Outcomes of resection of extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas in the laparoscopic era: a comparison with adrenal pheochromocytoma.

Introduction: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the standard for removal of adrenal pheochromocytomas (pheos), but laparoscopic (LAP) resection of paragangliomas (PGs) is controversial. This study analyzes our results of resection of PGs in the LAP era.

Methods: A retrospective record review of all patients who underwent resection of intra-abdominal PGs from 1998 to 2011 was performed.

Concomitant endoscopic radiofrequency ablation and laparoscopic reflux operative results in more effective and efficient treatment of Barrett esophagus.

Background: Barrett esophagus (BE) caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to esophageal cancer. The success of endoscopic treatments with BE eradication depends on esophageal anatomy and post-treatment acid exposure.

Study Design: Between January 2008 and December 2009, 10 patients were selected for combination treatment of BE using laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic radiofrequency ablation.

Paraesophageal hernia repair with biomesh does not increase postoperative dysphagia.

Introduction: Laparoscopic techniques have led to hiatal procedures being performed with less morbidity but higher failure rates. Biologic mesh (biomesh) has been proposed as an alternative to plastic mesh to achieve durable repairs while minimizing stricturing and erosion. This paper documents the lack of significant dysphagia after the placement of biomesh during hiatal hernia repair.

Postoperative impedance-pH testing is unreliable after Nissen fundoplication with or without giant hiatal hernia repair.

Introduction: Combined 24-h multichannel intralumenal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) is gaining popularity as a diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux. Since the surgical reduction of hiatal hernias and creation of a fundoplication anatomically restores the gastroesophageal reflux barrier, one would assume that it effectively stops all reflux regardless of composition. Our aim is to evaluate the results of routine MII-pH testing in successful Nissen fundoplication patients.

Efficacy of using a novel endoscopic lens cleaning device: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Clear visualization of the surgical field is critical in laparoscopic surgery. The authors evaluated a device that does not necessitate an external cleaning process for the laparoscope. It was hypothesized that it will minimize the interruption in operative workflow.

A triangulating operating platform enhances bimanual performance and reduces surgical workload in single-incision laparoscopy.

Background: Single-site laparoscopy (SSL) attempts to further reduce the surgical impact of minimally invasive surgery. However, crossed instruments and the proximity of the endoscope to the operating instruments placed through one single site leads to inevitable instrument or trocar collision. We hypothesized that a novel, single-port, triangulating surgical platform (SPSP) might enhance performance by improving bimanual coordination and decreasing the surgeon's mental workload.

Use of flexible endoscopes for NOTES: sterilization or high-level disinfection?

Background: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) involves the use of flexible endoscopes to perform intra-abdominal or intra-thoracic surgeries. Surgery in the operating room usually involves sterile instrumentation, whereas in the endoscopy suite high-level disinfection seems to be sufficient. Our objective was to assess the necessity for endoscope sterilization for clinical NOTES and to develop an endoscope processing protocol based on a score for the available processing options.

De novo production of K-alpha1 tubulin-specific antibodies: role in chronic lung allograft rejection.

Lung transplantation is the treatment option for a variety of end-stage pulmonary diseases. Posttransplant development of Abs against donor HLA and non-HLA Ags have been associated with acute and chronic rejection of transplanted organs. Development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) following lung transplantation has been correlated with de novo production of anti-donor-HLA Abs.