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PubMed2002

Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy: retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy using either the retroperitoneal or the transperitoneal approach. METHODS: Between June 1998 and October 2000, 6 consecutive patients with bilateral adrenal disease (Cushing syndrome in 4, pheochromocytoma in 1, and solitary adrenal metastases in 1) underwent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy by way of the retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed either synchronously (4 patients) or in a staged manner (2 patients). RESULTS: All laparoscopic procedures were performed successfully. For the bilateral synchronous cases (n = 4) and metachronous cases (n = 4), the median surgical time was 278 and 195 minutes, blood loss was 175 and 125 mL, resumption of oral intake and ambulation required less than 1 day for both groups, and postoperative narcotic requirement comprised 14 and 10 mg morphine sulfate equivalent, respectively. For the synchronous and metachronous cases, the hospital stay was 1.5 and less than 1 day and convalescence was 3 and 2.5 weeks, respectively. An intraoperative surgical complication (adrenal vein bleeding) occurred in 1 case, but did not require open conversion. No postoperative complications or rehospitalization occurred. The retroperitoneal approach was used in 3 of the 4 bilateral synchronous and 3 of the 4 bilateral metachronous cases. In both synchronous and metachronous cases, the actual surgical time, blood loss, time to oral intake and ambulation, postoperative analgesia use, hospital stay, and convalescence of the transperitoneal approach were well within the range of those of the retroperitoneal approach. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal and transperitoneal bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible, safe, and results in minimal postoperative morbidity.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1986

Testing a diagnosis-related group index for skilled nursing facilities.

Interest in case-mix measures for use in nursing home payment systems has been stimulated by the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for short-term acute-care hospitals. Appropriately matching payment with care needs is important to equitably compensate providers and to encourage them to admit patients who are most in need of nursing home care. The skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare benefit covers skilled convalescent or rehabilitative care following a hospital stay. Therefore, it might appear that diagnosis-related groups (DRG's), the basis for patient classification in PPS, could also be used for the Medicare SNF program. In this study, a DRG-based case-mix index (CMI) was developed and tested to determine how well it explains cost differences among SNF's. The results suggest that a DRG-based SNF payment system would be highly problematic. Incentives of this system would appear to discourage placement of patients who require relatively expensive care.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Functional gain and length of hospital stay at a medium-stay geriatric care unit at the Central Red Cross Hospital in Madrid, Spain].

BACKGROUND: The medium-stay or convalescent care geriatric units were defined by the Spanish National Health Institute in 1996 as being the level of geriatric hospital care aimed at recovering those functions, activities or sequelae having undergone changes as a result of different prior processes. This study is aimed at evaluating the characteristics of patients related to functional gain and stay in medium-stay geriatric units. METHODS: A study was made of all those patients admitted throughout the May 2000-December 2001 period. The weekly and overall functional gain was evaluated using the Barthel Index (BI), the hospital stay and the effectiveness (BI at discharge-BI at admission/during stay) having been evaluated. An improvement in the weekly gain of BI>5 points was set at the effectiveness threshold. RESULTS: A total of 459 patients averaging age 80.56 (+/-7.45) admitted for functional recovery from sequelae of ictus (48.4%), orthopedic disorders (26.3%) and immobility due to other ailments (23.5%) were evaluated. The total functional gain was 29.71 (+/-16.75) Barthel Index points, entailing an average stay of 24.93 (+/-12.94) days and a 1.44 (+/-1.02) effectiveness. The weekly functional gain was above the threshold set during the first three weeks, independently of the age and disorder for which admitted. In the multivariate regression analysis, the age, admission due to ictus, functional impairment prior to admission, cognitive impairment at admission, comorbility and delay in admission were related to a lesser functional gain. Admission due to ictus and a better functional condition prior to admission and better cognitive condition at admission were related to a longer stay. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital stays in medium-stay geriatric units is adequate, at least during the first three weeks. A comparison of the results among units should be adjusted by age, the disorder for which admitted, comorbility and functional and cognitive condition of the patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Mycoplasma hominis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

We studied selected epidemiologic, clinical, serologic, and microbiologic findings and their interrelationships among 57 women with acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Cervical cultures positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae alone and for both N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis were associated with young age, nulliparity, and use of birth-control pills. Positive serologic findings for C. trachomatis were associated with the isolation of C. trachomatis and/or N. gonorrhoeae from the cervix and predicted the presence of a pelvic mass. High levels of antibody to Mycoplasma hominis were associated with increasing age and parity, and predicted a low concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), a long hospital stay, and a high convalescent-phase erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Women with recurrent PID had higher titers of antibody to C. trachomatis than those with primary PID. The use of an intrauterine contraceptive device predicted high CRP, high acute-phase ESR, long hospital stay, and was frequently associated with positive serologic tests for M. hominis. These results demonstrate that the clinical picture of PID depends not only on the microorganisms involved but also on many epidemiologic factors such as age, contraceptive method, and parity.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

[Protocols of hospital rehabilitation in phases I and II].

We define the phase I as that in which the patients are into the hospital because an acute coronary event like myocardial infarction, or by surgery. It is also called hospital phase and lasts when the first exercise test is made. We define the phase II as that in which the patients increase their functional capacity and lasts when that increase is not necessary. Its duration is two or three months. It is also called convalescence phase. The aims of the physical training in the phase I are to avoid the damages of extensive rest in bed like muscle atrophies and calcium loss of the bones with important decrease of functional capacity and, in surgical cases, to avoid bronchial secretions, atelectases, phrenic paralysis and mobility damages secondaries to the scar. The physical training in the phase I begins 48 hours after the acute myocardial infarction or immediately after surgery, with light calisthenics and, when surgery, other specific exercises to avoid its specific described damages. A patient risk stratification can be made during the phase I following clinical criteria. The phase II begins with the first exercise test, made between the 10th and 15th days after infarction or between the 7th and 15 days after surgery or PTCA. This exercise test can evaluate the medical treatment, stratify the risk and determine the intensity of the exercise in this phase. The main aim in this phase is to improve the functional capacity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1995

Alternative approaches to hysterectomy: clinical and economic implications for managed care.

Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. Through advances in pharmacological and surgical technologies, opportunities now exist for converting selected hysterectomies from the traditional abdominal approach to vaginal or laparoscopically-assisted vaginal procedures. Such conversions may lead to diminished operative morbidity, fewer hospital days, a decreased period of convalescence, and the opportunity for cost savings. This paper reviews current clinical thought on the subject and considers the economic effect for providers of care.

California↗
PubMed1997

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a new standard of care.

OBJECTIVES: Adrenalectomy is the mainstay of treatment for adrenal tumors. A variety of surgical approaches to the adrenal gland have been described. We studied the feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA), compared laparoscopic with open adrenalectomy (OA), and studied the hemodynamic changes in patients with pheochromocytoma. METHODS: Our early experience with 20 consecutive LAs is compared with a contemporaneous, matched control cohort of 20 patients who underwent OA via a flank or subcostal incision. LA was performed via a transperitoneal approach, following a standardized surgical technique. RESULTS: LA was successfully completed in 18 of 20 cases. Average operating time in the first 5 cases was 261 minutes, but, with further experience, a significant decrease in operative time was seen in the last cohort of 4 patients (155 minutes) (P = 0.0018). There was no significant difference in operative time or degree of blood loss between LA and OA groups. Patients who underwent LA required lower doses of postoperative parenteral narcotics (P = 0.0169), had a shorter hospital stay (mean 3.2 days) (P < 0.0001), and had a shorter convalescent period (mean 3.1 weeks) (P < 0.0001). Complications in the laparoscopic group (chronic port site pain in 1 patient, intra-abdominal fluid collection in another) occurred in the 2 patients who required open conversion. These 2 patients had large adrenal tumors (9 and 7 cm in diameter, respectively). LA resulted in similar hemodynamic changes as OA in patients with pheochromocytoma. CONCLUSIONS: LA is a safe and effective approach in most patients with adrenal pathology. Benefits include excellent operative exposure and visualization, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and convalescent period, and improved cosmetic result. Pheochromocytoma is not a contraindication to LA. Patients with large adrenal tumors (larger than 6 cm), evidence of venous involvement, or invasion into surrounding tissue should be approached cautiously.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1996

A randomised prospective trial comparing laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare short term clinical results in a prospective randomised trial of laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with abdominal hysterectomy. METHODS: One hundred and forty-three women scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy, with or without salpingo-oophorectomy and with a maximum uterine width of less than ll cm, were prospectively randomised to undergo the procedure by laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 71) or abdominal hysterectomy (n = 72). During laparoscopic hysterectomy, the uterine arteries as well as the upper portion of the cardinal ligaments were transected laparoscopically. The perioperative and post-operative courses of the groups were compared. RESULTS: The number of women with a complication did not differ significantly between laparoscopic hysterectomy (27%) and abdominal hysterectomy (33%) groups. The post-operative fall in erythrocyte volume fraction was significantly greater following abdominal hysterectomy (5.6% compared with 4.1% median value, P < 0.001). Post operative pain, assessed by the patients two days after surgery on a visual analogue scale, was significantly higher following abdominal hysterectomy (4.2 compared with 3.6 units median value, P < 0.05). Although laparoscopic hysterectomy took longer (148 min compared with 85 min median value, P < 0.001), the women undergoing this procedure had a shorter post-operative time in hospital (two compared with four days median value, P < 0.001) and a shorter convalescence (16 compared with 35 days median value, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe procedure for selected patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy, and offers benefits to the patients in the form of less operative bleeding, less post-operative pain, shorter time in hospital and shorter convalescence time.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Comparative financial analysis of laparoscopic versus open pelvic lymph node dissection for men with cancer of the prostate.

Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection has been applied as a minimally invasive staging technique for men with prostate cancer. This procedure has been shown to shorten markedly postoperative hospitalization, decrease analgesic requirements and shorten convalescence period compared to open pelvic node dissection. However, the laparoscopic procedure takes longer to perform and many disposable instruments are used, thus increasing the cost. We determine the overall cost of laparoscopic versus open pelvic lymph node dissection. Between January 1989 and April 1992, 61 men underwent only staging pelvic lymph node dissection for cancer of the prostate at a single university teaching hospital. Of these patients 11 and 50 underwent open and laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection, respectively. Information from the hospital business office was reorganized into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative expenses. All individual charges were transformed up or down to the dollar amounts of the 1990 to 1991 fiscal year so as to correct for inflationary changes. Preoperative costs were not significantly different between the 2 operative approaches. Intraoperative expenses were 52% greater if laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection was performed and can be explained by the longer operative times and use of disposable instrumentation. However, the postoperative period lasted an average of 1.61 days following laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection. Postoperative nursing and analgesic requirements were significantly more for patients undergoing open pelvic lymph node dissection. The overall postoperative costs following open pelvic lymph node dissection were 280% more expensive than for the laparoscopic procedure. The overall total costs were approximately $1,250 more for laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection. Wages lost or earned during this period and rapid return to normal activity following laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection would, in our opinion, justify this additional cost.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy. DESIGN: A prospective study of the planned surgical procedure was carried out by two teams, each with two gynaecologists, who were experienced in operative laparoscopy. SETTING: The operations were carried out in a private hospital, where advanced operative laparoscopy equipment was available. PATIENTS: Seventeen patients were selected for the procedure, all of whom required hysterectomy for symptoms of pain or menorrhagia in association with uterine or other pelvic disease. Patients with carcinoma or uterine enlargement beyond 12 cm were excluded. PROCEDURE: Laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy was carried out by means of a video monitor, uterine manipulation by vaginal instrumentation, three or four abdominal punctures of less than 1 cm, and bipolar diathermy to secure vascular pedicles. The uterus was removed from the vagina by cutting vaginal skin and the cardinal ligaments. RESULTS: The operating time was 90-220 min, the blood loss was 30-200 mL, and the hospital stay lasted two to five days and convalescence two to four weeks. No serious complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy may be valuable when adnexal or uterine abnormalities are present and vaginal hysterectomy is either contraindicated or more difficult. The procedure requires special equipment and may only be carried out by experienced gynaecological operative laparoscopists. Its acceptance will depend upon reducing the operating time to less than 90 min. It has the advantage of reducing the duration of hospital stay and the duration of convalescence when compared with abdominal hysterectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Importance of conversion for results obtained with laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

PURPOSE: The need for a conversion is a problem inherent in laparoscopic surgery. The present study points up the significance of conversion for the results obtained with laparoscopic colorectal surgery and identifies the risk factors that establish the need for conversion. METHOD: The study took the form of a multicentric, prospective, observational study within the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group. A total of 33 institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participated. The study period was 3.5 years. Cases were documented with the aid of a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Within the framework of the Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Study Group, a total of 1,658 patients were recruited to a multicenter study over a period of three and one-half years (from August 1, 1995 to February 1, 1999). The observed conversion rate was 5.2 percent (n = 86). The patients requiring a conversion were significantly heavier (body mass index, 26.5 vs. 24.9) than those undergoing pure laparoscopy. Resections of the rectum were associated with a higher risk for conversion (20.9 vs. 13 percent). Intraoperative complications occurred significantly more frequently in the conversion group (27.9 vs. 3.8 percent). The duration of the operation was significantly increased after conversion in a considerable proportion of the procedures performed. Postoperative morbidity (47.7 vs. 26.1 percent), mortality (3.5 vs. 1.5 percent), recovery time, and postoperative hospital stay were all negatively influenced by conversion, in part significantly. Institutions with experience of more than 100 laparoscopic colorectal procedures proved to have a significantly lower conversion rate than those with experience of fewer than 100 such interventions (4.3 vs. 6.9 percent). CONCLUSION: Although, of itself, conversion is not considered to be a complication of laparoscopic surgery, it is true that the postoperative course after conversion is associated with appreciably poorer results in terms of morbidity, mortality, convalescence, blood transfusion requirement, and postoperative hospital stay. The importance of experience in laparoscopic surgery can be demonstrated on the basis of the conversion rates. Careful patient selection oriented to the experience of the surgeon is required if we are to keep the conversion, morbidity, and mortality rates of laparoscopic colorectal procedures as low as possible.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1999

Replacing abdominally implanted defibrillators: effect of procedure setting on cost.

Although most ICDs are currently placed using a pectoral approach, there exists a large population of patients with abdominally implanted ICDs who will require device replacement due to a depleted battery. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost, convalescence, and complication rate of replacing abdominally implanted ICDs in the OR versus the EP laboratory. Between August 1993 and September 1994, we prospectively enlisted nine consecutive patients who presented for their second ICD generator replacement and who had a prior generator replacement in the OR 3-4 years earlier. The mean age of the patients was 63 +/- 17 years and their mean ejection fraction was 37% +/- 15%. ICD replacement was performed in the EP laboratory and consisted of explanting the old device, electronic interrogation of the lead system, and confirmation of defibrillation thresholds prior to implanting a new device. Local anesthesia was provided by lidocaine infiltration and sedation was achieved with intravenous (i.v.) midazolam and fentanyl. Following the procedure, the patients were returned to an outpatient monitored setting for 4 hours and were then discharged. Comparisons of the health care charges for the same procedure performed in the two different settings revealed a significant reduction in physician fees (from $3,621 +/- $556 to $2,179 +/- $577, P < 0.05), in hospital charges (from $5,811 +/- $1,102 to $2,306 +/- 696, P < 0.05), and in total charges (from $9,431 +/- $1,375 to $4,541 +/- $1,010, P < 0.05), exclusive of ICD cost, when the procedure was performed on an outpatient basis in the EP laboratory. Inpatient days averaged 3.0 +/- 0.3 when the procedure was performed in the OR. On long-term follow-up there were no complications following abdominal ICD generator replacement in the OR (mean follow-up, 39 +/- 2 months) or in the EP laboratory (mean follow-up, 42 +/- 4 months). Thus, ICD replacements in the EP laboratory cost less than in the OR due to significantly lower physician fees, hospital charges, and a shorter postprocedural convalescence.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1995

[Experiences with combined interventions on the lumbar spine].

Lumbar fusion is practicable by combined operations with dorso-ventral combined procedures. The indication is advisable following degenerative, inflammative, neoplastic processes and fractures of the spine. We operated 125 patients with combined procedures in 10 years. Beside dorsal instrumentation an intervention at the spinal canal is mostly necessary, only in 9 patients we preferred first the ventral part for the correction of a deformity. According to our experience the advantage for delayed dorso-ventral procedure is the preoperative blood donation, perioperative ferrum substitution and intraoperative cell saver system. In contrast to 1 combined procedure, most patients with 2 operations during the same hospital stay do not need homologous blood, the addition of time for 2 delayed procedures is shorter than for a single operation with intraoperative patient turn round in anesthesia, the convalescence was better, complications were seldom and hospital stay shorter. This comes out very clear in the group of lumbar degeneration in high age, who otherwise were bedridden for a long time following frequent complications.

Adult↗