Background: Incisional hernias can be a significant problem after open abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) is conceptually appealing: a large, abdominal wall re-incision with potential wound-related ill effects is avoided and an intra-peritoneal onlay mesh is expected to provide security that is equivalent to open, retro-muscular mesh repair. As such, LIHR has gained substantial popularity despite sparse, randomised clinical data to compare with conventional, open repair. Aim: To enumerate and discuss important, controversial issues in patient-selection, technique and early post-operative care for LIHR. Materials and Methods: Pragmatic summary of comprehensive review of English language literature, discussion with experts and personal experience. Outcomes: Six important areas of some dispute were identified: 1. Size of abdominal-wall defect that is suitable for LIHR: Generally, defect-diameter > 10 cm is better served by open retromuscular repair with tension-free re-approximation of the edges of the defect. 2. Extent of adhesiolysis: Complete division of adhesions to the anterior abdominal wall may identify sub-clinical "Swiss-cheese" defects but incurs some risk of additional complications. 3. Intra-operative recognition of enterotomy: Possible options are either laparoscopic suture of bowel injury and simultaneous completion of LIHR, or staged LIHR or conversion to open suture-repair. 4. Choice of mesh: "Composite" meshes are regarded as the current standard of care but there is paucity of data regarding potential dangers of intra-peritoneal polypropylene mesh. 5. Technique of mesh-fixation: Trans-parietal sutures are more secure than tacks, with limited data to correlate with post-operative pain. 6. Alarm over post-operative pain: Unlike other advanced laparoscopic operations, the specificity of pain as a marker of intra-abdominal sepsis after LIHR remains unclear. Conclusion : Recognition of and attention to controversial issues will promote increased success of LIHR.

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery provides tremendous benefits to patients, including faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and prompt return to normal activities. Despite the minimally invasive nature of laparoscopy, high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting remains a major cause for morbidity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether preoperative Dexamethasone can reduce PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic Surgery. Materials and Methods: The study included 200 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We divided the patients into two groups; one group received preoperative Dexamethasone (group 1) and the other group received Ondansetron (group 2). After surgery, patients were observed for any episode of nausea or vomiting, or whether the patient required any anti-emetic drug in the postoperative period. Results: The two groups, (Dexamethasone and Ondansetron) were comparable in outcome, in terms of post-operative nausea and vomiting, in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In group I, 24% of patients had nausea, as compared to 30% in group II ( P =0.2481). Similarly, 12% of patients in group I and 18% of patients in group II had vomiting ( P =0.3574). Conclusion: We conclude that, preoperative intravenous low dose Dexamethasone reduces the incidence of PONV and is comparable to intravenous Ondansetron.

Background: To compare long term results of laparoscopic and endoscopic exploration of common bile duct, to assess post-procedure quality of life. Materials and Methods: From September 1992 to August 2003, we performed 4058 cholecystectomies, out of which 479 (11.80%) patients had choledocholithiasis. There were 163 males and 316 females. Mean age was 63.65 ± 5.5 years. These patients were put in two groups. In the first group of 240 patients, a majority of patients underwent two-stage procedures. ERCP/ES was performed in 210 (87.50%) cases. In the second group of 239 patients, a majority of patients underwent single-stage procedures. ERCP/ES was done in 32 (13.38%) cases. Results: Mortality was zero in both groups. Morbidity was 15.1% in first group and 7.5% in second group. Mean hospital stay was 11.7 ± 3.2 days in first group and 6.2 ± 2.1 days in second group. Average operative time was 95.6 ± 20 minutes in first group and 128.4 ± 32 minutes in second group. Completed questionnaires received from 400 (83.50%) patients revealed better long-term results in the second group. Clinical features of low-grade cholangitis were seen in 20% of patients who underwent ES. Hence the post-procedure quality of life in patients who underwent single-stage procedures was definitely much better, because of minimal damage of sphincter of Oddi. Conclusions: Single-stage laparoscopic operations provide better results and shorter hospital stay. Damage to sphincter of Oddi should be minimal, to avoid long-term low-grade cholangitis. In young patients, the operation of choice should be single-stage laparoscopic procedure with absolutely no damage to sphincter of Oddi.

We report a rare case of gallbladder duplication in a young male patient with acute pyocoele in one vesicle and acute cholecystitis with cystadenoma in the other; another unusual feature was the absent or obliterated cystic duct in the proximal vesicle and non-communication with the second vesicle or the biliary system. Ultrasound examination had suggested a septate gallbladder; the diagnosis of dual gallbladder was made per-operatively during separation of the distal moiety which was presumed to be an adherent duodenum initially. Intraoperative cholecystogram confirmed the diagnosis and both gallbladders were removed successfully laparoscopically. A high degree of awareness, detailed preoperative investigations when anomalies are suspected and intraoperative cholangiography are necessary for accurate detailing of the biliary tree to avoid inadvertent damage to the biliary ductal system and overlooking of second or third gallbladder during surgery.

In modern era, laparoscopic surgery is gold standard for gall bladder calculi. Situs inversus is a rare condition. To diagnose as well as operate any pathology in such patients is difficult. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in such patient is a challenge but not contraindication.