Preliminary study of hiatal hernia repair using polyglycolic acid: trimethylene carbonate mesh.

Background: Repairing large hiatal hernias using mesh has been shown to reduce recurrence. Drawbacks to mesh include added time to place and secure the prosthesis as well as complications such as esophageal erosion. We used a laparoscopic technique for repair of hiatal hernias (HH) >5cm, incorporating primary crural repair with onlay fixation of a synthetic polyglycolicacid:trimethylene carbonate (PGA:TMC) absorbable tissue reinforcement.

Transgastric endoscopic pneumoperitoneum versus laparoscopy: effects on host systemic and peritoneal inflammatory responses in a porcine model.

Background: The host systemic and peritoneal immune responses during natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) continues to be delineated. The immune response to laparoscopy (LAP) has been favorably depicted. However, the immunologic effects of NOTES are yet to be determined, and the introduction of contaminants via the host orificium may have deleterious effects.

Reverse alignment "mirror image" visualization as a laparoscopic training tool improves task performance.

Reverse alignment (mirror image) visualization is a disconcerting situation occasionally faced during laparoscopic operations. This occurs when the camera faces back at the surgeon in the opposite direction from which the surgeon's body and instruments are facing. Most surgeons will attempt to optimize trocar and camera placement to avoid this situation.

Gastrojejunal strictures after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a 21-MM circular stapler.

Introduction: Intraluminal staplers for gastrojejunostomy construction during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) may be associated with postoperative strictures. We analyzed outcomes of a transabdominal circular-stapled RYGBP with evaluation of short- and long-term anastomotic complications.

Methods: All laparoscopic RYGBPs performed between January 2004 and December 2005 at an academic institution were reviewed.

Performance of strabismic subjects using a validated surgical training module: a pilot study.

Purpose: To compare the performance of patients with strabismus to that of age-matched controls in a validated surgical training module.

Methods: A prospective experimental study was conducted of 14 adult patients with strabismus since childhood and absent stereopsis and of 14 age-matched controls with normal stereopsis. Each participant received instruction in the task of peg transfer on a validated surgical training device and then completed 10 consecutive timed trials.