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W Scott Melvin

Publications and source records attributed to W Scott Melvin.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Telerobotic foregut and esophageal surgery.

Computer-assisted telerobotic surgery has many potential advantages over standard laparoscopy in foregut and esophageal surgery. The high-definition, three-dimensional images produced by the optics of these systems can facilitate identification of anatomy and dissection during surgery. The full range of motion afforded by the multiarticulated instruments can be beneficial in completing complex laparoscopic tasks such as suturing and intracorporeal knot tying. Tremor filtration and motion scaling allows for more precise movements during surgery. The remote console provides the operating surgeon with a comfortable ergonomic position during the sometimes long and complex procedures. Despite the many advantages of these systems, however, several limitations still exist. It is expected that the development and refinement of these technologies will address many of these issues. With continued progress, it is likely that this technology will disseminate widely throughout the surgical community.

Digestive System Surgical Procedures↗

Evolution of the laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Obesity is recognized as a health problem of epidemic proportions. Surgical intervention for the treatment of obesity is a well-studied and effective method. Various procedures have been utilized over the past decades. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has emerged over the last 20 years and is currently the most commonly offered surgical treatment. Within the last decade, advances in laparoscopic technology and surgical experience have allowed the application of laparoscopic techniques to the surgical treatment of obesity. Many centers and individuals have developed excellent techniques through experience over time as well as improvements in instrumentation. Hand-assisted laparoscopy was reported as a technique, but has mostly fallen out of favor. Currently, laparoscopic application of adjustable gastric band and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are widely used throughout the United States. Data have been generated to demonstrate the improvement in surgical outcomes associated with minimally invasive surgical techniques for the surgical treatment of obesity. Further advances will allow continued improvement in patient outcomes utilizing a variety of minimally invasive surgical approaches to the treatment of this difficult disease.

Gastric Bypass↗

Evolution of minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure that is being performed with increasing frequency. It is an advanced laparoscopic procedure with a steep learning curve. With experience, it can be performed in a reasonable amount of time with minimal morbidity. METHODS: We first performed minimally invasive gastric bypass with the hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) technique. After significant experience with HALS, we changed our approach to completely laparoscopic (LS). Our technique for all cases involves a circular stapled gastrojejunostomy with a 25-mm anvil passed transgastrically. RESULTS: From June 1998 to January 2002, 304 patients underwent minimally invasive gastric bypass. Our first 81 cases were with HALS, and the rest were LS. The incidence of early major and minor perioperative complications for the entire series was 5.6% and 7.9%, respectively. Early reoperation (less than 30 days) was required in 4.6% of all patients. There was 1 leak (1.2%) in the HALS group and 4 anastomotic leaks (1.8%) in the LS group. Other measured outcomes were similar in each group with the exception of wound hernia (16% HALS vs 0.9% LS). Weight loss after 1 year was 44% for HALS and 56% for LS. We have not had any deaths in our series. CONCLUSIONS: HALS may have certain advantages in selected patients and early in a surgeon's experience with minimally invasive gastric bypass. With experience, good results are possible with either approach.

Adult↗

Computer-assisted robotic antireflux surgery.

Antireflux surgery has evolved significantly since its inception 50 years ago. The current standard is laparoscopic fundoplication. The computer-assisted telemanipulator, a new device recently approved for use in laparoscopy, reduces some of the shortcomings of the laparoscopic approach. This review specifically discusses the role of this novel surgical tool in antireflux surgery.

Adult↗

Computer-enhanced vs. standard laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Computer-assisted telesurgical devices have recently been approved in the United States for general surgery. To determine the safety and efficacy of these procedures, we performed a prospective trial of computer-enhanced "robotic" fundoplication compared to standard laparoscopic control procedures. Consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux were included. The operating surgeon worked at a console using a three-dimensional image and manipulated hand controls. Operative times, complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. A standardized questionnaire was administered to evaluate symptoms. Twenty patients were entered into each group. There were no differences in age, preoperative weight, or sex. Operative times were significantly longer in the robot group (97 vs. 141 minutes). There were no complications and most patients went home the first postoperative day. At follow-up, symptoms were similar in both groups; however, there was a significant difference in the number of patients taking antisecretory medication--none in the robotic group but six in the laparoscopic group reported regular use. Computer-assisted laparoscopic antireflux surgery is safe. However, operative times are longer, with little difference in outcomes. At the current level of technology and experience, robotic antireflux surgery appears to offer little advantage over standard laparoscopic approaches.

Adult↗