Jonathan M. Sackier

The Los Angeles experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Surgeons should be competent in diagnostic laparoscopy before performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Well-structured and endorsed courses with experienced faculty are important. Within 12 months, 418 LCs were performed in our hospital. The number of open cholecystectomies decreased to one third of all cholecystectomies performed. Cholangiography was attempted routinely and the duct was successfully cannulated in 90%. Inquiries were made at 6 other hospitals within a 5-mile radius where a total of 220 LCs were performed. The following gray areas need to be addressed: patients with slightly increased liver function tests but no jaundice, and unsuspected stones discovered by cholangiography. New projects are in progress to explore the common bile duct via the cystic duct or directly through the common bile duct with insertion of a T tube. The authors recommend proper training as well as caution and sound judgment before commencing with LC.

Elective diagnostic laparoscopy

Laparoscopy developed as a science at the turn of the century, and many scientists assisted in the evolution of this technique. However, it was many years before the multiple trocar system was developed that allowed internal organs to be moved and biopsies to be obtained. This has led to the development of numerous indications for elective diagnostic laparoscopy. Adequate preparation and attention to instrumentation ensure the safety of this operation. Elective diagnostic laparoscopy is a useful adjunct to many other diagnostic modalities such as, for instance, the assessment of abdominal pain, abdominal masses, fever of unknown origin, and gastrointestinal bleeding. In many other circumstances, such as the assessment of oncology cases, this modality is superior to conventional radiology because biopsy specimens may be obtained. If the procedure is correctly performed, the diagnostic yield is extremely high and the morbidity and mortality are low. The role of this important technique should not be underestimated by todays practicing surgeon.

A new training device for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

SummaryLaparoscopic cholecystectomy provides a new approach for gallbladder removal with which most general surgeons are not familiar. Requisites for the safe performance of this procedure are good hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and team cooperation. To aid with problems in depth perception and in the opposing movements caused by the lever principle, a training model was designed in which surgeons may execute a variety of exercises to enhance their motor skills and learn to work cooperatively with two other surgeons before operating on an experimental animal.

New ideas and improved instrumentation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

SummaryA new cholangiograsper cannula was developed through which a Fr 4 or 5 ureteric cannula can be advanced into the incised cystic duct and held in a watertight position. This instrument facilitates intraoperative cholangiography. A plastic trocar stylet eliminates the metal shadow of the trocar during cholangiography. A new “laparocamera” is described where camera and telescope are built together in one unit decreasing the need for additional manipulation during the procedure. A camera holder driven by air helps the operator to keep his/her hands free. The need for a third assistant is avoided by inserting the camera into a (presterilized) holder, the position of which is controlled by press buttons.

Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Nonmalignant Disease

Laparoscopy is useful in the management of a wide range of benign conditions. In the elective situation, it may be chosen to evaluate hepatobiliary disorders, abdominal masses, or chronic pain, and is an ideal way to sample tissue. Under the emergency setting, it is another tool for the assessment of trauma patients and may be of value in those patients with abdominal pain, mesenteric ischemia, fever of unknown origin, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage. It is important for the surgeon to be familiar with the technique, correctly prepare the patient, and be aware of the risks and limitations of this diagnostic modality.

Pouch-anal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy

Ileal diversion is an important adjunct to restorative proctocolectomy but may produce increased morbidity and requires a second-stage closure. This study reports results utilizing a one-stage procedure designed to retain the benefits of proximal decompression without the liabilities of additional surgical procedures. Eight patients, three men (with ulcerative colitis) and five women (one with familial polyposis coli and four with ulcerative colitis), were selected for the single-stage restorative proctocolectomy with intraluminal decompression in lieu of diverting loop ileostomy. The abdominal proctocolectomy was performed to the level of the anorectal junction. In five patients, the rectum was closed using the TA 55™ (U.S. Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, CT), 4.8-mm stapler. AJ-pouch was constructed with multiple firings of the GIA 90™ (U.S. Surgical Corporation) stapler. These patients had continuity restored utilizing a transanal, circular stapler. Three patients had an S-pouch constructed by suture technique. Fecal diversion was accomplished with a 25-mm intraluminal bypass tube (Coloshield™; Deknetel, Fall River, MA) in all cases. There was no mortality. There were no anastomotic complications or morbidity related to the bypass tube. The tube dislodged and passed between days 18 and 26 (mean, 22.1 days). All patients had three to six bowel movements per 24 hours, and all are continent day and night. This experience suggests that, in selected patients, the intraluminal bypass tube may be an excellent alternative to diverting ileostomy.

Laparoscopic diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma metastatic to the liver: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract In this report we describe how a laparoscopic procedure confirmed a confusing and exceptional case of Ewings sarcoma metastatic to the liver.

Ulcerative Colitis and Polyposis Coli: Surgical Options

Until a medical cure for ulcerative colitis is available, it is up to the surgeon to provide a solution. With the wealth of experience now available, the operation of ileal pouch with anal anastomosis must be considered as an option in treating the young or well-motivated patient. Screening of families in whom polyposis coli has been found can prevent colon cancer developing. For this group of patients, who may be totally asymptomatic, to be able to offer a reconstructive operation may make it easier for such patients to accept colectomy. The value of consultation between medical and surgical gastroenterologists in order to time surgery is vital, and an exact histologic diagnosis in inflammatory bowel disease may prevent the potential disaster of constructing an ileal pouch in a patient with Crohns disease. The construction of a pouch is not difficult, being made up of several familiar surgical steps in an unfamiliar setting. However, it is a long operation, frequently taking more than 4 hours, and mucosal protectomy can be rather awkward. For these reasons and the problems with patient counseling, we believe ileal pouch with anal anastomosis operations should be performed at referral centers. We still have to decide on the best type of pouch to use, but it is encouraging that better antibiotics, safer anesthesia, and new techniques such as the intraluminal bypass tube and rectal sleeve dissection have helped to make this operation more successful for a greater number of patients.

Periampullary duodenal diverticulum in a patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

SummaryDuodenal diverticulae are acquired lesions usually found near the papilla of Vater and associated with significant symptoms. We present a case of a patient with obstructive jaundice who had a diverticulum and cholelithiasis. The management of this scenario is explained in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.