Laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy via PTFE-covered stent successfully achieves internal drainage of common bile duct obstruction.

The purpose of this study was to develop a method of laparoscopic biliary bypass utilizing a PTFE-covered biliary stent. An animal model of common bile duct obstruction was developed. Three days before the planned choledochojejunostomy, the common duct in 10 female pigs was ligated using mini-laparoscopy instrumentation (2 mm) to create an obstruction model.

Heated and humidified insufflation during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery: effect on temperature, postoperative pain, and recovery outcomes.

Background: Controversy exists regarding the efficacy of heated and humidified intraperitoneal gases in maintaining core body temperature. We performed a sham-controlled study to test the hypothesis that active warming and humidification of the insufflation gas reduces intraoperative heat loss and improves recovery outcomes.

Patients And Methods: Fifty morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures using a standardized anesthetic technique were randomly assigned to either a control (sham) group receiving room temperature insufflation gases with an inactive Insuflow (Lexion Medical, St.

Basic ultrasound curriculum for medical students: validation of content and phantom.

Effective use of ultrasound requires an understanding of the physics, combined with the ability to interpret the sonographic images. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a basic ultrasound curriculum using a phantom to train medical students. Twenty-eight first- to fourth-year medical students were randomized to two groups: a control group that received no formal training and a trained group that received basic ultrasound training.

A method to attenuate pneumoperitoneum-induced reductions in splanchnic blood flow.

Objective: To determine if increasing nitric oxide bioactivity by inclusion of ethyl nitrite (ENO) in the insufflation admixture would attenuate pneumoperitoneum-induced decreases in splanchnic perfusion.

Summary Background Data: Organ blood flow is reduced during pneumoperitoneum and can contribute to laparoscopy-associated morbidity and mortality. Previous attempts to control such decreases in flow have been ineffective.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Introduction: This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of using robotically assisted laparoscopy to perform a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. This new method was compared with the open and standard laparoscopic approaches.

Methods: Eighteen pigs underwent a needlescopic common bile duct ligation to create a jaundice model.

Is routine cholecystectomy required during laparoscopic gastric bypass?

Background: Routine cholecystectomy is often performed at the time of gastric bypass for morbid obesity. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of gallstone formation requiring cholecystectomy following a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP).

Methods: 289 LRYGBP were performed between November 1999 and May 2002.

Is routine cholecystectomy required during laparoscopic gastric bypass?

Background: Routine cholecystectomy is often performed at the time of gastric bypass for morbid obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of gallstone formation requiring cholecystectomy following a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP).

Methods: 289 LRYGBP were performed between November 1999 and May 2002.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal versus Lichtenstein herniorrhaphy: cost comparison at teaching hospitals.

Laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and effective and may result in less postoperative pain and faster recuperation compared with traditional open hernia repairs. Controversy exists as to the increased cost associated with laparoscopic repairs. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the cost of the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic repair and the tension-free Lichtenstein repair at teaching hospitals.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy with bolstering partial posterior fundoplication for achalasia.

Background: The ideal antireflux procedure following laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia is controversial. We present a novel laparoscopic technique of partial posterior fundoplication to bolster the myotomy.

Methods: Between August 1998 and March 2002, eight patients (five females and three males; median age, 40 years) underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy with bolstering partial posterior fundoplication.