Laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass.

Abstract

To determine the potential benefits of applying laparoscopic techniques for the intraabdominal insertion of aortofemoral grafts and to compare results with those of conventional surgery. Having previously demonstrated the feasibility of a totally laparoscopic aortofemoral bypass technique using carbon dioxide peritoneal insufflation in a porcine model, we now report our first human experience with this laparoscopic technique in a 49-year-old man. The patient's postoperative course was marked by his minimal requirements for analgesia, early ambulation, and discharge from the hospital in the morning of the third postoperative day. The benefits of a laparoscopic approach to aortobifemoral bypass grafting in terms of financial savings and earlier rehabilitation in this patient was significant. This less-invasive procedure warrants further investigation.