Laparoscopic Surgery of the Colon and Rectum

The use of laparoscopic techniques in benign colorectal surgery has expanded over the past several years, but controversy continues to surround the use of laparoscopic resection in cases of colorectal carcinoma. Diagnostic laparoscopy, the creation of stomas, and limited resections are becoming reasonable indications for benign diseases. In cases of malignancy, resection through a conventional incision or a laparoscope must adhere to the same defined surgical oncologic principles. Current randomized trials comparing open resection to laparoscopic resection should address these concerns. Port-site recurrence remains a leading concern regarding the widespread acceptance of laparoscopic resection for colorectal carcinoma. This article focuses on the applications of laparoscopic colorectal surgery for malignant diseases. Further research in this area combined with advances in laparoscopic technology will be critical to the future successful application of laparoscopic surgery to colorectal carcinoma.     

Laparoscopic liver resection using a radiofrequency dissector. Initial experience

Laparoscopic liver surgery, especially when resective, requires both the skill of an expert laparoscopist and the experience of a liver surgeon. The aims of the study were to assess the feasibility of minor laparoscopic liver resection by means of a radiofrequency dissector and to evaluate the laparoscopic approach. From January 1993 to November 2002 we carried out 7 laparoscopic liver resections (3 men, 4 women), 5 of which for benign diseases and 2 for metastases from colorectal cancer. In 4 of the above resections we used an argon coagulator, while the last 3 were performed using a radiofrequency instrument. We had no perioperative or postoperative complications in this small series of patients. The mean perioperative blood loss was 120 ml (range: 80-200) and the procedure took about 90 minutes on average (range: 80-110). The mean hospital stay was 4 days and pain was adequately controlled by administering 2 ml of Toradol twice daily. We believe that the advantages of the laparoscopic technique together with the efficacy of the radiofrequency instrument in liver surgery will lead to a more widespread use of this procedure and extension of its use to include the safe execution of both minor and major resections.     

Intestinale Anastomosen und Techniken im Bereich des unteren Gastrointestinaltraktes

Surgery of the lower gastrointestinal tract includes segmental resections for benign colorectal diseases and radical resections for treating colorectal cancer performed under elective and emergency conditions. The most important part of the surgical procedure is the reconstruction of the physiological intestinal continuity by anastomosis. At present laparoscopic surgery has widened the array of different suturing and stapling techniques. The effectiveness of manual and stapled anastomoses depends on the expertise of the surgeon. However, skilful preparation of the hand-sutured technique is essential.     

Prospective comparison of laparoscopic versus open resection for benign colorectal disease

Laparoscopic surgery is not being applied in a widespread manner in the management of benign or malignant colorectal disorders. This is a prospective comparison of 279 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery. Colorectal diseases included inflammatory bowel, diverticular disease, colonic inertia, polyps, and rectal prolapse. Data included 136 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery (mean age, 51.3 years) and 143 who underwent open surgery (mean age, 56.0 years). Thirteen patients' procedures were converted to open, but their results were included in the laparoscopic surgery group. There was no significant difference in operative time, postoperative complications, morbidity, or mortality between the laparoscopic and open surgery groups. More patients in the laparoscopic group had significant cardiac disease (6.0%, laparoscopic; 0.7%, open; = 0.01). More patients in the open group had undergone previous gastrointestinal surgery (3.7%, laparoscopic; 11.2%, open; = 0.02). The laparoscopic group used less postoperative analgesia and resumed oral feeding quicker ( < 0.05). In addition, time to first flatus and bowel movement was faster ( < 0.05), and the length of postoperative hospital stay (7.7 +/- 15.8 versus 11.0 +/- 8.3; = 0.03) was shorter in the laparoscopic surgery group. There are significant advantages in postoperative recovery with the laparoscopic technique. If proven to be cost-effective, laparoscopic colorectal surgery for benign diseases should become the standard of surgical care.     

Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy: technical aspects and short-term results

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is currently regarded as the next major advance in the progress of minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery. We describe our initial experience using SILS for the management of colorectal disease and present preliminary short-term results. Between February 2010 and April 2011, 7 patients (4 females and 3 males, mean age 55 years, range 32–74) underwent SILS for either benign or malignant colorectal disease. Preoperative diagnosis was diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon in two patients, malignant polyps of the sigmoid colon in two other patients and large villous tumor of the right colon in three patients. Surgical procedures, 4 anterior resections of the rectum and 3 right hemicolectomies, were performed through a 3 cm single umbilical incision using a SILS multi port device with conventional or articulated laparoscopic instruments. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions in the standard laparoscopic procedure. The mean operative time for anterior resections was 160.0 ± 10.6 min, whereas it was 160.6 ± 20 for right hemicolectomies. Blood loss was minimal. No postoperative complications were reported in any of the patients. The overall mean hospital stay was 4.8 ± 0.2 days (range 4–5). For the subset of patients with malignant or pre-malignant disease, the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 15.6 ± 4.4 (range 6–31). Cosmetic results were considered excellent by all the patients after 15 days. In conclusion, our preliminary experience shows that SILS for colorectal disease is feasible and safe with potential reproducible oncologic results.     

结肠镜联合腹腔镜下结直肠息肉切除

目的：探讨腹腔镜、结肠镜联合治疗结直肠息肉的手术方式、安全性和可行性。方法：分别采用腹腔镜辅助结肠镜下电凝切除、结肠镜辅助腹腔镜下部分肠壁切除、部分肠段切除及腹腔镜下结肠癌根治等方法,对36例结直肠息肉患者进行治疗。结果：36例均顺利完成手术,无中转开腹。5例在腹腔镜辅助下行结肠镜下息肉切除。22例行结肠镜辅助腹腔镜下部分肠壁切除,其中1例在结肠镜操作过程中发生难于控制的出血,另1例造成穿孔且息肉未完全切除,也行结肠镜辅助的腹腔镜下部分肠壁切除。22例中有18例用Endo-GIA完成。6例行腹腔镜下肠段切除,其中4例因息肉基部广,游离肠段后发现血供差;2例息肉位于直肠上段,且息肉稍大。3例行结肠癌根治术。手术时间70~240 min;手术出血量在20~150 mL;肠功能恢复时间20~48 h。所有患者术后均无肠瘘、肠腔狭窄、术后肠道大出血等并发症发生。结论：结肠镜、腹腔镜联合治疗结直肠息肉,提高了手术的安全性和彻底性,是一种值得推广的微创手术方式。     

完全腹腔镜肝切除时出血问题的探讨

目的　探讨腹腔镜肝切除手术的出血原因和预防措施。　方法　 2 1例中包括原发性肝癌 13例、肝血管瘤 3例、肝脓肿 2例、肝囊肿伴感染、局灶结节性增生、肝脏腺瘤各 1例。肝功能Child分级 :A级 16例 ,B级 5例 (均为肝癌病人 )。　结果　 2 1例在全气腹条件下完成腹腔镜肝切除手术 ,包括肝局部切除 12例 ,左肝解剖性切除 9例。手术时间 80～ 32 0 (平均 193 8± 78 3)min ,出血量 10 0～ 10 0 0ml (平均 333 1± 2 91 4 )ml,有 2例出血 10 0 0ml,术中输血各 80 0ml。术后恢复顺利 ,术后平均住院时间 6 3± 1 5d ,术后恢复时间较常规开腹方法肝切除患者明显缩短。　结论　本组研究表明在现有的手术器械条件和不阻断肝门血流的情况下 ,可以安全方便地处理术中出血。腹腔镜肝切除微创手术的前景广阔 ,不仅适于对肝良性肿瘤的手术 ,也为肝脏恶性肿瘤患者提供了切除肿瘤的新途径     

The Association Française de Chirurgie (AFC) colorectal index: a reliable preoperative prognostic index in colorectal surgery

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of outcome after colorectal surgery is always necessary. A new index which permits to appreciate preoperatively postoperative mortality after colorectal resection in colorectal cancer (CRC) and in diverticular disease has been published (i.e., Association Fran?aise de Chirurgie, AFC colorectal index). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From November 2002 to July 2004, in-hospital mortality was analysed on 253 patients who underwent colic resection (N = 220, 87%) or rectal resection, with anastomosis (N = 175, 70%). Mortality was analysed according to emergency resection, neurological co morbidity, lost of weight more than 10% of weight, age older than 70 years. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 63 +/- 18 years (17-92) (45% older than 70 years), 26% of patients were ASA >or= III, 35% underwent surgery in emergency, and 12% underwent laparoscopic surgery. One hundred and fifteen (45%) patients underwent surgery for CRC and 50 (20%), for diverticular disease and 11 patients underwent surgery for ischemic colitis. Overall mortality rate was 10% (N = 26), it was 19% in emergency surgery versus 5% after elective surgery. Global morbidity was 38%, percentage of anastomotic leak was 8% (N = 14/175), reoperation was necessary in 14%. The mean length of stay was 13 +/- 8 days. Ten percent of patients necessitated unplanned readmission. After surgery for CCR or diverticular disease. -i) overall mortality was 9% - ii) among patients who had 0, 1, 2, or 3 predictive risk factors of mortality; mortality was 0% , 5% 15% and 33%. After surgery for other aetiology than CCR or diverticular disease, among patients who had 0, 1, 2, or 3 predictive risk factors of mortality; mortality was 0%, 12% 36% and 25%. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed the reproducibility of the AFC colorectal index and its potential application in all aetiologies after colorectal surgery.     

Laparoscopic Versus Open Multivisceral Resection for Primary Colorectal Cancer: Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes

Background

The role of laparoscopic surgery for locally advanced colorectal cancer invading or adhering to neighboring organs is controversial. This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer.

Methods

This study included 126 patients who underwent multivisceral resection for primary colorectal cancer invading or adhering to neighboring organs or structures between July 2005 and November 2012 at our institution. Perioperative outcomes were compared between laparoscopic and open resections.

Results

Laparoscopic and open multivisceral resections were performed in 60 and 66 patients, respectively. Conversion to open surgery occurred in 6.7 % of patients. The median operative time was significantly longer (271 vs. 227 min), but the median blood loss was significantly less (40 vs. 205 mL), in the laparoscopic compared with the open group. The R0 resection rate of the primary tumor (95 vs. 98.5 %), number of lymph nodes harvested (18 vs. 18), and postoperative complications (28 vs. 24 %) were comparable between the groups. The median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (13.5 vs. 18 days) in the laparoscopic compared with the open group.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer invading or adhering to neighboring organs is safe and feasible in selected patients.     

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in urgent and emergent settings

Laparoscopic colectomy (LC) is slowly becoming the standard of care for elective resections. The use of LC in the emergency setting is relatively unstudied. Authors describe their experience with a series of 34 emergent and urgent LC cases for a variety of benign and neoplastic colorectal diseases, admitted from 2007 to 2009 at Emergency Department of a tertiary level hospital, comparing laparoscopic group with matched control open group. Twenty-one LC was performed for benign complicated disease, 12 for malignant disease and 1 for iatrogenic perforation during colonoscopy. Two cases were converted to open procedure (5.8%), the average operative time was 188 minutes (SD 61.84). The average postoperative length of hospital stay was 6.57 days (SD 1.75), with no postoperative mortality and no major morbidity. Results of laparoscopic group compared with 61 patients treated with open colorectal procedure confirm the advantages of laparoscopic approach similar to those established in elective colorectal surgery. With increasing experience, LC would be a feasible and an effective option in nonelective situations lowering complication rate and length of hospital stay.     

Postoperative mortality and morbidity in French patients undergoing colorectal surgery: results of a prospective multicenter study

HYPOTHESIS: Better knowledge of independent risk factors might decrease mortality and morbidity rates following colorectal surgery. DESIGN: Prospective multicenter study. INTERVENTIONS: From June to September 2002, consecutive patients undergoing open or laparoscopic surgery (electively or on an emergent basis) for colorectal cancers or diverticular disease were prospectively included. Exclusion criteria were colectomy for other causes (eg, inflammatory bowel diseases, benign polyps). The structured sheet of data collection included more than 200 items on all perioperative data concerning the patient, the disease, and the operating surgeons. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were defined as in-hospital death and complications. RESULTS: Among 1421 patients, the in-hospital death rate was 3.4% and the overall morbidity rate was 35%. Four independent preoperative risk factors of mortality were found: emergency surgery, loss of more than 10% of weight, neurological comorbidity, and age older than 70 years. Six independent risk factors of morbidity were found: age older than 70 years, neurologic comorbidity, hypoalbuminemia, cardiorespiratory comorbidity, long duration of operation, and peritoneal contamination. CONCLUSION: Colorectal resection in France is associated with a 3.4% mortality rate and a 35% morbidity rate. Knowledge of the risk factors could help surgeons manage cases.     

完全腹腔镜下直肠癌根治合并肝左叶转移癌规则左半肝

目的 总结腹腔镜下一期行直肠癌根治、前入路左半肝切除的适应症和手术技巧。方法 分析我院一例直肠癌合并左肝多发转移的患者采用腹腔镜下直肠癌根治、规则性左半肝切除术。结果 手术时间190 min,术中出血300ml,无明显手术并发症,切口一期愈合。术后14d给予化疗。术后随访5个月,无局部复发、远处转移、及切口处肿瘤种植发生。结论一期行腹腔镜直肠癌根治合并左半肝规则切除,局限在单叶的肝多发转移灶行规则肝切除是安全可行的。     

Laparoscopic surgery for endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps

AIM: The vast majority of benign colorectal neoplasms can be safely removed by colonoscopic polypectomy; while peduncolated polyps can be easily endoscopically excised, the removal of sessile polyps may be more difficult. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 1998, 12 patients underwent laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection for treatment of endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps; this group was compared to 12 patients who underwent a laparotomic approach for polyps in the same period of time and to 23 patients who previously underwent similar laparoscopic resections. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between laparoscopic and laparotomic groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection for treatment of endoscopically irretrievable colonic polyps remains our preferred method of treating these lesions.     

Surgeon experience with laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery in Washington State

PURPOSE: To describe the current practice and opinions held by surgeons performing colorectal surgery in Washington regarding laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: After attempting to identify all surgeons with hospital privileges in colorectal surgery in Washington, a survey was sent to 303 surgeons. The survey asked about the surgeon's practice, volume of colon surgery in the preceding year, the number of laparoscopic colon resections ever performed, the surgeon's opinion on the future practice of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and whether faced with the personal need to undergo colon resection at the present time, would the surgeon elect to have laparoscopic or open colon resection. RESULTS: In all 170 surveys were returned; 154 returned surveys were from surgeons who had performed at least one colon resection in the preceding year; 53 (34%) respondents had experience with fewer than 20 laparoscopic resections and 83 (55%) have never performed laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC). Only 4 (3%) surgeons had performed more than 50 laparoscopic colon resections. Forty-five percent of respondents indicated that they would currently seek a laparoscopic resection for themselves to treat either a benign condition or an incurable malignancy, and 84% of respondents indicated they would have an open colectomy for a curable malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of surgeons performing colorectal resections in Washington have limited experience with LAC. Surgeon opinion regarding the role of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in clinical practice is mixed. We suggest a model for proctoring of LAC for surgeons interested in implementing laparoscopic colorectal resection into their practice.     

Laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease complicated by fistulae.

OBJECTIVES: Elective laparoscopic surgery for recurrent, uncomplicated diverticular disease is considered safe and effective; however, little data exist on complicated cases. We investigated laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis complicated by fistulae. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic treatment of enteric fistulae complicating diverticular disease performed by 4 surgeons at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2004, 14 patients underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoid resections for diverticular disease complicated by enteric fistulae. Patients' mean age was 62 and 4 were female. Multiple fistulae were present in 21%. Types of fistulae included 8 colovesical, 5 enterocolic, 2 colovaginal, 1 colosalpingal, and 1 colocutaneous. All patients successfully underwent sigmoidectomy, and 14% required additional bowel resections. No cases were proximally diverted. Conversion to open was necessary in 36% of cases, all due to dense adhesions and severe inflammation. The mean operative time was 209 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 326 mL. Two (14%) postoperative complications occurred, including one anastomotic bleed and one prolonged ileus. No anastomotic leaks or mortalities occurred. The mean postoperative stay was 6 days. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of diverticular disease complicated by fistulae can be performed effectively and safely. The conversion rate is higher than traditionally accepted rates of uncomplicated cases of diverticulitis and is associated with severe adhesions and inflammation.     

Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous metastatic liver tumor

Laparoscopic colorectal resection has been applied to advanced colorectal cancer. Synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer would be treated safely and effectively by simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal and hepatic resection. Seven patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis treated by simultaneous laparoscopic resection were analyzed retrospectively. Three patients received a hybrid operation using a small skin incision, 2 patients underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery using a small incision produced for colonic anastomosis, and 2 patients were treated with pure laparoscopic resection. The mean total operation duration was 407 minutes, and mean blood loss was 207 mL. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all cases. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 16.4 days. No recurrence at the surgical margin was observed in the liver. For selected patients with synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, simultaneous laparoscopic resection is useful for minimizing operative invasiveness while maintaining safety and curability, with satisfying short- and long-term results.     

Laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of colonic polyps

BACKGROUND: Benign colonic polyps that are impossible to remove with the aid of the flexible colonoscope because of their size or location must be removed surgically. METHODS: Twenty patients with colonic adenomatous polyps that could not be resected by colonoscopy because of size or difficult location (n = 18) or polyps in combination with diverticulitis (n = 2) underwent polyp removal through a small 'assisted' incision in the abdominal wall using a standard 'dissection-facilitated' laparoscopic approach to the affected colonic segment. RESULTS: In six patients the polyp was removed through a colotomy, in three through a limited resection (two ileocaecal and one limited sigmoid resection) and in 11 through a standard colectomy (four right hemicolectomy, one left hemicolectomy, four sigmoid and two anterior resections) because of suspicion of cancer. In only one patient could the polyp not be found during laparoscopy, resulting in a second conventional surgical intervention. In four patients carcinoma was diagnosed in the specimen. CONCLUSION: Precise preoperative localization of the polyp and the use of dissection-facilitated laparoscopic colonic surgery make laparoscopic removal of benign colonic polyps an alternative to an open procedure.     

结直肠良、恶性息肉微创治疗的临床研究

目的探讨结肠镜、腹腔镜及双镜联合治疗结直肠息肉的适应证和疗效。方法2004年1月～2006年12月，全结肠镜愉奄发现直径〉1cm的结直肠息肉共378例。结肠镜圈套器摘除319例，结肠镜黏膜切除术（endoscopic mucosal resection，EMR）11例，腹腔镜辅助结肠镜下治疗7例，结肠镜辅助腹腔镜楔形切除术6例，结肠镜辅助腹腔镜肠段切除术3例，腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术32例。结果腹腔镜辅助结肠镜治疗组与结肠镜辅助腹腔镜局部切除术组均未出现一例并发症，结肠镜圈套器摘除组中1．6％（5／319）出现并发症。结肠镜组肿瘤残留11例，追加腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术8例。随访中，EMR术1例肿瘤残留，追加腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术。结肠镜辅助腹腔镜楔形切除术中2例为浸润性结直肠癌，追加腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术。结论大部分结直肠良性息肉可以通过单纯结肠镜的方法得到治疗；双镜联合的治疗方式对于结肠镜治疗困难的结直肠息肉是安全、可行的治疗方法。     

Minimally invasive surgery in malignant tumors? A concept of quality assurance by phased evaluation exemplifed by colorectal carcinoma resection

The concept of phased clinical scientific evaluation new surgical procedures in oncology is introduced. The principles of this concept are illustrated with the example of laparoscopic resection of colorectal carcinoma. In Phase I animal studies and anatomical studies on human cadavers it has been shown that the anatomical extent of laparoscopic and conventional colorectal resections is comparable. Uncontrolled clinical trials and registries of laparoscopic operations with a low level of evidence did not detect any severe disadvantages of laparoscopic resection of colorectal carcinoma. Controlled randomised phase III a-studies with a a high level of evidence have proven that laparoscopic colorectal resection has important short-term patient benefits when compared to conventional surgery. Controlled randomised Phase III b-Muticentertrials to compare the long-term results of laparoscopic and conventional resections or colorectal cancer are currently on their way worldwide. These multicenter trials will evaluate with the highest level of evidence wether the results of laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection are as good as those for conventional surgery. Patients scheduled for minimal-invasive resection of colorectal carcinoma should be included in one of these multicenter trials. Only after the phased clinical evaluation of the new procedure has been completed, the risk or benefit of minimal-invasive surgery for colorectal cancer can be assessed.     

Laparoscopic resection of colon cancer and synchronous liver metastasis

The recommended surgical approach to synchronous colorectal metastasis has not been clarified. Simultaneous open liver and colon resection for synchronous colorectal carcinoma has been shown beneficial when compared to staged resections. A review of the literature has shown the benefits of both laparoscopic colon resection for colorectal cancer and laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy in liver disease. We present the case of a 60-year-old male with sigmoid colon carcinoma and a synchronous solitary liver metastasis localized to the left lateral segment. Using laparoscopic techniques, we were able to achieve simultaneous resection of the sigmoid colon and left lateral liver segment.