Surgical clip found in duodenal ulcer after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The wide use of surgical clips in laparoscopic surgery has led to a variety of complications. We describe two cases in which a surgical clip was incorporated into a duodenal ulcer after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The presenting symptom was acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Laparoscopic repositioning of Heliogast gastric band after anterior slippage.

Background: Gastric slippage is a well-described complication of gastric banding. The Heliogast band is equipped with a locking mechanism that enables its straightforward reopening and repositioning. Our experience with Heliogast band salvage after anterior slippage is reported.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy: effective treatment of acute cholecystitis in high risk patients.

Background: The mortality rate for cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in the elderly is 10% in low risk patients and increases threefold in high risk patients. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy may serve as a rapid and relatively safe tool to relieve symptoms of sepsis and decrease gallbladder distension.

Objective: To determine the safety and effectiveness of PTC in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in elderly debilitated high risk patients.