A feasibility and dosimetric evaluation of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for human colonic and rectal epithelium in a treat and resect trial.

Background: Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used effectively for ablation of foregut disorders and also may have a role in treating colonic pathology. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering RFA to locations within the colon and to determine a range of safe treatment parameters.

Methods: Patients undergoing left hemicolectomy or proctocolectomy were evaluated.

The diagnostic efficacy of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: is there a role in the intensive care unit?

Background: Evaluation of a potential source for abdominal sepsis in a critically ill patient can be challenging. With flexible endoscopy readily available in this setting, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) peritoneoscopy vs. laparoscopic exploration in the identification of intra-abdominal pathology in a porcine model.

Peritoneal inflammatory response of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus laparoscopy with carbon dioxide and air pneumoperitoneum.

Background: The immunologic and physiologic effects of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus traditional surgical approaches are poorly understood. Previous investigations have shown that NOTES and laparoscopy share similar inflammatory cytokine profiles except for a possible late-phase tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) depression with NOTES. The local peritoneal reaction and immunomodulatory influence of pneumoperitoneum agents in NOTES also are not known and may play an important role in altering the physiologic insult induced by NOTES.

Natural orifice proctectomy using a transanal endoscopic microsurgical technique in a porcine model.

Background: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been used for several decades for excision of neoplastic lesions in the rectum. With the development of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques, the authors describe a new method of proctectomy using a combination of TEM and NOTES principles.

Methods: In a porcine model, a circumferential rectal sleeve resection was performed using TEM with flexible endoscopic assistance.

Facilitating gastrotomy closure during natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery using tissue anchors.

Background And Study Aims: Reliable and secure closure of the gastrotomy after natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) remains a critical step for widespread acceptance and use of this mode of surgery. We describe a novel method for gastrotomy closure using endoscopic tissue anchors.

Methods: A standard upper endoscopy and wire placement as used for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement was performed in five pigs.

A novel approach for salvaging infected prosthetic mesh after ventral hernia repair.

Background: Salvaging infected prosthetic material after ventral hernia repair is rarely successful. Most cases require mesh excision and complex abdominal wall reconstruction, with variable success rates. We report two cases of mesh salvage with a novel use of percutaneous drainage and antibiotic irrigation.

Effect of parathyroidectomy on anemia and erythropoietin dosing in end-stage renal disease patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Background: It has been suggested that parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may result in improvement in anemia and the response to erythropoiesis-stimulating drugs. This study examines the effect parathyroidectomy had on erythropoietin (EPO) dosing requirements and anemia in ESRD.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted.