Clinical application of a new compression anastomotic device for colorectal surgery

Fifty-six patients underwent large bowel anastomosis by the compression anastomotic device developed by the authors from May 1986 through December 1988. Operations performed were 40 left hemicolectomies or anterior resections of the sigmoid and rectum, 7 left colon resections, 7 right hemicolectomies, and 2 total colectomies. Twenty-one anastomoses were done on the extraperitoneal rectum, in 7 cases less than 4 cm from the anal verge and in 9 cases between 4.5 and 8 cm. Five intraoperative diverting colostomies were done (9%). The rings of the device were evacuated postoperatively after a mean of 11 days with little or no discomfort. Operative mortality was 1.8% (one patient died of myocardial infarction). Anastomotic complications were one (1.8%) clinical and one (1.8%) subclinical leak. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. This initial clinical experience shows that the anastomotic device is reliable.     

Are transverse colon cancers suitable for laparoscopic resection?

Background The large randomized trials reporting on laparoscopic versus open colon surgery for cancer have all excluded patients with transverse colon cancer lesions. This study was undertaken to review our experience with surgery for curable transverse colon cancer. Methods A database of 938 laparoscopic colon resections performed between April 1991 and September 2004 was reviewed. Of 514 procedures for cancer, stage IV disease, mid to low rectal cancers, and total colectomies were excluded. On an intent-to-treat basis, outcomes of surgery for transverse colon lesions (TC) were compared with outcomes of segmental colon resections for other lesions (OC). Results A total of 22 TC were resected compared with 285 OC. Patients with TC were similar to patients with OC in age, gender, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Cancer stage was equivalent between patients with TC (9 Stage I, 7 Stage II, 6 Stage III) and OC (66 Stage I, 126 Stage II, 93 Stage III, p = 0.170) as was tumor size. Patients with TC underwent 9 transverse colectomies, 12 extended right hemicolectomies, and 1 extended left hemicolectomy. Patients with OC underwent 126 right hemicolectomies, 24 left hemicolectomies, and 135 sigmoid colectomies or anterior resections. There were no differences in conversion rate (18.2% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.752) or in intraoperative (9% vs. 8%, p = 0.814) or postoperative (41% vs. 30%, p = 0.418) complications. Operating time was longer with TC (209 ± 63 min vs. 176 ± 60 min, p = 0.042) and lymph node harvest was higher (15.3 ± 11.6 vs. 10.8 ± 7.6, p = 0.011). At a median followup of 17.2 months and 17.1 months, respectively, there were two (9%) recurrences after resection of TC and 17 (6%) recurrences after resection of OC. Conclusions Laparoscopic resection of transverse colon cancers is technically feasible and not associated with a significantly higher rate of complications or conversions or with impaired oncologic outcomes compared with patients having segmental laparoscopic resections for other colon cancers. Operating time is longer. Presented at the 13th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, Venice, Italy, June 2–4, 2005     

A technique for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy using two ports.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery requires advanced laparoscopic skills. The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy using only 2 ports and to review our initial experience with this technique for patients with benign colonic pathologies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had laparoscopic-assisted colon surgery using this technique was performed. The technique is described. RESULTS: For right colectomy, a 10-mm trocar for the camera was placed just below the umbilicus and a 5-mm working port just above the umbilicus. The colon was mobilized using one instrument and gravity assistance. The incisions were then connected, and the mobilized colon was pulled through this incision. For left-sided colectomy, the 5-mm working port was placed at the left suprapubic hairline, which was then extended for removal of the specimen. Sixty patients with benign colonic pathologies had laparoscopic-assisted colon surgery using only 2 ports. Conversion to open surgery was required in 4 cases. The average length of the skin incision was 3.82 cm, and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.18 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (18%) and included anastomotic leak in 1 patient and wound infection in 2. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy using 2 ports is easy and feasible, with minimal skin incisions and fast recovery. Our initial experience suggests that it may be easier for the experienced colorectal surgeon to acquire the skills needed to perform this technique.     

Validation of the German classification system for quality assessment of right-sided colon cancer specimens

Aim

The German classification system of the completeness of mesocolic excision aims to assess the quality of right-sided colonic cancer surgery by review of photographs. We aimed to validate the reliability of the classification in a clinical context.

Method

The study was based on a cohort of patients undergoing resection for right-sided colon cancer in two university hospitals served by the same group of pathologists. Prospectively collected photographs of the specimens were assessed twice by six colorectal surgeons to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater accuracy of the German classification and a modification assessing extended right-sided resections.

Results

Specimens from 613 resections for right-sided colon cancer were reviewed. Twenty-one specimens were found to be non-assessable, leaving 436 right hemicolectomies, 139 extended right hemicolectomies and 17 right-sided subtotal colectomies. Intra-rater reliability was 0.57–0.74 and weighted kappa coefficients 0.58–0.74, without differences between subgroups. The percentage of agreement between all six participants was 20.3% for all specimens, 21.1% for right hemicolectomy specimens and 18.1% for extended hemicolectomy and right-sided subtotal colectomy specimens. For the right hemicolectomy specimens, the model-based kappa coefficient for agreement was 0.27 (95% CI 0.24–0.30) and for association 0.45 (95% CI 0.41–0.49).

Conclusion

The German classification of right hemicolectomy specimens showed low intra-rater reliability and inter-rater agreement and association. The use of this classification for scientific purposes appeared not to be reliable.     

机器人手术系统辅助结肠癌手术13例

目的探讨达芬奇机器人手术系统辅助结肠癌手术的安全性与可行性。方法回顾性总结2010年5-11月实施的13例达芬奇机器人手术系统辅助结肠癌手术的治疗效果。结果13例结肠癌患者行右半结肠切除5例、左半结肠切除3例、乙状结肠切除5例。手术均顺利完成,无中转开腹。手术时间（171．5±31．8）min,术中失血量（54．6±21．8）ml,术后肠蠕动恢复时间为（60．9±15．8）h,术后住院时间（6．4±3．6）d。术后除1例切口脂肪液化外,未出现出血、吻合口瘘、吻合口狭窄等并发症。结论达芬奇机器人手术系统应用于结肠癌手术安全可行。     

Sixty-one cases of acute obstructions of the colon caused by cancer. Indications for emergency surgery]

Sixty-one cases of acute malignant colonic obstruction were operated upon within 24 hours after the patient's admission, between 1979 and 1989: 10 for a right colon carcinoma, 51 for a left-sided lesion. Indications, for emergency operation were: complete clinical obstruction, iliac tenderness, radiologic ileal fluid levels and arrest on barium enema. The initial procedures consisted of 8 right hemicolectomies, and for the left-sided obstructions, 32 colostomies, 7 colectomies with immediate anastomosis, and 12 colectomies without anastomosis. Overall mortality was nil for the right side and 4% left-sided obstructions. The current surgical procedures of choice according to the authors are: right hemicolectomy for right-sided obstruction; elective colostomy for the left side. In case of doubt about the mechanism of obstruction or vitality of the colon, a midline approach for operative exploration, followed by colectomy without anastomosis is recommended. Colectomy with immediate anastomosis is possible in rare favourable cases. Subtotal colectomy is indicated in cases of ischemic lesions, caecal perforation or other colonic tumours. Intraoperative irrigation of the colon is rarely permitted in this particular variety of acute obstruction.     

腹腔镜结肠镜诊治直肠癌合并结直肠息肉22例分析

目的:探讨直肠癌合并结直肠息肉的发生率及腹腔镜结合结肠镜处理直肠癌合并结直肠息肉的方法。方法:回顾分析腹腔镜、结肠镜处理直肠癌合并结直肠息肉22例患者的临床资料。结果:9例直肠癌患者结肠镜检查结直肠息肉检出率为24.10%,显著高于同期结肠镜检查结直肠息肉的总检出率12.19%(P<0.01)。直肠癌患者行腹腔镜直肠癌根治术,术前、术中行结肠镜息肉切除术14例;术前结肠镜下注射亚甲蓝标记或术中结肠镜引导下,腹腔镜行直肠癌根治术的同时行含息肉结肠部分切除术5例;直肠癌合并升结肠息肉恶变行腹腔镜直肠癌根治术同时行右半结肠切除术1例;息肉靠近直肠癌一并行直肠癌根治性切除术2例。结直肠息肉切除率为100%,无并发症发生。22例术后随访0.5~4年,2例死于肿瘤转移,20例存活,无肿瘤或息肉复发。结论:直肠癌患者合并结直肠息肉的发生率较高。腹腔镜直肠癌根治性切除术的术前或术中有必要行结肠镜检查,根据息肉情况选择结肠镜息肉切除或腹腔镜下息肉切除。     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS): a report of 150 procedures

Background: This study was performed to evaluate the (long-term) morbidity associated with hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) for various indications. Methods: HALS procedures for various indications were evaluated prospectively from 1995 to 2002. The primary outcome parameters were postsurgical complications and the development of incisional hernias. Results: Twenty-six splenectomies, 51 hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (HLDN), 34 segmental bowel resections, 29 proctocolectomies, and 10 emergency colectomies were evaluated. A Küstner or Pfannenstiel incision was used for handport placement. Minor complications (i.e., wound complications, urinary tract infection) occurred in 15%, 12%, 26%, 7%, and 33% of the patients after, respectively, splenectomy, HLDN, bowel resection, proctocolectomy, and emergency colectomy. Major complications (i.e., hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage) occurred in 15% and 12% of the patients after, respectively, bowel resection and proctocolectomy. Incisional hernias occurred in six patients (4%), all after a wound complication in the Küstner incision. Conclusion: HALS is fast, safe, and feasible for various indications, especially HLDN and (procto-)colectomies. Little advantage can be expected when HALS is applied in splenectomy and segmental bowel (sigmoid) resection.     

Comparison Between Transverse Mini-Incision and Longitudinal Mini-Incision for the Resection of Locally Advanced Colonic Cancer

We performed a retrospective review of non-overweight (body mass index ≤ 25 kg/m²) patients scheduled to undergo a curative resection of locally advanced colon cancer via a transverse mini-incision (n = 62) or a longitudinal mini-incision (skin incision ≤7 cm, n = 62), with the latter group of patients randomly selected as historical controls matched with the former group according to tumor location. Extension of the transverse mini-incision wound was necessary in 3 patients (5%). Both groups were largely equivalent in terms of demographic, clinicopathological, and surgical factors and frequency of postoperative complications. Postoperative analgesic was significantly less (P = 0.04) and postoperative length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) in the transverse mini-incision group. Concerning a mini-incision approach for locally advanced colonic cancer, a transverse incision seems to be advantageous with regard to minimal invasiveness and early recovery compared with a longitudinal incision.Key words: Colonic cancer, Colectomy, Transverse incision, Mini-laparotomyAs a useful alternative to laparoscopic-assisted surgery, we have performed a longitudinal mini-incision (skin incision, <7 cm) for the resection of locally advanced colonic cancer in non-overweight (body mass index <25.0 kg/m²) patients since 2000 and have demonstrated satisfactory outcomes in terms of technical feasibility and safety, minimal invasiveness, and oncological safety.^1–5 The “longitudinal short” or “transverse” incision has been proposed as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care protocol,⁶ which was developed firstly and mainly for open colectomies. The use of such incision types is considered to reduce postoperative pain, leading to a more rapid return of patient mobility. However, a “transverse mini-incision” has rarely been evaluated, probably because many surgeons likely believe a curative colectomy via such an incision type would be difficult to perform. In April 2009, we began using a “transverse mini-incision” for the curative resection of locally advanced colonic cancer as an alternative approach to the previously used “longitudinal mini-incision.” We herein report the results of a comparison between “transverse mini-incision” and “longitudinal mini-incision” for the resection of locally advanced colonic cancer in terms of technical feasibility and safety as well as minimal invasiveness.     

3D与2D腹腔镜系统在结直肠癌手术应用的随机对照研究

目的研究3D腹腔镜系统在结直肠癌根治术中手术操作技术、术后短期疗效、可行性、安全性及肿瘤根治性。方法采用前瞻性分析法,收入2013年11月至2015年6月在上海市微创外科临床医学中心进行腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术的74例病人,按照随机数字表法分为2D(高清)腹腔镜组及3D腹腔镜组。2D腹腔镜组共38例,其中男性20例、女性18例,中位年龄为60.5岁(46~83岁);3D腹腔镜组共36例,其中男性16例、女性20例,中位年龄为62岁(37~84岁)。38例2D腹腔镜组病人中,腔镜右半结肠癌根治术12例,腹腔镜左半结肠癌根治术4例,腹腔镜横结肠癌根治术1例,腹腔镜乙状结肠癌根治术2例,腹腔镜根治性直肠前切除术17例(其中3例行末端回肠造口术),腹腔镜腹会阴联合直肠癌根治术2例。36例3D腹腔镜病人中,腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术15例,腹腔镜左半结肠癌根治术3例,腹腔镜横结肠癌根治术1例,腹腔镜乙状结肠癌根治术3例,腹腔镜根治性直肠前切除术10例(其中5例行末端回肠造口术),腹腔镜腹会阴联合直肠癌根治术4例。结果所有病例均成功接受手术,无术中严重并发症和手术死亡发生,无中转开腹手术。2D腹腔镜组平均手术时间为(153.3±54.9)min,平均术中出血为(117.9±102.5)ml,平均排气时间为(2.3±0.9)d,平均住院天数为(9.6±7.8)d。3D腹腔镜组平均手术时间为(152.9±48.3)min,与2D腹腔镜组比较P=0.973;平均术中出血为(100.3±66.3)ml,与2D腹腔镜组比较P=0.386;平均排气时间为(2.1±0.8)d,与2D腹腔镜组比较P=0.228;平均住院天数为(8.1±3.2)d,与2D腹腔镜组比较P=0.289。术后2D腹腔镜组有1例腹腔镜根治性直肠前切除术及1例腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术出现吻合口漏;3D腹腔镜组有1例腹腔镜腹会阴联合直肠癌根治术出现会阴切口感染。以上病人予对症治疗后均好转,无行二次手术病人。结论 2D腹腔镜系统与3D腹腔镜系统在手术操作上相似,两者手术后临床短期疗效、肿瘤根治程度相当。进一步研究尚需病例的积累与远期疗效的观察。     

Laparoscopic-assisted colon resections: long-term results and survival.

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the long-term results and patient survival for laparoscopic-assisted resection of colorectal malignancies. The place of laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal carcinomas is controversial. The techniques and expected surgical outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted colectomies are being defined as these procedures become more acceptable and reach parity with, or even surpass, results of traditional operations. Anecdotal reports in the literature describe port-site and incisional tumor implantation in patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted colectomies for colorectal malignancies. This raises concerns about whether these incisional tumor sites are more common in these patients and whether their survival is compromised by the laparoscopic technique. METHODS: The authors reviewed data from 110 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted colectomies for colorectal cancer to determine the long-term results and survival and to compare the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted colectomy to the safety and efficacy of open colectomy. Between July 1991 and June 1999, 350 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted colectomies. Of these, 110 patients had colorectal malignancies. Survival rates and patterns of recurrence were compared within the various TNM stages and compared with conventional data after open surgery. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging for colorectal carcinomas and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to determine the survival curves. RESULTS: Laparoscopic-assisted colon resections for colorectal malignancies were performed in 110 patients. Fifty-one percent of the patients were women, and 49% percent were men, with a mean age of 78.17 years. The mean follow-up was 43 months. Thirteen patients were converted to open operation due to various difficulties encountered during the procedure. Mean operative time was 128.16 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 6.91 days. Perioperative mortality was 2.77%. There were 4 local recurrences. The ten-year survival rates for the various stages were 78% for stage I, 33% for stage II, 30% for stage III, and 0% for stage IV. No port-site implantations occurred. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted colon resection of colorectal carcinomas is technically feasible and safe. It allows earlier postoperative recovery and a shorter hospital stay. The long-term survival is also satisfactory. The incidence of port-site implants is no more than that with the conventional open technique. Determination of any benefits over the conventional open technique, however, still await prospective randomized trials.     

Superior lymph node resection is achievable with laparoscopic colectomy: even in initial 30 cases

Recent studies demonstrated the validity of the laparoscopic technique in colon cancer resection. Recent node resection data for open colectomies show inadequate nodal removal is common. In this study, two experienced laparoscopic surgeons evaluated their initial outcomes with laparoscopic colectomy, including resections for malignancies. This retrospective review of clinic and hospital records involved 69 consecutive patients subjected to laparoscopic colectomies from July 2000 through December 2005. Outcomes were compared with 1000 patients from Senagore and Delaney. Adequacy of oncologic resection was compared with the published National Cancer Institute database. Sixty-nine resections were performed. Overall complication and conversion rates were comparable to Senagore and Delaney except for days of hospitalization at 6.0 compared with 3.7 (P < 0.01) and readmission of 4.2 per cent compared with 9.1 per cent (P < 0.01). Adequate node resection occurred in 26 of 32 patients (81%) compared with 37 per cent of open colectomies in the National Cancer Institute nationwide database (P < 0.05). The overall median number of nodes resected was 18. For veteran laparoscopic surgeons in a community hospital, the initial experience with laparoscopic colectomy can provide excellent results, meeting standards set in large published series. In addition, the resection of nodes in colon cancer can be significantly better when performed laparoscopically or by hand-assisted laparoscopy.     

Safety and efficacy of the use of bioabsorbable seamguard in colorectal surgery at the Texas endosurgery institute

Bioabsorbable Seamguard (BSG) is a random-fiber web of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate. It is completely absorbed within 6 months or less due to its constitution of a bioabsorbable membrane with polyester braided suture. It has been used in obesity surgery and pulmonary surgery as staple-line reinforcement with good results. As such, we believe that BSG may be ideal to use in colorectal surgery as an aid during the healing process of an anastomosis and may help prevent anastomotic bleeding and staple-line disruption. From July 2003 through September 2004, 30 patients underwent placement of BSG for the following procedures: 12 right hemicolectomies, 7 low anterior resections, 5 sigmoid colectomies, 3 total colectomies, 2 partial resections, and 1 colostomy closure. Median follow-up was 7 months (range 1-13). There were no clinical leaks, no strictures, and no bleeding in our early postoperative follow-up period. The use of BSG as a staple-line reinforcer appears to be safe and may be useful in preventing anastomotic leakage, bleeding, and intraluminal stenosis.     

The single-stage surgery of colorectal neoplastic occlusion. The experience of 133 cases

BACKGROUND AND AIM: 133 cases of occluded colorectal neoplasms (14% of the entire series): 30 (23%) of the right colon, 103 (77%) of the left colon-rectum; 69 males (52%) and 64 females (48%); mean age 67.5 years old, range 33-91 years. pTNM: stage II, 28 cases (21%); stage III: 43 cases (32%); stage IV, 62 cases (47%). The aim of this study was to resolve the occlusive symptoms and to treat the neoplasm in a single operation. METHODS: In the 62 cases at stage IV, surgery was solely palliative: 49 (79%) derivations, 13 (21%) entero-enterostomies and 36 (58%) preternatural anus; 11 (18%) standard hemicolectomies, extended in two cases to hepatic resection, and 2 (3%) Hartmann's operations. In the 71 cases at stages II and III, surgery took the form of standard colic exeresis with primary ligature of the colonic vessels at source and at the outlet; 15 (21%) right colectomies, 50 (70%) left colectomies, extended in 6 cases (8%) to abdomino-perineal amputation; 6 segmentary colectomies, 3 (4%) of the transverse colon and 3 (4%) Hartmann's operations. The following aspects are essential in this single-stage surgery: urgency; massive dose antibiotic treatment limited to the pre- and perioperative stages; peritoneal cleansing using accurate, methodical, repeated and abundant lavage; perioperative colonic preparation using direct colotomic perioperative lavage or using a trans-buccoenteric access (using Grosz-Dennis tube); the peritonisation of the retroperitoneum with the omentum and the protection of the anastomosis using omental wrapping and active lavage and, for colorectal anastomosis, even using the 3-way tube, lavage and active aspiration, in a transanal trans- or sub-anastomotic position. Total parenteral feeding is useful for 6-7 days. RESULTS: In the 62 cases at stage IV, postoperative morbidity was 3 cases (6%): 3 suppurations of laparotomy, and mortality occurred in 10 cases (16%): one case of anastomotic disunion (pre-Gullino's tube), 3 cases of septic shock and 6 cardiorespiratory failures. Mean postoperative hospitalisation was 14 days. All these patients died owing to the spread of neoplasms within 1-40 months, mean 13 months. The worst results were obtained in entero-enterostomies: 1-9 months, mean 5 months. In the 71 cases at stages II and III, postoperative morbidity was 3 cases (4%): a small anastomotic filtration after right colectomy and 2 suppurations of the laparotomic incision; mortality amounted to 10 cases (14%): one case of septic shock, one of acute hepatitis, one intestinal infarction and one cardiac infarction, 3 pulmonary embolisms and 3 cardiorespiratory failures. Mean postoperative hospitalisation was 13 days, only 10 in cases of left colectomy with anastomosis protected by Gullino's tube. The long-term results were very good in these 71 patients: over 5-year survival of 50% (Kaplan-Meier). CONCLUSIONS: Using this courageous single-stage surgery, the results are optimal even at a distance, together with reduced surgical trauma and a shorter hospital stay.     

The incidence of positive peritoneal cytology in colon cancer: a prospective randomized blinded trial

Many investigators have attempted to explain the suspected increased incidence of port site metastasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections for cancer with animal models in which cancer is simulated by injection of a tumor slurry into the peritoneal cavity. This approach makes the basic assumption that all patients with colorectal malignancies have viable cancer cells freely circulating within the peritoneal cavity. Recent reports in open colorectal resections have conflicting results. Some suggest that the true incidence is negligible and related to advanced-stage cancers whereas others implicate a much higher incidence. We initiated a prospective blinded trial to establish the true incidence of malignant peritoneal cytology in colorectal cancer. One hundred eight consecutive colon resections underwent conventional peritoneal cytologic evaluation. The patients included those with inflammatory conditions of the colon as well as malignant disease. The cytopathologist was blinded as to the indications for surgery as well as the final pathology result. In only one case--stage IV rectal cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis--was the cytologic specimen positive. Malignant cytology appears to be an infrequent occurrence and is restricted to advanced-stage cancer.     

Outcomes of right- compared with left-side colectomy

Right colon resections are perceived as less morbid than left colon resections. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in outcomes between right-and left-side colon resections. We reviewed 420 consecutive open colectomies over 4 years. Patient demographics, surgical indications, intraoperative variables, and outcomes were collected. Two hundred twenty-three right colectomies (RCs) were compared with 197 left colectomies (LCs). RCs were more often required for cancer (111 vs 65, P < .001) and LCs for diverticular disease (10 vs 90, P < .001). LCs were more often performed emergently (36% vs 23%, P = .004) and required longer mean operative times (149 minutes vs 130 minutes, P = .004). Complications and mortality in the two groups were equal statistically. In the emergent colectomy subset, LCs were associated with greater intraoperative blood loss (315 vs 201 mL, P = .02) but fewer complications (11% vs 17%, P = .003).     

Outcomes after laparoscopic or robotic colectomy and open colectomy when compared by operative duration for the procedure

Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with important early postoperative advantages. These procedures can however increase total operative duration. Our hypothesis is that increased operative duration is associated with post-operative complications that may outweigh the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. We analyzed data from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC)R. This is a statewide database of patients who have undergone colon or rectal resections. Colorectal procedures were divided into four groups by surgical approach: open, laparoscopic, robotic and laparoscopic and robotic procedures converted to open. The sample was divided into three groups by operative duration: less than 2 h, between 2 and 4 h and greater than 4 h and compared by selected preoperative variables and outcomes. Small but significant differences in perioperative outcomes were noted in colectomies with a >4 h operative duration. However, laparoscopic procedures exceeding 4 h were not associated with significant differences perioperative outcomes.     

One-stage resection and primary anastomosis following acute obstruction of the left colon for cancer

The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome in patients with acute obstruction of the left colon for cancer and treated by intraoperative decompression, on-table lavage, resection, and primary anastomosis. Between March 1992 and May 1998, 50 patients with acute obstruction of the left colon for cancer underwent surgery. Of these, 39 patients (25 men and 14 women; mean age, 65 years; range, 23-89) were treated with intraoperative decompression, on-table lavage, resection, and primary anastomosis. Six patients (15%) had fecal localized peritonitis. Left colectomies were performed in 16 patients (32%), partial colectomies in 19 patients (38%), and anterior resections in 4 patients (8%). The primary anastomosis was intraperitoneal in 29 patients (74%) and below the peritoneal reflection of the rectum in 10 (26%). The postoperative course was uneventful in 30 of the 39 cases. One patient (3%) died (within 30 days from surgery) from septic shock and multiple organ failure syndrome. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 2 patients (6%). An intra-abdominal abscess occurred in one case (3%). Other common complications included wound infections in 3 patients (8%). This experience suggests that intraoperative decompression, on-table lavage, resection, and primary anastomosis can be performed safely in selected patients with acute obstruction of the left colon for cancer than in those with an anastomosis in the nondiverted colon. Anastomosis below the peritoneal reflection is also not a contraindication.     

Intra-abdominal lesions could be missed by inadequate laparoscopy

Laparoscopic resection has become one of the choices for colectomy for various colon and rectal diseases in recent years. Despite some uncertainties of laparoscopic procedures, especially during cancer surgery, its popularity has forced surgeons to pursue the approach. One of the concerns is inadequate examination of the intra-abdominal organs with a laparoscope. This study is a retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's experience of the frequencies of unexpected findings during laparotomies. From July 1990 to November 2005, 2775 patients with various colorectal diseases receiving laparotomies by a single surgeon were analyzed. Among them, 2282 patients were operated for primary colorectal cancer. Excluded were patients who did not receive a formal laparotomy, who had a recent laparotomy, who had peritoneal and omental metastasis, and whose pathology did not attract attention for management. Exploration of the entire peritoneal cavity was performed for all cases in the series. There were 1423 males and 1352 females. Ages ranged from 12 to 94 years, averaging 62.6-years-old. Forty-six patients (1.7%) were found to have unexpected intra-abdominal lesions during laparotomies. Eleven patients were found to have synchronous colorectal cancers; five patients were found to have unexpected liver metastases; three patients each were found to have gastric cancers, stromal tumors of the small bowel, and ectopic pancreas; two patients each were found to have gastric leiomyosarcomas, pancreatic cancers, mucoceles of the appendix, ulcers of the small intestine, bleeding Meckel's diverticula, pancreatitis, and perforations of the ileum; one patient each was found to have gall bladder cancer, malignant carcinoid tumor, pheochromocytoma, diverticulitis of the jejunum, diverticulitis of the colon, duplication of the colon, and aortic aneurysm larger than 6 cm. Forty-one of the lesions were likely to be missed by laparoscope. This experience suggests that incomplete laparotomies might miss various pathologies. Laparoscopy is not a complete form of laparotomy because of loss of tactile sensation. Laparoscopy might result in an inadequate or inappropriate management due to misdiagnosis.     

Laparoscopic Colectomy: Does the Learning Curve Extend Beyond Colorectal Surgery Fellowship?

Background and Objectives:

As minimally invasive colon and rectal resection has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade, the role that fellowship training plays has become an important question. This analysis examines the learning curve of one fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon in his first 100 cases.

Methods:

This was a prospectively collected retrospective analysis of the first 100 laparoscopic colon and rectal resections performed between July 2007 and July 2008 by a colorectal (CRS) fellowship trained surgeon at a Veteran''s Administration (VA) and county hospital. Included were all emergent and nonemergent laparoscopic cases.

Results:

Mean age was 63(range, 36 to 91). The 100 resections included 42 right, 6 left, 32 sigmoid, 13 rectal, and 7 total abdominal colectomies. Indications were 55% cancer, 20% unresectable polyp, 18% diverticular, 4% inflammatory, and 3% other. Overall mortality was 3%. Overall morbidity including wound infection was 24%. Early and late groups were similar in age, ASA score, and indication. Conversion rate was 4%. No statistical difference was seen in mortality, morbidity, EBL, LOS, margin, lymph nodes, or conversions between the first and second 50 cases (P<0.05). Right and sigmoid colectomy operative time decreased by 40.0% and 19.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Prior investigators have demonstrated a significant learning curve for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In the first 100 cases, there is no difference in mortality or morbidity between early and late cases. Alternatively, operative times decreased with experience. Laparoscopic training during CRS fellowship surpasses the learning curve in regard to safety and outcome, whereas operative efficiency improves over the first year of practice.