Calculation of esophagogastric junction vector volume using three-dimensional high-resolution manometry.

Lower esophageal sphincter vector volume (V-V) was developed in the late 1980s by Bombeck, as a quantification of sphincter integrity used to select reflux patients with a defective valve who may benefit from surgery. Its calculation required motorized pull-through of an 8-lumen water perfused manometry catheter with subsequent computerized reconstruction of sphincter morphology. Recently, a three-dimensional high-resolution manometry (3D-HRM) assembly (Given Imaging, Duluth, GA, USA) has been developed with the potential to assess real-time V-V. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of the calculation of V-V using the 3D-HRM assembly and to compare measures of its value using real-time 3D-HRM to simulated analogous measures. Eight asymptomatic controls (4F, ages 26-49) were studied in a supine position with a solid-state 3D-HRM assembly positioned across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). The 9-cm 3D segment comprised 12 rings of 8 radially dispersed pressure sensors, each 2.5 mm long and spaced 7.5 mm apart on center. Recordings were done during normal respiration: (i) with the 3D-HRM segment in a stationary position across the EGJ; and (ii) during a station pull-through of the 3D-HRM segment withdrawing it across the EGJ at 5-mm increments with each position held for 30 seconds. EGJ cross-sectional vector areas (CSVAs) were computed using the irregular polygon area formula: [Formula in text], and n = 8 radial sensors. V-V was computed as the sum of CSVAs at inspiration and end-expiration by three methods: real-time 3D-HRM, three-station composite, and single-sensor ring measurements. There were no statistic differences among the methods, and all methods showed significant differences between inspiration and expiration. Calculation of real-time V-V is feasible using the 3D-HRM. Moreover, the results of this study highlighted the potential primary role of the diaphragmatic hiatus in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease and the underrecognized but crucial role of the crural repair during the antireflux surgery.

Peralkaline volcanicity on the Eurasia Basin margin.

The Kap Washington Group of post-Palaeozoic explosive volcanic rocks was discovered in 1969 on the north coast of Greenland. Although there have been uncertainties regarding their age and chemical character, they have featured prominently in geotectonic reconstructions of the Arctic regions-in recent interpretations as products of the Yermak hot spot, generated on the Nansen spreading axis during the opening of the Eurasia Basin. We present here new evidence which confirms the volcanicity as end-Cretaceous in age and of peralkaline type. We show that a direct connection with the Yermak hot spot is improbable and infer that the volcanic rocks were generated in a continental extensional rift environment before the break-up of the Laurasian plate in the Arctic. Their age helps to constrain the timing of this poorly understood event.

NIS vs SAGES: a comparison of national and voluntary databases.

BACKGROUND: Surgical outcomes are increasingly examined in an effort to improve quality and reduce medical error. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) is a retrospective, claims-derived and population-based database and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Outcomes Project is a prospective, voluntary and specialty surgeon database. We hypothesized that these two sources of outcome data would differ in regard to a single, commonly performed procedure. METHODS: Both the NIS, a national sample of all nonfederal hospital discharges, and the gastroesophageal reflux disease log of the SAGES Outcomes Project were queried for all fundoplications performed between 1999 and 2001 using either ICD-9 procedure code 44.66 or CPT codes 43280 or 43324. Patients with an emergency admission, age <17 years, and/or diagnoses for either esophageal cancer or achalasia were excluded. Both demographic and outcome variables were compared by either t-test or chi-square analysis, with a p value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Both data sets were comparable for age and gender; however, the SAGES group had a higher rate of teaching hospital affiliation (71 vs 48%, p < 0.001). SAGES fundoplications had a consistently higher rate of comorbidities, including Barrett's esophagus (2.3 vs 1.1%, p = 0.005). The NIS fundoplications had a clear trend toward more associated procedures, including cholecystectomy (7.2 vs 2%, p < 0.001). Complication rates for the NIS data set were higher, including pulmonary complications (1.7 vs 0.5%, p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences existed between the two data sets for either length of stay or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The two databases indicate that fundoplication is an operation with low morbidity and mortality. The SAGES Outcomes Project demonstrated that participating surgeons had a higher affiliation with teaching hospitals, higher reporting of comorbidity, and lower associated procedures than the NIS. Despite having more comorbidity and technical difficulty, patients from the SAGES Outcomes Project had equivalent or lower complication rates.

Histologic results 1 year after bioprosthetic repair of paraesophageal hernia in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: The use of prosthetic materials for the repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia (PEH) may lead to esophageal stricture and perforation. High recurrence rates after primary repair have led surgeons to explore other options, including various bioprostheses. However, the long-term effects of these newer materials when placed at the esophageal hiatus are unknown. This study assessed the anatomic and histologic characteristics 1 year after PEH repair using a U-shaped configuration of commercially available small intestinal submucosa (SIS) mesh in a canine model. METHODS: Six dogs underwent laparoscopic PEH repair with SIS mesh 4 weeks after thoracoscopic creation of PEH. When the six dogs were sacrificed 12 months later, endoscopy and barium x-ray were performed, and biopsies of the esophagus and crura were obtained. RESULTS: The mean weight of the dogs 1 year after surgery was identical to their entry weight. No dog had gross dysphagia, evidence of esophageal stricture, or reherniation. At sacrifice, the biomaterial was not identifiable grossly. Biopsies of the hiatal region showed fibrosis as well as muscle fiber proliferation and regeneration. No dog had erosion of the mesh into the esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: This reproducible canine model of PEH formation and repair did not result in erosion of SIS mesh into the esophagus or in stricture formation. Native muscle ingrowth was noted 1 year after placement of the biomaterial. According to the findings, SIS may provide a scaffold for ingrowth of crural muscle and a durable repair of PEH over the long term.

Experience with laparoscopic gastric resection: results and outcomes for 37 cases.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to review the authors' technique, results, and outcomes for laparoscopic gastric wedge and segmental resections in patients with benign gastric diseases. METHODS: A retrospective clinical chart review was performed for all the patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric resection at the Washington University Medical Center from 1997 through March 2004. The surgical approach, operative results, complications, and subsequent clinical course were analyzed. Data are expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: Laparoscopic gastric resection was attempted in 37 cases involving 21 women and 16 men with a mean age of 61 +/- 13 years. The indications for surgery included suspected gastric stromal tumor (GIST) or carcinoid (n = 22), other benign gastric lesions (n = 6), benign gastric outlet obstruction (n = 4), and nonhealing peptic ulcer (n = 5). Segmental resection using gastroenteric anastomosis, with or without vagotomy, was performed in 14 patients, wedge resection in 22 patients, and laparoscopic enucleation in 1 patient. Resection was totally laparoscopic in 25 cases and laparoscopically assisted (with an accessory incision) in 12 cases. The mean operative time was 165 +/- 58 min, and the blood loss was 84 +/- 77 ml. Two patients (5.4%) underwent conversion to open resection. Intraoperative gastroscopy was performed in 16 cases (44%) as an aid to the resection. Regular diet was resumed at a mean of 3.0 +/- 1.7 days, and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.9 +/- 2.1 days. Four patients (10.8%) experienced major complications including subphrenic abscess (n = 1), pneumonia with respiratory failure (n = 1), splenic vein injury requiring splenectomy (n = 1), and gastric outlet obstruction (n = 1) that required reoperation 1 year later. Minor complications included intraabdominal fluid collection (n = 1), postoperative gastroparesis (n = 1), urinary retention (n = 1), and incisional hernia (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastric resections can be performed safely in patients with a variety of benign gastric disorders. The use of an accessory incision for reanastomosis and specimen extraction facilitates the procedure in difficult cases.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and choledochoscopy for the treatment of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.

A 33-year-old woman with symptomatic cholelithiasis underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative evaluation did not suggest the presence of choledocholithiasis, but intraoperative cholangiography showed a totally obstructing stone in the distal common bile duct. Laparoscopically directed, transperitoneal choledochoscopy was performed by passing a 9.4 F flexible ureteroscope through the cystic duct into the distal common bile duct. A single calculus was visualized and removed with a basket. The patient was discharged the next day, returned to full activity within 1 week, and has done well in the subsequent postoperative interval. The management of incidentally discovered common bile duct stones during performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is discussed.

Human duodenal myoelectric activity after operation and with pacing.

We sought to determine the influence of operation on the pattern of human duodenal myoelectric activity and to assess whether electrical pacing might correct any postoperative disturbances. Three pairs of temporary bipolar serosal electrodes were placed on the duodenums of ten patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Electrical recordings were obtained daily until the patients' discharge, at 3 to 7 days, after operation. On each postoperative day, a regular rhythmic pattern of pacesetter potentials (PPs) was detected in all patients. The PP frequency (mean +/- SEM) was greater at the proximal electrode than at the distal electrode on the first postoperative day (12.3 +/- 0.1 cpm vs 11.9 +/- 0.1 cpm, p less than 0.01) and on the day of feeding (12.0 +/- 0.2 cpm vs 11.6 +/- 0.2, p less than 0.01). Spontaneous periods when spike potentials accompanied each PP (phase III of the migrating myoelectric complex), were found in only one patient on the day after operation, while they were recorded in five patients after 3 to 7 days, when postoperative ileus had resolved (p less than 0.05). Pacing with electric pulses (50 msec, 5 to 15 mA, 11 to 13 cpm) did not alter the pattern of duodenal PPs or entrain them in the duodenum of any patient at any time after operation. In conclusion, the pattern of duodenal pacesetter potentials changed little during the period of postoperative ileus, while the incidence of phase IIIs of the migrating myoelectric complex was greatly decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Results of a change to routine fluorocholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Early in our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was performed selectively with static imaging techniques. We subsequently changed to routine digital fluorocholangiography (FIOC) and evaluated the results of this strategy. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 356 LCs, 11 patients (3%) were converted to open cholecystectomy. In the remaining 345 patients FIOC was attempted in 336 patients (97%) and was successfully completed in 328 patients (95%). Results of IOC and outcomes were compared prospectively in patients without indications for IOC (group I, n = 185) with those with criteria for selective IOC (group 2, n = 160) and retrospectively with patients without indications for IOC undergoing static IOC (group 3, n = 56). RESULTS: Time to perform FIOC was less than for static IOC (14 +/- 1 versus 24 +/- 1 minutes, p < 0.001). Aberrant ductal anatomy was appreciated by using FIOC in 11% but affected operative management in only 3% of patients. Choledocholithiasis was detected in 23 patients (7%) undergoing FIOC; only two of these patients with stones were in Group 1. Duct stones discovered by IOC were cleared laparoscopically in 89% of those attempted (73% of all patients). Neither morbidity nor duct injury caused by FIOC was noted. CONCLUSIONS: FIOC is much more rapid to perform than static IOC. Digital fluoroscopy is accurate and safe and permits rapid evaluation and management of bile duct stones. Selective use of FIOC efficiently assesses the common duct in the era of LC.

Interdigestive gastric motility patterns: the role of vagal and nonvagal extrinsic innervation.

Our study was designed to determine separately the roles of vagal and nonvagal extrinsic innervation in the initiation and coordination of patterns of gastric contractile activity and in the organization of the gastric slow wave. Four dogs first underwent transection of all extrinsic and intrinsic neural continuity to the stomach, except for careful preservation of vagal innervation to the stomach (stage 1). Manometry catheters and serosal electrodes were placed in the antrum, and electrodes were fixed to the small intestine. After recovery, motility was recorded during fasting and after feeding. A cyclic motor pattern occurred in the stomach with a period that was not different from that of the migrating motor complex in the small intestine (113 +/- 11 minutes vs 112 +/- 11 minutes; p greater than 0.05). Gastric and intestinal motility remained coordinated in time. Feeding inhibited this cyclic motor pattern in stomach and intestine. Antral tachygastria (slow wave frequency greater than 8 cycles/min) was infrequent (less than 1% of time). Each animal was restudied after completing extrinsic gastric denervation by a transthoracic vagotomy (stage 2). Vagotomy did not alter the presence, appearance, or period of cyclic gastric activity, nor did it disrupt temporal coordination with the duodenal migrating motor complex or increase the prevalence of tachygastria. In conclusion, neither vagal nor nonvagal extrinsic innervation to the stomach was required for initiation or coordination of the characteristic cyclic gastric motility pattern during fasting; although vagal innervation may modulate gastric myoelectric activity, its precise role is not evident in this study.

Ectopic jejunal pacemakers and enterogastric reflux after Roux gastrectomy: effect of intestinal pacing.

The aims of this study were to determine whether ectopic pacemakers are present in the Roux limb of dogs after vagotomy and Roux gastrectomy, whether these pacemakers lead to enterogastric reflux, and whether abolishing the pacemakers with electric pacing might correct such reflex, were it to occur. In five dogs that had undergone gastric vagotomy and Roux gastrectomy and five dogs that had undergone gastric vagotomy and Billroth I gastrectomy (controls), myoelectric activity of the Roux limb or duodenum was recorded during saline infusion (154 mmol/L NaCl) or nutrient (Meritene) infusion into the limb or the duodenum. Reflux of infusate into the stomach was determined via a gastric cannula. Tests in Roux dogs were done with and without limb pacing. Roux dogs showed ectopic pacemakers in the Roux limb that drove the pacesetter potentials of the limb in a reverse, or orad, direction during 76% of the recordings; Billroth dogs rarely had such pacemakers (p less than 0.001). Enterogastric reflux occurred in both groups of dogs but was greater during phase III of the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex in Roux dogs (12% +/- 6%) than in Billroth dogs (3% +/- 1%; p less than 0.05). Pacing abolished the ectopic pacemakers in the Roux dogs and reduced enterogastric reflux from 12% +/- 6% to 3% +/- 2% when phase III was present (p less than 0.05). In conclusion, the Roux limb was driven by ectopic pacemakers that contributed to, but were not solely responsible for, jejunogastric reflux. Pacing abolished the ectopic pacemakers and decreased reflux when phase III was present in the limb.

Experimental development of an endoscopic approach to neck exploration and parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical technology have the potential to lead to new applications outside body cavities. The purpose of the present study was to develop techniques for obtaining endoscopic exposure and access to the pretracheal space in the neck with the goal of performing neck exploration and parathyroidectomy and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of such an approach experimentally. METHODS: The technique for endoscopic neck exploration was developed in eight adult mongrel dogs and was further evaluated in a survival dog model and in human cadavers. The pretracheal space was accessed by a 2.5 cm midline incision in the lower neck. This space was expanded with a balloon dissector, and exposure was maintained with an external lift device. A 5 or 10/12 mm midline port and two to four lateral 5 mm cervical ports were placed, and dissection was carried out with pediatric endoscopic instruments and an ultrasonic coagulator. Excised parathyroid tissue was verified histologically. RESULTS: Two-gland parathyroidectomy was successfully completed in five of six dogs; inadequate exposure led to a failed procedure in one animal. Mean operative time was 130 +/- 6 minutes, and there were no operative complications. Serum calcium levels did not change significantly after operation (p = not significant). At autopsy, approximately 20 ml of clear sterile fluid was present in the pretracheal space of every dog. In five human cadavers mean dissection time for attempted four-gland parathyroidectomy was 69 +/- 38 minutes (range, 45 to 135 minutes). Four of four parathyroids were identified and removed in two patients, three of three parathyroids in one patient, three of four parathyroids in one patient, and two of four parathyroids in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy may be performed safely and reliably in an animal model with minimally invasive techniques that can be applied to parathyroid dissection in human cadavers. These results suggest that an endoscopic approach to neck exploration and parathyroidectomy is potentially feasible and may warrant further study in clinical trials.

Late functional adaptation after colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is currently an alternative to proctocolectomy and ileostomy for patients with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis. Some studies have suggested significant anal sphincter damage after mucosal proctectomy. Our aim was to assess prospectively late sphincter function after IPAA. In 250 patients, anorectal pressures were assessed with a pneumohydraulic perfused catheter manometry system. Each patient underwent colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, ileoanal anastomosis of a 15 cm ileal J-pouch, and loop ileostomy. Eight weeks after IPAA, anal manometry was repeated, and the ileostomy was closed. Manometry was repeated at yearly intervals. A decline in resting tone of the anal sphincter occurred early after IPAA with a gradual recovery toward control. External sphincter squeeze after pressures were not affected by IPAA and steadily increased to 8 years after operation. During this time, a progressive increase in J-pouch capacity was noted, and 24-hour stool frequency declined from 7.9 +/- 0.3 stools to 6.5 +/- 0.3 stools (p less than 0.05). We conclude that mucosal proctectomy results in internal anal sphincter trauma but is associated with long-term sphincter recovery, coupled with a significant improvement in external sphincter capacity, ileal pouch volume, and stool frequency.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The new 'gold standard'?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly been adopted by surgeons, but concerns remain about its safety, the management of common bile duct stones, and the means of appropriate training. Of 647 patients referred for cholecystectomy, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed in 49 (7.6%), with 27 patients (4%) undergoing sphincterotomy and stone extraction. Traditional cholecystectomy was performed in 29 patients (4.5%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 618 patients and completed successfully in 600 (97.1%). Surgical trainees functioned as the primary surgeon in 70% of cases. Technical complications occurred in three patients (0.5%), including one patient with a common bile duct laceration (0.2%). Major complications occurred in 10 patients (1.6%), with no perioperative mortality. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 1 day, with return to work or full activity a mean of 8 days after surgery. Two cases of retained common bile duct stones (0.3%) were identified. We now regard laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the "gold standard" therapy for management of symptomatic cholelithiasis.

Successful surgical treatment of idiopathic colonic dysmotility. The role of preoperative evaluation of coloanal motor function.

Identification of patients with severe idiopathic colonic dysmotility who would benefit from surgery can be difficult. Colonic transit studies and anorectal manometry were applied to 12 women with severe constipation before subtotal colectomy. Delayed transit was noted in all patients with most exhibiting left-sided colonic arrest. Mean anal resting pressure and rectal capacity were similar to that in healthy controls. Pathologic examination results revealed decreased argyrophilic neurons in the colonic myenteric plexus. At 24 months postoperatively, all patients were satisfied with their results and mean (+/- SEM) weekly bowel movement frequency was 17 +/- 3 (compared with 0.8 +/- 0.2 preoperatively). Preoperative coloanal function studies therefore aid in the selection of patients who will be successfully treated by surgery. Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the preferred operation because dysmotility can originate from either side of the colon.

Staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasonography: optimizing resectability in hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Open laparotomy has traditionally been required to stage hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) cancers accurately. For unresectable patients, costs and morbidity have been high. Today, laparoscopy alone or combined with laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) is being examined for its value in defining the extent of malignancy. STUDY DESIGN: We have analyzed the effect of routine implementation of this new staging technique in our HBP center. Staging laparoscopy (SL) with LUS was performed in 50 consecutive patients with HBP malignancies. All patients were considered to have resectable tumors as determined by traditional preoperative staging modalities. Primary tumors were located in the liver (n = 7), biliary tract (n = 11), or pancreas (n = 32). An average of 2.7 preoperative studies per patient were performed prior to SL-LUS. RESULTS: Staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasonography predicted resectable tumors in 28 patients (56%). At laparotomy, 26 of 28 were actually resectable: the false-negative rate was 4%. Staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasonography indicated unresectability in 22 patients (44%). Staging laparoscopy alone demonstrated previously unrecognized occult metastases in 11 patients (22%). In 11 other patients (22%) in whom SL alone was negative, LUS established unresectability from vascular invasion (n = 5), lymph node metastases (n = 5), or intraparenchymal hepatic tumor (n = 1). All cases of unresectability due to vascular invasion were validated by laparotomy. Five of six lymph node or hepatic metastases were proved histologically by LUS-guided needle biopsy rather than laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Unnecessary laparotomy can be safely avoided by SL-LUS in many patients with HPB malignancies, reducing costs and morbidity.

The evolution and maturation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an academic practice.

BACKGROUND: The technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has evolved since its adoption in the late 1980s. We sought to document these changes and assess whether patient outcomes were influenced during this maturational process. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective data base was used to record the outcomes of all LCs performed in an academic surgeon's practice. Trends over time among 1,165 consecutive patients were assessed by comparing the first 100 LCs (group I), the middle 100 LCs (group II), and the most recent 100 LCs (group III). RESULTS: During a 93-month period with 1,165 patients undergoing LC, 25 procedures (2.1%) were converted to open cholecystectomy. Perioperative complications occurred in 31 patients (3%): grade I in 9 (0.8%), grade II in 16 (1.4%), grade III in 5 (0.4%), and grade IV (death) in 1 (0.1%). Length of hospital stay and convalescence were 1.1 +/- 0.1 and 9.5 +/- 0.5 days, respectively. Nineteen patients (2%) were readmitted early after operation and 10 (1%) developed long-term complications (port-site hernia or retained stone). In group III, cholangiography was largely replaced by intraoperative ultrasonography for ductal evaluation. Operating room time decreased, while the rates of conversion, morbidity, and readmission remained the same. Patients had higher ASA classifications in the latter two groups, whereas operative charges were greater in Group III than in Groups I and II. These trends occurred even though most procedures are currently performed by residents, and fewer LCs are being done. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has matured into a more efficient operation, yet remains safe with low morbidity when performed by residents at an academic institution.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy compared to open adrenalectomy for benign adrenal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has recently been used for removing a variety of adrenal neoplasms. The purpose of the present study was to compare results and outcomes in patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open adrenalectomy at our institution from 1988 to the present. STUDY DESIGN: The records of 66 consecutive patients with benign adrenal neoplasms who underwent adrenalectomy from 1988 through 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups based on the operative approach: group I (n = 25), open anterior transabdominal approach; group II (n = 17), open posterior retroperitoneal approach; and group III (n = 24), laparoscopic transabdominal flank approach. Various parameters were compared and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The three groups were similar in age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and distribution of unilateral compared with bilateral adrenalectomy. Mean tumor size was slightly larger in group I (3.4 +/- 1.4 cm) than in group II (2.4 +/- 1.4 cm) or group III (2.7 +/- 1.4 cm) (p = NS). Mean operative times for unilateral adrenalectomy were 142 +/- 38 minutes in group I, 136 +/- 34 minutes in group II, and 183 +/- 35 minutes in group III (p < 0.001, groups I and II compared with group III). For bilateral adrenalectomy, mean operative times were 205 +/- 71 minutes (group I), 328 +/- 11 minutes (group II), and 422 +/- 77 minutes (group III). Patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy had significantly less operative blood loss (mean, 104 mL compared to 408 mL in group I and 366 mL in group II, p < 0.001) and a lower incidence of perioperative blood transfusion. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was also associated with significantly reduced parenteral pain medication requirements (p < or = 0.001) and more rapid resumption of a regular diet (p < or = 0.01) compared to open adrenalectomy. Postoperative length of stay was significantly longer in group I (8.7 +/- 4.5 days) and in group II (6.2 +/- 3.9 days) after open adrenalectomy than after laparoscopic adrenalectomy (3.2 +/- 0.9 days) (p < 0.01). Total hospital charges were similar for groups II and III but somewhat higher for group I. Patients were able to resume 100 percent activity an average of 10.6 +/- 4.9 days after laparoscopic adrenalectomy and returned to work a mean of 16.0 +/- 6.1 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective procedure and has several advantages over open adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy should become the preferred operative approach for the treatment of patients with small, benign adrenal neoplasms.

Parahiatal hernia with volvulus and incarceration: laparoscopic repair of a rare defect.

A rare case of parahiatal hernia with gastric volvulus and incarceration is reported. An anatomically distinct diaphragmatic defect was present adjacent to a structurally normal esophageal hiatus. Laparoscopic repair was performed with excellent results.

The utility of intracorporeal ultrasonography for screening of the bile duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Different strategies and imaging modalities have been used to detect common bile duct (CBD) stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We prospectively compared fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography (FIOC) and laparoscopic intracorporcal ultrasonography (LICU) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystcctomy for this purpose. In a consecutive series of 607 laparoscopic cholecystectomics, FIOC was used in the first 407 patients, whereas LICU was preferentially applied to the subsequent 200 patients. When LICU documented CBD stones, the duct was flushed with saline solution after intravenous administration of glucagon, and stone persistence or absence was confirmed by FIOC and/or repeat LICU. In the FIOC group, 10 patients were converted to open cholecystectomy and 16 patients did not undergo FIOC. Among the remaining 381 patients, FIOC was successful in 370 (97%). In the LICU group, two patients were converted and LICU was not performed in 26 patients. In the remaining 172 patients, the cystic duct (CBD) junction and the CBD were visualized in all cases (P <0.05 vs. FIOC). The mean (+/- SEM) times required to complete FIOC and LICU were 15. 1 +/- 0.4 minutes and 5.3 +/- 0.2 minutes, respectively (P <0.0001). Choledocholithiasis was detected in 25 patients (7%) undergoing FIOC and in 22 patients (13%) undergoing LICU (P <0.05). In the LICU group, the mean sizes of the stones cleared by ampullary dilatation and flushing (17 of 22, 77%) and those requiring more invasive methods (5 of 22, 23%) were 1.6 +/- 0.2 mm and 2.7 +/- 0.3 mm, respectively (P <0.01). Sludge seen in the CBD by LICU in 10 patients (6%), which disappeared with flushing in all cases. LICU is accurate, safe, and permits more rapid evaluation of bile duct stones than FIOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. LICU may be overly sensitive in detecting small stones and sludge, which are of questionable significance. Stones 2 mm or less can usually be cleared by flushing, whereas larger ones often require invasive techniques for removal.

Production and systemic absorption of toxic byproducts of tissue combustion during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Among the potential hazards of laparoscopic surgery using electrocautery is the release of chemical by-products of incomplete tissue combustion into the pneumoperitoneum with subsequent transperitoneal absorption into the bloodstream and/or release into the operating room. The purpose of this study of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was twofold: (1) to assess the relationship between intraperitoneal concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) and blood levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and methemoglobin (MetHb), and (2) to assess the surgeon's inhalation of CO resulting from ambient smoke exposure. During LC with monopolar electrocautery, 21 patients were evaluated intraoperatively for intraperitoneal [CO] by sampling gas from a trocar, whereas arterial [COHb) and [MetHb] were determined perioperatively. The surgeon's venous blood was drawn pre- and postoperatively to assay [COHb] and [MetHb]. Patients completed visual analogue questionnaires 6 hours and 24 hours postoperatively to assess for adverse symptoms. Mean (+/- SEM) patient age and weight were 45 +/- 3 years and 84 +/- 4 kg, respectively. Mean duration of the operation was 69 +/- 5 minutes, and electrocautery was used for 3.0 +/- 0.3 minutes. Intraperitoneal [CO] rose to peak levels of 209 +/- 19 ppm at 50 minutes, whereas systemic [COHb] and [MetHb] were unchanged. The surgeon's systemic [COHb] and [MetHb] did not increase postoperatively. Nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue scores decreased significantly between 6 and 24 hours postoperatively; however, there were no correlations between these symptoms and peak intraperitoneal [CO]. Although LC using electrocautery increases intraperitoneal [CO] to "hazardous" levels, systemic [COHb] and [MetHb] are not elevated by generation of intraperitoneal smoke. The surgeon's exposure to CO by the evacuation of smoke through laparoscopic ports is negligible. Production of smoke during LC using monopolar electrocautery, therefore, does not appear to pose a threat to either the patient or the surgeon.