Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia under spinal anesthesia: a pilot study.

Background: The laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair is an evolving technique associated with the well-known advantages of a minimally invasive approach. However, general anesthesia is routinely required for the procedure. Based on our previous experience in regional anesthesia for laparoscopic procedures, we designed a pilot study to assess the feasibility and safety of performing laparoscopic TAPP repair under spinal anesthesia.

Primary omental torsion: report of two cases.

Two patients with omental torsion, who presented with acute abdomen, are reported. The first case, a 14-yearold boy, was admitted for acute appendicitis. During surgery, omental torsion on the long axis was diagnosed and the involved omentum was resected.

Is there a role for drain use in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy? A controlled randomized trial.

Background: Although the issue of drain use in open cholecystectomy has been adequately addressed by prospective randomized trials, there is lack of evidence on the usefulness of drains in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the surgeons follow their beliefs and bias on this debate. Therefore, a controlled randomized trial was designed to assess the value of drains in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods: During a 5-year period (January 2002 to December 2006), 284 patients were randomized to have a drain placed (group A), whereas 281 patients were randomized not to have a drain (group B) placed in the subhepatic space.

Re-operation due to severe late-onset persisting groin pain following anterior inguinal hernia repair with mesh.

Objectives: Mild pain lasting for a few days is common following mesh inguinal hernia repair. In some patients however, severe groin pain may appear months or even years postoperatively. The aim of this study was to report our experience of late-onset persisting severe postoperative groin pain occurring years after mesh hernioplasty.

Spinal vs general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: interim analysis of a controlled randomized trial.

Objective: To compare spinal anesthesia with the gold standard general anesthesia for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in healthy patients.

Design: Controlled randomized trial.

Setting: University hospital.

The evolution of lower limb amputation through the ages. Historical note.

The aim of this study was to highlight the important stages of the evolution of limb amputation through the ages through the search of the relevant international literature. Limb amputation is one of the most serious surgical operations, which is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Evidence regarding the execution of limb amputation can be found back in Neolithic times.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under spinal anesthesia: a pilot study.

Background: Regional anesthesia has not been used as the sole anesthetic procedure other than in the scenario of a patient at high risk to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CO2 pneumoperitoneum under general anesthesia.

Methods: Fifteen ASA grade I or II patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with low-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum under spinal anesthesia. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative pain and recovery in general, as well as patient satisfaction at follow-up were prospectively recorded in a pilot study to assess the feasibility and safety of the procedure.