Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has been established as a safe and effective alternative to open splenectomy (OS) for the treatment of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The purpose of this study was to review our teaching institution’s experience with splenectomy for ITP. Methods: Between 1996 and 2005 a total of 35 consecutive splenectomies were performed for […]
Background:The indications for non-emergent operations during pregnancy remain undefined. Many surgeons defer non-emergent operations until after delivery to minimize fetal risk. We wished to determine the outcome of delaying cholecystectomy in pregnant patients hospitalized for non-acute gallbladder disease.Methods:After approval from the Institutional Review Board, a retrospective case review was performed at a large volume regional […]
Background: The learning curve in laparoscopy is usually associated with higher morbidity and conversion rate. Because laparoscopic colonic resection is a complex procedure it is commonly believed it can not be included in a general surgery program training.Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the learning process of residents who perform laparoscopic colon […]
Introduction: The role of colonoscopy in screening for colorectal (CR) neoplasia in average-risk population, remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of colonoscopy for screening in asymptomatic adults, with average-risk of CR neoplasia.Methods and Procedures: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the patients that underwent colonoscopy for […]
Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine if a diagnosis of malignant vs. benign disease is an accurate predictor of patient outcome after laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). Methods: A comprehensive retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing LS from April 1994 through August 2007 was conducted. Statistical methods used included Fisher’s Exact Test, Student’s […]