No abstract

Laparoscopic surgery has expanded rapidly since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We have performed three laparoscopic Hartmann reversals in the last year and have compared these cases to eight open reversals. Laparoscopic technique has the advantage with regard to early oral intake, shortened length of stay, decreased blood loss, and decreased postoperative pain. Laparoscopic Hartmann reversal has comparable operative time with the open technique. We believe that laparoscopic Hartmann reversal should be considered by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Acute calculus cholecystitis during pregnancy can be a difficult management problem. Two pregnant patients with cholecystitis refractory to conservative management underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a community hospital. One patient was treated under epidural anesthesia. Pregnancy should not be an absolute contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and epidural anesthesia should be considered.

Over the past 5 years there has been a remarkable change in the manner in which symptomatic gallstones are surgically managed. In this study we reviewed the experience of a large HMO to determine the relationship between the rate of increase of ERCP and that of cholecystectomy. All individuals enrolled in US Healthcare's HMO-PA, in the region of southeastern Pennsylvania from 1988 through 1993, were included in the analysis. Using the HMO claims database, patients who underwent an open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the study period were identified. We then identified those patients who had a pre- or post- operative ERCP. Over the study period, there has been a substantial increase in cholecystectomies per 1000 members-from 1.37 in 1988 to 2.16 (p < 0.0001) in 1993. In our study population there were 1261 ERCPs performed in 979 patients with an average of 1.3 ERCPs per patient during the study period. The ERCP rate per 1000 members has increased from 0.16 to 0.56 (p < 0.0001) from 1988 to 1993, at the same time that the cholecystectomy rate was substantially increasing. The correlation for the ERCP and cholecystectomy rates from 1988 to 1993 was 0.994 (p < 0.0001). Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1989-1990, many more ERCPs are now being performed. It is necessary to determine the implications related to the rapid diffusion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including the effect that this technology has had on other older and stable technologies such as ERCP. Our results describe the dramatic effect that laparoscopic cholecystectomy has had on the utilization of ERCPs.

Acute inflammation of the appendix secondary to luminal obstruction is the chief reason for appendectomy. The rare association of a malignant neoplastic process with the inflammatory process is usually an unexpected finding and is often not diagnosed until the histologic study has been completed. Two patients with adenocarcinoma of the appendix are presented. They exemplify the diverse situations of intraoperative recognition with immediate definitive treatment, or surgical management after appendectomy alone. A review of the literature confirms the rarity of appendiceal adenocarcinoma in older patients. In this report, the pathophysiology of appendiceal carcinoma and guidelines for therapy are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the possible occurrence of a malignant appendiceal lesion in the elderly patient with acute appendicitis.