Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation is a cost-effective alternative to conventional extracorporeal circulation for coronary artery bypass grafting: propensity matched analysis.

Introduction: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation has developed with the aim of reducing the impact of the adverse effects associated with conventional extracorporeal circulation. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting using minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation with those performed using conventional extracorporeal circulation.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation coronary artery bypass grafting at a single centre.

Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture as a complication following lung transplantation.

Spontaneous diaphragm rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, requiring urgent surgical intervention. Here we present two patients who developed spontaneous right hemidiaphragm rupture with abdominal visceral herniation into the thoracic cavity several days following bilateral lung transplantation, as an unusual complication. Both patients' surgeries were performed through bilateral anterior thoracotomies and were uneventful.

Ocular hypotonia following pulmonary endarterectomy.

Significant fluid removal and negative fluid balance is typical of the management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. In this study, we describe severe ocular hypotonia as an unusual clinical sign in a 72-year-old man immediately following pulmonary endarterectomy. Complete resolution occurred with fluid resuscitation overnight and no residual visual disturbance was reported.

The role of the laparoendoscopic single site totally extraperitoneal approach to inguinal hernia repairs: a review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Background: Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery may have perceived benefits of reduced visible scarring compared to conventional laparoscopic (LAP) totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repairs. We reviewed the literature to compare LESS TEP inguinal hernia repairs with LAP TEP repairs.

Methods: We searched electronic databases for research published between January 2008 and January 2012.