of foregut cases, including hernias and Heller myotomies. Other possi-
bilities include bariatric surgeries, small bowel procedures, oophorec-
tomies and adrenalectomies. Biopsies and other diagnostic procedures
may also lend themselves to smaller incisions.
Thinner patients usually make the best candidates, because their
1 1 8
O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5
Surgeons at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., gave micro-
laparoscopy an enthusiastic endorsement. They chronicled in the Journal of
Endourology their impressions of 46 transperitoneal pyeloplasty procedures done
between 2009 and 2013. Comparing 27 procedures done via conventional lap sur-
gery with 19 micro-laps (osmag.net/
MbsKK7), they write that "from technical, perioperative and outcome perspectives,
microlaparoscopy is both safe and feasible in our hands … and results in subjectively
superior cosmesis."
German researchers had similarly high praise in a 2012 study
(osmag.net/2JyfBU), based on a retrospective review of general, gynecological, uro-
logical and thoracic surgeries. In describing what they call a "second generation" of
endoscopes and increasingly effective instruments, microlaparoscopy, they say, "has
(been) demonstrated to be feasible, safe and able to improve cosmetic and postop-
erative pain control."
Inspired by the resounding success of 79 cholecystectomies done via microla-
paroscopy during a 24-month period, surgeons at Danbury (Conn.) Hospital say
they're looking forward to "diminishing the surgical 'footprint' even further and con-
tributing to better cosmesis and decreased postoperative pain in cholecystectomy
patients." Of their 79 cases, only 3 had to be converted to conventional laps, and
none had intra- or post-operative complications (osmag.net/Wj9XBk).
— Jim Burger
DOCUMENTED SUCCESS
Microlap's Rave Reviews
