Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts: A case report

Pancreatic pseudocysts （PPs） are collections of pancreatic secretions that are lined by fibrous tissues and may contain necrotic debris or blood. The interventions including percutaneous, endoscopic or surgical approaches are based on the size, location, symptoms and complications of a pseudocyst. With the availability of advanced imaging systems and cameras, better hemostatic equipments and excellent laparoscopic techniques, most pseudocysts can be found and managed by laparoscopy. We describe a case of a 30-year-old male patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst amenable to laparoscopic cystogastrostomy. An incision was made through the anterior gastric wall to expose the posterior gastric wall in close contact with the pseudocyst using an ultrasonically activated scalpel. Then, another incision was made for cystogastrostomy to obtain complete and unobstructed drainage. The patient recovered well after operation and was symptom-free during a 6-mo follow-up, suggesting that laparoscopic cystogastrostomy is a safe and effective alternative to open cystogastrostomy for minimally invasive management of PPs.

Laparoscopic calibrated total vs partial fundoplication following Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia

AIM:To compare the mid-term outcomes of laparoscopic calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication with Dor fundoplication performed after Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia.METHODS:Fifty-six patients(26 men,30 women;mean age 42.8±14.7 years)presenting for minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal achalasia,were enrolled.All patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by a 180°anterior partial fundoplication in 30 cases(group 1)and calibrated NissenRossetti fundoplication in 26(group 2).Intraoperative endoscopy and manometry were used to calibrate the myotomy and fundoplication.A 6-mo follow-up period with symptomatic evaluation and barium swallow was undertaken.One and two years after surgery,the patients underwent symptom questionnaires,endoscopy,oesophageal manometry and 24 h oesophago-gastric pH monitoring.RESULTS:At the 2-year follow-up,no significant difference in the median symptom score was observed between the 2 groups(P=0.66;Mann-WhitneyU-test).The median percentage time with oesophageal pH< 4 was significantly higher in the Dor group compared to the Nissen-Rossetti group(2;range 0.8-10 vs 0.35;range 0-2)(P<0.0001;Mann-WhitneyU-test).CONCLUSION:Laparoscopic Dor and calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication achieved similar results in the resolution of dysphagia.Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication seems to be more effective in suppressing oesophageal acid exposure.

Evaluation of two esophageal myotomy methods to treat achalasia

Objective:To evaluate a better method for the outcome of achalasia between laparoscopic Heller procedures(LHP)with partial fundoplications and thoracoscopic procedures(TP).Methods: Eighty patients with achalasia were treated by LHP with partial fundoplications and another 120 cases re- ceived TP treatment.All the patients were from the First and Second Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong Universi- ty.Their clinical information including dysphagia after surgery,operation time,staying in hospital,ab- normal gastroesophageal reflux and pH assay were recorded.Results:Achalasia treated by LHP with par- tial fundoplications can make a higher outcome remission rate compared to TP.Conclusion:LHP with par- tial fundoplications is better than TP.It is an ideal surgery for achalasia up to now.

Selection criteria for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones:Results of a retrospective,single center study between 1996-2002

AIM: The optimal treatment for bile duct stones (in terms of cost, complications and accuracy) is unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the predictive factors for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).METHODS: Patients undergoing preoperative ERCP (≤90 d before laparoscopic cholecystectomy) were evaluated in this retrospective study from the 1^st of January 1996 to the 31^st of December 2002. The indications for ERCP were elevated serum bilirubin, elevated liver function tests (LFT), dilated bile duct (≥8 mm) and/or stone at US examination, coexisting acute pancreatitis and/or acute pancreatitis or jaundice in patient's history. Suspected prognostic factors and the combination of factors were compared to the result of ERCRRESULTS: Two hundred and six preoperative ERCPs were performed during the observed period. The rate of successful cannulation for ERC was (97.1%). Bile duct stones were detected in 81 patients (39.3%), and successfully removed in 79 (97.5%). The number of prognostic factors correlated with the presence of bile duct stones. The positive predictive value for one prognostic factor was 1.2%, for two 43%,for three 72.5%, for four or more 91.4%.CONCLUSION: Based on our data preoperative ERCP is highly recommended in patients with three or more positive factors (high risk patients). In contrast, ERCP is not indicated in patients with zero or one factor (low risk patients).Preoperative ERCP should be offered to patients with two positive factors (moderate risk patients), however the practice should also be based on the local conditions (e.g.skill of the endoscopist, other diagnostic tools).