Laparoscopy for Small Bowel Obstruction
Author Information
Author(s): Farinella Eriberto, Cirocchi Roberto, La Mura Francesco, Morelli Umberto, Cattorini Lorenzo, Delmonaco Pamela, Migliaccio Carla, De Sol Angelo A, Cozzaglio Luca, Sciannameo Francesco
Primary Institution: Department of General and Emergency Surgery, St Maria Hospital, Terni, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Hypothesis
Is laparoscopic adhesiolysis feasible and convenient for small bowel obstruction?
Conclusion
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is feasible but should be performed by skilled surgeons on selected patients to minimize risks.
Supporting Evidence
- The feasibility of diagnostic laparoscopy is high (60–100%).
- The feasibility of therapeutic laparoscopy is low (40–88%).
- Laparotomic conversions can range from 0 to 52% based on patient selection.
- Successful laparoscopic adhesiolysis is predicted by factors like fewer previous surgeries and early intervention.
- Postoperative morbidity is lower in laparoscopic cases compared to laparotomic approaches.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special camera to look inside the belly and fix blockages in the intestines, but only if they are really good at it and pick the right patients.
Methodology
A review of international literature from 1980 to 2007, analyzing studies on laparoscopic adhesiolysis.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may affect the outcomes due to varying patient demographics and surgical skills.
Limitations
The number of studies and patients included in the literature is low, leading to poor scientific evidence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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