Nationwide outcomes of nontrauma splenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the impact of LeapFrog and many scientific publications, regionalization for solid-organ operations gained momentum in the early 2000s. This study examines the effects of regionalization for medically indicated, nontrauma splenectomies (NTSs) in the USA. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data were analyzed for NTS based on International Classification of Disease Ninth Revision Clinical Modification codes for 1998­1999 (the 1990s) and 2008­2009 (the 2000s). The hospitals in the NIS were stratified by volume and divided into high volume (HV), medium volume, and low-volume (LV) terciles based on the annual volume of splenectomies performed (<5, 5­10, and 11+, respectively). Demographics, comorbidities, complications, admission status, and in-patient mortality were recorded. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were utilized. RESULTS: NIS recorded 4,293 NTS performed in the 1990s and 3,384 in the 2000s. Despite the decrease in operative volume, regionalization did not occur: in the first decade 30, 37, and 33 % of cases occurred in LV center (LVC), medium volume center, and HV center (HVC), respectively, compared with 34, 30, and 36 % in the second decade (p < 0.001). Patients were older in low-volume hospitals (LVC) than in high-volume hospitals (HVC) in both decades (in the 1990s: 45.3 vs. 52.7 years, p < 0.001; in the 2000s: 49.1 vs. 54.5 years, p < 0.001). The Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were not different in LVC compared with HVC in both decades (the 1990s: 1.31 vs. 1.23, p = 0.73; the 2000s: 1.54 vs. 1.41, p = 0.72). In both decades, LVC had more emergent admissions than HVC (20.3 vs. 16.8 %, p = 0.03; 28.8 vs. 19.5 %, p < 0.001). Complication rates were higher in LVC in both decades (the 1990s: 16.9 vs. 13.6 %, p = 0.02; the 2000s: 19.8 vs. 15.5 %, p = 0.006). Mortality was not different for HVC and LVC in both decades (the 1990s: 3.75 vs. 4.27, p = 0.49; the 2000s: 2.94 vs. 4.03, p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: NTS has not been affected by regionalization, which is dissimilar to other solid-organ abdominal procedures. Indeed, the benefit of regionalization for splenectomy has not been established.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a single center experience.

A retrospective chart review at the Carolinas Medical Center was performed on all patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) from July 1998 through December 2003. LVHR was successfully completed in 270 of the 277 patients, or 98%, in whom it was attempted. Half of the patients (138/277) had at least one previous failed repair. The average defect measured 143.3 cm(2), and mesh was used in all repairs. The mean operating time was 168.3 min, mean blood loss was 50 cc, and average length of hospitalization was 3.0 days. Thirty-four complications occurred in 31 patients (11%). Only two mesh infections occurred (0.7%). At a mean follow-up period of 21 months, the rate of hernia recurrence was 4.7%. As experience grows and length of follow-up expands, LVHR may become the preferred approach for ventral hernia in difficult patients, especially obese patients and patients who have failed prior open repairs.

Do patient or hospital demographics predict cholecystectomy outcomes? A nationwide study of 93,578 patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of patient and hospital demographics on cholecystectomy outcomes. METHODS: Year 2000 data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was obtained for all patients undergoing inpatient cholecystectomy at 994 nationwide hospitals. Differences (p < 0.05) were determined using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Of 93,578 cholecystectomies performed, 73.4% were performed laparoscopically. Length of hospital stay (LOS), charges, morbidity, and mortality were significantly less for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Increasing patient age was associated with increased LOS, charges, morbidity, mortality, and a decreased LC rate. Charges, LOS, morbidity, and mortality were highest for males with a lower LC rate than for females Mortality and LOS were higher, whereas morbidity was lower for African Americans than for whites. Hispanics had the shortest LOS, as well as the lowest morbidity and mortality rates. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed more commonly for Hispanics than for whites or African Americans, with lower charges for whites. Medicare-insured patients incurred longer LOS as well as higher charges, morbidity, and mortality than Medicaid, private, and self-pay patients, and were the least likely to undergo LC. As median income decreases, LOS increases, and morbidity decreases with no mortality effect. Teaching hospitals had a longer LOS, higher charges, and mortality, and a lower LC rate, with no difference in morbidity, than nonteaching centers. As hospital size (number of beds) increased, LOS, and charges increased, with no difference in morbidity. Large hospitals had the highest mortality rates and the lowest incidence of LC. Urban hospitals had higher LOS and charges with a lower LC rate than rural hospitals. After control was used for all other covariates, increased age was a predictor of increased morbidity. Female gender, LC, and intraoperative cholangiogram all predicted decreased morbidity. Increased age, complications, and emergency surgery predicted increased mortality, with laparoscopy and intraoperative cholangiogram having protective effects. Patient income, insurance status, and race did not play a role in morbidity or mortality. Academic or teaching status of the hospital also did not influence patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patient and hospital demographics do affect the outcomes of patients undergoing inpatient cholecystectomy. Although male gender, African American race, Medicare-insured status, and large, urban hospitals are associated with less favorable cholecystectomy outcomes, only increased age predicts increased morbidity, whereas female gender, laparoscopy, and cholangiogram are protective. Increased age, complications, and emergency surgery predict mortality, with laparoscopy and intraoperative cholangiogram having protective effects.

A novel technique of lumbar hernia repair using bone anchor fixation.

Lumbar hernias are difficult to repair due to their proximity to bone and inadequate surrounding tissue to buttress the repair. We analyzed the outcome of patients undergoing a novel retromuscular lumbar hernia repair technique. The repair was performed in ten patients using a polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene mesh placed in an extraperitoneal, retromuscular position with at least 5 cm overlap of the hernia defect. The mesh was fixed with circumferential, transfascial, permanent sutures and inferiorly fixed to the iliac crest by suture bone anchors. Five hernias were recurrent, and five were incarcerated; seven were incisional hernias, and three were posttraumatic. Back and abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom. Mean hernia size was 227 cm(2) (60-504) with a mesh size of 620 cm(2) (224-936). Mean operative time was 181 min (120-269), with a mean blood loss of 128 ml (50-200). Mean length of stay was 5.2 days (2-10), and morphine equivalent requirement was 200 mg (47-460). There were no postoperative complications or deaths. After a mean follow-up of 40 months (3-99) there have been no recurrences. Our sublay repair of lumbar hernias with permanent suture fixation is safe and to date has resulted in no recurrences. Suture bone anchors ensure secure fixation of the mesh to the iliac crest and may eliminate a common area of recurrence.

The susceptibility of prosthetic biomaterials to infection.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of a sterile technique and the administration of prophylactic antibiotics during surgical procedures, mesh infection continues to complicate the use of biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to compare the susceptibility to infection of prosthetic biomaterials in a live-animal model. METHODS: The following seven prosthetic mesh biomaterials were used in this study. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) with silver/chlorhexidine (DM+), ePTFE (DM), porcine intestinal submucosa (S), polypropylene (M), ePTFE/polypropylene (X), hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose/polypropylene (SM), and human acellular dermal matrix (A). Lewis rats (n = 108) underwent creation of a single ventral hernia; 105 of them were repaired with a different mesh (2-cm2 piece). Twelve pieces of each mesh were inoculated at the time of hernia repair with 10(8) Staphylococcus aureus (n = 84). Three pieces of each mesh were placed without bacterial inoculation (n = 21). In three animals, no mesh was placed; instead, the peritoneum of the hernia defect was inoculated (n = 3). After 5 days, the animals were killed and the mesh was explanted (peritoneum for the nonmesh control). The mesh was vortex-washed and incubated in tryptic soy broth. Bacterial counts were determined using serial dilutions and spot plates and quantified in colony-forming units (CFU) per square centimeter of mesh present in the vortex wash fluid (wash count) and the soy broth (broth count). Data are presented as the mean log(10), with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test used to determine significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The DM+ material had no detectable live bacteria in the wash or broth counts in 10 of 12 tested samples (p = 0.05). Of the samples that showed bacterial growth, the peritoneum control group had a lower wash count than A (p = 0.05) and the lowest broth count of all the materials except for DM+ (p = 0.05). In addition, SM had a significantly lower wash count than A (p = 0.05), with no broth count difference. In regard to wash and broth counts, DM, M, X, SM, S, and A were no different (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The DM+ material was the least susceptible to infection. Impregnation with silver/chlorhexidine killed the inoculated bacteria, preventing their proliferation on the mesh surface. Other than DM+, native peritoneal tissue appears to be the least susceptible to infection. Silver/chlorhexidine appears to be an effective bactericidal agent for use with mesh biomaterials.

The laparoscopic repair of suprapubic ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND: The complexity of dissection and the close proximity of the hernia to bony, vascular, nerve, and urinary structures make the laparoscopic repair of suprapubic hernias (LRSPH) a formidable operation. We performed a prospective evaluation of the outcomes of patients undergoing LRSPH. METHODS: The study population comprised 36 patients undergoing LRSPH from July 1996 to January 2004. Patient demographics, hernia sizes, mesh types and sizes, perioperative outcomes, and recurrences were documented. After our early experience with this operation, the repair evolved to include transabdominal suture fixation to the pubic bone, Cooper's ligament, and above the iliopubic tract. RESULTS: There were 26 women and 10 men. They had a mean age of 55.9 years (range, 33-76) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.0 kg/m2 (range, 22-67). Twenty-two (61%) of the repairs were for recurrent hernias, with an average of 2.3 previously failed open repairs each (range, 1-11). The mean hernia size was 191.4 cm2 (range, 20-768), and the average mesh size was 481.4 cm2 (range, 193-1,428). All repairs were performed with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh. Mean operating time was 178.7 min (range, 95-290). Mean blood loss was 40 cc (range, 20-100). One patient undergoing her fifth repair required conversion due to adhesions to a polypropylene mesh. Hospital stay averaged 2.4 days (range, 1-7). Mean follow-up was 21.1 months (range, 1-70). Complications (16.6%) included deep venous thrombosis (n = 1), prolonged pain for >6 weeks (n = 1), trocar site cellulitis (n = 1), ileus (n = 1), prolonged seroma (n = 1), and Clostridium difficile colitis (n = 1). Hernias recurred in two of our first nine patients, for an overall recurrence rate of 5.5%. Since we began using the technique of applying multiple sutures directly to the pubis and Cooper's ligament (in the subsequent 27 patients), no recurrences have been documented. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically demanding and time-consuming, the LRSPH is safe and technically feasible. Moreover, it results in a low recurrence rate and is applicable to large or multiply recurrent hernias. Transabdominal suture fixation to the bony and ligamentous structures produces a more durable hernia repair.

Plastic wound protectors do not affect wound infection rates following laparoscopic-assisted colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Wound protectors are plastic sheaths that can be used to line a wound during surgery. Wound protectors can facilitate retraction of an incision without the need for other mechanical retractors and have been proposed as deterrents to wound infection. The purpose of this study was to define the ability of wound protectors to reduce the rate of infection when used in laparoscopic-assisted colectomy. METHODS: We completed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients undergoing nonemergent laparoscopic-assisted colectomy between February 1999 and November 2002. All completely laparoscopic cases were excluded. The wound protector, when used, was applied to the extraction incision during the externalized portion of the procedure (colon and mesentery transection, anastomosis). Outcomes for patients with and without the use of a wound protector were compared. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (98 for benign/malignant tumors, 35 for diverticular disease, and eight for Crohn's disease). There were no differences between the wound protector group ( n = 84) and the no wound protector group ( n = 57) with respect to mean age (55 vs 58 years), average body mass index (27 vs 29 kg/m2), gender, indication for surgery, comorbidities, antibiotics used, or mean operative time (185 vs 173 min). Nine patients in the wound protector group and eight in the no wound protector group developed a wound infection at the colon extraction site ( p = 0.42). Patients undergoing resection for Crohn's disease or diverticulitis had a higher infection rate (18.6%) than patients undergoing resection for polyps or cancer (9.2%; p < 0.05). No wound recurrence of cancer was observed in either group at a mean follow-up of 23 months (range, 3-48). CONCLUSIONS: The wound protector, although useful for mechanical retraction of small wounds, does not significantly diminish the rate of wound infection at the bowel resection/anastomotic site. Patients undergoing elective resection for inflammatory processes have higher infection rates than patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted colectomy for polyps or cancer.

Assessment of adhesion formation to intra-abdominal polypropylene mesh and polytetrafluoroethylene mesh.

BACKGROUND: The development of intra-abdominal adhesions, bowel obstruction, and enterocutaneous fistulas are potentially severe complications related to the intraperitoneal placement of prosthetic biomaterials. The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of adhesion formation to polypropylene mesh and two types of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh when placed intraperitoneally in a rabbit model that simulates laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study. A 10-cm midline incision was performed for intra-abdominal access and a 2 cm x 2 cm piece of mesh (n = 60) was sewn to an intact peritoneum on each side of the midline. Two types of ePTFE mesh (Dual Mesh and modified Dual Mesh, W.L. Gore & Assoc., Flagstaff, AZ) and polypropylene mesh were compared. The rate of adhesion formation was evaluated by direct visualization using microlaparoscopy (2-mm endoscope/trocar) at 7 days, 3 weeks, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks after mesh implantation. Adhesions to the prosthetic mesh were scored for extent (%) using the Modified Diamond Scale (0 = 0%, 1 50%). At necropsy the mesh was excised en bloc with the anterior abdominal wall for histological evaluation of mesothelial layer growth. RESULTS: The mean adhesion score for the polypropylene mesh was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than Dual Mesh at 9 weeks and 16 weeks and modified Dual Mesh at 7 days, 9 weeks, and 16 weeks. Fifty-five percent (n = 11) of the polypropylene mesh had adhesions to small intestine or omentum at necropsy compared to 30% (n = 6) of the Dual Mesh and 20% (n = 4) of the modified Dual Mesh. There was a significantly greater percentage (P < 0.003) of ePTFE mesh mesothelialized at explant (modified Dual Mesh 44.2%; Dual Mesh 55.8%) compared to the polypropylene mesh (12.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Serial microlaparoscopic evaluation of intraperitoneally implanted polypropylene mesh and ePTFE mesh in a rabbit model revealed a progression of adhesions to polypropylene mesh over a 16 week period. The pore size of mesh is critical in the development and maintenance of abdominal adhesions and tissue ingrowth. The macroporous polypropylene mesh promoted adhesion formation, while the microporous nature of the visceral side of the ePTFE served as a barrier to adhesions.

Comparison of ultrasonic energy, bipolar thermal energy, and vascular clips for the hemostasis of small-, medium-, and large-sized arteries.

BACKGROUND: Advanced laparoscopic procedures have necessitated the development of new technology for vascular control. Suture ligation can be time-consuming and cumbersome during laparoscopic dissection. Titanium clips have been used for hemostasis, and recently plastic clips and energy sources such as ultrasonic coagulating shears and bipolar thermal energy devices have become popular. The purpose of this study was to compare the bursting pressure of arteries sealed with ultrasonic coagulating shears (UCS), electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS), titanium laparoscopic clips (LCs), and plastic laparoscopic clips (PCs). In addition, the spread of thermal injury from the UCS and the EBVS was compared. METHODS: Arteries in three size groups (2-3, 4-5 and 6-7 mm) were harvested from freshly euthanized pigs. Each of the four devices was used to seal 16 specimens from each size group for burst testing. A 5-Fr catheter was placed into the open end of the specimen and secured with a purse-string suture. The catheter was connected to a pressure monitor and saline was infused until there was leakage from the sealed end. This defined the bursting pressure in mmHg. The ultrasonic shears and bipolar thermal device were used to seal an additional 8 vessels in each size group, which were sent for histologic examination. These were examined with hematoxylin and eosin stains, and the extent of thermal injury, defined by coagulation necrosis, was measured in millimeters. Analysis of variance was performed and, where appropriate, a Tukey's test was also performed. RESULTS: The EBVS's mean burst pressure was statistically higher than that of the UCS at 4 or 5 mm (601 vs 205 mmHg) and 6 or 7 mm (442 vs 175 mmHg). EBVS had higher burst pressures for the 4 or 5-mm group (601 mmHg) and 6 or 7-mm group (442 mmHg) compared with its pressure at 2 or 3 mm (128 mmHg) ( p = 0.0001). The burst pressures of the UCS and EBVS at 2 or 3 mm were not significantly different. Both clips were statistically stronger than the thermal devices except at 4 or 5 mm, in which case the EBVS was as strong as the LC (601 vs 593 mmHg). The PC and LC were similar except at 4 or 5 mm, where the PC was superior (854 vs 593 mmHg). The PC burst pressure for 4 or 5 mm (854 mmHg) was statistically higher than that for vessels 2 or 3 mm (737 mmHg) but not different from the 6 or 7 mm pressure (767 mmHg). Thermal spread was not statistically different when comparing EBVS and UCS at any size (EBVS mean = 2.57 mm vs UCS mean = 2.18 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Both the PC and LC secured all vessel sizes to well above physiologic levels. The EBVS can be used confidently in vessels up to 7 mm. There is no difference in the thermal spread of the LigaSure vessel sealer and the UCS.

Laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and limitations of laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries. METHODS: Laparoscopic repair of an acute traumatic diaphragmatic laceration or chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia was attempted in 17 patients between January 1997 and January 2001. The patients in the study included 13 men and 4 women with a mean age of 33.2 years (range, 15-63 years). Nine patients had a blunt injury, and eight patients had a penetrating injury. Laparoscopic repair was attempted for eight patients during their hospitalization for the traumatic injury (mean, 2.3 days; range, 0-6 days) and for ten patients with a chronic diaphragmatic hernia (mean, 89 months; range, 5-420 months). The chronic diaphragmatic hernias-presented with abdominal pain (9/9), or vomiting (3/9). RESULTS: Thirteen traumatic diaphragmatic injuries were repaired laparoscopically, and four (2 acute and 2 chronic) required conversion. Among the laparoscopically repaired diaphragmatic injuries, three defects (chronic) were repaired using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and nine were repaired primarily. The mean length of the diaphragmatic defects was 4.6 cm (range, 1.5-12 cm). The mean operative time was 134.7 min (range, 55-200 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 108.5 ml (range, 30-500 ml), and the postoperative length of stay was 4.4 days (range, 1-12 days). There were no intraoperative complications, but three patients developed pulmonary complications (atelectasis/pneumonia). Follow-up evaluation was available for 11 patients. There were no documented recurrences after a mean follow-up period of 7.9 months (range, 1 week to 24 months). Conversion resulted from a reluctance or inability to perform laparoscopic suture of transverse diaphragmatic lacerations longer than 10 cm anterior to the esophageal hiatus and adjacent to the pericardium (n = 2) or communicating with the esophageal hiatus (n = 2). One patient also required spleneotomy for an unrecognized splenic laceration that had occurred at the time of the original trauma. The four patients undergoing laparotomy had a mean postoperative discharge date of 8.7 days (range, 6-14 days). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is an alternative approach to repairing acute traumatic diaphragmatic lacerations and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. Large traumatic diaphragmatic injuries adjacent to or including the esophageal hiatus are best approached via laparotomy.

Outcomes for laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the preferred surgical approach to manage adrenal disorders. Bilateral adrenalectomy is performed for diseases that are unresponsive to medical management and, frequently, for neoplastic disease. The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy and to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1996 and May 2001, five male and two female patients with a mean age of 46 years (range 15-69 years) presented for bilateral adrenalectomy (pheochromocytoma [N = 3], Cushing's disease [N = 3], and metastatic cancer [N = 1]). All procedures were performed using a lateral transperitoneal approach. One gland was excised, the patient was repositioned to the opposite lateral decubitus position, and the remaining gland was removed. RESULTS: Laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy was completed in all seven patients. The mean tumor/gland size on the right was 5.0 cm (range 3.1-7.0 cm) and on the left was 5.6 cm (range 3.6-7.0 cm). The mean operative time was 308 minutes (range 190-430 minutes), and the mean estimated blood loss was 138 mL (range 30-300 mL). One patient with a pheochromocytoma experienced intraoperative hypertension necessitating treatment. There were no postoperative complications. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.1 days (range 3-9 days). All patients have been treated postoperatively with daily hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone replacement. After a mean follow-up of 33 months (range 2-45 months), six patients are alive. The patient undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy for metastatic lung cancer died from recurrent disease 13 months after resection. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy is safe and effective. Patients are discharged postoperatively in a relatively short time with few complications. Appropriate steroid replacement and close follow-up allows these patients to return to self-reliance.

Optimal teaching environment for laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy.

The introduction of laparoscopic techniques after residency training has created a new paradigm dependent on laparoscopic workshops. This study tested the benefit of an animate course and evaluated the role of proctoring in learning to perform laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Surgeons who had taken a 1-day LVHR course (n = 59) were polled to determine previous experience with laparoscopic procedures and experience with LVHR after the course. Forty-eight (81%) surgeons completing the course responded. Thirty-two (67%) surgeons had performed 179 LVHRS (mean 5.6) since the course. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups performing and not performing LVHR regarding academic/private practice (P=0.8) or opportunities to perform a ventral herniorrhaphy (P = 0.6). Fifteen (31%) surgeons were precepted in their hospital operating room by the lead author. Thirteen (87%) of precepted surgeons had performed a LVHR compared with 19 (58%) of the 33 surgeons taking the course without a precepted intervention (P = 0.05). Surgeons with experience performing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, Nissen fundoplication, and common bile duct exploration were more likely to perform LVHR (P=0.0001). Surgeons performing only laparoscopic cholecystectomy tended to be less likely to perform LVHR, nearing statistical significance (P=0.08). Surgeons with prior advanced laparoscopic surgery experience are thus more likely to perform LVHR after participating in a 1-day course. Surgeons precepted in their hospital operating room were also more likely to perform LVHR. Participation in an animate laboratory and a precepted experience can impact the future performance of advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic vs open resection of gastric stromal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Gastric stromal tumors are rare neoplasms that may be benign or malignant. Given that malignant gastric stromal tumors rarely involve lymph nodes and require excision with negative margins, they appear amendable to laparoscopic excision. There are few reports of laparoscopic resection, and no comparisons have been done between laparoscopic and open surgery. This study compares the relative efficacy of the two approaches. METHODS: Between May 1994 and December 2000, 33 patients underwent 35 operations for gastric stromal tumors. Laparoscopic resections were performed in 21 patients; open resections were done in 12 patients. The medical records of the patients were reviewed retrospectively with regard to operating time, blood loss, length of stay, and clinical course. RESULTS: Patient demographics, tumor characteristics (mean tumor size, benign vs malignant), and presenting symptoms were similar for both groups. In the laparoscopic group, 15 wedge resections; three partial gastrectomies, and three transgastric needlescopic enucleations were performed. In the open group, six wedge resections, four antrectomies, and two partial proximal gastrectomies were performed. There were no significant differences in mean operative time (169 vs 160 min), mean estimated blood loss (106 vs 129 cc), or perioperative complication rate (9.5% vs 8.3%) between the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. The mean length of stay was significantly less (p<0.05) in the laparoscopic group (3.8 vs 6.2 days). Average follow-up was 1.5 years. One patient in each group has died due to metastatic disease. There have been no trocar site recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of gastric stromal tumors is safe and appropriate. Tumor size, operating time, and estimated blood loss were equivalent to the open approach, and there was a statistically shorter hospital stay in the laparoscopic group.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Conn's syndrome, Cushing's disease, cortisol-producing adenomas, and nonfunctioning adenomas has been well established. This study was intended to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, and to assess the efficacy and safety of a minimally invasive approach. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma over a 5-year period. RESULTS: In this study, 39 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic resection of a pheochromocytoma: 38 adrenal (23 left, 15 right) and 1 extraadrenal paraganglioma. There were no conversions to open surgery. The mean tumor size was 5.2 cm (range, 2-12.1 cm). Average operative time was 159 min (range, 100-265 min), and average estimated blood loss was 72 ml (range, 30-350 ml). Intraoperative hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 170 mmHg) occurred in 67% of the patients, and hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) in 39% of the patients. The mean length of stay was 2.1 days (range, 1-4 days). There were three minor postoperative complications. During a mean follow-up period of 14 months, there were no mortalities or recurrences of endocrinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas can be accomplished safely despite frequent episodes of hemodynamic variability equal to those of historic open control subjects. A short hospital stay with expedient recovery,minimal wound complications, and lack of endocrinopathy recurrence makes a minimally invasive approach the procedure of choice for the management of pheochromoctyoma.

Laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy and toupet fundoplication for achalasia.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by the failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and the absence of esophageal peristalsis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication for achalasia. A 9-cm myotomy was performed in most cases extending 7 cm above and 2 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. Severity of dysphagia, heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation was graded preoperatively and postoperatively using a five-point symptomatic scale (0-4). Patients also graded their outcomes as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Between December 1995 and November 2000 a total of 49 patients (23 male, 26 female) with a mean age of 44.3 years (range 23-71 years) were diagnosed with achalasia. Mean duration of symptoms was 40.2 months (range 4-240 months). Thirty-seven patients (76%) had had a previous nonsurgical intervention or combinations of nonsurgical interventions [pneumatic dilation (23), bougie dilation (five), and botulinum toxin (19)], and two patients had failed esophageal myotomies. Forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication. Two patients received laparoscopic esophageal myotomies without an antireflux procedure, and two were converted to open surgery. One patient presented 10 hours after a pneumatically induced perforation and underwent a successful laparoscopic esophageal myotomy and partial fundoplication. Mean operative time was 180.5 minutes (range 145-264 minutes). Mean length of stay was 1.98 days (range 1-18 days). There were five (10%) perioperative complications but no esophageal leaks. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation symptom scores. All patients stated that they were improved postoperatively. Eighty-six per cent rated their outcome as excellent, 10 per cent as good, and 4 per cent as fair. Laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy and Toupet fundoplication effectively alleviates dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain accompanying achalasia and is associated with high patient satisfaction, a rapid hospital discharge, and few complications.

Blunt traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta: a report of an unusual mechanism of injury.

Classic teaching suggests that blunt thoracic aortic rupture (BTAR) results from high-speed deceleration injury mechanisms. Our recent experience with a patient who sustained fatal aortic rupture resulting from a low-speed crushing injury emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for BTAR, even in patients with "low-risk" injury mechanisms. Several potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of BTAR are discussed.

Orthopedic pitfalls in the ED: vascular injury associated with knee dislocation.

Tibial femoral knee dislocation is a severe injury, with a real potential for limb-threatening vascular compromise, primarily caused by injury to the popliteal artery. When unrecognized or inadequately evaluated and treated, these injuries often lead to a high incidence of morbidity and potential limb loss. Emergency medicine practitioners should be vigilant for vascular injury associated with knee dislocation. This review article examines the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and management options applicable to the emergency practitioner.