OBJECTIVE To assess the results and cost implications of laparoscopic nephrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten patients underwent attempted laparoscopic nephrectomy and nephro-ureterectomy. The cost of the laparoscopic procedures was estimated to allow comparison with that of open surgery. RESULTS Two patients required conversion to an open procedure, one for a colonic tear, the other for irre...

BACKGROUND Though minimally invasive techniques now are routine world over, there is need to develop facilities for training surgeons. Laparoscopy performed on anesthetized animals is an established model but is costly and is not easily available. We report on human cadaver as a training modality for surgeons participating in a laparoscopic training course. METHODS Unembalmed cadavers were us...

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is widely used and generally an accepted method for managing appendicitis. And the recent invention of laparoscopic trans-umbilical-appendectomy is a further improvement of LA. However, it requires expensive instruments with the requisite expertise. We discuss a useful modification of trans-umbilical appendectomy for acute appendicitis using routine ins...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The value of robotic surgery for gynecologic procedures has been critically evaluated over the past few years. Its drawbacks have been noted as larger port size, location of port placement, limited instrumentation, and cost. In this study, we describe a novel technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH) with 3 important improvements: (1) more aesthet...

An alternative method to laparoscopic surgery has been developed for urological procedures. The surgery is minimal access because the length of the single skin incision ranges from 3-6 cm depending on the type of operation. It is direct access because the surgeon sees the operative area directly and stereoscopically by eye without video-optical support. The procedure requires a special open-lum...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common entity in the United States. Surgical fundoplication can be performed safely with well-established long-term results. In selected patients with GERD, endoluminal therapy has a potential role. We report on a patient with recurrent GERD after two prior fundoplications who wished to pursue endoscopic treatment. The presence of a gastrostomy tube a...

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the latest surgery paradigm in which the abdominal cavity is accessed via the body’s natural orifice, e.g., vagina, mouth, etc. Compared with traditional laparoscopic surgery, NOTES completely eliminates the skin incision and therefore benefits the patients in several aspects such as less post-operative pain, shorter recovery period, fe...