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Treatment of myomas by laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits, feasibility and limitations of laparoscopic myomectomy. It was a retrospective review (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2) at a university-based primary treatment centre for endoscopic surgery. The 216 evaluated patients were treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Kiel, between January 1998 and November 2000. Of 216 patients with myomas, 178 (83%) underwent laparoscopic myomectomy, 27 (12%) laparoscopic hysterectomy and 11 (5%) laparotomic myomectomy. The study reviewed the indications and surgical techniques and evaluated the benefits and limitations of laparoscopic myomectomy. Nine patients were selected for Classic Intrafascial Supracervical Hysterectomy (CISH) and 18 for Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH), i.e. 12% of the patients were selected for laparoscopic hysterectomy. In an additional 11 (5%) patients the laparoscopic approach was difficult because of the location of the myoma and the procedure converted to a laparotomic myomectomy. A total of 178 patients (83%) was treated by laparoscopic myomectomy. The mean hospital stay was three days. No serious complications occurred. Two patients suffered a uterine wound bleeding which was corrected and one patient an abdominal hematoma. Since this study mainly focuses on laparoscopic myomectomies (83%), hysteroscopic myomectomies were evaluated in a separate study. At our institution laparoscopic myomectomy is the first-step treatment for patients with myomatous uteri. Only a small percentage of patients had to undergo a laparotomy (5%) and for 27 patients (12%) hysterectomy proved to be the treatment of choice.

Journal Article↗

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is superior to laparoscopic gastric banding for treatment of morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To define whether laparoscopic gastric banding or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass represents the better approach to treat patients with morbid obesity. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Two techniques, laparoscopic gastric bypass or gastric banding, are currently widely used to treat morbid obesity. Since both procedures offer certain advantages, a strong controversy exists as to which operation should be proposed to these patients. Therefore, data are urgently needed to identify the best therapy. METHODS: Since randomized trials are most likely not feasible because of the highly different invasiveness and irreversibility of these procedures, a matched-pair design of a large prospectively collected database appears to be the best method. Therefore, we used our prospective database including 678 bariatric procedures performed at our institution since 1995. A total of 103 consecutive patients with laparoscopic gastric bypass were randomly matched to 103 patients with laparoscopic gastric banding according to age, body mass index, and gender. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding age, gender, body mass index, excessive weight, fat mass, and comorbidites such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Feasibility and safety: All gastric banding procedures were performed laparoscopically, and one gastric bypass operation had to be converted to an open procedure. Mean operating time was 145 minutes for gastric banding and 190 minutes for gastric bypass (P < 0.001). Hospital stay was 3.3 days for gastric banding and 8.4 days for gastric bypass. The incidence of early postoperative complications was not significantly different, but late complications were significantly more frequent in the gastric banding group (pouch dilatation). There was no mortality in both groups. Efficiency: Body mass index decreased from 48.0 to 36.8 kg/m in the gastric banding group and from 47.8 to 31.9 kg/m in the gastric bypass group within 2 years of surgery. These differences became significant from the first postoperative month until the end of the follow-up (24 months). The gastric bypass procedure achieved a significantly better reduction of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric bypass are feasible and safe. Pouch dilatations after gastric banding are responsible for more late complications compared with the gastric bypass. Laparoscopic gastric bypass offers a significant advantage regarding weight loss and reduction of comorbidities after surgery. Therefore, in our hands, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass appears to be the therapy of choice.

Adult↗

The eVALuate study: two parallel randomised trials, one comparing laparoscopic with abdominal hysterectomy, the other comparing laparoscopic with vaginal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy in the abdominal trial, and laparoscopic hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy in the vaginal trial. DESIGN: Two parallel, multicentre, randomised trials. SETTING: 28 UK centres and two South African centres. PARTICIPANTS: 1380 women were recruited; 1346 had surgery; 937 were followed up at one year. Primary outcome Rate of major complications. RESULTS: In the abdominal trial laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with a higher rate of major complications than abdominal hysterectomy (11.1% v 6.2%, P = 0.02; difference 4.9%, 95% confidence interval 0.9% to 9.1%) and the number needed to treat to harm was 20. Laparoscopic hysterectomy also took longer to perform (84 minutes v 50 minutes) but was less painful (visual analogue scale 3.51 v 3.88, P = 0.01) and resulted in a shorter stay in hospital after the operation (3 days v 4 days). Six weeks after the operation, laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with less pain and better quality of life than abdominal hysterectomy (SF-12, body image scale, and sexual activity questionnaires). In the vaginal trial we found no evidence of a difference in major complication rates between laparoscopic hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy (9.8% v 9.5%, P = 0.92; difference 0.3%, -5.2% to 5.8%), and the number needed to treat to harm was 333. We found no evidence of other differences between laparoscopic hysterectomy and vaginal hysterectomy except that laparoscopic hysterectomy took longer to perform (72 minutes v 39 minutes) and was associated with a higher rate of detecting unexpected pathology (16.4% v 4.8%, P = < 0.01). However, this trial was underpowered. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with a significantly higher rate of major complications than abdominal hysterectomy. It also took longer to perform but was associated with less pain, quicker recovery, and better short term quality of life. The trial comparing vaginal hysterectomy with laparoscopic hysterectomy was underpowered and is inconclusive on the rate of major complications; however, vaginal hysterectomy took less time.

Adult↗

Comparison of laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy with intracorporal laparoscopic appendectomy and open appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: A laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with less postoperative pain and a shorter postoperative stay than the open technique. However, the open technique is faster and less expensive than the completely laparoscopic method. A laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy has the advantages of both the laparoscopic and open techniques. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 83 patients was performed comparing the three different techniques. The comparison studied operating time, surgical expense, and postoperative stay. RESULTS: The completely laparoscopic method was performed on 24 patients with an average surgical time of 88.9 minutes, average charges of $604, and average postoperative stay of 2.6 days. The open technique was performed on 26 patients with a surgical time of 77.1 minutes, charges of $42, and a postoperative stay of 2.4 days. The laparoscopic-assisted technique was performed on 33 patients with a surgical time of 70.3 minutes, charges of $208, and a postoperative stay of 1.8 days. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic-assisted method of appendix removal can be performed as efficiently as the open technique but at <67% of the cost of the complete laparoscopic method. The postoperative stay is shorter for the laparoscopic-assisted technique than for the open technique. Thus, the laparoscopic-assisted technique is a cost-effective method for removing the appendix.

Adolescent↗

PicSOr: an objective test of perceptual skill that predicts laparoscopic technical skill in three initial studies of laparoscopic performance.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery requires surgeons to infer the shape of 3-D structures, such as the internal organs of patients, from 2-D displays on a video monitor. Recent evidence indicates that the issue is not resolved by the use of contemporary 3-D camera systems. It is therefore crucial to find ways of measuring differences in aptitude for recovering 3-D structure from 2-D images, and assessing its impact on performance. Our aim was to test empirically for a relationship between laparoscopic ability and the perceptual skill of recovering information about 3-D structures from 2-D monitor displays. METHODS: Participants in three studies completed a simulated laparoscopic cutting task as well as the Pictorial Surface Orientation (PicSOr)3 Test. In studies 1 (n = 48) and 2 (n = 32) both groups were laparoscopic novices, and in study 3 (n = 34) 18 of the participants were experienced laparoscopic surgeons. FINDINGS: All three studies showed that PicSOr consistently predicted the laparoscopic performance of participants on the laparoscopic cutting task (study 1, r = 0.5, p < 0.0003; study 2, r = 0.5, p < 0.004; and study 3, r = 0.42, p = 0.017). Furthermore, it was also a significant predictor of laparoscopic surgeons' performance (r = 0.54, p = 0.047). INTERPRETATIONS: This is the first objective perceptual psychometric test to reliably predict laparoscopic technical skills. PicSOr provides a tool for assessing which trainees have the potential to learn minimal access surgery.

Adult↗

A comparison of laparoscopic ultrasound versus cholangiography in the evaluation of the biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the effectiveness of laparoscopic ultrasound in detecting main biliary duct stones. METHODS: From November 1994 to August 1998, 600 patients treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in a prospective study, to compare intraoperative cholangiography and laparoscopic ultrasound. The biliary tree was successively explored by these two methods in the routine detection of common bile duct stones. RESULTS: The feasibility of laparoscopic ultrasound was 100%. Cholangiography was performed only in 498 cases (83%). The time taken for laparoscopic ultrasound examination was significantly shorter (10.2 vs 17.9 min, P=0.0001). In this study, common bile duct stones were found in 54 cases (9%). For their detection, results were comparable to laparoscopic ultrasound and intraoperative cholangiography. For laparoscopic ultrasound, sensitivity was 80% and specificity 99%; and for cholangiography 75 and 98% respectively. Both examinations combined had a 100% sensitivity and specificity. Laparoscopic ultrasound failed to recognize the intrapancreatic part of the common bile duct in 78 cases (13%) and did not show anatomical anomalies detected by cholangiography. It did however detect other unsuspected intra-abdominal pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ultrasound is safe, repeatable, and non-invasive, but a considerable learning curve is necessary to optimize its efficacy. Comparison of relative cost must be undertaken.

Adult↗

Hernioplasty and simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study of open tension-free versus laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic repair of unilateral primary groin hernia remains controversial. This randomized study evaluates the outcome of the laparoscopic technique in hernia repair in patients undergoing simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and compares laparoscopic repair with tension-free open groin hernia repair. METHODS: Sixty-four low-risk patients with symptomatic chronic calculous cholecystitis and synchronous unilateral primary inguinal hernia were randomized to undergo either laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal mesh hernia repair (TAPP) and LC or LC and open tension-free hernia repair. RESULTS: The operating time was longer in the TAPP and LC group (mean +/- SD = 121 +/- 32 minutes) than in the LC and open group (95 +/- 27 minutes) (P <.01). The mean operating costs were higher in the TAPP and LC group ($1235 versus $1080) (P <.03). The intensity of postoperative pain at rest was greater in the LC and open group at 24 hours (P <.01) and 48 hours (P <.05), with a greater consumption of pain medication (P <.01). No differences between the 2 groups were found in terms of postoperative complications, disability period before return to work, or hernia recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: The totally laparoscopic procedure does not result in a significant benefit other than improved comfort in the first 2 postoperative days. However, laparoscopic hernia repair is considerably more difficult to perform than open tension-free hernioplasty. Thus, the totally laparoscopic approach should be performed only by experienced laparoscopic surgeons with special expertise in hernia surgery.

Adult↗

Two-trocar laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: In order to reduce abdominal trauma and operative costs we have adopted a two-trocar laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy for patients with acute appendicitis. In the current study, the proposed technique is prospectively evaluated against conventional laparoscopic appendectomy with respect to feasibility, safety, and postoperative outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2001 and July 2003, 83 consecutive patients were admitted with clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis and were randomly assigned to two-trocar laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (n = 40, 48.2%) or conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 43, 51.8%). RESULTS: Two-trocar laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy was successfully completed in 30 patients (80.1%). Four patients initially scheduled for two-trocar laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (10.8%) were converted to laparotomy due to excessive body weight (BMI > or = 40), while an additional 5-mm infraumbilical trocar was inserted in another 3 patients (8.1%). The procedure was associated with decreased operative time and more rapid return to normal activity compared to laparoscopic appendectomy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.038, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference regarding the duration of hospitalization or the morbidity rate between the two groups. Conversion of the initial procedure was associated with increased wound infection rate and higher morbidity (P = 0.032 and P = 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSION: Two-trocar laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy represents a promising minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of acute appendicitis. It is fast and easy to perform, and it is expected to decrease the overall cost of laparoscopic appendectomy. Its only contraindication is excessive body weight; it remains to be evaluated in the setting of perforated appendicitis and retrocecally located appendices.

Adolescent↗

Randomized comparison of standard laparoscopic trainer to novel, at-home, low-cost, camera-less laparoscopic trainer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of a portable, at-home, low-cost, camera-less laparoscopic trainer to provide laparoscopy training inexpensively and outside the constraints of the hospital environment. METHODS: Twenty-two urology residents (postgraduate year 1 to 7) were tested prospectively on four basic laparoscopic tasks on a standard video laparoscopic trainer (pretest). Objective and subjective data were collected for each participant. The subjects were then randomized to 5 hours of training on either a portable, camera-less trainer (group 1) or a standard video laparoscopic trainer (group 2). Each resident was then retested on the initial same four laparoscopic tasks (post-test). Efficiency ratios were calculated for each task, incorporating both time and accuracy. Improvements between the pretest and post-test evaluations were compared between the two groups using the two-group t test. RESULTS: All subjects significantly improved their performance with training. The average improvement in the time required to complete the laparoscopic tasks for all participants was 36%. Efficiency increased by 52%. However, no difference was found between the two groups. In the poststudy self-evaluations, 91% of participants in group 1 either agreed or strongly agreed that the at-home trainer was a helpful teaching modality. CONCLUSIONS: The improvements in laparoscopic skills on our inexpensive, portable, at-home, camera-less trainer were not significantly different from those gained using a traditional video laparoscopic trainer. Participants trained on our portable trainer were able to improve objectively and subjectively by both external and internal evaluations. Thus, our system will allow trainees to develop their laparoscopic skills in an inexpensive manner in the comfort of their own home.

Adult↗

One versus two proficient laparoscopic surgeons for laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) results obtained by two different surgical teams, one consisting of a proficient laparoscopic surgeon assisted by an inexperienced laparoscopic surgeon and another consisting of two proficient laparoscopic surgeons. With more centers embarking on LDN programs, it is important to identify the factors that can improve overall outcomes during the initial learning curve. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the initial 70 sequential LDNs performed between October 1998 and March 2001 at our institutions. The procedures were stratified into two groups. Group 1 consisted of LDN cases performed by one proficient laparoscopic surgeon and an inexperienced laparoscopic surgeon (resident, fellow, or faculty) as the first assistant; group 2 consisted of cases performed by two proficient laparoscopic surgeons. RESULTS: Twenty-six LDNs were performed by group 1 and 44 by group 2. The total operative time and estimated blood loss showed a statistically significant decrease in group 2 compared with group 1, 143 +/- 32 minutes versus 218 +/- 38 minutes (P <0.001) and 92 +/- 115 mL versus 158 +/- 148 mL (P = 0.044), respectively. Two major complications occurred in group 1 (7.7%) and two major complications occurred in group 2 (4.5%). The 3-month postoperative recipient creatinine levels were similar for both groups, 1.6 +/- 1.3 versus 1.4 +/- 0.4 (P = 0.408). CONCLUSIONS: A surgical team composed of two proficient laparoscopic surgeons during the early learning curve of LDN may allow safe and efficient development of a laparoscopic live donor renal transplantation program.

Clinical Competence↗

Factors contributing to laparoscopic failure during the learning curve for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in a community hospital.

This study was done to determine the factors contributing to laparoscopic failure (conversion to open surgery or early reoperation) during the learning curve for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in a 228-bed nonteaching community hospital. Data were gathered prospectively for the first 100 consecutive patients booked for elective laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication by the four general surgeons at the hospital. All complications were recorded contemporaneously, and particular note was taken of the factors surrounding conversion to open surgery and reoperation within 100 days of surgery. There were no deaths. The conversion rate was 20% and the early reoperation rate 6%. There were two late recurrences. The average operative time was 117 minutes and the average length of stay 1.8 days; 37 operations were performed on outpatients. The laparoscopic failure rate was 26% (18/68) during a surgeon's first 20 operations and 11% (3/28) thereafter (P < 0.09); the corresponding conversion rates were 22% and 4% (P < 0.05). During a surgeon's first 20 operations, the laparoscopic failure rate rose from 21% (12/57) to 55% (6/11) (P < 0.04) if a second surgeon did not assist. After 20 operations, this difference lost its significance. Intrathoracic herniation of the stomach was found preoperatively in 11 (44%) of 25 operations followed by laparoscopic failure and (8%) 6 of 75 without (P < 0.0002). Laparoscopic failure had no correlation with patient age, sex, ASA classification, duration of symptoms, or referring physician's specialty. The individual learning curve for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication requires about 20 operations to surmount. Factors leading to laparoscopic failure during the learning curve are the surgeon's inexperience, absence of experienced help, and the presence of intrathoracic herniation.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic versus open repair of groin hernia: a randomised comparison. The MRC Laparoscopic Groin Hernia Trial Group.

BACKGROUND: Repair of a groin hernia is one of the most common elective operations performed in general surgery. Our aim was to compare laparoscopic repair with open repair of groin hernia. METHODS: 928 patients with groin hernia, from 26 hospitals in the UK and Ireland, were randomly assigned to laparoscopic repair (n=468) or to open hernia repair (n=460, of which 433 were tension-free mesh repairs). Patients were clinically assessed at 1 week and 1 year after surgery, and were sent questionnaires at 3 months and 1 year. The primary endpoints were: complications; return to usual activities of social life (as the most generally applicable example of return to usual activities); hernia recurrence; groin pain that persisted at 1 year; and costs to the health services. All analyses were by intention to treat. FINDINGS: At 1 week, at least one complication was found in 108 (29.9%) patients allocated to laparoscopic repair and in 155 (43.5%) patients allocated to open repair (95% CI for difference -20.6% to -6.6%, p<0.001). There were three serious surgical complications all of which occurred in the laparoscopic group. Patients in the laparoscopic group returned to the usual activities of social life sooner than the patients in the open repair group (10 [IQR 7-21] vs 14 [7-28] days, p=0.004). At 1 year after the operation, the laparoscopic group had a lower rate of persistent groin pain than those who had open repair (28.7% vs 36.7% [95% CI for difference -14.7% to -1.4%], p=0.018). However, all seven hernia recurrences occurred in the laparoscopic group and not in the open repair group (1.9% vs 0.0% [95% CI for difference 0.5% to 3.4%], p=0.017). INTERPRETATION: Although laparoscopic hernia repair has advantages for patients, concerns about safety indicate that open repair is the more appropriate option for the general surgeon. Our findings lend support to the move towards laparoscopic hernia surgery becoming part of the domain of specialist surgeons.

Female↗

Laparoscopic management of bleeding after laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results and contributions of laparoscopy in the management of postoperative bleeding following laparoscopic (LH) or vaginal hysterectomy (VH). METHODS: A retrospective study of a 5-year period was carried out on 1167 women who underwent laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy. Ten women with postoperative bleeding following laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy were identified. RESULTS: The overall incidence of bleeding after laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy was 0.85% (10 of 1167). Over the 5-year study period, the incidence fluctuated between 1.1% and 0.4%. Surgical revision was primarily vaginal in 1 woman, followed by laparoscopic control. In 6 patients, laparoscopy was performed immediately. The patients profited from the prompt laparoscopic treatment, because intraabdominal hemorrhage was found and stopped. Of 6 cases of intraperitoneal bleeding, 1 resulted from a blood disorder. The collagen-fibrin agent TachoComb was applied locally, and the patient was postoperatively treated with blood products and coagulation factors. Only bipolar coagulation, TachoComb, and Foley catheter were used to achieve local hemostasis during laparoscopy. The remaining 3 cases where the vaginal cuff was bleeding were managed by vaginal repair and packing without laparoscopy. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach to postoperative bleeding following laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy is an attractive alternative to the abdominal surgical approach. Bleeding following laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy can be managed by laparoscopy in the majority of patients. Because the abdominal incision is avoided, the recovery time is reduced.

Electrocoagulation↗

Is complete laparoscopic colectomy superior to laparoscopic assisted colectomy?

Much debate has centered around what constitutes a true laparoscopic colon resection. Purists argue that intracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis confer a benefit over a "laparoscopic assisted" procedure. The aim of this study was to further examine this issue. Data were prospectively collected on 102 consecutive laparoscopic colon resections. Five procedures were converted to open cases and were excluded from analysis. Procedures were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 34) consisted of complete laparoscopic procedures (no abdominal incision was made): abdominoperineal resection (3), Hartmann's reversal (3), end colostomy (7), low anterior resection (5), proctectomy (1), sigmoid colectomy (15). Group 2 (n = 63) consisted of laparoscopic "assisted" procedures (i.e., an incision was made to facilitate anastomosis, division of the mesentery, and/or specimen retrieval): Ileocolic resection (6), restorative proctocolectomy (26), right colectomy (19), subtotal colectomy/end ileostomy (5), subtotal colectomy/ileorectal anastomosis (7). Length of hospitalization and duration of postoperative ileus were compared. A subset analysis of right colectomy (intracorporeal mobilization and extracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis) versus sigmoid colectomy (intracorporeal mobilization, division of the mesentery and anastomosis) was also performed. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay (Group 1, 7.47 +/- 2.75 days; Group 2, 7.78 +/- 5.55 days) or duration of postoperative ileus (Group 1, 3.24 +/- 1.56 days; Group 2, 3.68 +/- 1.58 days). Similarly, in the sigmoid colectomy versus right colectomy subset analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay (sigmoid colectomy, 7.92 +/- 2.90 days; right colectomy, 6.40 +/- 1.50 days) or duration of postoperative ileus (sigmoid colectomy, 3.36 +/- 1.39 days; right colectomy, 3.18 +/- 1.07 days). Our data demonstrate that intracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis confer no advantage over the laparoscopic assisted procedures. Data were prospectively collected on 102 consecutive laparoscopic colon resections. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay or duration of postoperative ileus regardless of whether intracorporeal or extracorporeal mesenteric division and anastomosis were undertaken. These data demonstrate that a completely laparoscopic procedure does not appear to offer any advantage as compared to a laparoscopic assisted one.

Abdomen↗

[Application of gasless laparoscopic device in laparoscopic surgery].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gasless laparoscopic device (GLD) in laparoscopic surgery. GLD, independently designed and manufactured by ourselves in 1993, incorporates a manipulator and laparoscopic abdominal retractor. From August to October 1993, we conducted an experimental study on gasless laparoscopic cholecysto-duodenostomy in 5 dogs. Four of them were completely successful and one was converted to open surgery due to gallbladder rupture. The result showed that GLD could maintain good exposure in laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic suturing and knotting could become easier and operative cost could be reduced with conventional instruments. We also developed an intracorporeal "Chinese Knotting" and a self-designed push tube for extracorporeal knot tying. During April and August 1994, we successfully applied our modified GLD in gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy, inguinal herniorrhaphy laparoscopic-assisted sigmoidectomy, abdomino-perineal resection of rectal carcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Incidence and nature of bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an audit of 5913 cases. West of Scotland Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Audit Group.

The rapid introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been associated with an apparently increased incidence of bile duct injury which has provoked worldwide concern. The true incidence and mechanism of iatrogenic ductal injury during the development of this procedure remain unclear. To assess this, the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the West of Scotland has been audited prospectively over a 5-year period. All cases of biliary ductal injury have been independently reviewed. Some 48 surgeons undertaking laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 19 hospitals submitted prospective data between September 1990 and September 1995. A total of 5913 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were attempted with 98.3 per cent completion of data collection. During this period 37 laparoscopic bile duct injuries occurred. The annual incidence peaked at 0.8 per cent and has fallen to 0.4 per cent in the final year of audit. Injuries occurred after a median personal experience of 51 (range 3-247) laparoscopic cholecystectomies in 22 surgeons. Major bile duct injuries occurred in 20 of 37 patients, giving an incidence of 0.3 per cent. Five mechanisms for laparoscopic ductal injury were identified, including tenting, confluence and diathermy injuries as well as the classical and variant classical types. Ductal injuries were discovered at operation in 18 patients with consequent repair giving a good clinical outcome in 17. Contributory factors (severe inflammation, aberrant anatomy and poor visualization) were present in only 13 of 37 cases. This audit suggests that, at least in the introductory period, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with an overall bile duct injury rate higher than that reported previously after open cholecystectomy, although the incidence of major ductal injury is similar. The late downward trend in bile duct injury, however, suggests there may be a prolonged learning curve for this procedure. Improved understanding of the mechanism of injury may lead to yet further reductions in this complication.

Bile Ducts↗

Laparoscopic ultrasonography is a complement to cholangiography for the detection of choledocholithiasis at laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cholangiography and laparoscopic ultrasonography are both used in the detection of common bile duct stones at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether laparoscopic ultrasonography has an alternative or a complementary role with respect to cholangiography in achieving this end. METHODS: The biliary trees of 900 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were examined routinely by the two methods. The diagnostic power of each investigation and of the two techniques in combination was evaluated. The statistical non-random concordance between the two methods was also determined. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ultrasonography was performed in all 900 patients. Cholangiography was performed in 762 (85 per cent). The mean (range) duration was 9.8 (4-21) min for laparoscopic ultrasonography and 17.6 (7-42) min for cholangiography. For the detection of common bile duct stones, with a kappa coefficient of 0.57 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.43 to 0.71), the non-random concordance between the two methods was considered to be fair to good. The sensitivity of laparoscopic ultrasonography was 0.80 (95 per cent c.i. 0.65 to 0.91) and its specificity was 0.99 (95 per cent c.i. 0.98 to 1.00). The respective values for cholangiography were 0.75 (95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 0.87) and 0.99 (95 per cent c.i. 0.98 to 1.00). The examinations combined had a sensitivity of 0.95 (95 per cent c.i. 0.86 to 0.99) and a specificity of 0.98 (95 per cent c.i. 0.96 to 1.00). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ultrasonography and intraoperative cholangiography are complementary, as the combination of both methods maximizes the intraoperative detection of choledocholithiasis.

Adult↗

[Laparoscopic training in urology. An essential principle of laparoscopic interventions in the retroperitoneum].

The main problem with clinical introduction of laparoscopic techniques in urology is that despite experience with endoscopy no significant endoscopic training is given. Laparoscopic nephrectomy, in particular, is a rather complicated procedure and needs an adequate training concept: The beginner should have the possibility of practising in vitro in a closed "pelvi-trainer" to learn video-optical coordination and orientation; then it is necessary to get used to handling the instruments and practise the different steps of the procedure (i.e. clipping of vessels, sacking of the kidney) either in phantom models or in explanted animal organs. On this basis, we performed laparoscopic nephrectomy in an animal model (n = 18 porcine kidneys). We were able to standardize the technique of creating a pneumoperitoneum, the positioning of the animal, the site and size of the trocars, and preparation and clipping techniques (i.e. Endo-GIA) and entrapment of the kidney (testing different organ bags). A step-by-step approach was used for the introduction to clinical application. For simulation and training of video-assisted preparation techniques in patients and step-wise introduction to laparoscopy (instruments, endocoagulation, trocars), we created a "lap-tent", which was placed over the wound after exposition of Gerota's fascia. Further preparation was performed under laparoscopic conditions (without pneumoperitoneum) with a limited time allowed (1 h). Thereafter, we started with time-limited laparoscopy and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy prior to pelvic surgery (prostatectomy, cystectomy) to introduce the staff to the technique of pneumoperitoneum and placement of the trocars and to the use of the instruments in general. Based on this step-by-step training concept, after a 6-months period we were successful in introducing transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (TLN) to our clinical routine. So far, we have performed 20 laparoscopic nephrectomies, 1 nephro-ureterectomy, 4 tumour nephrectomies (inducing adrenalectomy), 2 adrenalectomies, and 6 modified retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies. In the lesser pelvis we have experience with 20 laparoscopic varicocelectomies, 23 pelvic lymphadenectomies, and 5 diagnostic laparoscopies for cryptorchidism (February 1993).

Adrenalectomy↗