JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
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Comparative Study
A comparison of epidural versus general anesthesia for outpatient endoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy.
To study the efficacy of epidural versus general anesthesia on length of stay, patient recovery and anesthetic-related complications in patients undergoing endoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy. ⋯ The use of epidural anesthesia during the performance of endoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy was associated with a decrease in the incidence of postoperative pain and nausea. The technique was successful in 94% of the cases in which it was used. Epidural anesthesia is recommended as an effective alternative to general anesthesia for the performance of outpatient endoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy.
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Video-assisted thoracoscopy has been successfully used for several different thoracic procedures in adults. However, its use in children has been limited. The present study evaluated our experience with video-assisted thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of mediastinal masses in children. ⋯ Video-assisted thoracoscopy for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses in children is a safe procedure. It provides good visualization, access to the mediastinum and adequate tissue for diagnosis. Further, postoperative discomfort is tolerable and cosmetic results are excellent.