title: Hand-assisted laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass versus open bypass for occlusive disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aortobifemoral bypass grafting is the treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic aortoiliac occlusive disease. Yet, traditional operative exposure through a midline laparotomy incision carries significant morbidity. The authors compare operative and patient outcomes following hand-assisted laparoscopic aortobifemoral (HALABF) bypass and open aortobifemoral (OABF) bypass.
  
  
  METHODS
  An initial series of patients who underwent HALABF bypass grafting (n = 8) were compared with a simultaneous cohort of patients treated with standard open bypass (n = 10). The two groups were similar with respect to age, weight, and sex. Operative parameters, clinical outcomes, and complications were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HALABF was successfully performed in all eight cases attempted. Operative times did not differ between the laparoscopic and open groups (234 +/- 42 minutes vs. 206 +/- 43 minutes, P =.99). Mean blood loss values were comparable (562 mL [HALABF] vs. 756 mL [OABF], P =.56). There were no conversions. Time to resumption of oral intake (1.8 vs. 4.7 days, P =.001) and length of stay (3.8 vs. 6.3 days, P =.0004) were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic than in the open group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HALABF is a safe and technically feasible procedure. When compared with the traditional open operation, this technique may result in shorter hospitalization, more rapid return of bowel function, and earlier return to activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Kent W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Kercher
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Demetrius E M
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Litwin
authors.forename: Elias J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Arous
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*