Use of endoluminal illuminated bougie during laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery of the esophagus

Newly developed endoscopic instruments and devices, along with advanced endoscopic surgical techniques, have made it possible to perform an increasing variety of endoscopic procedures. These procedures consist of the same steps employed in the open procedure that preceded them but avoid their large incisions. This in turn eliminates many of the disadvantages associated with laparotomy and thoracotomy incisions. Postoperative pain is greatly decreased, postoperative hospital stay is shortened, and return to normal activities is expedited. Postoperative complications as well as early and late morbidity related to the surgical wound (e.g. wound infection, incisional hernia, wound dehiscence) are minimized. The incidence of intraabdominal adhesions and both early and late postoperative intestinal obstruction are decreased. Cosmesis is dramatically enhanced.

Current techniques in laparoscopic appendectomy

An improved technique for laparoscopic appendectomy based on an experience of > 120 cases is presented. This method includes numerous additions to and modifications of previously described techniques and is effective for gangrenous and perforated appendicitis as well as for less severe cases. The most important elements are that (a) it is a safer procedure for attaining insertion of the Veress needle and the primary trocar; (b) it employs electrocautery to separate the appendix from the mesoappendix; (c) an Endosac can be used for removal of the appendix from the abdomen without contamination of the abdominal wall; (d) no laser is necessary; and (e) staples are rarely necessary.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

A technique for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is described and a series of 11 cases is presented. The technique secures the patient to the operating table with three safety straps and the patient is then placed in a reverse Trendelenburg position with the hips flexed. The surgeon operates from the patient's right side using two midline trocar sites as the main operating ports. Other ports provide retraction and laparoscope access. The liver retractor is held by a mechanical arm. Once the esophageal peritoneum has been opened, the esophagus and diaphragmatic crura are dissected out and elevated by a Penrose drain sling. The short gastrics are divided and the fundus is brought posterior to the esophagus passing from left to right. A large Maloney dilator is placed in the esophagus and the fundal wrap is sutured to the anterior aspect of the stomach by three sutures; the inferior--most of which incorporates the anterior wall of the esophagus. Once the fundoplication is completed, the dilator is replaced by a nasogastric tube. Postoperatively, patients are given clear liquids and when these are tolerated the nasogastric tube is removed. Most patients are discharged on the second or third postoperative day. Operating time averaged 147 min, and all patients returned to unrestricted activity within 2 to 3 weeks. All patients reported complete relief of gastroesophageal reflux. Average follow up was 120 days with a median of 148 days. Long-term follow up is in progress.

Laparoscopic appendectomy: treatment of choice for suspected appendicitis

Results and complications in 100 patients treated over a 3-year period with the laparoscopic approach for clinically diagnosed acute appendicitis are evaluated. They are compared with results and complications in 100 patients with the same diagnosis who had been treated with the open technique performed by the same surgeon during the same 3 years. The results suggest that laparoscopy provides excellent exposure of the appendix regardless of its position. In the absence of pathology of the appendix, laparoscopy allows for a thorough examination of the entire abdomen and pelvis and good exposure and definitive treatment of most surgical conditions encountered. In the event of appendicitis, regardless of its severity, laparoscopic appendectomy results in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster return to normal activities, fewer postoperative complications, and superior cosmetic results. Our experience suggests that the laparoscopic approach is the best approach to diagnosis and treatment of the conditions encountered in patients with suspected appendicitis.

Laparoscopic management of enlarged cystic duct

After laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct, or when a patient has acute cholecystitis, the cystic duct is sometimes edematous and too large to be ligated safely with an Endoclip. In such cases, ligation of the cystic duct with an Endoloop offers a solution to the problem. The standard technique for application of an Endoloop consists of dividing the cystic duct and then applying the Endoloop. This becomes more difficult if, after the cystic duct is divided, loss of traction on the common bile duct results in retraction of the divided cystic stump outside of the laparoscopic field of view. To avoid this difficulty, the authors apply an Endoloop with the grasping forceps on the cystic duct before the duct is divided so that it cannot retract from operative view and for this task developed an instrument that allows simultaneous introduction of both grasping forceps and the Endoloop through a single port.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: indications and current use

Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in 43 consecutive patients with right lower abdominal pain and preoperative diagnosis of possible appendicitis. Patients with generalized peritonitis and evidence of perforation of the appendix were not considered for laparoscopy. Visualization was sufficient for making a diagnosis in 97.7% of the cases. In 95%, laparoscopic findings were compatible with the pathology report. Thirty-five patients underwent successful laparoscopic appendectomy with neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications. No further surgery was required; slightly elevated temperatures in 6 patients responded to treatment with antibiotics, and there were no wound infections. Laparoscopic appendectomy is minimally invasive and results in less postoperative pain and morbidity and fewer adhesions and other long-term sequelae than conventional laparotomy. It is associated with superior cosmetic results, a shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activities. This experience suggests that if there is no evidence that the appendix is perforated or that generalized peritonitis exists and if qualified physicians and adequate facilities are available, patients presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and possible appendicitis are best evaluated and treated with laparoscopic technique.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: new indications

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on 65 unselected and consecutive patients, regardless of age, weight, history of abdominal surgery or presence of acute cholecystitis. All procedures were completed successfully, with only two patients converted to an open cholecystectomy. There were no intra-abdominal intraoperative complications; n o intraoperative transfusions were required. There were no intra-abdominal injuries, and no patient required repeat surgery for postoperative complications. Hospital stays averaged 30 hours, and the average time until patients resumed normal activities was 6 days.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: report of 82 cases

In our initial experience with 82 patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has shown numerous advantages over open cholecystectomy. Both intraoperative blood loss and postoperative need for pain medication have been minimal. Most patients were discharged within 24 to 36 hours and resumed normal activities within 3 to 5 days. The aesthetic aspect is also an obvious advantage, since the laparoscopic procedure avoids disfiguring abdominal scars. Previous abdominal surgery is not a contraindication to attempting this procedure. Based on our experience, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be done safely on most patients who are candidates for open cholecystectomy, including the elderly, the obese, and those with acute gangrenous cholecystitis.