Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy

A method of performing a laparoscopic splenectomy with the aide of intraabdominal manipulation is described. We believe that this is a versatile technique that compares quite favorably with a pure cannula approach. It is likely that this approach is safer because vascular control can readily be assured by the intraabdominal operator. It is also less costly because it is more rapid than a procedure done solely by cannula techniques. Moreover, it is reproducible by an experienced general surgeon. The results appear equal in terms of access morbidity and hospitalization time to those seen with a purely laparoscopic approach. Experience with 21 splenectomies is described and compared with 20 others performed by the traditional open approach.

Laparoscopic staging laparotomy with intra-abdominal manipulation

We describe a method for performing laparoscopic staging laparotomy. We believe this minimally invasive approach can ease the transition between purely open and laparoscopic surgery, and it is applicable to a variety of intra-abdominal problems. The results are comparable to those of a standard staging laparotomy, with improvement in access morbidity and decreased hospitalization time.

Management of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity in pregnancy

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity during pregnancy is infrequent, but its complication, pulmonary embolism, remains an important cause of maternal mortality. To evaluate the best method of caring for patients with DVT, we reviewed the records of patients at the Charleston Area Medical Center from 1987-1992 who were treated for this condition. Twelve patients were treated with conventional continuous intravenous heparin for 7 days-10 days followed by subcutaneous heparin until 6 weeks-8 weeks after delivery. The other group consisted of nine patients who were treated with lower dose subcutaneous heparin for 7 days-10 days and maintained as the first group, but a Greenfield filter was inserted for patients with iliofemoral DVT. The patients who received low-dose heparin and Greenfield filters tended to do better than those who received high-dose conventional heparin treatment. However, since there were so few patients evaluated, further verification is needed.

Feeding gastrostomy: a critical review of its indications and mortality rate

Gastrostomy can be a valuable adjunct to patient care, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is often considered the method of choice for gastrostomy placement. As with all surgical procedures, however, patient selection is important no matter how the gastrostomy is placed. In a retrospective review of 125 randomly selected patients having gastrostomy tube placement, there were certain groups of patients who received virtually no benefit from gastrostomy and may even have died sooner due to gastrostomy placement. The leading indication for gastrostomy placement was neurologic debilitation; the procedural mortality rate for these patients was 28%. However, patients with pulmonary cachexia or metastatic cachexia had much higher mortality rates: 90% and 37%, respectively. We believe patient selection has been imperfect and that certain patients should not have a gastrostomy tube. These patients suffer the moral indignation of persistent intervention and often die without receiving any real benefit.

Laparoscopic Ripstein procedure

An endolaparoscopic technique to perform a proctopexy is reported. This procedure appears to be ideally suited for this approach and, furthermore, it can be performed safely and effectively. Long-term predictions of morbidity, mortality and recurrence rates cannot yet be made, but those parameters might not be different from what would be expected with the open approach.

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction

The relatively new field of endoscopic surgery shows much promise and allows alternative treatment options. With increasing numbers of surgeons gaining experience with this technique, new approaches to old conditions are being reported. We present the case of a young female with partial small bowel obstruction secondary to an adhesive band; the condition was readily diagnosed using the laparoscope and treated. We show that in appropriate patient selection, this method is a viable and easily performed alternative to formal laparotomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

In recent months, the technique of Laparoscopic Laser Cholecystectomy (LLC) was introduced at our institution. A small series is presented here involving 14 patients, seven of whom underwent LLC and seven in which a "mini-lap" cholecystectomy was performed. Symptomatic cholelithiasis was the indication for surgery in all cases, and operative cholangiograms were employed in 12 patients. Comparisons are made regarding length of hospitalization, recovery time and operative time. An improved recovery period is indeed demonstrated with LLC allowing return to normal activities and employment much sooner than with an open cholecystectomy. We suggest that, though some prudence and caution is advised, this appears to be a safe and feasible adjunct in the treatment of cholelithiasis.