Management of peritoneal surface malignancies in laparoscopic era: a concise review.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is seldom curable. Maximal cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been used in efforts to improve survival. There has been a recent explosion of interest in this modality of treatment with various centers employing its use throughout the world.

Improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms after various bariatric procedures: review of the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database.

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the morbidly obese population is as high as 45%. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of various bariatric procedures in the improvement of GERD.

Methods: The Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database is a prospective database of patients who undergo bariatric surgery by a participant in the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program.

Emergent cholecystostomy is superior to open cholecystectomy in extremely ill patients with acalculous cholecystitis: a large multicenter outcome study.

Background: Morbidity and mortality are very high for critically ill patients who develop acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC). The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in extremely ill patients with AAC treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), or open cholecystectomy (OC), which were also analyzed together in the LC-plus-OC (LO) group.

Methods: Discharge data from the University HealthSystem Consortium database were accessed using International Classification of Diseases codes.

Can laparoscopy for colon resection reduce the need for discharge to skilled care facility?

Background: A significant proportion of patients, especially the elderly undergoing colon resections, are likely to be discharged to a skilled care facility. This study aims to examine whether the technique of colectomy, open versus laparoscopic, contributed to their discharge to a skilled care facility.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Survey of minimally invasive general surgery fellows training in robotic surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery fellowships offer experience in robotic surgery, the nature of which is poorly defined. The objective of this survey was to determine the current status and opportunities for robotic surgery training available to fellows training in the United States and Canada. Sixty-five minimally invasive surgery fellows, attending a fundamentals of fellowship conference, were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their demographics and experiences with robotic surgery and training.

Perioperative outcomes after adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasm in laparoscopic era: a multicenter retrospective study.

Background: This study aims to review perioperative outcomes of adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasm performed by open or laparoscopic technique and comparing them with benign diseases.

Methods: This study is a multicenter, retrospective analysis utilizing a large administrative database. The University Health System Consortium is an alliance of over 100 academic medical centers and 250 affiliate hospitals.

Do you need a computed tomographic scan to evaluate suspected appendicitis in young men: an administrative database review.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of computed tomographic (CT) scans of the abdomen on clinical outcomes and costs in young male patients presenting with suspected appendicitis.

Methods: Discharge data from the University HealthSystem Consortium was accessed for all male patients between 18 and 55 years of age from October 2007 to June 2011.

Results: Of a total of 13,228 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 11,340 (85%) were assessed using a CT scan of the abdomen, whereas 1,888 (15%) did not undergo CT evaluation.

Laparoscopic colon resection trends in utilization and rate of conversion to open procedure: a national database review of academic medical centers.

Objective: This study aims to examine trends of utilization and rates of conversion to open procedure for patients undergoing laparoscopic colon resections (LCR).

Methods: This study is a national database review of academic medical centers and a retrospective analysis utilizing the University HealthSystem Consortium administrative database-an alliance of more than 300 academic and affiliate hospitals.

Results: A total of 85,712 patients underwent colon resections between October 2008 and December 2011.

Impact on perioperative outcomes of concomitant hiatal hernia repair with laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Background: The role of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LHHR) at the time of laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is still debatable. This study aims to assess the safety of concomitant LHHR with LRYGB.

Methods: This study is a multi-center, retrospective analysis of a large administrative database.

Trends in adolescent bariatric surgery evaluated by UHC database collection.

Background: With increasing childhood obesity, adolescent bariatric surgery has been increasingly performed. We used a national database to analyze current trends in laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the adolescent population and related short-term outcomes.

Methods: Discharge data from the University Health System Consortium (UHC) database was accessed using International Classification of Disease codes during a 36 month period.

How does the robot affect outcomes? A retrospective review of open, laparoscopic, and robotic Heller myotomy for achalasia.

Background: Robotic techniques are routinely used in urological and gynecological procedures; however, their role in general surgical procedures is limited. A robotic technique has been successfully adopted for a minimally invasive Heller myotomy procedure for achalasia. This study aims to compare perioperative outcomes following open, laparoscopic, and robotic Heller myotomy.