Hand movements in laparoscopic suturing: a simple vector analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic suturing is a complex task that is vital to the performance of many advanced laparoscopic procedures. Mastery can be difficult and problematic for surgical trainees. METHODS: We present a description of hand movements in laparoscopic suturing. Complex maneuvers are simplified into linear motions using vectors. The analysis is intended to be a tool for training in the art of laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Linear hand movements in the x and y axes produce opposite motions at the instrument tip. Position along the z axis influences the extent of hand movement relative to the instrument tip. Rotational movements of the hand produce an equal rotation of the instrument tip. Revolution is a complex motion that combines movements in x and y axes. Vector analysis reveals that the arc of revolution must be reversed to produce the desired needle motion. CONCLUSIONS: A conceptual understanding of hand-movement vectors facilitates the efficient mastery of the complex skills required for laparoscopic suturing.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for the treatment of gastric varices secondary to sinistral portal hypertension.

Portal hypertension presents significant challenges to the laparoscopic surgeon. Here we review the case of a successful laparoscopic splenectomy in a patient with sinistral portal hypertension. The value of preoperative splenic artery embolization is highlighted.

Hemangioma of the spleen: presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Splenic hemangioma is a rare disorder but remains the most common benign neoplasm of the spleen. It often has a latent clinical picture; however, spontaneous rupture has been reported to occur in as many as 25% of this patient population.1 Treatment most often consists of splenectomy. This report reviews an 8-year experience with splenic hemangioma at Mayo Clinic. Thirty-two patients were identified with SH during the 8-year study period. The average age was 63 years (range 23 to 94 years) with 17 women and 15 men. Six patients presented with symptoms potentially related to the SH. The remainder (80%) were asymptomatic, and the SH was discovered incidentally during evaluation for other disorders. A mass or palpable spleen was appreciated in only four patients (12.5%). SHs ranged in size from 0.3 to 7 cm maximum diameter. A diagnosis of SH was made in 11 patients based on the findings of a splenic mass on computed tomography or ultrasound. Each of these SHs was < or =4 cm. Three of the 11 patients had multiple SHs. All 11 patients were managed successfully with observation. All but one of the patients remains asymptomatic, and no complications have developed during follow-up (range 0.6 to 7 years, mean 2.9 years). The diagnosis of splenic hemangioma was made at the time of surgery in the remaining 21 patients (65%). Splenectomy was performed for suspicion of primary or secondary splenic pathology. There were no instances of spontaneous rupture of the SH. Small splenic lesions, which meet the radiologic criteria for hemangiomas, may be safely observed.

Laparoscopic resection of an insulinoma.

Surgical excision of an insulinoma results in dramatic reversal of hypoglycemic symptoms. Laparoscopic resection, if feasible, could reduce postoperative discomfort. Successful laparoscopic resection of an insulinoma is described. Preoperative studies failed to visualize the tumor; however, it was visualized and then imaged successfully during surgery. The operative approach described allows access to the entire pancreas and, therefore, may be useful for islet cell tumors at most sites in the gland. Based on this case and others in the literature, further efforts at laparoscopic pancreatic surgery are warranted.

Long-term results of laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of laparoscopic splenectomy as a treatment for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP at our institution between August 1992 and May 1997. RESULTS: Of 27 patients who underwent attempted laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP at our institution during the study period, 26 had completion of the procedure without conversion to an open splenectomy. The median postoperative hospital stay was 1.5 days, and no postoperative deaths occurred. In one patient, pancreatitis developed postoperatively. In four patients, splenectomy failed--two initially and two subsequently--and reinstitution of medical therapy was necessary. The other patients have remained free of medication, and 19 patients have platelet counts greater than 100 x 10(9)/L. The 3-year actuarial success rate was 81.5%. Response to corticosteroid therapy preoperatively may be an indicator of success of splenectomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and allows prompt recovery. Long-term response rates are similar to those achieved with open splenectomy.

Laparoscopic splenectomy: reduction of hospital charges.

Laparoscopic splenectomy has become our procedure of choice for the surgical management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Hospital charges for this procedure were analyzed for 24 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy. Total charges have decreased over time and average a $233 decrease per patient treated. The decreased charges are related to decreased operating room charges. Furthermore, charges are shown to be related to the length of postoperative stay. Choice of instrumentation has kept intraoperative charges for disposables stable.

Laparoscopic management of small bowel obstruction: indications and outcome.

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of a laparoscopic, minimal access approach for the management of patients with small bowel obstruction. Forty patients underwent laparoscopic treatment of radiologically documented or suspected small bowel obstruction based on history and/or motility study. None had chronic abdominal or pelvic pain. The operation was completed laparoscopically in 14 patients (35%) and with laparoscopic-assisted procedures in 12 (30%); 14 (35%) required conversion to open celiotomy because of dense adhesions (precluding complete inspection or adhesiolysis), small bowel necrosis in the setting of small bowel obstruction, or neoplasia. Three iatrogenic enterotomies occurred while "running" the bowel. There were three (7%) postoperative procedure-related complications (wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess, ileus). The combined group of patients treated laparoscopically or with laparoscopic-assisted procedures had a shorter hospital stay than those converted to open celiotomy (4 +/- 0.6 vs. 7 +/- 0.7 days; P <0.003). At median follow-up of 12 months, 21 of 26 patients managed laparoscopically or with laparoscopic-assisted procedures remain asymptomatic; all 21 patients with an operatively confirmed site of mechanical obstruction managed by a minimal access approach remain asymptomatic. Laparoscopic treatment of small bowel obstruction is effective, leads to a shorter hospital stay, and has good long-term results. A minimal access approach to treatment of small bowel obstruction should be considered in selected patients.

Corticotropin-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: a clinicopathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and pathologic characteristics of patients with corticotropin (ACTH)-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients with bilateral adrenocortical nodules associated with ACTH-independent hypercortisolism without clinicopathologic features of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease with atrophic internodular adrenal cortex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Compare and contrast our findings with those previously reported; assess response to adrenalectomy. RESULTS: Nine patients met the criteria for corticotropin-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. All patients had biochemical evidence of Cushing syndrome, although repetitive testing was frequently required. As a result, the diagnosis was delayed from 1 to 20 years. In all patients, both the low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests failed to suppress cortisol secretion. No patient had elevated ACTH levels, and following curative bilateral adrenalectomy, no patient subsequently developed Nelson syndrome, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 8.5 years. Unique histologic features were identified in all cases. CONCLUSION: Amalgamating this series with other clinical reports plus basic research information, corticotropin-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia must be considered a separate and legitimate cause of Cushing syndrome.

Factors that predict malignant thyroid lesions when fine-needle aspiration is "suspicious for follicular neoplasm".

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical factors that may improve the ability to predict the presence of a malignant lesion in thyroid nodules that are found to be "suspicious for follicular neoplasm" by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients at the three Mayo Clinic facilities who underwent a thyroid surgical procedure between January 1992 and December 1994 and had a preoperative FNA report of "suspicious for follicular neoplasm." Patient and nodule characteristics were analyzed statistically for associations with the presence of cancer. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 219 patients with a mean age of 54.3 years. Eighty-four percent of resections were done for benign disease. Of the 35 malignant lesions, 9 were incidental papillary cancers separate from the primary nodule; thus, only 26 cancers were found in the index nodule, and only 19 (9% of the total group) were follicular carcinomas. Clinical findings associated with a malignant index nodule were larger diameter, fixation of the mass, and younger age of the patient. CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics may be used for more accurate assessment of the risk of the presence of a malignant lesion when FNA cytology of a thyroid nodule is reported as "suspicious for follicular neoplasm."

Laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate laparoscopic splenectomy as a treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). DESIGN: Retrospective review of 18 patients followed up from 1 to 30 months. SETTING: Referral center using community hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive series of patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic splenectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Surgical and hematologic results. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. There was no perioperative mortality. Pancreatitis developed in 1 patient (6%); 17 (94%) of 18 patients responded to splenectomy. The mean platelet count increased from 29 x 10(9) to 461 x 10(9)/L after laparoscopic splenectomy and stabilized at 327 x 10(9)/L (mean follow-up period, 15 months). Mean (+/- SEM) operative blood loss was 214 +/- 52 mL, necessitating no transfusions. Mean hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-7 days). Most patients tolerated a liquid diet the day of the operation and a solid diet the next day. Parenteral narcotic usage averaged 12.3 morphine equivalent units, and 6 patients (33%) required no parenteral analgesia. An accessory spleen was identified in 1 patient (6%). Mean (+/- SEM) operative time was 130 +/- 8 minutes and was significantly less in the second half of our experience (117 vs 144 minutes, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and effective for the management of ITP and allows rapid recovery. With increasing experience, operative times decrease. Laparoscopic splenectomy should be the treatment of choice for patients with ITP who require splenectomy.

Laparoscopic versus open posterior adrenalectomy: a case-control study of 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: Few controlled studies have compared laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy (LA) to conventional open posterior adrenalectomy (PA). METHODS: Five patients have undergone successful LA at our institution between 1992 and 1996. A matched case-control study of 50 PA patients was performed during a similar time period. RESULTS: Follow-up was complete in 82% of patients with a mean follow-up time of 25 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the LA and PA groups with regard to the following demographic features: age, gender, endocrine disorder, side and size of tumor, and body habitus. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), however, were present (LA vs PA) when we compared the following results: mean hospital stay (3.1 versus 5.7 days), narcotic equivalents (28 versus 48), return to normal activity (3.8 versus 7 weeks), patient satisfaction (9 versus 7 [scale 1 to 10, 10 being most satisfied]), late morbidity (0 versus 54%), and operating room time (167 versus 127 minutes). Median hospital charges ($7,000 versus $6,000) were slightly higher in the LA group (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although LA is technically more demanding and slightly more expensive to perform, advances appear to exist for LA with regard to patient comfort, patient satisfaction, hospital stay, and return to normal daily activities. Late incisional complications are dramatically less in the LA group.

Laparoscopic management of paraesophageal hernia: early results.

The objective was to review our early results with laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias to determine the safety, technical feasibility, and short-term outcome of the operation. Twelve patients with a mean age of 75 +/- 1 years underwent laparoscopic repair of a paraesophageal hernia. Principles of open repair, including sac excision, primary crural repair, and pexy, were accomplished laparoscopically in 83%, 83%, and 100% of patients, respectively. In two patients the diaphragmatic defect was closed with mesh. Fundoplication was also performed in seven patients with symptoms of reflux disease. No laparoscopic procedure was converted to an open repair; however, one patient required a postoperative celiotomy to control hemorrhage. Short-term evaluation of all patients postoperatively detected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in five patients (42%), four of whom did not undergo fundoplication. Two major complications were esophageal perforation and bleeding. Minor complications included atrial fibrillation in two patients, meat impaction in one patient, and a small asymptomatic recurrence in a single patient. Overall patient satisfaction was high. Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernias was safe and technically feasible and warrants further investigation. The incidence of postoperative esophageal reflux, however, is high if an antireflux procedure is not performed. Extensive preoperative evaluation for reflux should objectively identify patients requiring fundoplication and decrease the incidence of postoperative GERD.

General surgical laparoscopic procedures for the "nonlaparologist".

OBJECTIVE: To assess our initial experience with a variety of laparoscopic procedures that can be performed by general surgeons with the basic skills used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and without advanced laparoscopic expertise. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a 36-month experience (1991 through 1994) at our institution with a consecutive series of patients who underwent basic laparoscopic surgical procedures but specifically excluding cholecystectomy, appendectomy, herniorrhaphy, and colectomy. RESULTS: Procedures performed laparoscopically included gastrostomy, jejunostomy, small bowel resection, intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal biopsy, staging of intra-abdominal malignant lesions, and adhesiolysis for relief of small bowel obstruction. During the 3-year study period, 106 patients underwent 107 procedures, 89 of which were successful. Four patients had substantial complications, two of whom underwent surgical repair. CONCLUSION: A spectrum of procedures may be safely performed with the skills learned from laparoscopic cholecystectomy and without the need for advanced laparoscopic skills such as intracorporeal suturing or tying of knots.

Laparoscopic splenectomy offers advantages in selected patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

BACKGROUND: Splenectomy plays a crucial role in the management of selected patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Laparoscopic splenectomy has been suggested as an alternative to open techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was made for all patients undergoing splenectomy for ITP at our institution from June 1987 to August 1994. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent splenectomy for ITP. Fourteen open procedures (group 1) and 7 laparoscopic procedures (group 2) were performed. Eleven of 14 patients in group 1 and all 7 patients in group 2 had appropriate increases in platelet count following surgery. There were 3 complications in group 1 and no major complications in group 2. Operative time was longer in group 2 (154 versus 68 minutes, P < 0.05), but decreased with experience (210 to 135 minutes). Compared with patients in group 1, patients in group 2 tolerated liquids sooner (0.7 versus 2.6 days, P < 0.05), required less parenteral narcotic (14 versus 65 morphine equivalents, P < 0.05), and were discharged sooner (2.1 versus 5 days, P < 0.05). All patients in group 2 remain well and require no medication after a mean follow-up of 11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and effective in the management of select patients with ITP and offers advantages over open techniques.

Management of cecal perforation secondary to Ogilvie's syndrome by laparoscopic tube cecostomy.

Acute pseudoobstruction of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome) rarely leads to perforation of the colon. A case of such a perforation is described that was successfully managed laparoscopically with tube cecostomy.

Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma: early Mayo Clinic experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early results with laparoscopic left adrenalectomy in patients with an aldosteronoma. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to Mayo patients in whom laparoscopic left adrenalectomy had been attempted for presumed aldosteronoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on the diagnosis, details about the procedure, occurrence of associated complications, and duration of recovery period were analyzed for all study patients. RESULTS: Of the nine patients who underwent attempted laparoscopic left adrenalectomy, seven had aldosteronoma. In six of the seven patients, the procedure was successful. No preoperative mortality occurred, and morbidity was limited to prolonged ileus in one patient. Of the other five patients with successful results, all tolerated liquids within 24 hours after the procedure. The mean postoperative hospital stay for the six patients with successful laparoscopic procedures was 2.3 days, and four patients were dismissed within 48 hours after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe alternative for the management of aldosteronoma of the left adrenal gland.

Role of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery. A prospective evaluation of 200 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the role of laparoscopic-assisted surgery in patients presenting for routine colorectal surgical procedures. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients were assessed for the possible use of laparoscopic surgery. The decision regarding suitability of the patient for the procedure was made by the operator. For the purpose of analysis, patients were assigned to open, converted, and laparoscopic groups. RESULTS: Ninety-five of 200 patients were considered appropriate for laparoscopic surgery, 62 (65.3 percent) being successfully completed. These completed operations included right colectomy (24/30), sigmoid colectomy (22/36), appendectomy (9/10), anterior resection (3/8), abdominoperineal resection (3/5), and left colectomy (1/2). Complications attributable to laparoscopy were infrequent (6.3 percent) and were not responsible for any deaths. Patients in the laparoscopic group required less analgesia, tolerated oral intake earlier, and were discharged from the hospital earlier than those who were converted or who had open procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted surgery is safe, effective, and applicable to many of the standard colorectal procedures. Observed benefits include less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay.