The introduction of wide-angle 270° laparoscopy through a novel laparoscopic camera system.

Background: Laparoscopy has enjoyed improvements over the last three decades primarily in achieving high definition, but the 70° field of view (FOV) remains unchanged. Complications related to events that take place out of the FOV continue to be reported. Additional problems leading to poor visualization are fogging and smoke accumulation.

Experience-based expert consensus on the intra-operative usage of the Endoflip impedance planimetry system.

Introduction: The Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (Endoflip™) is a balloon-based catheter that provides real-time, objective feedback regarding the distensibility of any sphincter in the gastrointestinal tract. Usage of the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (FLIP) has not been standardized, which has limited the interpretation and generalizability of published data. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide a standardized protocol for obtaining FLIP measurements in order to create a more uniform approach to data collection.

Real-time diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus: a prospective, multicenter study comparing confocal laser endomicroscopy with conventional histology for the identification of intestinal metaplasia in new users.

Introduction: Endoscopic evaluation with high-definition white light endoscopy and random 4-quadrant biopsy (Seattle Protocol) is the current standard of care for the detection of Barrett's esophagus (BE). Recently, enhanced imaging technologies have become available to provide real-time diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia (IM) and dysplasia, reducing the need for tissue biopsy. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) provides dynamic microscopic mucosal views, rapidly capturing digital images that become optical biopsies.

Objective Evidence of Reflux Control After Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation: One Year Results From a Post Approval Study.

Objective: To report 1-year results from a 5-year mandated study.

Summary Background Data: In 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) with the LINX Reflux Management System (Torax Medical, Shoreview, MN), a novel device for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Continued assessment of safety and effectiveness has been monitored in a Post Approval Study.

Can Rural Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowships Provide Operative Experience Similar to Urban Programs?

Objective: Operative experience in rural fellowship programs is largely unknown. The 2 of the most rural minimally invasive surgery (MIS)/bariatric fellowships are located in the upper Midwest. We hypothesized that these 2 programs would offer a similar operative experience to other U.

Complications of adjustable gastric banding.

Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) has become increasingly used by bariatric surgeons and their patients as the surgical weight loss procedure of choice. The popularity of this procedure is in large part a result of the remarkable safety profile and low initial complication rate. Complications of AGB were initially believed to be minor and infrequent, but longer-term studies have increasingly described complications that lead to revisional surgery.

Building and maintaining a successful surgery program in rural Minnesota.

For decades, it has been axiomatic that rural health care systems are crucial factors not only in the health of the populations that they serve but also in the viability of America's rural communities. Medical care, as it is delivered in rural America, is becoming increasingly problematic as national health care delivery models evolve. Increasing reimbursement pressures and changing practitioner lifestyle expectations have had negative effects on rural communities and resulted in rural hospital closings and a declining level of surgical care available.