U. Ahmed Ali

Systematic review and meta-analysis of laparoscopic Nissen (posterior total) versus Toupet (posterior partial) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is currently considered the surgical approach of choice for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) has been said to reduce troublesome dysphagia and gas‐related symptoms. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to compare LNF and LTF.

Altered central pain processing after pancreatic surgery for chronic pancreatitis

Chronic abdominal pain is common in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and may involve altered central pain processing. This study evaluated the relationship between pain processing and pain outcome after pancreatic duct decompression and/or pancreatic resection in patients with CP.

Dutch Chronic Pancreatitis Registry (CARE): Design and rationale of a nationwide prospective evaluation and follow-up

BACKGROUND Chronic pancreatitis is a complex disease with many unanswered questions regarding the natural history and therapy. Prospective longitudinal studies with long-term follow-up are warranted. METHODS The Dutch Chronic Pancreatitis Registry (CARE) is a nationwide registry aimed at prospective evaluation and follow-up of patients with chronic pancreatitis. All patients with (suspected) chronic or recurrent pancreatitis are eligible for CARE. Patients are followed-up by yearly questionnaires and review of medical records. Study outcomes are pain, disease complications, quality of life, and pancreatic function. The target sample size was set at 500 for the first year and 1000 patients within 3 years. RESULTS A total of 1218 patients were included from February 2010 until June 2013 by 76 participating surgeons and gastroenterologist from 33 hospitals. Participation rate was 90% of eligible patients. Eight academic centers included 761 (62%) patients, while 25 community hospitals included 457 (38%). Patient centered outcomes were assessed by yearly questionnaires, which had a response rate of 85 and 82% for year 1 and 2, respectively. The median age of patients was 58 years, 814 (67%) were male, and 38% had symptoms for less than 5 years. DISCUSSION The CARE registry has successfully recruited over 1200 patients with chronic and recurrent pancreatitis in about 3 years. The defined inclusion criteria ensure patients are included at an early disease stage. Participation and compliance rates are high. CARE offers a unique opportunity with sufficient power to investigate many clinical questions regarding natural course, complications, and efficacy and timing of treatment strategies.

Laparoscopic vs. small incision cholecystectomy: Implications for pulmonary function and pain. A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Upper abdominal surgery, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is associated with post‐operative pulmonary dysfunction. LC has, by consensus, become the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. The small‐incision cholecystectomy (SIC), a procedure which does not require a pneumoperitoneum threatens to be lost to clinical practice even though there is evidence of equality. We hypothesized that the SIC technique should be equal and might even be superior to the LC when considering post‐operative pulmonary function due to the short incision length.

Anaesthesiological considerations in small-incision and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in symptomatic cholecystolithiasis: implications for pulmonary function. A randomized clinical trial

Background:  Upper abdominal surgery, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is associated with post‐operative pulmonary dysfunction. LC has, by consensus, become the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. Small‐incision cholecystectomy (SIC), a procedure that does not require a pneumoperitoneum, threatens to be lost to clinical practice, even though there is evidence of equality. We hypothesized that the SIC technique should be equal, and might even be superior, to LC when considering post‐operative pulmonary function because of the short incision length.

Laparoscopic vs. small incision cholecystectomy

Background: Upper abdominal surgery, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is associated with post‐operative pulmonary dysfunction. LC has, by consensus, become the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. The small‐incision cholecystectomy (SIC), a procedure which does not require a pneumoperitoneum threatens to be lost to clinical practice even though there is evidence of equality. We hypothesized that the SIC technique should be equal and might even be superior to the LC when considering post‐operative pulmonary function due to the short incision length.

Laparoscopic vs. small incision cholecystectomy: Implications for pulmonary function and pain. A randomized clinical trial: Pulmonary aspects in cholecystectomy

Background: Upper abdominal surgery, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is associated with post‐operative pulmonary dysfunction. LC has, by consensus, become the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. The small‐incision cholecystectomy (SIC), a procedure which does not require a pneumoperitoneum threatens to be lost to clinical practice even though there is evidence of equality. We hypothesized that the SIC technique should be equal and might even be superior to the LC when considering post‐operative pulmonary function due to the short incision length.