Near-infrared fluorescent coatings of medical devices for image-guided surgery.

Rapidly expanding field of image-guided surgery needs new materials for near-infrared imaging with deep tissue penetration. Here, we introduce near-infrared coating of equipment (NICE) for image-guided surgery based on a series of lipophilic cyanine-7.5 dyes with bulky hydrophobic counterions and a biocompatible polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate).

Handling topological changes during elastic registration : Application to augmented reality in laparoscopic surgery.

Purpose: Locating the internal structures of an organ is a critical aspect of many surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgery, associated with augmented reality techniques, offers the potential to visualize inner structures, allowing for improved analysis, depth perception or for supporting planning and decision systems.

Methods: Most of the current methods dealing with rigid or non-rigid augmented reality make the assumption that the topology of the organ is not modified.

Endoscopic approaches to gastroparesis.

Purpose Of Review: This review covers the cause, evaluation and treatment options for gastroparesis. Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying are increasingly seen by gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons. Endoscopy - both laparoscopic and flexible - is increasingly important in treatment algorithms for this problem.

A broad assessment of clinical outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Objectives: There is considerable discussion regarding "success" rates for laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS). We hypothesized that, in part, this was a reflection of the outcome variables used. We, therefore, defined 8 specific variables (within 3 categories) and assessed outcomes for each in a large cohort of patients.

Laparoscopy as the initial approach for epiphrenic diverticula.

Background: Most epiphrenic diverticula traditionally have been approached through a left thoracotomy. Because laparoscopy provides excellent exposure to the distal esophagus and decreases the morbidity of thoracoscopy or thoracotomy, we have used it preferentially since 1997 and routinely since 2001. This study describes our experience with this approach.

Interstitial lung disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease: key role of esophageal function tests in the diagnosis and treatment.

Context: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in patients with respiratory disorders and interstitial lung fibrosis from diverse disease processes. However, a cause-effect relationship has not been well demonstrated. It is hypothesized that there might be more than a coincidental association between GERD and interstitial lung damage.

Assessment of a simple, novel endoluminal method for gastrotomy closure in NOTES.

Background: A reliable method for gastrotomy closure in NOTES will be essential for NOTES to become viable clinically. However, methods using existing and widely available endoscopic accessories have been ineffective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new simple method for gastric closure (retracted clip-assisted loop closure) that uses existing endoscopic accessories with minor modifications.

High-resolution manometry in evaluation of factors responsible for fundoplication failure.

Background: From 10% to 25% of patients undergoing antireflux procedures eventually redevelop symptoms as a result of anatomic failure of the hiatal repair or fundoplication. High-resolution manometry (HRM) allows for reliable evaluation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in detail, including subtle evidence of a hiatus hernia. The aim of this study was to characterize the dynamics and function of the LES postoperatively using HRM to determine which elements may contribute to recurrent symptoms after antireflux surgery.

[Study of biliary anatomy in living related liver transplantation].

Background: Anatomic variations of the biliary tree are frequent and increase complications after liver transplantation.

Aim: To describe the anatomy of the bile ducts of donors and recipients of living related liver transplantation.

Methods: From March 1998 to September 2002, the study was retrospective (23 transplantations).

Complications of laparoscopic fundoplication in the elderly.

Our objective was to assess the complications of laparoscopic fundoplication in 77 patients older than 70 years of age. The indications for surgery were (1) complications of reflux esophagitis (n = 17), (2) large hiatal hernia (n = 10), (3) asthma and bronchitis (n = 7), (4) the need for other surgery (n = 13), and (5) a patient's desire to discontinue medical treatment that was controlling reflux esophagitis (n = 30). Operative time varied from 34 to 250 minutes (mean [standard deviation], 116 +/- 20).