Is single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy suitable for complicated appendicitis? A comparative analysis with standard multiport laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: Despite emerging evidences on the feasibility and efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) for managing simple appendicitis, advancing its use for treating complicated appendicitis remains unwarranted. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcome of SILA compared with that of standard multiport laparoscopic appendectomy (MPLA) in the management of complicated appendicitis.

Methods: Between July 2013 and September 2017, 40 patients who underwent SILA and 150 patients who underwent MPLA for the treatment of complicated appendicitis, defined as AAST grades II-V, were recruited for this study.

The Small Molecule Inhibitor QLT-0267 Decreases the Production of Fibrin-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and Prevents Post-Surgical Peritoneal Adhesions.

Peritoneal adhesions develop after abdominal surgery, trauma or intraperitoneal infections, and have important consequences. The deposition of peritoneal fibrin is a common pathophysiological pathway for the formation of adhesions. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of fibrin-induced cytokine production on peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs), and to block the effects of fibrin using an integrin-linked kinase (ILK) inhibitor, QLT-0267.

Quality of life of inguinal hernia patients in Taiwan: The application of the hernia-specific quality of life assessment instrument.

Background: With the development of prosthetic mesh and tension free techniques, the recurrence rate following inguinal hernia repair has been reduced, and hernia outcomes research should focus on post-operative quality of life and potential complications.

Study Design: A novel hernia quality of life assessment instrument, HERQL, was developed. The HERQL questionnaire comprises a 4-item summative pain score measuring pain and discomfort resulting from various strenuous activities.

Hypothermia Increases Tissue Plasminogen Activator Expression and Decreases Post-Operative Intra-Abdominal Adhesion.

Background: Therapeutic hypothermia during operation decreases postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation. We sought to determine the most appropriate duration of hypothermia, and whether hypothermia affects the expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

Methods: 80 male BALB/c mice weighing 25-30 g are randomized into one of five groups: adhesion model with infusion of 15°C saline for 15 minutes (A); 30 minutes (B); 45 minute (C); adhesion model without infusion of cold saline (D); and sham operation without infusion of cold saline (E).

Hypothermia decreases postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Background: Hypothermia may decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion. We sought to determine the most suitable temperature for hypothermia for decreasing postoperative adhesion formation.

Methods: One hundred and twenty male BALB/c mice weighing 25 to 30 g were randomized into 5 groups: adhesion model with infusion of cold saline at (I) 15°C; (II) 10°C; or (III) 4°C; (IV) adhesion model without infusion of saline; and (V) sham operation without infusion of saline.

An observational study of extracorporeal CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to myocardial infarction.

Objective: To determine the effects of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods: IHCA patients due to AMI undergoing CPR between 1 January 2006 and 1 July 2010 were analysed retrospectively. We compared the survival outcome of 43 patients who received ECPR with that of 23 patients who underwent conventional CPR.

Learning curve of single-port laparoscopic appendectomy for noncomplicated acute appendicitis: a preliminary analysis compared with conventional laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: The aim of this study was to delineate the learning curve of single-port laparoscopic appendectomy for noncomplicated appendicitis.

Patients And Methods: Thirty patients who underwent single-port laparoscopic appendectomy between July 2009 and June 2010 were compared retrospectively with 30 prior consecutive patients who underwent surgery in the three-port manner. Operative duration, number of conversions, time to resumption of oral intake, length of hospital stay, and complications were used as the indicators of the learning curve.

Target blood pressure for hypotensive resuscitation.

Background: Good outcomes have resulted from hypotensive resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock patients. We hypothesized that mean arterial pressure (MAP) 60mmHg is the target blood pressure for hypotensive resuscitation during uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in trauma.

Methods: To determine the effective target MAP for hypotensive resuscitation during uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock, we randomly assigned 80 rats to one of 8 treatment groups (n=10 for each group).

Peritoneal infusion with cold saline decreased postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Background: Postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion is a common morbidity after laparotomy. We try to determine whether peritoneal infusion with cold saline may decrease postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Methods: Ninety-six male BALB/c mice weighing 25-30 g were randomized into four groups: (I) adhesion model with infusion of 4 degrees C cold saline, (II) adhesion model with infusion of room temperature saline, (III) adhesion model without infusion of saline, and (IV) sham operation without infusion of saline.

Gasless laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: a novel minimally invasive surgery.

Background: Due to the highly invasive nature of traditional surgery and the limitation of gas-filling laparoscopic surgery in gastric cancers, we developed a new method of gasless laparoscope-assisted subtotal gastrectomy (GLASG). This study investigated the technique and clinical results of this procedure and compared it with traditional radical subtotal gastrectomy (TRSG) for early gastric cancers.

Methodology: From December 2004 to January 2006, 41 patients diagnosed with early gastric cancer were included in the study.

A new surgical technique: mini-invasive surgery for radical subtotal gastrectomy by gasless laparoscopy-assist for early cancer.

We developed a new method of mini-invasive surgery using gasless laparoscopy for radical subtotal gastrectomy, which can be safely and effectively applied in patients with early gastric cancer.