Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystolithiasis coinciding with cavernous transformation of the portal vein: report of a case.

Background: Cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) is a rare vascular deformity. It is thought to be secondary to extra-hepatic portal vein obstruction, with formation of serpiginous collateral vessels around the extra-hepatic bile duct, and even the gallbladder. Surgery is difficult because the vessels have irregular courses, are somewhat fragile and bleed easily.

Preoperative grading system for predicting operative conditions in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Purpose: In a previous retrospective study, we predicted the operative conditions for abdominal wall-lifting laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALLC), using a new preoperative grading system. We conducted the present study to evaluate the validity of our grading system prospectively, and to improve the operative outcome.

Methods: Ninety-seven patients underwent cholecystectomy between January 2000 and March 2002, and were prospectively examined according to our preoperative grading system.

Minilaparotomy approach to colon cancer.

Purpose: Many studies have proved the feasibility and safety of a laparoscopic colectomy in comparison to a conventional laparotomy. However, a laparoscopic colectomy requires a minilaparotomy incision to perform the operative procedure. We have introduced a minilaparotomy technique which can perform all the operative procedures through incisions measuring from 3 to 7 cm in length.

A new preoperative grading system for predicting the operative conditions for abdominal wall-lifting laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the operative conditions for an abdominal wall-lifting laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALLC) using a new preoperative grading system.

Methods: One hundred forty-five patients who underwent a cholecystectomy for cholecystolithiasis from January 1997 to December 1999 were retrospectively analyzed. Allotting 0-5 points for coexisting cholecystitis, past history, previous upper abdominal laparotomy, preoperative drainage, location of the stones, and body mass index, the total combined score was defined as the predictive score.