Anterior lesser curvature laser seromyotomy with posterior truncal vagotomy: a potential treatment of peptic ulcer disease

Proximal gastric vagotomy by minimally invasive methods in an acute rat model

In this prospective study, minimally invasive methods of proximal gastric vagotomy (PGV) were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Completeness of vagotomy by traditional operative therapy, by laser denervation of the gastric serosa, and by subserosal or transmucosal injections of chemoneurolytic agents was evaluated with postoperative Congo red testing, ulcerogenic stimulation of the gastric mucosa, and histochemical labeling of whatever vagal fibers remained in the gastric wall. Short-term results demonstrate that successful PGV can be performed with minimally invasive methods.

Laser use in laparoscopic surgery

Gynecologists have found the argon and CO2 lasers very valuable for performance of pelviscopic surgery. Their interest was born from the complications initially seen with electrosurgical pelviscopic procedures and from the unique features of the laser for treatment of endometriosis. Laser technology was applied to laparoscopic cholecystectomy from its inception. This article reviews the arguments for laser and electrosurgical use in the many laparoscopic procedures--established and in evolution.