Publications by authors named "Eugene Rubach"

Aneurysmal degeneration of the visceral branches of the abdominal aorta is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease entity. Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are exceedingly rare and have a prevalence of 0.1 to 2%.

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Background And Objectives: Within the past few years, there has been a push for an even more minimally invasive approach to biliary disease with the adoption of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We sought to compare 4 individual surgeon experiences to define whether there exists a learning curve for performing single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review 290 single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by a group of general surgeons, with varying levels of experience and training, at 3 institutions between May 2008 and September 2010.

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Meckel diverticula are remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct. They have 2% incidence in the general population, are usually asymptomatic, and tend to be diagnosed incidentally. The generally held principle had been that asymptomatic cases do not require resection, as exemplified by a 2008 systematic review of over 200 studies.

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Background: Minimally invasive techniques have become an integral part of general surgery with recent investigation into single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). This study presents the final 1-year results of a prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blinded trial of SILC vs multiport cholecystectomy (4PLC).

Study Design: Patients with biliary colic and documented gallstones or polyps or with biliary dyskinesia were randomized to SILC vs 4PLC.

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Many surgeons attempting Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) cholecystectomy have found the operation difficult, which is inconsistent with our experience. This article is an attempt to promote a standardized approach that we feel surgeons with laparoscopic skills can perform safely and efficiently. This is a four-trocar approach consistent with the four incisions utilized in conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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Background: Minimally invasive techniques have become an integral part of general surgery, with recent investigation into single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). This study presents a prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blind trial of SILC compared with four-port cholecystectomy (4PLC) with the goal of assessing safety, feasibility, and factors predicting outcomes.

Methods: Patients with biliary colic and documented gallstones or polyps or with biliary dyskinesia were randomized to SILC or 4PLC.

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Background: Robotic colorectal surgery is gaining interest in general and colorectal surgery. The use of the da Vinci(®) Robotic system has been postulated to improve outcomes, primarily by increasing the dexterity and facility with which complex dissections can be performed. We report a large, single institution, comparative study of laparoscopic and robotic colectomies, attempting to better elucidate the benefits of robotic surgery in patients with colorectal disease.

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Background: Robotic prostatectomy (RP) is now increasingly performed because it allows for precise dissection of neurovascular structures with better outcomes. It is estimated that 5-12% of candidates for radical prostatectomy have detectable inguinal hernias, and simultaneous mesh hernioplasty is now well supported. A disadvantage of radical prostatectomy is obliteration of the preperitoneal space of Bogros, which can make future totally extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy difficult and prone to complication.

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Background: A laparoscopic technique for acutely perforated diverticulitis (i.e., laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure) has not been described.

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Etiology of the acute abdomen can be difficult to determine in the acute care setting, as both medical and surgical emergencies can present with a similar clinical presentation. Prompt work-up is essential to reveal the diagnosis and allow for successful treatment. We present a rare case of spontaneous intrahepatic hemorrhage in a patient with multiple comorbidities, including multiple myeloma and lung cancer.

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Background: We describe a standarized eight-step technique to perform sigmoid colectomy using the da Vinci robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) in both the left upper and lower abdominal quadrants.

Materials And Methods: Between March 2005 and June 2006, 11 robotic sigmoid colectomies were performed on patients with diverticulitis or cancer. The procedures were performed through 4 ports, using a medial to lateral approach and involved moving the robot during the procedure.

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We report two cases of unilateral jumped facets at C3-4 in reliable historians with no apparent history of neck trauma. Lack of associated morphological abnormalities of the associated disc, adjacent vertebral bodies, and contralateral facet essentially exclude a developmental etiology. Based on the location of the injury and the presence of chronic, osteoarthritic changes we postulate that the jumped facets were due to remote childhood trauma that was forgotten.

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