Long-term results of giant hiatal hernia mesh repair and antireflux laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background: The application of mesh-reinforced hiatal closure has resulted in a significant reduction in recurrence rates. The most debated issue is the risk of complications related to the use of the prosthesis, which are thought to be the cause of higher dysphagia.

Patients And Methods: From January 2004 to December 2007, 198 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with or without hiatal hernia.

[Laparoscopic splenectomy: 7-year experience].

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective and safe technique in the management of benign splenic pathologies.

Methods: We reviewed our 7-year experience to evaluate utility and safety of this procedure.

Results: Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 20 patients (13 women, 7 men), with a mean age of 49 years.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy].

Introduction: In the last few years, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become widely used in the management of adrenal disease.

Material And Method: We reviewed our experience of 24 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy between 1998 and 2006.

Results: Surgery was indicated for Cushing's syndrome in 46% of the patients, aldosteronoma in 25%, incidentaloma in 21% and pheochromocytoma in 8%.

Portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic splenectomy in benign hematologic diseases.

Introduction: Portal vein thrombosis is an unfrequent, but potentially deadly, complication of the laparoscopic splenectomy procedure. The laparoscopic approach has shortened the duration of hospital stay; portal vein thrombosis may appear after the patient has left the hospital, determining a later diagnosis. Because of the mild, nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis can even be missed and only achieved when chronic complications take place.

[Two exceptional cases of pancreatic tumor].

Pancreatic cancer carries a poor prognosis. The only potentially curative treatment is surgical resection. However, this procedure can only be performed in a few cases due to presentation of the tumor in advanced stages.

[Laparoscopic vs open splenectomy in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].

Introduction: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is gaining acceptance as an effective and safe alternative to open splenectomy (OS) in the treatment of benign hematologic disorders unresponsive to medical treatment. Among these disorders, the most important is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Patients And Method: We compared a cohort of 20 patients who had undergone LS in the previous 7 years, with a historical cohort of 38 patients who underwent OS between 1985 and 1999.