Laparoscopic gastric greater curvature plication: results and complications in a series of 135 patients.

Laparoscopic gastric greater curvature plication (LGGCP) is an emerging restrictive bariatric procedure that successfully reduces the gastric volume by plication of the gastric greater curvature. Its main advantages are the reversibility of the technique as well as the lack of foreign materials or gastrectomy. We present our results, focusing on the effectiveness and complications, and on a new modification of the original technique.

One year after laparoscopic "tight" sleeve gastrectomy: technique and outcome.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently gaining ground as a new option for the treatment of morbid obesity. The main advantages of this procedure are less postoperative food restrictions, no vomiting, and absence of late complications due to the lack of foreign implants. The aim of this study is to present our experience with this new bariatric technique.

A Grynfeltt hernia: report of a case.

Superior lumbar hernia (Grynfeltt hernia) is an uncommon variety of abdominal wall defect. There are three types of lumbar hernia: congenital, acquired, and incisional hernias. Diagnosis depends largely on the capacity for clinical suspicion, and confirmation is based on imaging tests.

Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: a step forward in kidney transplantation?

Open donor nephrectomy for live donor kidney transplantation is a safe procedure that has been used for more than 30 years with excellent results. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a relatively new technique that has the potential of decreased postoperative pain, less incisional morbidity, and shorter recovery time. Furthermore, it has been reported that this potentially less traumatic approach increases the number of potential live donors.

The contribution of follow-up programs in the reduction of mortality of rectal cancer recurrences.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate whether patients, who have undergone curative surgery for rectal cancer and present with recurrence of the disease, could have a better chance of radical reoperation and increased survival if they were diagnosed earlier due to a screening program, when they were still asymptomatic, than those who were not followed up and their recurrence is discovered by its symptoms.

Methods: 113 patients, 52 men and 61 women (mean age 64.19 years, SD 10.

Rubber band ligation of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids: results of 500 cases.

Background/aim: In this prospective study the results of rubber band ligation (RBL) of symptomatic hemorrhoids in 500 consecutive patients with 2nd (255 cases), 3rd (218 cases) and 4th degree (27 cases) hemorrhoids are presented.

Methods: The patients' symptoms were hemorrhage in 142 cases (28.4%), prolapse in 33 cases (6.

Blunt diaphragmatic rupture.

Objective: To identify (1) predictors of outcome in blunt diaphragmatic rupture (BDR), and (2) factors contributing to diagnostic delay.

Methods: We reviewed the charts and radiographs of 41 patients with BDR treated in our Hospital from 1988 to 1997. There were 35 male (85%) and six female, aged 17-71 (mean: 41) years.

Factors that influence the effectiveness of surgical gowns in the operating theatre.

Objective: To compare the barrier function, comfort, and protection afforded by nine types of surgical gowns during use and to identify factors that may influence their effectiveness.

Design: Prospective randomised study.

Setting: Teaching hospital, Greece.