Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary tumours.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection as an alternative to open pancreatoduodenectomy may yield short-term benefits, but has not been investigated in a randomized trial. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic and open pancreatoduodenectomy for short-term outcomes in a randomized trial. METHODS: Patients with periampullary cancers were randomized to either laparoscopic or open pancreatoduodenectomy. The outcomes evaluated were hospital stay (primary outcome), and blood loss, radicality of surgery, duration of operation and complication rate (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: Of 268 patients, 64 who met the eligibility criteria were randomized, 32 to each group. The median duration of postoperative hospital stay was longer for open pancreaticoduodenectomy than for laparoscopy (13 (range 6-30) versus 7 (5-52) days respectively; P = 0·001). Duration of operation was longer in the laparoscopy group. Blood loss was significantly greater in the open group (mean(s.d.) 401(46) versus 250(22) ml; P < 0·001). Number of nodes retrieved and R0 rate were similar in the two groups. There was no difference between the open and laparoscopic groups in delayed gastric emptying (7 of 32 versus 5 of 32), pancreatic fistula (6 of 32 versus 5 of 32) or postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (4 of 32 versus 3 of 32). Overall complications (defined according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) were similar (10 of 32 versus 8 of 32). There was one death in each group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy offered a shorter hospital stay than open pancreatoduodenectomy in this randomized trial. Registration number: NCT02081131( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Laparoscopic excision of rare case of recurrent presacral teratoma.

Tumours of the presacral space are rare to present. Most of them are benign masses, very rarely malignant. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment as it establishes the diagnosis and prevents the adverse consequences associated with malignant degeneration and secondary bacterial infection. Their surgical excision is often difficult because of their anatomic location. Very few cases have been reported so far concerning a laparoscopic management of presacral tumour. We hereby present a young girl with recurrent presacral teratoma. She underwent laparoscopic successful excision of tumour with uneventful post-operative recovery. Here, we are highlighting the importance of laparoscopic approach for this scenario in terms additional advantages of minimally invasive approach such as better visualisation of the deep structures in the narrow presacral space, precise dissection in a limited space between the tumour and neighbouring structures with avoiding injury to neurovascular structure.

Laparoscopic management of 'Y-shaped' gallbladder duplication with review of literature.

Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital malformation that occurs in about 1:4000 cases. Congenital anomalies of the gallbladder and anatomical variations of their position are associated with an increased risk of complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We report a case of gallbladder duplication with symptomatic cholelithiasis, who presented with recurrent episodes of biliary colic and subsequently underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography. We also discussed in brief about the available literature support in relation to incidence of this disorder, imaging modalities used, intraoperative strategies and recommended measures for safe outcomes.

A case report of modified laparoscopic keyhole plus repair for parastomal hernia following ileal conduit.

Parastomal hernia is one of the most common but challenging complication after stoma formation. Modified Sugarbaker technique is the recommended procedure for repair parastomal hernia, however, keyhole repair technique had also been used in certain instances. In cases of parastomal hernia following ileal conduit procedure, the Sugarbaker technique is been described, although with associated theoretical risk of conduit failure. We are reporting a case of post-radical cystectomy with ileal conduit presented with symptomatic large parastomal hernia. Laparoscopic modified keyhole plus repair has been done successfully in this patient with no recurrence in 2 years of follow-up. The purpose of our case report is to describe our novel modification of the laparoscopic keyhole technique which can be a feasible and acceptable alternative surgical method in these types of patients.

Laparoscopic management of symptomatic residual appendicular tip: A rare case report.

Appendectomy is one of the most common emergency surgical procedures. Stump appendicitis is well-recognised entity has been described in the literature. Still, with recent advance in imaging technique, it remains as a clinical challenge for diagnosis and effective treatment. We present a case of 13-year-old boy who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy 3 months back and presented to us with acute abdomen associated with vomiting and fever. Imaging revealed the presence of a tubular residual inflamed tip of the appendix of size 4 cm laying in paracaecal position with approximately 50cc purulent collection around it. Subsequently, the patient underwent successful laparoscopic completion appendectomy with uneventful postoperative recovery. Histopathological examination confirmed that resected structure as an inflammatory residual appendix. For our knowledge, after an extensive search of English literature, no study had described about laparoscopic completion appendectomy for residual tip appendicitis. We authors hereby would like to emphasise the importance of complete removal of appendix not only stump part but also tip, especially in certain locations such as paracaecal, retrocaecal and subhepatic. Laparoscopy can be an option for the management of these patients, in selected cases, and with available expertise.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract for the treatment of fistula-in-ano: experience of a tertiary care centre in South India.

AIM: Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a new sphincter-sparing surgical technique increasingly used to treat fistulae-in-ano yielding good results. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness in the treatment of complex fistulae-in-ano and to determine factors associated with recurrence and its subsequent management. METHOD: A prospective observational study was performed of 167 patients with complex fistula-in-ano treated by LIFT from June 2013 to January 2014. In all patients a LIFT with partial core-out of the fistula tract was performed. RESULTS: There were 167 patients of mean age 43.6 ± 12.8 years. Thirty-three fistulae were recurrent. 150 were trans-sphincteric, 16 were intersphincteric and one was a suprasphincteric fistula. The median postoperative stay was 2 (range: 1-14) days (mean = 2.4 days). At follow up there was no change in continence. The median healing time was 4 (range: 1-8) weeks. Two patients developed an intersphincteric abscess needing surgical drainage healing uneventfully. The mean follow up was 12.8 [median = 12 (range: 4-22)] months. The healing rate was 94.1%. Ten (5.9%) patients developed a recurrent fistula that was managed by a second LIFT procedure in seven, a sinus tract excision with curettage in two and seton placement in one. Recurrence was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and perianal collections and showed an increased incidence with tract abscesses and multiple tracts. CONCLUSION: LIFT has a high success rate in complex fistulae-in-ano. Recurrence is related to diabetes mellitus, perianal collections, tract abscesses and multiple tracts and a second LIFT procedure may be feasible and efficient.

Laparoscopic pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in paediatric age for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of head of the pancreas - case report.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare tumour commonly seen in young women without significant clinical features. SPN is usually a lowgrade malignant neoplasm which warrants resection. Recurrence and metastasis is seen rarely after complete resection. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is indicated for SPN situated in head of the pancreas which is generally performed by open approach. Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is difficult to perform for this condition because of smaller size of pancreatic and hepatic ducts more so in paediatric population. We report a case of 12 years old girl having SPN arising from head of the pancreas. She underwent laparoscopic pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Post-operative period was uneventful. Histological examination of resected specimen confirmed diagnosis of SPN. At 6 months follow up, she was doing well without any recurrence. To best of our knowledge, no case of LPD in paediatric patients is reported in literature available to us.

Long-term results of hepatic hydatid disease managed using palanivelu hydatid system: Indian experience in tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of hepatic hydatid disease is increasing due to globalization. Surgery is the gold standard treatment. Laparoscopy has gained enough evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Complete evacuation of hydatid contents without spillage remains a challenge. We aimed to determine long-term results of hepatic hydatid disease managed laparoscopically using palanivelu hydatid system (PHS) at our institution. METHODS: One hundred and five patients underwent laparoscopic surgical management using the PHS at our institute from May 1997 to May 2013. Clinical presentations, surgical strategy, postoperative morbidity, and long-term recurrence rate were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 105 patients, 76 were male and 29 female with a mean age of 32 years (range 14-71 years). The most common presentation was abdominal pain in 61 patients (58%). Sixteen patients had multiple cysts of which nine had involvement of both lobes. Seventy-seven (73.3%) cysts were uncomplicated. Nineteen (18.09%) had a cyst-biliary communication, two were ruptured cysts, and seven were recurrent cysts. All patients underwent successful laparoscopic management where conservative surgery was performed in 94 patients and radical surgery in 11 patients. Post-operative morbidity was seen in 18 (17.14 %) patients, which included deep cavity infection in two cases, post-operative bile leak in 13 cases, and duodenal injury in one case without any mortality. Mean long-term follow-up was 36 months (range 6 months-5 years) with recurrence in two cases. CONCLUSION: Our long-term results with PHS showed good outcomes in the laparoscopic management of hepatic hydatid disease with conservative surgery as the preferred approach reserving radical surgery only in selected cases.

Role of endoscopic stents and selective minimal access drainage in oesophageal leaks: feasibility and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Leaks following oesophageal surgery are considered to be amongst the most dreaded complications and contributory to postoperative mortality. Controversies still exist regarding the best option for the management of oesophageal leaks due to lack of standardized treatment protocols. This study was designed to analyse the feasibility outcome and complications associated with placement of removable, fully covered, self-expanding metallic stents for oesophageal leaks with concomitant minimally invasive drainage when appropriate. METHODS: The study group included 32 patients from a prospectively maintained database of oesophageal leaks, with the majority being anastomotic leaks after minimally invasive oesophagectomy (n = 28), followed by laparoscopic cardiomyotomy (n = 3) and extended total gastrectomy (n = 1). The procedures took place between March 2007 and April 2013. RESULTS: Most patients had an intrathoracic leak (n = 22), with a mean time to detection of the leak following surgery of 7.50 days (SD = 2.23). Subsequent to endoscopic stenting, enteral feeding via a nasojejunal tube was started on the second day and oral feeding was delayed until the 14th day (n = 31). Six patients underwent thoracoscopic (n = 5) or laparoscopic drainage (n = 1) along with stenting for significant mediastinal and intra-abdominal contamination. The stent migration rate of our study was 8.54%. The overall success in terms of preventing mortality was 96%. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic stenting should be considered a primary option for managing oesophageal leaks. Delayed oral intake may reduce the incidence of stent migration. Larger stents (bariatric or colorectal stents) serve as a useful option in case of migrated stents. Combined minimally invasive procedures can be safely adapted in appropriate clinical circumstances and may contribute to better outcomes.

Complex-compound Odontome with 526 Denticles: A Unique Case Report.

Aim: To report a unique case presentation of a complex-compound odontome with 526 denticles. Background: Odontoma is a hamartoma of the jaws that has both epithelial and mesenchymal components differentiating to form enamel and dentin. It is of compound and complex types. Rarely, the features of both the types are present together in what is called the compound-complex type of odontoma. Case description: The case report discussed here is that of a 7-year-old boy who presented with a compound-complex odontoma in the right posterior mandibular region. Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment aid in preventing complications and bony expansion. Thus, proper histopathological examination is essential for the confirmation of odontoma. Recurrence of odontoma is rare and usually has a favorable prognosis if diagnosed early. Clinical significance: The odontome contained 526 denticles, the maximum reported in the literature so far, making this a case of extreme clinical significance. How to cite this article: Marimuthu M, Prabhu AR, Kalyani P, et al. Complex-compound Odontome with 526 Denticles: A Unique Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):789-792.

Evolution in techniques of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: a decade long experience from a tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is a technically demanding surgery performed only at few centers in the world. This article aims to describe the evolution of the technique and summarizes the results in our institute over the years. METHODS: Prospective data of patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy from March 1998 to January 2009 was retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were a total of 75 patients (22 females and 53 males) with a mean age of 62 (range, 28-76) years. Conversion rate was 0%, overall postoperative morbidity was 26.7% and mortality rate was 1. 33%. Pancreatic fistula was seen in 6.67%. The mean operating time was 357 min (range 270-650), and the mean blood loss was 74 ml (range 35-410). The average time to the first bowel movement was 3 days and mean hospital stay was 8.2 days (range 6-42). Resected margins were positive in 2.6% of cases. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes for the malignant lesions was 14 (range 8-22). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy can be safely performed by highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons. This technique can achieve adequate margins and follow oncological principles. Randomized comparative trials are needed to establish the superiority of laparoscopy versus open surgery.

Laparoscopic management of recurrent ventral hernia: an experience of 222 patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predisposing factors and characteristics of recurrent ventral hernia (RVH) along with the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopy in managing RVH. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of all patients with reducible or irreducible, uncomplicated RVH who underwent surgical management from January 2012 to June 2018. RESULTS: Out of 222 patients, 186 (83.8%) were female, and 36 (16.2%) were male. The mean age was 54.1 ± 10.1 years; an average body mass index was 31 kg/m2 (19-47.9). The most common previous abdominal operations among female patients were cesarean sections (43.5%) and abdominal hysterectomy (36.6%). Most of the patients had a history of open mesh repair (43.7%) and open anatomical repair (36.9%). The median time of recurrence was 4 years (1-33 years). The median defect size was 10 cm2 (range 2-150 cm2), and 73% defects were in the midline. Total 181 of 222 (81.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus (L-IPOM+), 19 (8.5%) laparoscopic-assisted IPOM+, 17(7.7%) laparoscopic anatomical repair, while remaining 5 (2.3%) patients required open mesh reconstruction. The median size of the composite mesh used was 300 cm2 (150-600 cm2). The mean operating time was 145 (30-330) min, and median blood loss was 15 (5-110) ml. The median hospital stay was 3 days, and median follow-up period was 37 months. The post-operative symptomatic seroma rate was 3.1%, and re-recurrence rate was 1.4%. CONCLUSION: Obesity, old age, female sex, previous lower abdominal surgeries, and previous open repair of a hernia are factors associated with recurrence. Laparoscopic repair is feasible with excellent outcome in most of the patients.

Laparoscopic longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy and modified Frey's operation for chronic calcific pancreatitis.

Background: Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease presenting with pain, diabetes and steatorrhoea. Surgery offers better long-term pain relief than other interventions, but there is still uncertainty about the optimal surgical procedure and approach and a lack of long-term follow-up data in patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis selected for laparoscopic surgical treatment. Methods: This was an observational cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for chronic calcific pancreatitis between January 2006 and April 2017, and had completed a minimum follow-up of 1 year at a tertiary-care teaching institute. Eligibility for the laparoscopic approach was main duct diameter greater than 7 mm, absence of extensive head calcification, size of head less than 3·5 cm, absence of local complications, and ASA grade I or II status. The primary outcome variable was a reduction in pain score by 1 year. Secondary outcomes were hospital stay, complications, pain score at 3 and 5 years, and the development or progression of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Results: Some 57 patients were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic surgery for chronic pancreatitis: longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy (39), modified Frey's procedure (15) and pancreatoduodenectomy for suspicion of malignancy (3). The latter three patients were excluded from the analysis. Conversion to open surgery was needed in ten of the 57 patients (18 per cent). The mean(s.d.) age of the analysed cohort was 34·2(3·7) years and there was a predominance of men (34, 63 per cent). Adequate pain relief was achieved in 91, 89 and 88 per cent of patients at 1, 3 and 5 years of follow-up respectively. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgical management of chronic calcific pancreatitis with longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy or modified Frey's procedure is feasible, safe and effective in selected patients for the relief of pain.

Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Changes in Pharyngeal Airway Following Isolated Lefort One Osteotomy for the Correction of Vertical Maxillary Excess: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery involves movement of jaws in all three planes, and this being a part of airway complex, displacement of jaws can influence the dimension of airway at all levels. Lefort one osteotomy surgery with superior repositioning is a common procedure done for patients with vertical maxillary excess. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional volumetric changes in airway after lefort one impaction surgery using three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D-CBCT) in patients with vertical maxillary excess (VME). METHODS: A prospective analysis of 15 patients who underwent isolated lefort one impaction surgery was done with pre-operative (T0) and 3-months (T1) post-operative 3D-CBCT scans. Airway was divided into three segments, nasopharyngeal, velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal. Volumetric analysis of all these segments was done before and after surgery. Paired 't test' was used to assess the mean difference in airway volume and area between T0 and T1. One-way ANOVA was used to check the mean percentage difference in airway volume and area among the three segments. RESULTS: The mean percentage of nasopharyngeal volume difference was - 0.6299 ± 0.9146%, velopharyngeal volume difference was - 0.5205 ± 1.107%, oropharyngeal volume difference was - 1.492 ± 2.745%. Though volume and area of pharyngeal airway were decreased after maxillary impaction surgery in all three segments of airway studied, they were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Among the three segments of airway studied, oropharyngeal airway volume has shown the highest post-surgical reduction though statistically insignificant. ESS scores were within normal limits. Hence, we are of the opinion that there is lack of evidence to conclude that the patients undergoing lefort one superior repositioning for the treatment of VME might develop significant narrowing of PAS that may predispose the patient to breathing disorders.

Transumbilical flexible endoscopic cholecystectomy in humans: first feasibility study using a hybrid technique.

BACKGROUND: Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures have been tested using numerous approaches, mainly in animals. In humans, only cholecystectomy has been assessed, using a combined transvaginal and transumbilical approach. We present another variant of a hybrid technique for cholecystectomy, namely the combination of a flexible transumbilical double-channel endoscope and a 3-mm rigid transcutaneous trocar placed in the left hypochondrium for liver retraction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The procedure was attempted in 10 well-selected young patients (M : F = 4 : 6, mean age 29.5 years). Instruments used through the two working channels of the endoscope were either a grasping forceps or snare for grasping and pulling and a hot-biopsy forceps for cold and hot preparation and dissection. Endoclips were used for cystic duct and artery closure. Postoperative analgesia consisted of one intravenous dose of analgesic, followed by oral administration for one further day. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, and 6 months. RESULTS: In 4 of the 10 cases the operation had to be converted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to difficulty in dissection (in 2 cases) or uncontrollable hemorrhage (2 cases). The mean operating time was 148 minutes. Of the 6 cases in which the procedure was finished by the new approach, cystic artery bleeding occurred in 1 and was successfully clipped. One further patient had a postoperative cystic duct leak with a bilioma, successfully treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stenting. Five of the six patients reported themselves as satisfied at 3- or 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: So far, our endoscope-based transumbilical cholecystectomy technique has not yielded satisfactory results in humans. Further instrument and accessory improvements may increase both success rate and acceptance. Scarless surgery without the inherent risks of a transluminal approach may then become feasible.

Laparoscopic restorative total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Familial adenomatous polyposis is a hereditary disease characterized by the presence of thousands of colonic adenomas, which, if untreated, invariably undergo malignant transformation. Because this disease manifests at a young age, the laparoscopic approach to perform surgery would be desirable due to its cosmetic benefits. We describe our experience with this procedure and review the literature on the topic. METHODS: This is a case series of 15 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileo-anal pouch anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis between 2000 and 2007. The salient operative steps are described. RESULTS: There were 9 males and 6 females, 32 to 52 years of age, with an average age of 44.8 years. The median body mass index was 21.5 (range, 17 to 28). Rectal cancer was already present in 4 patients at the time of diagnosis. The median operating time was 225 minutes. Mean blood loss was 60 mL, with none of the patients requiring perioperative blood transfusion. None of the surgeries required conversion to the open approach. Bowel function resumed on the second postoperative day in 12 patients and on the third postoperative day in 3 patients. The median hospital stay was 8 days. Postoperatively, there was no mortality and no serious morbidity. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis is a feasible surgery for familial adenomatous polyposis, and considering its cosmetic benefit, is a desirable option for this group of predominantly young patients.

Evolution and Standardisation of Techniques in Single-Incision Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery.

Bariatric surgery has proven benefits for morbid obesity and its associated comorbidities. Laparoscopic approach is well established for bariatric surgery. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) offers even more minimally invasive approach for the same with the added advantage of better cosmesis. We have developed and standardised the SILS approach at our institute. We share our experience and technical "tips" and modifications which we have learnt over the years. Technical details of performing sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with special attention to liver retraction, techniques of dissection in difficult areas, creation of anastomoses and suturing have all been described. In our experience and in experience of others, single-incision bariatric surgery is feasible. Use of conventional laparoscopic instruments makes single-incision approach practical for day-to-day practice. Supervised training is essential to learn these techniques.

Laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy without thoracic or cervical access for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: an Indian experience from a tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: The phenomenal progress of minimally invasive surgery has imparted its influence on conventional esophagectomy. Currently, more esophagectomies are being performed by laparoscopic and/or thoracoscopic methods. Esophagogastrectomy for the adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal (GE) junction has been a conventional treatment. The literature is limited regarding the laparoscopic approach to esophagogastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy in the management of adenocarcinoma of the GE junction. METHODS: From January 1997 to February 2005, laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy was performed in 32 patients. Indication for operation was adenocarcinoma of the GE junction in all patients. Neo-adjuvant therapy was used in two patients (6.88%) only. Initially, our approach to intrathoracic anastomosis without thoracic and cervical access was to introduce the anvil of circular stapler through minilaparotomy incision (n = 22), but later we switched to trans-oral placement of anvil into the distal end of the esophagus (n = 10). RESULTS: There were 22 men and 10 women. Median age was 61.8 years (range, 39-72). There was no conversion. The laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy was completed in all patients. The pyloromyotomy and feeding jejunostomy were performed in all cases. The median intensive care unit stay was 1 day (range, 1-28); hospital stay was 7 days (range, 5-42). Mean estimated blood loss and mean operative time were 150 ml and 200 min, respectively. At mean follow-up of 14 months (range, 2-40), stage-specific survival was similar to that of other series. CONCLUSION: In selected cases of adenocarcinoma of the GE junction, laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy offers as good as or better results than open operation in our institution with extensive advance endoscopic and open experience. This study shows that laparoscopic esophagogastrectomy has potential to meet oncologic criteria of clearance and provide the benefits of minimally invasive surgery as well.

Laparoscopic sutured closure with mesh reinforcement of incisional hernias.

BACKGROUND: This study reports medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. STUDY DESIGN: Laparoscopic repair was performed on 721 patients with ventral hernia. After adhesiolysis the defect was closed with no. 1 polyamide suture or loop. This was followed by reinforcement with intraperitoneal onlay repair with a bilayered mesh. RESULTS: Laproscopic repair of ventral hernia was performed on 613 females and 108 males. Of these, 185 (25.7%) were recurrent incisional hernias of which 93 had undergone previous open hernioplasty. The remaining 92 patients had previously undergone sutured repair. The average operating time was 95 min (range 60-115 min). Conversion rate was 1%. The average hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-6 days). The commonest complication was seroma formation at the incisional hernia site. Full-thickness bowel injury occurred in two patients. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years (range 3 months to 10 years). Recurrence was noted in four (0.55%) patients. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair is well-tolerated and can be accomplished with minimum morbidity in ventral hernias.

Laparoscopic management of duodenal ulcer perforation: is it advantageous?

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the mainstay of treatment of patients with peptic duodenal perforation. With the advent of minimal access techniques, laparoscopy is being used for the treatment of this condition. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive patients (mean age 44.5 years; 111 men) with duodenal ulcer perforation who had undergone laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: 87 patients had history of tobacco consumption, 12 were chronic NSAID users, 72 had Helicobacter pylori infection and 36 had a co-morbid condition. The mean time to surgery from onset of symptoms was 28.4 hours. The median operating time was 46 minutes. All patients underwent laparoscopic closure of the perforation with Graham's patch omentopexy; 12 patients underwent additional definitive ulcer surgery. The morbidity rate was 7.5%; no patient needed conversion to open surgery or died. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.8 days. CONCLUSION: Results of laparoscopic management of perforated peptic ulcer are encouraging, with no conversion to open surgery, low morbidity and no mortality.