Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: results of a prospective non-randomized study from a tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: Though laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for benign conditions was first described in the early 1990s, it has not become as popular as other laparoscopic surgeries. Published literature on this topic consists of several case reports and a handful of small series. We present our experience, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the largest series reported to date. METHODS: Since 1998, 22 patients have undergone distal pancreatectomy at our institute. The technique of distal pancreatosplenectomy, as well as spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, is described. RESULTS: Four males and 18 females in the age range of 12-69 years underwent operation. Splenic preservation was possible in 7 patients. The tumor diameter ranged from 2.1 cm to 7.4 cm. The mean operating time was 215 min. The mean length of incision required for specimen retrieval was 3.4 cm. All patients were started on a liquid diet on the first postoperative day. The median hospital stay was 4 days. One patient developed a pancreatic fistula that was managed conservatively. At the end of an average follow-up of 4.6 years, no recurrence has been reported. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a safe procedure, with minimal morbidity, rapid recovery, and short hospital stay. In appropriate cases, splenic preservation is feasible.

Minimally invasive management of achalasia cardia: results from a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Since the performance of the first laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia cardia in 1991, the popularity of the minimally invasive approach for this troublesome disease has been growing. We present our experience of 226 patients who underwent laparoscopic cardiomyotomy and discuss the relevant issues. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 226 patients who have undergone laparoscopic cardiomyotomy since 1993. The preoperative workup, surgical technique, and postoperative management are described. RESULTS: Patients included 146 males and 80 females; average age was 36.4 years (range, 6 to 85). Mean duration of symptoms was 1.4 years. Nearly half of the patients (112) had undergone prior pneumatic dilatation. In 20 patients, myotomy alone was done, 44 patients had a Dor's fundoplication, and 162 had Toupet's fundoplication. The average operating time was 96 minutes. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.2 days. Dysphagia was eliminated in 88.9% of the patients with an overall morbidity of 4.4% and nil mortality over a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy with Toupet's fundoplication is a safe and effective treatment of achalasia cardia. Dor's fundoplication is done selectively, especially when suspicion is present of mucosal injury.

Laparoscopic redo fundoplication for intrathoracic migration of wrap.

Laparoscopic fundoplication is fast emerging as the treatment of choice of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. However, a complication peculiar to laparoscopic surgery for this disease is the intrathoracic migration of the wrap. This article describes a case of a male patient who developed this particular complication after laparoscopic total fundoplication. Following a trauma, wrap migration occurred. The typical history and symptomatology is described. The classical Barium swallow picture is enclosed. Laparoscopic redo fundoplication was carried out. The difficulties encountered are described. Postoperative wrap migration can be suspected clinically by the presence of a precipitating event and typical symptomatology. Confirmation is by a Barium swallow. Treatment is by redo surgery.

Laparoscopic anterior resection and total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a prospective nonrandomized study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present our experience of laparoscopic total mesorectal resection, including ultralow resection and coloanal anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 2005, patients fit for general anesthesia, with resectable cancers, and with lower edge of tumor beyond 5 cm of the anal verge were subjected to laparoscopic anterior resection with sphincter preservation. Double stapling technique is used to establish bowel continuity. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients, 88 males and 82 females, were subjected to successful laparoscopic anterior resection, which included high anterior resection (n=90), low anterior resection (n=52), ultralow anterior resection (n=20), and coloanal anastomosis (n=8). The average age of patients was 58.4 years (12-90 years). Mean operating time was 130 min and mean hospital stay was 7 days. The morbidity was 13.5% with nil mortality. With an average follow-up of 49 months (range 9 years to 3 months), 9 patients developed local recurrence and 45 patients developed distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: In selected cases, laparoscopic anterior resection is possible for all levels of rectal tumors, allowing sphincter preservation and maintaining oncological safety.