Retrospective analysis of abdominal pain in postoperative laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients: is a simple algorithm the answer?

BackgroundPatients who have undergone laparoscopic gastric bypass have a high risk of developing an internal hernia. Most patients present 9–18 months postoperatively with a weight loss of 75–120 lb and pain out of proportion to the physical findings. Given the risks of internal hernias and the difficulty in radiologic diagnosis, we have developed a single algorithm to avoid the triage complication of a “missed” diagnosis.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of 1500 bariatric procedures performed from 2001 to 2006, 33% (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) of which were performed using an antecolic antegastric Roux limb, with all potential defects, including Peterson's, closed. Of these 1500 patients, 75 were evaluated for abdominal pain to rule out an internal hernia.ResultsOf the 75 patients, 40 had signs of an internal hernia or abdominal obstruction on computed tomography and underwent laparoscopy. The operative time was 38–45 minutes, and the length of stay was 1.5 days. The remaining 35 patient's computed tomography scans were interpreted as “no evidence” of internal hernia or obstruction. Of the 35 patients, 29 underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and had either an internal hernia or critical adhesions. Thus, 69 patients (92%) underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. In 6 patients, the symptoms resolved completely without any surgical intervention.ConclusionAt our institution, patients who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a weight loss of 75–120 lb undergo computed tomography with contrast to rule out other potential nonoperative causes. Also, unless clinically stable or the patient has complete resolution of their pain, they then undergo laparoscopy for evaluation.     

Diagnosis and Management of Internal Hernias after Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND: Internal hernia is a known complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP). However, no consensus exists regarding optimal diagnostic modality and management. We reviewed the literature and our own experience, and present an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of internal hernia after LRYGBP. METHODS: A retrospective review of 290 retrocolic LRYGBPs was performed to identify those who developed postoperative small bowel obstruction due to internal hernia. Demographics, clinical symptoms, radiologic characteristics, and operative outcomes were analyzed to determine clinical and radiological diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Over a 43-month period, 11 out of 290 (3.79%) post-LRYGBP patients with symptoms suggestive of a small bowel obstruction underwent operative exploration. The most common clinical symptoms included intermittent abdominal pain, and/or nausea/vomiting. All patients were initially explored laparoscopically. Etiology of obstructions included internal hernias--6 [at the transverse mesocolon (n = 1), Petersen's space (n = 2), and at the jejunojejunostomy (n = 3)], adhesions (n = 4) and a negative laparoscopy (n = 1). The mean time for development of internal hernias was 13.7 months. Mean loss of BMI units at time of re-operation was 17 kg/m2. Of the 6 patients with internal hernia, 2 (30%) had normal preoperative radiological work-up. On review of the preoperative films by the surgeon, signs of internal herniation were seen in all the patients. Management included initial laparoscopic exploration, lysis of adhesions, reduction of internal hernia and closure of mesenteric defects in all the patients. There were 2 conversions to laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Small bowel obstruction in the post-LRYGBP patient is difficult to diagnose, especially when due to an internal hernia. Most patients present with intermittent abdominal pain and/or nausea. The most frequently used radiologic study is CT scan, which is most accurate when reviewed by the bariatric surgeon preoperatively.     

DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPY FOR CHRONIC RIGHT ILIAC FOSSA PAIN: A PILOT STUDY

Background : The aim of this study was to determine the value of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with chronic right iliac fossa pain. Methods : A retrospective study at Echuca Hospital involving case-note review and telephone questionnaire of patients who had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic right iliac fossa pain at least 12 months earlier (September 1992 to August 1995)was carried out. Results : Forty-one cases were identified and followed up 12-40 months postoperatively (median 21 months). Eleven cases had positive findings at laparoscopy, of whom eight obtained lasting relief after treatment. Of the remaining 30 patients 17 had a normal-looking appendix removed and 12 were cured; these were younger patients with episodic symptoms and localized signs. Of eight patients who had adhesions divided, four with adhesions beneath old scars obtained relief. Altogether 32 of the 41 patients considered the laparoscopy worthwhile even though in some cases it did not relieve their chronic pain. Conclusions : Diagnostic laparoscopy is worthwhile for patients with chronic right iliac fossa pain. Concurrent appendicectomy should be considered in young patients with episodic, well-localized symptoms associated with systemic malaise while adhesiolysis may be beneficial for viscero-parietal adhesions beneath abdominal wall scars.     

Utility of laparoscopy in chronic abdominal pain

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic abdominal pain can undergo numerous diagnostic tests with little change in their pain. This study was undertaken to assess the utility of performing diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain for longer than 12 weeks. METHODS: All patients undergoing laparoscopy by the primary author were prospectively entered into a database for the 3-year period July 1, 1997 through June 30, 2000. The patients' demographic data, length of time with pain, number of diagnostic studies performed before surgery, intraoperative findings, interventions, pathology, and long-term follow-up were determined. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (61 women and 9 men) with an average age of 42 years, underwent diagnostic laparoscopy only for the evaluation and treatment of chronic abdominal pain. The average length of time with pain was 74 weeks (range 12-260) and the average number of studies performed prior to surgical referral was 3.3. Fifty-three (76%) patients had their procedures performed as outpatients, with the remainder admitted for observation status. The average length of operative time was 70 minutes; no cases required conversion to an open procedure and no complications occurred. Findings included adhesions in 39, a hernia in 13, adhesions from the appendix to adjacent structures in 6, appendiceal pathology in 5, endometriosis in 3, and gallbladder pathology in 2. Ten patients had no obvious pathology. At the time of their initial postoperative visit, 90% reported their pain to be gone or improved. After an average follow-up of 129 weeks, 71.4% had long-term pain relief. All patients with recurrence of pain had it within the first 6 months. No patient experienced any long-term complications and all reported satisfaction with their procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy has a significant diagnostic and therapeutic role in patients with chronic pain. Therapeutic laparoscopy studies have to follow-up with patients at least 6 months. With aggressive indicated therapeutic laparoscopy, including adhesiolysis, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, or hernia repairs, more than 70% of patients can have improvement in their pain.     

Internal hernias after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric bypass (Lap-RYGB) is an increasingly common procedure performed for severe obesity. Internal hernias are a potential problem associated with Lap-RYGB, and little is known about the clinical presentation and the diagnostic accuracy of this potentially serious complication. METHODS: A retrospective review of 1,000 retrocolic Lap-RYGB was performed to identify those who developed postoperative internal hernias. Clinical symptoms, radiologic characteristics, and operative outcomes were analyzed to determine clinical and radiologic diagnostic accuracy (including computed tomography [CT] scan and upper gastrointestinal imaging). Subsequent independent review was performed to match operative intervention with radiologic imaging and interpretation. Operative outcomes, including the hernia closure technique, hospital length of stay, and mortality were obtained. RESULTS: Of 1,000 Lap-RYGB procedures, 45 internal hernias were identified (4.5%) in 43 patients. Hernia location included transverse colon mesentery (n = 43, 95%) or Petersen's defect (n = 2, 5%). The most common clinical symptoms included intermittent, postprandial abdominal pain, and/or nausea vomiting (86%), although 20% had no abdominal tenderness. Initial radiologic imaging studies were diagnostic in 64%, although subsequent review of all imaging studies showed diagnostic abnormalities in 97%. CT findings suggestive of internal hernia include small bowel loops in the left upper quadrant and evidence of small bowel mesentery traversing the transverse colon mesentery. All patients with internal hernias underwent operative repair (98% performed laparoscopic). One patient had a negative laparoscopy, although the preoperative CT suggested an internal hernia was present. The mean time to intervention for an internal hernia repair was 225 days (range 2 to 490), whereas hospital length of stay was 1.2 days (range 1 to 4). No deaths were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Internal hernias after retrocolic lap-RYGB are associated with vague abdominal complaints and limited radiologic imaging results. A high index of clinical suspicion should be used in this patient population, and surgeon review of radiology imaging studies should be performed. Prompt surgical intervention is successful and can commonly be performed laparoscopically.     

Laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain

Background: This purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the utility of laparoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 34 patients who underwent laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain. Average patient age was 39 years. The majority were women. Most had undergone abdominal surgery in the past. Results: All procedures were performed laparoscopically. A positive finding was made in 65% of patients. Fifty-six percent of patients underwent adhesiolysis, but 26% required no operative intervention other than laparoscopic exploration. Notably, 73% of patients reported improvement in pain postoperatively, whether or not a positive finding had been made on laparoscopy. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests laparoscopy can identify abnormal findings and improve outcome in a majority of selected cases. Recommendations are provided for patient selection. Prior abdominal surgery is not an absolute contraindication to laparoscopic exploration for chronic abdominal pain. Received: 16 April 1996/Accepted: 30 May 1996     

Computed Tomography Patterns in Small Bowel Obstruction after Open Distal Gastric Bypass

Background: Life-threatening small bowel obstruction (SBO) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can present with surprisingly minimal laboratory and plain x-ray findings. Based on a 10-year (1994-2003) experience of 1,409 open distal gastric bypasses, we present clinical and radiological findings in 29 patients with unusual forms of bowel obstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted. A radiologist experienced in reviewing these in gastric bypass patients reviewed all computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: CT findings: The normal appearance and 7 recurring patterns of small bowel obstruction were identified. These include: 1) intussusception, 2) internal hernia through Petersen's space, 3) through Petersen's space and the mesenteric defect at enteroenterostomy, 4) through the mesenteric defect from the entero-enterostomy, 5) isolated biliary limb obstruction, 6) segmental non-anastomotic ischemia, and 7) internal hernia through bands. Clinical findings: 1 had peritonitis, and 1 had free air on plain film. WBC count was normal in 20/27 patients (74%) including 5/6 (83%) with dead bowel. 9/14 patients (62%) had "non-specific" findings on x-rays. 7 of these had an internal hernia (2 with volvulus and 2 with dead bowel), 1 had biliopancreatic limb obstruction, and 1 had peritonitis. Conclusion: Patients with SBO after distal gastric bypass may present with vague complaints and confusing laboratory and non-specific findings on x-rays. Delayed diagnosis can have catastrophic consequences. CT imaging with oral and intravenous contrast can be life-saving, and should be obtained in all gastric bypass patients with abdominal pain, particularly when all other parameters seem "normal". Unexplained abdominal pain should prompt exploration.     

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundPatients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity may develop postoperative abdominal pain disorders that require surgical evaluation. Chronic pancreatitis and pain associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is an uncommon disorder whose clinical diagnosis is problematic without sphincter of Oddi manometry. To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of SOD in the gastric bypass population, a retrospective review and analysis of gastric bypass patients who had undergone transduodenal sphincteroplasty (TS) for SOD was undertaken.MethodsThe medical records of patients who had undergone TS after gastric bypass at the Medical University of South Carolina Digestive Disease Center from January 2002 to December 2006 were evaluated for outcomes-based data with the approval of the institutional review board for the evaluation of human subjects. Long-term patient outcomes were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item, version 2, quality-of-life survey.ResultsA total of 16 women (median age 49 years) were identified who had undergone TS with biliary sphincteroplasty and pancreatic ductal septoplasty for SOD. The indications for surgery included pain (100%), nausea (31%), weight loss (13%), and recurrent pancreatitis (31%). The diagnosis of SOD was supported by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with secretin stimulation. Three postoperative complications (18.8%) developed, but no mortality. The average length of hospital stay was 5 days (range 2–9). Of the 16 patients, 13 (81%) responded to the survey follow-up. The mean length of follow-up was 28 months (range 16–57). Of the 13 patients, 11 (85%) reported pain improvement after surgery. The survey's norm-based scores were similar to those of a representative population.ConclusionSOD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric bypass patients with pancreatobiliary pain after cholecystectomy. When the clinical history is supported by laboratory and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography data, TS can be undertaken with low morbidity and good patient outcomes. SOD is a notable disorder in the gastric bypass population. With appropriate patient selection, TS can be beneficial.     

Spigelian hernias: repair and outcome for 81 patients

Spigelian hernia is a rare partial abdominal wall defect. The frequent lack of physical findings along with vague associated abdominal complaints makes the diagnosis elusive. A retrospective review of Mayo Clinic patients was performed to find all patients who had undergone surgical repair of a Spigelian hernia from 1976 to 1997. Patients were scrutinized for presentation, work-up, therapy, and outcome. The goal of this study was to obtain long-term outcome. The study was set in a tertiary referral center. There were 76 patients in whom 81 Spigelian hernias were repaired. Symptoms most commonly included an intermittent mass (n = 29), pain (n = 20), pain with a mass (n = 22), and bowel obstruction (n = 5). Five patients were asymptomatic. Preoperative imaging was performed in 21 patients and correctly diagnosed the hernia in 15. Spigelian hernias were repaired by primary suture closure (n = 75), mesh (n = 5), and laparoscopic (n = 1) techniques. Eight patients (10%) required emergent operations. Thirteen hernias (17%) were found to be incarcerated at the time of the operation. Overall mean follow-up for the 76 patients was 8 years, with three hernia recurrences identified. Spigelian hernia is rare and requires a high index of suspicion given the lack of consistent symptoms and signs. An astute physician may couple a proper history and physical examination with preoperative imaging to secure the diagnosis. Mesh and laparoscopic repairs are viable alternatives to the durable results of standard primary closure. Given the high rate of incarceration/strangulation, the diagnosis of Spigelian hernia is an indication for surgical repair.     

Perforated pyloric ulcer 13 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A case report

Introduction and importanceBariatric or metabolic surgery is an emerging surgical specialty. With the increase of obesity and affiliated complications, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass became a well-established procedure worldwide.Case presentationWe present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented herself in the emergency department with diffuse abdominal pain, 13 years after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The CT scan found suspicions of an internal hernia. The diagnostic laparoscopy showed a perforated pyloric ulcer of the gastric remnant as well as an internal hernia without any signs of incarceration. The ulcer was repaired by laparoscopic suture and the mesenteric defect at the enteroenterostomy was closed. The testing for H. pylori by different means showed a negative (stool) and a positive (serology) result.Clinical discussionThe loss of connection of the gastric remnant to the oesophagus poses challenges in the diagnostic process: in regard to the perforated ulcer, free air, the most common sign, is absent, and testing of H. pylori presents limited options.ConclusionBariatric patients remain patients with special considerations even long after undergoing these surgeries because of the drastic change in their anatomy and metabolism. Furthermore, due to the aforementioned reasons, diagnostic by clinical findings and imaging can be difficult and these patients should undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy and multimodal testing for H. pylori.     

Laparoscopy in suspected abdominal tuberculosis is useful as an early diagnostic method

Background: Establishing a histological diagnosis in abdominal tuberculosis can be difficult, frequently delaying treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of laparoscopy for ascertaining the diagnosis in suspected abdominal tuberculosis. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected abdominal tuberculosis over a 6‐year period, analysing its usefulness in establishing a histological diagnosis. Results: From May 1999 to April 2005, 131 patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopies in our institution, of which 41 patients had unknown aetiologies for ascites or abdominal pain. This subset of patients had been investigated for suspected abdominal tuberculosis with biochemical tests of serum and ascitic fluid; ultrasound and computed tomography scanning, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies and contrast series, before being considered for diagnostic laparoscopy. None had manifest extra‐abdominal tuberculosis. At laparoscopy, 39 of these patients (95%) had peritoneal nodules. Frozen‐section biopsy from the peritoneal nodules established the diagnosis of tuberculosis in 33 patients (80%) whereas metastatic adenocarcinoma was reported in 6 (14%). Permanent sections confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis in all 33 patients. Only 2 (5%) patients had no findings on laparoscopy; nevertheless, on continuing follow up, no sinister diagnoses were made for these patients. Conclusion: In patients suspected to have abdominal tuberculosis without evidence of extra‐abdominal disease, early laparoscopy may be useful to establish a histological diagnosis with acceptably low morbidity (8%). Frozen section is useful to assess adequacy of biopsy and sampling. An extensive work‐up may hence be averted by a timely laparoscopy and early treatment can be instituted.     

Revision of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Complicated by a Large Para-esophageal Hernia

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and present with upper abdominal symptoms pose a diagnostic and management challenge. This is a case report of a 53-year-old lady who presented a number of years after vertical banded gastroplasty with upper abdominal pain and weight gain. Radiological investigation demonstrated a large para-esophageal hernia including the stapled area of the stomach, but with a staple-line dehiscence. She successfully underwent repair of the hiatus hernia and conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass resulting in resolution of the abdominal pain and weight loss.     

Endoscopic foreign body removal for treatment of chronic abdominal pain in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BackgroundCommon endoscopic findings in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with chronic abdominal pain have included marginal ulceration, gastrogastric fistula, and jejunal erosion. However, suture or staples eroding into the gastric pouch can also contribute to abdominal pain. Redundant suture is typically regarded as a normal part of the postoperative anatomy. The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of endoscopic foreign body removal of partially exposed sutures and staples in post-RYGB patients with chronic abdominal pain at a university hospital in the United States.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients from January 2006 to July 2007. Post-RYGB patients with chronic abdominal pain underwent endoscopic foreign body removal of exposed sutures/staples. Pain scores were obtained before the procedure, immediately after the procedure, and at the telephone follow-up (median 7.2 months).ResultsOf 21 patients, 15 (71%) reported immediate symptomatic improvement. Specific endoscopic accessories were found to be more useful than others in managing the various foreign materials. Of the 21 patients, 15 (71%) were available for telephone follow-up. Of these 15 patients, 13 (87%) reported continued symptomatic improvement, with 9 (60%) reporting complete pain resolution and 4 (27%) reporting partial improvement. Eroded foreign material was seen in association with marginal ulcers in 3 patients (14%), gastritis in 7 patients (33%), and an inflammatory polyp in 1 patient (5%).ConclusionsEroded suture and staples can cause chronic abdominal pain in post-RYGB patients. In symptomatic patients, visible suture or staples should be considered a potential etiology of chronic pain, instead of normal postoperative findings. Endoscopic foreign body removal might be of therapeutic benefit in these patients.     

Mirizzi综合征诊断与治疗10年回顾

目的:总结10年间Mirizzi综合征(MS)的诊治经验,为临床提供借鉴。方法:回顾2004—2013年间收治的27例MS患者临床资料,包括3例保守治疗,24例手术治疗,主要将24例手术患者的术前资料、手术方式、术后恢复及随访情况进行分析与总结。结果:24例手术患者中,术前确诊率为54.2%(13/24),术前MRCP对MS的确诊率高于彩超和腹部CT,23例(95.8%)术后病理诊断为慢性胆囊炎。10例腹腔镜手术患者中,除1例因腹腔粘连严重转为开腹,术后腹痛症状反复外,余未出现术中及术后并发症,远期随访结果良好;14例开腹手术患者中,术后2例出现少量胆汁漏,随访发现1例长期腹痛,1例T管拔除延迟,1例出现切口疝及肠梗阻。结论:MS的术前确诊率低,完善术前检查有助于提高术前确诊率,以便合理选择术式,减少术中并发症。腹腔镜手术治疗MS具有一定的优势。     

Results after laparoscopic lysis of adhesions and placement of seprafilm for intractable abdominal pain

Background: The surgical treatment of patients with chronic abdominal pain resulting from intraabdominal adhesions is controversial. We report our experience with treatment of this challenging patient population using laparoscopic lysis of adhesions (LOA) and placement of Seprafilm (Genzyme, Cambridge, MA, USA). Methods: The participants in this study were 19 consecutive patients (2 men and 17 women) who underwent laparoscopic LOA and placement of Seprafilm between July 1998 and July 2001. Patients with abdominal pain resulting from irritable bowel syndrome, hernias, or endometriosis were excluded. The patients had undergone a mean of 6.4 previous abdominal procedures (range, 1–14) and 2.3 previous LOAs (range, 0–10). They had experienced chronic, intractable abdominal pain for at least 4 months (range, 4–180). Eight patients had preoperative obstructive symptoms. Results: A completely laparoscopic procedure was used to treat 16 patients, whereas the procedure for 3 patients was converted to open surgery because of dense adhesions. Perioperative complications included two patients in whom enterocutaneous fistulae developed and one patient with intraabdominal hematoma. At follow-up (mean, 9.6 months; range, 1–32 months), 14 patients (73.7%) had completely discontinued all pain medications. At this writing, 12 of these patients are completely symptom free. Two patients are taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed, and three patients require round-the-clock narcotics. Three patients were readmitted with small bowel obstruction, which was managed nonoperatively. One patient had diagnostic laparoscopy for recurrent pain 6 months postoperatively, but had no adhesions. Conclusion: Chronic intractable abdominal pain is relieved in most patients via this approach. Repeat laparoscopy in two patients showed no intraabdominal adhesions. Laparoscopic LOA and placement of Seprafilm is an excellent approach to this challenging patient population with symptoms caused by intraabdominal adhesions.     

Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of nontraumatic acute abdominal pain in women

PURPOSE: We reviewed the records of 77 women treated for nontraumatic acute abdomen by the principal author between June 1991 and June 1996. All patients presented to either the surgeon's office or the emergency room at Northwest Hospital, which is an urban community hospital in North Seattle. Our objectives in the study were to determine the effectiveness of diagnostic laparoscopy for nontraumatic acute abdomen and the percentage of cases managed using laparoscopic technique exclusively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The mean patient age was 36.5 (range 12-65) years. The majority of these women (92%) were premenopausal. Seventy-two (93.5%) were Caucasian, and the remaining 5 (6.5%) were Asian. Thirty-eight of the women (49%) had undergone at least one prior pelvic or abdominal operation, and 28 (36%) had undergone more than one. The principal author performed preoperative clinical evaluations, then diagnostic laparoscopy for all 77 patients. RESULTS: Laparoscopy provided a definitive diagnosis in 76 of the 77 cases. In 70% of the cases (54 of 77) the preoperative diagnosis was confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy, and in 29% (22 of 77), the diagnosis was confirmed, yet augmented or clarified, by diagnostic laparoscopy. In the remaining case, diagnostic laparoscopy ruled out any acute etiology. Ninety-five percent of the patients (72 of 76) were treated exclusively by laparoscopy (70 cases) or a laparoscopy-assisted procedure (2 cases). Four patients (5%) required conversion to laparotomy. The remaining patient required no therapeutic surgery. Mortality was 0 and morbidity 4%. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of women presenting with acute abdominal pain can be managed using a laparoscopic technique exclusively.     

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer disease and gallstones are common causes of upper abdominal pain. The benefits of routine gastrostroscopy before laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been controversial. Some cases of persistent abdominal pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been attributed to peptic ulcer disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the significance of preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy in patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We compared a group of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy before laparoscopic cholecystectomy and a group of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with no preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Postoperative residual abdominal pain, esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, hospital stay, and other variables were examined. RESULTS: There were 400 patients in this study: 218 (54.5%) patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy while 182 (45.5%) did not. The mean age was 49.8 years, 311 were female and 89 were male patients. One hundred and twenty seven (31.7%) patients were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and 273 (68.2%) were nonacute. In the esophagogastroduodenoscopy group, there were normal findings in 98 (45%) patients. Disorders such as hiatus hernia (21%), acute duodenal ulcers (3.6%), esophagitis (3.6%), gastric ulcer (0.4%), and Barrett's esophagus (0.4%) were among the findings. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was avoided in six patients with chronic cholecystitis. Preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not reduce the incidence of postoperative residual abdominal pain; in fact, patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy had longer hospital stays (P = 0.02). Unlike chronic cholecystitis, esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not change the course of the planned surgery in acute cholecystitis. CONCLUSION: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not have an impact on postoperative residual abdominal pain; however, it can disclose other gastroesophageal disorders with similar symptoms to gallstones and may change the course of the planned surgery in chronic cholecystitis.     

Laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Access and endoscopic evaluation of the bypassed stomach is difficult after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We propose a minimally invasive technique to access the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: First, we established carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum to a pressure of 12-15 mm Hg. Next, 12-mm umbilical, 5-mm right upper quadrant, 5-mm left lower quadrant, and 15-mm left upper quadrant trocars were placed. A purse-string suture was placed on the anterior wall of the stomach. A gastrotomy was made using ultrasonic shears and the 15-mm trocar was placed into the stomach. The endoscope was then inserted through the 15-mm trocar, and the pneumoperitoneum was decreased to 10 mm Hg. Once the evaluation was complete, the gastrotomy was closed with a running suture or linear stapler. RESULTS: Ten patients at our institution have undergone laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy. Five patients had biliary pathologic findings. Four of these patients underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and papillotomy; the procedure in the fifth patient was unsuccessful because stone impaction at the ampulla. Three patients were evaluated for gastrointestinal bleeding. One was diagnosed with a duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, one with a bleeding duodenal ulcer, requiring surgical exploration; and the third had negative endoscopy findings. Two patients evaluated for chronic abdominal pain had negative endoscopy findings. No complications developed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy is a safe and minimally invasive approach for the evaluation of the gastric remnant, duodenum, and biliary tree in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

Safety and outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in patients 60 years of age and older.

BACKGROUND: Many surgeons are hesitant to offer bariatric surgery to patients >60 years of age because of concern of the considerably greater perioperative risk and less weight-control efficacy. We hypothesized that laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can be performed in this patient population with acceptable morbidity and can achieve effective weight control. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients >60 years of age who had undergone LRYGB at the Bariatric Institute at Cleveland Clinic Florida from 2001 to 2004. The data assessed included age, gender, preoperative and postoperative weight and body mass index (BMI), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients >60 years who had undergone LRYGB were reviewed in this study. The mean preoperative weight and BMI was 136.6 kg and 48.4 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean postoperative weight and BMI was 100.3 kg and 35.9 kg/m(2), respectively. The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 53.85%. The early complications were an anastomotic leak in 2 patients (2.2%), intraluminal hemorrhage in 1 patient (1.1%), pulmonary embolus in 1 patient (1.1%), pneumonia in 1 patient (1.1%), and atrial fibrillation in 1 patient (1.1%). The late complications included stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy in 8 patients (8.6%), marginal ulceration in 3 (3.2%), small bowel obstruction in 1 (1.1%), internal hernia in 1 (1.1%), and abdominal wall hernia in 1. No mortality occurred. CONCLUSION: LRYGB can be performed safely and can achieve effective weight control in patients >60 years of age.     

The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain syndromes

Background: Diagnostic laparoscopy plays a significant role in the evaluation of acute and chronic abdominal pain in the era of therapeutic laparoscopic surgery. Methods: We referred to our personal series of laparoscopy for both acute and chronic abdominal pain. This is a retrospective review of data accumulated prospectively between 1979 and the present. Results: In our series, 387 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopy because of abdominal pain. In a group of 121 patients with acute abdominal pain, a definitive diagnosis was made in 119 cases (98%). Two patients needed laparotomy to confirm the diagnosis; both had a disease process that did not require laparotomy to treat. A definitive therapeutic laparoscopic procedure was performed in 53 cases 944%). In 45 patients (38%), a diagnosis was made that did not require therapeutic laparoscopy or laparotomy to treat. In the remaining 21 patients (17.5%), exploratory laparotomy was needed to treat the condition. In a chronic abdominal pain group of 265 patients, the etiology was established laparoscopically in 201 cases (76%). A definitive therapeutic laparoscopic procedure was performed in 128 patients (48%). There was a normal laparoscopic examination in 64 patients (24%). There was one false negative laparoscopy that required laparotomy to treat 1 month later. Conclusions: Laparoscopy is an accurate modality for the diagnosis of both acute and chronic abdominal pain syndromes. These data support the use of laparoscopy as the primary invasive intervention in patients with acute and chronic abdominal pain. Received: 24 March 1997/Accepted: 4 September 1997