Introduction: Our novel “puppeteer technique” using an intraabdominal pulley system enabled us to perform the first true single-port appendectomy. In this report, we describe our first experience with this innovative technique which allows us to remove the appendix safely and successfully through one single incision.Methods: Five consecutive patients were assigned prospectively to undergo a true […]
Background: laparoscopy may lower the mortality and morbidity rates of Hartmann’s procedure reversal. However, it remains difficult mainly due to adhesions of the small bowel and the rectal stump.Methods: Retrospective review of the charts of 44 patients who had laparoscopic hand-assisted Hartmann’s reversal (Group A) between 2000 and 2007. On a case-control basis, these patients […]
PURPOSE: Localized or generalized peritonitis is one of the most serious complications of many abdominal or pelvic diseases. Laparoscopy has been used cautiously, because of technical difficulties and the theoretical risks of poorly controlled sepsis, overlooked lesions, and suboptimal treatment due to poor vision.METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from May 1998 to April 2007 in […]
Objective: To evaluate the mechanisms of failure after laparoscopic fundoplication and the results of revision laparoscopic fundoplication. Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become the most commonly performed antireflux procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with success rates from 90-95%. Persistent or new symptoms often warrant endoscopic and radiographic studies to find the cause […]
Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical utility of routine barium esophagram (BAS) after laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy for achalasia.Methods: Records of 260 consecutive patients (pts) undergoing laparoscopic anterior esophageal myotomy for achalasia from 5/96-8/07 were reviewed from a prospective, IRB-approved database. All radiographic reports and perioperative records were reviewed. Data […]