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Spigelian hernia occurs through slit like defect in the anterior abdominal wall adjacent to the semilunar line. Most of spigelian hernias occur in the lower abdomen where the posterior sheath is deficient. The hernia ring is a well-defined defect in the transverses aponeurosis. The hernial sac, surrounded by extraperitoneal fatty tissue, is often interparietal passing through the transversus and the internal oblique aponeuroses and then spreading out beneath the intact aponeurosis of the external oblique. Spigelian hernia is in itself very rare and more over it is difficult to diagnose clinically. It has been estimated that it constitutes 0.12% of abdominal wall hernias. The spigelian hernia has been repaired by both conventional and laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic management of spigelian hernia is well established. Most of the authors have managed it by transperitoneal approach either by placing the mesh in intraperitoneal position or by raising the peritoneal flap and placing the mesh in extraperitoneal space. There have also been case reports of management of spigelian hernia by total extraperitoneal approach. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of ten patients between 1997 and 2007. Eight patients (8/10) presented with abdominal pain and two patients (2/10) were asymptomatic. In six patients (6/10) we performed an intraperitoneal onlay IPOM repair, in two patients (2/10) transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP), and in two (2/10) total extraperitoneal repair (TEP). There were no recurrences, or other morbidity at mean follow up period of 3.2 years (range 6 months to 10 years).

Endoscopic surgery in the neck was attempted in 1996 for performing parathyroidectomy. A similar surgical technique was used for performing thyroidectomy the following year. Most commonly reported endoscopic neck surgery studies in literature have been on thyroid and parathyroid glands. The approaches are divided into two types i.e., the total endoscopic approach using CO2 insufflation and the video-assisted approach without CO2 insufflation. The latter approach has been reported more often. The surgical access (port placements) may vary-the common sites are the neck, anterior chest wall, axilla, and periareolar region. The limiting factors are the size of the gland and malignancy. Few reports are available on endoscopic resection for early thyroid malignancy and cervical lymph node dissection. Endoscopic neck surgery has primarily evolved due to its cosmetic benefits and it has proved to be safe and feasible in suitable patients with thyroid and parathyroid pathologies. Application of this technique for approaching other cervical organs such as the submandibular gland and carotid artery are still in the early experimental phase.

Background: Numerous classifications for groin and ventral hernias have been proposed over the past five to six decades. The old, simple classification of groin hernia in to direct, inguinal and femoral components is no longer adequate to understand the complex pathophysiology and management of these hernias. The most commonly followed classification for ventral hernias divide them into congenital, acquired, incisional and traumatic, which also does not convey any information regarding the predicted level of difficulty. Aim: All the previous classification systems were based on open hernia repairs and have their own fallacies particularly for uncommon hernias that cannot be classified in these systems. With the advent of laparoscopic/ endoscopic approach, surgical access to the hernia as well as the functional anatomy viewed by the surgeon changed. This change in the surgical approach and functional anatomy opened the doors for newer classifications. The authors have thus proposed a classification system based on the expected level of intraoperative difficulty for endoscopic hernia repair. Classification: In the proposed classification higher grades signify increasing levels of expected intraoperative difficulty. This functional classification grades groin hernias according to the: a) Pre -operative predictive level of difficulty of endoscopic surgery, and b) Intraoperative factors that lead to a difficult repair. Pre operative factors include multiple or pantaloon hernias, recurrent hernias, irreducible and incarcerated hernias. Intraoperative factors include reducibility at operation, degree of descent of the hernial sac and previous hernia repairs. Hernial defects greater than 7 cm in diameter are categorized one grade higher. Conclusion: Though there have been several classification systems for groin or inguinal hernias, none have been described for total classification of all ventral hernias of the abdomen. The system proposed by us includes all abdominal wall hernias and is a final classification that predicts the expected level of difficulty for an endoscopic hernia repair.

Complications in endoscopic inguinal hernia surgery are more dangerous and more frequent than those of open surgery, especially in inexperienced hands and hence are best avoided. It is possible to avoid most of these complications if one follows a set of well-defined steps and principles of endoscopic inguinal hernia surgery. Complications are known to occur at each and every step of hernia surgery. Applying caution while performing each step can save the patient from a lot of morbidity. One starts by applying strict patient selection criteria for endoscopic hernia repair, especially in the initial part of ones learning curve. A thorough knowledge of anatomy goes a long way in avoiding most of the complications seen in hernia repair. This anatomy needs to be relearned from what one is used to, as the approach is totally different from an open hernia repair. And finally, learning and mastering the right technique is an essential prerequisite before one ventures into inguinal hernia repair. Although there has been an increased incidence of complications reported in endoscopic repair in the earlier series, this can be explained partly by the fact that it was in the early part of the learning curve of most endoscopic surgeons. As the experience grew and the techniques were standardized, the incidences of complications have also reduced and have come to be on par with open hernia surgery. The various complications and precautions to be taken to avoid them will be discussed.

Laparoscopic approach for hernia has evolved rapidly over the past decade. We adopted the TEP repair early as we believe in preserving the sanctity of the coelomic cavity. Once well versed with the approach we have found it an efficient and cost effective method for groin hernia repair. Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair is a technically demanding procedure. Indepth anatomical knowledge, training and advanced technical skill is needed for the surgeon to perform this procedure. To make the procedure cost effective and prevent hernia recurrences, we have modified and innovated to simplify the procedure. This modification which we have named the SGRH technique, innovates by creating the preperitoneal working space with the help of an indigenous glove finger balloon. A rolled mesh makes placement and fixation easier in the limited working space. The mesh is unrolled on the peritoneal surface (floor), a manouver which is technically simpler. On desufflation the mesh comes to appose the Fruchad′s orifice covering all potential hernial sites. With the modified SGRH technique we have found TEP to be safe, cost effective, reproducible and without significant complications.

Despite its significant prevalence, there is little in the way of evidence-based guidelines regarding the timing and method of repair of incisional hernias. To add to the above is the formidable rate of recurrence that has been seen with conventional tissue repairs of these hernias. With introduction of different prosthetic materials and laparoscopic technique, it was hoped that an improvement in the recurrence and complication rates would be realized. The increasing application of the laparoscopic technique across the world indicates that these goals might indeed be achieved.

Lumbar hernias need to be repaired due to the risk of incarceration and strangulation. A laparoscopic intraperitoneal approach in the modified flank position causes the intraperitoneal viscera to be displaced medially away from the hernia. The creation of a wide peritoneal flap around the hernial defect helps in mobilization of the colon, increased length of margin is available for coverage of mesh and more importantly for secure fixation of the mesh under vision to the underlying fascia. Laparoscopic lumbar hernia repair by this technique is a tensionless repair that diffuses total intra-abdominal pressure on each square inch of implanted mesh. The technique follows current principles of hernia repair and appears to confer all benefits of a minimal access approach.

Jejunoileal diverticulae, also referred to as non-Meckelian diverticulae, are very uncommon. These diverticulae are considered to be acquired pulsion diverticulae and they mostly occur in older people. Their prevalence increases with age. About 80% of these diverticulae occur in jejunum and are usually multiple. Patients with jejunoileal diverticulae present with nonspecific symptoms. The clinical picture of a complicated jejunoileal diverticulae can be confused with other intra-abdominal acute conditions such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, perforated ulcer, etc. Nonmechanical or pseudoobstruction is related to the dyskinesia associated with this condition. The diagnosis is made by a small bowel contrast study, enteroclysis, endoscopy or computed tomography. A surgical approach is the best form of treatment for complicated jejunoileal diverticulae. Laparoscopy is very useful in diagnosing and treating this condition. The current report is about a patient who presented with recurrent subacute intestinal obstruction and was managed by laparoscopy.

Inguinal hernia surgery has been one of the most extensively debated and continues to evolve in search for the ideal technique. Even though the method to diagnose hernia has largely remained clinical, recently other modalities have detected hernias that are not picked up on clinical examination or are incorrectly labeled. Laparoscopy, for the first time has given surgeons the unique opportunity to look at both sides of the groin and to detect and study the contra lateral groin in a patient of clinically unilateral hernia. This has given rise to some interesting findings. In the pediatric age group the value of bilateral detection and repair has been extensively debated. However, the same is not true for the adults despite the facts that there are better methods for detection, better understanding of pathogenesis of hernia and better repair techniques that can take care of bilateral repair without adding to morbidity. That hernia is not a simple derivative of patent processus vaginalis or strain related cause is beginning to be better understood now. It may primarily be a disorder of collagen metabolism with genetic basis. Laparoscopy has also made us wiser in detection of type of hernia and examination of both groin areas. In several studies there have been a high percentage of undetected hernias or additional defects. This was never realized earlier as in open surgery there is no question of exploring the asymptomatic groin. Laparoscopy in bilateral repair is safe and does not add significantly to the operating time, cost or morbidity. At our Department of Minimal Access Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India we have been performing Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for all simple and complicated inguinal hernia since 1994. We now routinely perform a bilateral repair based on our understanding that the pathogenesis of hernia is a complex process and any genetic basis of collagen disorder has to affect the patient bilaterally. The clinical examination may have unacceptably low sensitivity. Early identification and repair obviates the need for reoperation, reduces overall costs and eliminates further anaesthetic and operative risks for the patient

Background: Robotic cholecystectomy appears to be a natural evolution of the well-established gold standard procedure for gallstones, namely laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Akin to the early days of laparoscopy, robotic surgery is associated with a learning curve. We present our experiences in adapting to robotic surgery after the first 100 robotic cholecystectomies at a minimal access surgery tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: The first consecutive 100 robotic cholecystectomies performed by a single surgeon on the Versius robotic surgical system (CMR Surgical, UK) were included in the study. Patients unwilling to give consent and complex pathologies such as gangrene, perforation and cholecystoenteric fistulas were excluded from the study. Operative time, robotic setup time, incidence and indication for conversion to manual (laparoscopic) procedure were recorded while subjective assessment of interruptions due to machine alarms and errors was made. All data were compared between the first 50 and last 50 procedures. Results: Our data revealed a gradual reduction in operative time from 28.53 min for the first 50 procedures to 22.06 min for the last 50 procedures. An improvement in draping and setup times was also noted, reducing from 7.74 to 5.14 min and 7.96 to 5.32 min, respectively. There were no conversions during the last 50 procedures, though the first 50 procedures resulted in 3 conversions to a laparoscopic procedure. In addition, we also noted a subjective reduction in the incidence of machine errors and alarms as we became more versed with the robotic system. Conclusion: Our single-centre experience indicates that newer modular robotic systems present a rapid and natural progression for experienced surgeons looking to venture into robotic surgery. The well-established advantages of robotic surgery in the form of enhanced ergonomics, three-dimensional vision and improved dexterity are validated as indispensable aids in a surgeon's armamentarium. Our initial experience reveals that robotic surgery for more common surgical procedures such as cholecystectomies will be rapidly accepted, safe and effective. There is a need to innovate and expand the range of instrumentation and energy devices available.

The role of laparoscopy in the management of incarcerated (irreducible) ventral hernia remains to be elucidated. We present our experience of the laparoscopic repair of incarcerated primary ventral and incisional hernias over an 8-year period. A retrospective review of the records of 112 patients undergoing laparoscopic repair for incarcerated primary ventral and incisional hernias from January 1998 to February 2006 was performed. The patient demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative complications were assessed. The procedure was completed entirely laparoscopically in 103 patients (91.9%) with the placement of intraperitoneal mesh. A sutured tissue repair (without mesh) was performed in seven patients and hernia repair was abandoned after laparoscopy in two patients. Five patients required limited conversion by a targeted skin incision for the resection of nonviable bowel (three patients) and to complete adhesiolysis within multiloculated hernial sacs (two patients). The contents of the hernial sacs were incarcerated omentum (42 patients), small bowel (28 patients), large bowel (six patients), and omentum and small bowel (34 patients). Of these, seven patients presented with signs of acute small-bowel obstruction. The mean size of the largest defect through which incarceration occurred was 3.5 ± 1.6 cm (range 1.5–7.5 cm) and the mean size of the mesh used was 379 ± 210 cm2 (range 225–780 cm2). The mean operative time was 96 ± 40.8 min (range 50–170 min). Inadvertent enterotomy occurred in four patients during bowel reduction and adhesiolysis. In two patients, the enterotomy was repaired by total laparoscopy followed by mesh placement, and two patients required conversion to formal laparotomy due to long-segment tears and peritoneal contamination. The average postoperative hospital stay was 2.8 ± 1.5 days (range 1–6.5 days). Postoperative complications occurred in 20.5% patients. There was no mortality. Hernia recurred in three patients at a mean follow-up of 48 ± 28.3 months (range 1–84 months). Laparoscopic ventral abdominal wall hernia repair can be safely performed with a low complication rate, even in incarcerated hernias. Careful bowel reduction with adhesiolysis and mesh repair in an uncontaminated abdomen with a 5-cm mesh overlap remain key factors for a successful outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoendoscopic surgery has emerged as a new method for the management of iliac and aortoiliac occlusive disease. This article describes a combined retroperitoneal and pelvic extraperitoneal approach to aorta and iliac arteries.Methods: A review was performed for 15 patients who underwent videoendoscopically assisted vascular bypass procedures between January 1999 and June 2003. A minimal access approach was used for access to the proximal anastomotic site (proximal common iliac or distal aorta) and creation of a tunnel for the prosthetic graft placement up to the distal anastomotic site. Altogether, 11 iliofemoral bypasses, 2 iliobifemoral bypasses and 2 aortobifemoral bypasses were performed. Patients with diffuse stenosis/long-segment occlusion and multiple lesions for whom percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting proved to be unsuitable were included. The outcome parameters measured were intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, skin incision length, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain and analgesia requirement, and patency of graft.Results: Videoendoscopy was used to complete 14 procedures. The mean operating time was 258 +/- 49 min (range, 180-300 min) and the mean blood loss was 124 +/- 28.23 ml (range, 80-150 ml). The mean hospital stay was 6.7 +/- 4.46 days (range, 4-9 days). After a mean follow-up period of 14.4 +/- 3.55 months (range, 6-20 months), all grafts were patent.Conclusion: Videoendoscopically assisted vascular surgery for iliac and aortoiliac occlusive disease by a combined retroperitoneal and pelvic extraperitoneal approach is feasible and appears to confer many advantages of minimal access surgery. However, prospective randomized trials are needed to define clearly any advantages of this approach over conventional surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepaticojejunostomy is performed to reestablish bilioenteric continuity. During a 5-year period between July 1998 and July 2003, the authors attempted hepaticojejunostomy by a total laparoscopic approach in 10 patients with benign stricture disorders of the extrahepatic biliary tree. Six of these patients had type 1 (extrahepatic, fusiform) choledochal cyst and presented with pain, fever, and jaundice. Four of the patients had iatrogenic biliary strictures after cholecystectomy (2 patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 2 patients after open cholecystectomy). These patients had a variable presentation 1 to 3 weeks after the primary procedure, with peritonitis and/or cholangitis or only progressive jaundice. For nine of the patients (90%), the procedure was completed entirely laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 326.6 min for the patients with choledochal cysts and 268 min for the patients with ialrogenic strictures. One patient with stricture after open cholecystectomy underwent conversion to an open repair because of severe anatomic distortion and fibrosis. Four patients drained bile postoperatively for 5 to 7 days. One patient with iatrogenic biliary stricture after open cholecystectomy required open revision of the anastomosis 18 months after laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy because of recurrent cholangitis. The remaining eight patients (80%) were doing well a mean follow-up period of 3.1 years (range, 3 months to 5 years). Total laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy is feasible for a select group of patients, but requires advanced laparoscopic skills, including intracorporeal suturing. It must be attempted only in centers well versed in advanced laparoseopic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses issues concerning surgical procedure in India. He provides details about the surgical access and surgery on the target organ as well as the implementation of the minimally invasive anal fistula treatment process. He also mentions ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract as well as video-assisted anal fistula treatment.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Totally extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: techniques and pitfalls of a challenging procedure," by S. Putnis and C. R. Berney in the 2012 issue.

Amyloid goitre is a rare disease which occurs in association with both primary and secondary amyloidosis. This condition has to be distinguished from other types of goitre and malignancy. Medical intervention has not been effective for amylodosis. Inspite of extensive involvement, patients are usually euthyroid and diagnosis is established on histopathological evaluation. Medical intervention has not been an effective tretament for amylodosis. Surgical intervention is necessary to relieve the symptoms of neck mass and establish a diagnosis. We report a case of a 44-year-old lady with amyloid goitre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing complexity of ventral incisional hernias being operated on, the treatment strategy has also evolved to obtain optimal results. Hybrid ventral hernia repair is a promising technique in management of complex/difficult ventral incisional hernias. The aim of this article is to review the literature and analyse the results of hybrid technique in management of ventral incisional hernia and determine its clinical status and ascertain its role. We reviewed the literature on hybrid technique for incisional ventral hernia repair on PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar database published between 2002 and 2019 and out of 218 articles screened, 10 studies were included in the review. Selection of articles was in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Variables analysed were seroma, wound infection, chronic pain and recurrence. Qualitative analysis of the variables was carried out. In this systematic review, the incidence of complications associated within this procedure were seroma formation (5.47%), wound infections (6.53%) and chronic pain (4.49%). Recurrence was seen in 3.29% of patients. Hybrid ventral hernia repair represents a natural evolution in advancement of hernia repair. The judicious use of hybrid repair in selected patients combines the safety of open surgery with several advantages of the laparoscopic approach with favourable surgical outcomes in terms of recurrence, seroma and incidence of chronic pain. However, larger multi-centric prospective studies with long term follow up is required to standardise the technique and to establish it as a procedure of choice for this complex disease entity.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at present one of the most commonly performed surgical treatments for morbid obesity worldwide. There are some complications regarding this procedure in the literature. This report presents a patient who developed acute pancreatitis immediate post-LSG. Patient was referred to our institute on 10th post-operative day with a complaint of fever, nausea, abdominal pain and leucocytosis. A diagnostic laparoscopy showed pancreatitis. Post-operatively, the patient was managed on treatment line of acute pancreatitis and recovered well. LSG is a common procedure in bariatric, and the most common complications are leakage and bleeding from the suture line. However, we encountered pancreatitis after LSG which is a rarely reported complication after LSG. We hypothesise that the development of acute pancreatitis in patients undergoing LSG is not well recognised and reported.

Introduction: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are popular bariatric procedures. Certain complications may necessitate revision. Adverse outcomes are reported after revisional bariatric surgery. We compared patients undergoing revisional versus primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Materials and Methods: This was retrospective comparative 1:1 case-matched analysis of revisional LRYGB Group A versus primary LRYGB (pLRYGB/Group B). Matching was based on body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities. BMI decrease at 6 and 12 months post-surgery, comorbidity resolution, operative time, morbidity and length of hospital stay (LOS) were compared. Total decrease in BMI, i.e., change from before initial bariatric procedure to 12 months after revision for Group A was also compared. Results: Median BMI (inter-quartile range) for Group A decreased to 44.74 (7.09) and 41.49 (6.26) at 6 and 12 months, respectively, for Group B corresponding figures were 38.74 (6.9) and 33.79 (6.64) (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Total decrease in BMI (Group A) was 9.8, whereas BMI decrease at 12 months for Group B was 15.2 (P = 0.23). Hypertension resolved in 63% (Group A), 70% (Group B) (P = 0.6). Diabetes resolution was 80% (Group A), 63% (Group B) (P = 0.8). Operative time for Groups A, B was 151 ± 17, 137 ± 11 min, respectively (P = 0.004). There was no difference in morbidity and LOS. Conclusion: Comorbidity resolution after revisional and pLRYGB are similar. Less weight loss is achieved after revision than after pLRYGB, but total weight loss is comparable. Revisional surgery is safe when performed by experienced surgeons in high-volume centres.

Ventral hernias (VHs) are common in the bariatric population with incidence of around 8% of patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The factors contributing to the incidence of VH includes high intra-abdominal pressures, previous histories of abdominal surgeries, defects in fascial structure and reduced healing tendency. There is a high index of suspicion in BS patients with VH for hernia complications which can be lethal after LRYGB. Here, we present a case where VH complicated the LRYGB surgery.

Introduction: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is now a well-established technique in post-operative analgesia for lower abdominal surgeries. We evaluated the effect of ultrasound-guided TAP block on recovery parameters in patients undergoing endoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernia. Methods: Thirty adults were randomised to receive either ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine (TR) or saline (TP) in TAP block, before emergence from anaesthesia. The patients were assessed for pain relief, sedation, time to ambulate (TA), discharge readiness (DR), postoperative opioid requirement and any adverse events. Results: The median visual analogue scale pain score of the study group (TR) and the control group (TP) showed a significant difference at all time points. TA was 5.3 ± 0.5 (TR) versus 7.4 ± 0.8 (TP), P< 0.001 and DR was 7.5 ± 0.9 (TR) versus 8.9 ± 0.6 (TP), P< 0.001 in hours. No adverse events were observed in any group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that TAP block is a feasible option for pain relief following endoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernias. It produces markedly improved pain scores and promotes early ambulation leading to greater patient satisfaction and earlier discharge.

Laparoscopic splenectomy is gaining popularity due to less morbidity and minimal operative complications. Nowadays, laparoscopic splenectomy is the approach of choice for both benign and malignant diseases of the spleen. Splenic pseudocyst due to non-traumatic cause has been very rarely reported in literature. We report an interesting case of a rare large splenic pseudocyst without a history of previous abdominal trauma, treated successfully by laparoscopic technique and discuss literature for the same.

Adrenal incidentaloma (AI) has now become a common finding in clinical practice with advances in abdominal imaging. The prevalence of AI as reported in the literature is 0.2%–3%. Ganglioneuroma (GN) is often a benign non-functioning adrenal tumour, which has been rarely reported as AI in literature. Confirmed diagnosis of GN can only be done by histopathological examination. GNs are often asymptomatic even if they are large, and adrenalectomy is treatment for GN, with good prognosis after surgical removal. Here, we report a patient with an incidental adrenal mass that was managed laparoscopically and diagnosed as an adrenal GN on histopathology.

Background: Incomplete gallbladder removal following open and laparoscopic techniques leads to residual gallbladder stones. The commonest presentation is abdominal pain, dyspepsia and jaundice. We reviewed the literature to report diagnostic modalities, management options and outcomes in patients with residual gallbladder stones after cholecystectomy. Materials And Methods: Medline, Google and Cochrane library between 1993 and 2013 were reviewed using search terms residual gallstones, post-cholecystectomy syndrome, retained gallbladder stones, gallbladder remnant, cystic duct remnant and subtotal cholecystectomy. Bibliographical references from selected articles were also analyzed. The parameters that were assessed include demographics, time of detection, clinical presentation, mode of diagnosis, nature of intervention, site of stone, surgical findings, procedure performed, complete stone clearance, sequelae and follow-up. Results: Out of 83 articles that were retrieved between 1993 and 2013, 22 met the inclusion criteria. In most series, primary diagnosis was established by ultrasound/computed tomography scan. Localization of calculi and delineation of biliary tract was performed using magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In few series, diagnosis was established by endoscopic ultrasound, intraoperative cholangiogram and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Laparoscopic surgery, endoscopic techniques and open surgery were the most common treatment modalities. The most common sites of residual gallstones were gallbladder remnant, cystic duct remnant and common bile duct. Conclusion: Residual gallbladder stones following incomplete gallbladder removal is an important sequelae after cholecystectomy. Completion cholecystectomy (open or laparoscopic) is the most common treatment modality reported in the literature for the management of residual gallbladder stones.

Epidermoid cysts can occur in a variety of locations including the face, trunk, neck, extremities, and scalp. No case of epidermoid cyst as content of inguinal hernia has been reported so far; however, cases with dermoid, teratoma, lipoma, lymphangioma and leiomyoma as content of inguinal canal have been reported. A 29-year-old female presented with a lump in the left inguinal region that was clinically diagnosed as left inguinal hernia. The patient was planned for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair after routine investigation. Intraoperatively, a cystic mass was found to be attached to the left round ligament that was excised completely. Histopathological report was consistent with epidermal inclusion cyst. Inguinal epidermoid cyst mimicking inguinal hernia is a rare entity. If such a cyst is encountered during operation, it should be completely excised.

Bilomas resulting as a complication of cholecystectomy are often due to a leak from an inadequately secured cystic duct stump, an accessory bile duct or a duct of Luschka in the gallbladder fossa of the liver. Occasionally, bilomas may have an unusual presentation. We describe here a rare case of biloma in the lesser sac after an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Stump appendicitis is one of the rare delayed complications after appendectomy with reported incidence of 1 in 50,000 cases. Stump appendicitis can present as a diagnostic dilemma if the treating clinician is unfamiliar with this rare clinical entity. We report an 18-year-old patient with Stump appendicitis, who underwent completion appendectomy laparoscopically.

Ingestion of foreign body is a serious problem commonly encountered in our clinical practice. Most of them pass spontaneously, whereas in others endoscopic or surgical intervention is required because of complications or non-passage from the gastrointestinal tract. We present here a case of teaspoon ingestion, which did not pass spontaneously. Laparoscopic retrieval of teaspoon was done from mid jejunum after enterotomy and the patient recovered uneventfully. Right intervention at the right time is of paramount importance.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare mesenchymal tumour arising from perivascular epithelioid cells. It is most commonly seen in kidney, but rarely AML can arise in extra renal sites. Adrenal AML is a very rare clinical entity, and very few cases have been reported so far. We present our experience with a 43-year-old female, who presented with right flank pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a right adrenal mass. Laparoscopic adrenelectomy was performed, and the histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of AML. Patient was discharged uneventfully.

Laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair is increasingly performed in adults for congenital diaphragmatic hernias and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. This study reviewed our experience with laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair to evaluate its safety, efficacy and outcomes. Methods: Between January 1999 and December 2002, four male and two female patients presented to us with diaphragmatic hernias, three with traumatic and three with congenital hernias. The mean age of patients was 58.6 years (range, 42-83 years). Five patients presented with main complaints of postprandial retrosternal/chest discomfort and one patient had an acute gastric outlet obstruction. Dissection was performed laparoscopically to reduce the contents of the sac and the hernial defect was repaired using prolene sutures and a polypropylene mesh. Results: Laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias was completed successfully in all patients. The mean size of the defect was 6.8 cm (range, 3-12 cm) and the mean operative time was 100 minutes (range, 60-150 minutes). There were no major intraoperative complications. One patient required placement of a chest tube due to inadvertent opening of the pleura with the hernial sac and one patient had prolonged postoperative gastric ileus. The mean hospital stay was 2.3 days (range, 1-4 days) and the mean pain score was 4 (range, 2-6). All patients remained asymptomatic over a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. Conclusion: Adult congenital and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are amenable to laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic repair is safe and feasible and confers all the advantages of minimal access surgery.