Do recurrences after paraesophageal hernia repair matter? : Ten-year follow-up after laparoscopic repair.

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rate for paraesophageal hernias (PEH) can be as high as 30% following laparoscopic repair. The aim of this study was to determine the severity of symptoms in patients with recurrences and the need for reoperation 10 years after surgery. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Consecutive laparoscopic paraesophageal cases performed at a single institution between 1993 and 1996 were identified from the institution's foregut database. Patients were asked about the presence and severity of symptoms (heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, and dysphagia). Patients were also asked whether they had (1) been diagnosed with hernia recurrence or (2) undergone repeat surgical intervention. RESULTS: Complete follow-up was obtainable in 31 of the total of 52 patients (60%). The proportion of patients reporting moderate/severe symptoms was less at 10 years than preoperatively: heartburn 12% versus 54% (p < 0.001), chest pain 9% versus 36% (p = 0.01), regurgitation 6% versus 50% (p < 0.001), and dysphagia 3% versus 30% (p = 0.001). Two patients underwent repeat surgical intervention for symptomatic recurrences within the first postoperative year. Eight more patients have been diagnosed with hernia recurrences on either contrast esophagram or upper endoscopy but had not required reoperation. At ten years, more patients with hernia recurrence had heartburn than those who did not have recurrences (60% versus 14%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a hiatal hernia recurrence rate of 32% 10 years after surgery, laparoscopic PEH was a successful procedure in the majority of patients; most remained symptomatically improved and required no further intervention 10 years after surgery.

A laparoscopic approach to the surgical management of enterocutaneous fistula in a wound healing by secondary intention.

Traditional surgical management of a chronic enterocutaneous fistula requires laparotomy, but the optimal site of incision is unclear. Laparoscopy and adhesiolysis may offer an alternative approach. Two cases of non-healing enterocutaneous fistula within chronic, granulating wounds are described. The laparoscope was placed subcostally using the Hasson technique with additional ports placed under direct vision. After clearing the anterior abdominal wall of all but the fistula-containing bowel, an incision was made circumferentially around the granulation bed. Resection and primary anastomosis was performed in standard fashion. Lateral component separation allowed primary wound closure. Both patients were discharged without sequelae and doing well at last follow-up (mean 12 months). A laparoscopic approach to non-healing enterocutaneous fistulas seems safe and technically feasible. When combined with lateral component separation, it may result in reduction of inadvertent enterotomies and optimal management of the wound without the use of prosthetic mesh.

Laparoscopic repair of a right paraduodenal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic repair of a right paraduodenal hernia has never been described in the literature. A 24-year-old woman was admitted after 2 weeks of intermittent abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. Physical examination was normal. Laboratory studies and upper endoscopy were normal. Computed tomography revealed that the small bowel was on the right side of the abdomen and the colon on the left, suspicious for malrotation. Subsequent upper gastrointestinal series with small bowel follow-through revealed the ligament of Treitz on the right with the small bowel encased within a probable hernia sac. A presumptive diagnosis of a right paraduodenal hernia was made. METHODS AND RESULTS: Initial access was obtained with a 10-mm infraumbilical port followed by placement of 5-mm ports in the right and left upper and lower quadrants. The duodenum was identified and the small bowel was found encased within a hernia sac, which was opened widely from the duodenum to the pelvis. The hernia sac was opened laterally to avoid injury to the superior mesenteric vessels. The small bowel was then released from the sac into the peritoneal cavity. The entire bowel was inspected and no other abnormalities were noted. The patient had resolution of her abdominal pain and her postoperative course was uncomplicated. She was discharged home on postoperative day 3 and has since done exceptionally well. CONCLUSIONS: Paraduodenal hernia, a rare cause of small bowel obstruction, can present a diagnostic challenge. However, when the diagnosis is made preoperatively, a laparoscopic repair is a feasible and practical option.

Effects of 8-chloroadenosine-3',5'-monophosphate in combination with irradiation in L5178Y mouse lymphoblasts.

The effect of a new anticancer drug, 8-chloroadenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Cl-cAMP-), a site selective cAMP analog, that inhibits growth of cancer cells in vitro, was examined in L5178Y (LY) murine lymphoma cells. Two LY sublines were used, grown in full Fisher's medium: LY-R, radiation resistant and LY-S, radiation sensitive. The latter was also adapted to grow in simplified medium. In the full medium conversion of 8-Cl-cAMP to 8-chloroadenosine presumably was the case of cytotoxicity. In the simplified medium this conversion was limited and the cytotoxic effect much less pronounced. Cytotoxicity was equal in LY-R and LY-S cells and it was not related to changes in the cell cycle distribution; the latter were observed in LY-S, but not in LY-R cells. There was no interaction of the drug with x-rays in LY cells grown either in full or simplified medium.