Efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with chronic cough and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Background: The outcome of anti-reflux surgery in patients with suspected gastro-oesophageal reflux-induced cough is frequently uncertain. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication for controlling cough in patients with chronic cough without asthma, who have pathologic gastro-oesophageal reflux, and to identify predictors of response.

Methods: From a prospective database of 1598 patients who have undergone laparoscopic fundoplication, 66 (4%) with proven gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and chronic cough without asthma were studied.

Portal vein thrombosis following elective laparoscopic splenectomy: incidence and analysis of risk factors.

Background: Minimally invasive splenectomy is now well established for a wide range of pathologies. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is increasingly being recognised as a complication of splenectomy. The aim was to determine the incidence and risk factors for PVT after laparoscopic splenectomy.

Laparoscopic resection of hepatic colorectal metastases.

Background: Liver resection for secondary malignancy has become the standard of care in appropriately staged patients, offering 5-year survival rates of >40%. Reports of laparoscopic liver resection have been published with increasing frequency over the last few years. In these small series approximately one-third of all operations have been for malignancy, but survival figures cannot be assessed yet.

Quantitative analysis of the expression of ACAT genes in human tissues by real-time PCR.

ACAT (also called sterol o-acyltransferase) catalyzes the esterification of cholesterol by reaction with long-chain acyl-CoA derivatives and plays a pivotal role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis. Although two human ACAT genes termed ACAT-1 and ACAT-2 have been reported, prior research on differential tissue expression is qualitative and incomplete. We have developed a quantitative multiplex assay for each ACAT isoform after RT treatment of total RNA using TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR normalized to beta-actin in the same reaction tube.

Massive splenomegaly is associated with significant morbidity after laparoscopic splenectomy.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of spleen weight on operative and clinical outcome in a series of 108 consecutive laparoscopic splenectomies.

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy as an alternative to open splenectomy for splenomegaly is regarded as controversial.

Methods: Patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for a range of hematological disorders between November 1992 and February 2000.