Morbidity associated with laparoscopic repair of suprapubic hernias.

Background: Laparoscopic suprapubic hernia repair (LSHR) is frequently a technically difficult procedure. This is often due to extensive adhesions from multiple previous operations, the necessary wide pelvic dissection, and adequate mesh coverage with transfascial suture fixation. The aim of the current study was to document the complications and morbidity associated with the repair of suprapubic hernias.

Short esophagus: how much length can we get?

Introduction: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery requires an adequate length of intra-abdominal esophagus. Short esophagus can cause wrap herniation and poor clinical outcomes. The aim of the study is to measure maximum length of esophageal elongation with transhiatal mediastinal dissection.

Long-term outcome of cruroplasty reinforcement with human acellular dermal matrix in large paraesophageal hiatal hernia.

Background: Laparoscopic repair of a large hiatal hernia using simple sutures only for the cruroplasty is associated with a high recurrence rate. The solution was to place synthetic mesh over the cruroplasty thereby decreasing recurrence rates in exchange for complications, such as gastric and esophageal erosions. Our initial report investigated the use of human acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm) as a more suitable alternative.

Is it safe to perform laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with mesh in elderly patients?

Background: Ventral hernia is a common surgical condition occurring most often as a complication following abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic repair of a ventral hernia has been shown to be safe with low rates of complications, shortened length of stay, and low rates of early recurrence as compared to open surgery. Few studies have documented long-term outcomes of laparoscopic repair in elderly patients.

One hundred consecutive laparoscopic Nissen's without the use of a bougie.

Background: The creation of a floppy and symmetric fundoplication over a bougie has been the standard of care in laparoscopic surgery. The use of a bougie carries a risk of esophageal perforation but lowers the risk of postoperative dysphagia. Intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (IEGD) can be used to assess the orientation and position of a properly constructed Nissen.

Comparison of conventional laparoscopic and hand-assisted oncologic segmental colonic resection.

Background: Laparoscopically assisted colon resection has evolved to be a viable option for the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study evaluates the efficacy of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) as compared with totally laparoscopic surgery (LAP) for segmental oncologic colon resection with regard to lymph node harvest, operative times, intraoperative blood loss, pedicle length, incision length, and length of hospital stay in an attempt to help delineate the role of each in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Methods: Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed to acquire data for this evaluation.

48-Hour pH monitoring increases the risk of false positive studies when the capsule is prematurely passed.

Ambulatory wireless 48-h esophageal pH monitoring (Bravo Medtronic, Shoreview, MN, USA) has been shown to be more sensitive in detecting abnormal esophageal acid exposure compared with transnasal 24-h pH probes. However, accurate interpretation of the wireless monitoring data is paramount when contemplating surgical intervention for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of false-positive interpretations of this wireless monitoring data secondary to premature transit of the Bravo capsule into the stomach and subsequently into the duodenum prior to the completion of the 48-h study period.

Bilateral laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in patients with occult contralateral inguinal defects.

Background: A high incidence of bilateral inguinal defects found on laparoscopic evaluation during hernia repair has been reported. However, expectation of bilateral inguinal defects in patients who are diagnosed with pure unilateral hernia might be underestimated. A prospective clinical study was performed to reveal a rate of contralateral occult defects in patients who were diagnosed with unilateral inguinal hernia prior to primary laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair.

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with human acellular dermal matrix patch: our initial experience.

Background: The laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia followed by an antireflux procedure is currently the gold standard therapy for gastroesophgeal reflux disease. However, it is recognized that recurrent hiatal herniation and wrap migration are major sources of operative failures in these patients. Some have described a reduction of such events with the placement of nonbiodegradable prosthetic patches over the primary cruroplasty.