Outcomes of laparoscopic and open colectomy at academic centers.

Background: Laparoscopic techniques have emerged as a suitable approach for colon resection. This study determined and compared the outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic or open colectomy at United States academic centers.

Methods: Using ICD-9-CM codes, we obtained data from the University HealthSystem Consortium database for 50,443 patients who underwent open (n = 47,090; 94%) or laparoscopic (n = 3,353; 6%) colectomy during a 5-year period (2002 to 2006).

Preoperative weight loss decreases the operative time of gastric bypass at a Veterans Administration hospital.

Background: This study assessed whether preoperative weight loss resulted in favorable outcomes after open Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent RYGB at the DVAMC was undertaken. Patients were divided into: patients who did not lose weight within 3 months preoperatively (n=25) and group II, those who did (n=15).

Diabetic gastroparesis-associated bezoar resolution via "cola-lysis".

Phytobezoars associated with diabetic gastroparesis are often sources of diminished quality of life for patients. Poor blood sugar control has been associated with increasing gastroparesis. For recipients of pancreas transplants to correct diabetes, phytobezoar treatment post-transplant can typically be limited to invasive procedures and prokinetic agents.