title: Potential benefits of laparoscopic aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This series aims to prove the positive impact of laparoscopic approach in aortofemoral bypass grafting.
  
  
  METHODS
  It concerns a retrospective non randomized study comparing 58 consecutive patients treated with laparoscopic procedure (n = 30) and with a standard open procedure (n = 28) in a single center. The different operating times, the complications and the follow-up of these two groups are compared
  
  
  RESULTS
  The demographics and angiographic data of the two groups were comparable. Operating time was longer in the laparoscopic group. However, we noticed a significant shorter hospitalisation stay (p < 0.0001) after the laparoscopic procedure with a mean 5.1 days. There was no significant difference of morbidity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest that the trans-peritoneal approach is the best way in laparoscopic procedure in term of exposure and ergonomics. Laparoscopic aortofemoral bypass grafting is feasible, safe and effective. Shortening of operating time is observed as surgeon's experience grows.
authors.affiliation: Dpt of Vascular and General Surgery, CHR Reine Astrid, Huy, Belgium. a.rouers@skynet.be
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rouers
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Meurisse
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Lavigne
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Francart
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Quaniers
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Desiron
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Limet
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome