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Background and Objectives : Surgical treatment for obesity is becoming increasingly popular. Surgeons have been trying to find a simple way to predict the type of surgical intervention that is best for a specific patient. This study aimed to determine the patient- and surgeon-related factors that affect weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Materials and Methods : A total of 129 patients underwent LSG in one surgical department. The following factors were analyzed: gender; age; highest preoperative and 6-month postoperative weight; the occurrence of obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension; the number of surgeons involved in the surgery; and who performed the surgery, a resident or specialist. The outcomes also included length of hospital stay, operative time and complications. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05. Results : A total of 129 patients (94 female) with a median age of 43 years and BMI of 43.1 kg/m 2 underwent LSG, while a total of 109 (84.5%) patients achieved ≥50% of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL). Preoperative weight loss had no impact on %EBMIL ( p = 0.95), operative time ( p = 0.31) and length of hospital stay ( p = 0.2). Two versus three surgeons in the operating team had no impact on surgery time ( p = 0.1), length of stay ( p = 0.98) and %EBMIL ( p = 0.14). The operative time and length of hospital stay were similar for specialists and surgeons in training. %EBMIL was higher in the residents' surgery without statistical significance ( p = 0.19). Complications occurred in 3.9% without mortality or leaks. Conclusions : Preoperative comorbidities, surgeons' experience and the number of surgeons in the operating team do not impact the complication rate, length of hospital stay, operative time and postoperative weight loss after LSG.

Background: In general, the three main options for stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy are clips, endoscopic staplers and endoloops. However, there is no gold standard, especially regarding complicated acute appendicitis which is generally associated with worse outcomes. Objectives: We aimed to assess the outcomes of different stump closure techniques during laparoscopic appendectomies for complicated appendicitis Methods: Our multicenter observational study of 18 surgical units assessed the outcomes of 1269 laparoscopic appendectomies for complicated appendicitis that used the three main stump closure techniques: clips, staplers and endoloops. Groups were compared in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes. Results: Staplers were superior in terms of overall morbidity (9.79 vs. 3.29% vs. 7.41%, p  = .017) and length of stay (4 vs. 3 vs. 4 days, p  < .001) respectively for clips, staplers and endoloops. However, no differences in major complication rates, postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation, reintervention rates and readmission rates were found. Conclusion: Although our results show some clinical benefits of staplers for appendix stump closure, they are based on a non-randomized group of patients and are therefore prone to selection bias. Further well-designed trials taking into consideration not only the clinical benefits, but also, the economic aspects of the surgical treatment of complicated acute appendicitis are needed to confirm our results.

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for treatment of acute appendicitis has gained acceptance with its considerable benefits over open appendectomy. LA, however, can involve some adverse outcomes: morbidity, prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) and hospital readmission. Identification of predictive factors may help to identify and tailor treatment for patients with higher risk of these adverse events. Our aim was to identify risk factors for serious morbidity, prolonged LOS and hospital readmission after LA. A database compiled information of patients admitted for acute appendicitis from eighteen Polish and German surgical centers. It included factors related to the patient characteristics, peri- and postoperative period. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for serious perioperative complications, prolonged LOS, and hospital readmissions in acute appendicitis cases. 4618 laparoscopic appendectomy patients were included. First, although several risk factors for serious perioperative complications (C-D III-V) were found in the univariate analysis, in the multivariate model only the presence of intraoperative adverse events (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.32-12.65, p = 0.014) and complicated appendicitis (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.74-7.61, p = 0.001) was statistically significant. Second, prolonged LOS was associated with the presence of complicated appendicitis (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.53-5.12, p = 0.001), postoperative morbidity (OR 5.01, 95% CI: 2.33-10.75, p < 0.001), conversions (OR 6.48, 95% CI: 3.48-12.08, p < 0.001) and reinterventions after primary procedure (OR 8.79, 95% CI: 3.2-24.14, p < 0.001) in the multivariate model. Third, although several risk factors for hospital readmissions were found in univariate analysis, in the multivariate model only the presence of postoperative complications (OR 10.33, 95% CI: 4.27-25.00), reintervention after primary procedure (OR 5.62, 95% CI: 2.17-14.54), and LA performed by resident (OR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.03-3.70) remained significant. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure associated with low rates of complications, prolonged LOS, and readmissions. Risk factors for these adverse events include complicated appendicitis, postoperative morbidity, conversion, and re-intervention after the primary procedure. Any occurrence of these factors during treatment should alert the healthcare team to identify the patients that require more customized treatment to minimize the risk for adverse outcomes.

Background: Preoperative classification of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis (AA) is challenging. However, the differences in surgical outcomes necessitate the establishment of risk factors in developing, complicated AA. This study was an analysis of the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomies (LA), as well as preoperative risk factors for the development of complicated AA., Methods: The data of 618 patients who underwent LA in 18 surgical units across Poland and Germany were collected in an online web-based database created by the Polish Videosurgery Society. The surgical outcomes of patients with complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis were compared. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models were used to establish risk factors for the development of complicated appendicitis., Results: In all, 1269 (27.5%) patients underwent LA for complicated appendicitis (Group 1) and 3349 (72.5%) for uncomplicated appendicitis (Group 2). The conversion rate, number of intra-operative adverse events, re-intervention rate, postoperative complications, and readmission rate was greater in Group 1. The preoperative risk factors associated with complicated appendicitis were: female sex (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.58), obesity (OR: 1.51), age >50 years (OR: 1.51), symptoms >48 hours (OR: 2.18), high Alvarado score (OR: 1.29 with every point), and C-reactive protein level >100 mg/L (OR: 3.92)., Conclusion: Several demographic and clinical risk factors for complicated AA were identified. LA for complicated appendicitis was associated with poorer outcomes.

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical emergency and can occur at any age. Nearly all of the studies comparing outcomes of appendectomy between younger and older patients set cut-off point at 65 years. In this multicenter observational study, we aimed to compare laparoscopic appendectomy for AA in various groups of patients with particular interest in the elderly and very elderly in comparison to younger adults.Our multicenter observational study of 18 surgical units assessed the outcomes of 4618 laparoscopic appendectomies for AA. Patients were divided in 4 groups according to their age: Group 1-<40 years old; Group 2-between 40 and 64 years old; Group 3-between 65 and 74 years old; and Group 4-75 years old or older. Groups were compared in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes.The ratio of complicated appendicitis grew with age (20.97% vs 37.50% vs 43.97% vs 56.84%, P < .001). Similarly, elderly patients more frequently suffered from perioperative complications (5.06% vs 9.3% vs 10.88% vs 13.68%, P < .001) and had the longest median length of stay (3 [Interquartile Range (IQR) 2-4] vs 3 [IQR 3-5], vs 4 [IQR 3-5], vs 5 [IQR 3-6], P < .001) as well as the rate of patients with prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) >8 days. Logistic regression models comparing perioperative results of each of the 3 oldest groups compared with the youngest one showed significant differences in odds ratios of symptoms lasting >48 hours, presence of complicated appendicitis, perioperative morbidity, conversion rate, prolonged LOS (>8 days).The findings of this study confirm that the outcomes of laparoscopic approach to AA in different age groups are not the same regarding outcomes and the clinical picture. Older patients are at high risk both in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period. The differences are visible already at the age of 40 years old. Since delayed diagnosis and postponed surgery result in the development of complicated appendicitis, more effort should be placed in improving treatment patterns for the elderly and their clinical outcome.

We describe a case of cardiac tamponade caused by ProTacks Autosuture used for mesh fixation during a laparoscopic Nissen operation with giant paraesophageal hernia repair. Perforations of the posterior descendent artery and epicardial vein of the right ventricle were caused by ProTacks used for Parietex Composite Mesh fixation. Protruding ProTacks were secured from inside the pericardiac sac with a synthetic vascular patch during emergency sternotomy. Quick and multidisciplinary cooperation ended with emergency cardiothoracic procedure saving the patient's life and preventing further damage to the heart muscle and its vessels., (Copyright © 2012 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a stand-alone bariatric operation according to the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS)., Methods: Out of 112 patients included and operated on initially, 84 patients (F/M, 63:21) were followed up for 14-56 months (mean 22 ± 6.75). Patients lost to follow-up did not attend scheduled follow-up visits or they have withdrawn their consent. Mean age was 39 years (range 17-67; SD ± 12.09) with mean initial BMI 44.62 kg/m(2) (range 29.39-82.8; SD ± 8.17). Statistical significance was established at the p < 0.05 level., Results: Mean operative time was 61 min (30-140 min) with mean hospital stay of 1.37 days (0-4; SD ± 0.77). Excellent global BAROS outcome was achieved in 13% of patients, very good in 30%, good in 34.5%, fair 9.5% and failure in 13% patients 12 months after surgery. Females achieved significantly better outcomes than males with the mean 46.5% of excess weight loss (EWL) versus 35.3% of EWL at 12 months (p = 0.02). The mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 43.6% at 12 months and 46.6% at 24 months. Major surgical complication rate was 7.1%; minor surgical complication rate 8.3%. There was one conversion (1.2%) due to the massive bleeding. Comorbidities improved or resolved in numerous patients: arterial hypertension in 62%, diabetes mellitus in 68.3%, respectively., Conclusions: Presented LSG series shows that the LSG as a stand-alone procedure provides acceptable %EWL and good global BAROS outcomes. It significantly improves comorbidities as well.

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remains the most popular surgical modality for obesity management in Europe. The aim of this publication is to present a 5-year experience in obesity treatment with LAGB operation with the assessment of outcomes, frequency of complications, and their management. Management of the band-related complications is crucial for continuous obesity treatments, despite the fact of initial failure, allowing further excess weight loss in patients with morbid obesity., Methods: One hundred sixty patients underwent the LAGB procedure with standard pars flaccida technique during the years 2005-2009. A retrospective analysis of the data was performed; chi-squared test and Student's t test at the level of significance of p < 0.05 were used. Information on reoperations was gathered from hospital case notes., Results: In the presented group, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 48.13 kg/m(2) (33.46-83.04 kg/m(2); standard deviation [SD] ±8.45). Of the patients, 36.2% had super morbid obesity with BMI >50 kg/m(2). The mean observation period reached 549 days (31-2,026 days; SD ±390.1), with the mean number of control visits of 4.2 (1-12). The mean percentage of excess weight loss during the observation period was 34% (from -9.9% to 85.1%; SD ±20.6), with the mean body mass reduction of 24.4 kg. Complications appeared in 30 patients (20.1%). Twenty-four patients (16.1%) required reoperation. There were no mortalities recorded., Conclusions: The mean operative time of 59 min was relatively short. Morbidity and mortality rates were comparable to many published series. Failure or complications of LAGB did not stop the obesity treatment. Most of the band-related complications occurred late and could be provided for laparoscopically.

Introduction: Pleural empyema is the most serious, life-threatening postoperative complication of pneumonectomy, observed after 1-12% of all pneumonectomies, with bronchopleural fistula being its main cause. Aim: The aim of this publication is to present early outcomes of minimally invasive surgical management of pleural empyema. Patients were subjected to a single, complex procedure, consisting of the laparoscopic mobilization of the greater omentum and its transposition via the diaphragm into the pleural cavity to fill in the empyema cavity with the consecutive pleuro-cutaneous fistuloplasty (thoracoplasty). Material and methods: Between May 2011 and April 2013, 8 patients were qualified to undergo the procedure. The mean age was 61 years (range: 46-77 years). Presence of bronchopleural fistula was confirmed in 3 cases. The median time of treatment with thoracostomy was 14.5 months. Results: The mean operative time was 125 min. The mean duration of post-operative hospital stay was 13.5 days (range: 7-31 days). In 6 patients (75%) the objective of permanent resolution of pleural empyema was achieved. In total, 4 patients had complications: pleural empyema recurrence (2 patients), splenic injury, hiatal hernia, gastrointestinal bleed. Two patients with empyema recurrence had Staphylococcus aureus infections prior to surgery. They were successfully managed both with prolonged thoracic drainage and antibiotics. Conclusions: Use of the greater omentum that was laparoscopically mobilized and transpositioned into the pleural cavity allows simultaneous management of the pleural empyema cavity and thoracostomy. The procedure is safe, with few direct complications. It is well tolerated and has at least a satisfactory cosmetic effect. The minimally invasive approach allows faster recovery and return to daily activities in comparison to the fully open technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the introduction of new surgical equipment, there is always the need for new, more advanced training. The authors try to answer whether the use of the newest generation tools has an impact on achieving better results in single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) technique during the exercises in the surgical skills laboratory. Material and methods: There were 51 participants in the study: 44 'novices' and 7 'experts'. All subjects performed the 'advanced grasping' exercise according to the FLS programme manual using four types of laparoscopic approach including two SILS ports and SILS-dedicated instruments. The outcome measures involved task completion time and the number of errors. Results: Tasks using straight laparoscopic instruments set together with classic three-port access as well as SILS access ports were finished significantly faster when compared with SILS-dedicated instruments (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in performance times between the two setups with straight instruments (p < 0.05) and both setups with SILS-dedicated instruments, irrespective of the use of curved or dynamic articulated tools. Students with no previous laparoscopic experience had significantly worse task completion times in all tasks in comparison to students with laparoscopic laboratory training and the 'experts' group. Conclusions: The use of the straight instruments in the SILS technique remain similar to its performance in full triangulation. SILS-dedicated instruments paradoxically increase the task completion time irrespective of possessed skills. The study showed the necessity of a SILS-dedicated tools training programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]