Medical and surgical management of obesity and diabetes: what's new?

We conducted a narrative review of the medical and surgical management of people with obesity and diabetes. Results of this review showed that a 5-10% loss in body weight can be achieved with a change in lifestyle, diet and behaviour and with approved pharmacological therapies in people with obesity and diabetes. New targeted therapies are now available for patients with previously untreatable genetic causes of obesity. Compared to medical treatment, metabolic and bariatric surgery is associated with significantly higher rates of remission from type 2 diabetes and lower rates of incident macrovascular and microvascular complications and mortality. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the American Diabetes Association endorse metabolic and bariatric surgery in obese adults with type 2 diabetes and there may also be a role for this in obese individuals with type 1 diabetes. The paediatric committee of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery have recommended metabolic and bariatric surgery in obese adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Earlier and more aggressive treatment with metabolic and bariatric surgery in obese or overweight people with diabetes can improve morbidity and mortality.

Infiltration of wounds and extraperitoneal space with local anesthetic in patients undergoing laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of unilateral inguinal hernias: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The potential analgesic benefit of infiltration of the wounds and extraperitoneal space with local anesthetic in patients undergoing laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernias remains unclear. METHODS: Consenting adults scheduled to undergo laparoscopic TEP repair of unilateral inguinal hernias were recruited to this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of 0.25% bupivacaine (Group I) versus saline (Group II) infiltration of abdominal wounds and the extraperitoneal space. Pain scores were assessed at 4 and 24 hours postoperatively using the short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the Present Pain Index (PPI) score and the visual analogue scale (VAS). The intravenous and oral analgesic requirements were recorded. Each patient completed questionnaire to assess their satisfaction with the postoperative analgesia. RESULTS: 40 patients were randomized (Group I, n = 20; Group II, n = 20). The two groups were comparable for age, gender, body mass index, and operating time. Minor complications occurred in one patient in each group. There were no significant differences in the postoperative SF-MPQ scores, PPI and VAS at 4 hours (p = 0.413, p = 0.631, p = 0.615 respectively) and 24 hours (p = 0.116, p = 0.310, p = 0.100 respectively) post-operatively. The parenteral and oral analgesics consumed post-surgery were comparable (p = 0.605, p = 0.235). No difference was ob-served in the patient satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS: Infiltration of abdominal wounds and extraperitoneal space with bupivacaine in patients undergoing laparoscopic TEP repair of unilateral inguinal hernias does not appear to offer analgesic benefits.Key words: Laparoscopic; extraperitoneal; inguinal hernia; repair; pain; bupivacaine; analgesia; satisfaction; day case; randomized.

Laparoscopic liver resection: preliminary results from a UK centre.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Advancements in surgical technique and technology have facilitated safe laparoscopic liver resection in selected patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection. METHODS: Patients with lesions situated in the anterior and left lateral segments were selected for laparoscopic resection. Data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2007, 24 patients (12 males) with a median (range) age of 65 (30-83) years underwent 24 laparoscopic hepatic resections for presumed colorectal metastases (n=20) and other indications (n=4). The resections included left hepatic lobectomy (n=14), other resections of two or three segments with or without metastasectomy (n=5), left hemihepatectomy (n=2) and unisegmentectomy (n=3). All procedures were completed laparoscopically. Median operating time was 155 min. Estimated median (range) blood loss was 100 (25-1100) ml and one patient received two units blood transfusion. The operative morbidity rate was 4%, and there were no operative deaths. The median (range) postoperative hospital stay was 3 (1-14) days. At median (range) follow-up of 13.5 (5-36) months, 4 patients (21%) had disease recurrence and 17 patients (89%) remained alive. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with lesions in the anterior and left lateral segments, laparoscopic liver resection is feasible, achieves adequate cancer resection and is associated with smooth and rapid recovery. Long-term follow-up data are required for oncological results.

Laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: a systematic review of published series.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs) are the current minimally invasive management options. This article reviews the evidence available on their effectiveness. METHODS: A computerized search was made of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for English language publications from 1974 to 2005. RESULTS: A total of 118 and 569 patients featured, respectively, in 19 and 25 reports underwent 118 and 583 laparoscopic and endoscopic drainage procedures, respectively. Pancreatic pseudocysts were considerably larger in the laparoscopic series (mean, 13 vs. 7 cm; p < 0.0001). The success rates for achieving resolution of the PPs in the laparoscopic and endoscopic series were 98.3% and 80.8% respectively, with morbidity rates of 4.2% and 12% and mortality rates of 0% and 0.4%, respectively. During follow-up period (mean, 13 vs 24 months; p < 0.0001), PPs recurred for 2.5% of the patients in the laparoscopic series and 14.4% of the patients in the endoscopic series, and the reintervention rates were 0.9% and 11.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to internal drainage of PPs are safe. Although laparoscopic drainage appears to carry a higher success rate and lower rates of morbidity and recurrence, the heterogeneity of the published reports and the varied follow-up periods limit direct comparisons. Data from longer follow-up periods and randomized comparative trials are needed.

Fixity of ports to the abdominal wall during laparoscopic surgery: a randomized comparison of cutting versus blunt trocars.

BACKGROUND: Dislodgement of ports from the abdominal wall is a common problem during laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate port stability using either cutting or blunt-tipped trocars. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were randomized to have the secondary ports inserted using either cutting or blunt-tipped trocars. The fixity of ports to the abdominal wall was evaluated at the start and completion of surgery by measuring the total traction force required to displace the ports. Similarly, the friction forces required to displace instruments within the ports were measured. RESULTS: Thirty patients were randomized into two groups (15 patients in each group), and a total of 114 ports (cutting, n = 51; blunt, n = 63) were evaluated. The groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, and operating time. The total traction forces needed to displace the 5-mm and 10-mm ports were significantly lower when cutting trocars were used at both the beginning (2.6 vs. 11.8 N, p < 0.001, and 6.3 vs. 15.5 N, p = 0.014, respectively) and completion of surgery (1.3 vs. 6.7 N, p < 0.001, and 1.1 vs. 12.0 N, p = 0.001, respectively). The declines in the total traction forces from the start to the completion of surgery were significant for the 5-mm and 10-mm cutting-trocar ports (p = 0.031 and p = 0.043, respectively) but not for the blunt-trocar ports (p = 0.088 and p = 0.152, respectively). While no significant differences between the instruments' friction forces and the traction forces of the cutting-trocar ports were observed, the former were significantly lower than the traction force needed to displace the blunt-trocar ports. This explains the significantly greater frequency of spontaneous port dislodgements when cutting ports were employed (25.5% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001). Port-site bleeding was encountered only in patients (n = 2, 13%) where cutting trocars were used. CONCLUSIONS: Port fixity to the abdominal wall during laparoscopic surgery declines with time. The insertion of ports using a blunt-tipped trocar is associated with significantly greater stability and fixity of the port to the abdominal wall. The use of blunt-tipped trocars is recommended for routine practice in laparoscopic surgery.

Therapeutic, prophylactic, and preresection applications of laparoscopic gastric and biliary bypass for patients with periampullary malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic bypass surgery for the palliation of gastric and biliary obstruction is associated with a rapid recovery. This study aimed to extend its application to other aspects in the management of patients with periampullary cancer. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2004, 21 patients (median age, 68 years) underwent laparoscopic gastric (n = 8), biliary (n = 5), and combined gastric and biliary (n = 8) bypass. In addition to its therapeutic role (n = 12), indications included a concomitant prophylactic gastric (n = 3) and biliary (n = 2) bypass as well as pre- 1 Whipple's relief of deep jaundice at the time of staging laparoscopy (n = 3). Construction of the biliary bypass to the gallbladder (n = 11) or bile duct (n = 2) was based on preoperative imaging. RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The median operating times for gastric, biliary, and combined bypass were 75, 60, and 130 min, respectively. The addition of a prophylactic bypass did not significantly prolong the operating time, as compared with a single therapeutic bypass. One patient died postoperatively of aspiration pneumonia. The postoperative hospital stay (median, 4 days) was not significantly influenced by the type of bypass. No recurrence of or new obstructive symptoms developed during the follow-up period after a therapeutic or prophylactic bypass. CONCLUSIONS: Applications of laparoscopic gastric and biliary bypass can safely be expanded to include a prophylactic role and preresection relief of obstructive jaundice. Prophylactic bypass surgery does not prolong operating time or hospital stay significantly and prevents future onset of obstructive symptoms.

Early increase in intestinal permeability in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: correlation with endotoxemia, organ failure, and mortality.

Sepsis accounts for 80% of deaths from acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to investigate early changes in intestinal permeability in patients with acute pancreatitis, and to correlate these changes with subsequent disease severity and endotoxemia. The renal excretion of enterally administered polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and PEG 400 was measured within 72 hours of onset of acute pancreatitis to determine intestinal permeability. Severity was assessed on the basis of APACHE II scores and C-reactive protein measurements. Serum endotoxin and antiendotoxin antibodies were measured on admission. Eight-five patients with acute pancreatitis (mild in 56, severe in 29) and 25 healthy control subjects were studied. Urinary excretion of PEG 3350 (median) was significantly greater in patients who had severe attacks (0.61%) compared to those with mild disease (0.09%) and health control subjects (0.12%) (P <0. 0001), as was the permeability index (PEG 3350/400 excretion) (P <0. 00001). The permeability index was significantly greater in patients who subsequently developed multiple organ system failure and/or died compared with other severe cases (0.16 vs. 0.04) (P = 0.0005). The excretion of PEG 3350 correlated strongly with endotoxemia (r = 0.8; P = 0.002). Early increased intestinal permeability may play an important role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis. Therapies that aim to restore intestinal barrier function may improve outcome.

Laparoscopic hand-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy: initial UK experience.

BACKGROUND: By and large, the limited world experience with laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been unfavorable, but the laparoscopic hand-assisted approach to PD has recently shown promising results. We report the first successful UK experience with laparoscopic hand-assisted PD (LHAPD). METHODS: A 62-year-old man who presented with painless obstructive jaundice was found at endoscopy, to have an ampullary tumor. Preoperative biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis of an adenocarcinoma, and CT showed no evidence of either vascular involvement or metastatic disease. A staging laparoscopy showed no intraabdominal metastases, and an LHAPD was performed using a Gelport. RESULTS: The intraoperative course was uneventful. Two units of blood were transfused intraoperatively, but no postoperative blood transfusion was required. The operative time was 11 h (plus a 30-min break). The patients postoperative recovery was uneventful except for superficial pressure sores over the buttocks and elbows. The patient resumed oral fluid and dietary intake on the 1st and 3rd postoperative days, respectively, and was discharged from hospital on the 9th postoperative day. Histology demonstrated an ampullary adenocarcinoma with clear resection margins and involvement of two of the 13 lymph nodes examined. At 2-month follow-up, the patient remains well and is receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: LHAPD achieves good oncological clearance and can be performed safely in selected patients. The early promising results with this approach will undoubtedly encourage wider adoption of this procedure and are likely to widen the selection criteria.

Laparoscopic pancreas-preserving distal duodenectomy for duodenal stricture related to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

BACKGROUND: Chronic ingestion of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has rarely been associated with the development of intestinal diaphragm-like strictures. We have explored the role of laparoscopic surgery for the management of NSAID-related long distal duodenal strictures. METHOD: A 49-year-old woman had been on NSAID therapy (ibuprofen) for backache more than 2 years. She showed symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction and gastrointestinal blood loss, and investigations showed a long stricture in the third and fourth parts of the duodenum. She underwent a laparoscopic pancreas-preserving distal duodenectomy with duodenojejunal anastomosis. RESULT: Relaparoscopy on postoperative day 1 for bleeding showed no active source of bleeding. The patient's subsequent recovery was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 4. Further symptomatic strictures developed 2 months later at the previously ulcerated pylorus and distal duodenal bulb and were managed by a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3, but represented 2 months later with symptomatic stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy which was managed by a laparoscopic revision gastrojejunostomy. Discharged on the postoperative day 2, she had regained weight and remained symptom free at follow-up assessment 3 months later. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pancreas-preserving distal duodenectomy for the management of benign duodenal strictures is feasible and safe. Moreover, we have demonstrated the beneficial role of relaparoscopy for the management of postoperative complications and for revision surgical procedures.

Laparoscopic transgastric pancreatic necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Secondary infection of pancreatic necrosis is an indication for surgical debridement, and has traditionally been treated by laparotomy, and more recently by laparoscopic transmesocolic or transgastrocolic and retroperitoneoscopic approaches. This report describes and evaluates the safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic transgastric approach to extensive necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis. METHOD: A 66-year-old man developed severe acute pancreatitis with more than 50% necrosis of the body and some necrosis of the tail of the gland. Clinical deterioration with respiratory and renal impairment at 2 weeks prompted a computed tomogram (CT) guided fine-needle aspiration of the necrosis, which proved to be infected with Gram-negative bacilli. A favorable response to supportive therapy and systemic antibiotics enabled a cautious deferment of surgery to week 6 of the illness while the necrosis and its inflammatory wall matured. A laparoscopic transgastric pancreatic necrosectomy with drainage of an associated abscess was performed. RESULT: Intraoperative blood loss was minimal, and Operative time was 270 min. The debrided pancreas (30 g) was infected with anaerobes. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 14. At this writing, he remains well after 2 months of follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transgastric pancreatic necrosectomy appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive approach for the debridement and internal drainage of infected pancreatic necrosis in the selected patient. Further experience with this technique is needed to define the selection criteria and its limitations, advantages, and disadvantages.

Staged and complete laparoscopic management of cholelithiasis in a patient with gallstone ileus and bile duct calculi.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction, and its incidence peaks in elderly women. Although enterolithotomy has been accomplished laparoscopically, often using a laparoscopically assisted approach, controversy persists as to the indication, timing, and surgical approach to a cholecystectomy with closure of the cholecystoduodenal fistula. METHODS: We present the case of a 63-year-old woman with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis who presented with acute gallstone ileus and underwent an emergency laparoscopic enterolithotomy. Hypotonic duodenography during the follow-up period demonstrated a cholecystoduodenal fistula and previously unsuspected stones in the bile duct. The patient underwent an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with repair of the fistula, a concomitant bile duct exploration, choledocholithotomy, and primary bile duct closure. RESULTS: The patient enjoyed an uneventful recovery, and was discharged home on postoperative day 5 after her initial emergency surgery. Her recovery after the subsequent elective surgery was more expeditious, with a discharge from hospital on postoperative day 2 and a return to office employment 2 weeks later. CONCLUSION: In the good-risk patient, staged laparoscopic management of gallstone ileus and the associated cholecystoduodenal fistula is feasible and appears to be safe. In such patients, imaging of the biliary tree is essential to detect silent choledocholithiasis, which also may be managed concomitantly and safely by the laparoscopic approach.

Concomitant laparoscopic gastric and biliary bypass and bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnotomy: the full package of minimally invasive palliation for pancreatic cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer is unresectable in 80% or more of patients. Biliary and duodenal obstruction and intractable abdominal and back pain are the most common complications of the disease. These complications may be palliated effectively using minimally invasive techniques. Their combined application in a single setting is presented and discussed in this article. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man with a locally advanced carcinoma of the head of the pancreas presented with obstructive jaundice and intractable pain requiring opiate analgesia. An attempt at endoscopic biliary stenting was unsuccessful, and a percutaneous biopsy was deemed unsafe. Preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiography showed cystic duct insertion abutting the upper limit of the biliary stricture. A laparoscopic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, prophylactic loop gastroenterostomy, and tumor biopsy were combined with a bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnotomy. RESULT: Surgery and subsequent recovery were uneventful, and the patient was discharged from hospital on the fourth postoperative day off opiates. He remained free of jaundice and severe pain, until 6 months later, when he represented with jaundice, cachexia, and proximal small bowel obstruction secondary to multiple liver and peritoneal metastases. He underwent further palliative laparoscopic enteric bypass with resolution of the intestinal obstruction, but died of the disease 10 days later. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastric and biliary bypass and bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnotomy may be safely combined to provide an effective comprehensive minimally invasive palliation of incurable pancreatic cancer.

Laparoscopic removal of a large gastric bezoar in a mentally retarded patient with pica.

Whereas small gastric bezoars may be removed endoscopically, large bezoars traditionally are removed at laparotomy. We describe a 33-year-old mentally retarded woman with pica syndrome who had experienced episodes of upper abdominal pain and distension of 10 months duration. Gastroscopy showed a large bezoar in the stomach, and attempted endoscopic removal was unsuccessful. The patient underwent laparoscopic extraction of the bezoar, which proved to be an ingested glove. She made an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on postoperative day 1. She had no wound complications, and her symptoms had not recurred at a 3-month follow up assessment. The operative technique is described, and the merits of the laparoscopic approach are discussed.

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: preoperative prediction of duration of surgery.

BACKGROUND: Efficient use of operating time has become a key concern. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative factors that can predict extended duration of operating time (>90 min) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Data collected prospectively on 827 consecutive patients who underwent elective LC between 1990 and 1997 were analyzed. Factors evaluated included age, gender; body mass index; comorbidity; duration of symptoms; history of jaundice, pancreatitis, or abdominal surgery; dilated common bile duct or thick-walled gallbladder on ultrasound; preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES); and surgeon experience. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting a long operation. RESULTS: Operating time was longer than 90 min in 276 patients (33%). Predictors of extended operation time were age older than 55 years (odds ratio [OR] = 9.7), preoperative ES (OR = 2.8), and a thick-walled gallbladder on ultrasound (OR = 2.5). CONCLUSION: These predictors may be useful in planning theater lists and anesthesia management, and in selecting patients for day surgery.

Laparoscopic reduction of an ileoileal intussusception and resection of an inverted Meckel's diverticulum in an adult.

Intussusception occurs commonly in children, but rarely is observed in adults. Whereas the hydrostatic pressure of a contrast enema often proves diagnostic as well as therapeutic in infants and children, resection usually is required for an underlying bowel pathology in older children and adults. Conventionally, the resection is accomplished at laparotomy. We report the case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with diarrhea and vomiting of 1 week duration. She was found unexpectedly to have intussusception on abdominal ultrasonography. The intussusception was laparoscopically reduced, and a segment of the middle small bowel that harbored an inverted Meckel's diverticulum was resected laparoscopically, after which an intracorporeal anastomosis was fashioned. The ileus resolved on postoperative day 4, and the patient was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 5. The role of the laparoscopic approach in the management of intussusception is discussed.

Early laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicular mass.

BACKGROUND: The surgical management of acute appendicitis presenting with appendicular mass remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of early laparoscopy and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in the management of appendicular mass. METHODS: During a 1-year period, 62 patients underwent LA for suspected appendicitis (n = 50), generalized peritonitis (n = 2), and an appendicular mass (n = 10). Another patient who presented with an appendicular mass was found at laparoscopy to have an ileo-ileal intussusception. RESULTS: All appendectomies were attempted and completed laparoscopically. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients; there were no deaths. None of the patients treated for an appendicular mass developed complications. There was no difference between the patients who underwent LA during the index admission for an appendicular mass and those who had surgery for non-mass-forming appendices with regard to the operative time (median [interquartile range]: 45 [36-60] vs 40 [25-50] min, p = 0.085) and postoperative hospital stay (median [interquartile range]: 2 [1-2] vs [1-2] days, p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: Early LA during the index admission of patients with an appendicular mass is feasible and safe, obviates the need for a second hospital admission, and avoids misdiagnoses.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: are patients with biliary pancreatitis at increased operative risk?

BACKGROUND: Previous reports of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with biliary pancreatitis suggested increased operative difficulty, high rates of conversion, and greater morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Between 1990 and 1997, LC was performed for biliary pancreatitis in 63 patients (Group I) and for other causes in 829 patients (Group II). RESULTS: Patients with biliary pancreatitis were significantly older (median age 57 vs 50 years, p = 0.009), with greater co-morbidity (ASA III/IV 24% vs 11%, p = 0.008). The groups were comparable with respect to the frequency of previous abdominal operations, acute inflammation of the gallbladder, and the frequency of bile duct calculi detected by intraoperative cholangiography. Moderate to severe adhesions involving the gallbladder were significantly more frequent in patients with biliary pancreatitis (46% vs 29%, p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to intraoperative (1.5% Group I vs 6.0% Group II, p = 0.109) or postoperative complications (10% vs 8%, p = 0.426), conversion rate (0 vs 2.7%, p = 0.181), or duration of operation (median 92 vs 85 min, p = 0.33). CONCLUSION: Despite increased age and co-morbidity and more frequent adhesions, our data showed no evidence that intraoperative or postoperative complications were more frequent in patients with biliary pancreatitis than in other patients undergoing LC.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is generally regarded as a risk factor for laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to increases in operative time, morbidity, and conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: A total of 864 consecutive patients underwent LC at our institution between 1990 and 1997. This series represents a continuing policy of LC for all comers. Data were collected prospectively. There were 659 nonobese (NO: BMI 40 kg/m2). Laparoscopic bile duct exploration was performed in 28 (4.2%), nine (4.8%), and one (5.9%) patients, respectively. RESULTS: Obesity and morbid obesity were associated with trends toward an increased conversion rate (2.3% NO; 4.3% OB; 5.9% MO), a longer operative time (median, 80, 85, and 107 mins, respectively), greater postoperative morbidity (4.7%, 5.9%, and 11.8%, respectively), and a reduced ability to obtain cholangiography (86.1%, 80.1%, and 71.4%, respectively). None of these differences, however, were statistically significant (c2 test, p > 0.05). Postoperative hospital stay for LC was similar for all three groups (median, 1 day). CONCLUSION: LC in morbidly obese patients is a safe procedure, but it may be associated with increased operative difficulty and morbidity, as compared with nonobese and obese patients.

Laparoscopic exclusion gastroenterostomy for palliation of gastric outlet obstruction secondary to recurrent cholangiocarcinoma.

The Devine exclusion gastroenterostomy is recommended as a palliative procedure for unresectable gastric carcinoma, and avoids the problem of delayed gastric emptying. It is conventionally performed by a laparotomy. We report the successful laparoscopic application of this technique in a patient with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to recurrence of a previously resected hilar cholangiocarcinoma. A 38-year-old gentleman who had undergone a left hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy, excision of extrahepatic biliary tree, D2 regional lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y right hepaticojejunostomy presented 6 months later with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. Computed tomography revealed a tumor mass in the region of the gastric antrum. Attempted endoscopic treatment with a metal stent was unsuccessful. He underwent a laparoscopic exclusion gastroenterostomy. The operative time was 200 minutes. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. There was no delay in gastric emptying and no recurrence of gastric outlet obstruction until the time of death 41 days later. Laparoscopic exclusion gastrojejunostomy is a feasible option for the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction caused by recurrent cholangiocarcinoma.

Pancreatic duct patency after pancreaticogastrostomy: long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To clarify whether the pancreatic duct remains patent during long-term follow-up of patients after pancreaticogastrostomy. In a previous study of pancreaticogastrostomy with post-operative follow up for 3 years after surgery, we found that the orifice of the pancreatic duct was difficult to detect in some patients because of swelling of the gastric mucosa. Previous studies have not examined pancreatic duct patency during long-term follow-up. METHODOLOGY: Between July 1985 and August 1989, 20 patients underwent a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstruction by pancreaticogastrostomy. Five of these patients were followed up post-operatively for more than 9 years to determine the patency of the pancreatic duct. All pancreatic anastomoses were performed by the telescopic method. RESULTS: All 5 patients were female, with a mean age of 65.4 years (range: 54-75). Median post-operative follow-up was 10.8 years (range: 9-12). The indications for surgery were carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater in 4 patients and chronic pancreatitis in 1 patient. Pancreatic duct patency was confirmed in 4 patients by gastroscopy and pancreatography. However, the anastomotic orifice could not be detected in the remaining patient because of complete coverage by the gastric mucosa. In this patient, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function deteriorated with dilation of the distal pancreatic duct. The patient underwent a second operation involving dissociation of the pancreatico-gastric anastomosis and resection of about 1 cm of the fibrous, proximal portion of the pancreas. Reconstruction was performed with a Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy and a mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although pancreaticogastrostomy has been applied as a safe and straightforward method for reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy, anastomotic stenosis is a potential late complication of this approach.