Analysis of a structured training programme in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an established treatment for almost all gallbladder diseases with bile duct injury rates similar to open cholecystectomy. These laparoscopic skills must be passed on to junior surgeons without compromising patient safety.

Materials And Methods: We analysed our structured training programme over 6years (May 2000 to May 2006) by following three trainee surgeons during their training and beyond.

Risk factors for conversion to open surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for most gallbladder diseases. Conversion to open cholecystectomy is necessary in some patients for any of a number of factors. Identifying these factors will help the patient, the surgeon, and the hospital.

Treatment of obesity with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in Singapore: an initial experience.

Introduction: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been used for the treatment of obesity, being shown in western populations to be a safe and effective option. We present the results of our experience in the use of LAGB in the treatment of obesity.

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent LAGB from February 1999 to June 2004 was made from a prospectively collected database.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: local experience.

Introduction: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is a recent development that has been shown to be an effective way of treating ventral hernias. We present the first local series of LVHR with a review of the literature on laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all our patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for ventral hernias from December 1998 to May 2002.