Effect of Chitosan-assisted Combination of Laparoscope and Hysteroscope on the Levels of IFN-γ and ICAM-1 in Treatment of Infertility Caused by Obstruction of Fallopian Tubes.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of combined treatment of tubal obstruction infertility with deacetylated chitosan and two microscopes on the levels of IFN-γ and ICAM-1. In this study, 100 infertile patients with fallopian tube obstruction who were treated in Jiangbei District Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine from January to August 2019 were divided into two groups according to the alternating grouping method, group A (50 cases) received combined surgery, and Group B (50 cases) received combined surgery and chitosan. The curative effect and postoperative pelvic adhesion of the two groups were analyzed, and the levels of IFN-γ, ICAM-1 and IL6(IL-6), laminin (LN), Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-ß1) and fibronectin (FN) were observed before and after treatment. Results showed that the total effective rate of Group B was higher than that of Group A (92. 00% vs 76. 00%). The incidence of pelvic adhesion was lower in Group A (4. 00% vs 16. 00%) (P < 0.05). The levels of IFN-γ, ICAM-1, IL-6, LN, FN and TGF-ß1 in Group B were significantly lower than those in group A (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the treatment of tubal obstruction infertility with combined deacetylated chitosan and biendoscopy is effective, which can reduce the levels of IFN-γ and ICAM-1, improve the expression of adhesion-related factors and reduce the occurrence of pelvic adhesion.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on laparoscope postoperative shivering in patients undergoing general anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on laparoscope postoperative shivering in patients undergoing general anesthesia and explore its effect mechanism. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with elective laparoscopic resection of intestinal tumor under general anesthesia were randomly divided into an EA group and a tramadol group, 40 cases in each group. Thirty min prior to the end of the operation, in the EA group, EA was exerted at Neimadian and Zusanli (ST 36), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity, and lasting 30 min. In the tramadol group, tramadol hydrochloride injection was dropped intravenously, 1 mg/kg. The conditions of shivering, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and agitation were observed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were observed before treatment (T0), at the moment of extubation (T1), in 3 min of extubation (T2) and 1 h after operation (T3). Using ELISA, at T0 and T3, the expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in plasma were detected separately. Choking and agitation were recorded during extubation. RESULTS: ① In the EA group, the incidence of shivering, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and agitation in the PACU was lower than that in the tramadol group (P<0.05). ②Compared with T0, HR, SBP and DBP were increased at T1 and T2 in the tramadol group (P<0.05). HR, SBP and DBP in the EA group were lower than the tramadol group at T1 and T2 (P<0.05). ③Compared with T0, the expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT in plasma were increased at T3 in the tramadol group (P<0.05). The expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT in the EA group were lower than the tramadol group at T3 (P<0.05). ④The incidence of choking and agitation during exudation in the EA group was lower than that in the tramadol group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can reduce the incidence of laparoscopic postoperative shivering under general anesthesia. The potential mechanism mays related to the modulation of the expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT caused by surgical trauma.

Effect of electroacupuncture on laparoscope postoperative shivering in patients undergoing general anesthesia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on laparoscope postoperative shivering in patients undergoing general anesthesia and explore its effect mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients with elective laparoscopic resection of intestinal tumor under general anesthesia were randomly divided into an EA group and a tramadol group, 40 cases in each group. Thirty min prior to the end of the operation, in the EA group, EA was exerted at Neimadian and Zusanli (ST 36), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity, and lasting 30 min. In the tramadol group, tramadol hydrochloride injection was dropped intravenously, 1 mg/kg. The conditions of shivering, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and agitation were observed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were observed before treatment (T0), at the moment of extubation (T1), in 3 min of extubation (T2) and 1 h after operation (T3). Using ELISA, at T0 and T3, the expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in plasma were detected separately. Choking and agitation were recorded during extubation.@*RESULTS@#① In the EA group, the incidence of shivering, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and agitation in the PACU was lower than that in the tramadol group (P<0.05). ②Compared with T0, HR, SBP and DBP were increased at T1 and T2 in the tramadol group (P<0.05). HR, SBP and DBP in the EA group were lower than the tramadol group at T1 and T2 (P<0.05). ③Compared with T0, the expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT in plasma were increased at T3 in the tramadol group (P<0.05). The expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT in the EA group were lower than the tramadol group at T3 (P<0.05). ④The incidence of choking and agitation during exudation in the EA group was lower than that in the tramadol group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture can reduce the incidence of laparoscopic postoperative shivering under general anesthesia. The potential mechanism mays related to the modulation of the expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT caused by surgical trauma.

[Feasibility and application value of autonomic nerve-preserving D3 radical resection for right-sided colon cancer under laparoscope].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and application value of the preservation of vegetative nervous functions in radical resection for right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: Clinical data of 55 cases with right-sided colon cancer undergoing laparoscopic D3+ complete mesocolic excision (CME) radical resection from January 2016 to July 2017 at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. Exclusion criteria included emergency surgery for various reasons, intestinal obstruction or perforation, distant metastasis or locally advanced cancer, previous history of abdominal surgery and preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Twenty-nine cases underwent lymphadenectomy with intrathecal dissection of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and part of superior mesenteric plexus was resected (nerve partial resection group, NPR group). Twenty-six cases received lymphadenectomy with the clearance of lymphatic adipose tissue on the right side of SMA by sharp or obtuse method outside the sheath; the sheath of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) was entered at the junction of SMA and SMV; the SMV was naked in the sheath; the third station lymph node dissection was completed with preservation of superior mesenteric plexus (nerve preserved group, NP group). Intra-operative and postoperative complications were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The baseline data were not significantly different between two groups (all P>0.05). The operation time in NP group was significantly shorter than that in NPR group [(164.0±19.8) minutes vs. (176.0±19.7) minutes, t=2.249, P=0.029]. No significant differences in operative blood loss, operative vessel damage, postoperative time to flatus, postoperative hospital stay and abdominal pain were observed between two groups(all P>0.05). The number of harvested lymph node in two groups was 28.5±7.8 and 27.6±6.5 respectively without significant difference(P>0.05). As compared to NPR group, NP group had lower incidence of chylous leakage[3.8%(1/26) vs. 37.9%(11/29), χ²=9.337, P=0.002] and postoperative diarrhea [15.4%(4/26) vs. 41.4%(12/29), χ²=4.491, P=0.034]. CONCLUSION: Autonomic nerve-preserving D3+ CME radical resection for right-sided colon cancer is safe and feasible, and can prevent the postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by nerve injury and decrease the risk of chylous leakage.

A Novel Modification of Transurethral Enucleation and Resection of the Prostate in Patients With Prostate Glands Larger than 80 mL: Surgical Procedures and Clinical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the modified transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate (M-TUERP) vs the conventional bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) for the treatment of prostates larger than 80 mL. METHODS: From April 2012 to May 2014, 86 patients with a prostate volume of >80 mL were divided into 2 groups to undergo M-TUERP and B-TURP. In the M-TUERP group, we proposed combining the 12-mm trocar suprapubic cystostomy and using the techniques of "umbrella-shaped resection," "point resection," and "segmental enucleation" to modify the transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate procedure. The perioperative clinical data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics between the 2 groups. Both groups were similar with the operative time. The M-TUERP group was significantly superior to the B-TURP group in terms of the weight of the resected tissue, the mean intraoperative bladder pressure, hemoglobin decrease, bladder irrigation duration, and urethral catheterization time. No transurethral resection syndrome and incontinence occurred in either group. Compared with the B-TURP group, none of the patients in the M-TUERP group suffered blood transfusion, clot retention, recatheterization, dysuria and reoperation. At the 3-year follow-up, patients who underwent M-TUERP had better international prostate symptom scores, maximum urinary flow rates, and quality of life scores. CONCLUSION: Our modification of the transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate procedure is a safe and effective method for the surgical treatment of large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia. It can simplify the surgical procedures, reduce complications, lower difficulties and shorten the learning curve. At 3-year follow-up, the M-TUERP shows a superior and durable clinical outcome than the B-TURP.

Feasibility and application value of autonomic nerve-preserving D3 radical resection for right-sided colon cancer under laparoscope / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the feasibility and application value of the preservation of vegetative nervous functions in radical resection for right-sided colon cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 55 cases with right-sided colon cancer undergoing laparoscopic D3+ complete mesocolic excision (CME) radical resection from January 2016 to July 2017 at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. Exclusion criteria included emergency surgery for various reasons, intestinal obstruction or perforation, distant metastasis or locally advanced cancer, previous history of abdominal surgery and preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Twenty-nine cases underwent lymphadenectomy with intrathecal dissection of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and part of superior mesenteric plexus was resected (nerve partial resection group, NPR group). Twenty-six cases received lymphadenectomy with the clearance of lymphatic adipose tissue on the right side of SMA by sharp or obtuse method outside the sheath; the sheath of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) was entered at the junction of SMA and SMV; the SMV was naked in the sheath; the third station lymph node dissection was completed with preservation of superior mesenteric plexus (nerve preserved group, NP group). Intra-operative and postoperative complications were compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The baseline data were not significantly different between two groups (all P>0.05). The operation time in NP group was significantly shorter than that in NPR group [(164.0±19.8) minutes vs. (176.0±19.7) minutes, t=2.249, P=0.029]. No significant differences in operative blood loss, operative vessel damage, postoperative time to flatus, postoperative hospital stay and abdominal pain were observed between two groups(all P>0.05). The number of harvested lymph node in two groups was 28.5±7.8 and 27.6±6.5 respectively without significant difference(P>0.05). As compared to NPR group, NP group had lower incidence of chylous leakage[3.8%(1/26) vs. 37.9%(11/29), χ²=9.337, P=0.002] and postoperative diarrhea [15.4%(4/26) vs. 41.4%(12/29), χ²=4.491, P=0.034].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Autonomic nerve-preserving D3+ CME radical resection for right-sided colon cancer is safe and feasible, and can prevent the postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by nerve injury and decrease the risk of chylous leakage.</p>

A prospective, randomized, controlled, trial comparing occult-scar incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy and classic three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by comparing a new technique using occult-scar incision for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OSLC) with classic three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). In the occult-scar incision, we moved the subcostal and subxiphoid trocar insertion sites to the suprapubic area so that operative scars were hidden in the pubic hairs and below umbilicus. METHODS: Between July 2009 and 2012, patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to the OSLC or CLC approach after obtaining informed consent. Outcome was measured by operative time, operative complications, hospital length of stay, cost, analgesia required after surgery, and cosmetic outcomes. The patient satisfaction score (PSS) and visual analog score (VAS) also were used to evaluated the level of cosmetic result and postoperative pain. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were randomized into CLC (n = 35) and OSLC (n = 40) groups. No patient was converted to an open procedure in either the CLC or OSLC group. No operative complications were reported within 30 days in either group. The PSS of 7 and 30 days after surgery were both significantly higher in the OSLC group than in the CLC group (5.8 ± 1.5 vs. 8.0 ± 1.1, P = 0.03; 6.5 ± 1.2 vs. 9.2 ± 0.8, P = 0.02). The VAS for pain was significantly lower in the OSLC group on postoperative day 3 compared with the CLC group (2.6 ± 1.2 vs. 6.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in operative time, hospital stay, and cost between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The OSLC is a safe and feasible alternative compared with CLC in experienced hands, and it is superior for outcomes regarding pain control and cosmesis.

A haptic simulator to increase laparoscopic force application sensitivity.

Laparoscopic surgery demands perceptual-motor skills that are fundamentally different from open surgery, and laparoscopists must be adept at perceiving tissue interaction at the surgical site and then applying precise amounts of forces through instruments without damaging tissues. A haptic simulator that emulates multiple salient laparoscopic tasks and renders differing degrees of forces was created. Two of the haptic skills tasks were evaluated in two studies to determine their ability to distinguish and then train laparoscopic force application sensitivity. Results suggested that the simulator has the capability of rendering salient force feedback information to which novices become increasingly more perceptually sensitive.

Dynamic measuring of physical properties for developing a sophisticated preoperative surgical simulator: how much reaction force should a surgical simulator represent to the surgeon?

The acquisition of physical quantities for a living body in surgery is an important and necessary step toward developing a sophisticated preoperative surgical simulator and its validation and navigation. We have developed a multimodal measuring device that minimizes interference with the movements of the surgeon. We conducted nephrectomy surgery using a laboratory animal and successfully acquired physical quantities. From this experiment, we have acquired the following preliminary result. The surgeon feels a gripping force from -3.5 to 4.4N at the handle of the forceps for dissection. We assume that this data is not far from that of a human.

Virtually transparent epidermal imagery for laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery.

This paper presents a novel design, and prototype implementation, of a virtually transparent epidermal imagery (VTEI) system for laparo-endoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery. The system uses a network of multiple, micro wireless cameras and multiview mosaicing technique to obtain a panoramic view of the surgery area. This view provides visual feedback to surgeons with large viewing angles and areas of interest so that the surgeons can improve the safety of surgical procedures by being better aware of where the surgical instruments are relative to tissue and organs. The prototype VTEI system also projects the generated panoramic view on the abdomen area to create a transparent display effect that mimics equivalent, but higher risk, open-cavity surgeries.

Does bupivacaine in laparoscopic ports reduce postsurgery pain in tubal ligation by electrocoagulation? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Tubal ligation (TL) is the most popular method of permanent contraception. In order to reduce postoperative pain, different analgesic techniques have been proposed. The objective of this study was to compare the level of postoperative pain in patients submitted to TL with electrocoagulation, under general anesthesia, using bupivacaine infiltration vs. placebo in trocar ports. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic TL were randomized by sequenced coded envelopes to receive bupivacaine 0.5% (n=29) or placebo (n=24). Pain was blindly assessed at 15 min, 30 min, 120 min and 14 h postoperatively, by verbal analogue scale (VAS). Standard pain medications (morphine, dipyrone and sodium diclofenac) were prescribed for the subjects and compared between groups. RESULTS: No difference in pain assessment was found between bupivacaine and placebo groups at all times [median (25-75 quartiles)] (all p>.05): 15 min: 3 (1-6.3) vs. 4 (0-7); 30 min: 1.5 (0-4.3) vs. 2 (0-5); 2 h: 0 (0-0.5) vs. 0 (0-1); 14 h: 1 (0-4) vs. 0 (0-4); and for use of analgesics: dipyrone (g): 1 (0-1) vs. 1 (0-1); morphine (mg): 3 (0-3) vs. 3 (0-3.5); sodium diclofenac (mg): 0 (0-50) vs. 0 (0-50). CONCLUSION: The use of local injection of bupivacaine 0.5% in the trocar ports was not superior to placebo to reduce pain after laparoscopic TL with electrocoagulation under general anesthesia.

Camera trocar lifting in office gasless laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia.

We evaluated 35 cases of a mechanical approach to abdominal wall lifting, used in office-based gasless laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia. Lifting of the abdominal wall, using the camera trocar as an anchoring device and complemented by suprapubic lifting by means of a towel clamp, led to passive intra-abdominal air filling, giving sufficient space to identify, anesthetize, coagulate and cut the Fallopian tubes. Only mild sedation was necessary. All women walked to and from the operating room. All had successful tubal ligation. The overall satisfaction rate was 97%. The mechanical lifting moment was not painful. With the exception of one woman with failed tubal anesthesia, all women had a low mean pain score of 2.6 (VAS 0-10). No complications occurred except one wound infection. The costs were < or = 1/4 of those of traditional laparoscopic sterilization and office hysteroscopic sterilization. This approach is effective for office-based laparoscopic sterilization. Room air, two strings and a needle replace active gas insufflation and narcosis.

Development and testing of a tethered, independent camera for NOTES and single-site laparoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: "Tunnel vision" associated with endoscopes used in NOTES and laparoscopes used in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) procedures present the surgeon with a disorienting view of familiar surroundings. Given the in-line arrangement of the devices, it is difficult to achieve adequate triangulation, a critical component of successful surgical technique. A potentially more useful vantage point would be from above, looking down at the surgical field, i.e., "stadium view." The purpose of this study was to develop stadium-view camera prototypes for evaluation. METHODS: Cylindrical (15 mm diameter, 30 mm length) imagers were built using white light LEDs for illumination and a near-VGA resolution CMOS camera. These prototypes were delivered to the abdominal cavity through an overtube (Steerable Flex Trocar (SFT)); the electronic tether for power and video signal was pulled through the abdominal wall using a 2-mm rigid grasper. The prototypes were attracted to the abdominal wall magnetically. Clinicians performed the procedures in IACUC/Home Office-approved porcine labs. RESULTS: Introduction of the device into the peritoneal cavity and magnetic coupling to the abdominal wall were straightforward. Illumination was adequate to provide reasonable imagery of nearby abdominal organs. Bowel was successfully sutured laparoscopically under visualization provided by the prototype. All points on the abdominal wall could be reached via the magnetic control, and the camera could be successfully aimed through abdominal palpation. Retrieval was uncomplicated. CONCLUSIONS: The prototypes provide the clinician a point of view similar to that of a traditional laparoscope, although the image quality needs improvement. The stadium view helps to overcome limitations associated with in-line visualization and working tools. Use of such a camera in NOTES or LESS could enable reduction of the number/size of ancillary trocars, reduce the size of the LESS port, and/or increase the number of working devices that can be deployed.

Transcylindrical cholecystectomy under local anesthesia plus sedation. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The practice of laparoscopic cholecystectomy under local anesthesia is almost anecdotal. For 15 years we have been using a "transcylindrical cholecystectomy" technique for the treatment of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, and choledocholithiasis. The present study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of transcylindrical cholecystectomy under local anesthesia through a prospective and longitudinal efficacy study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Transcylindrical cholecystectomy is performed gas-free through a single cylinder 3.8 cm in diameter and 10.0 cm in length. In 60 patients suffering from cholelithiasis (mean age 52.6 years, range 31-83 years; men/women 13/47; body mass index 29.6 kg/m(2), range 24-44 kg/m(2)), transcylindrical cholecystectomy was planned and started under local anesthesia. Patients were reviewed 5 days after surgery; pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and procedure satisfaction was assessed following completion of a patient questionnaire. RESULTS: Surgery was satisfactorily completed through the cylinder in all patients. In 13 patients (21.7 %) local anesthesia was converted to general anesthesia due to technical difficulties in 11 patients (two related to patient body volume), respiratory depression in one patient, and poor patient tolerance in one patient. Postoperative complications were: wound infection (n = 1, 1.7 %), wound seromas (n = 2, 3.3 %), and nausea (n = 3, 5 %). After surgery, only three patients experienced pain at rest with VAS values of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.9, respectively. All but two patients were discharged from hospital on the day of surgery, and all patients were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Transcylindrical cholecystectomy under local anesthesia is a feasible technique that builds on the benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and confers an economic advantage and improved safety for patients.

Design and implementation of series elastic actuators for a haptic laparoscopic device.

The design of a laparoscopic haptic device based on a 4-DOFs mechanism and Series Elastic Actuators (SEA) is described and the results of the theoretical and experimental examinations are presented. With a sufficient bandwidth and low impedance, the system provided a stable interaction with soft tissues, e.g., human liver, in virtual environments.

Optimizing electrode implantation in sacral nerve stimulation--an anatomical cadaver study controlled by a laparoscopic camera.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sacral nerve stimulation is the therapy of choice in patients with neurogenic faecal and urine incontinence, constipation and some pelvic pain syndromes. The aim of this study is to determine the best insertion angles of the electrode under laparoscopic visualization of the sacral nerves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five fresh cadaver pelvises were dissected through an anterior approach of the presacral space, exposing the ventral sacral roots. Needles and electrodes were inserted into the S3 foramen. Both right and left sides were used, with the traditional percutaneous procedure. The validation was done by a laparoscopic camera controlling the position of the needle and electrode on the nerve. The angles were assessed with a goniometer and were confirmed in two living patients. RESULTS: The mean angle of insertion in the sagittal plane was 62.9+/-3 degrees (range, 59-70). In the axial plane, the mean angle for the left side was 91.7+/-13.5 degrees (range, 80-110) and 83.2+/-7.7 degrees for the right side (range, 75-95). These angles resulted in the optimal placement of the leads along the S3 sacral root, in all these cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study allows direct visualization during the placement of the needle and electrode, thus permitting accurate calculations of the best angle of approach during the surgical procedure in sacral nerve stimulation. These objective findings attempt to standardize this technique, which is often performed with the aid of intra-operative fluoroscopy but still leaving a lot to chance. These insertion angles should help to find more consistent and reproducible results and thus improved outcome in patients.

Diaphragm pacing stimulation system for tetraplegia in individuals injured during childhood or adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Children with cervical spinal cord injury and chronic respiratory insufficiency face the risks and stigma associated with mechanical ventilators. The Diaphragm Pacing Stimulation (DPS) System for electrical activation of the diaphragm is a minimally invasive alternative to mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Review of patients in a prospective Food and Drug Administration trial of the DPS System in individuals who were injured at age 18 years or younger. The procedure involved laparoscopic mapping to locate the diaphragm motor points with electrode implantation. Two weeks after surgery, stimulus/output characteristics of each electrode were determined to obtain an adequate tidal volume for ventilation. A home-based weaning protocol from the ventilator was used. RESULTS: Of 28 patients implanted with the DPS System, 10 had sustained cervical SCI as children or adolescents. Average age at injury was 13 years (range 1.5 to 17 y). Age at implantation ranged from 18 to 34 years. Length of time from injury to implantation averaged 9.7 years (0.8 to 19 y). All patients tolerated the implantation procedure. Four patients utilize DPS continuously (24/7), 4 patients pace daytime only, and 2 patients are still actively conditioning their diaphragms. Two patients required surgical correction of scoliosis prior to implantation. All patients prefer breathing with the DPS and would recommend it to others; 4 patients specifically identified that attending college or church without a ventilator eases their integration into society. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the laparoscopic DPS system can be safely implanted in tetraplegics injured as children and used in a home-based environment to wean them off of mechanical ventilation.

"Awake" laparoscopy for the evaluation of equivocal penetrating abdominal wounds.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic laparoscopy is useful for the assessment of equivocal penetrating abdominal wounds, and has become the modality of choice for the evaluation of such wounds at our institution. We hypothesised that, in appropriate patients, diagnostic "awake" laparoscopy (AL) could be performed under local anaesthesia in the emergency department (ED), allowing for expedited discharge and potential cost savings. METHODS: Selected haemodynamically stable patients with penetrating abdominal injury underwent AL. Suitability for AL was at the discretion of the attending surgeon. Identification of peritoneal penetration by AL led to exploratory laparotomy in the operating room. Patients with no evidence of peritoneal penetration were discharged from the ED (ALneg). These patients were matched to a cohort of 24 patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy in the OR which was negative for peritoneal penetration (DLneg). Length of stay and hospital charges were compared. RESULTS: Over a 30-month period, 15 patients underwent AL without complication. No peritoneal penetration was found in 11 patients. The remaining four patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, of which two were positive for intra-abdominal injury. Mean time to discharge was 7h in the ALneg group versus 18 h in the DLneg group (p=0.0003). Cost savings on hospital charges averaged 2227 US dollars per patient in the ALneg group compared with the DLneg group. CONCLUSIONS: AL may be safely performed in the ED, allowing for expedited patient discharge. Cost savings are achieved by the avoidance of charges inherent to diagnostic laparoscopy performed in the operating room.