Surgical endoscopy
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In laparoscopic anterior resection, minilaparotomy still is required. Recently, transvaginal hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques for cholecystectomy have been described. Reports on operations that require removal of larger specimens, as in anterior resection, are scarce and limited primarily to small case series and case reports. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transvaginal rigid-hybrid NOTES anterior resection (tvAR) for symptomatic diverticular disease. ⋯ For symptomatic diverticular disease, TvAR is feasible, although the presented technique requires laparoscopic expertise and further refinement.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of fixation versus nonfixation of mesh in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.
Mesh fixation during laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is still controversial. Although many surgeons considered it necessary to fix the mesh, some published studies supported elimination of mesh fixation. Therefore, a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety of fixation versus nonfixation of mesh in TEP. ⋯ Without increasing the risk of early hernia recurrence, the nonfixation of mesh in TEP appears to be a safe alternative that is associated with less costs, shorter operative time, and hospital stay for the selected patients. Further adequately powered RCTs are required to clarify whether mesh fixation is necessary for the patients with different types of hernias and larger hernia defects.
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The Texas Association of Surgical Skills Laboratories (TASSL) is a nonprofit consortium of surgical skills training centers for the accredited surgery residency programs in Texas. A training and research collaborative was forged between TASSL members and Simbionix (Cleveland, OH, USA) to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a multicenter, simulation- and Web-based flexible endoscopy training curriculum using shared GI Mentor II systems. ⋯ The feasibility of sharing educational and training resources among institutions was demonstrated. Likewise, the concept of "mobile simulation" appears to be useful and effective, with three of the four institutions involved successfully in implementing the training curriculum during a fixed period. Additionally, subjects who completed the training demonstrated both subjective and objective improvements in flexible endoscopy skills.
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Major thoracic or neck surgery or penetrating trauma can cause injury to the thoracic duct and development of a chylothorax. Chylothorax results in metabolic and immunologic disorders that can be life threatening, with a mortality rate reaching 50%. The management of chyle leaks is dependent on the etiology and daily output. Interventions are used to treat only leaks unresponsive to medical management or those with an output exceeding 1,000 ml/day. ⋯ The percutaneous management of chyle leak is feasible, with low morbidity and mortality rates and a high rate of effectiveness. This approach should be considered before more invasive procedures.
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Comparative Study
Perioperative and long-term results after left pancreatectomy: a single-institution, non-randomized, comparative study between open and laparoscopic approach.
Laparoscopic left pancreatic resections are being increasingly performed. In this study, we provide a nonrandomized comparison between laparoscopic and open left pancreatectomy (OLP) for benign and borderline tumors, focusing on both perioperative and long-term results. ⋯ Laparoscopic left pancreatectomy is a safe procedure for benign and borderline tumors, with similar perioperative outcomes compared with the open procedure. In the long term, the laparoscopic approach is likely to be superior thanks to a more rapid resume of full-time activities and to the lower incidence of incisional hernias and exocrine insufficiency. Clearly, these results have yet to be confirmed in large, randomized trials.