Chronic groin pain following inguinal hernia repair in the laparoscopic era: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The impact of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (IHR) on chronic groin pain (CGP) prevalence, risk and daily activities compared to open IHR is still unclear.

Methods: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing CGP rates in laparoscopic and open IHR was performed.

Results: 22 trials were included.

Use of a robotic camera holder (FreeHand) for laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Use of a mechanical arm to hold the laparoscopic camera has many advantages. FreeHand (FreeHand Ltd, Guildford, United Kingdom) is a robotic camera holder which uses head movement and infrared technology. This trial assessed the usefulness of FreeHand in laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Diagnostic accuracy of MRI in assessing tumor regression and identifying complete response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment.

Background: The diagnostic accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in restaging locally advanced rectal cancers (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemo-radio therapy (NCRT) has been under recent scrutiny. There is limited data on the accuracy of MRI and its timing in assessing tumor regression grade (TRG) and in identifying patients with complete response (CR). NCRT seems to cause tissue inflammation and oedema which renders reading the scans difficult for radiologist.

Rate of skill acquisition in the use of a robotic laparoscope holder (FreeHand(®)).

Background: Robotic equipment can greatly add to the ergonomics of a surgical procedure and pre-operative simulation can provide risk-free training of the surgeon leading to precision surgery and less trauma to the patient. Freehand(®) is a second-generation robotic camera-holding device, which has recently become available to laparoscopic surgeons. It is controlled by the operator selecting a direction using head movement followed by activation with a foot pedal.

Enhanced recovery program following colorectal resection in the elderly patient.

Background: The enhanced recovery program (ERP) aims to reduce the metabolic response to surgery, hastening recovery and shortening hospital stay. Concerns exist regarding morbidity and hospital stay in elderly patients. The present study aimed to compare the outcomes and compliance of elderly patients managed by an ERP protocol with a younger group.

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision following long course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Purpose: Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) of locally advanced rectal cancer after long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) is surgically and oncologically challenging. We have assessed the feasibility, timing, and short-term oncological outcome of laparoscopic TME after LCRT.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2006, 30 patients were selected for LCRT based on clinical examination and MRI.

Results of laparoscopic repair of primary and recurrent incisional hernias at a single UK institution.

In this study incisional hernia repairs at a single UK institution between 1994 and 2008 were analyzed with respect to short-term and long-term results. Prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively to ascertain outcomes, complications, and recurrences. Two hundred and twenty-seven operations were performed with 35% of the operations being for recurrent hernias.

Laparoscopic nonresectional suture rectopexy in the management of full-thickness rectal prolapse: substantive retrospective series.

Background: Numerous surgical options exist for the correction of rectal prolapse, with the optimal choice remaining controversial. The laparoscopic approach has proved to be popular and effective. Concern exists about nonresectional rectopexy in the form of intractable postoperative constipation.

Training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery - experience of training in a specialist unit.

Introduction: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery, although technically demanding, is an increasingly desirable skill for coloproctologists. We believe that trainees with adequate supervision from an experienced trainer may perform these procedures safely with good outcome.

Patients And Methods: Surgical logbooks of two senior trainees were reviewed over a 2-year period.

Training higher surgical trainees in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration is regarded as a safe, definitive procedure for ductal calculi, avoiding the complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic CBD exploration carried out by trainees compared to those of an experienced consultant (R.W.

Simplified technique for laparoscopic appendectomy.

In this article, a simplified technique for laparoscopic appendectomy is described in which the base of the appendix is firstly divided, and then ligated with an endoloop. An endoloop is then passed over the appendix onto the mesoappendix and tightened to secure the blood supply. The appendix can then be freed and removed.