Feasibility Testing of the RT Cardiac Systems Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Device.

RT Cardiac Systems (RTCS, Raleigh, NC) is developing an intravascular percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) device drive system for use during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention and emergent cardiogenic shock. The proprietary pMCS device (US patent 10,780,206) consists of a miniaturized axial flow pump with an integrated motor connected via a short flexible drive system. This novel flexible drive system creates a flexible pump that is advantageous for percutaneous placement and conforming to anatomy. This design also has the benefit of not requiring a continuous external lubrication source. In this article, we present engineering development and feasibility testing of the prototype pMCS system. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was performed to evaluate candidate blade set designs (impeller leading and trailing edges, diffuser) and predict hydrodynamic performance and hemolysis risk. Bench testing of candidate lip seal designs (radial interference, durometer, and seal angle) was evaluated for leak rate. Two 16Fr prototype devices were then fabricated and tested in a static mock flow loop. Experimental testing demonstrated 3 L/min flow against 110 mmHg and 4 L/min flow against 80 mmHg, which matched the CFD-predicted hydrodynamic performance. These results demonstrate feasibility of the engineering design and performance of the prototype devices.

A Novel Study: The Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Morphology, Crystal Structure, Optical and Electrical Properties of Lanthanum Ferrite Based Nano Electroceramics Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method.

Lanthanum Ferrite based nanocomposites were prepared with various Graphene oxide contents by the hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure, morphological properties, electrical and optical properties of samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction results indicate that all the nano electroceramics are polycrystalline with an Orthorhombic structure. Results from scanning and transmission electron microscopes indicate that the Bismuth ferrite/Graphene oxide powders have nanostructure. The optical band gaps of the nano electroceramics were calculated for the various amount of Graphene oxide. The electrical properties of samples were investigated with the temperature depend on conductivity measurements. The measurement shows that the electrical conductivity changes with increasing temperature and graphene oxide dopants of all samples. Activation energy (EA) values of the nanocomposites decrease with increasing graphene oxide content. The dielectric properties of Lanthanum Ferrite/Graphene Oxide nanocomposites (real and imaginer) with respect to frequency variation (1 KHz-5 MHz) were measured at room temperature. The relative permittivity (ɛ'), dielectric loss (ɛ″) and alternating current conductivity (σac) values of the samples were estimated. It is show that (ɛ'), (ɛ″) and (σac) increase with increasing frequency. The polarization-electric field hysteresis loop of all Lanthanum Ferrite/Graphene Oxide nano electroceramics was measured at the room temperature. The loop shows proper saturation with enhanced saturation polarization (Ps), remnant polarization (Pr) and coercive electric field (Ec). The obtained findings suggest that the physical and electrical properties of Lanthanum Ferrite/Graphene Oxide nano electroceramics can be changed by Graphene Oxide doping. These materials can be used for a variety of technological applications in the field of dielectric and ferroelectric.

The Effects on Obesity Related Peptides of Laparoscopic Gastric Band Applications in Morbidly Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between weight loss and resistin, apelin, chemerin, and visfatin after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: The study group consisted of 19 patients who were operated on for morbid obesity (BMI: 48.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2), and 22 healthy, normal-weight (BMI: 22.9 ± 2.5 kg/m2) subjects formed the control group. We obtained blood samples from the study subjects at three different times: before undergoing surgery and at one month and 6 months after surgery. Blood was obtained once from the control group. RESULTS: Significant weight loss was achieved at one and 6 months after surgery. Plasma levels of apelin, resistin, chemerin, and visfatin were higher in morbidly obese patients compared with the control group. Obesity-related peptides decreased one month and 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma resistin, apelin, chemerin, and visfatin levels in morbidly obese patients are gradually reduced after weight loss. According to these findings, LAGB surgery is found to be an important and efficient means for morbidly obese patients both to lose weight and to develop a better metabolic risk profile in a short time period.

A Simple Food-Diverting Operation for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment. Preliminary Results in Humans with BMI 28-32 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility of a simple side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis (SJA) in non-morbidly obese individuals to control type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was studied in six diabetic patients with BMI 28-32. This novel procedure was performed in two Academic Centers and preliminary data is presented. METHODS: SJA bypassing a significant part of the small bowel and diverting food and biliopancretic secretions to the distal ileum was performed laparoscopically in six diabetic patients with BMI 28-32 kg/m2. SJA was performed at a distance of 100 cm from the Treitz ligament and 150 cm from the ileocecal valve, thus a total bowel alimentary and biliopancreatic loop length of 2.5 m was created. RESULTS: Three of the patients (two female, one male) experienced complete remission of diabetes from the immediate postoperative period and up to 3 years after the procedure. Two other patients remained medication-free after the operation experiencing partial diabetes remission, and the third patient significantly reduced his daily insulin requirements immediately after surgery. There were no early or late postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: A simple SJA, diverting the food and biliopancreatic secretion to the distal small bowel, was able to control T2DM in all patients offering total or partial remission of the disease soon after the procedure. Those preliminary data and the simplicity of the operation are encouraging and promising. However, further studies are in progress in both Institutions to reveal the possible mechanism of diabetes control and investigate the effect of this operation on larger number of patients, with longer follow-up period.

The relationship of Bradykinin B2 receptor gene variation with obesity, hypertension and lipid variables in obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association of C-58T genotypes with obesity/hypertension related parameters and serum lipids in obese (n=108) and non-obese (n=80) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bradykinin receptor (B2R) C-58T genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: B2R gene C-58T frequencies for T/T (homozygous wild type), T/C (heterozygous) and C/C (homozygous polymorphic) genotypes for obese and non-obese patients were respectively: 36.1%, 37.5%; 45.4%, 52.5% and 18.5%, 10%. Obese patients using diuretic medication had lower C/C genotype frequency compared to T/T and T/C genotypes. Total cholesterol (T-Chol) (p=0.035) levels were found to be associated with B2R C-58T polymorphism, where the T/T genotype had higher total cholesterol levels compared to the T/C genotype in obese patients. Non-obese patients using oral antidiabetic medication had higher C/C genotype frequency than that of T/T and T/C genotypes. Waist circumference (p=0.016) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.01) levels were elevated in the non-obese subjects with the C/C genotype compared to T/C and T/T. CONCLUSION: Although B2R C-58T gene polymorphism was not found to be effective on obesity with logistic regression analysis in the whole study population in obese subjects, the T-Chol decreasing effect of the B2R gene C allele and the higher waist circumference measurements in the non-obese subjects may indicate there may be a link between B2R gene C-58T polymorphism and obesity in study populations of higher numbers.

The effects on oxidative DNA damage of laparoscopic gastric band applications in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity may induce oxidative stress, causing oxidative damage of DNA. We examined associations between decreasing serum and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and weight loss in morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: We compared patients who had surgery for morbid obesity with healthy, nonobese controls. Urine and fasting blood samples were collected once from the controls and from the morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after the LAGB. The serum and urinary 8-OHdG levels were evaluated in these groups using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: We included 20 patients who had surgery for morbid obesity (8 men, 12 women, mean body mass index [BMI] 46.82 ± 4.47) and 20 healthy, nonobese people (10 men, 10 women, mean BMI 22.52 ± 2.08) in our study. There was no significant difference in serum 8-OHdG levels between the groups, whereas urinary 8- OHdG levels were significantly higher in morbidly obese patients than in controls. Weight, BMI and serum and urinary 8-OHdG levels were significantly decreased in morbidly obese patients 6 months after LAGB. CONCLUSION: The LAGB provides efficient weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. The systemic oxidative DNA damage was increased by the morbid obesity, but this increase was not related to weight gain, and it was more evident in serum than urine samples. After LAGB for morbid obesity, the oxidative DNA damage declined both in serum and urine.

CONTEXTE: L'obésité peut provoquer stress oxydatif qui endommage l'ADN. Nous avons analysé les liens entre une baisse des taux de 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-désoxyguanosine) sériques et urinaires et la perte de poids chez des patients atteints d'obésité morbide avant, puis 6 mois après la pose d'un anneau gastrique ajustable par laparoscopie (AGAL). MÉTHODES: Nous avons comparé des patients qui ont subi cette chirurgie pour un problème d'obésité morbide à des témoins non obèses en bonne santé. Nous avons prélevé des échantillons d'urine et de sang à jeun chez les témoins 1 fois et chez les patients atteints d'obésité morbide, avant, puis 6 mois après l'intervention pour AGAL. Les taux de 8-OHdG sériques et urinaires ont été mesurés dans les 2 groupes à l'aide d'une trousse de test ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RÉSULTATS: Notre étude a inclus 20 patients soumis à la chirurgie pour obésité morbide (8 hommes, 12 femmes; indice de masse corporelle [IMC] moyen 46,82 ± 4,47) et 20 témoins non obèses en bonne santé (10 hommes, 10 femmes; IMC moyen 22,52 ± 2,08). Nous n'avons noté aucune différence significative des taux de 8-OHdG sériques entre les 2 groupes, mais les taux de 8-OHdG urinaires étaient significativement plus élevés chez les patients souffrant d'obésité morbide que chez les témoins. Le poids, l'IMC et les taux de 8-OHdG sériques et urinaires avaient significativement diminué chez les patients atteints d'obésité morbide 6 mois après l'intervention pour AGAL. CONCLUSION: L'AGAL est une technique efficace de perte de poids chez les patients souffrant d'obésité morbide. L'atteinte oxydative systémique de l'ADN était exacerbée par l'obésité morbide, mais cette hausse n'était pas reliée au gain pondéral, et elle était plus évidente dans les échantillons sériques que dans les échantillons urinaires. Après la pose d'un AGAL pour obésité morbide, l'atteinte oxydative de l'ADN a diminué dans le sérum et dans l'urine.

The impacts of super obesity versus morbid obesity on respiratory mechanics and simple hemodynamic parameters during bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine the impact of the degree of obesity on respiratory mechanics and simple hemodynamic parameters at laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups, each of which included 24 patients (a morbidly obese group and a super obese group) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Dynamic respiratory compliance, respiratory resistance, and peak inspiratory pressures were measured at four time points: 10 min after anesthesia induction (T1: induction), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum (T2: pneumoperitoneum), 10 min after terminating pneumoperitoneum (T3: end-pneumoperitoneum), and before extubation (T4: extubation). The systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures and the heart rate values were measured noninvasively in T0 (10 min before operation). RESULTS: Obesity was found to cause a statistically significant increase in respiratory resistance and a peak inspiratory pressure and a decrease in dynamic respiratory compliance. In the morbidly obese group, the lowest dynamic respiratory compliance was 37 ± 12 mL/cm H(2)O, but it was 33 ± 13 mL/cm H(2)O in the super obese group. The systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and mean arterial pressure were found to decrease significantly in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity and super obesity have negative effects on hemodynamics and respiratory mechanics.

Effects of laparoscopic gastric band applications on plasma and fundic acylated ghrelin levels in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedure might play a role in modulation of fundic ghrelin production. To test this hypothesis, we examined plasma and tissue concentrations of acylated ghrelin in morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after LAGB. Baseline levels of acylated ghrelin in morbidly obese patients were also compared with those in age-matched, healthy, non-obese controls. METHODS: We studied 21 patients who had been operated on for morbid obesity (M/F = 9/12, BMI = 49.3 ± 5.3 kg/m(2)) and 16 healthy, non-obese persons (M/F = 7/9, BMI = 23.0 ± 1.7 kg/m(2)). Fasting blood samples were collected once from the non-obese controls as well as the morbidly obese patients before and 6 months after the LAGB. The morbidly obese patients and their respective controls underwent gastroscopy for fundic biopsy. The plasma and fundic acylated ghrelin levels were evaluated in these groups by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The plasma and fundic acylated ghrelin concentrations were significantly lower in obese patients than in non-obese controls (2.8 ± 1.0 ng/ml, 727 ± 171.7 ng/g tissue, respectively; p = 0.000). These parameters were significantly increased in morbidly obese patients 6 months after LAGB (4.1 ± 1.2 ng/ml and p = 0.001; 999 ± 292.1 ng/g tissue and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that fundic production of acylated ghrelin was significantly increased in morbidly obese patients 6 months after LAGB. Moreover, the weight loss after LAGB occurred in spite of the significant increase in the plasma and fundic acylated ghrelin levels. The potential role of ghrelin as being responsible for the weight loss after bariatric surgery needs to be elucidated in further studies.

FTO mRNA expression in extremely obese and type 2 diabetic human omental and subcutaneous adipose tissues.

BACKGROUND: Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) gene expression is known to correlate with obesity. Our aim was to investigate the FTO gene expression in paired omental and subcutaneous human adipose tissues from morbid and obese patients. To understand the role of CD68-positive macrophages in adipose tissues, the correlation with adiposity parameters such as adipocyte diameter and adipocyte radius was also measured. Drug and adiposity correlations were also analyzed. METHODS: Paired omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue were excised during elective surgery from morbidly obese (n = 9) and obese (n = 5) patients. FTO expressions were determined by quantitative PCR. Tissue sections were analyzed for their CD68 protein expressions by immunuhistochemistry. RESULTS: Omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue FTO gene expression levels were not found to differ significantly among morbidly obese and obese study groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase e and alanine transaminase levels were found to be in negative correlation with subcutaneous fat tissue FTO expression rate. Antidiabetic drug use was found to be in correlation with adiposity. Both subcutaneous and omental fat cell diameters were found to have correlation with antidiabetic drug use. Omental fat cell diameter was found to enlarge together with omental CD68 protein expression. Subcutaneous macrophage number decreased while omental fat cell radius increased. Omental macrophage number was found in correlation with subcutaneous macrophage number. CONCLUSIONS: Antidiabetic therapy was found to increase adiposity in omental and subcutaneous fat. Further research is needed with larger samples to explore the exact role of FTO in obesity.

Concomitant laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a super-obese patient with situs inversus totalis who previously underwent intragastric balloon placement.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been increasingly performed since its introduction in 1990. Situs inversus totalis is a rare anomaly in which transposition of organs to the opposite side of the body occurs. Laparoscopic gastric banding in such few patients has been reported in the literature. We discuss a super-obese patient with situs inversus totalis and asymptomatic cholelithiasis who previously underwent endoscopic intragastric balloon placement in preparation for bariatric surgery. Afterwards, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding were performed in the same session. Special attention is paid to the literature review and the mirror-image modification of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic gastric banding procedures. With preoperative assessment, modifications in the surgical team, and equipment, the operation can be performed safely.

Neuromuscular effects of cisatracurium in morbidly obese patients.

Obesity is associated with significant changes in body composition and function that may alter the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of various drugs. In this study, we investigated the neuromuscular effects of cisatracurium in morbidly obese as compared to control group of normal body weight patients. In the morbidly obese group (n = 20), corrected weight was used to calculate the drug doses. In the control group (n = 20), the dose was calculated on ideal body weight (IBW). 0.15 mg/kg(-1) cisatracurium was administered as the neuromuscular blocker. Neuromuscular effects were recorded at T0 (onset time), T1 (appearance of first stimulus of TOF), T25 (25% recovery of T1) and T25-75 (time of T25 to T75, recovery time). T0 was determined as 177 +/- 23 s and 168 +/- 19 s in the morbidly obese, and control group, respectively. T25 was determined as 46 +/- 7 min and 56 +/- 8 min, in the morbidly obese and control group, respectively (p < 0.05). T25-75 was determined as 11 +/- 5 min and 14 +/- 6 min in the morbidly obese and control group, respectively (p < 0.05). Intubation conditions were determined as good in 13, excellent in 7 patients in the morbidly obese group, and as good in 4 and excellent in 16 patients in the control group (p < 0.05). As different neuromuscular effects of cisatracurium were detected, we conclude that ne uromuscular agents must be monitored in the morbidly obese patients.

Plasma protein carbonyl and thiol stress before and after laparoscopic gastric banding in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between oxidative plasma protein and thiol stress and weight loss after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: Plasma protein carbonyl (PCO) concentration as a marker of protein oxidation, plasma thiol (P-SH) and erythrocyte glutathione concentration (GSH, major intracellular thiol), as an antioxidant and metabolic markers, such as Homeostatic Model Assessment - Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), BMI and plasma lipids were determined in morbidly obese patients (n 22, mean age 34.7 +/- 11 years, BMI 48.4 +/- 6.4 kg/m2) at baseline and 1 and 6 months after operation. Baseline levels in patients were also compared with the levels in age-matched controls (n 20, BMI 21.3 +/- 1.8 kg/m2). Plasma PCO and thiols and erythrocyte GSH concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Plasma PCO were significantly higher and plasma and erythrocyte thiol concentrations were significantly lower in morbidly obese patients than in controls (for each comparison, P<0.01). BMI, plasma triglycerides and HOMA-IR were positively correlated with plasma PCO and negatively correlated with plasma P-SH and erythrocyte GSH (for each comparison, P<0.01). Plasma HDL-cholesterol levels were positively correlated with plasma erythrocyte GSH (r = 0.405, P<0.01) and negative correlated with plasma PCO (r = -0.273, P<0.01). One and 6 months after the LAGB operation, total weight loss was 13.2 +/- 6.3 and 35.5 +/- 7.5 kg, respectively. Plasma PCO concentrations were decreased and P-SH and erythrocyte GSH concentrations were elevated following weight loss (for each, P<0.01). Only plasma P-SH levels were restored to the control levels 6 months after LAGB. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and insulin resistance appear to be associated with plasma protein oxidation and thiol concentrations. Protein and thiol oxidative stress was improved by weight loss after LAGB in the short-term.

Plasma adhesion and inflammation markers: asymmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine and secretory phospholipase A2 concentrations before and after laparoscopic gastric banding in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between subclinical inflammation and weight loss by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: Plasma concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), sensitive C-Reactive Protein (sCRP), asymmetrical dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA), Secretory Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), and metabolic markers, such as homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI) were determined in morbidly obese patients (n=18, BMI 48.6 +/- 1.7 kg/m2) at baseline and 1 month after operations. Baseline levels in patients were also compared with age-matched controls (n=20, BMI 21.3 +/- 1.8 kg/m2). Plasma ICAM-1, VCAM, sCRP and ADMA, and sPLA2 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay methods and colorimetric method, respectively. RESULTS: Plasma sCRP, ICAM-1, ADMA and sPLA2 concentrations and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in morbidly obese patients than in controls (for each, P<0.01). Plasma VCAM-1 concentration was not changed in obese patients. HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with ICAM-1, ADMA and sPLA2 in the obese group at baseline (for each, P<0.01). There was a significant correlation between plasma sCRP and plasma glucose, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ADMA and sPLA2 concentrations (for each, P<0.01). 1 month after LAGB, mean body weight loss was 13.2 +/- 6.3 kg, and plasma sCRP and ADMA concentrations and HOMA-IR and BMI were significantly decreased (for each, P<0.01). However, these levels cannot be decreased to the levels of the controls. CONCLUSION: Obesity and insulin resistance appear to be associated with low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction were improved by weight loss after LAGB.

Detachment of the connecting tube from the port and migration into jejunal wall.

After laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), early recognition and treatment of uncommon complications are important. A 36-year-old man who had undergone LAGB presented at our clinic with weight gain of 14 kg during the prior 6 months. During investigation, detachment of the connecting tube from the port and migration of this tube into the jejunal wall were found. The detached port was replaced with a new port, and laparoscopically-assisted jejunorraphy was performed.

Changes in leptin, plasminogen activator factor and oxidative stress in morbidly obese patients following open and laparoscopic Swedish adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is increased in obesity, leading to endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and platelet aggregation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of weight loss after bariatric surgery on serum lipids, malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of oxidative stress), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL, which is increased in obesity and causes endothelial dysfunction), paraoxonase (PON-1, which inhibits lipid peroxidation), leptin and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1, which contributes to a thrombotic state). METHODS: 40 morbidly obese patients had insertion of a Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB). A lipid profile, MDA, oxLDL, PON-1, leptin and PAI-1 levels were drawn before and 6 months after the operation. 20 patients underwent open (Group 1) and 20 laparoscopic (Group 2) SAGB, to compare the systemic inflammatory response of the two approaches. RESULTS: Patient demographics, indications for surgery, and postoperative results were no different between the groups. Postoperative BMI and concentrations of lipid, MDA, oxLDL, leptin and PAI-1 decreased significantly in both groups. PON-1 activity increased and was negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.618, P< 0.01), MDA (r=-0.735, P<0.001), oxLDL (r=-0.701, P< 0.01), leptin (r=-0.626, P<0.01) and PAI-1 (r=-0.461, P<0.05). There was a correlation between BMI and MDA (r=0.790, P <0.001), and also leptin (r=0.900, P<0.001) and PAI-1 (r=0.888, P=0.001). There was no correlation between BMI and oxLDL. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that in morbid obesity, weight loss after surgery has positive effects on fibrinolytic function, oxidative stress and antioxidant activity. Both operative approaches had similar effects in this study.

A new instrument, the "Perfore-Aspirator" for laparoscopic treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver.

The authors introduce a new instrument functioning as both perforator and aspirator in the laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid cysts. Between January 1998 and January 2002, 11 laparoscopic cystotomy + partial cystectomy + drainage procedures were performed for eight consecutive patients. Eight of the cysts were located in the right lobe, and the remaining three in the left. The average diameter (+/-SD) of the cysts was 9.6 +/- 3.66 cm, and the mean age of the patients was 31.3 +/- 7.24 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography and/or computerized tomography. The procedure was performed with the help of three ports. The "perfore-aspirator" instrument (Bahadir Tibbi Aletler A. S., Samsun, Turkey) was introduced through the 10-mm trocar at the subcostal area, and the cystotomy procedure was done with success. Then, a partial cystectomy procedure was performed with the use of a grasper and scissors attached to an electrocautery device. The average hospitalization period was 5 +/- 1.69 days. No major morbidity or mortality was seen. All patients were treated with albendazole preoperatively and postoperatively.

Balloon dilation-assisted laparoscopic heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication.

Two methods are currently used in the treatment of achalasia: endoscopic balloon dilation and surgical Heller myotomy. Laparoscopy has come into use in achalasia surgery, and good outcomes have been achieved. This study included 11 patients (mean age, 30.7 years). Balloon dilation-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication were performed in all patients. A 36-F orogastric tube was placed under visualization. The balloon of the tube was placed in the esophagogastric junction. After laparoscopic cardiomyotomy, the balloon was removed and Dor fundoplication was performed. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. The patients were discharged on the second and third postoperative days (mean [standard deviation], 3 +/- 0.46). One month after the operation, the patients were tested with barium swallowing, and no complications or recurrences were observed. Laparoscopic distal esophagomyotomy combined with partial fundoplication may be the surgical approach of choice in achalasia because it is safer, provides good to excellent relief of symptoms and excellent cosmetic results, involves a shorter hospital stay, and is easy to execute. Balloon dilation makes myotomy easier because it separates the muscle fibers. Placing and insufflation of the balloon become safer because the entire procedure is executed under visualization; thus, excessive dilation is avoided.

The effects of pneumoperitoneum on respiratory mechanics during bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of laparoscopic and conventional open surgery on respiratory mechanics, and blood gases, and to determine convenient techniques from the point of view of intraoperative respiratory mechanics, for bariatric surgery. METHOD: 40 morbidly obese patients were divided into 2 groups, patients undergoing laparoscopy Group 1, and patients undergoing conventional open surgery Group 2. Resistance of airway, dynamic compliance, and peak inspiratory pressure were measured. Measurement was performed in 4 periods: a) after anesthesia induction, b) after pneumoperitoneum in the Group 1 and after incision in the Group 2, c) after gastric band placement, d) and 5 min before extubation. Blood gases were recorded concomitantly. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in values of blood gases and respiratory mechanics. CONCLUSION: In the morbidly obese, laparoscopic and open surgery did not cause a significant difference for respiratory mechanics when compared with each other.

Systemic inflammatory response after laparoscopic and open application of adjustable banding for morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical injury induces a systemic inflammatory metabolic-endocrine response that is proportional to the severity of the surgical stress. Compared with the conventional open method, laparoscopic surgery is mini-invasive and has decreased postoperative pain and length of hospitalization. The aim of this study was to investigate the systemic inflammatory response, after laparoscopic and open stoma-adjustable silicone band application, which is thought to be mediated by cytokines. METHOD: 30 morbidly obese patients underwent Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB). 15 patients underwent laparoscopic (group 1) and 15 open SAGB (group 2). Mean operative time for the laparoscopic group was 70-110 min and for the laparotomy group 80-120 min. Gallbladders were not removed, and there were no systemic diseases in the patients. The intensity of surgical trauma was evaluated by measurement of metabolic and hormonal responses to the surgery. Plasma levels of C-reactive (CRP), haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, transferrin, IL-6, malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and creatinine were measured before and after the operation. RESULTS: CRP and IL-6 levels increased during and after laparoscopic and open SAGB. However, postoperative responses were significantly greater after open SAGB (group 2) (p < 0.05). MDA level, an indicator of an oxidative trauma, was elevated in group 1 at the 6th postoperative hour but was significantly higher in group 2 at the 6th and 12th postoperative hours. The results were more significant in group 2 (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between groups 1 and 2 in terms of albumin, creatinine, and transferrin levels before and after surgery. CONCLUSION: The systemic inflammatory responses after laparoscopic SAGB were significantly reduced compared with those after open SAGB.