General Surgeon Joins FCMC Medical Staff Aug 8, 2008
Their patient case loads involve a wide variety of procedures such as colon resection, hernia repair, gallbladder removal, diagnostic endoscopy, advanced laparoscopic and laparoscopic Bariatric surgery through their affiliation with The Weight Loss Clinic (a division of Central PA Surgical Associates, Ltd). Copyright 1998-2007. (Fulton County News, PA)
Disparities: Surgical Tools Not Fit for Smaller Hands Aug 8, 2008
The surgeons were using laparoscopic equipment to perform an appendectomy, and at one point Dr. Adams had a stapler in one hand and a grasper in the other ... When the researchers surveyed surgery residents at four universities, they found that women often described laparoscopic equipment as awkward ... Laparoscopic surgery allows less discomfort for patients, but it can be more difficult for surgeons. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Dr. Jordan M. Phillips, 85; promoted use of laparoscopy Aug 7, 2008
The featured speakers were leading laparoscopic surgeons Patrick Steptoe of England and Hans Frangenheim of Germany. Frangenheim's demonstration of how to inspect ovaries by laparoscopy ended with a standing ovation. (Boston Globe)
St. Margaret's new surgical suite approved for occupancy Aug 7, 2008
Although the suite was intended for major surgeries, it has exceeded many of the surgeons expectations regarding laparoscopic procedures, and the conveniences the new suite provides. The integrated video system has proved to provide superior picture quality and with the video monitors suspended on the booms, the surgeons are able to have the monitors as close to them as they need it to be without worrying about contaminating the sterile field. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Earnings roundup Aug 6, 2008
8 billion, on improved sales of instruments used in "keyhole" laparoscopic surgeries, along with other products. Covidien said sales in all international regions grew by more than 10 percent, and currency exchanges also increased revenue by 5 percent. (Boston Globe)
Wesley Medical Center adds surgical weight loss specialist Aug 4, 2008
He completed additional fellowship training in bariatric and advanced gastrointestinal surgery at in Charlotte, N.C. During his fellowship year, Wesley says, Villanueva was the operating surgeon in more than 350 advanced laparoscopic procedures, 200 of which were laparoscopic bariatric surgeries. In a statement, Villanueva said he is glad to be coming to Wichita. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Communication Gap Exists Between Seniors And Surgeons, Study Finds Aug 3, 2008
20, 2007) In a study involving 12 surgeons and 21 surgical residents, video game skill was correlated with laparoscopic surgery skill as assessed during a simulated surgery skills course, according to a report. . (Science Daily)
CPRMC to host women's health seminar Aug. 6 Jul 31, 2008
Cedar Park hospital offers free seminar on laparoscopic hysterectomy. The community is invited to attend a free DocTalk Seminar on Women's Health and Laparoscopic Hysterectomy. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
Live Webcast Demonstrating Robotic Prostate Surgery, August 13, 2008 Jul 31, 2008
Join the Mount Sinai Medical Center's leading urology experts to discuss the effectiveness of open, laparoscopic, and robotic prostatectomies ... He will conduct a live question and answer session with viewers on the effectiveness of open, laparoscopic, and robotic prostate surgeries ... During the webcast, Dr. Samadi will discuss the benefits of a robotic-assisted prostatectomy as compared to open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Gastric Bypass Surgery Options Jul 30, 2008
Not only are there four different types of operations that can be performed, there are also choices between laparoscopic surgery and conventional surgery. The right options for the right patient are critical in making sure that this surgery will work to take off the pounds and keep them off. (Suite101.com)
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia leads research into robotic surgery for kidney cancer Jul 29, 2008
"With robotics, there is a much greater opportunity for complex reconstruction of the kidney than can typically be achieved with a standard laparoscopic approach," notes Dr. Badani, director of robotic urologic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and assistant professor of urology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. "This means that, hopefully, we will have an opportunity not only to reduce the need for kidney cancer patients to... (EurekAlert!)
Bariatric patients have 65% lower chance of complications at top hospitals: HealthGrades study Jul 29, 2008
HealthGrades study analyzed the outcomes of the most common, including traditional open surgical gastric bypass procedures as well as newer, less invasive procedures such as "lap-banding" and laparoscopic gastric bypass ... Comparatively, complications from less invasive laparoscopic surgery increased by just more than one percent ... The HealthGrades study found a significant shift toward laparoscopic bariatric procedures. (EurekAlert!)
Gallbladder removed without external incisions Jul 29, 2008
"This procedure marks the culmination of 15 years of advances that have made surgery less invasive in order to improve safety and reduce recovery time," says Dr. Bessler, director of laparoscopic surgery and director of the Center for Obesity Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and assistant professor of surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Beginning in the late 1980s, surgeons pioneered laparoscopic techniques for gallbladder... (EurekAlert!)
Korle-Bu to commence Laparoscopy course Jul 26, 2008
The key element in Laparoscopic surgery is the use of a laparoscope, which is telescopic rod lens system that is usually connected to a video camera. Karl Storz University and International Aid would also provide personnel to train about 20 selected medical practitioners from Accra, Kumasi, Akosombo and Benin. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Doctors Use Video Games to Train for Surgery Jul 23, 2008
According to a new study published by Dr. James Sosnowski in the Journal of Gynecological Surgery, surgeons can improve their laparoscopic surgery skills for many common procedures. To conduct this trial, Sosnowski asked surgeons to get comfortable at a laparoscopic trainer ... The video game playing got the brain so well warmed up that laparoscopic skills afterward were performed both quicker and more efficiently at the trainer. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Nurses' Notes - Bariatric surgery could be a lifesaver Jul 23, 2008
Both of these procedures are laparoscopic, meaning the surgeons place one or more small incisions in the abdomen, and insert a hollow tube. This allows the surgeons to insert very small instruments to perform the operation. (Missoulian, MT)
Medical products firm launches CCSU scholarship Jul 22, 2008
Covidien has pioneered several medical advances including products in radiological contrast media, surgical stapling and laparoscopic instrumentation. The Herald 2008. (New Britain Herald, CT)
Removing Ovaries During Hysterectomy: Effects Remain Unknown Jul 21, 2008
24, 2005) In a new procedure offered at UT Southwestern Medical Center called a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, surgeons use new technology to remove the uterus and sometimes one or both ovaries. (Apr. (Science Daily)
Single-incision surgery is boon to organ transplants Jul 19, 2008
More than 90 percent of donor kidneys in the U.S. are now removed with standard laparoscopic techniques that have been around for more than a decade ... Donors who underwent the traditional laparoscopic procedure with four to six small incisions at the abdomen took just longer than three months to recover, and returned to work in 51 days. (Cleveland.com)
Kidney taken out through navel Jul 18, 2008
Preliminary data from the first nine donors who had the bellybutton procedure showed they recovered in about just under a month, while donors who underwent the standard laparoscopic procedure with four to six "key hole" incisions took just longer than three months to recover. More Health/Sci. (India Times, India)
Surgery by navel route Jul 18, 2008
Preliminary data from the first nine donors who had the belly-button procedure showed they recovered in about just under a month, while donors who underwent the standard laparoscopic procedure with four to six key hole incisions took just longer than three months to recover. The clinic says the return-to-work time for single-point donors is about 17 days, versus 51 for traditional multi-incision laparoscopic procedure ... Patients of the new procedure were on pain pills fewer than four days on... (Globe and Mail)
Power Medical Interventions, Inc. Announces the Successful Demonstration of Incision-Free Bowel Resection and Anastomosis Jul 18, 2008
Operating solely through the body's natural orifices eliminates external incisions and scarring, and reduces recovery time, physical discomfort, and healthcare costs when compared to traditional and laparoscopic surgeries. Power Medical's Intelligent Surgical Instruments are computer-assisted, power-actuated endomechanical instruments that surgeons use for cutting, stapling and tissue manipulation in a variety of procedures in open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. (Primezone Releases)
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Provides Better Results Jul 16, 2008
Performing gastric bypass surgery to reduce the weight of morbidly obese patients using a laparoscopic method, rather than the conventional more invasive "open" abdominal method, reduces postoperative complications, the need for a second operation, and shortens hospital stays, new research shows. Nevertheless, laparoscopic gastric bypass is more expensive ... Slightly less than 75 percent of the patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass, the report indicates. (Newsmax)
Shaving pounds sheds light on new life Jul 15, 2008
Offering gastric-bypass Roux-en-Y revisions, LAP-BAND adjustable gastric banding and laparoscopic gastric sleeve, Memorial Hermann is giving people throughout Montgomery County and the Houston area an opportunity to change their lives. All patients are morbidly obese, which means they weigh 100 pounds more than their ideal body weight, or their body mass index is 40 or higher. (Conroe Courier, TX)
Random Transfers Irritate State Doctors Jul 8, 2008
Take the case of Dr Vishnu Kant Pandey, an assistant professor of surgery department and a specialist in laparoscopic surgery. Dr Pandey has received a transfer letter to move to Darbhanga Medical College, which does not support laparoscopic surgery ... The proposed movement has also not take care of the requirements of PMCH, where the doctor is currently posted, which will have to function without a laparoscopic surgeon. (MedIndia)
ANOTHER OPTION: Two local OB-GYN surgeons perform total laparoscopic hysterectomies Jul 8, 2008
Orangeburg gynecologists Dr. Jerome Degen and Dr. Richard Richardson are among the many physicians around the country and only four in the South Carolina Midlands who perform total laparoscopic hysterectomies ... Women who choose to have a total laparoscopic hysterectomy typically have an easier physical experience, most returning home in a few days and back to work and other normal activities in about two weeks ... The small incisions used for a laparoscopic hysterectomy are typically made in... (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
"Better Treatment" Seen Needed for Endometriosis Jul 8, 2008
For their research, Dr. Tommaso Falcone and colleagues from the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, investigated the need for further surgery after laparoscopic excision of endometriosis or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in a "look-back" study involving 240 women ... In comments to Reuters Health, Falcone said, "Endometriosis is a chronic disease with a high recurrence after laparoscopic surgery. We need better treatment.". (MEDLINEplus)
Early Surgery Best for Gallbladder Inflammation Jul 8, 2008
Early gallbladder removal using laparoscopic or "key-hole" surgery reduces time spent in the hospital without increasing the risk of complications, Dr. Robert A. Casillas and colleagues, from Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, found ... In 71 patients (41 percent), early laparoscopic gallbladder removal, or "cholecystectomy" was performed ... Twenty-six of the patients who failed antibiotic therapy underwent late laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 19 underwent a procedure called... (MEDLINEplus)
New high-tech devices shrink brain-surgery gap Jul 6, 2008
"Shahinian's, Jho's and Kassam's organizations train surgeons in the latest techniques, and UCI Medical Center also hosted an international course recently in endoscopic skull-base surgery, said Dr. Mark Linskey, the hospital's chairman of neurological surgery.Many top medical centers have adopted such minimally invasive procedures, including those at UCI, UCLA, USC, Stanford, and UC San Francisco, Linskey said. Doctors at UCI perform about five such operations per month, he added."I haven't... (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Gallbladder trouble can be a real pain Jul 2, 2008
Most gallbladder operations today are laparoscopic -- through a narrow tube tipped with a scope hooked up to a video camera that guides the surgeon. This means no big incision -- less pain, fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Ask Norman-The Bariatric Services Expert Jun 30, 2008
LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE BAND - restrictive procedure limits food intake. LAPAROSCOPIC GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY - creates a small upper stomach pouch to limit food consumption. (KFOR Oklahoma City, OK)
Invasion of the Robot Surgeons Jun 30, 2008
Specifically, the laparoscopic group was more than three times as likely to require additional cancer therapy, such as radiation or hormones, than those operated on by hand ... This study has important limitationsnot all laparoscopic surgeries involved a robot, and only Medicare patients were examined. (Slate)
Knife revolution Jun 29, 2008
" Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery has had a similar effect, according to Professor Robin Kennedy, of the Association of Coloproctologists (colon and rectal specialists). "With laparoscopic surgery you can recover better and faster, you shorten the stay and lessen the risk of a hospital acquired infection," he said. Reconstructive surgery Reconstructive surgery has also seen a number of big steps forward: from the first toe-to-thumb transplant at East Grinstead to whole sections of the body now.... (BBC News -- UK)
Laser Surgery Probe Targets Individual Cancer Cells Jun 27, 2008
Within a few years, Ben-Yakar expects to shrink the probe's 15-millimeter diameter three-fold, so it would match endoscopes used today for laparoscopic surgery. The probe tip she has developed also could be made disposable for use operating on people who have infectious diseases or destroying deadly viruses and other biomaterials. (Science Daily)
A Woman with Abdominal Pain and Weakness after Gastric Bypass Surgery Jun 26, 2008
One month earlier, a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and cholecystectomy were performed for treatment of obesity and gallstones. Pathological examination of a liver-biopsy specimen revealed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. (New England Journal of Medicine)
New Patented Prophylactic Mesh For The Repair Of Defects In The Abdominal Wall Jun 25, 2008
Rather than the traditional five small incisions used for traditional laparoscopic gastric banding. (June 16, 2008) Having two options available for the repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, including an open surgery and a less invasive procedure, is associated with improvement in overall survival after. (Science Daily)
Moving experience Jun 24, 2008
Workers at the clinic also pride themselves on having an in-house lab and the only laser and laparoscopic surgery capabilities in the area. "Unless you go to Iowa State, you're not going to get all those services under one roof," Pullen said. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Study: Weight-loss surgery improves diabetes Jun 24, 2008
A recent Gundersen Lutheran study shows dramatic difference in blood sugar control for obese patients such as Wagar with type 2 diabetes who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. Dr. Shanu Kothari, Gundersen Lutheran bariatric surgeon, said the study showed surgery patients reduced their need for blood sugar medications and had significant and sustained improvement in their hemoglobin A1c levels, which are used to measure how well patients blood sugar levels have been managed over time. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Targeting prostate cancer Jun 20, 2008
Robotic surgery gives surgeons the minimally invasive benefits of laparoscopic surgery and also lets surgeons rotate the instruments like their own wrists. Studies have shown there's less blood loss with robotic surgery, but there's not a difference in the rate of patients who need a transfusion than in traditional surgery, Farmer said. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Stomach surgery reduces cancer risk in obese patients Jun 19, 2008
The study subjects who had surgery had either gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Gastric bypass involves reducing the stomach from a football size to a golf ball size, and food is made to bypass part of the small intestine. (CTV.ca)
FDA approves NeuRx diaphragm pacing system for use in spinal cord- injured patients Jun 19, 2008
The system is implanted through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Patients and caregivers who want to find a doctor who can evaluate their case for possible treatment should visit. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Minimally-invasive weight loss surgery improves health and morbidly obese teens Jun 19, 2008
NEW YORK (June 18, 2008) -- Teenagers' obesity-related medical complications improve just six months after laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, according to outcomes data presented this week ... "Extremely obese teenagers have obesity-related health problems, particularly diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk. Laparoscopic gastric banding, which has been shown to be a safe and effective way to lose weight, now offers the possibility of reducing obesity's medical complications," says lead... (EurekAlert!)
The NCIIA Recognizes Collegiate Biomedical Engineering Innovations Jun 15, 2008
This team has developed a small, inexpensive device that allows for quick, safe and easy laparoscopic suturing, leading to reduced procedure times, fewer surgical risks and faster patient recovery ... REGEN is a small implantable receptacle that diffuses pain-relieving analgesic at a controlled and sustained rate directly at the site of a laparoscopic incision ... This new approach to post-laparoscopic surgery pain management should facilitate faster wound recovery; improve safety; and decrease... (PR Newswire)
UT Southwestern surgeons complete first single-incision lap-band surgery in Texas Jun 13, 2008
Rather than the traditional five small incisions used for traditional laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, surgeons used a single 8-centimeter incision, reducing future scarring and accelerating healing. "There's a current revolution in minimally invasive surgery: Can we make laparoscopic surgery better by decreasing the number of incisions?" said Dr. Daniel Scott, associate professor of surgery and director of the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at UT Southwestern ... With SILS, or... (EurekAlert!)
What your doctor wont tell you Jun 12, 2008
Patients who get UAE have less pain on average a day after the procedure than those who undergo hysterectomy or myomectomy (a laparoscopic procedure), average a shorter stay in the hospital (4 days or less, compared with 6 for hysterectomy or myomectomy), and return to work quicker (about 20 days, versus 62 days after hysterectomy or myomectomy). Why it's kept quiet: Turf wars between medical specialists and uneven insurance coverage are two big reasons, say experts. (MSNBC -- Health)
"Keyhole" Surgery OK for Colon Cancer Jun 7, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Surgical removal of colorectal cancer using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, commonly known as keyhole surgery, gives as good results as conventional open surgery, according to a new report. Laparoscopic removal of colorectal cancer is not performed commonly, the authors explain, because of concerns about being able to remove all of the tumor ... Dr. Esther Kuhry from Namsos Hospital in Norway and colleagues evaluated the long-term results of laparoscopic... (MEDLINEplus)
Surgery by robot cuts blood loss, sick time May 30, 2008
Proponents say the systems allow for less blood loss and quicker recovery times from smaller incisions and less damage than even laparoscopic surgery; the downside might be an inherent learning curve with the new devices and potentially longer times in the operating room. There is almost a surreal aspect to using the robots, said Dr. Ghamande, who splits his time between MCG and Augusta Oncology Associates. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Avoiding Spleen Removal For Cooley's Anemia Sufferers May 29, 2008
A recent study found that patients who underwent open splenectomy had a 19 percent chance of developing life-threatening clots, whereas patients who had laparoscopic surgery had a 55 percent chance. Researchers are only now discovering why splenectomy leads to clots. (Science Daily)
Surgeries shown live to gathering May 29, 2008
About 300 surgeons are expected to attend the second International Live Laparoscopic Surgery meeting. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is performed by passing instruments through small tubes inserted into short incisions ... Event organiser and laparoscopic surgeon at Ninewells Hospital, Francesco Polignano, said: "The next challenge with keyhole surgery is training people to do it and spreading it beyond the borders of highly specialised hospitals like Ninewells. "The first... (BBC News)
Mixed outcomes in laparoscopy for prostates May 28, 2008
Laparoscopic operations for prostate cancer, a minimally invasive surgery that is in rising demand, result in fewer immediate complications and quicker recovery than the more common open procedure, a new study reports ... "This paper," Hu said, "demonstrates that there are hidden risks for patients who opt for laparoscopic or robotic surgery." ... Laparoscopic surgeries the study does not specify how many were robot assisted resulted in a 27 percent lower risk of complications during and... (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Surgeon back from duty at war hospital (35) May 26, 2008
Bombeck also treated foreign and American contractors injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, foreign troops, and he performed laparoscopic colectomies on two older U.S. servicemen a procedure he commonly uses to treat cancer patients in his surgical practice at The Corvallis Clinic. In 2004, Bombeck was mobilized to Kandahar, Afghanistan, for four months as a trauma surgeon. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Procedure aims to help lose weight May 24, 2008
She underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and lost 100 pounds. But six years later, she was often hungry and had gained 30 pounds. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Sisters Lose Big With Lap Band Surgery May 21, 2008
Two months, after undergoing the laparoscopic gastric band surgery Sandra Carmichiel, Lisa Richardson and Donna Schmitz had already drastically changed their diets. All three were thrilled because they had lost around 30 pounds a piece. (WREG.com, TN)
Benefit Of Surgery For Gastroesophageal Reflux Confirmed May 21, 2008
Surgeons from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) surveyed almost 200 patients who had laparoscopic antireflux surgery at the MGH over a 10-year period ... Copies of the GERD-HRQL survey were mailed to about 350 patients who had laparoscopic antireflux surgery at the MGH from 1997 to 2006. (Science Daily)
Is The Future Of Surgery Painless And Scarless? May 21, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 20, 2008) A sophisticated new surgical technology holds promise for future painless and scarless surgery with shorter recovery times than laparoscopic surgery ... A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of NOTES versus Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy ... The study showed that while NOTESTM is more time-consuming than traditional (laparoscopic) surgery, it is equally successful. (Science Daily)
Incisionless Procedure to Reduce Weight Regain May 21, 2008
The program specializes in laparoscopic weight-loss surgery, including adjustable gastric lap banding and Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass. For more information on the UC San Diego Center for the Treatment of Obesity visit http://health. (Newsmax)
New Surgical Technology Holds Promise of Painless, Scarless Procedures May 20, 2008
SUNDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) -- A new surgical technology may lead to painless and scar-free surgery with recovery times even shorter than those offered by laparoscopic surgery, U.S. studies suggest ... In one study, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) found that NOTES was more time-consuming than laparoscopic surgery but was equally successful. (MEDLINEplus)
Outcomes Similar for Laparoscopic, Open Colon Cancer Surgeries May 17, 2008
FRIDAY, May 16 (HealthDay News) -- Minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for colon cancer produce similar outcomes, according to researchers who reviewed findings from 12 international studies involving over 3,300 patients ... The review found no significant differences between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for colon cancer in terms of short-term and five-year survival rates, cancer metastasis, or cancer-related deaths ... However, there was not enough reliable... (Health-Finder)
Innovative Swiss Programme Offers New Hope For Long Term Weight-loss May 16, 2008
20, 2000) Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a safe and effective procedure for achieving significant weight loss in morbidly obese people, with a low rate of complications, a short hospital stay. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Gaining Independence For People With Disabilities Through Video Games May 16, 2008
20, 2007) In a study involving 12 surgeons and 21 surgical residents, video game skill was correlated with laparoscopic surgery skill as assessed during a simulated surgery skills course, according to a report. (Jan. (Science Daily)
Delicate surgery, in a new light May 15, 2008
In March, Fried received an grant of almost $500,000 from the Department of Defense prostate cancer research program, part of the Congressionally directed medical research programs, to study ways to use optical technology to identify and preserve the nerves during traditional, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Fried is investigating three approaches to sparing what are known as cavernous nerves, which encircle the prostate gland and are responsible for erectile function. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Newer Prostate Cancer Treatment Similar to Traditional Surgery May 10, 2008
Men can choose between a minimally invasive procedure (introduced in 2000, which includes both robotic surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery) or traditional surgery, which, these days, still involves only a small incision. Surprisingly, use of MIRP, still a new procedure, nearly tripled during the time this study was conducted, from 12. (Health-Finder)
Computer Game's High Score Could Earn The Nobel Prize In Medicine May 9, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 9, 2008) Gamers have devoted countless years of collective brainpower to rescuing princesses or protecting the planet against alien invasions. This week researchers at the University of Washington will try to harness those finely honed skills to make medical discoveries, perhaps even finding a cure for HIV.. (Science Daily)
New Tool in the Battle of the Bulge? May 9, 2008
The new therapy uses laparoscopic surgery to insert a device into the abdomen, just beneath the skin. The device emits electrical signals that block the vagus nerve, which extends from the brain stem to the abdomen and controls hunger. (ABC News)
Bidding wars in the organ trade May 8, 2008
Known as laparoscopic nephrectomy, the procedure has dramatically reduced the amount of time kidney donors spend in hospital, the amount of pain they go through and the scarring their bodies endure. Four small holes are made in the abdomen to give access to a camera and surgical instruments. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
