Laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernias

The use of mesh in incisional hernia repair has reduced the rate of hernia recurrence. Laparoscopic placement of mesh is a promising alternative to the classical open approach. Recent studies involving large numbers of patients have shown the laparoscopic approach to be feasible in 95% of cases; the incidence of postoperative complications was low and hernia recurrence occurred in 3-5% at three years. Several retrospective studies and one randomized study comparing open versus laparascopic ventral hernia repair suggest that the laparoscopic repair yields better results (fewer postoperative complications and lower recurrence rate) than the classical open approach.     

腹腔镜胆囊切除术CO2气腹压对病人术后恶心呕吐发生的影响

目的探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)中二氧化碳(CO2)气腹压对病人术后恶心呕吐发生的影响。方法选择ASA均为Ⅰ级、年龄在20~50岁之间、行LC的育龄女性病人60例,术前均无其他并发疾病,随机分为A、B两组,每组30例。A组病人术中气腹压为12mmHg,B组病人术中气腹压为15mmHg。麻醉方法均采用快速全麻诱导,气管插管后行机械通气,以异丙酚、芬太尼和维库溴铵维持麻醉,记录气腹压力、气腹持续时间以及术后恶心呕吐发生情况。结果两组病人的年龄及气腹持续时间比较差异无显著性(P>0.05),A组病人术后恶心呕吐发生率明显低于B组病人(P<0.05)。结论在病人年龄和气腹持续时间一致的情况下,CO2气腹压的高低可能与术后恶心呕吐的发生率存在一定的相关性。     

Laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis: is learning phase associated with increased morbidity?

AIM: To assess retrospectively the results of laparoscopic sigmidectomy for diverticulitis, with intent to treat, in 58 consecutive patients operating by one surgeon compared with a control group operating by laparotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1995 to 2001, 90 consecutive patients undergoing elective sigmoid resection for diverticulitis were divided into 3 groups: laparotomy (Group 1 : n = 32), first cases of laparoscopy (Group 2 : n = 29) and last cases of laparoscopy (Group 3 : n = 29). These 3 groups were similar according to age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), American society of anesthesia score (ASA), previous abdominal surgery, number of attacks of diverticulitis, and time between last attack and surgery. Following criteria were studied: operating time, conversation rate, intra-operative and post-operative morbidity, return of intestinal transit, and hospital stay. RESULTS: During laparoscopy, conversion was mandatory in 24% of the cases (7/29) in group 2 and 14% in group 3 (4/29; NS). No intra-operative morbidity was noted in the 58 laparoscopies. Mean operative time was 240 min in group 1, 259 min in group 2, and 241 min in group 3 (NS). Postoperative morbidity was observed in 31% of patients in group 1, 34% in group 2, and 10% in group 3 (p = 0.02). Returm of intestinal transit and oral ingestion and mean hospital stay were significantly shorter in group 2 and group 3 versus group 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous data demonstrating faisability of laparoscopic sigmodectomy for diverticulitis and its benefice in terms of return of intestinal transit and hospital stay. Furthermore, our study suggest that when surgeon gain experience, conversion rate, morbidity and operative time can be reduced.     

Small bowel obstruction by a congenital band in 16 adults

During embryogenesis, abnormal adhesion of the peritoneal folds induces a congenital band which can cause small bowel obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1987 to 2001, 16 adult patients underwent surgery for small bowel obstruction due to a congenital band. There were 8 men and 8 women with a mean age of 59 years (range 23-90). None presented previous abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Six patients presented acute abdominal pain the month before hospitalization. Among the 16 patients, 9 were operated at admission, and 7 after initial surveillance. Suspected diagnosis before operation was small bowel obstruction in 8 cases (with a diagnosis of congenital band in 3); perforated duodenal ulcer (n = 2); appendicitis (n = 2); mesenteric infarction (n = 1); diverticultis (n = 1); cholecystitis (n = 1); and strangulated hernia (n = 1). During operation performed through laparotomy or laparoscopy, a congenital band was noted in 100% of the cases, associated with intestinal necrosis in 5. One patient died postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Because small bowel obstruction by congenital band is a rare condition, it represents a frequent problem of diagnosis. In this situation, the possibility of intestinal necrosis expose the patient to a possible fatal outcome.     

Role of laparoscopy in intra-abdominal testes in children. 35 case reports

The impalpable testicles account for approximately 10 to 20% of the total of the not descended testicles. The importance of laparoscopy is increasingly significant, because apart from its diagnostic role recently a therapeutic interest was added. Thirty-five nonpalpable testicles took advantage of laparoscopic exploration at the pediatric's emergency surgery ward at the children's hospital of Rabat within the last 2 years. In 9 cases, total testicular agenesis was found. In 6 cases the testicles were situated very high in the abdomen, so that a first time laparoscopy was performed where the testicles were lowered. In 10 cases, one laparoscopic intervention for lowering the testicles was sufficient. In 10 cases, laparoscopic surgery showed that the vas deferens and the spermatic vessels reunified in the inguinal; so that, Inguinal exploration was necessary. The time of hospitalisation was 24 h with no complications noticed. We present this work to sensitise the surgeons on the new therapeutic approach to optimise the taking care of cryptorchid boys.