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.

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.

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.