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Biomedical subjects

M Larvin

Publications and source records attributed to M Larvin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Micropuncture cholecystectomy vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare micropuncture laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MPLC), with three 3.3-mm cannulas and one 10-mm cannula with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). METHODS: Patients were randomized to undergo either CLC or MPLC. The duration of each operative stage and the procedure were recorded. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and vasopressin were sampled for 24 h. Visual analogue pain scores (VAPS) and analgesic consumption were recorded for 1 week. Pulmonary function and quality of life (EQ-5D) were monitored for 4 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test or Fisher's exact test. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range). RESULTS: Forty-four patients entered the study, but four were excluded due to unsuspected choledocholithiasis (n = 3) or the need to reschedule surgery (n = 1). The groups were comparable in terms of age, duration of symptoms, and indications for surgery. Total operative time was similar (CLC, 63 [52-81] min vs MPLC 74 [58-95] min; p = 0.126). However, time to place the cannulas after skin incision (CLC, 5:42 [3:45-6:37] min vs MPLC, 7:38 [5:57-10:15] min; p = 0.015) and to clip the cystic duct after cholangiography (CLC, 1:05 [0:40-1:35] min vs MPLC, 3:45 [2:26-7:49] min; p <0.001) were significantly longer for MPLC. Six CLC patients and one MPLC patient required postoperative parenteral opiates (p = 0.04). Oral analgesic consumption was similar in both groups (p = 0.217). Median VAPS were lower at all time points for MPLC, but this finding was not significant (p = 0.431). There were no significant differences in postoperative stay, IL-6, ACTH or vasopressin responses, pulmonary function, or EQ-5D scores. CONCLUSIONS: The thinner instruments did not significantly increase the total duration of the procedure. MPLC reduced the use of parenteral analgesia postoperatively, which may prove beneficial for day case patients, but it did not have a significant impact on laboratory variables, lung function or quality of life.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2003

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: are patients with biliary pancreatitis at increased operative risk?

BACKGROUND: Previous reports of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with biliary pancreatitis suggested increased operative difficulty, high rates of conversion, and greater morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1997, LC was performed for biliary pancreatitis in 63 patients (Group I) and for other causes in 829 patients (Group II). RESULTS: Patients with biliary pancreatitis were significantly older (median age 57 vs 50 years, p = 0.009), with greater co-morbidity (ASA III/IV 24% vs 11%, p = 0.008). The groups were comparable with respect to the frequency of previous abdominal operations, acute inflammation of the gallbladder, and the frequency of bile duct calculi detected by intraoperative cholangiography. Moderate to severe adhesions involving the gallbladder were significantly more frequent in patients with biliary pancreatitis (46% vs 29%, p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to intraoperative (1.5% Group I vs 6.0% Group II, p = 0.109) or postoperative complications (10% vs 8%, p = 0.426), conversion rate (0 vs 2.7%, p = 0.181), or duration of operation (median 92 vs 85 min, p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: Despite increased age and co-morbidity and more frequent adhesions, our data showed no evidence that intraoperative or postoperative complications were more frequent in patients with biliary pancreatitis than in other patients undergoing LC.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Calcitonin precursors in the prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis on the day of admission.

BACKGROUND: Calcitonin precursors are sensitive markers of inflammation and infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of plasma calcitonin precursor levels on the day of admission in the prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis, and to compare this with the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scoring system. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of calcitonin precursors were determined on admission in 69 patients with acute pancreatitis. APACHE II scores were calculated on admission. Attacks were classified as mild (n = 55) or severe (n = 14) according to the Atlanta criteria. Plasma calcitonin precursor levels were determined with a sensitive radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: On the day of hospital admission, plasma levels of calcitonin precursors were significantly greater in patients with a severe attack compared with levels in those with a mild attack of pancreatitis (median 64 versus 25 fmol/ml; P = 0.014), but the APACHE II scores were no different (median 9 versus 8; P = 0.2). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values, and accuracy for the prediction of severe acute pancreatitis were 67, 89, 57, 93 and 85 per cent respectively for plasma calcitonin precursor levels higher than 48 fmol/ml, and 69, 45, 23, 86 and 50 per cent respectively for an APACHE II score greater than 7. Differences in the specificity and accuracy of the two prognostic indicators were significant (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001 respectively). A plasma calcitonin precursor concentration of more than 160 fmol/ml on admission was highly accurate (94 per cent) in predicting the development of septic complications and death. CONCLUSION: The assay of plasma calcitonin precursors on the day of admission to hospital has the potential to provide a more accurate prediction of the severity of acute pancreatitis than the APACHE II scoring system.

APACHE↗
PubMed2003

Increased nitric oxide excretion in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: evidence of an endotoxin mediated inflammatory response?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nitric oxide represents a potential key mediator of the local and systemic manifestations of acute pancreatitis (AP) in experimental models but its role in human disease is uncertain. We therefore sought to assess if systemic nitric oxide (NO) production is elevated in severe AP and determine whether this is a reflection of biochemical severity or endotoxin exposure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited within 72 hours of pain onset. NO derived nitrite excretion determined from a 24 hour sterile urine collection was correlated with intestinal macromolecular permeability (polyethylene glycol excretion ratio), markers of systemic endotoxin exposure (IgG:IgM endotoxin core antibody (EndoCAb) ratio), disease severity, and the magnitude of systemic inflammation (peak C reactive protein (CRP) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score II (APACHE-II)). RESULTS: In patients with a severe attack (n=20), nitrite excretion was increased significantly compared with patients with a mild attack (n=45, 20.6 micro g v 15.65 micro g; p<0.00) and the latter with healthy controls (n=20, p=0.004). Nitrite excretion correlated strongly with both intestinal permeability (r=0.7, p=0.006) and EndoCAb ratio (r=0.7, p<0.01) but not with CRP or APACHE-II scores (p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS: Total urinary nitrite excretion is increased in patients with severe AP, and may not be simply a reflection of systemic inflammation, but potentially a consequence of endotoxin mediated upregulation of inducible NO synthase activity.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Does pneumatic dilatation affect the outcome of laparoscopic cardiomyotomy?

BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds the choice of laparoscopic cardiomyotomy as the primary treatment for achalasia or a second-line treatment following the failure of nonsurgical treatment. Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy can be more difficult technically following pneumatic dilatations. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome obtained with primary laparoscopic cardiomyotomy to that achieved when the procedure is performed following failed pneumatic dilatation. METHODS: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy was performed in seven patients following a median of four pneumatic dilatations (group A) and in five patients as their primary treatment (group B). Outcome was measured using manometry, a modified DeMeester symptom scoring system, and a quality-of-life questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups A and B in sex, age, preoperative modified DeMeester score, or mean barrier pressure. Six of seven group A patients had evidence of periesophageal and submucosal fibrosis at surgery, but this condition was not seen in group B patients. The operative time was slightly longer in group A patients. There was no difference in complication rates (one primary hemorrhage in group A and one esophageal perforation in group B), and both groups had a significantly improved modified DeMeester score at 6 weeks and at long-term follow-up (median, 26 months). Eleven of 12 patients said that they would choose laparoscopic cardiomyotomy as their primary treatment if newly diagnosed with achalasia. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is safe and effective as a primary or second-line treatment following pneumatic dilatations in patients with achalasia.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is generally regarded as a risk factor for laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to increases in operative time, morbidity, and conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: A total of 864 consecutive patients underwent LC at our institution between 1990 and 1997. This series represents a continuing policy of LC for all comers. Data were collected prospectively. There were 659 nonobese (NO: BMI 40 kg/m2). Laparoscopic bile duct exploration was performed in 28 (4.2%), nine (4.8%), and one (5.9%) patients, respectively. RESULTS: Obesity and morbid obesity were associated with trends toward an increased conversion rate (2.3% NO; 4.3% OB; 5.9% MO), a longer operative time (median, 80, 85, and 107 mins, respectively), greater postoperative morbidity (4.7%, 5.9%, and 11.8%, respectively), and a reduced ability to obtain cholangiography (86.1%, 80.1%, and 71.4%, respectively). None of these differences, however, were statistically significant (c2 test, p > 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay for LC was similar for all three groups (median, 1 day). CONCLUSION: LC in morbidly obese patients is a safe procedure, but it may be associated with increased operative difficulty and morbidity, as compared with nonobese and obese patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Double blind, randomised, placebo controlled study of a platelet activating factor antagonist, lexipafant, in the treatment and prevention of organ failure in predicted severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Platelet activating factor (PAF) is believed to amplify the activity of key mediators of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in acute pancreatitis, resulting in multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. We tested the hypothesis that a potent PAF antagonist, lexipafant, could dampen SIRS and reduce organ failure in severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS: We conducted a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, multicentre trial of lexipafant (100 mg/24 hours intravenously for seven days commenced within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms) involving 290 patients with an APACHE II score >6. Power calculations assumed that complications would be reduced from 40% to 24%. Secondary end points studied included severity of organ failure, markers of the inflammatory response, and mortality rate. FINDINGS: Overall, 80/138 (58%) patients in the placebo group and 85/148 (57%) in the lexipafant group developed one or more organ failures. The primary hypothesis was invalidated by the unexpected finding that 44% of patients had organ failure on entry into the study; only 39 (14%) developed new organ failure. Organ failure scores were reduced in the lexipafant group only on day 3: median change -1 (range -4 to +8) versus 0 (-4 to +10) in the placebo group (p=0.04). Systemic sepsis affected fewer patients in the lexipafant group (13/138 v 4/148; p=0.023). Local complications occurred in 41/138 (30%) patients in the placebo group and in 30/148 (20%) in the lexipafant group (20%; p=0.065); pseudocysts developed in 19 (14%) and eight (5%) patients, respectively (p=0.025). Deaths attributable to acute pancreatitis were not significantly different. Interleukin 8, a marker of neutrophil activation, and E-selectin, a marker of endothelial damage, decreased more rapidly in the lexipafant group (both p<0.05); however, absolute values were not different between the two groups. INTERPRETATION: The high incidence of organ failure within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms undermined the primary hypothesis, and power calculations for future studies in severe acute pancreatitis will need to allow for this. Lexipafant had no effect on new organ failure during treatment. This adequately powered study has shown that antagonism of PAF activity on its own is not sufficient to ameliorate SIRS in severe acute pancreatitis

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: preoperative prediction of duration of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Efficient use of operating time has become a key concern. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative factors that can predict extended duration of operating time (>90 min) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Data collected prospectively on 827 consecutive patients who underwent elective LC between 1990 and 1997 were analyzed. Factors evaluated included age, gender; body mass index; comorbidity; duration of symptoms; history of jaundice, pancreatitis, or abdominal surgery; dilated common bile duct or thick-walled gallbladder on ultrasound; preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES); and surgeon experience. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting a long operation. RESULTS: Operating time was longer than 90 min in 276 patients (33%). Predictors of extended operation time were age older than 55 years (odds ratio [OR] = 9.7), preoperative ES (OR = 2.8), and a thick-walled gallbladder on ultrasound (OR = 2.5). CONCLUSION: These predictors may be useful in planning theater lists and anesthesia management, and in selecting patients for day surgery.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains controversial. METHODS: A retrospective review of 950 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed during an 8-year period was performed. For the first 2 years, IOC was performed selectively, and thereafter routinely. RESULTS: Attempted in 896 patients, IOC was successful in 734 (82%). Bile duct stones were found in 77 patients (10%), dilated ducts without stones in 47 patients (6%), and anatomic variations in 4 patients (0.5%). There were four (0.4%) minor intraoperative complications related to the IOC, with no consequences for the patients. There were three (0.3%) minor injuries of the bile duct, which were identified with IOC and repaired at the time of cholecystectomy without any consequences for the patients. In two of these patients, the structure recognized and catheterized as the cystic duct was revealed by IOC to be the bile duct. Thus IOC prevented extension to a major common bile duct (CBD) injury. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show that IOC is a safe technique. Its routine use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy may not prevent bile duct injuries, but it minimizes the extent of the injury so that it can be repaired easily without any consequences for the patient. The prevention of a major bile duct injury makes IOC cost effective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Routine vs "on demand" postoperative ERCP for small bile duct calculi detected at intraoperative cholangiography. Clinical evaluation and cost analysis.

BACKGROUND: The detection of small and often asymptomatic gallbladder calculi within the bile duct at intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) frequently poses a management dilemma. Therefore, we set out to compare the outcomes and costs of two management strategies for small stones that remain in the bile duct after LC-routine postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) vs observation alone with "on-demand" ERCP. METHODS: We studied 70 patients with bile duct stones among 922 consecutive patients who underwent LC between 1990 and 1997. Data were collected prospectively. Bile duct calculi were detected in 70 of 705 patients (9.9%) with successful IOC. Of these, 44 patients had large calculi (> or =5 mm in diameter) and were subjected to a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. The remaining 26 patients had small calculi (<5 mm in diameter); four of them had undergone preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy and duct clearance and were therefore excluded from analysis. Patients with small duct calculi were assigned, according to individual surgeon policy, to either routine postoperative ERCP (group A, n = 8) or observation (group B, n = 14). ERCP was reserved for those who become symptomatic. The two groups were comparable for age and sex distribution. RESULTS: No complications developed during the follow-up period in patients assigned to observation, although four became symptomatic and underwent ERCP. In group A, ERCP demonstrated a clear biliary tree in four patients and bile duct calculi in three patients; it failed in one patient. In group B, ERCP demonstrated a clear bile duct in one patient and bile duct calculi in two patients; it also failed in one patient. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and duct clearance were achieved in all patients with demonstrable bile duct calculi at ERCP. There was no morbidity or mortality associated with ERCP. The overall hospital stay was significantly longer in group A than in group B (median 5 vs 1.5 days; p = 0.011); however, the number of outpatient clinic visits was significantly greater in group b (median 3 vs 5.5, p = 0.011). The mean hospital costs, including the costs of hospital stay, readmissions, ERCP, and follow-up, were significantly greater in group A than in group B (mean pound2669 vs pound1508, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: A "wait and see" policy of observation alone for patients with small bile duct calculi detected at IOC during LC appears to be safe, and it is more cost-effective than routine postoperative ERCP. ERCP should be reserved for post-LC patients who become symptomatic.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Relaparoscopy for the detection and treatment of complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy remains the commonest intervention in patients with abdominal complications of laparoscopic surgery. Our own policy is to employ relaparoscopy to avoid diagnostic delay and unnecessary laparotomy. The results of using this policy in patients with suspected intra-abdominal complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy are reviewed. METHODS: Data were collected from laparoscopic cholecystectomies carried out by five consultant surgeons in one center. Details of relaparoscopy for complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients underwent relaparoscopy within 7 days of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for intra-abdominal bleeding (2 patients) or abdominal pain (11 patients). The causes of pain were subhepatic haematoma (1), acute pancreatitis (1), small bowel injury (1), and minor bile leakage (6). In 2 patients no cause was identified. Twelve patients were managed laparoscopically and 1 patient required laparotomy. Median stay after relaparoscopy was 7 days (range 2 to 19). CONCLUSIONS: Exploratory laparotomy can be avoided by prompt relaparoscopy in the majority of patients with abdominal complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Laparoscopic treatment of Mirizzi syndrome.

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare disorder and remains a surgical challenge. It is generally considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic surgery. Three patients with Mirizzi type II syndrome and two patients with Mirizzi type I syndrome were treated laparoscopically. Partial cholecystectomy with fundus-first dissection of the gallbladder was performed, and closure of the fistula in type II syndrome was achieved over a T-tube. The common bile duct (CBD) was explored in one patient using a choledochoscope through the fistula. The procedure was completed laparoscopically in all five patients. The three patients with type II syndrome had residual CBD stones, which were associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Laparoscopic treatment of Mirizzi type I syndrome is technically feasible and safe. For Mirizzi type II syndrome, laparoscopic CBD exploration is demanding and experience, skill, and the full spectrum of modern technology are required.

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic↗
PubMed1999

Laparoscopic surgery combined with preservation of the spleen for distal pancreatic tumors.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy combined with spleen salvage by preservation of the splenic vessels has been described in selected patients with islet cell tumors. METHODS: Laparoscopic resection of the left side of the pancreas with spleen preservation on the vasa brevia was attempted in six consecutive patients. RESULTS: Four distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation were completed laparoscopically. There were two conversions to laparotomy. The median operating time was 300 min (range, 240-360). There was no mortality, but two patients developed a pancreatic fistula. The median postoperative hospital stay was 34.5 days (range, 5-60). All the patients remain well at a median follow-up of 30 months (range, 22-41). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery for distal pancreatic tumors is feasible and appropriate for most benign tumors. The spleen can be safely preserved laparoscopically on its blood supply from the short gastric vessels. The operative technique and especially the closure of the pancreatic stump need further study.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1999

Micropuncture laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) significantly reduces the discomfort and disability typically associated with open cholecystectomy, but there is still room for improvement. METHODS: In order to further reduce the trauma of access, we have introduced a technique of micropuncture laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MPLC) that utilizes three 3-mm cannulae in addition to the standard 10-mm cannula at the umbilicus. MPLC was performed in 25 patients (median age, 52 years; m/f, three of 22) with symptomatic cholelithiasis. RESULTS: The operation was completed in all patients. The median duration of surgery was 75 min (range, 45-180). Sixteen patients were discharged the same day and nine patients the next day. All the patients had an uncomplicated recovery. Only eight patients requested postoperative analgesia while in hospital. Micropuncture exploration of the bile duct was carried out in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: MPLC is a feasible and safe technique that appears to improve on the benefits of LC; it makes the operation even more feasible as a day-surgery procedure.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗