Laparoscopic Transumbilical Cholecystectomy: Surgical Technique

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally performed using 4 ports by transperitoneal access. Recent developments regarding laparoscopic surgery have been directed toward reducing the size or number of ports to achieve the goal of minimally invasive surgery, by minilaparoscopy, natural orifice access, and the transumbilical approach. The aim of this article is to describe our laparoscopic transumbilical cholecystectomy technique using conventional laparoscopic instruments and ports.

Methods:

The Veress needle was placed through the umbilicus, which allowed carbon dioxide inflow. A 5-mm trocar was placed in the periumbilical site for the laparoscope followed by the placement of 2 additional 5-mm periumbilical trocars. The entire procedure was performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments. At the end of the surgery, trocars were removed, and all 3 periumbilical skin incisions were united for specimen retrieval.

Results:

Five transumbilical cholecystectomies were performed following this technique. The mean BMI was 26.6 kg/m². The mean operative time and blood loss were 46.2 minutes and 55 mL, respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. Analgesia was performed using dipyrone (1g IV q6h) and ketoprofen (100 mg IV q12 h). Time to first oral intake was 8 hours. Mean hospital stay was 19.2 hours.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic transumbilical cholecystectomy seems to be feasible even using conventional laparoscopic instruments and can be considered a potential alternative for traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Single Laparoscopic Incision Transabdominal (SLIT) Surgery—Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has become an exciting area of surgical development. However, there are significant limitations to this surgical concept due to the lack of surgical expertise and appropriate flexible instrumentation. An alternative and competing technology to NOTES is single-access surgery. We present a novel surgical technique for placement of an adjustable gastric band utilizing a single laparoscopic incision which was ultimately used for implanting the subcutaneous access port. This new technique is called single laparoscopic incision transabdominal (SLIT) surgery which describes an advanced laparoscopic bariatric operation that can be performed through a tiny slit. The operative time was 55 min. There were no intraoperative complications. The patient did well postoperatively and was discharged on postoperative day 1. There were no postoperative complications at 1-month follow-up. Adjustable gastric banding performed through a single laparoscopic incision is technically feasible. The procedure was performed with mostly existing ports, laparoscopic instrumentations, and visualization platform. Advantages of SLIT surgery compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery will ultimately require further randomized clinical trials.     

Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (SILS): A Novel Technique

Background  Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an emerging bariatric procedure that typically necessitates five to seven small skin incisions to place five to seven trocars. The senior author (Saber) has developed a single umbilical incision approach to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods  Seven patients underwent single access transumbilical laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between March 2008 and July 2008. The same surgeon performed all surgical interventions. The umbilicus was the sole point of entry for all patients, and the same operative technique and perioperative protocol were used in all patients. Results  A total of seven single-incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies were performed. The procedure was successfully performed in all patients. Mean operating time was 125 min. None of the patients required conversion to an open procedure. There were no mortalities or postoperative complications noted during the mean follow-up period of 3.4 months. Conclusion  Single-incision transumbilical laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe, technically feasible, and reproducible.     

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) Transvaginal Cholecystectomy in a Morbidly Obese Patient

Transvaginal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new diagnostic and potentially therapeutic method of surgical endoscopy. The first case of NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomy in a morbid obese patient in the literature is described. IRB approval was obtained at the institution for transvaginal NOTES clinical trials. A 58-year-old female patient with cholelithiasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes, and BMI of 35.8 kg/m(2) was submitted to the technique. After transvaginal access, a two-channel gastroscope was introduced into the abdominal cavity along with a laparoscopic trocar. There were 2 umbilical punctures for use of 3 mm laparoscopic equipment. Operative time was 85 min. There was no use of postoperative analgesia, and the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Transvaginal NOTES is a feasible alternative method for cholecystectomy in the morbidly obese, although available technology is limited for natural orifice surgery.     

Single Port Access Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (with video)

Background  Single port access (SPA) surgery is a rapidly evolving field due to the complexity of NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery). SPA combines the cosmetic advantage of NOTES and possibility to perform surgical procedure with standard laparoscopic instruments. We report a technique of umbilical SPA cholecystectomy using standard laparoscopic instruments and complying with conventional surgical principle and technique of minimally invasive cholecystectomy. Methods  Preliminary, prospective experience of SPA cholecystectomy in 11 patients (median age, 46 (range, 27–63) years) scheduled for cholecystectomy was evaluated. Diagnoses for cholecystectomy were: symptomatic gallbladder lithiasis (n = 7), previous acute cholecystitis (n = 3), and biliary pancreatitis (n = 1). Results  SPA cholecystectomy was feasible in all patients (median body mass index, 24 (range, 20–34) kg/m²) who were scheduled for preliminary experience using conventional laparoscopic instruments. Median operative time was 52 (range, 40–77) minutes. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed in all patients, except one, and was considered normal. No peroperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Median hospital stay was less than 24 h. Conclusions  SPA cholecystectomy is feasible and seems to be safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons using standard laparoscopic instrumentation. SPA cholecystectomy may be safer than the NOTES approach at this time. It has to be determined whether this approach would benefit patients, other than cosmesis, compared with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Single-port endoscopic cholecystectomy: a bridge between laparoscopic and translumenal endoscopic surgery

Background and objective  

The intentional puncture of the normal viscera is likely the most important issue limiting the widespread use of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). We developed a new procedure for cholecystectomy using a flexible endoscope via a single port placed in the abdominal wall without visceral puncture (single-port endoscopic cholecystectomy; SPEC) as a bridge between laparoscopic surgery and NOTES. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of SPEC.     

Hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy: a novel approach

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) allows cholecystectomy to be performed by means of a flexible scope introduced through the stomach, rectus, bladder, or vagina. However, available endoscopes have several limitations if used in the peritoneal cavity. The hybrid technique reported overcomes these limitations by using conventional 5-mm laparoscopic instruments through the umbilical scar and transabdominal sutures for retraction. After creating the pneumoperitoneum with a Veress needle, a 5-mm port is introduced into the umbilicus followed by a 5-mm, 30° scope. A culdotomy then is performed under direct and laparoscopic views. The flexible endoscope is inserted into the pelvis through the vagina and advanced to expose the gallbladder. Three or more transabdominal sutures are placed through the gallbladder wall for retraction. Cholecystectomy then is performed using conventional 5-mm laparoscopic instruments through the 5-mm umbilical port. Finally, stay sutures are removed and the specimen is retrieved through the vagina. Six patients successfully have undergone this new procedure. In our opinion this hybrid approach increases safety, overcomes the limitation of the current instrumentation, and maintains most of the advantages of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery.     

Natural orifice translumenal surgery: Flexible platform review

Natural orifice translumenal surgery (NOTES) has garnished significant attention from surgeons and gastroenterologists, due to the fusion of flexible endoscopy and operative technique. Preliminary efforts suggest that NOTES holds potential for a less invasive approach with certain surgical conditions. Many of the hurdles encountered during the shift from open to laparoscopic surgery are now being revisited in the development of NOTES. Physician directed efforts, coupled with industry support, have brought about several NOTES specific devices and platforms to help address limitations with current instrumentation. This review addresses current flexible platforms and their attributes, advantages, disadvantages and limitations.     

Hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy, NOTES, and minilaparoscopy: analysis of a prospective clinical series

Introduction  Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) makes it possible to perform intraperitoneal surgical procedures with a minimal number of access points in the abdominal wall. It is not yet possible to perform these interventions without the help of abdominal wall entryways, so these procedures are hybrids, a fusion of minilaparoscopy and transluminal endoscopic surgery. In this paper we present a prospective clinical series of 15 patients who underwent transvaginal hybrid cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Methods  This was a prospective clinical series of 15 consecutive female patients, nonrandomly chosen and without a control group, who underwent a fusion transvaginal NOTES and minilaparoscopy procedure with two entryways for cholelithiasis. One was umbilical and measured 5 mm in diameter, and the other was in the right upper quadrant and measured 3 mm in diameter. Results  The scheduled surgical intervention was performed on the 15 patients in whom it had been indicated. There were no intraoperative complications. One patient had mild hematuria that resolved in less than 12 h; there were no other complications after average follow-up of 124 days. Nine patients were discharged in 24 h, and two were discharged less than 12 h after the procedure. Discussion  Hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy is a good surgical model for minimally invasive surgery, a combination of NOTES and minilaparoscopy. It can be performed in surgical settings where laparoscopy is practised regularly, using the instruments normally used for endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. Owing to the reproducibility of the intervention and the ease of vaginal closure, hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy will permit further development of NOTES in the future.     

Transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy utilizes no incisions outside the umbilicus.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard in the care of patients with cholelithiasis. A standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy employs three trocar incisions outside the umbilicus, which are a source of potential wound complications and an undesirable cosmetic outcome. We describe here a modification of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy which utilizes two transumbilical trocars and two transabdominal gallbladder stay sutures and does not require abdominal wall incisions outside the umbilicus. When technically feasible, this technique results in superior cosmesis and may reduce postoperative wound complications.     

Single-trocar cholecystectomy using a flexible endoscope and articulating laparoscopic instruments: a bridge to NOTES or the final form?

Introduction  NOTES cholecystectomy, may eliminate complications related to abdominal incisions. However, the nonmandatory gastrotomy and its safe closure is the main controversy accompanying this approach. Transvaginal access has minimal closure consequences but the safety of inserting extralong instruments between the intestines and having the angle of approach from below rather than from above is questionable. We conducted a study for performing cholecystectomy using a single laparoscopic trocar. Methods  The single-trocar cholecystectomy technique was developed on five porcine animal models weighing 35–40 kg each. A 15-mm trocar was used, inserted transumbilicaly. Retraction of the gallbladder was achieved using an endoloop and transabdominal anchoring. Hartman’s pouch was manipulated with an endoscopic grasper, which was passed through the working channel of the endoscope, while dissection of the triangle of Callot was performed using articulating laparoscopic instruments. Results  Single-trocar cholecystectomy was successfully performed in four of five porcine models. Average surgery time was 90 min (35–180 min). The technique was modified and improved throughout the study. No intraoperative complications occurred. Conclusions  Single-trocar cholecystectomy is feasible and offers safe approach to this procedure. We assume that a single incision at the umbilicus generates minimal somatic pain, and achieves excellent cosmetic results. The translation of this technique to human subjects seems straightforward and raises the question of whether NOTES is the preferred technique for cholecystectomy.     

Single Incision Transumbilical Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A First Case Report

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which is based on the dual mechanisms of restriction and mal-absorption, is considered to be one of the gold standard surgeries for treatment of morbid obesity. However, the classic laparoscopic approach requires five to seven incisions for multiple trocar placement. Recently, single incision laparoscopic surgery has been adopted for performing appendectomies, cholecystectomies, sleeve gastrectomies, and adjustable gastric band surgeries. Here, we described the first case of a patient receiving laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass through a single transumbilical incision. The operative time was 170 min. There were no intra-operative complications; the patient did very well postoperatively and was discharged 2 days later. Single incision laparoscopic surgery has been viewed as an alternative to natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. When performed via the transumbilical route, it can make the abdominal wound scarless and cosmetically more acceptable.     

完全经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术30例临床应用分析

目的探讨完全经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术的可行性及应用前景。方法总结分析2009年5至9月中国医科大学附属盛京医院第一微创外科、胆道外科施行的30例完全经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术的手术方法及临床效果。结果30例手术均获成功,无一例中转传统腹腔镜或开腹胆囊切除术,手术时间为20～60min,平均32.2min。术后无出血、胆汁漏等并发症发生,患者恢复良好,对治疗及美容效果满意。结论完全经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术在技术上是安全可行的,但较传统腹腔镜胆囊切除术而言其操作难度增加,近远期临床疗效和手术风险需要进一步的临床随机对照研究来证实。     

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??Transumbilical Single-Port laparoscopic cholecystectomy:experience of 120 cases GUO Wei, ZHANG Zhong-tao, HAN Wei, et al.Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
Corresponding author: Zhang Zhongtao, E-mail??zhangzht@medmail.com.cn
Abstract Objective To evaluate the outcomes of transumbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and review the technique improvement. Methods From May 2008 to Dec 2009, 120 cases transumbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed in our hospital. The clinical data and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Results One patient (0.8%) was converted to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4 ports) due to perigallbladder adhesion. The mean operating time was 58.5±23.7min (28-145min). The mean blood loss was 15.3±8.6ml (2-100ml). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.3 (range, 1-3d) days. All the incisions except 4 were healed well and the surgical scar was satisfied and virtually concealed within the umbilicus. No postoperative complications were observed at follow-up 1-17 months. Conclusions Transumbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible when patients were well selected.     

经脐入路腹腔镜无疤痕胆囊切除术33例报告

目的:探讨经脐入路腹腔镜无疤痕胆囊切除术的可行性.方法:33例患者均于脐下穿刺5mm Trocar,置入30°腹腔镜,脐上缘做l5 mm切口,穿刺10mm Trocar作为主操作孔,于其右侧穿刺5mm Trocar后拔出Trocar,置入无创抓钳,完成胆囊切除术.结果:33例手术均获成功,无中转传统腹腔镜手术.手术时间...     

Evaluation for transvaginal and transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy in human and animal natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery

Background/purpose  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel concept using an endoscope via a translumenal access for abdominal surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and technical aspects of NOTES cholecystectomy from our experience on humans and animals. Methods  NOTES cholecystectomies were performed in 12 animal experiments, including 8 pigs (6 by transgastric and 2 by transvaginal accesses) and 4 dogs (4 transvaginal accesses), and a human female cadaver. Results  The entire gallbladder could be removed under direct vision in all experiments. The average time was 60 min by transgastric and 40 min by transvaginal in animals. It was 87 min for human transvaginal cholecystectomy. In all animal and human procedures, there was no major complication concerning the operation. Discussion  The transvaginal route may be the easiest route for abdominal NOTES. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) allowed the safe performance of a controlled gastric perforation and shortened the time. The hybrid method allowed performance of a safe procedure and shortened the time. Conclusions  Transvaginal and transgastric NOTES cholecystectomy is technically feasible and safe in both humans and animals. New instrumentation needs to be developed to perform a pure NOTES cholecystectomy without transabdominal assistance.     

经脐腹腔镜胆囊切除术的技术难点及对策

目的:探讨经脐腹腔镜胆囊切除术的技术难点及对策。方法:经脐下缘、脐左上缘及脐右上缘分别置入10mm30°腹腔镜及稍加改进的普通腹腔镜手术器械,完成胆囊切除术50例,其中胆囊切除术47例,胆囊部分切除术2例,胆囊切除联合肝囊肿开窗术1例。腹腔镜下丝线双重结扎胆囊管46例,缝扎2例,圈套器结扎2例。丝线结扎、切断胆囊动脉41例,超声刀切断8例,缝扎1例。放置肝下负压球引流管12例。结果:所有手术均获成功,无中转常规腹腔镜手术或开腹手术。术中无不可控制的出血,术后无出血、胆漏、感染等并发症发生。手术时间20~250m in,平均65m in,术中出血0~120m l,平均10m l。结论:"一个中心,两个操作点"是腹腔镜与操作器械间较合理的立体关系。经脐腹腔镜胆囊切除术的技术重点是胆囊管和胆囊动脉的处理。掌握经脐腹腔镜结扎缝合技术可适当扩大手术适应证。     

Transumbilical endoscopic surgery: a preliminary clinical report

Objective  There has been great interest in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in recent years. We report another new approach—transumbilical endoscopic surgery (TUES)—which we have performed in 40 cases for liver cysts (3), bleeding ascites (1), chronic appendicitis (10), and gallbladder diseases (26). Methods  Transumbilical endoscopic liver cyst fenestration, abdominal cavity exploration, appendectomy, and cholecystectomy were performed in a total of 40 patients. Results  All the operations were completed successfully except one case of intraoperative bleeding in TUES cholecystectomy which was converted to routine laparoscopic surgery. The operating times for TUES cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and liver cyst fenestration were 30–150 min,15–40 min, and 30–90 min, respectively. No postoperative bleeding or bile leakage occurred in this group of patients. Conclusions  Transumbilical endoscopic surgery is feasible, and would be another option for scarless abdominal surgery. TUES cholecystectomy is technically challenging. Careful selection of patients is important in the initial period of this technique.     

Can Gastric Irrigation Prevent Infection During NOTES Mesh Placement?

Background  Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) ventral hernia repair could avoid abdominal wall incisions. The infectious risk for mesh placement is of concern. We compared NOTES with laparoscopic mesh placement. Methods  Thirty-seven swine were randomized to abdominal wall polypropylene mesh placement via NOTES or laparoscopy or NOTES control. All animals received antibiotics and gastric irrigation; the laparoscopy group also received preoperative acid suppression. In the NOTES mesh group, the 2-cm² polypropylene mesh was placed using a transgastric transportation device and clipped to the anterior abdominal wall. The control animals underwent endoscopy (no gastrotomy) followed by laparoscopic mesh placement or NOTES only without mesh placement. Necropsy was performed at 14 days. Results  One NOTES mesh placement was incomplete (endoscope failure). All mesh animals survived to 14 days. At necropsy, significantly more mesh infections were noted in the NOTES mesh versus laparoscopy group (4:11 vs 0:14; p = 0.03). Gastric irrigation reduced the bacterial load significantly in all groups (p < 0.001). Infection was independent of gastric bacterial load. No difference between acid suppressed and non-suppressed animals was seen. Conclusion  The mesh placement via NOTES is technically feasible but has a high infection rate despite irrigation. Sterile conduits are needed to enable NOTES-type hernia repair with mesh. Presented at the 49th annual meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, May 21, 2008, San Diego, CA.