[Robotic surgery]

Due to the fast spread of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgical procedures have been changed essentially. The new techniques applied for both abdominal and thoracic procedures provided the possibility for minimally invasive access with all its advantages. Robots - originally developed for industrial applications - were retrofitted for laparoscopic procedures. The currently prevailing robot-assisted surgery is ergonomically more advantageous for the surgeon, as well as for the patient through the more precise preparative activity thanks to the regained 3D vision. The gradual decrease of costs of robotic surgical systems and development of new generations of minimally invasive devices may lead to substantial changes in routine surgical procedures.

[New possibilities in practical education of surgery]

The fast spread of laparoscopic surgery in the surgical community also required introduction of new methods of surgical education of these techniques. Training boxes applied for this reason meant a considerable help. The technique of the virtual reality introduced simulation, which is a new possibility in education. For the first time in the history of surgery we can measure medical students' or residents' dexterity and one can get acquainted with a surgical procedure in the form of "serious games". By application of the up-to-date imaging methods we can plan the movements of the surgeon's hand even before the planned operation, practice and repeating can contribute to the safety of the real procedure. Open surgical procedures can be practiced on plastic phantoms mimicking human anatomy and the use of interactive touch devices and e-learning can also contribute to practical education of surgery.

Adhesion formation with open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an immunologic and histologic study

BACKGROUND

This randomized study aimed to compare the reaction of the immune system to the process of postoperative adhesion formation after open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

In this study, 20 mongrel dogs were used: 10 each in the laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy groups. Blood and peritoneal lavage samples were taken up to postoperative day 14, followed by second-look laparoscopy and reoperation to detect the rate of adhesion formation. Also, specimens were obtained from the liver bed for histology.

RESULTS

In the open cholecystectomy group, the white blood cell count was higher in blood samples and lower in lavage specimens. Adhesion formation was extensive, and the histologic immune reaction was more intensive in the open cholecystectomy group.

CONCLUSION

This randomized study proved that laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with less immune suppression, less inflammatory reaction, and therefore less adhesion formation than open cholecystectomy.

Cellular and serological changes in the peripheral blood of splenectomized and spleen autotransplanted mice

BACKGROUND

Our department worked out a modified surgical form of spleen autotransplantation earlier, named "spleen apron method" introduced already into the clinical practice. Recently we tested the immunological changes in a group of patients autotransplanted with about 10-15% of their spleen, what was the at least always implantable amount after the severe splenic injuries. In the current work we aimed at measuring some cellular and serological changes in the peripheral blood of splenectomized and spleen autotransplanted inbred mice two and eight months after the operations in order to get more unambiguous results than that we could obtain in our patients with this technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We divided 96 two months old Balb/c female mice into eight groups (n = 12/group). The group of controls, sham operated, splenectomized and autotransplanted animals with two and eight months of survival time after the operations. During the autotransplantation we inserted the same amount of spleen, five slices, "chips," about 10-15% of total mass of spleen, into the greater omentum similarly as it was used in the patients. The concentration of serum proteins were measured by laser nephelometry. The lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

We found that two months after the operations the number of CD 19+ B-cells increased in the splenectomized but decreased in the autotransplanted animals. Eight months after the operations the number of both CD3+ T and CD19+ B lymphocytes decreased both in the splenectomized and autotransplanted animals compared to the controls and sham operated mice. However, the numbers of T and B cells were slightly but not significantly higher in the autotransplanted than in the splenectomized mice. The serum level of IgM was also decreased in the splenectomized and autotransplanted mice at both time points, however, eight months after the operations the concentration of IgM was significantly higher in the autotransplanted group than in the splenectomized animals.

CONCLUSION

The effects of autotransplanted "chips" were different at the various ages of the animals. Additionally, they showed some immunological benefit being quantitatively in accordance to the amount of the transplanted spleen. The elevated level of serum IgM what we found in the autotransplanted mice even with this amount of transplanted spleen eight months after the operations, however, might have the potentially greatest importance compared to splenectomy. These experiments can prove that the attempts for autotransplantation may have real perspectives but their efficacy depends on the amount of the successfully transplanted (saved) mass of spleen.

[Conceptions about microsurgical education. What were 5,460 hours of microsurgical basic education enough for?]

Microsurgical education has an involuting role in the respects both of the effective clinical and successful research work. In Hungarian literature little number of paper can be found that deal with microsurgical educational methods, their results and efficacy. In our department for several decades we have taught the basics of microsurgery at different education levels (graduate and postgraduate), giving the possibility for practicing and developing as well. In this paper we summarize our educational objective and subjective experiences of more than 10 years and 5460 education hours in microsurgical basic courses. Besides the numeric summaries it became clear that the teacher's or tutor's and the candidates' experience and their ability to attain the basics of microsurgery are very important. According to our experience the most effective method is the education in small groups: one tutor and 2-3 candidates can reach the final goal, the basic microsurgical skill.

[Experimental "functional amputate model" in ischemia-reperfusion]

Limb amputation and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) after trauma is a serious challenge, though there are few laboratory parameters that are available to predict the prognosis. It is even less so when possible adverse effects of preventive cooling may also influence the clinical outcome. We performed an experimental model earlier on mongrel dogs to investigate the local and systemic effects of cooled and non-cooled limb I/R. In this paper we describe the model and summarize the informative laboratory results. In the warm I/R group the femoral vessels were separately clamped for 3 hours, while steel-loop tourniquet for 7 hours was performed under the femoral vessels around the thigh. After ischemia releasing the clamps provided reperfusion for 4 hours then the steel-loop was removed. In the cooled I/R group similar procedure was performed but with cooling by ice bags. Cooled and non-cooled sham-operated groups also were used. Before operations, during the reperfusion and for 5 days blood samples were collected then haematology and chemistry parameters were determined. Blood rheology and certain coagulation factors were significantly different between the cool and non-cool ischemia-reperfusion groups, furthermore, the changes were also significant compared to sham-operated animals, suggesting that these parameters may be useful in the prognosis.

[The importance of hemorheological examinations in experimental limb ischemia-reperfusion injuries]

Rheological properties of the blood are determined by several factors and if they change it may be diagnostic for many diseases. It is well-known that during ischemia and reperfusion different free-radical liberating pathways are inducted besides the local physical and metabolical changes. These processes may harm red blood cells by increasing their rigidity and impairing their deformability. In ischemia-reperfusion models measurements of erythrocyte deformability is important. Characteristic alterations were observed in both rat and dog hind limb ischemia-reperfusion with vascular clamping on femoral vessels for 1 or 3 hours. Erythrocyte deformability was significantly impaired on the postoperative 1st-3rd days. The acute limb ischemia-reperfusion experimental models seem suitable for further in vivo rheological studies.

[The role of pneumoperitoneum and the "chimney effect" on the development of port site metastasis. A new experimental animal model using Furka's spleen tissue suspension]

Following the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic technology has been applied in many other fields of surgery, including surgery for malignancies, even before prospective, randomised trials were available. Many authors observed development of port site metastases following laparoscopic surgery in malignancies (1-2%). The studies report about the pathomechanism of the development of port site metastasis, some describe the role of pneumoperitoneum. We developed a new model to show the role of pneumoperitoneum and the "chimney effect" on the development of port site metastasis, using a large experimental animal with a suspension of its own spleen tissue. On follow up histology viable spleen tissue was found between the layers of the trocar incisions.

[Comparative investigation of the hematologic and immunologic effects of splenectomy and spleen autotransplantation in mice]

We have analysed the hematological and immunological effects of the Furka's spleen chip method of autotransplantation in Balb/c mice two and eight months after splenectomy and autotransplantation. Our results showed that the autotransplants had positive effect on the partial restoration of the damaged elements of both cellular and humoral immunity appearing after splenectomy. However, these beneficial effects may have some dependence of time and species.

[Kidney neovascularization by the greater omentum after pretreatment with omental angiogenic factor]

BACKGROUND

Several diseases may affect the renal artery and the circulation of the kidney. In these cases alternative blood flow should be secured to preserve renal function. There are experimental methods for this, such as omentonephropexy. In this model the new vessels grow into the kidney from the omentum.

METHODS

Thirty mongrel dogs were anaesthetized and operated on. The left kidney was exposed, partially decapsulated, then omental angiogenic factor extractum was placed on the renal surface and the greater omentum was fixed there. After 4 weeks the left renal artery was ligated, and further 4 weeks later the right kidney was removed. Hematology tests were performed, urea, creatinine levels were measured and urine samples were tested after each operations. For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney rank sum and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used.

RESULTS

The survival rate was 20%. Significant elevations were observed in serum creatinine and urea levels after each operation, mostly after the third one and in non-surviving animals. Moderate anaemia was also present.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of the neovascularization presented in this study and the survival rate indicate further investigations are necessary in order to explore the mechanism and the dynamics of the vascularization processes.

[Can the injured spleen be preserved? Results of 20-year experiments]

Researches of different spleen salvaging techniques have begun in 1986 at our department. The early purpose was to develop new spleen preservation surgical techniques, such as spleen autotransplantation and spleen resection. Besides the morphological and radiological examinations we also performed different investigations including hemorheological, hemostaseological and immunological follow-up of the splenic function. From these parameters changes in red blood cell deformability and peripheral phagocyte activity could indicate the possible complications originated from the reduced splenic function. Recent paper takes a survey of these experiences.

[Teaching of microsurgery--in service of research and clinical practice]

We analyse the improving role of teaching microsurgery, the advantages of the microsurgical models in research and clinical practice. We summarize our experience in teaching basic microsurgery according to Furka's model in the last 15 years. The main characteristics of the principles are: activity, synchronism, video assistance, self-control, individualization, analysis. We show the curriculum of the courses for researchers and participants in graduate and postgraduate education, which consists dry-training on models followed by surgical interventions on rats. Summarizing of our practices: to learn the basic microsurgical techniques the participants need endurance, patience, and have to work hard. Effectiveness of the education is most successful if we organize small groups, if one teacher deals with a maximum of two or three candidates.

[Intraoperative laser doppler flowmetry of the tissue microcirculation of extraperitoneal transplanted omental flaps on dogs]

The aim of this study was to develop a new method to check of the viability of an extraabdominally transplanted omental flap. We performed free omental transplantation to the left lateral neck region in the frame of a formerly published new esophageal resection series on 5 dogs. Intraoperative laser Doppler flowmetry was performed, before and after isolation, after transplantation, and 14 days after the operation. From the 5 transplanted flaps, 4 survived the transplantation. The flap microcirculation deteriorated immediately after the transplantation, but at the time of re-operation the measurements showed similar microcirculation as control tissues, which proves the viability of the transplanted flaps. In our opinion, in dogs for the intraoperative monitoring of viability and microcirculation of free transplanted omental flaps, laser Doppler flowmetry is a feasible method.

[Determination of urinary NAG to detect renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and the protective effect of Allopurinol]

We analysed the effect of ischemia-reperfusion injury to renal parenchyma after unilateral renal artery clamping using urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) that is a sensitive parameter of early renal tubular injury. In the study 60 mongrel dogs were divided into 3 groups: in the 1st group the left renal artery was clamped for 45 minutes, in the 2nd group Allopurinol was administered before the clamping, the 3rd was the control group, where only laparotomy and closure of the abdomen was performed. Urinary NAG activity referring to urinary creatinine (NAG index) was determined before the operation, at the beginning of the reperfusion, in the 60th and 120th minute of the reperfusion then 1, 2, 3 and 5 days after the operation. The highest NAG indices relating to injury of the proximal tubuli were found at the beginning of the reperfusion, in the 60th and 120th minutes of the reperfusion, then NAG returned to preoperative level in each group. Significantly higher NAG indices were found in the ischemia-reperfusion group compared to the group with Allopurinol pretreatment. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and the protective effect of Allopurinol could be detected by lysosomal NAG enzyme. The injury of the tubular function was reversible so it could be a change in tubular function.

[Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy: reaction in the liver bed]

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, size and localisation of adhesion formation following open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to determine immune and foreign body reactions in the liver bed. The experimental animals were divided into two groups: open (OC) versus laparoscopic (LC) cholecystectomy. In the 14th postoperative day the animals were reoperated, types and size of adhesion were measured and tissue samples were extracted from the liver bed for histology. Dense, curtain-like adhesions were formed in OC group. The adhesions developed not only in the operation area but also on other organs. The thread used to ligate the cystic duct and cystic artery caused foreign body reaction, which resulted in granuloma formation. Numerous macrophages, histiocyte giant cell reactions were also present in OC group. Considerable fibrosis was also observed in the majority of the animals. Slender adhesion formation formed after LC. It was mostly detected in the liver bed. Foreign body granulomas around the laparoscopic clips did not develop in the cases. Moderate inflammatory reactions were noticeable. Laparoscopic operative technique is less traumatic. Its advantage over the open technique is lower adhesion rate and better immune function and reaction. This operation technique is less immunosuppressive and development of adhesions is less compared to OC.

Operation technique and healing process of telescopic ileocolostomy in dogs

The healing process of telescopic anastomoses was found in an animal experiment with 12 mongrel dogs. After the division of vessels an ileal segment of different length was invaginated into the lumen of the colon using single-layer interrupted sutures. The following four groups were used: Group A (n = 3): end-to-side ileocolostomy, single-layer interrupted suture (invagination length: 0 mm), survival time: 21 days. Group B (n = 3): invagination length: 20 mm, survival time: 7 days. Group C (n = 3): invagination length: 10 mm, survival time: 21 days. Group D (n = 3): invagination length: 20 mm, survival time: 21 days. At the end of the above survival times the anastomosis area was removed. The bursting pressure was measured and morphological as well as histological examinations were performed. In each case the 0-day look-alikes of anastomoses were performed using the remnant bowels, and bursting pressure measurements were done on these models as well. Anastomosis leakage did not occur. The serosal layer of the intracolonic part of the ileum disappeared during the healing process. The free surface of the intracolonic ileal segment became covered by the sliding mucosa of the colon and the prolapsing mucosa of the ileum. The following could be concluded after the experiments: The inner pressure tolerance of a telescopic ileocolostomy promptly after preparation is better than in case of another single-layer anastomosis. This fact results in increased safety against leakage on the first postoperative days. The inner pressure tolerance of the telescopic ileocolostomy increases during the healing process and it does not depend on the length of the invaginated part (0 day-20 mm: 56 mmHg +/- 6, Group A: 252 +/- 39, Group B: 154 +/- 19, Group C: 249 +/- 20, Group D: 298 +/- 2). There is no difference in pressure tolerance between the telescopic and the end-to-side single-layer interrupted anastomoses after the healing process. The invaginated section within the lumen of the large intestine does not suffer ischaemic or any other kind of damage. This inexpensive and simple anastomosis technique could be useful in the veterinary surgical practice as well.

Experimental examination of the healing process of telescopic esophageal anastomosis

The basis of telescopic anastomosis is old, only the practical details of it have changed and improved. The telescopic anastomosis technique is successfully applied in our practice for reconstruction of gastrectomy and esophageal resection. The reason for this study was that data about the healing process of telescopic anastomosis had not been found in the literature. We used four groups of mongrel dogs for our experiments: Group A (n = 3) received 20 mm-long invaginations with a survival time of 7 days; Group B (n = 3) received 10 mm-long invaginations with a survival time of 21 days; Group C (n = 3) received 20 mm-long invaginations with a survival time of 21 days; Group D (n = 3) received 30 mm-long invaginations with a survival time of 21 days. At the end of the above survival times we removed the anastomosing area, measured the bursting pressures and performed morphological and histological examinations. In each case we also performed an anastomosis exactly the same as a completely healed anastomosis and its pressure tolerance was measured (0 day). The pressure tolerance within the anastomosis rises gradually and independently of the length of the invaginated esophageal part. Anastomosis leakage did not occur. The invaginated esophageal part did not suffer any damage. The muscular wall of the intragastric part of the esophagus became covered by the mucosa of the stomach during the healing process and it joined with the esophageal mucosa at the edge of the free end of the esophagus.

[Investigation of the healing process of invaginated anastomoses in animal experiments]

The telescopic anastomosis technique is not frequently used method, but its history could have been followed in the surgical literature since the beginning of the XXth century. Authors can use this technique successfully in their clinical practice performing esophago-gastrostomies, esophago-jejunostomies and ileo-colostomies. They would like to show the healing process of these kind of anastomoses in experimental work, using animal subjects, as data regarding this aspect is not found in the literature. The healing process of esophago-gastrostomies, and ileo-colostomies performed on dogs have been examined.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The invaginated esophageal or ileal segment (up to 30 mm length of submerged part) has not suffered from ischaemic damage. 2. The invaginated esophageal or ileal segment has been covered by the mucosa of the stomach or colon. 3. The physical strength of the anastomosis has arised gradually based this on the measured bursting pressure values. 4. The quality of the healing process has not depended on the length of the invaginated esophageal or ileal segment (up to 30 mm length of submerged part).

[Effect of intravenous and intraductal glucocorticosteroids in experimental acute pancreatitis in dogs]

We evaluated the effect of systematically and intraductally administered glucocorticosteroid on experimentally induced acute pancreatitis in dogs. We examined histological and macroscopic changes as well as conventional laboratory parameters. We suggest, that low dose intraductal injection of glucocorticosteroid could have protective effect in acute phase of pancreatitis.

Spleen autotransplantation in mice: a novel experimental model for immunology study

The aim of the experimental model to develop a spleen transplant model in mice to study the role of spleen in autoimmune and transplant rejection. After a midline incision, splenectomy was performed. Four tiny segments were cut from the removed spleen and were rinsed at room temperature in physiological salt solution. The greater omentum was lifted and four omental pockets were created; four thin segments were then placed into the "nests," subsequently marked, and fixed using 8-0 suture. The abdomen was then closed. The duration of the survival time was different among the nine groups (n = 3-3). Tissue samples were taken from the marked areas for histological examination stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). H&E staining demonstrated large, well-circumscribed splenic nests with lymphoid zone and red pulp and well-formed trabecules in the spleen. Among the possible applications of this novel model is the ability to study the role of spleen in autoimmune and organ rejection.

Basic teaching in microsurgery

We summarize our 15 years of educational experience in the field of teaching microsurgery. The students can be divided into three groups: (1) medical students, (2) researchers, (3) medical doctors and specialists. Characteristics of our method include the following: activity, synchronism, video-assistance, self-controlling, individualization, analysis. The Furka microsurgical educational method, named after one of the authors, is 20 hours long (five 4-hour sessions). The first lesson allows students to become acquainted with the microsurgical instruments. The next lesson consists of learning the probe of layer-feeling. The third lesson is to learn how to produce stitches under the microscope. The fourth lesson includes arterial anastomosis preparation on fresh arterial pieces of animal origin. The fifth lesson means a quality change from previous classes, as practice is performed on living animals, generally rats. The teaching of microsurgical basics requires both patience and empathy. The teaching process is most successful if one teacher deals with a maximum of two students.

[Data about the early physical reliability of hand-sewn anastomoses in esophagectomy and gastrectomy]

We examined on models the inner pressure tolerance of the most frequently performed single layer anastomoses used in esophagectomies and gastrectomies. The aim was to examine whether interrupted or continuous suture proves safer immediately after the operation. We investigated the difference between sutures involving and not involving the mucosa. The anastomosis models were of organs of hybrid pigs slaughtered in the meet-industry. Atraumatic, 3/0 Biosyn suture material was used. The bursting pressure was measured by insufflating CO2 gas. Its bursting pressure can characterize the inner pressure tolerance of an anastomosis. The circumstances of the experiment, the suture technique and the examination of the bursting pressure were standardized. Our considerations are: 1. The early inner pressure tolerance of an anastomosis does not depend on the condition of the wall. The critical factor is their ability to expand. 2. The inner pressure tolerance of continuous sutures is better than of interrupted ones if the tissues in the suture line show similar degree of dilatation. Optimal conditions are achieved with end-to-end or side-to-side anastomoses of single organs (for example between small bowel and small bowel or colon and colon). 3. Involving the mucosa in the stitches has not influenced early physical suture certainty.

[Experimental model for the examination of inner pressure tolerance of telescopic anastomosis and other frequently performed anastomosis types of the esophagus]

We have good results with telescopic anastomosis technique in partial oesophagectomies and gastrectomies. As we could not find data about the healing process of telescopic anastomoses so we started experimenting. Inside pressure tolerance was examined immediately after performing anastomoses by measuring the bursting pressure using the organs of pigs slaughtered in the meat industry. Both oesophago-gastrostomies and oesophago-jejunostomies were performed with telescopic, single layer interrupted, single layer continuous, double layer interrupted and double layer continuous-interrupted technique, 9 of each anastomosis. A series of oesophago-jejunostomies were performed with EEA stapler. 99 anastomoses of 11 types were investigated. We found, that the inner pressure tolerance of telescopic oesophago-gastrostomy is better than any other single layer type variant. On the other hand the double layer type variants have much better pressure tolerance than the telescopic and other two type single layer anastomoses. The difference is statistically significant. In oesophago-jejunostomies the pressure tolerance of telescopic anastomosis is better than of the single layer interrupted type but the difference between the telescopic and single layer continuous type anastomoses is not significant. The pressure tolerance of double layer anastomosis is higher than the telescopic one but the difference is significant only in the continuous-interrupted type. The inner pressure tolerance of telescopic and EEA stapler anastomoses are equal. The investigation of additional features in anastomosis healing is in progress.

The influence of intraoperative complications on adhesion formation during laparoscopic and conventional cholecystectomy in an animal model

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of postoperative adhesion formation after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Qualified surgeons performed 60 experimental laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) in dogs with the aim to acquire the laparoscopic technique. To assess the relation between the complications during the operation (bleeding, laceration of the liver bed, or gallbladder perforation) and the formation of adhesions, surviving animals were divided into four groups according to the type of complication occurred. Assessment of the results was made by second-look laparoscopy 4 weeks after LC using the adhesion index (AI; score range, 0-4). The animals then were killed so the extent of adhesion formation could be measured. As a control, open cholecystectomy was performed in 15 dogs without intraoperative complications. The Mann-Whitney rank-sum test and Dunn's method were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

No adhesion formation or intraoperative complications were registered in the laparoscopic group I. In all the cases wherein bleeding or laceration of the liver bed occurred and was managed with electrocoagulation, adhesions formed. Adhesion formation in these groups was significantly higher than in "ideal LC" or cases of gallbladder perforation alone (p < 0.01). All the animals in the control group developed significantly more adhesions than those in the experimental group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that LC has a lower rate of adhesion formation than the conventional open technique. Complications such as bleeding or laceration of the liver bed during LC can enhance adhesion formation. No adhesion formation can be mentioned in relation to gallbladder perforation during LC.

[How do intraoperative complications effect adhesion formation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a comparative animal study]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of postoperative formation of adhesions following laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

60 experimental laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) were performed in dogs by qualified surgeons to learn laparoscopic technique. To assess the relationship between complications occurred during the operation (bleeding, laceration of the liver bed or gallbladder perforation) and the formation of adhesions surviving animals were divided into 4 groups according to the type of complication. We assessed the results during second-look laparoscopy 4 weeks following LC using the adhesion index (AI: 0-4 score). Animals were then sacrificed to measure the extent of adhesions. As a control group open cholecystectomy was performed in 15 dogs without intraoperative complications. Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test and Dunn's Method were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

No adhesions were observed in the laparoscopic group without intraoperative complications. In all dogs with bleeding or laceration of the liver bed maintained by electrocoagulation, adhesions developed. Formation of adhesion in these groups was significantly higher than in "ideal LC" or in case of gallbladder perforation (P < 0.01). All animals in the control group developed significantly more adhesions compared to the experimental group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LC produces less adhesion compared to conventional open technique. Complications such as bleeding or laceration of the liver bed during LC can increase the formation of adhesions. No formation of adhesions can be related to gallbladder perforation during LC.

The judgement of adhesion formation following laparoscopic and conventional cholecystectomy in an animal model

INTRODUCTION

The development of postoperative adhesions remains an almost inevitable consequence of visceral and gynaecologic surgery, appearing in 50-95% of all patients. Although decreased adhesion formation is one of the accepted advantages of laparoscopic surgery, only a small number of prospective studies have been done to support this claim.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the extent of postoperative adhesion formation after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

60 experimental laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) were performed by qualified surgeons in dogs with the aim to acquire the laparoscopic technique. To assess the relation between the complications during the operation (bleeding, injury to the liver substance or gallbladder perforation) and the formation of adhesions, the surviving animals were divided into 4 groups according to the complications occurred. The assessment of the results was made by second--look laparoscopy 4 weeks following LC using the adhesion index. As a control group open cholecystectomy was then performed in 5 dogs without intraoperative complications.

RESULTS

No adhesion formation was observed in the groups where no intraoperative complications occurred. In all the cases where bleeding or injury to the liver bed occurred adhesion formation occurred. No adhesion formation was observed in case of gallbladder perforation. In all the animals of the control group adhesion formation was observed.

CONCLUSION

It seems that LC has a reduced rate of adhesion formation when compared with the open technique. Complications such as bleeding or injury to the liver substance during LC can enhance adhesion formation. No adhesion formation can be mentioned in relation with gallbladder perforation when the laparoscopic technique is applied.

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery on experimental animal models

Our goal was to find a very good model for gynecological laparoscopic operations. The main purpose of the operations was to perform the same types of laparoscopic operations as we use daily in our clinical practice at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. UMSD. The uterus of female dogs seemed to be ideal for this work. In every experiment we carried out 10 different interventions on identical part of different dog uterus. The operations were performed at identical time period of day (a.m.). The weight of the female dogs were similar. The anaesthesia was also performed the same way in every case. The main purpose of the operations was to find some significant changes or differences between the 10 different surgical techniques. The hystological investigation were carried out with normal microscope and electron microscope.