The established AAA is characterized by a distinct cytokine profile consisting of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and specific growth factors. This suggests that these cytokines may contribute to pathologic changes within the established, preruptured aneurysm.

Patients exposed to a surgical safety checklist experience better postoperative outcomes, but this could simply reflect wider quality of care in hospitals where checklist use is routine.

Most (87.5%) patients admitted to hospital with a ruptured AAA died after more than 2 hours. These data show that most patients with a ruptured AAA who reach the hospital alive are sufficiently stable to undergo CT and consideration of EVAR.

INTRODUCTION The management of bile leaks following laparoscopic cholecystectomy has evolved with increased experience of ERCP and laparoscopy. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a minimally invasive management protocol.PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-four patients with a bile leak following laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recorded consecutively between 1993 and 2003 . Between 1993-1998, 10 patients were managed on a case-by-case basis. Between 1998-2003, 14 patients were managed according to a minimally invasive protocol utilising ERC/biliary stenting and relaparoscopy if indicated.RESULTS Bile leaks presented as bile in a drain left in situ post laparoscopic cholecystectomy (8/10 versus 10/14) or biliary peritonitis (2/10 versus 4/14). Prior to 1998, neither ERC nor laparoscopy were utilised routinely. During this period, 4/10 patients recovered with conservative management and 6/10 (60%) underwent laparotomy. There was one postoperative death and median hospital stay post laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 10 days (range, 5-30 days). In the protocol era, ERC ±s tenting was performed in 11/14 ( P = 0.01 versus pre-protocol) with the main indication being a persistent bile leak. Relaparoscopy was necessary in 5/14 ( P = 0.05 versus preprotocol). No laparotomies were performed ( P < 0.01 versus pre-protocol) and there were no postoperative deaths. Median hospital stay was 11 days (range, 5-55 days).CONCLUSIONS The introduction of a minimally invasive protocol utilising ERC and re-laparoscopy offers an effective modern algorithm for the management of bile leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

In patients with rAAA and sAAA that are suitable for stenting, ER has reduced mortality compared with open repair. Assessment for ER does not cause a pre-operative delay, operating time is reduced, blood transfusion requirements are reduced and there is a faster recovery.