Construction and validation of a low-cost laparoscopic simulator for surgical education.

Introduction: To construct a trainer that would achieve the equivalent goals of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) trainer at an economical cost. A validation study comparing our homemade (HM) trainer vs the FLS trainer was performed. A literature search as well as a price comparison with other commercially available laparoscopic trainers is presented.

Colonic volvulus in an adult after childhood Ladd's procedure for malrotation.

Malrotation and volvulus are encountered early in infancy and sometimes later in childhood, but rarely in adulthood. This ailment is treated through Ladd's adhesiolysis, detorsion, and possibly bowel resection. Literature is scarce on the long-term outcomes of this procedure, especially into adulthood.

Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity: why, who, when, how, where, and then what?

Bariatric surgery is not a cure, but it can take weight off and keep it off, improve most obesity-related conditions, reduce the risk of premature death, and improve quality of life. Given the interest in the procedure, primary care physicians need to understand the risks and benefits to help patients determine if this therapy is a good option, and they need to know the health changes that may occur after surgery when following these patients.