Quality of surgery for rectal carcinoma: comparison between open and laparoscopic approaches

Background

Macroscopic evaluation of a tumor specimen is an independent prognostic factor of oncologic outcome after total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. This study aimed to assess macroscopic quality of specimens acquired after laparoscopic versus open TME in patients with low rectal cancer.

Patients and methods

Seventy-two patients with low rectal cancer underwent TME either by open (n = 39) or laparoscopic (n = 33) approach. In all specimens, the cut edge of the peritoneal reflection at the anterior mid-rectum, the Denonvillier's fascia, the visceral fascia covering the mesorectum both posteriorly and laterally, and the bowel wall below the mesorectum were macroscopically assessed.

Results

Colorectal anastomoses were located significantly lower in the laparoscopic than in the open group (P < .001). The Denonvillier's fascia was violated in 7 patients after open surgery (P = .01). A significantly more complete TME with intact visceral pelvic fascia was performed after laparoscopy compared with open surgery (P = .025).

Conclusions

Laparoscopy offers a macroscopically more complete specimen after TME for rectal cancer than the open approach because it offers a better view in the pelvis.     

Anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer: The impact of fibrin glue

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of fibrin glue as a sealant over an anastomosis is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Prospective data were collected from 223 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic resection without defunctioning stoma.

Results

A total of 104 patients underwent laparoscopic rectal resection, followed by the application of fibrin glue over the stapled anastomosis, while 119 underwent surgery alone. No difference in clinically significant leakage was observed between the fibrin and the nonfibrin groups (5.8% vs 10.9%, P = .169). In multivariate analysis, extraperitoneal tumor location and operation duration >220 minutes were independently associated with anastomotic leakage.

Conclusions

Significant predictors of anastomotic leakage include extraperitoneal tumor location and operation length >220 minutes. Fibrin glue application over the stapled anastomosis was not found to be significantly associated with anastomotic leakage.     

SERUM CYFRA 21–1 IN PATIENTS WITH INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER AND ITS RELEVANCE AS A TUMOR MARKER DURING CHEMOTHERAPY

Purpose:

Previous studies have shown that serum levels of the degradation products of cytokeratins could be used as surrogate markers in the diagnosis and followup of patients with solid tumors, including tumors of the bladder.

Materials and Methods:

The soluble cytokeratin 19 fragment CYFRA 21-1 was measured by solid phase radioimmunoassay in the serum of 142 patients with invasive transitional cell cancer of the bladder. Of the patients 56 had clinical stage I to III locally confined disease (T1-4aN0M0) and 86 had stage IV metastatic disease with lymph node and/or distant metastases. A control group consisted of 33 healthy volunteers. In a subgroup of 49 patients with metastatic disease receiving combined platinum based chemotherapy serum CYFRA 21-1 was determined prior to the initiation of therapy and after the documentation of response.

Results:

Abnormal CYFRA 21-1 was observed in 7% of patients with locally invasive disease and in 66% of those with metastatic disease (p <0.0001). There was no correlation of CYFRA 21-1 with tumor differentiation. Patients with abnormal CYFRA 21-1 showed statistically significant worse median overall survival. Moreover, in the subgroup of patients with metastatic disease receiving chemotherapy CYFRA 21-1 levels correlated with the response to treatment.

Conclusions:

Patients with transitional cell cancer of the bladder with evidence of distant metastases showed a significant increase in serum CYFRA 21-1. During chemotherapy CYFRA 21-1 appears to be a potentially sensitive and useful indicator for monitoring treatment response.     

The evolving influence of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

With the recent introduction of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy and laparoscopic/open radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of preoperative laparoscopic staging may be expanded. The objective of this study was to determine the role of preoperative laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography (USG) in patients with HCC.

Methods

From January 2001 to April 2007, a cohort of 122 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of potentially resectable HCC underwent staging laparoscopy with laparoscopic USG before performing a major laparotomy in a tertiary referral center. The patients' data were collected prospectively. We have retrospectively analyzed the effect of implementation of this staging technique in our center.

Results

Preoperative laparoscopy and laparoscopic USG was successful in 119 patients (97.5%). Forty-four patients were found to be unresectable after laparoscopic staging, whereas 2 patients were found to be unresectable after exploratory laparotomy. The total number of patients who underwent curative liver resection was 73 (laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, 22 patients; open partial hepatectomy, 51 patients). The median hospital stay of the laparoscopic liver resection group was significantly shorter than that of the open resection group (8 vs 13 d; P = .002). Intraoperative treatment for patients with unresectable HCC, including local ablative therapy, or combined liver resection and local ablative therapy, was performed in 27 of 45 inoperable patients (60%) (laparoscopic approach, 8 patients; open approach, 19 patients). The median hospital stay of the laparoscopic treatment group was significantly shorter than for the open treatment group for patients with unresectable HCC (5 vs 7 d; P = .003). In this study, a laparoscopic treatment approach for HCC was performed in 25.2% of the study population.

Conclusions

Laparoscopy and laparoscopic USG have a significant effect both on identifying surgically untreatable disease and in selecting the optimal treatment strategy. Some patients will benefit from a laparoscopic therapy approach. Therefore, it argues for more widespread use in laparoscopic staging procedures for patients with potentially resectable HCC.     

Tratamiento laparoscópico de los quistes hidatídicos hepáticos: técnicas y complicaciones postoperatorias

Introduction

We evaluate our experience in the surgical laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts with the same criteria that we use in open surgery.

Material and methods

A retrospective study of 8 operated patients and their intra- and postoperative complications.

Results

We performed the scheduled surgery on 7 patients; bleeding was the reason for conversion to open surgery in the remaining one. We made 4 complete peri-cystectomies, 3 de-roofing and 1 hepatic resection. Two patients had postoperative bile leaks: the first one had an external leak that needed an endoscopic sphincterotomy and the other developed an abscess that needed reintervention for drainage. This patient also had a right hepatic vein thrombosis that disappeared spontaneously. Finally, 3 patients had hypernatremia without clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

Many of the open surgery techniques for hepatic hydatid cysts can be performed laparoscopically, without any specific instruments. Our complications with laparoscopic treatment of hepatic hydatid cysts were similar to those of open surgery.     

Laparoscopic-assisted bowel resection offers advantages over open surgery for treatment of segmental Crohn's disease in children

Background/purpose

Minimally invasive approaches have been shown to decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), decrease postoperative pain, and speed return to normal activity for a number of intraabdominal procedures. In this study, laparoscopic (LAP)-assisted bowel resection is compared with an open technique for patients undergoing an initial bowel resection.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 28 patients (12 LAP, 16 open) undergoing initial bowel resection for segmental Crohn’s disease.

Results

Patients in the LAP group had decrease LOS (5.5 days v 11.5 days) decreased days of parenteral narcotics (3 days v 5 days) and more rapid return to regular diet (3 days v 5 days).

Conclusions

The data suggest that the laparoscopic approach may offer advantages to pediatric patients undergoing an initial bowel resection for segmental Crohn’s disease.     

Typical carcinoids and neuroendocrine carcinomas of the stomach: differing clinical courses and prognoses

Background

Gastric endocrine tumors are usually classified as 3 types of well-differentiated endocrine tumors (typical carcinoids or carcinoids) and poorly differentiated carcinomas (neuroendocrine carcinomas [NECs]).

Methods

From 1993 to 2008, 97 patients (73 men and 24 women) were diagnosed with gastric neuroendocrine tumors at the Asan Medical Center.

Results

Of the 45 patients with typical carcinoids, 37 underwent surgery (eg, endoscopic resection). Of the 52 patients with NECs, 43 underwent surgery (eg, radical gastrectomy). One patient died of recurrence of the typical carcinoids, whereas 26 patients with NECs died of related diseases (P < .05). The rates of survival and recurrence did not significantly differ by type of typical carcinoid (P > .05).

Conclusions

Regardless of the type, carcinoids that are not yet advanced can be effectively treated with minimal endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery. However, all NECs and advanced carcinoids should be treated with radical gastrectomy.     

Excellent local tumor control regardless of extent of surgical resection after treatment on the Chicago Pilot II protocol for neuroblastoma

Background

Our aim was to investigate the impact of the extent of surgical resection on local recurrence and survival in high-risk patients treated with the Chicago Pilot II protocol.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on 30 patients enrolled in the Chicago Pilot II protocol between 1995 and 2003. Variables studied were location of tumor, extent of resection, timing and location of recurrence, MYCN amplification, surgical complications, event-free survival, and overall survival (OS). Operative reports and postoperative meta-iodobenzylguanidine scans were used to assess extent of resection. Complete resection (CR) was defined as no gross residual tumor including primary and nodal disease.

Results

Three-year event-free survival and OS of this cohort of 30 patients was 58% and 82%, respectively. Only 1 patient developed a local recurrence, whereas metastatic recurrent disease was observed in 13 (43%) of the 30; and this subset had a significantly worse OS (23% vs 94%, P = .001). The most common relapse location was in bone. Patients with incomplete resection (IR) (11/30) and CR (19/30) had recurrence rates of 64% (7/11) and 32% (6/19, P = .12), respectively. Event-free survival was significantly better for patients with CR (68%) vs IR (27%; P = .05; odds ratio, 2.9). Overall survival rates for patients with CR vs IR were 68% vs 55%, respectively (P = .25).

Conclusions

Recurrence rate was the significant determinant of survival. Patients with CR had lower recurrence rates; however, they did not have improved local control. Final outcome of patients with unfavorable neuroblastoma will be determined by metastatic recurrence, not by extent of resection.     

Thoracoscopic cartilage resection with partial perichondrium preservation in unilateral pectus carinatum: preliminary results

Background/Purpose

Although minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has gained worldwide acceptance, treatment of pectus carinatum is mostly performed with open procedures. Different minimally invasive alternatives have been proposed in the last few years, including subpectoral CO₂ dissection and intrathoracic compression (Abramson technique), or conservative procedures, as dynamic compression system. Recently, another surgical technique has been proposed for the treatment of unilateral pectus carinatum, consisting of a thoracoscopic approach and multiple cartilage incisions. The aim of this work is to present our modification to this approach.

Methods

We have modified this technique by introducing complete cartilage resection of all anomalous costal cartilages, performed thoracoscopically. Three thoracoscopic ports were used. Cartilage is removed progressively using a rongeur and preserving the anterior perichondrium.

Results

We have performed this technique in 4 patients during the last year. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 14 months. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. The results, assessed by the patients themselves, were good in 2 cases, quite good in one, and fair in the first patient of our series, who was reoperated using a classical open approach. Pain was well controlled without the need of an epidural catheter.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic cartilage resection with perichondrium preservation can be considered as feasible alternative for the treatment of unilateral pectus carinatum.     

Prophylactic glycopyrrolate prevents bradycardia after spinal anesthesia for Cesarean section: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective trial with heart rate variability correlation

Study Objective

To determine if prophylactic glycopyrrolate prevents bradycardia after spinal anesthesia.

Design

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Setting

Large university-affiliated community hospital.

Patients

81 consecutive term parturients (not in active labor) who were scheduled for elective Cesarean section.

Interventions

Parturients received 1.0 to 1.5 L of intravenous Ringer's lactate and either glycopyrrolate 0.4 mg or an equal volume of saline, with caregivers blinded to the immediate sequelae of study drug. Each patient received intrathecal bupivacaine (12 to 14 mg) with morphine sulfate (0.1 to 0.2 mg).

Measurements

Continuous heart rate (HR) and blood pressure monitoring occurred for 20 minutes, with the minimum HR recorded for each 5-minute epoch. Heart rates < 60 beats per minute defined bradycardia. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis occurred offline.

Main Results

None of 34 patients administered glycopyrrolate and 6 of 35 (17%) patients receiving saline experienced bradycardia (P = 0.02476). Time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear and embedded spectrum entropy analyses all reflected the decrease in HRV accompanying administration of glycopyrrolate.

Conclusion

Bradycardia after spinal anesthesia occurs commonly. Prophylactic glycopyrrolate may prevent the bradycardia, but not necessarily the hypotension.     

Ultrastaging of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) vs. non-SLNs in colorectal cancer—do we need both?

Background

The aim of this study to analyze whether ultrastaging of initially negative nonsentinel lymph nodes (non-SLNs) would increase nodal positivity in colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Methods

After SLN mapping (SLNM), SLNs were ultrastaged by 4 hematoxylin and eosin and 1 immunohistochemistry sections. A blinded pathologist reexamined initially negative non-SLNs by 3 additional hematoxylin and eosin and 1 immunohistochemistry sections.

Results

In 156 colon cancer and 44 rectal cancer patients, 2,755 nodes were identified (494 SLNs and 2,261 non-SLNs). Metastases were detected in 20.9% of SLNs and 8.6% of non-SLNs (P < .0001). After ultrastaging non-SLNs, only .58% became positive for metastases in 12 patients. Of these, 10 already had positive lymph nodes, hence no change of staging occurred. Ultrastaging upstaged only 2 of 200 patients (1%).

Conclusions

The chance of finding additional metastases by ultrastaging of all non-SLNs is extremely low (<1%) and of little benefit.     

Incidence and risk factors for the development of incisional hernia following elective laparoscopic versus open colon resections

Background

There are few studies that compare the incidence of incisional hernia following elective laparoscopic colon resection to open colectomy and determine the risk factors for its development.

Methods

Elective open and laparoscopic colon resections performed between February 2002 and May 2007 were reviewed. In the laparoscopic group, mesenteric transection was performed via intracorporeal division for left-sided colectomy and via extracorporeal technique for right-sided colectomy. The ileocolic anastomosis was performed by extracorporeal stapling for right colectomies and by intracorporeal for left colectomies.

Results

Two hundred eighteen patients (mean age 62 years, 52% male) underwent elective colon resection (50% open, 5% hand-assisted, and 45% laparoscopic). Six percent of the cases that started as laparoscopic were converted and are included in the open group. Mean follow-up was 26 months. The overall incisional hernia rate was 16% (open and minimally invasive group 17% vs 15%, P = .14). Hernia was not dependent on the type of resection, indication, or extraction site. Body mass index >36 kg/m², male gender, and surgical site infection were risk factors for hernia development.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic colectomy does not reduce the development of incisional hernia.     

Laparoscopic and transanal approach for rectal atresia: a novel alternative

Aim

The aim of this study is to present the details and outcomes of laparoscopic and transanal approach in the management of rectal atresia.

Patients

Two female patients with rectal atresia were operated upon using laparoscopic and transanal approach. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. Follow-up at 5 and 4 months, respectively, after closure of colostomy has shown both patients with good fecal continence.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic and transanal approach is a novel and good alternative to the current surgical techniques in the management of rectal atresia.     

Short- and Medium-Term Outcome of Robot-Assisted and Traditional Laparoscopic Rectal Resection

Background:

Traditional laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (TLAR) has recently been used for rectal cancer, offering good functional results compared with open anterior resection and resulting in a better postoperative early outcome. However, laparoscopic rectal resection can be technically demanding, especially when a total mesorectal excision is required. The aim of this study was to verify whether robot-assisted anterior rectal resection (RLAR) could overcome limitations of the laparoscopic approach.

Methods:

Sixty-six patients with rectal cancer were enrolled in the study. Twenty-nine patients underwent RLAR and 37 TLAR. Groups were matched for age, BMI, sex ratio, ASA status, and TNM stage, and were followed up for a mean time of 12 months.

Results:

Robot-assisted laparoscopic rectal resection results in shorter operative time when a total mesorectal excision is performed (165.9±10 vs 210±37 minutes; P<0.05). The conversion rate is significantly lower for RLAR (P<0.05). Postoperative morbidity was comparable between groups. Overall survival and disease-free survival were comparable between groups, even though a trend towards better disease-free survival in the RLAR group was observed.

Conclusion:

RLAR is a safe and feasible procedure that facilitates laparoscopic total mesorectal excision. Randomized clinical trials and longer follow-ups are needed to evaluate a possible influence of RLAR on patient survival.     

Thoracoscopic resection of neurogenic tumors in children

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of thoracoscopy in neurogenic tumors in infants and children.

Materials and Methods

From January 2000 to October 2005, 21 patients aged 7 months to 14 years (mean, 6 years) underwent thoracoscopy for tumor resection in 5 French institutions. One 10-mm optical port and 2 operative 5-mm ports were needed. Selective intubation was required for 3 patients aged about 12 years. Tumor was removed with an endoscopic bag in all cases.

Results

All procedures were completed successfully without any incomplete resection or recurrence. One conversion was necessary because of a huge mass. A chest tube was left for a mean of 2 days for 17 children. Two children had not had any drainage. Two postoperative chylothorax required chest drainage for 12 days. Only 5 of the 6 older patients (mean age, 12 years) needed a patient-controlled analgesia. The mean operative time was about 100 minutes. Hospital stay ranged from 4 to 12 days. Tumors were neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroblastoma in 16 cases and ganglioneuroma in the 5 other cases.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopy for resection of thoracic neurogenic tumors in children is a feasible, safe, and efficient procedure. The surgeon has a better visualization of the tumor and its anatomic connections. Resection can be as complete as an open procedure without having to complicate the operative technique in the same operating time. It avoids cosmetic and functional disorders because of thoracotomy. It allows a good cosmetic resection without spillage.     

Establishment of a minimally invasive program at a Veterans' Affairs Medical Center leads to improved care in colorectal cancer patients

Background

Despite significant advantages to patients, less than 5% of all colorectal surgeries for cancer are performed laparoscopically. A minimally invasive colorectal cancer program was created in our Veterans' Affairs hospital with the intent of increasing access and improving quality of patient care while maintaining patient safety and oncologic standards.

Methods

Sixty consecutive laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections and 60 age-matched open resections were identified. Our prospective database was queried for demographic, clinical outcomes, and oncologic data.

Results

Patients undergoing laparoscopic resections experienced a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return of bowel function. Both groups had similar intraoperative blood loss and surgical times. Laparoscopic resections achieved equivalent lymph node retrieval and resection completeness compared with open resections. Laparoscopic resections resulted in fewer wounds and fewer complications requiring reoperation.

Conclusions

Establishment of a minimally invasive colorectal cancer program in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center leads to increased access to laparoscopic colorectal resections and improved patient care while maintaining patient safety.     

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of synchronous multifocal gastric carcinomas

Background

We sought to define differences between multifocal and solitary gastric carcinoma to decrease the risk of missing a cancer while resecting another more evident carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively examined clinicopathologic characteristics of multifocal gastric carcinoma including anatomic distribution and postoperative survival.

Results

Multifocal gastric carcinoma was seen more frequently when patients were older and when the largest tumor was small and at an early stage. More than half of accessory lesions were located near the main tumor. No significant difference in postoperative survival was seen between patients with multifocal and solitary carcinoma, whether early or advanced.

Conclusions

The entire stomach should be examined carefully before and during resection, especially when local or endoscopic surgery is performed.     

Population-based comparison of open vs laparoscopic esophagogastric fundoplication in children: application of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality pediatric quality indicators

Background/Purpose

Increasing national focus on patient safety has promoted development of the pediatric quality indicators (PDIs), which screen for preventable events during provision of health care for children. Our objective is to apply these safety metrics to compare 2 surgical procedures in children, specifically laparoscopic and open esophagogastric fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux.

Methods

A retrospective analysis using 20 years of data from national representative state inpatient databases through the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project was conducted. Patients younger than 18 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, codes for open or laparoscopic esophagogastric fundoplication were included. Pediatric quality indicators were linked to each patient's profile. Demographics, comorbidities, outcomes, and 8 selected PDIs between open and laparoscopic fundoplications were compared using Pearson χ² tests and t tests.

Results

Of 33,533 patients identified, 28,141 underwent open and 5392 underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. Comorbidities occurred more frequently in open surgery. In-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges were less in laparoscopic surgery. Of the 8 PDIs evaluated, decubitus ulcer (P = .04) and postoperative sepsis (P = .003) had decreased rates with laparoscopic surgery compared with open.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux in children can be performed safely compared with the open approach with equivalent or improved rates of PDIs.     

Operative performance in laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the Procedural-Based Assessment tool

Aims

The Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project (ISCP) has devised assessment tools for index operations to assess trainee technical skills. In this study we used the Procedural-Based Assessment (PBA) tool to evaluate operations performed by trainees.

Methods

Live and simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed by trainees. Two experienced surgeons assessed each operation blindly and independently.

Results

Eighty-four live (supervised) and 112 simulated (unsupervised) operations were performed by 28 trainees. Mean inter-rater reliability was kappa = .86 and .84 for live and simulated operations, respectively. Construct validity using Mann-Whitney for generic technical skills was significant for live and simulated operations, P ≤ .05. Assessing specific technical skills showed construct validity for simulated unsupervised operations only, Mann-Whitney P < .05, but not for supervised live operations, Mann-Whitney P > .05.

Conclusions

The PBA showed good inter-rater reliability. Assessing generic technical skills, PBA showed construct validity for both types of operations and for specific technical skills in the unsupervised simulated operations. We conclude that the PBA seems to be a reliable and valid assessment tool for generic technical skills in unsupervised simulated and live supervised laparoscopic cholecystectomies.     

Laparoscopic vs open pancreatectomy for persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy

Background

Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) is considered the most common cause of persistent neonatal hypoglycemia. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic pancreatectomy with open pancreatectomy for PHHI in one center regarding feasibility, safety, and effectiveness.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients managed for PHHI with either laparoscopic or open pancreatectomy for the period from 2001 to 2007 at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Demographic and clinical data were retrieved. Continuous variables were reported as means, and categorical variables were reported as proportions for each group. Means were compared using Student's t test, and proportions were compared using χ² test or Fisher's Exact test where appropriate. A P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant. The study proposal was approved by the Clinical Research Committee and the Research Ethics Committee at our institution.

Results

Eighteen patients were managed with pancreatectomy for PHHI for that period: 10 laparoscopic and 8 open. The 2 groups were comparable regarding age and weight at surgery, sex, procedure duration, hospital stay postoperatively, need for reoperation, and development of diabetes mellitus and mental delay. Extent of resection was significantly higher in the open group (P value = .02), and the laparoscopic group was fed significantly earlier (P value = .001). The mean follow-up for the laparoscopic and the open groups were 20.4 months and 46 months, respectively (P value = .004).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic pancreatectomy for PHHI is safe and feasible. Our data suggest its effectiveness compared to the open approach.