A prospective analysis of 1,518 laparoscopic cholecystectomies

Article Abstract:

For many patients with gallbladder disease, cholecystectomy, or removal of the gallbladder, is the only treatment which is both effective and offers freedom from recurrence. It has become popular in recent years to perform this operation using a laparoscope, a fiberoptic device used to visualize organs within the abdomen. By means of such a device, it is possible to remove the gallbladder making only small incisions rather than the large incision required by the conventional surgical approach. It is believed that this approach reduces the likelihood of complications and reduces the length of the required hospital stay. In addition, the scarring resulting from the operation is significantly reduced. To determine if these beliefs are supported by the evidence, members of the Southern Surgeons Club organized a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These surgeons now report the results of 1,518 such operations. In 72 cases, the laparoscopic surgery could not be completed since inflammation made the visual identification of the anatomy of the gallbladder impossible. In these cases, 4.7 percent of the total, the operation was converted to the conventional surgical procedure. Complications occurred in a total of 78 patients; the most common complication was infection of the surgical wound. Seven injuries occurred to the bile duct or the hepatic duct; four of these injuries were lacerations which were repaired by conventional surgery. The average hospital stay was 1.2 days, and one patient required only six hours in the hospital for the procedure. Only 0.9 percent of the patients required readmission, which compares favorably with the conventional surgical approach, for which readmission rates are between 3 and 5 percent. The results indicate that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less painful than conventional gallbladder surgery, returns the patient to active life more quickly, and produces less scarring. The laparoscopic procedure is also less expensive. It must not be forgotten that cholecystectomy remains a major surgical procedure with the attendant risks. Complications are always possible, and inexperience on the part of the surgeon may lead to mishaps. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cholecystectomy, Endoscopy

---

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology Assessment (DATTA)

Article Abstract:

A panel of surgeons has rated laparoscopic herniorrhaphy investigational and most would not want the procedure if they had a hernia. Herniorrhaphy is the surgical treatment of hernia, which is traditionally done as open surgery. However, several studies have evaluated the use of laparoscopic surgery for hernias. A bibliography of these studies and a questionnaire was mailed to 75 surgeons who specialized in laparoscopic surgery or herniorrhaphies and 47 responded. They rated laparoscopic herniorrhaphy as safe but of unproven effectiveness for repairing primary and bilateral hernias. But they believed the procedure was safe and effective for reducing postoperative pain and hospital stays. Ninety-one percent said they would prefer to receive open surgery if they had a hernia.

Inguinal herniorrhaphy

---

Laparoscopic hysterectomy - is there a benefit?

Article Abstract:

Gynecologic surgeons need to develop well-designed trials of laparoscopic hysterectomy that evaluate the costs and long-term benefits of the procedure. Several studies have found that vaginal hysterectomy done in conjunction with laparoscopy is more expensive than vaginal hysterectomy alone or abdominal hysterectomy. Two of the studies were published in 1996. Both showed that laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy was more expensive because it used more disposable instruments and required longer operating times.

Editorial, Surgery, Hysterectomy, Abdomen, Laparotomy, Endoscopic surgery

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A prospective clinicopathologic study of venous invasion in colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer in a small rural hospital
• Abstracts: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Acute cholecystitis in the elderly. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy
• Abstracts: A prospective study on the treatment of retinoblastoma in 72 patients
• Abstracts: A simple and inexpensive method of removal or replacement of gastrostomy tubes. Total hip replacement
• Abstracts: The Berkeley group: ten years' experience of a group for non-violent sex offenders. An incest survivors' therapy group

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.