Advances in laparoscopic surgery have drastically modified not only the thinking of most general ... more Advances in laparoscopic surgery have drastically modified not only the thinking of most general surgeons, but have also helped to change the approach to many disease processes. The tremendous success of the laparoscopic approach to biliary tract disease as well as to appendicitis, trauma, and even colonic disease led us to consideration and evaluation of laparoscopy as a tool in the management of patients with acute and chronic intestinal obstruction. Forearmed with laparoscopic skills gained performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, common bile duct exploration, appendectomy, and laparoscopic colon resection and cognizant of the many patients with simple adhesions, internal herniae, and volvulus, we included all patients with suspected intestinal obstruction who did not have resolution of signs and symptoms with conservative treatment in this study. Patients were treated initially with intravenous fluids, nasogastric suction, and correction of electrolyte disturbances. Laparoscopy was performed on 23 patients during the period of May 1991 through April 1993 with resolution of the problem laparoscopically in 20. Details of pathological processes, operations performed, technique, and guidelines for laparoscopy are included.
Laparoscopy for colonic diseases began in 1990 and has established a role in benign disease. Earl... more Laparoscopy for colonic diseases began in 1990 and has established a role in benign disease. Early observations and experiences demonstrated feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for a variety of colonic disease processes, but the applicability to colonic carcinoma was unclear. In 1990, we began a comparative study of open (OCR) vs. laparoscopic (LCR) approach to colon cancer. The study progressed 65 months, with 224 patients in OCR group and 191 patients in LCR group. Parameters studied are stage, location, length of specimen, number of lymph nodes resected, margins, postoperative course, wound complications, recurrence rates, and immediate and long-term survival. OCR were standardized by one group, and LCR were standardized by a second group. All patients undergoing LCR were given freedom to choose either OCR or LCR, and informed consent was obtained. Equal or greater lymph node retrieval, resections, and distal margins were evident with LCR. Benefits with LCR were shown with shorter hospitalization (5.7 vs. 9.7 days), less blood loss, less wound problems (1 vs. 14), and quicker return of bowel function. Survival, recurrence, and death rates were essentially the same. There were no trocar implants in the LCR group. After five years, this study shows that laparoscopy does no harm to the patient, offers comparable oncologic resections, and seems to be patient-friendly, with less pain, quicker return of bowel functions, shortened hospitalization, and quicker return to full activity.
Management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis usually requires two separate teams-the gast... more Management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis usually requires two separate teams-the gastroenterologist/surgical endoscopist and the laparoscopic surgical team. This requires two separate procedures that potentially increase the overall morbidity and cost. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration by choledochotomy (LCBDE-C) averts this problem with a single approach. In 1990-1991, unsuspected stones found at laparoscopy with intraoperative cholangiogram done routinely underwent postoperative ERCP. Residual stones had been found after ERCP in 16 of 22 preoperative ERCP patients and we began to seek an alternative technique. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration by choledochotomy has achieved a high rate of success. Technically successful LCBDE-C has been accomplished in 143 of 148 patients (96.6%). Retained bile duct stones have been found on postoperative cholangiogram in three patients (2.0%), all of which have been successfully removed by postoperative ERCP. Thus 140 or 148 patients had their bile duct successfully cleaned by the one-step technique alone (94.6%). We believe that most laparoscopic surgeons who have acquired the skills of intracorporeal suturing can be successful at laparoscopic common bile duct exploration by choledochotomy. The disadvantage of T-tube presence will likely be eliminated by future developments with intraoperative antegrade sphincterotomy-like procedures, but the ability to see both proximal and distal biliary tree with the choledochotomy in all cases seems to offer more than adequate results at this point in the evolution of the laparoscopic approach to calculus biliary tract disease.
Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery, 2006
The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard of care in the management of hernias because o... more The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard of care in the management of hernias because of its association with a low rate of recurrence. However, despite its use, recurrence rates of 1% have been reported in primary inguinal repair and rates as high as 15% with ventral hernia repair. When dealing with difficult recurrent hernias, the two-layer prosthetic repair technique is a good option. In the event of incarcerated or strangulated hernias, however; placement of prosthetic material is controversial due to the increased risk of infection. The same is true when hernia repairs are performed concurrently with potentially contaminated procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, or colectomy. The purpose of this study is to report our preliminary results on the treatment of recurrent hernias by combining laparoscopic and open techniques to construct a two-layered prosthetic repair using a four ply mesh of porcine small intestine submucosa (Surgisis, Cook Surgical, Blooming...
Enterocutaneous fistulas develop in settings of prior abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disea... more Enterocutaneous fistulas develop in settings of prior abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, radiation or malignancy. Traditional surgical management requires laparotomy with bowel resection and anastomosis and is associated with a high incidence of wound infection. Recent advances in instrumentation and accumulation of experience has allowed minimally invasive surgery to become an alternative and often preferred approach to handling complex surgical problems. We present a case of successful laparoscopic management of an enterocutaneous fistula that developed in the setting of prior colectomy and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with prosthetic mesh. Laparotomy and its attending complications were avoided facilitating recovery and return to work.
Incisional hernia repair poses a difficult problem for the general surgeon because of the high in... more Incisional hernia repair poses a difficult problem for the general surgeon because of the high incidence of recurrence (50%) and a reported 10% infection rate. Use of a mesh by the anterior approach to replace or reinforce the defect has marginally reduced the recurrence rate, but not the infection rate, especially in obese patients. With the evolution of minimally invasive surgery, we thought that a potential was present to reduce the postoperative stay, lessen pain, and decrease the incidence of both recurrence and infection. From February 1991 through February 1998, a total of 176 patients with complicated umbilical and incisional hernias have been repaired; the follow-up has been from 1 to 84 months. The complication rate was 5.1%, with an infection rate of 1.7% and a 1.1% incidence of recurrence. Seventeen patients had combined procedures, including cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, and antireflux procedures.
We report our experience with laparoscopic surgical treatment of gallstone ileus, along with chol... more We report our experience with laparoscopic surgical treatment of gallstone ileus, along with cholecystectomy and repair of a cholecystoduodenal fistula. The technique and advantages are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first such case done laparoscopically to be reported in the world literature.
JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons / Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
Laparoscopy, both diagnostic and therapeutic, has been used in the management of gastric patholog... more Laparoscopy, both diagnostic and therapeutic, has been used in the management of gastric pathology because of all the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure, such as faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, fewer wound complications, and other benefits. We report a case involving the resection of a gastric ulcer in a 71-year-old patient. Endoscopy revealed a nonhealing antral ulcer that was not acutely bleeding. With a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach, we successfully performed a wide resection by using 2-mm instruments. Laparoscopy was needed to orient the lesion so that a transgastric intraluminal resection could be performed with 2-mm instruments. This case illustrates the feasibility of using a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic technique to treat a lesion that would otherwise require a formal resection.
In 1991, Delaitre et al. reported the first successful laparoscopic splenectomy. This procedure h... more In 1991, Delaitre et al. reported the first successful laparoscopic splenectomy. This procedure has become the best option in patients with hematological diseases and who require surgical treatment. The potential advantages of the laparoscopic approach over the conventional surgery are shorter length of hospital stay, shorter time to resume normal diet and decreased rates of morbidity and mortality. From June 1993 to December 2004, 42 patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy in our two surgical care centers: Texas Endosurgery Institute and Hospital San José-TEC de Monterrey. The measured variables to evaluate efficacy and safety were operating time, length of hospital stay, time to resume normal diet, conversion to open procedure, morbidity and mortality. Hematological diseases were the most common diagnosis. The procedure was technically successful in 95% of the patients. There were two conversions to open surgery. The mean operating time was 120 min. Mortality rate was 2.3%. Th...
Laparoscopic surgery has emerged as the gold standard for many intra-abdominal procedures. Laparo... more Laparoscopic surgery has emerged as the gold standard for many intra-abdominal procedures. Laparoscopic colon surgery is now entering its second decade of practice, and although there are many papers focusing on surgery of the distal colon, only a few have been published regarding right sided lesion approached totally laparoscopically. Present data collected-in a prospective manner from a single institute over an eleven year period, focusing on laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for malignancy. Patients elected for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer were analyzed prospectively. From May 1991 to May 2002, 98 patients underwent attempted laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for cancer, 44 male and 54 female, with a mean age of 70.6 years, emergent and non emergent cases were included Patients who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy and those converted immediately to open procedure were excluded from this study. Ninety-two patients were included in the study, eighty-two of thes...
The modern biliary surgeon must deal with laparoscopic procedures as part of his or her daily rou... more The modern biliary surgeon must deal with laparoscopic procedures as part of his or her daily routine. Almost all barriers to laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been erased, and more and more surgeons are approaching common bile duct problems from a new viewpoint. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is being advocated by many more surgeons than in the past. Bypass of the biliary tract for benign and malignant disease has always been the purvue of biliary tract surgeons, and the transition from open to laparoscopic techniques is an achievable goal and is primarily a function of imagination, planning, and the ability to suture.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy will become the standard surgical treatment for gallbladder disease ... more Laparoscopic cholecystectomy will become the standard surgical treatment for gallbladder disease only if the methodology is applicable to all or near all cases. To evaluate this hypothesis, all patients were operated on via the laparoscopic route, regardless of whether or not they had signs of acute infection. Among a total group of 411 patients operated upon laparoscopically, 193 (47%) had clinical or anatomical signs of acute infection. The surgery was somewhat protracted and the hospital stay longer, but no major complication occurred. It can then be concluded that in skilled hands, laparoscopy is a safe route for cholecystectomy in the presence of acute infection and inflammation, and that it offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to those patients.
Bioabsorbable Seamguard (BSG) is a random-fiber web of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate. ... more Bioabsorbable Seamguard (BSG) is a random-fiber web of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate. It is completely absorbed within 6 months or less due to its constitution of a bioabsorbable membrane with polyester braided suture. It has been used in obesity surgery and pulmonary surgery as staple-line reinforcement with good results. As such, we believe that BSG may be ideal to use in colorectal surgery as an aid during the healing process of an anastomosis and may help prevent anastomotic bleeding and staple-line disruption. From July 2003 through September 2004, 30 patients underwent placement of BSG for the following procedures: 12 right hemicolectomies, 7 low anterior resections, 5 sigmoid colectomies, 3 total colectomies, 2 partial resections, and 1 colostomy closure. Median follow-up was 7 months (range 1-13). There were no clinical leaks, no strictures, and no bleeding in our early postoperative follow-up period. The use of BSG as a staple-line reinforcer appears to be safe and may be useful in preventing anastomotic leakage, bleeding, and intraluminal stenosis.
Advances in laparoscopic surgery have drastically modified not only the thinking of most general ... more Advances in laparoscopic surgery have drastically modified not only the thinking of most general surgeons, but have also helped to change the approach to many disease processes. The tremendous success of the laparoscopic approach to biliary tract disease as well as to appendicitis, trauma, and even colonic disease led us to consideration and evaluation of laparoscopy as a tool in the management of patients with acute and chronic intestinal obstruction. Forearmed with laparoscopic skills gained performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, common bile duct exploration, appendectomy, and laparoscopic colon resection and cognizant of the many patients with simple adhesions, internal herniae, and volvulus, we included all patients with suspected intestinal obstruction who did not have resolution of signs and symptoms with conservative treatment in this study. Patients were treated initially with intravenous fluids, nasogastric suction, and correction of electrolyte disturbances. Laparoscopy was performed on 23 patients during the period of May 1991 through April 1993 with resolution of the problem laparoscopically in 20. Details of pathological processes, operations performed, technique, and guidelines for laparoscopy are included.
Laparoscopy for colonic diseases began in 1990 and has established a role in benign disease. Earl... more Laparoscopy for colonic diseases began in 1990 and has established a role in benign disease. Early observations and experiences demonstrated feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for a variety of colonic disease processes, but the applicability to colonic carcinoma was unclear. In 1990, we began a comparative study of open (OCR) vs. laparoscopic (LCR) approach to colon cancer. The study progressed 65 months, with 224 patients in OCR group and 191 patients in LCR group. Parameters studied are stage, location, length of specimen, number of lymph nodes resected, margins, postoperative course, wound complications, recurrence rates, and immediate and long-term survival. OCR were standardized by one group, and LCR were standardized by a second group. All patients undergoing LCR were given freedom to choose either OCR or LCR, and informed consent was obtained. Equal or greater lymph node retrieval, resections, and distal margins were evident with LCR. Benefits with LCR were shown with shorter hospitalization (5.7 vs. 9.7 days), less blood loss, less wound problems (1 vs. 14), and quicker return of bowel function. Survival, recurrence, and death rates were essentially the same. There were no trocar implants in the LCR group. After five years, this study shows that laparoscopy does no harm to the patient, offers comparable oncologic resections, and seems to be patient-friendly, with less pain, quicker return of bowel functions, shortened hospitalization, and quicker return to full activity.
Management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis usually requires two separate teams-the gast... more Management of cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis usually requires two separate teams-the gastroenterologist/surgical endoscopist and the laparoscopic surgical team. This requires two separate procedures that potentially increase the overall morbidity and cost. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration by choledochotomy (LCBDE-C) averts this problem with a single approach. In 1990-1991, unsuspected stones found at laparoscopy with intraoperative cholangiogram done routinely underwent postoperative ERCP. Residual stones had been found after ERCP in 16 of 22 preoperative ERCP patients and we began to seek an alternative technique. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration by choledochotomy has achieved a high rate of success. Technically successful LCBDE-C has been accomplished in 143 of 148 patients (96.6%). Retained bile duct stones have been found on postoperative cholangiogram in three patients (2.0%), all of which have been successfully removed by postoperative ERCP. Thus 140 or 148 patients had their bile duct successfully cleaned by the one-step technique alone (94.6%). We believe that most laparoscopic surgeons who have acquired the skills of intracorporeal suturing can be successful at laparoscopic common bile duct exploration by choledochotomy. The disadvantage of T-tube presence will likely be eliminated by future developments with intraoperative antegrade sphincterotomy-like procedures, but the ability to see both proximal and distal biliary tree with the choledochotomy in all cases seems to offer more than adequate results at this point in the evolution of the laparoscopic approach to calculus biliary tract disease.
Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery, 2006
The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard of care in the management of hernias because o... more The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard of care in the management of hernias because of its association with a low rate of recurrence. However, despite its use, recurrence rates of 1% have been reported in primary inguinal repair and rates as high as 15% with ventral hernia repair. When dealing with difficult recurrent hernias, the two-layer prosthetic repair technique is a good option. In the event of incarcerated or strangulated hernias, however; placement of prosthetic material is controversial due to the increased risk of infection. The same is true when hernia repairs are performed concurrently with potentially contaminated procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, or colectomy. The purpose of this study is to report our preliminary results on the treatment of recurrent hernias by combining laparoscopic and open techniques to construct a two-layered prosthetic repair using a four ply mesh of porcine small intestine submucosa (Surgisis, Cook Surgical, Blooming...
Enterocutaneous fistulas develop in settings of prior abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disea... more Enterocutaneous fistulas develop in settings of prior abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, radiation or malignancy. Traditional surgical management requires laparotomy with bowel resection and anastomosis and is associated with a high incidence of wound infection. Recent advances in instrumentation and accumulation of experience has allowed minimally invasive surgery to become an alternative and often preferred approach to handling complex surgical problems. We present a case of successful laparoscopic management of an enterocutaneous fistula that developed in the setting of prior colectomy and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with prosthetic mesh. Laparotomy and its attending complications were avoided facilitating recovery and return to work.
Incisional hernia repair poses a difficult problem for the general surgeon because of the high in... more Incisional hernia repair poses a difficult problem for the general surgeon because of the high incidence of recurrence (50%) and a reported 10% infection rate. Use of a mesh by the anterior approach to replace or reinforce the defect has marginally reduced the recurrence rate, but not the infection rate, especially in obese patients. With the evolution of minimally invasive surgery, we thought that a potential was present to reduce the postoperative stay, lessen pain, and decrease the incidence of both recurrence and infection. From February 1991 through February 1998, a total of 176 patients with complicated umbilical and incisional hernias have been repaired; the follow-up has been from 1 to 84 months. The complication rate was 5.1%, with an infection rate of 1.7% and a 1.1% incidence of recurrence. Seventeen patients had combined procedures, including cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair, and antireflux procedures.
We report our experience with laparoscopic surgical treatment of gallstone ileus, along with chol... more We report our experience with laparoscopic surgical treatment of gallstone ileus, along with cholecystectomy and repair of a cholecystoduodenal fistula. The technique and advantages are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first such case done laparoscopically to be reported in the world literature.
JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons / Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
Laparoscopy, both diagnostic and therapeutic, has been used in the management of gastric patholog... more Laparoscopy, both diagnostic and therapeutic, has been used in the management of gastric pathology because of all the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure, such as faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, fewer wound complications, and other benefits. We report a case involving the resection of a gastric ulcer in a 71-year-old patient. Endoscopy revealed a nonhealing antral ulcer that was not acutely bleeding. With a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach, we successfully performed a wide resection by using 2-mm instruments. Laparoscopy was needed to orient the lesion so that a transgastric intraluminal resection could be performed with 2-mm instruments. This case illustrates the feasibility of using a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic technique to treat a lesion that would otherwise require a formal resection.
In 1991, Delaitre et al. reported the first successful laparoscopic splenectomy. This procedure h... more In 1991, Delaitre et al. reported the first successful laparoscopic splenectomy. This procedure has become the best option in patients with hematological diseases and who require surgical treatment. The potential advantages of the laparoscopic approach over the conventional surgery are shorter length of hospital stay, shorter time to resume normal diet and decreased rates of morbidity and mortality. From June 1993 to December 2004, 42 patients underwent laparoscopic splenectomy in our two surgical care centers: Texas Endosurgery Institute and Hospital San José-TEC de Monterrey. The measured variables to evaluate efficacy and safety were operating time, length of hospital stay, time to resume normal diet, conversion to open procedure, morbidity and mortality. Hematological diseases were the most common diagnosis. The procedure was technically successful in 95% of the patients. There were two conversions to open surgery. The mean operating time was 120 min. Mortality rate was 2.3%. Th...
Laparoscopic surgery has emerged as the gold standard for many intra-abdominal procedures. Laparo... more Laparoscopic surgery has emerged as the gold standard for many intra-abdominal procedures. Laparoscopic colon surgery is now entering its second decade of practice, and although there are many papers focusing on surgery of the distal colon, only a few have been published regarding right sided lesion approached totally laparoscopically. Present data collected-in a prospective manner from a single institute over an eleven year period, focusing on laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for malignancy. Patients elected for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer were analyzed prospectively. From May 1991 to May 2002, 98 patients underwent attempted laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for cancer, 44 male and 54 female, with a mean age of 70.6 years, emergent and non emergent cases were included Patients who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy and those converted immediately to open procedure were excluded from this study. Ninety-two patients were included in the study, eighty-two of thes...
The modern biliary surgeon must deal with laparoscopic procedures as part of his or her daily rou... more The modern biliary surgeon must deal with laparoscopic procedures as part of his or her daily routine. Almost all barriers to laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been erased, and more and more surgeons are approaching common bile duct problems from a new viewpoint. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is being advocated by many more surgeons than in the past. Bypass of the biliary tract for benign and malignant disease has always been the purvue of biliary tract surgeons, and the transition from open to laparoscopic techniques is an achievable goal and is primarily a function of imagination, planning, and the ability to suture.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy will become the standard surgical treatment for gallbladder disease ... more Laparoscopic cholecystectomy will become the standard surgical treatment for gallbladder disease only if the methodology is applicable to all or near all cases. To evaluate this hypothesis, all patients were operated on via the laparoscopic route, regardless of whether or not they had signs of acute infection. Among a total group of 411 patients operated upon laparoscopically, 193 (47%) had clinical or anatomical signs of acute infection. The surgery was somewhat protracted and the hospital stay longer, but no major complication occurred. It can then be concluded that in skilled hands, laparoscopy is a safe route for cholecystectomy in the presence of acute infection and inflammation, and that it offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to those patients.
Bioabsorbable Seamguard (BSG) is a random-fiber web of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate. ... more Bioabsorbable Seamguard (BSG) is a random-fiber web of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate. It is completely absorbed within 6 months or less due to its constitution of a bioabsorbable membrane with polyester braided suture. It has been used in obesity surgery and pulmonary surgery as staple-line reinforcement with good results. As such, we believe that BSG may be ideal to use in colorectal surgery as an aid during the healing process of an anastomosis and may help prevent anastomotic bleeding and staple-line disruption. From July 2003 through September 2004, 30 patients underwent placement of BSG for the following procedures: 12 right hemicolectomies, 7 low anterior resections, 5 sigmoid colectomies, 3 total colectomies, 2 partial resections, and 1 colostomy closure. Median follow-up was 7 months (range 1-13). There were no clinical leaks, no strictures, and no bleeding in our early postoperative follow-up period. The use of BSG as a staple-line reinforcer appears to be safe and may be useful in preventing anastomotic leakage, bleeding, and intraluminal stenosis.
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Papers by Morris Franklin