Re: JSLS 2006;10:236–238 Intestinal Ischemia After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

We read with great interest the article titled “Intestinal ischemia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy” in the most recent issue of JSLS authored by Drs Leduc and Mitchell. In their manuscript, the authors describe their experience with a case of mesenteric vascular catastrophe after a laparoscopic procedure. In addition, the authors summarize the other reported cases they were able to find as of the date of their submission. Unfortunately, their list is not complete, as we had the opportunity to publish a case report and similar analysis of 6 cases in 1997. We certainly do not mean to imply that such an omission was intentional. Indeed, shortly after our series was published in 1997, we received a similar letter from another author notifying us of our failure to acknowledge a previously published communication on the same subject. We feel this demonstrates a need to standardize the indexing and terminology related to this evolving phenomenon so that a better understanding can be achieved regarding the true incidence of this often-catastrophic event. Sincerely,