Laparoscopic treatment of Mirizzi syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This article reviews the feasibility of the laparoscopic treatment of Mirizzi syndrome and determines the associated risks and complications of this technique. METHODS: An electronic search of the literature between 1989 and 2008 was undertaken to identify relevant articles. Studies comprising at least four patients treated by laparoscopy and reporting on the preoperative diagnosis rate and analytical conversion and complication data were considered for inclusion. RESULTS: From 66 abstracts reviewed, 10 eligible studies were identified. Conversion, complication, and reoperation rates were 41%, 20%, and 6%, respectively. The risks for open conversion and procedure-related complications were similar for patients with type I and type II Mirizzi syndrome. However, patients of studies reporting a high preoperative diagnosis rate had a significantly lower risk for conversion (p < 0.05), procedure-related complications (p < 0.05), and reoperation (p < 0.05), when compared with studies with a low preoperative diagnosis rate. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that laparoscopic treatment of Mirizzi syndrome cannot be recommended as a standard procedure. Preoperative diagnosis of the syndrome seems an important predicting factor of technical success.

Symptom-focused results after laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease--a prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common in the general population. Although the results of laparoscopic fundoplication are well documented, there have been no reports on the operative outcome in patients refractory to or with only partial response to medical therapy for GERD. PATIENTS-METHODS: Thirty-two patients with GERD, whose continuous high doses of medical treatment with proton-pump inhibitors produced no or only partial symptom relief, underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Symptoms were evaluated with a standardized questionnaire preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: The complete follow-up evaluation was obtained in 30 out of the 32 patients. The main symptoms before surgery were regurgitation (93%), heartburn (60%), epigastric pain (47%), and globus sensation (47%). All patients were relieved from heartburn, vomiting, and globus sensation. Dysphagia was relieved in 75% of the patients and regurgitation in 86%. Dysphagia as a new symptom occurred in 9%. The overall morbidity rate was 16%. Patient satisfaction rate was 87%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic fundoplication seems to be an effective treatment for severe, drug-resistant GERD. The high patient satisfaction rate and the positive therapeutic response in 95% of patients justify this procedure in this strictly selected group of patients.

Isolated Splenic Mycobacterial Disease: A Cause of Persistent Fever in a Hairy Cell Leukemia Patient.

We describe a 69-year-old male patient who was referred for the investigation of long-lasting fever, anemia and neutropenia. Hairy cell leukemia was diagnosed and treated successfully. However, fever persisted despite thorough investigation and use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Four months after the initial diagnosis, the patient underwent explorative laparotomy and splenectomy. Spleen biopsy revealed multiple necrotizing mycobacterial granulomata while the patient's fever disappeared permanently. Isolated splenic mycobacterial disease is very rare. This case report emphasizes that investigation of chronic fever in hairy cell leukemia requires a high level of clinical suspicion. Early diagnostic procedures for evidence of atypical mycobacterial infection should be considered. When everything else fails, surgery can be helpful in selected cases.