Technical Alternatives in Laparoscopic Placement of an Adjustable Gastric Band: Experience of Two German University Hospitals

Background: The technique of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), although relatively well standardized, has some "weak points". Methods: We analysed the experience of 2 German university clinics in order to suggest technical alternatives that can be helpful in difficult situations. Results: Between April 1997 and May 2002 115 patients in Cologne (87 females, 28 males) with median BMI 49.5 kg/m² and mean age 39 years (19-54), and 112 patients in Mainz (91 females, 21 males) with median BMI 48 kg/m² and mean age 35 years (18-57) underwent LAGB, using the Lap-Band^?. LAGB was performed through 5 ports (3 10-mm, 1 18-mm, and 1 5-mm in Cologne and 4 10-mm and 1 18-mm port in Mainz). The pars flaccida technique by means of a fanshaped Endo-Retractor was used in both clinics. Mean duration of follow-up was 3.2 years (SD 1.0) in the Cologne group with complete investigation in all except 4 patients. In the Mainz group, mean duration of follow-up was 2.7 years (SD 1.0) with complete investigation in all except 9 patients. Conclusions: Some technical aspects such as induction of pneumoperitoneum, band position, band fixation, band malposition and port-related complications are discussed.     

Minimally Invasive Gastric Bypass in a Morbidly Obese Patient with Myasthenia Gravis

Associated or rare diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, introduce a challenge to the perioperative management of severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. We report the surgical management and unique anesthetic approach to a 55-year-old morbidly obese woman with a complex past medical history that included myasthenia gravis, who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. Her myasthenia was controlled on pyridostigmine and her greatest concern was the potential need for postoperative mechanical ventilation. While the laparoscopic surgical approach was ideal to reduce pain and the adverse effects on ventilatory mechanics associated with open upper abdominal surgery, a combined inhalational and intravenous anesthetic without muscle relaxants resulted in satisfactory surgical conditions, and allowed for immediate postoperative extubation followed by an uneventful postoperative course. Continued perioperative anticholinesterase administration may have facilitated this successful outcome. We conclude that a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis does not mandate postoperative mechanical ventilation following laparoscopic gastric bypass.     

Early Experience With Computer-Mediated Flexible Circular Stapling Technique For Upper Gastrointestinal Anastomosis

Background: Creating the proximal anastomosis in laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (LBPD-DS) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) is a critical step in ensuring the success of the procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficiency of performing this anastomosis using a flexible, computerized, circular stapling device. Method: We prospectively monitored the use of a newly FDA-approved stapling device (SurgASSIST, Power Medical Intervention) for the construction of the proximal anastomosis by a variety of approaches and reviewed the charts of 10 patients. Results: We successfully constructed 9 out of 10 proximal anastomoses: 2 gastro-jejunostomies and 7 duodeno-ileostomies, without any signs of leakage. In 2 patients, the stapling technique involved a transpyloric instrumental passage; both were complicated by the difficulty to pass either the flexible scope or the anvil through the narrow pyloric lumen. In 5 patients, the anvil was placed directly through a duodenotomy and no technical problems were encountered. The median time for performing the proximal anastomosis was 19 minutes (range 9-55).There were no postoperative complications in any patients. Conclusions: Stapling using the SurgASSIST was feasible and safe for performing laparoscopic anastomoses in bariatric bypass procedures. A duodenotomy for direct placement of the anvil into the postpyloric region seems to be most feasible for duodenoileostomies, while transoral passage of the anvil can be recommended for gastro-jejunostomies. In its current form, we do not recommend transoral placement of the flexible shaft of the SurgASSIST device. Further clinical trials need to be performed for comparison with existing devices.     

The Micropouch Gastric Bypass: Technical Considerations in Primary and Revisionary Operations

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an effective procedure for the long-term control of morbid obesity. An eventual revisionary operation, however, is necessary for some patients (0.8-29%). Redo procedures are required for pouch enlargement, stapleline dehiscence, or marginal ulceration. In 1994, the micropouch gastric bypass (MBG) was developed to eliminate the need for a repeat operation. Its design was based on two anatomical principles: 1) The fundus is elastic, aperistaltic, and may significantly dilate over time; 2) The proximal magenstrasse contains a high concentration of parietal cells, which potentiates the risk for marginal ulceration or gastroesophageal reflux after vertical pouch restriction. Construction of a micropouch limited to the gastric cardia avoids using the fundus and proximal lesser curvature, but requires a greater mobilization of the stomach and its peritoneal attachments. Methods: Between February 1994 and February 2000, 1,120 patients underwent the MGB as a primary or revisionary operation.The fundus was mobilized completely, including transection of the left phreno-esophageal and gastrophrenic ligaments. The transected pouch was limited to the gastric cardia with 1 cm of fundus incorporated into the gastrojejunostomy stoma (GJS). Results: There were 10 anastomotic leaks at the GJS (0.9%). All leaks sealed following surgical drainage or parenteral nutrition. One patient required re-operation (0.09%) for a dilated pouch and marginal ulceration. An additional patient (0.09%) developed a gastrogastric fistula secondary to a pharmacobezoar and stomal stenosis. Conclusion: With an appreciation for the finer anatomy of the proximal stomach and intra-abdominal esophagus, the micropouch can be constructed safely in both primary and redo procedures. The MGB, now in its seventh year, is durable and has, with rare exception, eliminated pouch enlargement, staple-line separation, reflux esophagitis, and marginal ulceration.     

灵芝仿野生栽培新技术研究

本文根据野生灵芝对生态环境的要求，采用人工控制光、温、湿、ＣＯ＿２含量等生态因子，对赤芝进行仿野生栽培获得成功，为广东大面积推广，使灵芝栽培进入商品化生产提供了经验。     

双吻合器在低位直肠癌保肛术中的应用

目的 评估双吻合器在低位直肠癌保肛术中的作用。方法 回顾性分析采用双吻合器在96例低位直肠癌保肛术中应用的临床资料。结果 男63例，女33例，年龄22—84(平均57．7)岁。肿瘤下缘距齿状线的距离为4—7cm。A期24例，B期30例，C期30例，D期l2例。组织学分型：高分化型腺癌47例，中分化型腺癌27例，低分化型腺癌l7例，粘液腺癌5例。无没有手术死亡，术后发生吻合口漏l2例(12．5％)，均经治疗后痊愈，吻合口狭窄5例(5．2％)；经扩肛处理后治愈。结论 双吻合器在低位直肠癌保肛术中的应用是一种可靠的方法，吻合口漏及狭窄采用保守治疗可获较好的效果。