Lichtenstein hernia repair was easier to learn, took less time and resulted in fewer recurrences. It was possible to achieve excellent results with this technique in a general surgical unit.

The fundus-first method using ultrasonic dissection is associated with less blood loss, fewer gallbladder perforations, less pain and nausea, and shorter sick leave than the conventional and fundus-first method using electrocautery. The difference seems related to the use of ultrasonic dissection.

No abstract

After a controlled trial, conservative treatment followed by delayed operation was replaced by early operation as the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis. Results before and after this change were compared. The comparison confirmed that early cholecystectomy leads to more rapid recovery and to less time spent in hospital. There was no significant difference between the two procedures in the duration of operation and the incidence of wound infection. Early operation caused fewer biliary fistulas and was accompanied by a lower mortality.

Peroral endoscopic EHL or ILL, under direct cholangioscopic visualization by a mother-baby endoscopic system, is an effective treatment for difficult CBD stones. The technique can be used safely even in frail and elderly patients. However, several endoscopic attempts may be required before final stone clearance is achieved. The vast majority of patients may be expected to remain symptom free for a prolonged period.