vs PA) when we compared the following results: mean hospital stay (3.1 versus 5.7 days), narcotic equivalents (28 versus 48), return to normal activity (3.8 versus 7 weeks), patient satisfaction (9 versus 7 [scale 1 to 10, 10 being most satisfied]), late morbidity (0 versus 54%), and operating room time (167 versus 127 minutes). Median hospital charges ($7,000 versus $6,000) were slightly higher in the LA group (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although LA is technically more demanding and slightly more expensive to perform, advances appear to exist for LA with regard to patient comfort, patient satisfaction, hospital stay, and return to normal daily activities. Late incisional complications are dramatically less in the LA group.

Adrenalectomy↗

Adrenalectomy for metastatic disease to the adrenal glands.

A policy of supportive treatment is frequently adopted for patients with metastatic disease to the adrenal glands. This study reports an experience with adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis. Between 1983 and 1993, adrenalectomy was performed in 52 patients for metastasis to the adrenal glands. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log rank test. Primary tumour sites included kidney (n = 15), lung (n = 11), colon (n = 7), unknown (n = 5), stomach (n = 3), melanoma (n = 3) and other (n = 8). Adenocarcinoma (69 per cent) was the most common histological cell type. Thirty-two patients were asymptomatic on initial evaluation. Symptomatic adrenal pain relief was achieved in 11 of 13 patients. Overall survival rates were 73 per cent at 1 year and 40 per cent at 2 years. Patients with potentially curative resection had better survival than those who had a palliative procedure. Patients with adrenal metastases due to adenocarcinoma had improved survival compared with that in those with other histological cell types. Although long-term survival is generally poor, highly selected patients with adrenal metastasis (symptomatic disease or adenocarcinoma) may benefit from surgical resection.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas.

Islet cell carcinoma (ICC) of the pancreas is a rare, indolent malignancy associated with higher resectability rate and better survival than ductal carcinoma. This retrospective study presents results of surgical treatment from a single institution. From 1985 through 1993 a total of 64 patients (36 men, 28 women) were surgically treated for ICC. Ages ranged from 22 to 80 years (median 55 years) with a median postoperative follow-up of 39 months (range 10-97 months). Of the 64 patients, 30 (47%) had functioning and 34 (53%) nonfunctioning tumors. Gastrinoma (n = 11) followed by glucagonoma (n = 6) and insulinoma (n = 4) were the most common functioning tumors. In the patients undergoing a laboratory study, 67% of the nonfunctioning tumors had elevated peptide hormone levels. Potentially curative resections were performed in 17 patients (26%), palliative procedures in 35 (55%), and exploratory laparotomy alone in 12 (19%). One patient (2%) died within 30 days after operation. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 96% of patients with a mean duration of 22 months. Three- and five-year survivals were 66% and 49%, respectively. In patients with curative resection, the disease-free survival at 3 years was 53% (95% CI: 32-86%). The presence of diffuse hepatic metastases was a predictor of poor survival at 3 years (74% versus 58%;p = 0.05); there was no statistically significant difference in survival between functioning and nonfunctioning groups (p > 0.1). Although curative resection for ICC is rare, meaningful palliation can be achieved in most patients with rare mortality and acceptable morbidity.

Adult↗

Proximal gastric vagotomy. Comparison between open and laparoscopic methods in the canine model.

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared open and laparoscopic proximal gastric vagotomies for efficacy of acid reduction and preservation of gastric emptying. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic methods have been used to perform vagotomy in patients with duodenal ulcer; however, no direct comparisons are available of laparoscopic and open surgical procedures regarding acid reduction and gastric emptying. METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive dogs were randomized to open proximal gastric vagotomy (OPGV; n = 11), laparoscopic anterior seromyotomy and posterior truncal vagotomy (ASPTV; n = 10), or laparoscopic proximal gastric vagotomy (LPGV; n = 10). Intraoperative endoscopic Congo red testing assured complete vagotomy. Basal acid output (BAO) and maximal acid output (MAO) during pentagastrin and insulin-induced hypoglycemia were measured with marker dilution techniques, and gastric emptying was assessed with radionuclide-labelled solid and liquid markers before and 5 weeks after operation. RESULTS: Operative time (mean +/- standard error of the mean) for OPGV was shorter compared with ASPTV and LPGV (86 +/- 7 minutes vs. 124 +/- 7 minutes and 115 +/- 7 minutes; p < 0.002). Postoperative BAO did not decrease in any group. Open proximal gastric vagotomy and LPGV, but not ASPTV, decreased MAO (p < 0.05); (after pentagastrin, OPGV from 26.4 +/- 1.7 mEq/hour to 11.3 +/- 0.1 mEq/hour, LPGV from 21.4 +/- 1.0 mEq/hour to 6.4 +/- 0.5 mEq/hour; after insulin-induced hypoglycemia, OPGV from 9.9 +/- 0.5 mEq/hour to 2.2 +/- 0.3 mEq/hour, LPGV from 7.9 +/- 0.5 mEq/hour to 1.9 +/- 0.4 mEq/hour). Gastric emptying of liquids and solids, as quantitated by the time for one half of the marker to empty (T 1/2) and the shape of the emptying curve, were similar before and after all three surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic proximal gastric vagotomy was comparable to OPGV in decreasing stimulated gastric acid production without significantly altering gastric emptying. Anterior seromyotomy and posterior truncal vagotomy was less effective in decreasing MAO and required more operative time. Laparoscopic proximal gastric vagotomy has the potential to become accepted therapy for patients with duodenal ulcer managed presently with OPGV.

Animals↗

Primary aldosteronism: adrenal venous sampling.

BACKGROUND: In primary aldosteronism, high-resolution adrenal computed tomography (CT) increasingly identifies subtle anatomic abnormalities. To interpret the functional significance of adrenal micronodular changes on CT scan, we have reevaluated selective adrenal venous sampling. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with primary aldosteronism were selected prospectively for adrenal venous sampling on the basis of CT findings: normal findings or minimal thickening of an adrenal limb (n = 15), unilateral microadenoma (n = 6), bilateral adrenal nodules (n = 9), or atypical unilateral adrenal macroadenoma (n = 4). RESULTS: Both adrenal veins were catheterized in 33 of 34 patients. Six (40%) of 15 patients with normal or minimal adrenal limb thickening had a unilateral source of aldosterone. Six patients with apparent unilateral microadenoma had ipsilateral aldosterone-producing adenomas. Four (44%) of nine patients with bilateral adrenal masses had a unilateral source of aldosterone secretion. Three of four patients with unilateral atypical adrenal macroadenomas had ipsilateral aldosterone-producing adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: A unilateral source of aldosterone excess may be found in selected patients with adrenal glands that appear normal or show a minimally expanded adrenal limb on CT scan. Findings on adrenal venous sampling are crucial in determining the source of aldosterone excess in patients with bilateral adrenal masses or atypical-appearing macroadenomas.

Adenoma↗

Gastric adenocarcinoma: where are we headed?

In Japan, screening for gastric cancer is cost-effective, and intervention in advanced disease often includes radical lymphadenectomy. Such strategies may be applicable elsewhere, along with nonsurgical management strategies, especially if ways can be found to focus screening on high-risk groups.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Selective operative cholangiography. Appropriate management for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of selective intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn, from 1990 to 1991. PATIENTS: Five hundred forty-two patients underwent attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Excluding 28 (5.2%) who underwent conversion to laparotomy and 19 (3.5%) who did not respond to a follow-up questionnaire, there were 495 respondents (mean follow-up, 25 months). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence and management of choledocholithiasis, extrahepatic bile duct injuries, and other findings potentially affected by IOC. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for suspected common bile duct abnormalities, and 10 had common bile duct stones removed. Nearly a third (n = 161 [32.5%]) of the patients underwent IOC for laboratory, historical, or operative findings or for training purposes. Common bile duct stones were discovered on IOC in five patients (3.1%), three of whom were treated successfully with postoperative endoscopic therapy; the two others had normal findings on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (false-positive results of IOC). In three other patients in whom IOC was unsuccessful or incomplete, symptomatic common bile duct stones developed. Two patients were treated with endoscopic techniques, and one required open common bile duct exploration. Among the 334 patients who did not undergo IOC, symptoms suggestive of retained stones developed in eight (2.4%) (all within 2 months of surgery; mean, 18 days), but stones were found at endoscopy retrograde cholangiopancreatography in only four patients. Two had preoperative criteria for performing IOC. In only three patients (0.6%) from the study population would symptomatic retained common bile duct stones have developed with selective IOC and routinely successful IOC. No common bile duct injuries occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Selective IOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe practice when the ductal anatomy is clearly defined and there is no laboratory or clinical evidence of common bile duct abnormalities. Symptomatic retained common bile duct stones will be infrequent, and bile duct injuries will be rare when IOC is performed for the appropriate indications. These data do not support the need for routine IOC, although this procedure is an essential tool for the laparoscopic surgeon.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma: early Mayo Clinic experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early results with laparoscopic left adrenalectomy in patients with an aldosteronoma. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to Mayo patients in whom laparoscopic left adrenalectomy had been attempted for presumed aldosteronoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the diagnosis, details about the procedure, occurrence of associated complications, and duration of recovery period were analyzed for all study patients. RESULTS: Of the nine patients who underwent attempted laparoscopic left adrenalectomy, seven had aldosteronoma. In six of the seven patients, the procedure was successful. No preoperative mortality occurred, and morbidity was limited to prolonged ileus in one patient. Of the other five patients with successful results, all tolerated liquids within 24 hours after the procedure. The mean postoperative hospital stay for the six patients with successful laparoscopic procedures was 2.3 days, and four patients were dismissed within 48 hours after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe alternative for the management of aldosteronoma of the left adrenal gland.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗