Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of portal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy in β-thalassemia patients: a prospective exploratory study.

Background: Portal vein system thrombosis (PVT) is an infrequent but potentially serious complication after laparoscopic splenectomy. Patients with β-thalassemia are at higher risk as they have splenomegaly and hypercoagulability.

Subjects And Methods: Forty-eight β-thalassemia patients who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy or laparoscopic splenectomy were studied prospectively with pre- and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography scanning.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis in a patient with myotonic dystrophy.

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited neuromuscular disease involving several systems. The anesthetic method of choice remains uncertain. The risk of perioperative complications, particularly pulmonary and cardiac complications, in these patients is of major concern.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients with symptomatic gallstone disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 34 patients operated between March 1998 and April 2006.

Results: There were 19 male and 15 female patients with a median age of 62 years.