Chronic Small Bowel Obstruction Research Articles

Efficacy of Lanreotide for management of patients with chronic small bowel obstruction receiving palliative home Parenteral Nutrition and patients with non-malignant chronic small bowel obstruction receiving home parenteral nutrition

Efficacy of Lanreotide for management of patients with chronic small bowel obstruction receiving palliative home Parenteral Nutrition and patients with non-malignant chronic small bowel obstruction receiving home parenteral nutrition

An Overview of Postoperative Intraabdominal Adhesions and Their Role on Female Infertility: A Narrative Review

Postoperative intraabdominal adhesions can occur after more than 90% of gynecologic surgeries. They not only cause chronic pelvic pain and small bowel obstruction, but are also one of the main reasons for infertility. Adhesions are not only a burden for the affected patients, but are also a burden for the healthcare system, since the treatment of adhesion-associated complications costs a considerable amount of money. The gold standard for the diagnosis of adhesions is by laparoscopy, although other methods, such as transvaginal hydro-laparoscopy, are being discussed as better alternatives. Ideally, adhesions are avoided inherently, by operating carefully and by using microsurgical principles. If this is not possible, gel barriers have been shown to be successful in reducing postoperative adhesions.

Abdominal Cocoon as a Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

Abdominal cocoon is referred as a complete or partial small bowel encapsulation caused by dense fibrocollagen membranes leading to acute or chronic small bowel obstruction. It was first termed as peritonitis chronic fibrosain capsulata by Owtschinnikow in 1907 and finally abdominal cocoon by Foo in 1978 [1]. It is most commonly seen in adolescent girls of tropical and subtropical region though few cases of male have also been reported in literature [1,2].

Abdominal Cocoon Syndrome (ACS) or Idiopathic Sclerosing Peritonitis: An Extremely Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction

Introduction: Abdominal cocoon syndrome is an extremely rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which loops of small bowel are encapsulated by a fibro-collagenous membrane. This condition is also known in the literature as sclerosing peritonitis, and in the majority of cases, it has no known cause. The majority of patients exhibit long-standing signs and symptoms of partial intestinal obstruction. Presentation of case: A 15-year-old female patient presented with complete intestinal obstruction with no known co-morbidity and no history of prior laparotomy. Intraoperatively, the entire small bowel was found to be encapsulated by a dense fibrous sac. The peritoneal sac was excised, followed by lysis of the inter-loop adhesions with appendicectomy done at the same time. Discussion: Most patients with abdominal cocoon syndrome present with features of recurrent acute or chronic small bowel obstruction secondary to kinking and/or compression of the intestines within the constricting cocoon. An abdominal mass may also be present due to an encapsulated cluster of dilated small bowel loops. Conclusions: Abdominal cocoon is a rare condition causing intestinal obstruction, and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion because of the non-specific clinical picture. Contrast-enhanced CT-scan (CT) of the abdomen is a useful radiological tool to aid in preoperative diagnosis. Peritoneal sac excision and adhesiolysis is the treatment, and the outcome is usually satisfactory.

Usefulness of laparoscopic surgery and preoperative examinations for chronic recurrent small bowel obstruction.

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of laparoscopic surgery for patients with postoperative abdominal symptoms, including chronic recurrent small-bowel obstruction (SBO), and preoperative examinations of barium follow-through and computed tomography (CT) to predict the postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic surgery. Between 2016 and 2018, 49 patients with postoperative symptoms were treated by laparoscopic surgery at our institute. The data from two preoperative examinations were available for 42 patients. The patients were divided into 4 groups: CT-positive (CP, n = 18), barium follow-through-positive (BP, n = 1), both positive (AP [all positive] n = 13), and both negative (AN [all negative], n = 10). Among the 49 patients, 41 received pure laparoscopic surgery, 7 received laparoscopic-assisted surgery with mini-laparotomy, and 1 required conversion. Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in two and seven patients, respectively. Improvement of abdominal symptoms was observed in 40 patients. In terms of the medium-term outcomes, the rate of improvement of symptoms was poorer in the AN group than in the other three groups, but not to a significant degree. Laparoscopic surgery was safe and feasible for patients with chronic recurrent abdominal symptoms, including SBO. Furthermore, in patients with negative results on both preoperative examinations, laparoscopic surgery may yield only poor improvement of symptoms.

Endoscopic management of enteral tubes in adult patients - Part 1: Definitions and indications. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

ESGE recommends considering the following indications for enteral tube insertion: (i) clinical conditions that make oral intake impossible (neurological conditions, obstructive causes); (ii) acute and/or chronic diseases that result in a catabolic state where oral intake becomes insufficient; and (iii) chronic small-bowel obstruction requiring a decompression gastrostomy.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends the use of temporary feeding tubes placed through a natural orifice (either nostril) in patients expected to require enteral nutrition (EN) for less than 4 weeks. If it is anticipated that EN will be required for more than 4 weeks, percutaneous access should be considered, depending on the clinical setting.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends the gastric route as the primary option in patients in need of EN support. Only in patients with altered/unfavorable gastric anatomy (e. g. after previous surgery), impaired gastric emptying, intolerance to gastric feeding, or with a high risk of aspiration, should the jejunal route be chosen.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE suggests that recent gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to peptic ulcer disease with risk of rebleeding should be considered to be a relative contraindication to percutaneous enteral access procedures, as should hemodynamic or respiratory instability.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE suggests that the presence of ascites and ventriculoperitoneal shunts should be considered to be additional risk factors for infection and, therefore, further preventive precautions must be taken in these cases.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends that percutaneous tube placement (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG], percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension [PEG-J], or direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy [D-PEJ]) should be considered to be a procedure with high hemorrhagic risk, and that in order to reduce this risk, specific guidelines for antiplatelet or anticoagulant use should be followed strictly.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends refraining from PEG placement in patients with advanced dementia.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends refraining from PEG placement in patients with a life expectancy shorter than 30 days.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence*.

S2804 Brown Bowel Syndrome as a Result of Chronic Bowel Obstruction

INTRODUCTION: Brown bowel syndrome (BBS) is a rare condition characterized by deposition of lipofuscin in the smooth muscle cells of the muscularis propria and muscularis mucosa. This condition has been attributed to various chronic malabsorptive conditions that result in deficiency in vitamin E. Vitamin E normally acts as an antioxidant which helps stabilize the mitochondrial membranes. Lack of vitamin E leads to mitochondrial degeneration with release of lipofuscin that accumulates in the smooth muscle cells. This results in a form of myopathy with uncoordinated bowel function. There have been case reports of BBS attributed to celiac disease, IBD, chronic pancreatitis, Whipple's disease and malignancy. We present an interested case of BBS attributed to chronic bowel obstruction. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 56 yo Caucasian female who had been having chronic abdominal pain associated with a 20lb weight loss. CT scan showed a markedly dilated RLQ small bowel with air-fluid levels concerning for ileus vs partial small bowel obstruction (SBO). She subsequently under a small bowel follow through which showed a relatively high-grade partial SBO. She had an EGD and colonoscopy, both of which were unremarkable. Her medical history is notable for a congenital SBO that was repaired at birth as well as a history of ectopic pregnancy requiring removal. She eventually underwent ex-lap with extensive lysis of adhesions. There was one majorly dilated area of the small intestine measuring over 12 cm in diameter. This area was resected and histology was notable for extensive deposition of light brown granular, lipofuscin-like pigment within the smooth muscle cells of the muscularis propria. These pigments were highlighted by special stains for PAS and PAS-D. This was consistent with ceroidosis (BBS). Review of the bowel histology was unremarkable for celiac disease or Whipple’s disease. The patient also had no findings concerning for chronic pancreatitis. DISCUSSION: We describe a case of BBS that was attributed to malabsorption from a chronic partial SBO. Her bowel obstruction was believed to be caused by adhesions related to prior surgeries. While bowel dilation and atresia can occur from the myopathy associated with BBS, this patient's pathologic findings were actually attributed to a series of events that originated from her having chronic SBO. This case illustrates the impact of bowel obstructions on adequate absorption of nutrients as well as the consequences of chronic malabsorption, including the development of BBS.Figure 1.: Gross Pathology.Figure 2.: HE Stain.Figure 3.: PAS-D Stain showing lipofuscin deposition.

SURGICAL AND MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF SEVER PID WITH PERITUBAL ADHESOLYSIS AND UTERINE LAPAROSCOPIC MYOMECTOMY AS SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY INFERTILITY

Adhesions are abnormal peritoneal fibrotic bands with varying degrees of stiffness that connect two surfaces that are normally separated in the peritoneal cavity. They are responsible for locating the inflammatory reaction when there is an infection or foreign body carrying oxygen to ischemic tissue [1]. Many serious complications may be associated to adhesions such as chronic pelvic pain and small bowel obstruction and are associated to dyspareunia and secondary infertility [2]. Adhesion formation occurs in 90% of abdominal and pelvic surgeries, with a lower incidence when the surgery is performed laparoscopically Laparoscopic myomectomy offers a real benefit to infertile patients with uterine fibroids and peritoneal adhesions. The procedure requires a skilled surgeon and laparoscopy technique to minimize adhesion formation and other proven benefits.

A Huge Retroperitoneal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Chronic Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report

A Huge Retroperitoneal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Chronic Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report

Outcome of laparoscopic intervention in acute and chronic small bowel obstruction

Introduction Major abdominal operations result in severe unpredictable scar tissue formation that may contribute to adhesions and then recurrent attacks of acute bowel obstruction, chronic abdominal pain, or both problems. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis provides good relief of symptoms in patients with chronic abdominal pain and/or acute bowel obstruction but without major previous abdominal surgery or severe peritonitis (necrosis or perforation). Early laparoscopic intervention for acute or chronic bowel obstruction has been tried many times worldwide but without complete data about the safety and outcome for both conditions. Patients and methods Between February 2017 and January 2019, a prospective randomized controlled study was done on 32 patients admitted for small bowel obstruction (14 patients with acute bowel obstruction and 18 patients with chronic small bowel obstruction). Patients selected for early laparoscopic adhesiolysis were those who had no preoperative finding of perforation, torsion, strangulation, or any clinical signs or radiological evidences of peritonitis. The outcome of the study was evaluated depending on length of postoperative hospital stay, enteral nutrition, 30-day mortality, positive bowel movement and stool passage, the length of sick leave (return to work), and recurrence of bowel obstruction during the 2-year follow-up. Results A total of 32 patients with a diagnosis of small bowel obstruction were identified and divided into two groups. Group A included 18 patients with chronic bowel obstruction who were treated with laparoscopic adhesiolysis, and group B included 14 patients having acute intestinal obstruction who were treated with laparoscopic adhesiolysis. The follow-up period was ∼24 months. Conclusion Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is a safe and effective management option for patients with prior abdominal surgery with acute or chronic abdominal pain or recurrent bowel obstruction.

Клінічні особливості перебігу високої хронічної кишкової непрохідності у дітей із деякими вадами розвитку панкреатодуоденальної зони (огляд літератури та власні спостереження)

Клінічні особливості перебігу високої хронічної кишкової непрохідності у дітей із деякими вадами розвитку панкреатодуоденальної зони (огляд літератури та власні спостереження)

Feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for chronic adhesive small bowel obstruction

To determine the feasibility and possible superiority of laparoscopic surgery for chronic adhesive small bowel obstruction(CASBO). Clinical data of 36 CASBO patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery in Jinling Hospital from March 2011 to August 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, 36 cases, matched by age, gender, previous abdominal surgery history, body mass index(BMI) and abdominal adhesion grade, who underwent open surgery from April 2007 to February 2011 were used as controls. General information, operative findings and short-term outcomes were compared between two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). Among 36 cases in laparoscopic surgery group, 17 underwent complete laparoscopic surgery, 10 underwent laparoscopic assisted surgery and 9 were converted to open surgery, respectively. The conversion rate was 25%(9/36). Reason of laparoscopic assisted surgery in 3 cases was uncertainty of small bowel injury, in 5 cases was further dissection of intra-loop adhesion and in 2 cases was intestinal resection. Reasons for conversion were small bowel injury in 3 cases and severe adbesion at the abdominal wall in 6 cases. There were no differences between two groups in terms of adhesion score, intra-operative blood loss, operation time, need for small bowel resection, total hospital charge and intra- or post-operational complications. As compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery significantly shortened the incision length [median 2 (0 to 10) cm vs. 12(7 to 16) cm, P=0.000], and hospital stay [median 5 (2 to 28) days vs. 7 (4 to 26) days, P=0.001], and improved postoperative recovery of bowel movement [median 2(1 to 20) days vs. 3 (2 to 10) days, P=0.001]. Laparoscopic surgery can improve postoperative recovery of CASBO with similar morbidity as open surgery.

Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors: The Benefits of Surgical Intervention

Well-differentiated SI NETs are on the rise. Due in part to the indolent nature of these tumors, patients typically have a delay in diagnosis and present with metastatic disease. Surgeries for symptoms of either chronic intermittent small bowel obstruction and/or ischemia or from carcinoid syndrome have proven to provide excellent palliation. Most recently, several series have demonstrated an improved survival in those patients in whom the primary, locoregional disease has been resected. Several newer adjuncts have been developed to aid in the hepatic directed therapies such as ablation therapies, embolization and Y spheres. The ability to cytoreduce 70% or more of the hepatic tumor burden has been shown to not only to provide a biochemical and as such a clinical response, but also appears to prolong survival. All patients with SI NETs should be assessed in a multidisciplinary clinic and the first line of therapy should always be to assess surgical resectabilty.

A rare cause of small bowel obstruction: Abdominal cocoon

INTRODUCTIONThe clinical manifestations of abdominal ‘cocoon’ are non-specific and hence its diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively and the management is often delayed. Surgery remains the main stay of treatment with satisfactory outcome and comprises excision of the fibrous membrane, meticulous adhesionolysis and release of the entrapped small bowel. PRESENTATION OF CASEA 45-year-old male patient presented with 6-month history of progressive subacute small bowel obstruction. After initial radiological investigations, he underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and was misdiagnosed as abdominal tuberculosis. He was started on anti-tuberculous therapy, but exploratory laparotomy was carried out after failure to respond to anti-tuberculous therapy. At laparotomy, the abdominal ‘cocoon’ which was encapsulating the entire small bowel was excised, and the adhesions were carefully lysed. The patient remained well and without recurrence at 1-year follow-up. DISCUSSIONAbdominal ‘cocoon’ is a rare cause of subacute, acute and chronic small bowel obstruction. Its diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively. CONCLUSIONAbdominal ‘cocoon’ should be thought of as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. It may be mistaken with abdominal tuberculosis. Surgery remains the mainstay of curative treatment.

Outcomes after symptomatic capsule retention in suspected small bowel obstruction

Capsule endoscopy (CE) has been proven to be a sensitive and a safe tool for the examination of the small bowel. However, careful patient selection is required to avoid complications, primarily capsule retention. The aims of this study were to evaluate the rate of capsule retention in patients with suspected chronic small bowel obstruction and to analyze the role and the impact of subsequent surgical intervention. Fifteen patients referred for CE with a clinical picture suggestive of chronic small bowel obstruction and with negative imaging studies were retrospectively analyzed. Capsule retention occurred in three (20%) patients who developed symptoms of subacute obstruction and subsequently underwent surgery. Radiation enteritis, Crohn's disease, and an ileal tumor were demonstrated as the causes of the capsule retention in these patients. Surgical removal of the retained capsule was performed and the underlying small bowel disease was treated. Capsule retention is a frequent complication of CE in patients with symptoms of chronic small bowel obstruction. Surgery, with the removal of the retained capsule, is proven to be beneficial in identifying the location of, and treating, the underlying disease in these patients.

Laparoscopic Adhesiolysis - An Initial Experience of 15 Cases

Post-operative adhesions frequently occur and can account for various symptoms like chronic abdominal pain and small bowel obstruction. Conventional adhesiolylis by laparotomy results in an unacceptably high rate of recurrence. A minimally invasive procedure (laparoscopic adhesiolysis) might improve she outcome by inflicting less surgical trauma, but well-documented reports focusing on laparoscopic adhesiolysis for chronic abdominal pain and small bowel obstruction is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency. safety. and outcome of laparoscopic adhesiolysis for recurrent adhesive small-bowel obstruction. Eighty nine patiencs (median age 48 years: range: 25-83 years) operated for small bowel obstruction and chronic abdominal pain in the Depanment of General Surgery, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College hospital were included for the study. Pre-pensive urgent blood teas and ubdontinal s- ay were done in all patients; 74 patients were treated with traditional laparotomy, while 15 selected patients underwent laparoscopy. For one (6.67%) of the 15 patients treated wits laparoscopy a conversion was necessmy because of the adhesion localization in the posterior abdominal wall, The median stay in hospital was 4.7 days for patients who underwent laparoscopy and 14.3 days for patients treated by traditional laparotonsy. Only one (6.67%) case in laparoscopv group needed to be re-operated, while five (6.76%) cases in laparntonty group needed to be re-operated because of recurrence of obstruction by new adhesions. Overall number of complications contributing to morbidity were significantly lower in those who underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is an effective treatment for small bowel obsommion, morbidity is lower. hospital stay is shorter. and resumption of a novael diet is foster.

RETIRED: Adhesion Prevention in Gynaecological Surgery

To review the etiology and incidence of and associative factors in the formation of adhesions following gynaecological surgery. To review evidence for the use of available means of adhesion prevention following gynaecological surgery. Women undergoing pelvic surgery are at risk of developing abdominal and/or pelvic adhesive disease postoperatively. Surgical technique and commercial adhesion prevention systems may decrease the risk of postoperative adhesion formation. The outcomes measured are the incidence of postoperative adhesions, complications related to the formation of adhesions, and further intervention relative to adhesive disease. Medline, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched for articles published in English from 1990 to March 2009, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, and meta-analyses specifically addressing postoperative adhesions, adhesion prevention, and adhesive barriers. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to March 2009. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care SUMMARY STATEMENTS: 1. Meticulous surgical technique is a means of preventing adhesions. This includes minimizing tissue trauma, achieving optimal hemostasis, minimizing the risk of infection, and avoiding contaminants (e.g., fecal matter) and the use of foreign materials (e.g., talcum powder) when possible. (II-2). 2. The risk of adhesions increases with the total number of abdominal and pelvic surgeries performed on one patient; every surgery needs to be carefully considered in this context. (II-2). 3. Polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) barrier is more effective than no barrier or oxidized regenerated cellulose in preventing adhesion formation. (I). 4. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed) adhesion barrier is associated with a reduced incidence of pelvic adhesion formation at both laparoscopy and laparotomy when complete hemostasis is achieved. Oxidized regenerated cellulose may increase the risk of adhesions if optimal hemostasis is not achieved. (II-2). 5. Chemically modified sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm) is effective in preventing adhesion formation, especially following myomectomies. There is insufficient evidence on the effect of sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose on long-term clinical outcomes such as fertility, chronic pelvic pain or small bowel obstruction. (II-2). 6. No adverse effects have been reported with the use of oxidized regenerated cellulose, polytetrafluoroethylene, or sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose. (II-1). 7. Various pharmacological agents have been marketed as a means of preventing adhesions. None of these agents are presently available in Canada. There is insufficient evidence for the use of pharmacological agents in preventing adhesions. (III-C). 1. Surgeons should attempt to perform surgical procedures using the least invasive method possible in order to decrease the risk of adhesion formation. (II-1B ). When feasible, for example, a laparoscopic surgical approach is preferable to an abdominal approach, and a vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is preferable to an abdominal hysterectomy. 2. Precautions should be taken at surgery to minimize tissue trauma in order to decrease the risk of postoperative adhesions. These precautions include limiting packing, crushing, and manipulating of tissues to what is strictly required for safe completion of the procedure. (III-B). 3. Surgeons could consider using an adhesion barrier for patients who are at high risk of forming clinically significant adhesions (i.e., patients who have endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease or who are undergoing a myomectomy). If there is a risk of ongoing bleeding from the surgical site, oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed) should not be used as it may increase the risk of adhesions in this situation. (II-2B).

Chronic bilious vomiting in children in developing countries due to high bowel obstruction: not always malrotation or tuberculosis

Bilious vomiting, in conjunction with abdominal pain is considered to be a surgical problem, unless proved otherwise. In children, besides tuberculosis (TB), we have found jejunal stricture (JS) due to non-specific jejunoileitis (NSJI) to be an important cause of chronic high small bowel obstruction and bilious vomiting. In this retrospective study, the records of all children with complaint of intermittent bilious vomiting and failure to thrive were evaluated. Investigations included oral contrast study, ultrasound abdomen, chest X-ray and Mantoux test. Final confirmation was made at laparotomy. Treatment included jejuno-jejunal resection and anastomosis. Histopathology of the specimen was done to look for caseation, granuloma formation and other details. Out of total 100 patients with the complaint of bilious vomiting, 25 were having JS. Radiologic confirmation was possible in 19 (76%) patients of JS. No patient had evidence of TB as per our protocol. Histopathology revealed non-specific ischemic changes in all specimens. Jejunal stricture due to NSJI is a common entity in our setup leading to bilious vomiting. Contrast study can provide high index of suspicion in most of the patients. The diagnosis must be confirmed after proper histopathological examination. The results of the surgery are excellent.

Chyloperitoneum After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB)

A true chylous effusion is defined as the presence of ascitic fluid with high fat (triglyceride) content, usually higher than 110 mg/dl. We report a case of chyloperitoneum following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in a 40-year-old patient who was admitted for surgery on May 31, 2007. On August 2008 an abdominal CT with contrast was ordered for chronic abdominal pain showing diffuse ascites as well as mesenteric adenitis. On September 2008, the patient was admitted to the hospital. An elective diagnostic laparoscopy was scheduled. A large amount of chylous fluid was found. Microscopic analysis came back negative. The patient made an uneventful recovery after surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chylous ascites following LRYGB. Chyloperitoneum should be considered as a possible cause of ascites in patients with chronic small bowel obstruction following a LRYGB.

The First Decade of a Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy Program: Effect of Surgeon and Institution Experience with 512 Cases from 1996 to 2006

Although the procedure is generally safe, significant morbidity and even mortality have occurred after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). The learning curves for both surgeons and institutions with LDN have not been well delineated, and longterm donor data are not well reported. A retrospective study of the initial 512 patients undergoing LDN performed at Mount Sinai Medical Center between October 1996 and March 2006 was performed. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative surgical outcomes were reviewed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of outcomes, including the experience level of individual surgeons and of the institution. Longitudinal followup data of donor patients between 1 month and 9 years were obtained. Mean donor age was 39.2 years, and 54.6% of patients were women. Left kidneys were procured in 84.0%. Operative time averaged 215.2 minutes, and warm ischemia time, 166.6 seconds. The conversion rate was 1.4%, and hand-assistance was used in 49.9%. The intraoperative complication rate was 5.5%, 30-day complication rate 9.4%, and 1.4% of patients required reoperation. Immediate graft survival was 97.1%, acute tubular necrosis occurred in 8.5%, and delayed graft function in 3.7%. At a mean followup of 37.2 months, delayed donor complications were infrequent, but included chronic pain, hypertension, incisional hernia, and small bowel obstruction. Although individual surgeons and our institution gained experience, operative and warm ischemia times decreased significantly, but complication rates were unchanged. Although a learning curve was discovered for operative time and warm ischemia time, excellent results can be achieved during the early experience of both surgeons and institutions with LDN, and maintained over time. Younger, female, and nonobese donors were associated with fewer complications. Longterm donor morbidity is uncommon, but mandates better followup.