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Stapler-less laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is emerging as a new potential affordable cost-effective alternative procedure. However, no pre-clinical data are currently available on human tissue. We aimed to evaluate whether traditionally suturing without the use of surgical stapling may produce a comparable bursting pressure on human gastric tissue. A prospective cohort of consecutive patients undergoing LSG was divided in two groups to compare a barbed extra-mucosal running suture (stapler-less) versus a standard stapler line. A burst pressure test was applied to the gastric specimen employing high-resolution manometric catheter. Type, location and features of the leak were described. We enrolled a total of 40 obese patients, 20 patients for each group. Median burst pressures of the stapler-less group resulted statistically significant increased (p p = N.S.), more often at the proximal stomach (p

The surgical treatment of the intermediate-risk DTC (1–4 cm) remains still controversial. We analyzed the current practice in Italy regarding the surgical management of intermediate-risk unilateral DTC to evaluate risk factors for recurrence and to identify a group of patients to whom propose a total thyroidectomy (TT) vs. hemithyroidectomy (HT). Among 1896 patients operated for thyroid cancer between January 2017 and December 2019, we evaluated 564 (29.7%) patients with unilateral intermediate-risk DTC (1–4 cm) without contralateral nodular lesions on the preoperative exams, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, familiarity or radiance exposure. Data were collected retrospectively from the clinical register from 16 referral centers. The patients were followed for at least 14 months (median time 29.21 months). In our cohort 499 patients (88.4%) underwent total thyroidectomy whereas 65 patients (11.6%) underwent hemithyroidectomy. 151 (26.8%) patients had a multifocal DTC of whom 57 (10.1%) were bilateral. 21/66 (32.3%) patients were reoperated within 2 months from the first intervention (completion thyroidectomy). Three patients (3/564) developed regional lymph node recurrence 2 years after surgery and required a lymph nodal neck dissection. The single factor related to the risk of reoperation was the histological diameter (HR = 1.05 (1.00–1-09), p = 0.026). Risk stratification is the key to differentiating treatment options and achieving better outcomes. According to the present study, tumor diameter is a strong predictive risk factor to proper choose initial surgical management for intermediate‐risk DTC. © 2021, Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).

Background: The nipples-saving mastectomy (NSM), most recent technique, allows the whole mammary gland removal preserving the nipple-areola compound (NAC), obtaining oncologic safe results. When indicated, NSM is validated by the great aesthetic results obtained. Objectives: The objective of this review is the evaluation of the effectiveness and oncologic safety of the nipple-saving mastectomy, marking the most frequent complications. Moreover, the possibility to use the NSM procedure as prophylactic mastectomy in patients at high risk has been evaluated. Research Methods: A bibliographic research about clinical studies and previous reviews related to nipplessaving mastectomy has been conducted. No limitation about language was performed. Results: The study included 12 articles, for a total of 2859 patients and 3849 NSM. Patients candidate to NSM, either as a prophylactic or curative treatment of mammary carcinoma, must undergo a careful selection screening. Most frequently occurring surgery-related complications were necrosis and infections; though not altering the cosmetic results, that have been positively evaluated in almost all patients. Conclusion: Preservation of the areola-nipple compound seems to be oncologically safe and does not increase local recurrences, compared to the previous techniques. Moreover, it is associated with better aesthetic results and patients’ higher satisfaction.

Highlights • Gastric perforation caused by intragastric balloon represents a rare but life-threatening complication. • There is a lack of information about perforation in the same day of surgery. • An endoscopic and laparoscopic approach with a gastric wedge resection was performed., Introduction IGB (Intragastric Balloon) is acknowledged to be a safe and secure device, whose outcomes in terms of weight loss are widely discussed. Bariatric community has soon noted tolerance and benefit of this tool, considered a first and easy step before bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, some authors have described a series of complications that, although rare, could be life threatening and hard to manage, as a gastric perforation. Presentation of case We reported a case of a 55-year-old obese woman, undergone placement of IGB device heisting in a gastric perforation. In the same day of surgery, we performed an emergency, applying a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach, to remove the balloon and to close perforation by a gastric resection. Discussion. Short term outcome was satisfactory, and the patient had a successful further follow up and weight loss. Conclusion IGB is a valuable tool among bariatric procedure, nevertheless the surgeon has to consider the possible and life-threatening complications and to provide a multidisciplinary equip to face this occurrence.

Highlights • LAGB presents many severe complications. • Wedge resection could allow to preserve a tailored gastric pouch limiting postoperative nutritional defects. • Strict postoperative follow-up reduce the risk of severe complications., Introduction Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a minimal invasive, effective and reversible procedure, even if it is burdened by life threatening complications. Presentation of the case A 39 years-old female patient was admitted to our emergency department for abdominal pain and ileus and underwent an explorative laparoscopy. The LAGB was wrapped around the proximal portion of the stomach determining the erosion and ischemia of the great curvature region. It was removed and a large gastric resection of the great curvature was performed. Subsequently, a gastric leak with pleural abscess occurred with the beginning of the oral diet. It was successfully treated with fasting, intravenous antibiotics and a thoracic tube. Discussion LAGB is a restrictive procedure that compartmentalizes the upper stomach by placing a tight adjustable band around it. However severe and multiple complications can also occur. Slippage is one of the most frequent and dangerous complication. Partial gastric resection (comparable to sleeve gastrectomy) or total/subtotal gastrectomy on the limit of the scarring tissue is use requested in the latter case, with a high risk of postoperative leak. A strict postoperative follow-up is mandatory in order to early recognize any severe complications. Conclusion Strict follow-up in this special subset of patients, the bariatric ones, is mandatory in order to early identify and correct any postoperative complications, avoiding severe sequelae.

Introduction Hemostasis during thyroidectomy is essential; however the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve this is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of total thyroidectomy (TT) performed with the combination of harmonic scalpel (HS) and an advanced hemostatic pad (Hemopatch). Methods Patient undergone TT were divided into two groups: HS + hemopatch and HS + traditional hemostasis groups. The primary endpoint was 24-h drain output and blood-loss requiring reintervention. Secondary endpoints included surgery duration, postsurgical complications and hypocalcemia rates. Results Between September 2014 and March 2015, 60 patients were enrolled (30 to Hs + Hemopatch, 30 to Hs and standard hemostasis); 71.4% female; mean age 48.5 years. The 24-h drain output was lower in the HS + hemopatch group compared with standard TT. HS and hemopatch also had a shorter mean surgery time (p Conclusion combination of hemopatch plus HS is effective and safe for TT with a complementary hemostatic approach.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) for the treatment of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS. One hundred twenty-five patients (88 women, 37 men; age range, 17–76 years; mean age, 53 years) with 127 hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules (volume, 1.2–90 mL; mean, 10.3 mL) were treated with PEI. There were 1–11 PEI sessions per patient (average, 3.9) performed, with injection of 1–14 mL of ethanol per session (total injected ethanol per patient, 3–108 mL; mean, 14.0 mL). Efficacy of the treatment was assessed with color Doppler sonography; scintigraphy; and free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assays. Follow-up (9–144 months; median, 60 months) was performed with TSH and color Doppler sonography every 2 months for 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. RESULTS. Three (2.4%) of 125 patients refused completion of PEI therapy because of pain. Results are reported in 122 patients with 124 nodules. All 122 patients showed posttreatment normal levels of FT3, FT4, and TSH. A complete cure (absent uptake in the nodule and recovery of normal uptake in the thyroid parenchyma) was obtained in 113 (93%) of 122 patients—115 (92.7%) of 124 treated nodules. Residual hyperfunctioning nodular tissue along with decreased thyroid parenchyma uptake (partial cure) was present in nine patients accounting for nine (7.3%) of 124 nodules. Rates of complete cure after PEI were: overall nodules, 115 (92.7%) of 124; nodules ≤ 10 mL, 63 (94.0%) of 67; nodules > 10 to ≤ 30 mL, 32 (91.4%) of 35; nodules > 30 to ≤ 60 mL, 17 (89.5%) of 19; nodules > 60 mL, three (100%) of three. The overall rate of major complications (transient laryngeal nerve damage, two patients; abscess and hematoma, one patient each) was four (3.2%) of 125 patients. Follow-up examinations showed marked shrinkage of 112 treated nodules ranging from 50% to 90% of the pretreatment volume (mean, 66%) and new growth of hyperfunctioning tissue in four patients at color Doppler sonography and scintigraphy at 12, 18, 18, and 48 months’ follow-up, respectively. However, all patients remained euthyroid (low or normal TSH and normal FT3 and FT4) during follow-up. CONCLUSION. PEI of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules seems to be an effective and safe alternative to traditional treatment. It also appears to be effective in patients with hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules larger than 30 mL.

INTRODUCTION: Hemostasis during thyroidectomy is essential; however, the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve this is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of total thyroidectomy (TT) performed with combination of harmonic scalpel (HS) and Floseal. METHODS: Patients undergone TT were divided into two groups: HS + Floseal and traditional hemostasis groups. The primary endpoint was 24-h drain output and blood-loss requiring reintervention. Secondary endpoints included surgery duration, postsurgical complications and hypocalcemia rates. RESULTS: Between September 2012 and January 2014, 165 patients were enrolled (100 to HS + Floseal, 65 to standard hemostasis); 80.5% female; mean age 42.3 years. The 24-h drain output was lower in the HS + Floseal group compared with standard TT. HS + Floseal also had a shorter mean surgery time (p < 0.0001) vs standard TT. No differences in post-surgical complications and in hypocalcemiarates between groups. CONCLUSION: combination of Floseal plus the HS is effective and safe for TT and it provides a complementary hemostatic approach.

Introduction Mastectomy for breast cancer may bring the patient to develop long term issues concerning the psychological and physical status. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) should be considered and proposed by physicians as an integrated procedure in the surgical approach to breast cancer to reduce further surgery. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been used in revision breast reconstruction for fold malposition, capsular contracture and rippling also, showing good outcomes with low risk of complications. Aim of this study was to verify if the known advantages in using ADM for IBR would led to lower rates of seroma formation, infection, skin flap necrosis and overall complication related to the implant. Methods We performed a prospective study, including all consecutive patients undergone to IBR with biological graft with ADM between January 2012 and January 2013 at our Institution. Data on major issues of the patients and complications were recorded. All patients underwent to IBR with ADM (Tutomesh) implant with or without fibrin sealant positioning. Results A total of 24 patients underwent 28 immediate breast reconstruction with Tutomesh ADM implant. Main postoperative complications included seroma formation in 20.8% (5 pts), infection in 8.3% (2 pts) and hematoma in 4.2% (1 pt). There were any skin flap necrosis in the study. Diabetes was associated in two cases with edema and ecchymosis; hypertension with infection in one case (implant removal) and seroma in one case. First class of obesity (BMI 30–32.7) was associated with seroma in 3 cases, and with infection in one. In patient without fibrin sealant (12 patients – 13 breasts) complications were represented by hematoma (1 pt. 4.2%), infection (1 pt. 4.2%; implant removal) and seroma (4 pts 16.8%). Conclusions The use of Tutomesh ® bovine pericardium for immediate breast is safe and technically useful. Complications rate is not high, except for seroma formation that can be reduced by the contemporary use of fibrin sealant.

Chordoma of thoracic vertebras is a very rare locally invasive neoplasm with low grade malignancy arising from embryonic notochordal remnants. Radical surgery remains the cornerstone of the treatment. We describe a case of multifocal T1-T2 chordoma, without bone and disc involvement, incidentally misdiagnosed as a paraganglioma, occurring in a 47-year-old male asymptomatic patient. Neoplasm was radically removed by an endocrine surgeon through a right extended cervicotomy. A preoperative reliable diagnosis of chordoma, as in the reported case, is often difficult. Radical surgery can provide a favorable outcome but, given the high rates of local recurrence of this neoplasm, a strict and careful follow-up is recommended. Although very rare, chordoma should be suggested in the differential diagnosis of the paravertebral cervical masses of unknown origin. Spine surgeon consultation and a FNB should be routinely included in the multidisciplinary preoperative work-up of these neoplasms.

Background We conducted an observational multicentric clinical study on a cohort of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of the use of ultrasonic dissector (UAS) vs. the use of a conventional technique (vessel clamp and tie) in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for cancer. Methods From June 2009 to May 2010 we evaluated 321 consecutive patients electively admitted to undergo total thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. The first 201 patients (89 males, 112 females) presenting to our Department underwent thyroidectomy with the use of UAS while the following 120 patients (54 males, 66 females) underwent thyroidectomy performed with a conventional technique (CT): vessel clamp and tie. Results The operative time (mean: 75 min in UAS vs. 113 min in CT, range: 54 to 120 min in UAS vs. 68 to 173 min in CT) was much shorter in the group of thyroidectomies performed with UAS. The incidence of transient laryngeal nerve palsy (UAS 3/201 patients (1.49%); CT 1/120 patients (0.83%)) was higher in the group of UAS; the incidence of permanent laryngeal nerve palsy was similar in the two groups (UAS 2/201 patients (0.99%) vs. CT 2/120 patients (1.66%)). The incidence of transient hypocalcaemia (UAS 17/201 patients (8.4%) vs. CT 9/120 patients (7.5%)) was higher in the UAS group; no relevant differences were reported in the incidence of permanent hypocalcaemia in the two groups (UAS 5/201 patients (2.48%) vs. 2/120 patients (1.66%)). Also the average postoperative length of stay was similar in two groups (2 days). Conclusion The only significant advantage proved by this study is represented by the cost-effectiveness (reduction of the usage of operating room) for patients treated with UAS, secondary to the significant reduction of the operative time. The analysis failed to show any advantages in terms of postoperative transient complications in the group of patients treated with ultrasonic dissector: transient laryngeal nerve palsy (1.49% in UAS vs. 0.83% in CT) and transient hypocalcaemia (8.4% in UAS vs. 7.5%in CT). No significant differences in the incidence of permanent laryngeal nerve palsy (0.8% in UAS vs. 1.04% in CT) and permanent hypocalcaemia (2.6% in UAS vs. 2.04% in CT) were demonstrated. The level of surgeons’ expertise is a central factor, which can influence the complications rate; the use of UAS can only help surgical action but cannot replace the experience of the operator.

Intra abdominal hypertension (IAH) is defined as an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP)12 mmHg. Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as an IAP above 20 mmHg with evidence of organ dysfunction/failure. The real incidence of the ACS is not clear, because there are few perspective studies. The origin of ACS can be divided into retroperitoneal, intraperitoneal, parietal and intestinal, and the diagnostic algorithm includes base and toxicological laboratory examinations, thorax X-ray, abdomen X-ray, abdomen TC, peritoneal washing, abdomen ultrasonography, diagnostic laparoscopy, and measurement of IAP. To allow a suitable decompression and avoid the damages to the abdominal organs, abdominal wall normally is not sutured primarily but secondarily and there are many methods of temporary closing: absorbable net, non-absorbable nets, 'Bogota bag', 'vacuum pack ice', gradual approximation of side cutaneous edges on the half-way line with permanence of an ample ventral hernia that could be subsequently repaired, and the use of 'skin expanders'. Since January 2000, until December 2008, eight patients were submitted to laparostomy, four of them for re-laparotomy, with mortality incidence of 37.5%. The defective size to fill was on the average 300 cm as reported by Bradley and Bradley (J Clin Invest 26:1010-1015, 1947). The abdominal wall reconstruction was performed using ample muscle edges derived from the slip in medial sense of the rectus muscle of the abdomen 'unmoored' through an incision 1 cm distant from semi-lunar line, and using absorbable prosthesis to cover the solution of continuity, thus allowing the closing of defects over 30 cm. We have found median post surgical hernia in one patient corrected in accordance with the time using polypropylene prosthesis. In one patient with parietal disaster and multiple traumatic splanchnic ruptures, we have used a pure pork-derived acellular collagen mesh (Permacol(®)) to close the wound, leaving enough space between fascia extremities, to solve the IAP. The employment of ample muscle edges represents the ideal solution in the reconstruction of the abdominal walls after laparotomic operations, offering a valid dynamic support preferable in comparison with the employment of alloplastic material. In consideration of the limits of this technique in the enormous parietal disaster-ACS treatment, we describe a new kind of innovative mesh application (Permacol(®)), most often used for parietal disaster or enormous incisional hernias, which can easily be preferred to dual mesh prosthesis, having a better biological profile and no capacity to produce intestinal adherences.

Based on the theory--which is now acknowledged-of a clinical difference between proximal and distal colon cancer and on the results of recent genetic and microbiological studies, a minority of authors have assumed that also in the sphere of right-sided colon cancer, tumors at three different locations, namely, the cecum and ascending and transverse colon, can be considered to be biologically different. These studies have provided the basis for a retrospective study carried out on 50 patients admitted to our department from 1996 to 2008 for tumor pathology of the right colon. The tumor was considered to be a unified biological entity and assessed in relation to the three above-mentioned locations. The results verify that the aggressive of the tumor increases from the cecum to the transverse, with a higher percentage of cecal tumors being in I stage, more tumors in the ascending colon being in II stage, and more transverse tumors, with the largest percentage of N+ and M+, in stages III and IV. This difference in biological behavior for the three tumor locations has been also found in terms of sensitiveness, both pre- and post-operation, of tumor markers CEA, TPA, and CA19-9. Clinical data revealed a binary relationship between the transverse, cecum, and ascending tumors, which ultimately affects patient mortality, which increases in a directly proportional way from the cecum to the transverse-in the case of a tumor at one of these locations.

Post-operatory wound infections are a very uncommon finding after thyroidectomy. For these reasons international guidelines do not routinely recommend systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. The benefits of this antibiotic prophylaxis is not supported by clinical evidence in the literature. We have conducted a multicentric randomized double-blind trial on 500 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy for goitre or thyroid carcinoma. The 500 patients enrolled in the study (mean age 47 years) were randomized in two subgroups of 250 patients. 250 patients were treated with standard antibiotic prophylaxis with sulbactam/ampicillin 1 fl (3 gr.) 30 min before surgery. No antibiotic prophylaxis was instituted in the remainder 250 patients. Our RCT showed that prophylactic antibiotic treatment is not beneficial in patients younger than eighty years old, with no concomitant metabolic, infective and hematologic disease, with no cardiac valvulopathies, not under steroidal or immunosuppressive treatment, and not severely obese. Our study should be regarded only as a preliminary RCT, and should be followed by a study in which a larger number of patients should be enrolled so that statistically significant data can be obtained.

AIM: The ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a more and more frequent neoplasia, representing over 25% of diagnosed breast cancer in recent surveys.It is particularly interesting as concerns several aspects of which the most important are issues linked to clinical diagnosis and the difficulties of histopathological classification, with evident and important therapeutic implications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors report their experience about 161 ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. Guidelines for surgical treatment are: radiological or clinical diagnosis, tumor's extension, histological classification, grading and margin status. At the present the authors prefer breast conserving surgery with tumor margin's study. They report their experience in the last seven years about sentinel lymph node biopsy. RESULTS: The most frequent histotype resulted comedocarcinoma (61,8%) followed by non comedo (38,2%). Local recurrence after DCIS therapy is 6,1%. CONCLUSIONS: 80-90% of the patients currently treated for DCIS present non-palpable breast lesions at diagnosis. Breast conserving surgery is the first choice and radiotherapy and endocrine therapy are indicated for selected patients.

A retrospective study was carried out to assessed reliability of the prognostic factors (histology, age, sex, and stage), and standard procedures for the surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). From the 144 DTC cases reviewed with follow-up ranging from 1 to 25 years (m=6.33 years), total mortality for cancer was found to be 55% (8 patients), with a predictive positive value for recurrence of 95.4% and 91.8% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Median survival was 8.8 years (range 1 to 25 years). The multivariate analysis showed that factors such as age > 45 years, histology of intermediate malignancy, size up to 1.5 cm, and presence of metastases, significantly worsened the prognosis, regardless of the intervention that was carried out. We suggest total thyroidectomy for the treatment of benign pathologies and confirmed or suspected cases of cancer. We reserve loboisthmectomy for the treatment of benign pathologies confined to one lobe or those with FNAB suggesting a follicular neoplasm. A retrospective study was carried out to assessed reliability of the prognostic factors (histology, age, sex, and stage), and standard procedures for the surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). From the 144 DTC cases reviewed with follow-up ranging from 1 to 25 years (m=6.33 years), total mortality for cancer was found to be 55% (8 patients), with a predictive positive value for recurrence of 95.4% and 91.8% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Median survival was 8.8 years (range 1 to 25 years). The multivariate analysis showed that factors such as age > 45 years, histology of intermediate malignancy, size up to 1.5 cm, and presence of metastases, significantly worsened the prognosis, regardless of the intervention that was carried out. We suggest total thyroidectomy for the treatment of benign pathologies and confirmed or suspected cases of cancer. We reserve loboisthmectomy for the treatment of benign pathologies confined to one lobe or those with FNAB suggesting a follicular neoplasm.

Background Hypocalcemia caused by transient or definitive hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy (TT). We aimed to compare the impact of age and the clinical usefulness of oral calcium and vitamin D supplements on postoperative hypocalcemia after TT, and to determine which risk factors are important for hypocalcemia incidence. Methods Two hundred consecutive patients treated by TT were included prospectively in the present study. All patients supplemented oral calcium and vitamin D in the post-operative time. The data concerning symptomatic and laboratoristichypocalcemia were collected. Patients were evaluated according to age, sex, postoperative serum calcium levels, and preoperative serum alkaline phosphatasis levels. Results Symptomatic hypocalcemia developed only in 19 patients (9.5%), whereas laboratory hypocalcemia developed in 36 patients (18%). The risk for postoperative hypocalcemia was increate 20-fold for patients older than 50 years. Conclusions Age is significantly associated with postoperative hypocalcemia. Implementing oral calcium and vitamin D after total thyroidectomy can reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia related to surgery.

Background Axillary lymphadenectomy or sentinel biopsy is integral part of breast cancer treatment, yet seroma formation occurs in 15-85% of cases. Among methods employed to reduce seroma magnitude and duration, fibrin glue has been proposed in numerous studies with controversial results. Methods Thirty patients over 60 years underwent quadrantectomy or mastectomy with level I/II axillary lymphadenectomy; a suction drain was fitted in all patients. Fibrin glue spray were applied to the axillary fossa in 15 patients; the other 15 patients were treated with harmonic scalpel. Results Suction drainage was removed between post-operative Days 3 and 4. Seroma magnitude and duration were not significant in patients receiving fibrin glue compared with the harmonic scalpel group. Conclusions Use of fibrin glue does not always prevent seroma formation, but can reduce seroma magnitude, duration and necessary evacuative punctures.

Carcinoma of the pancreas is extremely common, with a five-year mortality rate of about 95-99%. Radical surgery requires good technical skill and can cause complications and operative mortality, but should be avoided in patients with extrapancreatic involvement. Advances in dynamic spiral CT-scan have decreased the number of unnecessary laparotomies. VLS is indicated in cases of pancreatic mass deemed resectable or "doubtful" by CT-scan. Direct laparoscopic visualization can be combined with intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS), which has shown a positive predictive value of resectability of 91%. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) shows a high rate of complications and should be performed by very well-trained surgeons. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) with an "en bloc" splenectomy and spleen preservation should be performed.

In the early days of video-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy (VLC), obesity was considered a contraindication for the procedure. We reviewed charts from 304 patients undergoing VLC; 90 patients were obese, and among these, according to a classification currently used by medical nutritionists and based on BMI, 45 were overweight (BMI > or = 25 < or = 29.9), 27 were considered conventionally obese (BMI > or = 30 and < 40) and 18 morbidly obese (BMI > or = 40). In this study we considered only the morbidly obese patients (5 males and 13 females). The average age was 42.3 years (range: 21-65) and the average weight 275 Ib (range: 186-331 Ib). Six patients had previously undergone abdominal surgery. All patients were symptomatic for gallstones, and 5 of them were suffering from acute cholecystitis. Mean operative time was 20 minutes (range: 10-45 minutes) longer than that of non-obese patients. No open conversion was necessary. No major postoperative morbidity and no cases of mortality occurred. The mean hospital stay and resumption of normal diet were similar to those of non-obese patients. Regardless of the higher postoperative risks after open cholecystectomy in obese patients (pulmonary complications, thromboembolism, wound infections and cardiovascular complications), we suggest VLC as the procedure of choice for cholecystectomy in these patients.