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Successfully establishing laparoscopic surgery programs in developing countries. Clinical results and lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has not been widely established in developing countries due to the lack of access to training and lack of money. We describe our experience using on-site training programs to efficiently teach and propagate laparoscopic surgery in Leon, Nicaragua; La Paz, Bolivia; and Santa Cruz, Bolivia. METHODS: A group of well-trained and motivated local surgeons was identified in each country as the initial target for teaching. Participants were taught basic and advanced laparoscopic surgery during on-site didactics, animal laboratories, and proctoring sessions. Follow-up courses were held until the target group of surgeons was capable of independently teaching and supervising laparoscopic surgery among other surgeons in each country. RESULTS: Multiple technical and logistic difficulties were encountered. In Leon, Nicaragua, and La Paz, Bolivia, a total of eight surgeons were fully trained and proctored in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia, a total of seven surgeons were instructed in advanced laparoscopic procedures. To date, over 180 patients have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy or advanced procedures with a morbidity similar to that reported in literature series in the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that in spite of numerous limitations, basic and laparoscopic surgery can be efficiently and safely taught in developing countries. Many lessons were learned in how to safely and efficiently use laparoscopic equipment and instruments within strict financial constraints.

Clinical Competence↗

Laparoscopic treatment of lymphocele after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic treatment of pelvic lymphocele secondary to kidney transplant has gained popularity in the last few years, although lesions of the urinary tract (ureter, renal pelvis, and bladder) have been reported frequently. To evaluate the result of this treatment and the associated risk of urinary tract lesions, we reviewed our experience and reports in the medical literature on open and laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: From 1991 to 1999, we laparoscopically treated 12 patients (7 men and 5 women; median age, 43 years; range, 17-59 years) with symptomatic pelvic lymphocele causing a deterioration of renal function because of compression on the ureter in 10 of the 12 patients and lymphocele compression of the iliac vein in the other 2 patients. In nine patients, the lymphocele wall was opened and sutured to the peritoneum to keep the window open. In two patients, an omentoplasty was performed, and in the remaining patient, both techniques were used. All patients were followed up clinically with ultrasound and biochemistry for a median period of 33 months (range, 1-96 months). Using Medline, we reviewed the medical literature from 1980 to 1998 and collected 252 cases in which operations had been performed to drain an internal lymphocele secondary to kidney transplantation. RESULTS: Laparoscopic treatment was successful in 11 of the 12 patients. One patient was converted to open surgery because of a lesion in the transplanted ureter. One patient needed repeat laparoscopy 24 hours after the operation because of bleeding from the peritoneal window. The median duration of the operation was 120 min (range, 70-200 min), and the median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-12 days). None of the patients needed to discontinue oral cyclosporine assumption. The serum creatinine level dropped significantly after surgery (p < 0. 05). No symptomatic recurrences were observed. Of the 252 patients found in the medical literature, in 129 the procedure was performed with open surgery and in 123 laparoscopically (our 12 patients included). The prevalence of iatrogenic lesions to the urinary tract increased threefold with the use of laparoscopic surgery (from 1.6% in open surgery to 7% in laparoscopy). The recurrence rate of symptomatic lymphocele, however, decreased from 15% to 4%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic drainage of posttransplantation lymphocele is a relatively simple method for treating this complication, although it bears the burden of an increased incidence of urinary tract lesions, as confirmed by a review of the literature. The major advantage of the laparoscopic approach is the absence of postoperative ileus with the opportunity to continue the enteral immunosuppressive regimen and a lower recurrence rate. These data suggest that laparoscopic lymphocele treatment might be considered the therapy of choice, provided the iatrogenic lesions of the urinary tract diminish as more experience with this technique is gained.

Adolescent↗

A case-control study of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy vs. open right hemicolectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to examine all laparoscopic right hemicolectomies performed for cancer in our unit and to compare them with a case-control series of open right hemicolectomies, with emphasis on long-term survival. METHODS: In a retrospective case-control series of right hemicolectomies, those done laparoscopically were compared with an age-matched and stage-matched series of patients who underwent open surgery. Survival was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were included in the study, 33 laparoscopic and 66 open. Mean age 69.7 years. Dukes staging was the same between the two groups and mean follow-up period was 65.7 months. There were six laparoscopic conversions. The number of days patients were kept nil by mouth was significantly less in the laparoscopic cohort, with a mean of 2.4 days vs. a mean of 3.65 days (P = 0.005, Mann-Whitney U test). The number of days during which patients required parenteral opiates was significantly less in the laparoscopic cohort, with a mean number of days of 2.5, in contrast to 4.5 days in the open group (P = 0.008, Mann-Whitney U test). When overall survival was compared between the open and laparoscopic groups, no difference was found, with a mean overall survival of 40 months in the laparoscopic cohort and 39.4 months in the open cohort (P = 0.348, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for cancer does not compromise long-term survival and affords the advantage of a shorter period of postoperative ileus and decreased analgesia requirements.

Aged↗

Results of a standardized technique and postoperative care plan for laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy: a 30-month experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy has been accepted slowly despite potential advantages because of the perceptions of a steep learning curve and increased operative times and costs. The purpose of this article is to review the outcome of a standardization of all the intraoperative and postoperative processes used in our department for the performance of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients requiring laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy from March 1999 through December 2001 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, was analyzed. Patients requiring sigmoid or rectosigmoid resection for all colonic pathologies were included. Criteria for exclusion from an attempted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy were body mass index >35 and prior major abdominal surgeries (exclusive of hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, or appendectomy). Data collected included age, gender, indication for surgery, American Society of Anesthesiology class, body mass index, operative duration, length of hospital stay, complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission. The operative steps for laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy were as follows: 1) open insertion of the umbilical port; 2) placement of three operating ports; 3) dissection/division of the vascular pedicle after identification of the left ureter; 4) mobilization of the sigmoid and descending colon; 5) rectal mobilization/division; 6) exteriorization of the specimen; and 7) circular stapled anastomosis. Instrumentation for the procedure was standardized. Conversion was performed when a sequential step could not be completed in a reasonable time frame. A standard perioperative care plan was used. RESULTS: From March 1999 through December 2001, the primary surgeon performed 207 sigmoid colectomies, including 181 (87.4 percent) attempted laparoscopic sigmoid colectomies and 22 (12.1 percent) conversions. Indications for the laparoscopic sigmoid colectomies were diverticular disease (115), colonic neoplasia (32), prolapse (14), endometriosis (10), and other (10). The male/female ratio was 85:96, and the mean body mass index was 27.3 +/- 5.6. Mean operative time was 119 +/- 35 minutes. Mean length of stay was 2.9 +/- 1.2 days for completed cases and 6.4 +/- 1.4 days for converted cases. Anastomotic leaks occurred in two patients (1.1 percent), one of whom died of multisystem organ failure, yielding an operative mortality of 0.6 percent. The overall complication rate was 6.6 percent, and the 30-day readmission rate was 8 percent. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that a structured approach to laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy provides the surgeon with objective measures of operative progress that limit unduly long operations without increasing conversion rates and that control resource utilization. This approach provides a potential guideline for teaching and mastering laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, reducing the learning curve, and optimizing results.

Body Mass Index↗

Comparison of conventional and laparoscopic ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare open with laparoscopic ileocolic resection in selected patients with refractory Crohn's disease confined to terminal ileum and cecum in terms of small-bowel obstruction and recurrence rates at a follow-up of five years. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients who underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection during a four-year period were compared with 53 patients who had previously undergone open ileocolic resection by the same surgeons at the same institution. Small-bowel obstruction was any clinical evidence of obstruction requiring hospital admission, regardless of recurrent disease or the need for surgery. Recurrence was defined as histologically proven Crohn's disease requiring reoperation and assessed by the actuarial method. Data were presented as medians and ranges and analyzed with Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test, Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, and log-rank test. RESULTS: Open ileocolic resection and laparoscopic ileocolic resection patients were well matched for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, smoking, length of time from diagnosis to index operation, site of disease, preoperative medical treatment, previous abdominal surgery, indications for surgery, anastomosis configuration, microscopical involvement of resection margins, and postoperative complications (9.4 vs. 10.2 percent). Operating time was longer for laparoscopic ileocolic resection patients (105 (60-120) vs. 185 (130-210) min, P < 0.001). Hospital stay was shorter for laparoscopic ileocolic resection patients (11.2 (5-20) vs. 5.6 (3-11) days, P < 0.001). At five-year follow-up, 90.5 percent of open ileocolic resection patients and 92.3 percent of laparoscopic ileocolic resection patients were available. Five-year small-bowel obstruction rates were 35.4 and 11.1 percent, respectively, in open ileocolic resection and laparoscopic ileocolic resection patients (17 vs. 4 patients, P = 0.02). Five-year-recurrence rates were 29.1 (14/48) and 27.7 percent (10/36). Median time to recurrence was 48 and 56 months, respectively, following open ileocolic resection and laparoscopic ileocolic resection (P = 0.9104). CONCLUSION: When compared with open ileocolic resection, laparoscopic ileocolic resection led to lower five-year small-bowel obstruction rates in selected patients with ileocecal Crohn's disease. Five-year recurrence rates did not differ.

Adult↗

Is there any difference in recurrence rates in laparoscopic ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease compared with conventional surgery? A long-term, follow-up study.

PURPOSE: The long-term outcome of laparoscopic ileocolic resection in patients with Crohn's disease is not well defined. This study was designed to define the surgical recurrence rate after laparoscopic ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease and to compare it with that seen after open ileocolic resection. METHODS: A retrospective review of 113 records of patients who underwent index ileocolic resection for terminal ileal Crohn's disease was performed (1987-2003). Recurrence was defined as development of new preanastomotic Crohn's disease requiring surgical intervention. Details of recurrence and use of chemoprophylaxis was determined by phone interview and chart review. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (26 males; mean age, 35.2 years) underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection and 50 had open ileocolic resection (17 males; mean age, 37.1 years). Surgical recurrence developed in 6 of 63 patients (9.5 percent) in the laparoscopic ileocolic resection group (mean follow-up, 62.9 months) and in 12 of 50 patients (24 percent) in the open ileocolic resection group (mean follow-up, 81.8 months). Rates of chemoprophylaxis were similar between groups (laparoscopic ileocolic resection, 39 percent; open ileocolic resection, 54 percent; P = not significant). Median times to recurrence after laparoscopic ileocolic resection and open ileocolic resection were 60 (range, 36-72) months and 62 (range, 12-180) months, respectively. Fifty percent of the recurrences in the laparoscopic ileocolic resection group and 4 of 12 in the open ileocolic resection group were able to be retreated laparoscopically. Re-recurrence occurred in 4 of 12 open ileocolic resection patients (33 percent) at a mean of 63.6 months, and one patient had a third recurrence at 28 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the long-term outcome after laparoscopic ileocolic resection was not shown to be statistically different from that of open ileocolic resection. The relatively low recurrence rates in both groups may be explained by our aggressive use of chemoprophylaxis.

Adolescent↗

The medical and economic impact of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in a large, metropolitan, not-for-profit hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the medical and economic impact of of operative laparoscopy on the surgical approach to hysterectomy for benign disease in a large, metropolitan, not-for-profit hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analyses were performed on 2563 hysterectomies (without vaginal or bladder repair) for benign disease, performed by 37 gynecologists between January 1991 and December 1993. Disposable laparoscopic instruments and stapling devices were not used at any time during the study period. Electrosurgery and sutures were used for hemostasis. Parameters analyzed included surgical approach (total abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and failed laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy), operative time, postoperative diagnosis, operative blood loss, length of stay, complications, uterine weight, and hospital changes. Charges in each of these parameters were analyzed and compared in 6-month increments. RESULTS: During the study period the percent of hysterectomies performed abdominally declined from 65% to 36%. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy increased from 12% to 45%, and vaginal hysterectomy varied from 23% to 19%. Average operative time was 82 minutes (+/- 2 minutes) for total abdominal hysterectomy, 102 minutes (+/- 2.3 minutes) for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and 63 minutes (+/- 2 minutes) for vaginal hysterectomy. Hospital stay was 68 hours (+/- 1.5 hours) for total abdominal hysterectomy, 44 hours (+/- 1.2 hours) for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and 43 hours (+/- 4.1 hours) for vaginal hysterectomy. The average hospital charge was $6552 (+/- $108) for total abdominal hysterectomy, $6431 (+/- $100) for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and $5869 (+/- $116) for vaginal hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to previously published studies, our study demonstrates (1) laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a cost-effective procedure when performed with reusable instruments, (2) laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is a safe procedure, even when performed by a variety of gynecologists with different skill levels, and (3) the number of hysterectomies performed abdominally was decreased by 29% without incurring more complications or reducing the number of vaginal cases.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

Laparoscopic procedures for small bowel disease.

Small bowel procedures such as placement of feeding jejunostomy, diagnosis of small bowel ischaemia and obstruction, bowel resection and lysis of adhesions can all be performed laparoscopically. Diagnostic laparoscopy can be performed with low complication rates, and can help avoid unnecessary laparotomy. The open method of trocar placement is preferred in patients with adhesions or distended bowel due to obstruction or ileus. Feeding jejunostomy can be placed by laparoscopically assisted methods, pulling the jejunum out or completely laparoscopically. The latter requires fixation of the jejunum to the abdominal wall by transabdominal sutures or T-fasteners. The T-fastener technique for feeding jejunostomy is simple to perform, safe and effective. Small bowel ischaemia can be difficult to diagnose laparoscopically. Fluorescein and ultrasound Doppler examination of the small bowel may be as useful as in laparotomy, but there is little clinical experience with these techniques. Laparoscopically assisted small bowel resection involves intraperitoneal division of the mesenteric vessels and exteriorization of the small bowel through a small abdominal incision, followed by resection and anastomosis. The causes of small bowel obstruction can be diagnosed laparoscopically, and adhesions can be lysed under laparoscopic guidance. The laparoscopic approach is replacing laparotomy for many small bowel procedures. Improvements in instruments and experience in laparoscopic procedures will continue to make these procedures easier and safer to perform.

Enteral Nutrition↗

Laparoscopic strategies for resection of insulinomas.

Sporadic insulinomas are suitable for the laparoscopic approach because they are solitary, resectable, and not metastatic. Laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography (LapUS) can identify lesions that are undetectable by preoperative imaging techniques. However, it is still worthwhile to attempt preoperative imaging by endoscopic ultrasonography to provide useful information for patient positioning and port placement. Laparoscopic pancreatic resection and laparoscopic enucleation are feasible and safe techniques. Conversion to the open approach should be considered for tumors that cannot be identified accurately by LapUS. In patients with insulinomas in the setting of multiple endocrine neoplasia 1, the laparoscopic approach is slightly different. Laparoscopic subtotal distal pancreatectomy preserving the spleen combined with laparoscopic enucleation of any tumors identified in the pancreatic head should be the standard operation. The advantages of laparoscopic pancreatic procedures should be those of all laparoscopic procedures, which obviously reduce the parietal damage in the abdomen. This may be associated with reductions in postoperative pain and hospital stay and an earlier return to previous activity. A cosmetic advantage is also clear because of the absence of long abdominal incision, and this should be taken into account, especially in young women.

Digestive System Surgical Procedures↗

Laparoscopic versus open colostomy reversal: a comparative analysis.

Open colostomy reversal carries significant rates of wound infection, anastomotic leak, and incisional hernia which often limit its acceptance. We hypothesized that the laparoscopic approach to the restoration of intestinal continuity may result in lower perioperative morbidity and faster postoperative recovery. Twenty-two cases of laparoscopic colostomy reversals performed at a single institution were identified and compared to 22 randomly selected open colostomy closures performed during the same time period. Patients were compared based on demographics, previous indications for colostomy procedures, and perioperative outcomes. A total of 152 patients underwent reversal of left-sided colostomies during the study period. The laparoscopic approach was successful in 20 of 22 cases; there were 2 conversions to open (9%) secondary to inability to adequately mobilize the rectal stump. The laparoscopic and open groups were comparable based on mean age (54 years versus 49 years; P = 0.23), BMI (26 kg/m(2) versus 27 kg/m(2); P = 0.66), gender (9% males versus 13% males; P = 0.23), ASA Class (2.6 versus 2.3; P = 0.07), and history of previous intra-abdominal sepsis (17 versus 16 cases). Operative times were similar (158 versus 189 minutes; P = 0.16), and estimated blood loss was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (113 versus 270 ml; P = 0.01). No intraoperative complications occurred in the laparoscopic group and two enterotomies occurred in the open group. The laparoscopic group had earlier passage of flatus (3.5 versus 5.0 days; P = 0.001) and shorter hospitalization (4.2 versus 7.3 days; P = 0.001). Perioperative complications occurred in 3 (14%) laparoscopic and 13 (59%) open cases (P = 0.01). There was no mortality in this series. The laparoscopic approach can be safely used in the restoration of intestinal continuity. It results in a decreased perioperative morbidity and faster recovery, and it offers distinct advantages over the open approach to colostomy reversal.

Adult↗

Completely laparoscopic total and partial gastrectomy for benign and malignant diseases: a single institute's prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal benign disease has gained worldwide acceptance; totally laparoscopic surgery for malignant diseases remains controversial. The purposes of this study were to examine prospectively our experience with laparoscopic gastric resections, to evaluate the surgical outcomes, and to discuss the role of these procedures in the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the stomach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest prospective study of totally laparoscopic total and partial gastrectomies in Western countries. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-three patients who underwent totally laparoscopic gastric resection between April 1995 and January 2004 were studied prospectively. Eight patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy and 25 patients had laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. There were 21 women and 12 men with a mean age of 71 +/- 10 years. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (63.6%) were operated on for malignant diseases and 12 patients (36.4%) had benign lesions. Conversion to laparotomy was not required in any case. Mean operative time was 138 +/- 40 minutes and mean blood loss was 58 +/- 85 mL. There were no major intraoperative complications except for one splenectomy, and there were no perioperative deaths. Two postoperative complications occurred; one patient developed an intraperitoneal abscess with a small duodenal fistula after total gastrectomy and was treated by peritoneal lavage and drain placement. The other patient developed delayed gastric emptying after subtotal gastrectomy and was managed conservatively. Mean ambulation time and mean hospital stay were 2.3 +/- 0.7 days and 14.6 +/- 5 days, respectively. All resected margins were tumor free. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes for the malignant lesions was 22 +/- 12 (range 10 to 53). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective trial demonstrated that totally laparoscopic total and partial gastric resections had good results and were feasible and safe procedures. In addition, we concluded that the totally laparoscopic approach for early and advanced gastric cancer can obtain adequate margins and follow oncologic principles.

Aged↗

Getting residents in the game: an evaluation of general surgery residents' participation in pediatric laparoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: In a large children's hospital, the authors evaluated general surgery residents' experience with pediatric laparoscopic procedures and the impact of their participation on patient outcome. METHODS: The records of all children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, splenectomy, fundoplication, or pyloromyotomy were reviewed. The level of participation by general surgery residents in each of these operations was determined. Outcome was assessed for these procedures in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A resident was the operating surgeon in 164 of 174 laparoscopic appendectomies (94%), 37 of 38 laparoscopic splenectomies (97%), 78 of 104 laparoscopic fundoplications (75%), and 72 of 97 laparoscopic pyloromyotomies (74%). Adverse outcomes in the cases in which a resident was surgeon were limited to 4 postappendectomy infectious complications, 3 cases of recurrent reflux after fundoplication, and one incomplete myotomy and one mucosal injury after laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have shown that well-supervised general surgery residents can perform common, pediatric laparoscopic operations with excellent results. Although it is essential for established pediatric surgeons and fellows in pediatric surgery to acquire expertise in minimally invasive surgery, once they have confidence in their own skills they may safely permit qualified general surgery residents to perform laparoscopic procedures in children.

Child↗

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in children with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis.

PURPOSE: To address whether laparoscopic appendectomy could be an alternative to conventional open appendectomy in children with complicated appendicitis as well as uncomplicated appendicitis, a retrospective study comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomies was performed. METHODS: One hundred patients who were treated by immediate appendectomy, either laparoscopically or by the open method, between May 2000 and August 2003 were included in the study. There were 53 patients in the laparoscopic appendectomy group and 47 patients in the open appendectomy group. RESULTS: The operating time was significantly longer for laparoscopic appendectomy than for open appendectomy (P < .001). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis (P = .001). Thirteen of the 100 patients (13.0%) had 15 postoperative complications including wound infection (n = 8), intraabdominal abscess (n = 4), stitch abscess (n = 2), and small bowel obstruction (n = 1). In both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, there was no significant difference between laparoscopic and open appendectomies in the complication rates, and the incidences of each complication did not differ between the procedures. Among the 14 patients with generalized peritonitis, postoperative complications were seen in 5 patients (35.7%). Although the presence of generalized peritonitis was associated significantly with postoperative complications (P = .017), there was no significant association between the procedure and complications. Overall treatment costs were increased by 26.0% in laparoscopic appendectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy should remain an option in children with uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, and when laparoscopy is selected, consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure is essential.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of outcomes after laparoscopic and open pyloromyotomy at a high-volume pediatric teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) is used widely for treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. We examined the results of pyloromyotomy at a high-volume pediatric teaching hospital to compare outcomes of laparoscopic and open pyloromyotomy (OP). METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent pyloromyotomy at our institution over a 5-year period. Data were collected regarding operative time, time to full feeds, length of hospital stay, complications, and frequency of postoperative emesis. RESULTS: There were 335 pyloromyotomies: 212 laparoscopic and 123 open. Five patients in the laparoscopic group required conversion to an open procedure. There were no significant differences in operative time (LP, 30.5 minutes; OP, 32.0 minutes), time to full feeds (LP, 22.4 hours; OP, 23.5 hours), frequency of postoperative emesis (LP, 1.8; OP, 2.2), or length of hospital stay (LP, 49.3 hours; OP, 50.5 hours). There were 5 mucosal perforations in the laparoscopic group and 2 in the open group (LP, 2.3%; OP, 1.6%). There were 3 incomplete pyloromyotomies in the laparoscopic group and none in the open group. Four perforations and all incomplete myotomies occurred in the first 2 years after the laparoscopic technique was introduced at our institution. The overall complication rate was similar (LP, 3.7%; OP, 3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is a safe and effective alternative to OP. There appears to be an institutional learning curve when the laparoscopic technique is introduced as reflected by slightly higher rates of mucosal injury and incomplete pyloromyotomy.

Digestive System Surgical Procedures↗

Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty in children younger than 2 years.

PURPOSE: Since the first laparoscopic pyeloplasty was described in a child in 1995, there have been several reports of pyeloplasty in older children. However, to date there have been few reports of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infants and toddlers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children younger than 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasties performed in children younger than 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction was confirmed on renal sonography and diuretic renogram. Laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed via a transperitoneal route as originally described, with key modifications. All children were investigated with postoperative diuretic renogram and renal ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 38 children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction underwent laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty between January 2001 and December 2005. Of these patients 11 (7 males and 4 females) were younger than 2 years at surgery (median 1.4, range 2 to 22 months) and 1 had bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, for a total of 12 primary repairs. However, 2 patients (17%) required redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty, for a total of 14 laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasties in this age group. Operative time ranged from 70 to 140 minutes (mean 100) and median hospital stay was 2 days. Followup studies showed normal drainage in all patients except 1, who after redo pyeloplasty exhibited significantly improved but still prolonged drainage. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that laparoscopic pyeloplasty can now be performed in young children with good results.

Female↗

Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for two or more ipsilateral renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To review our experience with laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery in the management of two or more synchronous, ipsilateral renal masses. Minimally invasive nephron-sparing procedures are increasingly used for the treatment of select patients with a single, small renal tumor. METHODS: Since 1998, we have performed laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery in 288 consecutive patients, including laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (n = 200) and renal cryotherapy (n = 88). Of these, 13 patients (4.5%) were treated for synchronous ipsilateral renal masses. RESULTS: A total of 27 renal tumors were treated in 13 patients. The patients were divided into four groups on the basis of the treatment. Group 1 (n = 3) underwent en-bloc laparoscopic partial nephrectomy encompassing both tumors; group 2 (n = 2) underwent individual laparoscopic partial nephrectomy of discrete masses during the same procedure; group 3 (n = 2) had one mass treated with partial nephrectomy and the other mass treated with cryotherapy; and group 4 (n = 6) had all tumors treated with cryotherapy. All cases were completed successfully without conversion to open surgery or laparoscopic nephrectomy. The mean overall operative time was 4.3 hours, and the mean blood loss was 169 mL. No intraoperative complications occurred. Three patients had postoperative complications, none requiring re-exploration. One patient in group 4 developed de novo tumors in the treated kidney, located distant from the cryoablated sites. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is an emerging, efficacious laparoscopic treatment option for select patients. Laparoscopic cryotherapy is a useful alternative or adjunct to partial nephrectomy. The judicious combination of these complementary techniques further extends the scope of minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery.

Angiomyolipoma↗

Is laparoscopic nephrectomy the preferred approach in xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis?

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) and compare it with the open approach. XGP is an atypical and severe form of chronic renal infection. Open nephrectomy has been the procedure of choice for XGP. The laparoscopic approach has been used in cases of XGP but with increased complications and operative time. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all the patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with a pathologic diagnosis of XGP from January 2001 to August 2005 was done. The demographic profile and data on the operative time, operative technique, blood loss, and complications were obtained. RESULTS: In all, 25 patients underwent nephrectomy with a pathologic diagnosis of XGP, 10 laparoscopically and 15 by the open approach. Laparoscopic nephrectomy for XGP was successful in 80% of the cases. The dissection of the kidney was comparatively difficult in all cases because of dense adhesions in the perirenal region and required modification of the technique. The incidence of major complications was 20% and 10% in the open and laparoscopic groups, respectively. The mean hospital stay in the laparoscopic group was 3.8 days, significantly less than that for the open nephrectomy group (8.2 days). The mean operative time in the laparoscopic group was 3.8 hours compared with 2.5 hours in the open group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can be successfully performed in patients with a pathologic diagnosis of XGP. Although a longer operative time is required because of perinephric adhesions, the postoperative recovery is faster and cosmesis superior compared with the open approach. Modifications in the standard laparoscopic technique can be made to complete the procedure successfully and safely.

Adolescent↗

Early reoperation following laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome for patients undergoing early reoperation following laparoscopic antireflux surgery. METHODS: The outcome was prospectively determined for 28 patients who underwent 30 reoperative procedures within 4 weeks of their initial laparoscopic fundoplication between 1992 and 1998. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 4 years (median 2 years). Before mid 1994, patients were assessed and managed based on clinical findings (first 192 patients in overall series), whereas subsequently (for the most recent 530 patients) all patients underwent routine early postoperative barium swallow radiography, and laparoscopic exploration during the first postoperative week if problems were suspected. RESULTS: The reoperations were performed for acute paraoesophageal hiatus hernia (8 patients), tight oesophageal hiatus (7), postoperative haemorrhage (3), tight Nissen fundoplication (8), early recurrent reflux (1), and coeliac/superior mesenteric artery thrombosis (1). Two patients required a second operation for persistent dysphagia due to a tight hiatus. Both patients initially underwent loosening of their fundoplication. Before mid 1994, reoperations were usually undertaken by an open approach, whereas subsequently a laparoscopic approach has usually been successful. Laparoscopic reintervention was easily achieved within 7 days of the first procedure whereas subsequent surgery was more difficult and often required open surgery. The change in protocol was associated with an improvement in overall patient satisfaction and dysphagia in the latter part of this experience. CONCLUSIONS: Routine early contrast radiology following laparoscopic fundoplication and a low threshold for laparoscopic reexploration facilitates early identification of postoperative problems at a time when laparoscopic correction is easily achieved. This may result in an improved overall outcome for patients requiring early reintervention following laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Barium Sulfate↗