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BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic colon resection in the management of colon cancer is unclear. The aims of this study were to compare perioperative results and long-term outcomes in patients randomized to either open (O) or laparoscopically assisted (LA) colon resection for colon cancer. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial comparing O to LA colon resection was conducted from January 1993 to November 1995. Preoperative workup, intraoperative results, complications, length of stay, pathologic findings, and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test. Follow-up periods ranged from 3.5 to 6.3 years (mean, 4.9 years). RESULTS: No port-site or abdominal wall recurrences were noted in any patients. [table: see text] CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that laparoscopically assisted colon resection for malignant disease can be performed safely, with morbidity, mortality, and en bloc resections comparable with those of open laparotomy. Long-term (5-year) follow-up assessment shows similar outcomes in both groups of patients, demonstrating definite perioperative advantages with LA surgery and no perioperative or long-term disadvantages.

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Gastric diverticular are rare and usually are diagnosed incidentally on radiographic examination. Surgical treatment, consisting of simple excision or inversion of the diverticulum, has been reserved for patients with proven symptoms or complications. These procedures have typically required laparotomy, but with the development of advanced endoscopic techniques, a minimally invasive approach may be appropriate. The authors report two cases of gastric diverticula managed laparoscopically and review the literature related to this entity. Between 1993 and 1996, two patients were evaluated for dyspepsia-like gastrointestinal complaints. Both patients were found to have a gastric diverticulum on a contrast study, and one diverticulum was also seen on upper endoscopy. Laparoscopic resection was undertaken in both cases. Flexible gastroscopy was performed intraoperatively to help localize the diverticulum, which was resected with an endoscopic stapling device. Nissen fundoplication was performed in conjunction with the diverticulectomy in the second patient for gastroesophageal reflux. Both procedures were completed laparoscopically without complications. The postoperative course was uneventful in both patients. At long-term follow-up, the patients are asymptomatic. This experience indicates that laparoscopic resection of symptomatic gastric diverticula is a feasible alternative to laparotomy. A prospective analysis to verify the safety and efficacy of this procedure should be done.

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BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic fundoplication has become the criterion standard for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, several patients were referred with recurrent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or severe dysphagia following previous antireflux surgery for possible laparoscopic reoperation. HYPOTHESIS: To determine the safety and efficacy of this procedure. DESIGN: Case series, consecutive sample. SETTING: University-affiliated and community tertiary care hospitals. PATIENTS: Prospective study of 27 consecutive patients undergoing attempted laparoscopic reoperation for symptoms of recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease or intractable dysphagia following antireflux surgery. Patients were available for follow-up for 1 to 60 months postoperatively. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent preoperative workup and attempted laparoscopic reoperation for treatment of symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected on preoperative symptoms and evaluation, operative time, blood loss, time to regular diet, length of hospitalization, morbidity, mortality, and long-term results. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients underwent successful laparoscopic operations, with no mortality and minimal morbidity. One patient underwent conversion to open laparotomy and then developed a proximal gastric leak, which was treated conservatively. Twenty-four patients began a liquid diet by postoperative day 1, and most were discharged from the hospital by postoperative day 3. One patient required dilation for postoperative dysphagia. The remaining patients are doing well and none have required treatment with acid-reducing medication. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically challenging, laparoscopic reoperation for recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease can be performed safely and with excellent results. In the hands of experienced endoscopic surgeons, patients who have undergone unsuccessful antireflux surgery should be offered laparoscopic reoperation.

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Current treatment of obstructive jaundice includes endoscopic stenting and open surgical bypass. To combine the advantages of surgical bypass with the minimal invasive approach of endoscopic stenting we developed a laparoscopic technique, transient endoluminally stented anastomosis (TESA). As shown previously, small-diameter anastomoses (e.g., hepaticojejunostomy) by TESA technique can be performed reliably in growing domestic swine. This further preclinical trial was designed to exclude growth of the animals as the main reason for these excellent results. After ligation of the common bile duct, a laparoscopic Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy was performed 7 days later by TESA with a reabsorbable radiopaque polyglycolic acid stent. In group A (n = 7) growing domestic pigs and in group B (n = 5) adult minipigs were operated on. Laboratory parameters were controlled weekly. Stent degradation was followed by weekly abdominal x-ray. At necropsy 6 months after surgery, cholangiography was performed and the anastomoses were measured. Mean weight gain was 140.7 +/- 10.9 kg in domestic pigs versus 5.8 +/- 1.6 kg in minipigs. Cholestasis normalized within 7 days postoperatively. Duration of stenting was not significantly different between groups. Cholangiography at necropsy showed immediate runoff through the anastomoses in both groups. The diameter of the anastomosis was 4.7 +/- 0.5 mm in group A versus 3.0 +/- 0.4 mm in group B (p = 0.03). In conclusion, functionality of the small-diameter TESA hepaticojejunostomy is not related to age and growing factors in pigs, justifying its application in human as the next step of investigation.

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BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair controversy exists concerning the most appropriate repair method and implant material to use if intraabdominal adhesions are to be minimized. METHODS: In 108 pigs, we implanted three different types of mesh by both the TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) and Onlay (prosthesis placed directly upon the peritoneum) methods. Specimens were harvested in three time periods and adhesion formation was compared. RESULTS: Average adhesions at 3 days were TAPP 18% and Onlay 49% (p < 0.001). At 3 weeks average adhesions were TAPP 8% and Onlay 23% (p < 0.04). Three-month figures were TAPP 1% and Onlay 13% (p < 0.001). In contrast, there were no differences in adhesion formation due to material type in any of the three time periods (all p > 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: A peritoneal covering over a laparoscopic inguinal implant significantly reduced adhesions. Prosthetic material type did not affect adhesion formation in this study.

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OBJECTIVE: Although surgical biliary bypass for nonresectable periampullary tumors is superior to endoscopic stent placement, the latter has become popular because of the "minimally invasive" approach. Laparoscopic biliary bypass would appear to offer the advantages of both. However, this technique remains technically difficult using existing instrumentation. This study investigates the efficacy of a new endoscopic device designed for rapidly completing a small-diameter intestinal anastomosis under laparoscopic guidance. METHODS: Eighteen female pigs (mean weight 35 kg, range 31 to 44) were randomly divided into three groups: animals undergoing handsewn (group H) or instrumental transient endoluminally stented anastomosis (TESA; groups P and D) laparoscopic Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. For TESA two different reabsorbable stents were used, polyglycolic acid (PGA; group P) and polyurethane ester (Degrapol; group D). Blood chemistry, weight gain, and abdominal X-rays were taken weekly to document any possible migration or reabsorption of the radio-opaque stents. After 3 months, necropsy was performed. Patency of the biliary bypass and choledochojejunostomy were examined using fluoroscopy and measured by introducing graduated dilators into the anastomosis. RESULTS: Fluoroscopy revealed immediate passage of contrast through the anastomosis in all animals. Weight gain, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase were within normal range in all groups. Diameter of the bile duct (group H 10.7 +/- 2.9 mm/group P 9.5 +/- 3.6 mm/group D 11.0 +/- 4.6 mm) and choledochojejunostomy (group H 4.5 +/- 1.1 mm/group P 4.7 +/- 1.8 mm/group D 3.6 +/- 1.9 mm) did not differ. The time required to complete the biliary bypass was significantly decreased when TESA was applied (group H 152 +/- 13 min/group P 86 +/- 14 min, P <0.001/group D 110 +/- 20 min, P <0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Applying TESA, laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy can be performed rapidly and safely, revealing good bypass function over a period of 3 months. With regard to treatment for nonresectable periampullary tumors, TESA may offer a new therapeutic approach combining the benefits of minimally invasive endoscopic stent placement with the functional results and lower readmission of conventional Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy.

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UNLABELLED: GENERAL: A force sensor has been designed and fabricated that will fit to existing laparoscopic grasping forceps (Babcocks) from Ethicon Endosurgery Inc. The goal of the sensor development is to provide tool-tissue force information to the surgeons so that surgeons can regain the sense of touch that has been lost through laparoscopy. Eventually, force sensing will provide feedback for robotic laparoscopic surgical platforms. OBJECTIVE: We have developed a prototype force sensor system with ATI Industrial Automation. This tool is provided as an in-line transducer with six degrees of freedom that can retrofit current Babcocks. The sensor is currently being used in clinical trials with animals to determine the benefits. The sensor system utilizes industry proven technology in combination with a custom transducer and user interface. A GUI is part of the system and provides resolved force magnitude data in a graphical format for case of interpretation. Sterilization, size, and ease of use are addressed by the current design. Operating room reliability and safety are currently being investigated. CLINICAL TRIAL: A three phase experimental trial using a porcine model is being completed that will test the hypothesis that force information can be used to minimize tissue trauma during laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Based on our research, there is strong evidence that surgeons would benefit from information regarding the levels of force applied to tissues. In the future, robotic surgery will require force sensing. Surgical simulators could provide force feedback during simulated surgical procedures by using a sensor platform such as this. In addition, tool tip design in the future will benefit from the application of this technology and data base.

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For advanced laparoscopic procedures, team collaboration and good suturing skills are only two of many requirements to achieve success. Teaching opportunities are mandatory to allow general surgeons to become acquainted with advanced procedures and to gain confidence in new laparoscopic procedures. In this teaching model presented herein, the technical difficulties and operative steps of a laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy and drainage via Roux-en-Y-loop are outlined as performed on eight pigs weighing about 35 kg each (range, 31.2-41.2) with nondistended common bile ducts (5.6 mm; range, 4.2-6.3). Functionality of the bypass was assessed by a weekly monitoring of bilirubin levels and a contrast material injection into the gallbladder after a 4-month follow-up with measurements of the common bile duct (9.8 mm; range, 7.2-15.2) and the diameter of the choledochojejunostomy (5.0 mm; range, 3.6-6.2) at necropsy. This model provides outstanding conditions for teaching laparoscopic suture techniques to be applied in advanced laparoscopy and demonstrates the feasibility of laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy within a reasonable operation time (122 min; range, 105-155).

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BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that diagnostic laparoscopy may be contraindicated in multiple trauma patients with closed head injuries because of the detrimental effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on intracranial pressure (ICP). In this study we compared the effects of two alternative inflation gases, helium (He) and nitrous oxide (N2O), against the standard agent used in most hospitals, CO2. ICP was monitored in experimental animals both with and without a space occupying intracranial lesion designed to simulate a closed head injury. METHODS: Twenty-four domestic pigs (mean, 30 kg) were divided into four groups (6 CO2, 6 He, 6 N2O, and 6 control animals without insufflation). All animals were monitored for ICP, intraabdominal pressure, mean arterial pressure, end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2), and arterial blood gases. These parameters were measured for 30 minutes prior to introducing a pneumoperitoneum and then for 80 minutes thereafter. The measurements were repeated after artificially elevating the ICP with a balloon placed in the epidural space. RESULTS: The mean ICP increased significantly in all groups during peritoneal insufflation compared with the control group (P < 0.005). The CO2-insufflated animals also showed a significant increase in PaCO2 (P < 0.05) and ETCO2 (P < 0.05), as well as a decrease in pH (P < 0.05). After inflating the epidural balloon the ICP remained significantly higher in animals inflated with CO2 as compared with the He and N2O groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal insufflation with He and N2O resulted in a significantly less increase in ICP as compared with CO2. That difference was most likely due to a metabolically mediated increase in cerebral perfusion (PaCO2) in the CO2 group. Further studies need to be conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of using He and N2O as inflation agents prior to attempting diagnostic or therapeutic laparoscopy in patients with potential closed head injuries.

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Advances in liver surgery and transplantation have lead to a steady increase in the number of these interventions. Prompt quantitative assessment of hepatic of hepatic function and a patient's subsequent morbidity and mortality following surgery remain difficult despite the currently utilized historic markers of hepatic parenchymal injury (e.g., aspartate transaminase [AST], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGT]). Increases in serum glycohydrolase activities appear to provide sensitive and quantitative markers of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. In 10 male swine (25 to 35 kg body weight) following 30, 45, and 90 minutes of acute hepatic ischemia, the systemic release of eight different glycohydrolases and lipid peroxides into serum were determined and compared with pre- and postischemic serum levels of LDH, GGT, and AST. The rapid release of glycohydrolases into serum was directly proportional to the length of the ischemic period from 30 to 90 minutes; e.g., beta-glucosidase, mean 1.9-fold increase at 30 minutes; 8.3-fold at 45 minutes; and 22.8-fold at 90 minutes; P < .002) and the activities peaked within the first 3 hours postischemia. In constrast, AST, LDH, and GGT were released slowly and peaked 20 to 30 hours after hepatic blood flow was restored. In swine with fatal outcomes (90 minutes of ischemia), all enzyme levels increased continuously during the final hours of life. However, in swine that survived hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (45 minutes of ischemia) the glycohydrolases, but not AST, LDH, and GGT, declined after 2 to 3 hours' postischemia and the serum lipid peroxide levels followed the same pattern. Serum beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase levels are sensitive markers that rise as quickly as traditional enzyme markers (AST, LDH, GGT) following hepatic ischemic injury; moreover, the glycohydrolases have the added value of serving as predictors of survival.

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Laparoscopy has been considered a relative contraindication in pregnant patients because the CO2 pneumoperitoneum may cause maternal and/or fetal hypotension, acidosis, hypercarbia, hypoxia, changes in cardiac output, or uterine artery blood flow. These potential changes were studied in an established animal pregnancy model. Twelve gravid ewes (116-120 days gestation) underwent catheterization of maternal femoral artery and vein, fetal hindlimb artery and vein, insertion of a uterine artery flow probe, and pulmonary artery catheter. Six animals underwent creation of a CO2 pneumoperitoneum (10 mm Hg for 30 min; 15 mm Hg for 30 min). Six control animals were studied without a pneumoperitoneum. The following parameters were recorded at baseline and at preset time points: cardiac output (CO), uterine blood flow (UtBF), amniotic cavity pressure (ACP), end-tidal CO, (Et CO2), maternal and fetal heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and lactate, glucose, and arterial blood gasses. Percent change at each time point compared to baseline was determined for each variable. Statistical significance was determined by repeated measures analysis of variance. No changes were found between study and control animals in maternal BP; CO; lactate, glucose, oxygenation, or fetal HR; oxygenation, lactate, or glucose. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between study and control animals were noted in ACP, Et CO2, MHR, UtBF, FBP, and Maternal/fetal pH, PCO2. All ewes delivered healthy lambs at full gestation. A CO2 pneumoperitoneum up to 15 mm Hg pressure in gravid ewes causes increased intrauterine pressure, decreased UtBF, and induces maternal and fetal acidosis. Despite these intraoperative deleterious effects, long-term fetal well being was not effected.

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OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery with that of open laparotomy in pregnant patients. DESIGN: Six-year case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary care, university and community hospitals. PATIENTS: Population-based sample. From 1990 through 1995, 16 pregnant patients underwent laparoscopic surgery (study group) and 18 underwent open laparotomy (control group) during the first or second trimester. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 6 years. INTERVENTION: In the study group, 4 patients underwent appendectomies and 12 underwent cholecystectomies. The control group included 7 appendectomies and 11 cholecystectomies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 2 groups were compared for age, trimester, surgical time, oxygen saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide, return of gastrointestinal tract function, duration of intravenous or intramuscular narcotics, postoperative stay, gestational age of delivery, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, birth weights, and complications. RESULTS: Age, trimester, oxygenation, end-tidal CO2, gestational age at delivery, Apgar scores, and birth weights were not different between the 2 groups. The patients who underwent laparoscopy had significantly longer operative times 82 vs 49 minutes), shorter stay (1.5 vs 2.8 days), earlier resumption of regular diet (1.0 vs 2.4 days), and shorter duration of intravenous or intramuscular narcotics (1.2 vs 2.6 days) (all P < .01). Four complications were found in the laparotomy group vs 6 in the laparoscopy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery in pregnant women significantly decrease hospitalization, decreases narcotic use, and quickens return to a regular diet when compared with open laparotomy in pregnant women. No significant differences between the 2 groups in perioperative morbidity or mortality were present. These data suggest that therapeutic laparoscopy during pregnancy in the first or second trimester is safe.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgical techniques in the repair of types II and III paraesophageal hernias. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary-care, university-affiliated hospitals. PATIENTS: Twelve consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic repair of type II or type III paraesophageal hernias. Patients were available for follow-up for 1 to 17 months postoperatively. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia reduction and repair. Eight patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent concurrent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative times, operative complications, and estimated blood loss were recorded. Postoperative outcome measurements included length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, postoperative gastrointestinal tract symptoms, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: All patients had successful completion of paraesophageal hernia repair laparoscopically with no recurrences, and with an overall minor morbidity rate of 25%, major morbidity rate of 8%, and no deaths. Eight of 12 patients with concomitant reflux disease underwent successful laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with complete control of reflux symptoms. The average hospital stay for patients with uncomplicated courses was 2.5 days. Long-term (> 6 weeks) postfundoplication symptoms occurred in 13% of those patients who underwent fundoplication. Eleven (92%) of 12 patients described good to excellent results with complete or near complete control of all preoperative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of types II and III paraesophageal hernias can be performed under elective circumstances by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, with acceptable morbidity and comparable short-term efficacy. Addition of a concomitant antireflux procedure should be reserved for those patients with clear preoperative evidence of reflux disease secondary to a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter. Patients with a normal lower esophageal antireflux barrier do not need a concomitant antireflux procedure.

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Glycogen debranching enzyme contains two catalytic activities (4-alpha-glucanotransferase and amylo-1,6-glucosidase) on its single polypeptide chain, and they are affected differently by the binding of oligosaccharides. Glucose, maltose, and maltotriose are competitive inhibitors of the amylo-1,6-glucosidase activity measured by the hydrolysis of alpha-glucosyl fluoride, whereas saccharides with four or more glucose units are activators of the same activity, showing apparent "uncompetitive" kinetics. This suggests that they do not bind until the alpha-glucosyl fluoride is bound. In either case the potency of the effect increases with the length of the oligosaccharide chain. On the other hand, all oligosaccharides tested (maltose to maltohexaose, alpha-cyclodextrin, and beta-cyclodextrin) are competitive inhibitors of the transferase activity and also cause a decrease in the intrinsic fluorescence, both functions again increased by chain length, thus indicating that these saccharides do bind to the free enzyme. These interesting results can be reconciled if the extended main chain resulting from the transferase reaction has to be reoriented into a different binding mode in order to position the alpha-1,6-linked side-chain glucose into the correct position for the glucosidase reaction. Therefore, activating oligosaccharides behave kinetically as if they had not been previously bound. It is concluded that the main chain of the natural limit dextrin substrate has a different mode of binding for the two catalytic reactions in order to position properly first the maltotetraosyl side chain in the transferase catalytic site and then the glucosyl side chain in the glucosidase catalytic site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide present in large amounts in gut, brain, and neurons innervating lymphatic tissues. Plasma CCK levels increase in enterally alimented patients. Enteral alimentation is also associated with enhanced immune function. The effects of CCK and a CCK antagonist were studied on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (H-PBMC), lymphocyte intracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i), and lymphocyte mitogenesis. CCK receptors transduce their signal via the release of [Ca2+]i. CCK octapeptide caused a specific increase in [Ca2+]i measured by Fura-2 fluorometry in H-PBMC and human T helper lymphocytes. Neither gastrin-17 nor pentagastrin produced a signal. While the highly specific CCK antagonist MK329 blocked the CCK [Ca2+]i signal, it had no effect on the PHA-mediated signal. At high dosages (10(-7)-10(-8) M), CCK was a comitogen with "complete" lymphocyte mitogens such as anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or low-dose PHA, but not for "partial" mitogens such as phorbol esters. CCK comitogenic effect occurred even in the presence of cyclosporine. CCK radioimmunoassay demonstrated that H-PBMC contained CCK and that anti-CD3 mAb- or PHA-mediated H-PBMC mitogenesis caused release of CCK. MK329 blocked PHA and anti-CD3 mAb mitogenesis and CCK comitogenic effects. We conclude that CCK octapeptide may be a coregulator of lymphocyte Ca2+ activation signals. The immunologically beneficial effect of enteral nutrition may, in part, be mediated by increased levels of CCK.

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OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic antegrade sphincterotomy represents a new technique that expands the ability of the surgeon to manage complex choledocholithiasis at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The authors describe their experience with six patients with cholelithiasis and complex common bile duct stone disease who underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy and antegrade sphincterotomies. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Patients with complex choledocholithiasis have represented a technical challenge to the minimally invasive surgeon. Recently, a laparoscopic technique of antegrade biliary sphincterotomy has been reported by DePaulo in Brazil. This technique has been successful at clearing the common bile duct at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Laparoscopic antegrade sphincterotomy was performed in six patients with multiple common bile duct stones. A standard endoscopic sphincterotome was introduced antegrade via the cystic duct or common bile duct and guided through the ampulla. A side-viewing duodenoscope was used to confirm proper positioning of the sphincterotome. Then a blended current was applied until the sphincterotomy was complete. RESULTS: There was no mortality or morbidity associated with laparoscopic antegrade sphincterotomy. The mean additional operative time to complete laparoscopic antegrade sphincterotomy was 19 minutes. Three of the six patients were noted to have transient, asymptomatic elevation in serum amylase levels immediately after surgery (average 252 international units/L; normal < 115), which normalized within 72 hours. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.9 days. At a mean follow-up of 5 months (range 1 to 10 months), five patients remain asymptomatic. One individual with acquired immune deficiency syndrome had persistent symptoms, and a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus pancreatitis was eventually made. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic antegrade sphincterotomy appears to be a safe and effective technique for the management of complex biliary tract disease.

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BACKGROUND: To compare laparoscopic onlay hernia repair with conventional surgery, 61 patients were randomized to either open or laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Traditional repairs were done according to the surgeons' preference. Laparoscopic repairs utilized a modified onlay technique with a meshed prototype prosthesis. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 62.5 minutes for the laparoscopic group and 80.9 minutes for the open group. Each group had five complications. There were two conversions from laparoscopic to open surgery. Individuals undergoing laparoscopic surgery reported a mean intake of 5 doses of an oral narcotic analgesic versus 16 doses in the open group. Return to normal activity (nonstrenuous) was 7.5 days in the laparoscopic group and 18.5 days in the open group. After a mean follow-up of 8 months (range 1 to 14), there have been two recurrences in the open group and one in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic onlay inguinal herniorrhaphy is a viable alternative for those who prefer a minimally invasive treatment for this disease.

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BACKGROUND: Nissen fundoplication has been shown to be superior to medical treatment in the management of severe or complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Rapid advances in minimally invasive surgical technique and recognition of the advantages of reduced incision-related morbidity have fostered application of laparoscopic techniques to antireflux surgery. A prospective evaluation of 70 patients undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for severe GERD was undertaken. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Rigid selection criteria for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication included severe or refractory disease with documentation of abnormal esophageal acid exposure by 24-hour pH probe monitoring, documentation of a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter by esophageal manometry, and absence of severe esophageal and/or gastric motility disorders. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 70 patients were completed laparoscopically with an intraoperative morbidity rate of 9%. Major postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (4%) and included deep venous thrombosis (n = 1), delayed gastric leak (n = 1), and trocar site hernia (n = 1). The average hospital stay was 3.0 days, and the average time to return to normal activity was 7.0 days. All patients experienced relief of symptoms of reflux with mean follow-up of 7.7 months. Transient, mild dysphagia was experienced by 37% of patients, and persistent, severe dysphagia by 7%. The mean increase in lower esophageal sphincter pressure was 16.2 mm Hg. The total and intra-abdominal sphincter lengths increased an average of 1.5 and 1.4 cm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication can be performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons with excellent symptomatic and physiologic results and a morbidity rate comparable to conventional open antireflux procedures. Rigid patient selection criteria will help identify the patients most likely to benefit from reconstruction of a mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter. Adherence to established operative principles for Nissen fundoplication will reduce the incidence of significant postfundoplication symptoms.

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