Single-port versus multi-port totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The value of single-port totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (STEP) when compared to the conventional multi-port approach (TEP) is still a matter of controversy. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the feasibility and safety of the above-mentioned techniques.

Methods: A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcome STEP and TEP in patients with inguinal hernia was conducted.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring does not reduce the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in thyroid reoperations: results of a retrospective comparative analysis.

Purpose: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is the major concern of reoperative thyroid surgery, and the introduction of neuromonitoring could reduce the rate of this complication. The present study is a retrospective analysis of the experience with completion thyroidectomy with and without neuromonitoring in a referral center.

Methods: Between October 1999 and April 2011, 246 patients [37 men, 209 women; mean age, 55 ± 12.

Long-term results of stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for obstructive defecation syndrome.

Background: Rectocele and distal rectal intussusception are organic causes of obstructive defecation syndrome and can be corrected surgically once conservative treatment remedies have been exhausted. Stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure was introduced as a new treatment approach. This study presents the first long-term results of this procedure.

Evaluation of postoperative pain after minimally invasive video-assisted and conventional thyroidectomy: results of a prospective study. ESES Vienna presentation.

Background: One of the advocated benefits of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) is reduction of postoperative pain. We compared in a prospective study pain after video-assisted and conventional thyroidectomy (CT).

Methods: One hundred sixty-nine patients (56 men, 113 women, mean age: 50 ± 14 years) operated between November 2007 and February 2008 were included.

Bipolar thermofusion vessel sealing system (TVS) versus conventional vessel ligation (CVL) in thyroid surgery--results of a prospective study.

Introduction: One of the keystones in surgery of the thyroid gland is accurate hemostasis. This can be achieved by conventional ligations or new instruments as harmonic scissors or bipolar devices. In the present study, we report our experience with a new bipolar thermofusion vessel sealing system (TVS) compared to conventional vessel ligation (CVL).