Revisional bariatric surgery for unsuccessful weight loss and complications.

Background: There are growing numbers of patients who require revisional bariatric surgery due to the undesirable results of their primary procedures. The aim of this study was to review our experience with bariatric patients undergoing revisional surgery.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to review the indications for revisional bariatric procedures and assess their postoperative outcomes.

A rare case presentation of a symptomatic omphalomesenteric cyst in an adult, 24-year-old patient, treated with laparoscopic resection.

A persistent omphalomesenteric duct remnant is a rare finding, which typically presents in the pediatric population. Most commonly, it is encountered in the form of a Meckel's diverticulum. In rare instances, omphalomesenteric cysts have been reported in the pediatric population.

Obesity does not adversely affect outcomes after laparoscopic splenectomy.

Background: Obesity is still considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic splenectomy (LS).

Methods: All patients undergoing LS at our institution were classified as obese or nonobese (group A, body mass index [BMI] >30; group B, BMI <30). Primary end points included conversion rate, operative complications, length of stay, operative time, and estimated blood loss (EBL).

Dramatic response of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor to neadjuvant imatinib therapy.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common sarcoma of the alimentary tract and are believed to derive from the interstitial Cell of Cajal. Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs and is generally used in the metastatic and adjuvant settings. We report the case of a 61-year old man who was treated with neoadjuvant imatinib for a massive gastric GIST with the hope of avoiding a potential multi-visceral resection.

Measuring the "fifth vital sign" in cataract surgery patients--is it necessary?

As an ophthalmic nurse, you may wonder why it is so important to assess and manage the pain, or "fifth vital sign" of cataract surgery patients. How much pain could a patient experience as a result of a relatively short procedure? In January 2004, while reviewing the pain levels of 135 outpatient surgery patients undergoing cataract surgery, 21% of the patients reported pain. Twelve percent (12%) experienced mild pain and 9% experienced moderate to severe pain.