Search

Background: The evaluation of AIDS patients with acute abdominal complaints (AAC) is quite difficult, and surgical intervention is associated with a high complication rate. The intent of this study is to evaluate the application of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of AIDS patients with AAC., Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 10 consecutive AIDS patients who presented with AAC. Each had evaluation by a surgical team with subsequent laparoscopic intervention. The charts were reviewed for age, sex, time with AIDS, AIDS comorbidities, evaluation modalities, findings, treatment modalities, and outcome., Results: Laparoscopy resulted in the successful surgical treatment of four patients, diagnosis of medically treatable conditions in four patients, and alteration of the incision site in the remaining two patients. Each patient thus received direct benefit from laparoscopy. Two complications, in the converted patients, and no mortalities were encountered., Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a safe and effective interventional modality in the diagnosis and treatment of AAC in the AIDS patient.

Background: During the last two years, laparoscopy has been utilized to facilitate the rapid, safe and direct placement of the abdominal component of ventriculoperitoneal shunts. This study was undertaken to review the feasibility, benefits, technique, and clinical application of laparoscopically assisted ventriculoperitoneal (LAVP) shunt placement., Methods: A retrospective analysis of the records of six patients who underwent LAVP shunt placement was undertaken. The sex, age, technique, indication for surgery, comorbid conditions, complications operative time, results, and mortality were noted., Results: All patients underwent successful shunt placement. This included placement in the face of previous abdominal surgery, including a percutaneous gastrostomy. The one major complication, hemothorax, was not associated with the laparoscopic portion of the procedure., Conclusions: Using basic laparoscopic skills and nonspecialized equipment, laparoscopic assistance in ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement offers easy, direct placement of the intraabdominal portion of the catheter in most situations and provides definite patient benefits.