Surgical endoscopy
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Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is as safe and efficient as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in achieving bile duct clearance from stones. No clear guidelines are available on LCBDE with respect to indications for trans-cystic approach versus choledochotomy, or regarding when to use either flexible choledochoscopy (FCD) or intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) guidance. ⋯ Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and LCBDE with stone extraction can be performed with high efficiency, minimal morbidity and without mortality. A trans-cystic approach is feasible in most patients, whereas choledochotomy should be restricted to large bile duct stones that cannot be extracted through the cystic duct. The use of flexible choledochoscopy is preferable to IOC guidance.
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Pulmonary embolus (PE) is a potentially devastating and fatal postoperative complication in morbidly obese patients. This study was undertaken to review the safety and efficacy of retrievable prophylactic inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in high-risk morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric bypass. ⋯ Prophylactic IVC filter placement and retrieval can be safely undertaken in high-risk gastric bypass patients. We recommend preoperative IVC filter placement in selected patients.
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Comparative Study
In vivo comparison of the coagulation capability of SonoSurg and Harmonic Ace on 4 mm and 5 mm arteries.
Ultrasonic dissectors are useful to ligate arteries, but their effectiveness on larger arteries has not been thoroughly documented in vivo. The purpose of this study is to determine the bursting pressure of sealed arteries and the incidence of failure to adequately seal 4 mm and 5 mm arteries in a porcine model using two commercially available ultrasonic coagulators. ⋯ SS and HA seal 4-5 mm arteries with similar burst pressures. There is no difference in the incidences of failure to initially seal the arteries or in bursting pressure <360 mmHg in 4-5 mm arteries in the porcine model.
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Pancreas divisum is the most common anatomic variant of pancreatic development and may lead to pancreatitis. This study evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic stenting in patients with chronic pancreatitis due to pancreas divisum. ⋯ Endoscopic stenting of the pancreatic duct is a safe and effective first treatment for patients with pancreatitis secondary to pancreas divisum. Surgery, when performed for endoscopic stenting failure, is effective as an adjunctive treatment.