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Background: Conventional ultrasonically activated devices use linear mode vibration. Torsional mode ultrasonically activated device (TM) that oscillate around an arc have been recently introduced in the hope that the design may result in faster cutting and better hemostasis., Methods: Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to TM or linear mode ultrasonically activated device (LM). Intraoperative events were recorded. Postoperatively, a sample of suction fluid was analyzed for hemoglobin concentration to calculate intraoperative blood loss., Results: Seventy-five patients were randomized to TM and 76 patients to LM. Median blood loss was 5 (interquartile range (IQR), 1-19.7) ml with TM and 10.5 (IQR, 2.3-23) ml with LM (p = 0.105). The 95% confidence interval for the difference in median operative blood loss was -1.3 to +9.5 ml. Median gallbladder dissection time was similar in both groups (17 (IQR 11-29) minutes for TM vs. 21 (IQR, 12-29) minutes for LM; p = 0.248). Other modalities of hemostasis were required in 14 patients (19%) in the TM group compared with 21 patients (28%) in the LM group. One patient in the LM group developed postoperative hemoperitoneum and required urgent laparoscopic exploration. No patient required blood transfusion or suffered any other significant complication., Conclusion: TM has similar effectiveness to LM for laparoscopic cholecystectomy., Registration Number: ISRCTN87527062 ( http://www.controlled-trials.com ).

Background: Obesity predisposes to incisional herniation and increased the incidence of recurrence after conventional open repair. Only sparse data on the safety and security of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) for morbidly obese patients are available. This study compared the incidence of perioperative complications and early recurrence after LVHR between morbidly obese and non-morbidly obese patients., Methods: The case records of consecutive patients who underwent LVHR between December 2002 and August 2007 were reviewed. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) lower than 35 kg/m2 were compared with morbidly obesity patients who had a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher., Results: The study included 168 patients (87 men) with a median age of 55 years (range, 24-92 years). Two conversions to open repair (1.2%) were performed, both for non-morbidly obese patients. Of the 168 patients, 42 (25%) were morbidly obese (BMI range, 35.0-58.0 kg/m2) and 126 (75%) were non-morbidly obese (BMI range, 15.5-34.9 kg/m2). The groups showed no significant differences in age, gender, number or size of fascial defects, operative time, length of hospital stay, or incidence of perioperative complications. At a median follow-up period of 19 months (range, 6-62 months), 20 patients (12%) had recurrent hernias. The incidence of recurrence was significantly associated with the size of the fascial defect and the size of the mesh, but not with morbid obesity., Conclusion: No significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications or recurrence after LVHR was observed between the morbidly obese patients and the non-morbidly obese patients.

Background: Torsional mode ultrasonic coagulating shears have recently been developed for endoscopic and conventional surgery. The current investigation was conducted to compare the effectiveness of this device with the more established linear mode shears for the sealing of medium- to large-sized arteries., Methods: Porcine carotid arteries were prepared in vitro. Each vessel was coagulated and cut by both torsional and longitudinal mode devices at different sites. The burst pressure of each seal was then measured by placing a catheter secured with a ligature into the open end of the vessel. The catheter was connected to a pressure transducer and saline was gradually infused until there was leakage from the sealed end. The acute burst pressure was defined as the peak pressure recorded. Statistical differences were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test., Results: A total of 104 seals were made on 50 vessels, 52 with each device. Median burst pressures for arteries 3.3-4.2 mm and 4.3-5.2 mm in diameter were 321 and 354 mmHg for torsional mode shears compared with 479 and 317 mmHg for linear mode shears (p = 0.193 and 0.579, respectively). For larger arteries (5.3-7.4 mm in diameter), the torsional mode shears achieved significantly higher seal strength than the linear mode shears (median burst pressure = 378 vs. 203 mmHg, p = 0.027). There was no significant correlation between the burst pressure and the vessel size for the torsional mode device (r = -0.109, p = 0.441). However, the burst pressure was adversely affected by increased vessel size for the linear mode device (r = -0.552, p = 0.000)., Conclusions: Both torsional and linear mode ultrasonic shears achieved secure hemostasis on vessels up to 5.2 mm. The torsional mode shears had the extended ability to coagulate larger-sized vessels up to 7.4 mm with the same degree of confidence.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare micropuncture laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MPLC), with three 3.3-mm cannulas and one 10-mm cannula with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC)., Methods: Patients were randomized to undergo either CLC or MPLC. The duration of each operative stage and the procedure were recorded. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and vasopressin were sampled for 24 h. Visual analogue pain scores (VAPS) and analgesic consumption were recorded for 1 week. Pulmonary function and quality of life (EQ-5D) were monitored for 4 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test or Fisher's exact test. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range)., Results: Forty-four patients entered the study, but four were excluded due to unsuspected choledocholithiasis (n = 3) or the need to reschedule surgery (n = 1). The groups were comparable in terms of age, duration of symptoms, and indications for surgery. Total operative time was similar (CLC, 63 [52-81] min vs MPLC 74 [58-95] min; p = 0.126). However, time to place the cannulas after skin incision (CLC, 5:42 [3:45-6:37] min vs MPLC, 7:38 [5:57-10:15] min; p = 0.015) and to clip the cystic duct after cholangiography (CLC, 1:05 [0:40-1:35] min vs MPLC, 3:45 [2:26-7:49] min; p <0.001) were significantly longer for MPLC. Six CLC patients and one MPLC patient required postoperative parenteral opiates (p = 0.04). Oral analgesic consumption was similar in both groups (p = 0.217). Median VAPS were lower at all time points for MPLC, but this finding was not significant (p = 0.431). There were no significant differences in postoperative stay, IL-6, ACTH or vasopressin responses, pulmonary function, or EQ-5D scores., Conclusions: The thinner instruments did not significantly increase the total duration of the procedure. MPLC reduced the use of parenteral analgesia postoperatively, which may prove beneficial for day case patients, but it did not have a significant impact on laboratory variables, lung function or quality of life.

Background: Previous reports of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with biliary pancreatitis suggested increased operative difficulty, high rates of conversion, and greater morbidity and mortality., Methods: Between 1990 and 1997, LC was performed for biliary pancreatitis in 63 patients (Group I) and for other causes in 829 patients (Group II)., Results: Patients with biliary pancreatitis were significantly older (median age 57 vs 50 years, p = 0.009), with greater co-morbidity (ASA III/IV 24% vs 11%, p = 0.008). The groups were comparable with respect to the frequency of previous abdominal operations, acute inflammation of the gallbladder, and the frequency of bile duct calculi detected by intraoperative cholangiography. Moderate to severe adhesions involving the gallbladder were significantly more frequent in patients with biliary pancreatitis (46% vs 29%, p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to intraoperative (1.5% Group I vs 6.0% Group II, p = 0.109) or postoperative complications (10% vs 8%, p = 0.426), conversion rate (0 vs 2.7%, p = 0.181), or duration of operation (median 92 vs 85 min, p = 0.33)., Conclusion: Despite increased age and co-morbidity and more frequent adhesions, our data showed no evidence that intraoperative or postoperative complications were more frequent in patients with biliary pancreatitis than in other patients undergoing LC.

Background: The pneumoperitoneum is the crucial element in laparoscopic surgery. Different clinical problems are associated with this procedure, which has led to various modifications of the technique. The aim of this guideline is to define the scientifically proven standards of the pneumoperitoneum., Methods: Based on systematic literature searches (Medline, Embase, and Cochrane), an expert panel consensually formulated clinical recommendations, which were graded according to the strength of available literature evidence., Recommendations: Preoperatively, all patients should be assessed for the presence of cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, or vascular comorbidity. Presupposing appropriate perioperative measures and surgical technique, there is no reason to contraindicate pneumoperitoneum in patients with peritonitis or intraabdominal malignancy. During laparoscopy, monitoring of end tidal CO2 concentration is mandatory. The available data on closed- (Veress needle) and open-access techniques do not allow us to principally favor the use of either technique. Using 2 to 5-mm instead of 5 to 10-mm trocars improves cosmetic result and postoperative pain marginally. It is recommended to use the lowest intraabdominal pressure allowing adequate exposure of the operative field, rather than using a routine pressure. In patients with limited cardiac, pulmonary, or renal function, abdominal wall lifting combined with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum might be an alternative. Abdominal wall lifting devices have no clinically relevant advantages compared to low-pressure (5-7 mmHg) pneumoperitoneum. In patients with cardiopulmonary diseases, intra- and postoperative arterial blood gas monitoring is recommended. The clinical benefits of warmed, humidified insufflation gas are minor and contradictory. Intraoperative sequential intermittent pneumatic compression of the lower extremities is recommended for all prolonged laparoscopic procedures. For the prevention of postoperative pain a wide range of treatment options exists. Although all these options seem to reduce pain, the data currently do not justify a general recommendation.

Background: Controversy surrounds the choice of laparoscopic cardiomyotomy as the primary treatment for achalasia or a second-line treatment following the failure of nonsurgical treatment. Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy can be more difficult technically following pneumatic dilatations. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome obtained with primary laparoscopic cardiomyotomy to that achieved when the procedure is performed following failed pneumatic dilatation., Methods: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy was performed in seven patients following a median of four pneumatic dilatations (group A) and in five patients as their primary treatment (group B). Outcome was measured using manometry, a modified DeMeester symptom scoring system, and a quality-of-life questionnaire., Results: There were no significant differences between groups A and B in sex, age, preoperative modified DeMeester score, or mean barrier pressure. Six of seven group A patients had evidence of periesophageal and submucosal fibrosis at surgery, but this condition was not seen in group B patients. The operative time was slightly longer in group A patients. There was no difference in complication rates (one primary hemorrhage in group A and one esophageal perforation in group B), and both groups had a significantly improved modified DeMeester score at 6 weeks and at long-term follow-up (median, 26 months). Eleven of 12 patients said that they would choose laparoscopic cardiomyotomy as their primary treatment if newly diagnosed with achalasia., Conclusions: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy is safe and effective as a primary or second-line treatment following pneumatic dilatations in patients with achalasia.

Background: Morbid obesity is generally regarded as a risk factor for laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to increases in operative time, morbidity, and conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in morbidly obese patients., Methods: A total of 864 consecutive patients underwent LC at our institution between 1990 and 1997. This series represents a continuing policy of LC for all comers. Data were collected prospectively. There were 659 nonobese (NO: BMI 40 kg/m2). Laparoscopic bile duct exploration was performed in 28 (4.2%), nine (4.8%), and one (5.9%) patients, respectively., Results: Obesity and morbid obesity were associated with trends toward an increased conversion rate (2.3% NO; 4.3% OB; 5.9% MO), a longer operative time (median, 80, 85, and 107 mins, respectively), greater postoperative morbidity (4.7%, 5.9%, and 11.8%, respectively), and a reduced ability to obtain cholangiography (86.1%, 80.1%, and 71.4%, respectively). None of these differences, however, were statistically significant (c2 test, p > 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay for LC was similar for all three groups (median, 1 day)., Conclusion: LC in morbidly obese patients is a safe procedure, but it may be associated with increased operative difficulty and morbidity, as compared with nonobese and obese patients.

A 51-year-old woman underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Stone loss occurred during gallbladder dissection. Histology showed empyema of the gallbladder. Postoperatively, she developed a subhepatic abscess that required percutaneous drainage. Two years after surgery, she re-presented with a right paracolic abscess. Transsciatic CT-guided drainage of the abscess was performed. Barium enema excluded colonic pathology. Two weeks later, she developed a right gluteal abscess deep to the recent drain site. Ultrasound-guided drainage was performed followed by a sonogram. The sonogram ruled out communication with the peritoneum. Two further subhepatic abscesses occurred during the next 5 years; the first abscess was drained percutaneously, but the second required open drainage: At laparotomy, gallstone fragments were found within the abscess cavity. The site of the previous gluteal drain continued to discharge intermittently. An MRI scan showed an uncomplicated sinus track. Subsequent sinography of the right gluteal track demonstrated an opacity at the apex of the sinus. The sinus was laid open and a gallstone retrieved. The patient has remained well for 3 years. Complications due to gallstone spillage generally manifest themselves shortly after surgery. This case demonstrates that lost stones may cause chronic abdominal and abdominal wall sepsis. In cases of chronic abdominal sepsis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the possibility of lost stones should be considered even if stones are not positively shown on imaging.

Background: Efficient use of operating time has become a key concern. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative factors that can predict extended duration of operating time (>90 min) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC)., Methods: Data collected prospectively on 827 consecutive patients who underwent elective LC between 1990 and 1997 were analyzed. Factors evaluated included age, gender; body mass index; comorbidity; duration of symptoms; history of jaundice, pancreatitis, or abdominal surgery; dilated common bile duct or thick-walled gallbladder on ultrasound; preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES); and surgeon experience. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting a long operation., Results: Operating time was longer than 90 min in 276 patients (33%). Predictors of extended operation time were age older than 55 years (odds ratio [OR] = 9.7), preoperative ES (OR = 2.8), and a thick-walled gallbladder on ultrasound (OR = 2.5)., Conclusion: These predictors may be useful in planning theater lists and anesthesia management, and in selecting patients for day surgery.

Background: The routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains controversial., Methods: A retrospective review of 950 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed during an 8-year period was performed. For the first 2 years, IOC was performed selectively, and thereafter routinely., Results: Attempted in 896 patients, IOC was successful in 734 (82%). Bile duct stones were found in 77 patients (10%), dilated ducts without stones in 47 patients (6%), and anatomic variations in 4 patients (0.5%). There were four (0.4%) minor intraoperative complications related to the IOC, with no consequences for the patients. There were three (0.3%) minor injuries of the bile duct, which were identified with IOC and repaired at the time of cholecystectomy without any consequences for the patients. In two of these patients, the structure recognized and catheterized as the cystic duct was revealed by IOC to be the bile duct. Thus IOC prevented extension to a major common bile duct (CBD) injury., Conclusions: Findings show that IOC is a safe technique. Its routine use during laparoscopic cholecystectomy may not prevent bile duct injuries, but it minimizes the extent of the injury so that it can be repaired easily without any consequences for the patient. The prevention of a major bile duct injury makes IOC cost effective.

Background: The detection of small and often asymptomatic gallbladder calculi within the bile duct at intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) frequently poses a management dilemma. Therefore, we set out to compare the outcomes and costs of two management strategies for small stones that remain in the bile duct after LC-routine postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) vs observation alone with "on-demand" ERCP., Methods: We studied 70 patients with bile duct stones among 922 consecutive patients who underwent LC between 1990 and 1997. Data were collected prospectively. Bile duct calculi were detected in 70 of 705 patients (9.9%) with successful IOC. Of these, 44 patients had large calculi (> or =5 mm in diameter) and were subjected to a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. The remaining 26 patients had small calculi (<5 mm in diameter); four of them had undergone preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy and duct clearance and were therefore excluded from analysis. Patients with small duct calculi were assigned, according to individual surgeon policy, to either routine postoperative ERCP (group A, n = 8) or observation (group B, n = 14). ERCP was reserved for those who become symptomatic. The two groups were comparable for age and sex distribution., Results: No complications developed during the follow-up period in patients assigned to observation, although four became symptomatic and underwent ERCP. In group A, ERCP demonstrated a clear biliary tree in four patients and bile duct calculi in three patients; it failed in one patient. In group B, ERCP demonstrated a clear bile duct in one patient and bile duct calculi in two patients; it also failed in one patient. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and duct clearance were achieved in all patients with demonstrable bile duct calculi at ERCP. There was no morbidity or mortality associated with ERCP. The overall hospital stay was significantly longer in group A than in group B (median 5 vs 1.5 days; p = 0.011); however, the number of outpatient clinic visits was significantly greater in group b (median 3 vs 5.5, p = 0.011). The mean hospital costs, including the costs of hospital stay, readmissions, ERCP, and follow-up, were significantly greater in group A than in group B (mean pound2669 vs pound1508, p = 0.008)., Conclusion: A "wait and see" policy of observation alone for patients with small bile duct calculi detected at IOC during LC appears to be safe, and it is more cost-effective than routine postoperative ERCP. ERCP should be reserved for post-LC patients who become symptomatic.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg) minimizes adverse hemodynamic effects, reduces postoperative pain, and accelerates recovery. Similar claims are made for gasless laparoscopy using abdominal wall lifting. The aim of this study was to compare gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy to low-pressure cholecystectomy with respect to postoperative pain and recovery., Methods: Thirty-six patients were randomized to low-pressure or gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a subcutaneous lifting system (Laparotenser)., Results: The characteristics of the patients were similar in the two groups. The procedure was completed in all patients in the low-pressure group, but two patients in the gasless group were converted to pneumoperitoneum. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain and analgesic consumption, but patients in the gasless group developed shoulder pain more frequently (50% vs 11%, p < 0.05). Gasless operation took longer to perform (95 vs 72.5 min, p = 0.01)., Conclusions: Gasless and low-pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy were similar with respect to postoperative pain and recovery. The gasless technique provided inferior exposure and the operation took longer, but the technique may still have value in high-risk patients with cardiorespiratory disease.

Background: Pneumoperitoneum at 15 mmHg results in dangerous hemodynamic disturbances in some patients. The use of low-pressure insufflation may make laparoscopic surgery safer., Methods: Data were collected prospectively from a consecutive series of patients who had undergone an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) by the same surgeon, during the years 1993-94 (group 1, 77 patients) and 1996 (group 2, 50 patients). The groups were similar with respect to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, existence of abdominal scars due to previous surgery, and severity of gallbladder disease. Patients underwent LC with a mean intraabdominal pressure of 10.56 mmHg in group 1 and 7 mmHg in group 2, respectively., Results: The mean operative time was 75 min and 78 min in groups 1 and 2, respectively (NS). Insertion of an additional cannula was required more frequently (24% versus 14%; NS) in group 2. There were no conversions in either group. The morbidity rate and the postoperative hospital stay were similar for both groups., Conclusions: LC can be performed routinely at low intraabdominal pressure, which may contribute to the safety and comfort of the procedure.

Insulinomas are usually small, benign tumors of the pancreas, often found in obese patients, which require an incision that is out of all proportion to the size of the lesion. A laparoscopic technique for enucleation of a pancreatic insulinoma is described.

Background: Peritoneal insufflation to 15 mmHg diminishes venous return and reduces cardiac output. Such changes may be dangerous in patients with a poor cardiac reserve. The aim of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic effects of high (15 mmHg) and low (7 mmHg) intraabdominal pressure during laparoscopic cholestectomy (LC) METHODS: Twenty patients were randomized to either high- or low-pressure capnoperitoneum. Anesthesia was standardized, and the end-tidal CO2 was maintained at 4.5 kPa. Arterial blood pressure was measured invasively. Heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output were measured by transesophageal doppler., Results: There were 10 patients in each group. In the high-pressure group, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) increased during insufflation. Stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output were depressed by a maximum of 26% and 28% (SV 0.1 > p > 0.05, cardiac output p > 0. 1). In the low-pressure group, insufflation produced a rise in MABP and a peak rise in both stroke volume and cardiac output of 10% and 28%, respectively (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum is feasible for LC and minimizes the adverse hemodynamic effects of peritoneal insufflation.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) significantly reduces the discomfort and disability typically associated with open cholecystectomy, but there is still room for improvement., Methods: In order to further reduce the trauma of access, we have introduced a technique of micropuncture laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MPLC) that utilizes three 3-mm cannulae in addition to the standard 10-mm cannula at the umbilicus. MPLC was performed in 25 patients (median age, 52 years; m/f, three of 22) with symptomatic cholelithiasis., Results: The operation was completed in all patients. The median duration of surgery was 75 min (range, 45-180). Sixteen patients were discharged the same day and nine patients the next day. All the patients had an uncomplicated recovery. Only eight patients requested postoperative analgesia while in hospital. Micropuncture exploration of the bile duct was carried out in one patient., Conclusions: MPLC is a feasible and safe technique that appears to improve on the benefits of LC; it makes the operation even more feasible as a day-surgery procedure.

Background: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy combined with spleen salvage by preservation of the splenic vessels has been described in selected patients with islet cell tumors., Methods: Laparoscopic resection of the left side of the pancreas with spleen preservation on the vasa brevia was attempted in six consecutive patients., Results: Four distal pancreatectomies with spleen preservation were completed laparoscopically. There were two conversions to laparotomy. The median operating time was 300 min (range, 240-360). There was no mortality, but two patients developed a pancreatic fistula. The median postoperative hospital stay was 34.5 days (range, 5-60). All the patients remain well at a median follow-up of 30 months (range, 22-41)., Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery for distal pancreatic tumors is feasible and appropriate for most benign tumors. The spleen can be safely preserved laparoscopically on its blood supply from the short gastric vessels. The operative technique and especially the closure of the pancreatic stump need further study.

Background: Pancreatic debridement is a lifesaving operation in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis. Even in the presence of gallstones, cholecystectomy may be avoided during the procedure, but definitive treatment of the stones is needed at a later stage., Methods: Five patients (median age 58 years) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, at a median time interval of 15 months, after pancreatic debridement via a dome-shaped upper abdominal incision for severe acute pancreatitis. The use of alternative methods for primary access, additional cannulae to enable division of adhesions, the harmonic scalpel, and the fundus first technique made the laparoscopic approach possible and safe., Results: The median operating time was 130 min. Four patients were discharged home the first or second postoperative day. One patient required a "mini-laparotomy" for drainage of a periumbilical hematoma and was discharged on the 13th day., Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be considered an effective and safe approach for the treatment of gallstones in patients who have undergone pancreatic debridement.

Background: Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis occurs as a stress response to surgery and may predispose the patient to thromboembolic complications. Other components of the surgical stress response (cytokine release, neurohumoral response, etc.) have been shown to differ between laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy, and the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of laparoscopic and open surgery on the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways., Methods: Fourteen patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 12 patients undergoing open cholecystectomy had blood taken in the perioperative period for fibrinopeptide A (FPA) prothrombin fragment F1.2, antithrombin 3, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its fast-acting inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1 antigen and activity), and the euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT)., Results: The only significant differences between the two groups occurred 6 h after surgery when the ECLT was longer (p < 0.005; Mann Whitney), and PAI-1 antigen and activity were higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively; Mann Whitney) after open cholecystectomy than laparoscopic cholecystectomy., Conclusions: Other changes in fibrinolysis and coagulation were similar for open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With respect to hemostasis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not increase the risk of thromboembolic complications compared to the conventional procedure.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones; while symptomatic gallstones during pregnancy are not frequent they are by no means rare. The role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy is controversial but initial reports suggest it is both safe and feasible., Methods: During a consecutive series of 500 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 3 patients have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy. The 3 patients were 16-27 weeks pregnant with an average age of 32 years. The indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was severe pain in two patients and gallstone pancreatitis in one patient. Following standard obstetric anesthesia, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Open cannulation was used to establish peritoneal access, following which "standard," four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed without complication. The insufflation pressure used was 8-10 mmHg CO2 and a liver retractor was employed to facilitate access., Results: In each case the postoperative recovery was rapid and uneventful for both mother and fetus. The patients were discharged on the first or second postoperative day., Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the second trimester of pregnancy is both safe and feasible provided both suitable surgical and anesthetic expertise are available. Even up to the end of the second trimester there is sufficient access for the technique to be employed.

Background: Elective splenectomy is often performed for hematological diseases, some of which cause only moderate enlargement of the spleen. The avoidance of an extensive upper abdominal incision is desirable in such cases and laparoscopic splenectomy offers significant potential advantages over the open operation if it can be performed safely and economically., Methods: Eight consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy. The operation was carried out with the patient at 40 degrees in the right lateral position so that rotating the operating table would make a full right lateral position possible. After fenestration of the gastrocolic omentum and division of the short gastric vessels, this position allowed the spleen to be pushed up under the diaphragm to facilitate access to the splenic vessels and the hilum. Vessels were divided individually between clips., Results: All eight cases were completed laparoscopically. Mean length of operation was 259 min (range 230-285). Postoperative stay ranged from 2 to 7 days (median 4 days). There was no mortality, although minor complications did occur in three patients., Conclusions: We found laparoscopic splenectomy to be a safe and feasible procedure for the elective removal of the moderately enlarged spleen.

Background: Much of the morbidity of conventional esophagectomy for cancer is thought to relate to the thoracotomy wound and while transhiatal esophagectomy removes the need for a thoracotomy, it is not oncologically sound. Videothoracoscopy could potentially provide an oncologically sound means for resecting the thoracic esophagus without the need for a thorcotomy., Methods: Between June 1991 and June 1994, thoracoscopic mobilization of the thoracic esophagus combined with radical lymphadenectomy was attempted in 24 patients as part of three-stage esophagectomy for cancer (5 squamous and 19 adenocarcinomas). Mean age was 59 years (range 43-76). Eight patients were ASA grade I, 10 were ASA II, and 6 ASA III. Two patients had early lesions (T1N0) but all other cancers were T2 or T3. Dissection of the thoracic esophagus was attempted via a right-sided approach, followed by a laparotomy and a cervical incision., Results: The thoracoscopic procedure was successful in 22 patients; it was abandoned in one patient with dense pleural adhesions and in another with inoperable tumor. Mean duration of the thoracic component was 184 min(120-330). There were three post-operative deaths. Ten further patients had major complications. Median post-operative stay was 18 days(9-129). Mean node harvest was 13 nodes(6-28). Two-year survival (cancer specific) was 33%., Conclusions: Radical thoracoscopic mobilization of the esophagus is feasible, but the potential for complications remains high and requires further study.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is now the treatment of choice for gallstones, but there has been concern that bile leakage with LC is more frequent than after open cholecystectomy (OC). We have analyzed our experience of this complication with regard to both its incidence and management. From a consecutive series of 500 LC, in which both operative cholangiography and drainage of the gallbladder bed were routine, bile leakage was identified in ten patients (2%). There was no bile duct injury. Nine of the ten patients presented with bile in the drain within 24 h of operation and one patient presented 1 week after operation with a subphrenic collection. Of the ten patients, five settled spontaneously. Of the five remaining patients, two needed laparotomy--one for a subphrenic collection not responding to percutaneous drainage and one for biliary peritonitis. One patient was treated by relaparoscopy and suture of a duct of Luschka and one patient had successful percutaneous drainage of an infected collection; the fifth patient who presented with a late subphrenic collection of bile was shown at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to have a cystic duct stump leak and was treated with an endoscopic stent. Bile leakage is seen more frequently after LC than OC for reasons that are currently unclear. We believe that the use of routine gallbladder bed drainage is justified for this reason alone. The majority of bile leaks settle either spontaneously or with minimally invasive intervention.

Removal of the gallbladder with commencement of dissection at the fundus is well recognized as a safe technique during difficult "open" cholecystectomy because it minimizes the risks of damage to the structures in or around Calot's triangle. We report here the routine employment of liver retractors and fundus-first dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as an alternative to techniques previously described. Retraction of the liver and "fundus-first" dissection was used in 53 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecytectomy. There were 16 male and 37 female patients. Seven were operations performed during an acute admission and 20 had moderate or severe adhesions involving the gallbladder. Thirteen patients had a preexisting abdominal incision. The procedure was successful in 52 patients (98%), but in one patient it was converted to open operation because of dense adhesions. Median duration of operation was 90 min (range 35-240 min). There was no mortality and two complications (persistent right upper quadrant pain for 2 weeks after operation and bile leakage from the gallbladder bed). The facility to retract the liver and carry out a fundus-first dissection extends techniques developed for "open" surgery into the laparoscopic arena. It offers the surgeon the safety and versatility during laparoscopic cholecystectomy that it confers during conventional open surgery.