Use of the ultrasonically activated scalpel in acoustic neuroma surgery: preliminary report

Recently, the ultrasonic activated scalpel (the Harmonic Scalpel, HS) has been introduced in laparoscopic surgery. We have applied the HS in debulking the tumor in the posterior fossa and concluded that this is useful in acoustic neuroma surgery. Fifteen patients with a tumor extending more than 20 mm into the posterior fossa were included in this study. The extended middle cranial fossa approach type II was used in 13 patients and type III (hearing preservation surgery) was used in 2 patients. In one of two patients, hearing was preserved. Postroperative facial nerve function according to the House-Brackmann method was grade I in 12 patients, grade II in 2 patients, and grade III in 1 patient. Compating the technique of using HS to a pair of bipolar forceps and/or ultrasonic cavitational aspirator, the former can result in better preservation of the facial nerve function.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in acute appendicitis

Minimally-invasive operations were used in 156 patients with acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy with ligature method by F. Gotz was performed in 64 (41%) patients (group 1), combined appendectomy--in 32 (20.5%) patients (group 2), laparoscopic operation with ligature method in the authors modification in combination with developed prophylactic complex--in 60 (38.5%) patients (group 3). Conversion to open operation was necessary in 6 (3.8%) patients. Intraoperative complications were seen in 5.1% operated patients, postoperative--in 6.4%, however rate of complications in each group ranged from 10.9 to 1.7%. Results of bacterial examination during different stages of laparoscopic appendectomy are provided. Programme of postoperative complications prophylaxis is described. Algorithm of differential approach to various methods of laparoscopic or minimally-invasive appendectomy in presented.     

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy in adolescents using an ultrasonically activated scalpel

Ten laparoscopic varicocelectomies were performed using an ultrasonically activated scalpel to divide spermatic vessels in adolescents. The mean operation time was 35 (25-46) min. There were no intraabdominal viscelar or vascular complications, and no postoperative analgesia was required. These findings suggest that laparoscopic varicocelectomy using an ultrasonically activated scalpel may be a valuable treatment in the adolescent.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated acute appendicitis

The role of laparoscopic appendectomy in complicated appendicitis is still not widely accepted. The authors report their retrospective study performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach in the management of complicated appendicitis. From January 2003 to October 2008, 552 patients underwent appendectomy in our surgical department. Among these, 358 were not complicated appendicitis while 194 were complicated. Of the 194 cases of complicated appendicitis, 121 patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy while the remaining 73 cases were treated by conventional open surgery. The average length of hospital stay was 5.7 days, with a range from 4 to 13 days. Post-operative complications were observed in a total 11 patients (9.1%), including 3 cases of intra abdominal abscess (2.5%), 2 cases of umbilical wound infection (1.6%) and 6 cases of prolonged ileus (4.9%). Our experience suggests that the laparoscopic procedure is a valid, safe and feasible option to manage acute complicated appendicitis.     

腹腔镜阑尾切除术在急性和慢性阑尾炎中应用疗效的比较

目的 通过探讨腹腔镜阑尾切除术在治疗急性和慢性阑尾炎中疗效的优缺点,总结腹腔镜阑尾切除术的手术经验.方法 连续收集北京大学人民医院自2008年6月至2009年12月129例阑尾炎患者的资料,比较急性阑尾炎患者腹腔镜与开腹手术的临床效果,以及急性与慢性阑尾炎的腹腔镜治疗效果.结果 对于急性阑尾炎患者,接受腹腔镜手术患者术后住院时间明显少于开腹组[(4.8±2.6)d比(7.0±1.3)d,t=0.679,P=0.006].在接受腹腔镜组阑尾切除术的患者中,急性阑尾炎患者的平均手术时间[(77±33) min比(55±23) min,t=3.431,P＜0.01]、术后首次排气时间[(2.3±1.2)d比(1.4±0.9)d,t=4.665,P＜0.01]、术后首次进食时间[(2.3±1.4)d比(1.2±0.6)d,t=4.517,P＜0.01)]均长于慢性阑尾炎患者.结论 腹腔镜阑尾切除术治疗急性阑尾炎安全可行;与慢性阑尾炎患者相比,急性阑尾炎患者行腹腔镜阑尾切除术可能导致更多的术后腹腔脓肿和小肠梗阻等并发症.     

Hemostasis with the ultrasonically activated scalpel

In patients with implanted pacemaker/cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the use of electrocautery can lead to serious pacemaker dysfunction. The ultrasonically activated scalpel, however, which has been introduced mainly for the use in laparoscopic surgery, could potentially avoid the outlined problem, since no electrical current flows while in use. This hypothesis was tested in a pacemaker patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the procedure, no abnormal rhythms or ECG interferences were detected while working in close vicinity to the device. Thus, the ultrasonically activated scalpel provides adequate hemostasis and does not bear the risk of pacemaker dysfunction. Received: 12 January 1999/Accepted: 20 January 1999     

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for acute appendicitis: a metaanalysis

Background  

Currently, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) provides a safe and effective alternative to open appendectomy (OA), but its use remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of LA through a metaanalysis.     

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: a preliminary experience

Background  

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a major conceptual change in the field of modern surgery. However, corresponding technological refinements are not yet available to fill the gap separating the current laparoscopy from the NOTES of the future. Meanwhile, “hybrid” NOTES techniques, including single-port procedures, have been increasingly reported. This report describes a technique of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) for selected patients with acute appendicitis.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: indications and current use.

Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in 43 consecutive patients with right lower abdominal pain and preoperative diagnosis of possible appendicitis. Patients with generalized peritonitis and evidence of perforation of the appendix were not considered for laparoscopy. Visualization was sufficient for making a diagnosis in 97.7% of the cases. In 95%, laparoscopic findings were compatible with the pathology report. Thirty-five patients underwent successful laparoscopic appendectomy with neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications. No further surgery was required; slightly elevated temperatures in 6 patients responded to treatment with antibiotics, and there were no wound infections. Laparoscopic appendectomy is minimally invasive and results in less postoperative pain and morbidity and fewer adhesions and other long-term sequelae than conventional laparotomy. It is associated with superior cosmetic results, a shorter hospital stay, and faster return to normal activities. This experience suggests that if there is no evidence that the appendix is perforated or that generalized peritonitis exists and if qualified physicians and adequate facilities are available, patients presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and possible appendicitis are best evaluated and treated with laparoscopic technique.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for ruptured appendicitis

We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic appendectomy in cases of ruptured appendicitis. Between August 1993 and April 1998, a total of 328 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in Min-Shen General Hospital. There were 34 cases of pathology-proven ruptured appendicitis. Patients were divided into three groups according to the operative findings: group 1 (10 cases) consisted of patients with a perforated appendix with local peritonitis, group 2 (15 cases) consisted of patients with perforated appendix with diffused peritonitis, and group 3 (9 cases) consisted of patients with abscess formation around the perforated appendix. Three cases in group 3 were converted to laparotomy and were excluded from this study. Mean age (+/- SD) was 30 +/- 15 years in group 1, 39 +/- 23 years in group 2, and 37 +/- 13 years in group 3. Duration of symptoms was longer in group 3 (4.2 +/-1.2 days) than in group 1 (1.8 +/- 1.3 days) and group 2 (2.3 +/- 1.2 days). There was no difference in operation time among groups 1 (52 +/- 10 min), 2 (64 +/- 13 min), and 3 (67 +/- 16 min). The time of flatus passage after operation was similar in the three groups (group 1, 17 +/- 11 hours; group 2, 21 +/- 12 hours; group 3, 24 +/- 8 hours). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (3.0 +/- 1.1 days) than in group 2 (5.1 +/- 2.2 days) and group 3 (4.2 +/- 1.2 days). There were no complications and no readmissions. Our results indicate that the laparoscopic approach is feasible for ruptured appendicitis with local or diffuse peritonitis and in selected cases with abscess formation. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to determine which procedure is to be recommended.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis

Although laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis is feasible and safe, its application to perforated appendicitis is uncertain. A retrospective study of all patients with perforated appendicitis from 1992 to 1999 in a university hospital was performed. A series of 231 patients were diagnosed as having perforated appendicitis. Of these patients, 85 underwent laparoscopy (LA), among whom 40 (47%) required conversion to an open procedure. An open appendectomy (OA) was performed in 146 patients. The operating time was similar for the two groups. Return of fluid and solid diet intake were faster in LA than OA patients (p < 0.01). Postoperative infections including wound infections and abdominal abscesses occurred in 14% of patients in the laparoscopy group and in 26% of those with OA (p < 0.05). The surgeon's experience correlated with the conversion rate. Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with a high conversion rate for perforated appendicitis. If successful, it offers patients faster recovery and less risk of infectious complications.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in acute appendicitis: A randomized prospective study

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure, as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. It seems to be more effective than the corresponding open procedure. Aim of this study is to evaluate a group of patients randomly allocated either to laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) or to open appendectomy (OA). Methods: From January 1998 to December 2002, 252 consecutive and nonselected patients, 155 women and 97 men, were randomized either to LA or OA. Recorded data were operative time, postoperative length, of stay and complications. Results: Mean operative time was 45 min (range 30–120) for OA and 36 min (25–60) for LA, mean postoperative stay was 5.5 days (4–12) for OA and 3.4 days (2–8) for LA. Complication occurred in 20 patients (14.5%) for OA and in four patients (2.6%) for LA. Conclusion: We believe that LA is effective in any kind of clinical situation, with low traumatic impact and best comfort for the patient.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis: a comparison with open appendectomy

Background The role of laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis remains controversial. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic and open appendectomy outcomes for children with perforated appendicitis. Methods Over a 36-month period, 111 children with perforated appendicitis were analyzed in a retrospective review. These children were treated with either laparoscopic (n = 59) or open appendectomy. The primary outcome measures were operative time, length of hospital stay, time to adequate oral intake, wound infection, intraabdominal abscess formation, and bowel obstruction. Results The demographic data, presenting symptoms, preoperative laboratory values, and operative times (laparoscopic group, 61 ± 3 min; open group, 57 ± 3 were similar for the two groups (p = 0.3). The time to adequate oral intake was 104 ± 7 h for the laparoscopic group and 127 ± 12 h for the open group (p = 0.08). The hospitalization time was 189 ± 14 h for the laparoscopic group, as compared with 210 ± 15 h for the open group (p = 0.3). The wound infection rate was 6.8% for the laparoscopic group and 23% for the open group (p < 0.05). The wounds of another 29% of the patients were left open at the time of surgery. The postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation rate was 13.6% for the laparoscopic group and 15.4% for the open group. One patient in each group experienced bowel obstruction. Conclusions Laparoscopic appendectomy for the children with perforated appendicitis in this study was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of wound infection. Furthermore, on the average, the children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy tolerated enteral feedings and were discharged from the hospital approximately 24 h earlier than those who had open appendectomy.     

腹腔镜与开放手术治疗急性阑尾炎的疗效比较

目的 对比分析腹腔镜和开腹手术治疗急性阑尾炎的手术效果和优缺点.方法 将1558例急性阑尾炎患者分为腹腔镜组(779例)和开放组(779例),比较两组手术的临床指标及术后随访情况.采用SPSS11.5软件,计量资料采用t检验,计数资料采用X~2检验.结果 两组手术均顺利完成.腹腔镜组和开放组手术时间分别为(30±2.2)min和(30±1.6)min(t=0.00,P>0.05);术中出血量分别为(15±2.9)ml及(29±5.2)ml(t=65.62,P<0.05);术后下床活动时间分别为(26±3.1)h及(51±2.1)h(t=69.95,P<0.05);术后排气时间分别为(29±1.6)h及(52±4.6)h(t=10.92,P<0.05);住院时间分别为(3±0.9)d及(7±1.2)d(t=74.42,P<0.05);综合费用分别为(6591±41)元及(4860±32)元(t=-12.19,P<0.05);切口感染率分别为0及2.8%(X~2=25.40,P<0.05);止痛药使用频率分别为3.8%和31.4%(X~2=30.63,P<0.05).随访时间为4.5～9.8(平均6.8)年,切口疝的发生率分别为0及0.64%(X~2=5.01,P<0.05).结论 腹腔镜手术治疗急性阑尾炎具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少和平均住院时间短等优点,是治疗急性阑尾炎较为理想的手术方式.     

腹腔镜在慢性阑尾炎诊治中的应用价值(附296例报告)

目的:比较腹腔镜手术与开腹手术在慢性阑尾炎治疗中的应用价值。方法:回顾分析2000年1月至2008年12月我院施行296例慢性阑尾炎手术的临床资料,164例行开腹手术,132例行腹腔镜手术,对比两组手术时间、术中出血、住院时间、术中发现和处理情况,并随访患者术后慢性腹痛的改善情况。结果:手术时间开腹组(52.76±21.82)m in,腹腔镜组(49.78±18.01)m in,t=0.88,P>0.05;术中出血开腹组(16.60±8.28)m l,腹腔镜组(9.68±4.22)m l,t=3.48,P<0.05;住院时间开腹组(7.84±3.27)d,腹腔镜组(6.80±2.98)d,t=2.98,P<0.05。腹腔镜组30例(22.7%)术中发现不同程度的腹腔粘连,阑尾与周围粘连10例,回盲部与前侧腹壁粘连8例,大网膜与腹壁及肠管粘连6例,升结肠与周围及腹腔内其他粘连6例,均在术中给予松解;开腹组18例(11.0%)术中发现阑尾与周围粘连,松解粘连行阑尾切除术,两组比较χ2=8.06,P<0.05;成功随访122例开腹手术者术后26例(21.3%)仍有慢性腹痛,98例腹腔镜手术者术后10例(10.2%)仍有慢性腹痛,两组比较χ2=6.68,P<0.05。结论:腹腔镜对慢性阑尾炎的诊治有一定的优势。     

腹腔镜与开腹阑尾切除术对比分析

目的：对比分析艘腔镜和开腹手术治疗急性阑尾炎的手术效果和优缺点。方法：将150例急性阑尾炎患者分为腹腔镜组（75例）和开放组（75例）,比较两组手术的临床指标及术后随访情况。结果：两组手术均顺利完成。腹腔镜组和开放组手术时间分别为31．1±2．1min和31．1±1．8min（t=0．00,P〉0．05）;术中出血量分别为16．2±2．8mL和28．3±5．3mL（t=64．62,P〈0．05）;术后下床活动时间分别为25．1±3．1h及50．5±2．1h（t=69．02,P〈0．05）;术后排气时间分别为29．6±1．6h和52．1±4．6h（t=10．92,P〈O．05）;住院时间分别为3．1±0．8d及7．9±1,3d（t=73．42,P〈0．05）;综合费用分别为6393±42元和4861±33元（t=-12．19,P〈0．06）;切口感染率分别为0和2％（χ2=25．40,P〈0．05）;止痛药使用频率分别为4％和32％（χ2=31．63,P〈0．05）。随访时间为1～6月（平均3．1）月,切口疝的发生率均为0。结论：腹腔镜治疗急性阑尾炎具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少和平均住院时间短等优点,是治疗急性阑尾炎较为理想的手术方式。     

Laparoscopic appendectomy in children with perforated appendicitis

PURPOSE: There is persistent controversy regarding the optimal surgical therapy for children with appendicitis. We have recently adopted laparoscopic appendectomy in lieu of the open technique for children with perforated appendicitis. We hypothesized that laparoscopic appendectomy would be as effective as open appendectomy in preventing postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of children admitted to our hospital over a 5-year period with the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the operative approach: laparoscopic vs. open appendectomy. Demographic data, duration of presenting symptoms, initial white blood cell (WBC) count, length of stay, and complications were abstracted. Data were compared using appropriate statistical analyses. RESULTS: There was no difference between the laparoscopic (n = 43) and open (n = 77) groups with respect to gender, duration of presenting symptoms, initial WBC, or length of stay. However, patients in the laparoscopic group had a significantly lower complication rate than those in the open group (6/43 vs. 23/77, P = 0.05). Infectious complications were no different between groups. Patients in the laparoscopic group tended to be older than patients in the open group (10.6 +/- 3.3 years vs. 8.5 +/- 4.1 years, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy for children with perforated appendicitis has the same infectious complication rate and a lower overall complication rate than open appendectomy. A prospective study with standardized postoperative care would be needed to determine whether laparoscopic appendectomy for children with perforated appendicitis is the treatment of choice, but until then it remains an attractive alternative.     

小儿复杂性阑尾炎的腹腔镜治疗

目的 对比分析腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA)和开腹阑尾切除术( open appendectomy,OA)治疗伴有坏疽、穿孔及阑尾周围脓肿的儿童阑尾炎的疗效.方法 回顾性分析614例儿童复杂性阑尾炎患者的临床资料,比较LA组(267例)和OA组(347例)手术时间、住院时间、住院费用及术后并发症的发生率.结果 本组614例患者中无手术死亡发生,LA组有7例中转开腹手术,LA组术后住院时间较OA组短(4.6d比8.1d,P=0.00),Trocar孔或切口感染(5.3％比12.8％,P=0.03)、肠梗阻(5.0％比10.0％,P=0.04)及院内感染发生率(9.7％比18.3％,P=0.04)均较OA组低.术后LA组腹腔脓肿发生率较OA组高(4.1％比1.1％,P=0.04),差异有统计学意义.两组的手术时间及费用之间比较差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05).结论 LA具有创伤小、恢复快、并发症少、住院时间短等优点,是治疗儿童复杂性阑尾炎一种安全有效的手术方式,但术后腹腔脓肿发生率偏高.