Effects of colonoscopy on intracranial pressure: observation in a large animal model.

Background And Study Aims: Increased intra-abdominal pressure has been associated with increased intracranial pressure. Bowel insufflation during colonoscopy may increase the intra-abdominal pressure. It was hypothesized that colonoscopy may be associated with intracranial pressure elevation subsequent to an elevation in intra-abdominal pressure.

Intra-operative pneumothorax complicating laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background: Intra-operative pneumothorax (PTX) is an infrequent complication of laparoscopic surgery. Most cases are attributed to CO(2) diffusion across congenital diaphragmatic defects and resolve spontaneously. We report a case of PTX during a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP).

Laparoscopic gastric bypass in patients on thyroid replacement therapy for subnormal thyroid function - prevalence and short-term outcome.

Background: Hypothyroidism is associated with increased body weight. Weight gain may occur despite normal levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) achieved by replacement therapy. We evaluated the prevalence of patients on thyroid replacement for subnormal thyroid function who were operated on for morbid obesity and monitored their postoperative weight loss pattern.

Technical considerations in laparoscopic resection of gastric neoplasms.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the use of different laparoscopic approaches in the management of gastric neoplasms based on tumor type and location.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven patients (3 men and 4 women) with 11 gastric lesions who were referred to our facility between March 2000 and October 2001 for laparoscopic excision of gastric neoplasms.

Results: Two patients had gastrointestinal stromal lesions (3 lesions); two patients had hyperplastic polyps (3 lesions); one patient had carcinoid tumor (2 lesions); one patient had a carcinoma in situ and an adenoma; and one patient had an ectopic pancreas.

Laparoscopic mobilization of an omental flap for reconstruction of an infected sternotomy wound.

The omentum is used for reconstruction of intra- and extra-abdominal wounds because of its high vascularity and immunological properties. It is used most often in patients in whom sternal wound infection develops after coronary artery bypass grafting. The major drawback of using the omentum is the necessity of performing a laparotomy to dissect and mobilize it to the thorax.