Optimal stump management in laparoscopic appendectomy: A network meta-analysis by the Minimally Invasive Surgery Synthesis of Interventions and Outcomes Network.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is the predominant method of treatment of acute appendicitis. There is insufficient evidence on the most effective management of the appendix stump. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness and provide a treatment ranking of different options for securing the appendix stump.

The Use of Biological Meshes in Diaphragmatic Defects - An Evidence-Based Review of the Literature.

The widespread use of meshes for hiatal hernia repair has emerged in the era of laparoscopic surgery, although sporadic cases of mesh augmentation of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture have been reported. The indications for biologic meshes in diaphragmatic repair are ill defined. This systematic review aims to investigate the available evidence on the role of biologic meshes in diaphragmatic rupture and hiatal hernia repair.

Past, Present, and Future of Minimally Invasive Abdominal Surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery has generated a revolution in operative medicine during the past few decades. Although strongly criticized during its early years, minimization of surgical trauma and the benefits of minimization to the patient have been brought to our attention through the efforts and vision of a few pioneers in the recent history of medicine. The German gynecologist Kurt Semm (1927-2003) transformed the use of laparoscopy for diagnostic purposes into a modern therapeutic surgical concept, having performed the first laparoscopic appendectomy, inspiring Erich Mühe and many other surgeons around the world to perform a wide spectrum of procedures by minimally invasive means.

Meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing nonpenetrating vs mechanical mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Background: Evidence for open groin hernia repair demonstrates less pain with bioglue mesh fixation compared with invasive methods. This study aimed to assess the short- and long-term effects of laparoscopic groin hernia repair with noninvasive and invasive mesh fixation.

Data Sources: A systematic review of MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and OpenGrey was undertaken.

Volume and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials in laparoscopic surgery: assessment over a 10-year period.

Background: Measures have been taken to improve methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review systematically assessed the trends in volume and methodological quality of RCTs on minimally invasive surgery within a 10-year period.

Data Sources: RCTs on minimally invasive surgery were searched in the 10 most cited general surgical journals and the 5 most cited journals of laparoscopic interest for the years 2002 and 2012.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy with curved versus linear instruments assessed by systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery poses significant ergonomic limitations. Curved instruments have been developed in order to address the issue of lack of triangulation. Direct comparison between single-incision laparoscopic surgeries with conventional linear and curved instruments has not been performed to date.

Laparoscopic augmentation of the diaphragmatic hiatus with biologic mesh versus suture repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias is associated with high recurrence rates. Erosion and mesh migration are rare but devastating complications of synthetic mesh repair, whereas reoperation is accompanied by significant operative morbidity. The aim of this study was to estimate the comparative risk of hernia recurrence following primary suture or biologic mesh repair.

A systematic review and analysis of factors associated with methodological quality in laparoscopic randomized controlled trials.

Several methods for assessment of methodological quality in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been developed during the past few years. Factors associated with quality in laparoscopic surgery have not been defined till date. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bibliometric and the methodological quality of laparoscopic RCTs.

Laparoscopic versus open obesity surgery: a meta-analysis of pulmonary complications.

The clinical effects of laparoscopy in the pulmonary function of obese patients have been poorly investigated in the past. A systematic review was undertaken, with the objective to identify published evidence on pulmonary complications in laparoscopic surgery in the obese. Outcome measures included pulmonary morbidity, pulmonary infection and mortality.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery confers lower mortality in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 66,483 patients.

Background: Increasing life expectancy requires specific attention on geriatric patients. Data support a potential reduction of surgical morbidity for patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery as compared to conventional surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effect of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery on geriatric patients.

Feasibility study for secure closure of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery gastrotomies by using over-the-scope clips.

Background: The secure sealing of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approaches to the abdominal cavity is a problem that has not been solved. The feasibility of closing iatrogenic endoscopic GI-tract perforations by using a new over-the-scope clip was recently described.

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic closure of transgastric NOTES approaches with a novel clip system.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with prosthetic hiatal closure reduces postoperative intrathoracic wrap herniation: preliminary results of a prospective randomized functional and clinical study.

Background: Postoperative intrathoracic wrap migration is the most frequent morphological complication after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Previous authors have studied the use of prosthetic materials for hiatal closure to prevent recurrence of hiatal hernia and/or postoperative intrathoracic wrap herniation.

Hypothesis: Patients with prosthetic hiatal closure have a higher rate of short-term dysphagia but a significantly lower rate of postoperative intrathoracic wrap herniation at follow-up.

Failed antireflux surgery: quality of life and surgical outcome after laparoscopic refundoplication.

Background And Aims: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has in recent years become the standard procedure for treating severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Both laparoscopic antireflux surgery and open surgery cause failures which lead to repeat surgery in 3-6% of cases. We evaluated prospectively quality of life and surgical outcome following laparoscopic refundoplication for failed initial antireflux surgery.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: experience with 668 laparoscopic antireflux procedures.

Background And Aims: In the past decade laparoscopic antireflux surgery has become the standard operation for treating severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Several studies have been published showing that it can achieve good to excellent results at short- and medium-term follow-up. We present our experience with 668 laparoscopic antireflux procedures.

Quality of life and symptomatic outcome three to five years after laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with impaired esophageal motility.

Background: Many centers practice a tailored approach to laparoscopic antireflux surgery in attempt to prevent postoperative side effects in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with an impaired esophageal motility. As a result of controversial findings reported in literature no worldwide accepted consensus exists regarding the appropriate indication for this tailored approach. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate quality of life and symptomatic outcome in selected patients for a follow-up of 3 to 5 years.