Complications of pediatric urological laparoscopy: mistakes and risks

PURPOSE: We evaluate the results and complications of laparoscopic urological procedures in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 3-year period 4,350 laparoscopic procedures were performed at 8 Italian centers of pediatric surgery. We analyzed only the data of urological procedures for a total of 701 laparoscopic operations on patients 1 month to 14 years old. The indications for surgery were cryptorchidism in 414 cases, varicoceles in 159, ambiguous genitalia in 37, total nephrectomy in 34, partial nephrectomy in 4, adrenalectomy in 3 and other diagnostic procedures in 50. We adopted a retroperitoneoscopic approach in 72 cases (10.3%) and a laparoscopic approach in 629 (89.7%). Patient records were analyzed to search for any complication that may have occurred during the laparoscopic procedure and assess how they were managed. RESULTS: We recorded 19 complications (2.7%) in our series, of which 6 required conversion to open surgery and 13 did not. There was no mortality. At a maximum followup of 4 years all children were alive and had no problems related to the laparoscopic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that pediatric laparoscopic urological surgery has an acceptable rate of complications with no mortality. We believe that routine use of open laparoscopy in pediatric patients is a key factor to help avoid complications. Most complications can be avoided with surgeon and team experience, together with proper compliance with the indications for surgery.     

Complications of open and laparoscopic antireflux surgery: 32-year audit at a teaching hospital

Background:Open or laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease gives longterm freedom from symptoms in 83–100% of cases but has a certain percentage of complications. This study was undertaken to evaluate the early and late complication rates after primary or repeat antireflux operations.Study Design:The records of all patients who underwent surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease during a 32-year period at a university teaching hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Records for 793 adults (448 men and 345 women) aged 16–85 years (mean, 51) were retrieved for calculation of complication rates and statistical analysis.Results:A total of 827 operations were performed: 793 primary and 41 for recurrent disease (2 patients were each reoperated on twice). There were 49 laparoscopic operations. Only two patients died (mortality, 0.3%), both after open operation. Morbidity was 24% after open surgery and 14% after laparoscopic operation. The total (early and late) complication rate was higher after reoperations than that after open or laparoscopic procedures. The overall complication rate in the open operations was similar in the first and the third decade of the study, namely, 24.6% and 26.1%, respectively.Conclusions:Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease carries very low mortality when performed in a specialized unit. The main causes of morbidity after open operation are infectious complications. The incidence of complications is substantially lower after laparoscopic surgery than after open operation. Reoperation is seldom required, but it carries higher morbidity than the primary operations.     

Could laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery become the standard of care? A review and experience with 750 procedures

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of the laparoscopic approach to colon and rectal surgery do not seem as great as for other laparoscopic procedures. To study this further we decided to review the current literature and the 10-year experience of a surgical group from university teaching hospitals in Montréal, Québec and Toronto in performing laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery. METHODS: The prospectively designed case series comprised all patients having laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery. The procedures were carried out by a group of 4 surgeons between April 1991 and November 2001. We noted intraoperative complications, any conversions to open surgery, operating time, postoperative complications and postoperative length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The group attempted 750 laparoscopic colon and rectal procedures of which 669 were completed laparoscopically. Malignant disease was the indication for surgery in 49.6% of cases. Right hemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy accounted for 54.5% of procedures performed. Intraoperative complications occurred in 8.3%, with 29.0% of these resulting in conversion to open surgery. The overall rate of conversion to open surgery was 10.8%, most commonly for oncologic concerns. Median operating time was 175 minutes for all procedures. Postoperative complications occurred in 27.5% of procedures completed laparoscopically but were mostly minor wound complications. Pulmonary complications occurred in only 1.0%. The anastomotic leak rate was 2.5%. The early reoperation rate was 2.4%. Postoperative mortality was 2.2%. No port site metastases have yet been detected. The median postoperative length of stay was 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery in this 10-year experience are consistent with numerous cohort studies and randomized clinical trials. Laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery in the hands of well-trained surgeons can be performed safely with short hospital stay, low analgesic requirements and acceptable complication rates compared with historical controls and other reports in the literature. Evidence from published randomized clinical trials is emerging that under these conditions laparoscopic resection represents the better treatment option for most benign conditions, but concerns regarding its appropriateness for malignant disease are still to be resolved.     

Twelve years of minimally invasive surgery in children and adolescents: a single center experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Minimally invasive surgery plays an important role in the daily practice of pediatric surgeons. However, there have been few reports of large series of patients. The aim of this paper is to report our experience over the past 12 years with a broad range of pediatric laparoscopic procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1084 minimally invasive procedures conducted in the department of pediatric surgery from June 1992 to March 2004. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 14 years (range, 1-19). Seven hundred forty-six operations (69%) were thoracoscopic sympathectomy for hyperhydrosis. Other common operations were high ligation of spermatic vessels (n=98), cholecystectomy (n=65), exploration of nonpalpable testes (n=53), appendectomy (n=55), female adnexal surgery (n=24), and splenectomy (n=13). Thirty miscellaneous procedures included Nissen fundoplication, liver biopsies, diagnostic laparoscopy, Morgani and Bochdalek hernia repair, Swenson procedures, V-P shunt placement, splenic and hepatic cyst removal, thorcoscopy for pleural empyema, treatment of gastric ulcer perforation, and nephrectomy. We reviewed the indications for surgery, the surgical technique, and the outcome for each procedure. All patients in this series were well at follow-up and there was no long-term morbidity. CONCLUSION: Although laparoscopic procedures have gained an integral place in pediatric surgery and are relatively safe, advanced laparoscopic procedures should be developed, practiced and evaluated in dedicated surgical units to ensure a broad base of experience on which to base future decisions and guidelines.     

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open nephrectomy in the pediatric population

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic renal surgery has become an accepted approach for benign disease in adults. We compare our experience with laparoscopic and open nephrectomy in a pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 pediatric patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy and an additional 10 consecutive children underwent similar open procedures. All patients had benign disease and were treated at a single institution. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for relevant clinical data. RESULTS: Planned surgery was completed in all cases. There were no conversions to open surgery in the laparoscopic group. Mean operative time was 175.6 versus 120.2 minutes (p = 0.01) and mean hospital stay was 22.5 versus 41.3 hours (p = 0.03) in the laparoscopic and open nephrectomy groups, respectively. Blood loss was not statistically different. Analgesic use was qualitatively less in the laparoscopic nephrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy may be performed safely in children. While operative time was somewhat longer in our initial laparoscopic series, postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter than for open surgery. Further experience with this technique is warranted.     

Laparoscopic colorectal anastomosis: risk of postoperative leakage

Background: We report on a prospective observational multicenter study of more than 1,000 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal procedures. The aim of the current study was to investigate the safety of laparoscopic colorectal surgery as reflected by the anastomotic insufficiency rates in the various sections of the bowel, and to compare these rates with those of open colorectal surgery. Methods: The study was begun on August 1, 1995. Twenty-four centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participated in this prospective multicenter study. All patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included in the study. No selection criteria were applied, which means that every operation begun as a laparoscopic procedure was included. Data on patient demographics, surgical indications, surgical course, and patient outcome were recorded prospectively in a computer database. All data were rendered anonymous. Results: Between August 1995 and February 1998, the 24 participating centers treated 1,143 patients (male/female ratio, 1:1.36; mean age, 60.7 years). In all, 626 operations were performed for benign indications and 517 for cancer. Most procedures involved the sigmoid colon and rectum (80.9%). An anastomosis was performed in 83% of the operations. Most of the anastomoses were laparoscopically assisted using the stapling technique. We observed an overall leakage rate of 4.25% (colon 2.9%; rectum 12.7%), and surgical reintervention was required in 1% of the cases. The rate of conversion to open surgery was 5.6%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 5.9%, and reoperation was necessary in 4.1% of the cases. The overall morbidity rate was 22.3%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 1.57%. Conclusions: The feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic colorectal approach is demonstrated clearly. The current study shows that the laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted approach to colorectal surgery is not associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leaks. Morbidity and mortality rates with this method approximate those seen with conventional colorectal surgery. Received: 24 August 1998/Accepted: 25 November 1998     

Complications of laparoscopic nephrectomy: the Mayo clinic experience

PURPOSE: We present the incidence of complications and conversions during laparoscopic nephrectomy performed for various indications and discuss methods to help prevent future complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1999 to February 2003 at our institution 285 laparoscopic nephrectomy cases were performed, consisting of 113 radical nephrectomies, 101 donor nephrectomies, 27 simple nephrectomies, 23 partial nephrectomies and 21 nephroureterectomies. We reviewed the data base of patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy to examine complications and analyze factors related to conversion to an open surgical procedure. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 16 patients (5.6%). Major complications were surgical in 12 patients and medical in 4. Of the major surgical complications 3, 6, 1, 1 and 1 occurred during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, simple nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy, respectively. The predominant major surgical complication was bleeding requiring conversion to an open surgical procedure. The overall conversion rate was 4% (12 patients), consisting of 6 emergency and 6 elective conversions. The remaining 27 patients experienced minor surgical or postoperative medical problems, such as urinary retention or wound infection. The mortality rate in our series was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic renal surgery is becoming a routine procedure in the armamentarium of many urologists. Complications that are unique to laparoscopy exist but they should decrease with time with repetition and experience. We have learned many different precautions and procedures that should help decrease the risk of future complications associated with laparoscopic renal surgery.     

自制穿刺带线针辅助单孔腹腔镜疝囊高位结扎术治疗小儿腹股沟疝

目的:探讨自制穿刺带线针辅助单孔腹腔镜下疝囊高位结扎术中治疗小儿腹股沟疝的可行性与疗效。方法:回顾性分析2012年1月—2014年11月期间收治的47例小儿腹股沟疝患者资料,其中23例行自制穿刺带线针辅助单孔腹腔镜下疝囊高位结扎术(腹腔镜组),采用全身麻醉;24例行传统开放性疝囊高位结扎术(开放组),采用连续硬膜外麻醉。比较两组患者的相关临床指标。结果:腹腔镜手术均获成功,无中转开腹。与开放组比较,腹腔镜组手术时间缩短(8.26 min vs.36.54 min),术中出血量降低(0.63 m L vs.4.15 m L)、术后住院时间减少(1.39 d vs.3.75 d),但住院费用增加(6 682.18元vs.4 385.93元),差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);腹腔镜组无术后并发症,开放组术后发生并发症5例,其中阴囊血肿3例,皮下血肿2例,两组总并发症发生率差异有统计学意义(0 vs.20.8%,P0.05)。两组随访期间均无复发病例。结论:自制穿刺带线针辅助下单孔腹腔镜治疗小儿腹股沟疝安全有效、具有微创、无明显瘢痕、并发症少等优点。     

UREKA: umbilical ring easy kannula access

Background and Objectives:

Standard techniques of laparoscopic access involve creating an abdominal wall defect and can result in complications. We describe the umbilical ring easy kannula access (UREKA) technique, evaluating safety and a decrease in complications related to port placement.

Methods:

UREKA is performed via a supra- or infraumbilical incision followed by circumferential dissection of the umbilical stalk. The umbilical skin is dissected free from the fascia, exposing the umbilical ring. Pneumoperitoneum is established either before or after placement of a dilating port through the open ring. We reviewed all laparoscopic procedures performed by one pediatric surgeon over 14 months using UREKA.

Results:

Ninety-four patients underwent laparoscopic surgery with initial port placement via UREKA. Appendectomy (n=57) was the most common procedure, followed by fundoplication (15) and cholecystectomy (10). No intestinal, solid organ, vascular, or bladder injuries related to port placement occurred. The only postoperative complication was a superficial wound infection in a 135-kg patient following cholecystectomy, treated successfully with oral antibiotics alone.

Conclusion:

The umbilical ring persists to some degree in all pediatric patients and provides a safe portal of entry for laparoscopic surgery. UREKA has few complications and is a straightforward, reproducible technique for gaining initial laparoscopic access.     

Update on pediatric perfusion practice in North America: 2005 survey

The devices and techniques used for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) undergo continuous change. New techniques and clinical comparisons of devices are frequently reported in the literature; however, information about the extent to which these techniques and devices are adopted into clinical practice at pediatric heart centers are not well described. We conducted a mail survey of North American pediatric cardiac surgery centers to gain perspective on the extent to which various devices and techniques were used for CPB along with program demographic data. In January 2005, surveys were mailed to 180 North American open heart centers. The survey was nearly identical in format and content to three earlier surveys completed in 1989, 1994, and 1999, with the exception that new questions were added to address new techniques and devices that have emerged over the years. Responses were received from 76 hospitals, for an overall response rate of 42%. Of the responding centers, 53 were performing pediatric open heart surgery and 23 were not. Twenty centers performed only pediatric open heart surgery, and 33 performed both pediatric and adult open heart surgery. The mean pediatric annual caseload of responding centers was 195 procedures/yr (range, 20-650 procedures/yr; median, 154 procedures/yr). A total of 9943 pediatric open heart procedures were performed at responding centers in 2004. Most of the centers surveyed reported use of an open venous reservoir system (88%), use of roller pumps (90%), and use of arterial line filtration (98%). Most centers used circuits that have surface treatments with heparin or some other surface-modifying agent (74%). There has been an increase in the use of all types of safety devices. Modified ultrafiltration is used at 75% of the centers surveyed. Centers reported an increase in the availability of all types of cardiac support devices including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy cardiac support (90%). This survey provides an overview of clinical practice in 2004. The series of surveys document the historical progression of clinical practice over the past 16 years. Practice surveys may also be useful for identifying gaps between evidence-based knowledge and clinical practice. These surveys document the diffusion of innovation related to CPB during the past 16 years and areas of variation in practice that need further study.     

Minimally invasive pediatric nephrectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Since the first laparoscopic pediatric nephrectomy was performed in 1992, many articles have reported the feasibility of minimally invasive nephrectomy, heminephrectomy, and nephroureterectomy in children. This article reviews the literature related to minimally invasive nephrectomy, including robot-assisted surgery, and its complications published between November 2002 and November 2004. RECENT FINDINGS: The retroperitoneoscopic approach to nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy continues to prove successful in the pediatric population, although the transperitoneal approach is beneficial in combined upper and lower tract procedures. Initial reports on bilateral transperitoneal nephrectomy for nephrotic syndrome and laparoscopic nephrectomy for Wilms tumor are presented. Comparison studies between laparoscopic nephrectomy and open procedures are reviewed. Robot-assisted procedures are possible in children but little information is available on their pediatric use at the present time. Laparoscopy in children appears to have a similar complication rate to that in adults. SUMMARY: More studies are needed to compare the outcomes of minimally invasive procedures with those of open procedures. Robot-assisted surgery offers promise but expense currently limits its use.     

Reoperative laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children: comparison with open surgery

PURPOSE: We assessed the feasibility of pediatric redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty in comparison to redo open pyeloplasty for safety, efficacy, operative time, blood loss, postoperative analgesic requirements, length of hospitalization, complications, need for readmission and subsequent procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing reoperative pyeloplasty between June 2003 and July 2006. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients (11 redo pyeloplasties) were divided into 2 groups, ie those undergoing redo open (4) and laparoscopic (6) pyeloplasty. Groups were similar in age, sex, weight, laterality, and number and type of prior interventions to repair ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Surgical time for redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty was longer than for redo open pyeloplasty (290 vs 203 minutes, p<0.05). Success rate was the same in both groups (80%). The redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty group had a shorter hospital stay (mean 2.5 vs 4.6 days, p<0.05), decreased use of parenteral narcotics (0.2 vs 5 mg/kg, p<0.01), and a trend toward decreased oral narcotics (0.2 vs 2.1 mg/kg, p=0.09) and fewer complications (0 vs 4, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the feasibility of redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the pediatric population. In experienced hands pediatric redo laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be performed safely with a success rate similar to that of open surgery, and it may provide a faster recovery with decreased narcotic requirements and morbidity. Further studies are needed to better define the role of laparoscopic pyeloplasty for secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the pediatric population.     

腹腔镜外科手术389例治疗体会

目的:探讨腹腔镜外科手术的方法和经验。方法:回顾分析389例腹腔镜外科手术的临床资料。结果:成功实施腹腔镜外科手术376例,中转开腹13例,胆总管损伤2例,术后胆漏1例。结论:腹腔镜外科手术安全有效,并发症发生率低。     

泌尿外科后腹腔镜手术500例临床分析

目的:总结泌尿外科后腹腔镜手术经验,提高其临床应用水平。方法:2001年9月至2006年11月为500例患者施行泌尿外科后腹腔镜手术,其中男293例,女207例,9~76岁,平均44.6岁;其中肾上腺手术176例,肾囊肿去顶减压术75例,肾盂切开取石术10例,单纯肾切除术26例,根治性肾切除术31例,肾部分切除术2例,肾输尿管全切术18例,肾蒂淋巴管结扎术9例,输尿管切开取石术9例,输尿管成形术11例,精索静脉高位结扎术133例。并对15例后腹腔镜肾切除术与18例开放式肾切除术进行比较。结果:484例(96.8%)完成手术,其中1例因大出血于手术次日行开放手术;术中膈肌穿孔1例,术后切口感染6例,无大血管破裂、腹腔内脏器损伤、死亡等并发症发生;中转开放手术16例。肾切除手术中,后腹腔镜组的术中出血量及术后患者康复时间少于开放组。结论:后腹腔镜手术适于治疗肾上腺、肾、输尿管及精索静脉疾病,具有患者创伤小、安全、术后康复快等优点,可作为有适应证患者的首选手术方法。     

Indications for laparoscopic surgery for Crohn''s disease using the Vienna Classification

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease and clarify the indications using the Vienna Classification. METHOD: Between September 1994 and July 2004, 107 patients with Crohn's disease underwent 124 procedures. Of these, 91 laparoscopic procedures formed the basis of this study. The Vienna Classification, which consists of three subgroups - age at diagnosis (A1-2), location (L1-4) and behaviour (B1-3) - was applied to compare the conversion to open surgery and incidence of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 12 (13.2%) patients. Major and minor postoperative complications occurred in five (5.5%) and 13 (19.8%) patients respectively. The conversion rate, major and total complications in the B3L3/4 subgroup were significantly greater than in the other subgroups. Multivariate analysis showed that B3L3/4 was the only predictive factor for all complications. However, the incidence of major and all complications in the B3L3/4 subgroup did not differ between the open and laparoscopic surgery groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease is the procedure of choice for all uncomplicated cases (B2L1-4, B3L1/2). For patients in the complicated group (B3L3/4), laparoscopy is also feasible and justified; however, the surgeon must be aware of the propensity for higher rate of conversion.     

Management and outcome of complications after laparoscopic antireflux operations

HYPOTHESIS: Perioperative complications of laparoscopic antireflux operations are infrequent and treatable and do not cause permanent disability. DESIGN: Retrospective review of all patients with laparoscopic antireflux operations for the management and outcome of all complications. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: All 538 patients who underwent operation from January 20, 1993, through December 28, 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications were defined as any major or minor deviation from the standard postoperative clinical pathway. Minor complications did not require invasive treatment and were not expected to result in permanent disability. Major complications required invasive treatment or could result in permanent disability. The frequency of complications was also stratified into those that occurred during primary antireflux procedures and those that occurred during reoperations for previously failed procedures. RESULTS: Ninety-two complications occurred in 538 operations (17.1%). Sixty-eight patients (12.6%) experienced minor complications. Postoperative ileus was the most common complication (n = 37 [6.9%]), followed by pneumothorax (n = 13 [2.4%]) and urinary retention (n = 10 [1.9%]). Major complications were present in only 24 patients (4.5%) and occurred significantly more frequently after reoperations. Of these, dysphagia was the most frequent complication observed (n = 11 [2.0%]), followed by perforated viscus (n = 4 [0.7%]). Two patients (0.4%) died. All but 4 major complications resulted in full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications in laparoscopic antireflux surgery are rare, their treatment is straightforward, and permanent disability is uncommon. Complications occur twice as often during reoperations, highlighting the difficulty in performing these procedures. Although primary laparoscopic antireflux operations are performed by many general surgeons routinely, reoperations should be performed by a team experienced in laparoscopic esophageal surgery.     

Gynecologic laparoscopy

Gynecologic laparoscopy is an evolving discipline. Major advances in technology have facilitated the transition from traditional "open" surgery to minimally invasive procedures. This article reviews the basic tenets of gynecologic laparoscopy: pelvic anatomy, general procedures, laparoscopic instruments, complications, and common gynecologic surgeries. Highlighted procedures include adnexal surgery, laparoscopic hysterectomy, and operations for female malignancies.     

Italian multicentric survey on laparoscopic spleen surgery in the pediatric population

BACKGROUND: Some technical aspects of laparoscopic spleen surgery still are debated, although efforts have been made to standardize them. The position of the patient, the approach to the spleen, vessel identification and division, and spleen extraction can vary from center to center. METHODS: This retrospective muticentric study led by the Società Italiana di Videochirurgia Infantile (SIVI) examined indications, surgical details, and complications of laparoscopic spleen surgery in the pediatric population during a 5-year period. RESULTS: The study period from January 1999 to December 2003 (5 years) involved nine centers and included 85 patients with a mean age of 10 years (range, 2-17 years). Hypersplenism or severe hemolysis in cases of hematologic disorders represented the most important indications. More than 90% of the patients underwent total laparoscopic splenectomy. Specific technical details from each center were collected. Intraoperative complications occurred in 19% of the patients (hemorrhage in 8% and technical problems in 14%), and 6% of the patients required conversion to the open approach. No deaths occurred, and no reoperations were required. Postoperative complications were experienced by 2% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic spleen surgery is safe, reliable, and effective in the pediatric population. On the basis of the results, some technical details for laparoscopic spleen surgery can be suggested. The patient is preferably kept supine or lateral, approaching the spleen anteriorly. Moreover, the ilar vessels should be identified selectively and individually, with initial artery division performed to achieve spleen shrinking. Any hemostatic device proved to be effective in experienced hands. Once freed, the spleen is preferably extracted via a suprapubic cosmetic transverse incision (faster, easier, and safer), although a bag can be used. Finally, the size of the spleen does not represent a contraindication for a trained and experienced surgeon. Nevertheless, this parameter must be considered when laparoscopic spleen surgery is planned.     

Accelerated growth of bariatric surgery with the introduction of minimally invasive surgery

HYPOTHESIS: An increase in national utilization of bariatric surgery correlates with the dissemination of laparoscopic bariatric surgery. DESIGN: Evaluation of Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 1998 through 2002. SETTING: National database. PATIENTS: A total of 188,599 patients underwent bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Annual total number of bariatric operations, the proportion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass vs gastroplasty, the proportion of laparoscopic cases, postoperative length of stay, crude in-hospital mortality, and the number of institutions that perform bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2002, the number of bariatric operations increased from 12,775 cases to 70,256 cases. The rate of bariatric surgery increased from 6.3 to 32.7 procedures per 100,000 adults. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery increased from 2.1% to 17.9%. The number of bariatric surgeons with membership in the American Society for Bariatric Surgery increased from 258 to 631, and the number of institutions that perform bariatric surgery increased from 131 to 323. During this 5-year period, the annual rate of laparoscopic bariatric surgery increased exponentially (by 44-fold) compared with a linear growth in open bariatric surgery (by 3-fold). CONCLUSIONS: Between 1998 and 2002, there was a 450% increase in the number of bariatric operations performed in the United States, a 144% increase in the number of American Society for Bariatric Surgery bariatric surgeons, and a 146% increase in the number of bariatric centers. The growth of laparoscopic bariatric surgery during this 5-year period greatly exceeds that of open bariatric surgery.     

Comparison of laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy in a pediatric series

PURPOSE: Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery as well as increasing experience with these techniques have led to the selection of laparoscopic surgery for many urological procedures. A lesser number of pediatric laparoscopic surgical studies have been reported. Few pediatric comparative laparoscopic versus open surgical procedure studies have been published. We compared 2 groups of similar pediatric patients who underwent partial nephrectomy via the laparoscopic or open technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 consecutive partial nephrectomies were performed in pediatric patients 3 months to 15 years old. Of these procedures 11 chosen according to surgeon preference were performed laparoscopically and 11 were done by the open technique. Clinical data were obtained by chart review and compared retrospectively in the 2 groups. Demographic data, operative time and blood loss, the perioperative complication rate, hospital stay and costs, postoperative analgesic use and followup findings were compared. RESULTS: Mean operative time in the laparoscopic and open groups was 200.4 and 113.5 minutes, respectively (p <0.0005). Blood loss was less than 50 cc in all patients. In the laparoscopic and open groups mean hospital stay was 25.5 and 32.6 hours (p = 0.068), and mean cost was $6,125 and $4,244 (p = 0.016), respectively. Patients in the laparoscopic group required fewer doses of analgesics than those who underwent open surgery (mean 10.9 versus 21, p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that increased operative time and costs are disadvantages of pediatric laparoscopic nephrectomy compared with open techniques. Conversely decreased hospital stay, lower analgesic requirements and cosmesis support the use of laparoscopy for pediatric partial nephrectomy. These differences must be considered when deciding which technique is best for overall patient care.