Diclofenac sodium versus fentanyl for analgesia in laparoscopic sterilization

The effectiveness of an anaesthetic technique employing diclofenac sodium as an analgesic given preoperativey by intramuscular injection was compared against one employing intravenous fentanyl in patients undergoing laparoscopic sterilization. Postoperative pain was marked and both drugs provided partial relief only. Patients in the diclofenac group had pain scores that were initially higher than those in the fentanyl group and the difference between the groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.02). Patients in the diclofenac group who received postoperative supplemental morphine analgesia recorded lower pain scores at 30 min than comparable patients in the fentanyl group ( P < 0.03). These findings suggest that neither drug provides sufficient analgesia for laparoscopic sterilization when given as a sole analgesic. Investigation of a combined analgesic technique employing morphine and a non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drug is warranted.     

Can we consider day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis? Identification of potentially eligible patients

Background

Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not yet been validated for acute cholecystitis. We sought to identify a subgroup of acute cholecystitis patients having been hospitalized overnight after laparoscopic cholecystectomy but who could have been eligible for day-case surgery.

Methods

We identified patients treated for acute cholecystitis with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our university medical center between May 1, 2010, and May 31, 2012, and who lacked contraindications for day-case surgery. In a second step, we assumed that patients hospitalized for <3 d would have been eligible for day-case surgery. We then compared patients hospitalized for ≤3 d with those hospitalized for >3 d in terms of demographic data, laboratory test results, and surgical procedures.

Results

The study population comprised 86 men and 82 women (median age: 57 y; age range: 18–90 y). Contraindications for day-case surgery were identified preoperatively in 23% of the cases (39 of 168) and intraoperatively in another 23% of the cases. The proportion of patients hospitalized for <3 d was 41% (69 of 168) when considering the intention-to-treat population and 57% (51 of 90) when considering patients with no contraindications to day-case surgery. Forty percent of the patients hospitalized for ≥3 d (16 of 39) suffered from postoperative pain that was poorly controlled by oral analgesics. Abdominal drainage was the only predictive factor for hospitalization <3 d (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.13 [0.02–0.71]; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Day-case laparoscopic may be feasible in selected patients with mild or moderate acute calculous cholecystitis. Our present results may be of use in designing a study of day-case surgery for acute calculous cholecystitis and related changes in the management of these patients.     

Effectiveness and sequelae of very low-dose suxamethonium for nasal intubation

We have studied the effectiveness and sequelae of low-dose suxamethoniumin 60 day-case oral surgery patients requiring nasal intubation.Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and alfentanil; 60 patientswere allocated randomly to three groups of 20 patients and receivedno suxamethonium, suxamethonium 0.25 mg kg^–1 or 0.5mgkg^–1. All patients received i.v. fentanyl and diclofenac100 mg rectally for analgesia. Good intubating conditions wereproduced in all 20 patients receiving suxamethonium 0.25 mgkg^–1, in 19 patients receiving suxamethonium 0.5 mg kg^–1and in 11 patients not receiving a neuromuscular blocker. Theincidence of postoperative myalgia after suxamethonium 0.25mg kg^–1 (20%) did not differ significantly from the incidenceafter propofol and alfentanil alone (28%).      

A double blind, randomised trial to compare the analgesic effect of oral premedication with paracetamol, diclofenac, or diclofenac and paracetamol, on postoperative pain following surgical suction termination of pregnancy

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine whether a combination of paracetamol and diclofenac provided a more effective analgesic premedication than paracetamol, or diclofenac alone for the treatment of postoperative pain following surgical suction termination of early pregnancy.

Methods:

A double blind, prospective trial, involving 60 patients randomized to receive either paracetamol (1 g) and placebo, diclofenac (50 mg) and placebo, or diclofenac (50 mg) and paracetamol (1 g) orally, prior to surgical termination of pregnancy. Intraoperative management was standardized. Peak pain was the primary end point. Pain scores were recorded immediately postoperatively, and at 2 and 4 h. Secondary end points were nausea, sedation, intraoperative blood loss, supplementary postoperative analgesic use, and delayed hospital discharge.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in peak pain between the three groups (P = 0.6).

Discussion:

The co-administration of prophylactic oral analgesic premedication with diclofenac and paracetamol did not result in a reduction in pain scores when compared to either diclofenac or paracetamol administered alone.     

Efficacité d’une manœuvre de recrutement alvéolaire associée à une pression expiratoire positive sur la mécanique respiratoire en cœliochirurgie bariatrique

Objective

To evaluate recruitment manoeuvre (RM) efficiency associated with a 10 cmH₂O positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) on respiratory mechanic estimated by lung compliance (Ctp) and PEEP to ZEEP expiratory volume delta (Δ VTE) during laparoscopic bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity.

Study design

Prospective randomized study.

Methods

Twenty-six obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m²) undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The recruitment group received an RM followed by a 10 cmH₂O PEP versus only 10 cmH₂O PEP in the control group. Ctp was measured during the intervention and functional residual capacity (FRC) was estimated measuring Δ VTE during a PEP to ZEP manoeuvre. Mann and Whitney tests as well as a t-test were used (significance p < 0.05).

Results

In the RM group, a significant improvement of 52 ± 14 ml/cmH₂O was noted versus a 36 ± 10 ml/cmH₂O in the PEP group (p = 0,004). This improvement was transitory and no statistically significant Δ VTE difference was noted between the groups at the end of the intervention (360 [90–770] ml [MRA] and 310 [190–450] ml [PEP]).

Conclusion

In patients with morbid obesity undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, an RM conducted prior the pneumoperitoneum temporarily improves lung mechanics but without any change of the end expiratory lung volume at the end of the surgery in comparison with PEP alone. The RM was well tolerated.     

Early bioavailability in day surgery: a comparison between orally, rectally, and intravenously administered paracetamol

Purpose:

Compare early bioavailability of rectal, effervescent oral, and i.v. paracetamol.

Scope:

Five groups of N = 7 patients received 1 or 2 g paracetamol orally or rectally or 1 g i.v. immediately after day surgery. Paracetamol concentrations taken after 20, 40 and 80 min. Median plasma paracetamol concentrations for 1 versus 2 g effervescents were 78 (25-114) versus 108 (95-146) μmol L⁻¹ at 80 min and 16 (9-30) versus 17 (10-30) μmol L⁻¹ for 1 versus 2 g suppositories. Paracetamol i.v. gave median 97 (77-135) μmol L⁻¹ after 40 min.

Conclusion:

Only intravenously and 2 g effervescent paracetamol gave therapeutic concentrations during the period studied.     

Intravenous ketamine compared with diclofenac suppository in suppressing acute postoperative pain in women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy

Purpose

We aimed to compare the analgesic effects of low-dose intravenous ketamine with the effects of diclofenac suppositories in acute postoperative pain management in women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods

In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 80 patients were selected and entered the study. After the induction of general anesthesia, one group received 0.15?mg/kg intravenous ketamine and the other group received a 100-mg rectal diclofenac suppository. The two groups were compared regarding acute pain scores, postoperative morphine requirements, and untoward complications.

Results

Pain scores and morphine requirements were lower in the rectal diclofenac suppository group at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative hours. Higher incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), delusions, and oral secretions were observed in the ketamine group.

Conclusions

Diclofenac 100-mg suppositories were more effective in suppressing acute pain than 0.15?mg/kg intravenous ketamine in women undergoing elective gynecologic laparoscopy, with fewer untoward complications.     

Nueva técnica de proctectomía trasanal con escisión total del mesorrecto totalmente robótica en el tratamiento del cáncer de recto

Anterior resection with total mesorectal excision is the standard method of rectal cancer resection. However, this procedure remains technically difficult in mid and low rectal cancer. A robotic transanal proctectomy with total mesorectal excision and laparoscopic assistance is reported in a 57 year old male with BMI 32 kg/m2 and rectal adenocarcinoma T2N1M0 at 5 cm from the dentate line.     

Comparison of long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children

Objectives

In recent years laparoscopic fundoplication is increasingly performed in pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children.

Methods

This retrospective study includes children who underwent a Thal fundoplication between 3/1997 and 7/2009. The minimum follow-up time to enter the study was 2 years; the overall median follow-up was 77 months (range, 29–176 months).

Results

A total of 101 patients were included, of which 47 underwent an open and 54 a laparoscopic Thal. Intraoperative problems, early postoperative complications, time to establish enteral feeds and length of stay did not differ among both groups. The mean duration of surgery was significantly less in the open group (OPG) (108.0 (± 7.72) versus 144.1 (± 6.36) minutes; p = 0.001) and this was mainly attributed to patients with neurological problems. Severe dysphagia requiring endoscopy was observed in 10 patients, but this did not differ significantly between groups (n = 2 in the OPG vs. n = 8 in the laparoscopic group (LAPG); p = 0.10). Overall 12 patients (11.9%) (6 in each group) required a redo-fundoplication after a median of 18.7 months (range, 6–36 months). In the whole study group, 80 patients (79.2%) were classified as having surgical results being excellent, good or satisfactory and this did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

In the long-term open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication have similarly good outcomes. The laparoscopic approach can be considered as an alternative, however there is not a clear superiority compared with the open counterpart.     

Estudo comparativo,randômico e duplo‐cego de petidina e cetoprofeno como adjuvantes de lidocaína em anestesia regional intravenosa

Background and objectives

A review of all the adjuncts for intravenous regional anaesthesia concluded that there is good evidence to recommend NonSteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory agents and pethidine in the dose of 30 mg dose as adjuncts to intravenous regional anaesthesia. But there are no studies to compare pethidine of 30 mg dose to any of the NonSteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory agents.

Methods

In a prospective, randomized, double blind study, 45 patients were given intravenous regional anaesthesia with either lignocaine alone or lignocaine with pethidine 30 mg or lignocaine with ketprofen 100 mg. Fentanyl was used as rescue analgesic during surgery. For the first 6 h of postoperative period analgesia was provided by fentanyl injection and between 6 and 24 h analgesia was provided by diclofenac tablets. Visual analogue scores for pain and consumption of fentanyl and diclofenac were compared.

Results

The block was inadequate for one case each in lignocaine group and pethidine group, so general anaesthesia was provided. Time for the first dose of fentanyl required for postoperative analgesia was significantly more in pethidine and ketoprofen groups compared to lignocaine group (156.7 ± 148.8 and 153.0 ± 106.0 vs. 52.1 ± 52.4 min respectively). Total fentanyl consumption in first 6 h of postoperative period was less in pethidine and ketoprofen groups compared to lignocaine group (37.5 ± 29.0 mcg, 38.3 ± 20.8 mcg vs. 64.2 ± 27.2 mcg respectively). Consumption of diclofenac tablets was 2.4 ± 0.7, 2.5 ± 0.5 and 2.0 ± 0.7 in the control, pethidine and ketoprofen group respectively, which was statistically not significant. Side effects were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion

Both pethidine and ketoprofen are equally effective in providing postoperative analgesia up to 6 h, without significant difference in the side effects and none of the adjuncts provide significant analgesia after 6 h.     

Resumption of daily physical activity after day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been proven to be safe and feasible as a day-case procedure. Few studies investigated postoperative activity resumption. The goal of this study was to objectively assess daily physical activity after day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy and evaluate the effect of encouragement of patients. Methods  This prospective controlled study measured daily physical activity in an unselected patient population undergoing day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using an accelerometer for 1 week before surgery to 1 week after. First, a control group received standard care. Subsequently, an intervention group was encouraged to swift resumption of daily physical activity by means of standardized advice combined with individualized activity goals. Outcome measures were activity scores, visual analogue scores (VAS) for pain and nausea and subjective factors limiting activity. Results  Sixty-four patients completed the study (n = 28 in the control group, n = 36 in the intervention group). In the control group, 36% of the patients reached their preoperative activity level after 1 week, as compared to 50% in the intervention group (p = 0.19). Resumption of daily physical activity during the first postoperative week in the intervention group was not significantly different from the control group [repeated measures analysis of variance (MANOVA), p = 0.05]. However, in contrast with men, women in the intervention group did show a faster recovery of daily physical activity as compared to the control group (MANOVA, p = 0.02). Although there was no significant difference in postoperative VAS scores for pain and nausea between both groups, patients in the intervention group experienced pain less often as a limiting factor (p = 0.006). Conclusion  Recovery of daily physical activity exceeded 1 week in most patients undergoing day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of an accelerometer and standardized encouragement accelerated recovery in women.     

Resultados del abordaje laparoscópico en el tratamiento de la obstrucción aguda del intestino delgado por adherencias y hernias internas

Introduction

Laparotomy is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO).

Patients and methods

From February 2007 to May 2012 we prospectively recorded all patients operated by laparoscopy in our hospital because of ASBO due to adhesions (27 cases) and/or internal hernia (6 cases). A preoperative abdominal CT was performed in all cases. Patients suffering from peritonitis and/or sepsis were excluded from the laparoscopic approach. It was decided to convert to laparotomy if intestinal resection was required.

Results

The mean age of the 33 patients who underwent surgery was 61.1 ± 17.6 years. 64% had previous history of abdominal surgery. 72% of the cases were operated by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy. Conversion rate was 21%. Operative time and postoperative length of stay were 83 ± 44 min. and 7.8 ± 11.2 days, respectively. Operative time (72 ± 30 vs 123 ± 63 min.), tolerance to oral intake (1.8 ± 0.9 vs 5.7 ± 3.3 days) and length of postoperative stay (4.7 ± 2.5 vs 19.4 ± 21 days) were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group compared with the conversion group, although converted patients had greater clinical severity (2 bowel resections). There were two severe complications (Clavien-Dindo III and V) in the conversion group.

Conclusions

In selected cases of ASBO caused by adhesions and internal hernias and when performed by surgeons highly skilled in laparoscopy, a laparoscopic approach has a high probability of success (low conversion rate, short hospital length of stay and low morbidity); its use would be fully justified in these cases.     

Effectiveness of naproxen in laparoscopic sterilization: a double blind randomized placebo controlled study

Effectiveness of naproxen suppositories on ambulation was studied following laparoscopic sterilization. In a double-blinded randomized placebo study, 20 patients received 500 mg naproxen suppositories and 20 patients placebo suppositories. Postoperatively 10 naproxen patients and 11 placebo patients reported high pain scores, indicating severe pain and requiring opiates. Times to reach street fitness were equally prolonged in both groups. Most patients in both groups required 3 days to resume normal duties and post-discharge weakness was a common complaint. Our conclusion was that premedication with naproxen 500 mg suppositories in day-case laparoscopic sterilization therapeutically behaves like other commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and does not substantially contribute to ambulation.     

Recovery of Renal Function After Open and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

Background

Although oncologic outcomes appear to be similar after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN), data on renal function are lacking.

Objective

To evaluate the change over time in renal function after LPN and OPN.

Design, setting, and participants

We identified 987 patients with a single sporadic tumor and a normal contralateral kidney who were treated by LPN (n = 182) and OPN (n = 805) between January 2002 and July 2009.

Intervention

All patients underwent LPN or OPN at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Measurements

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. We created a multivariable generalized estimating equations linear model that predicted GFR based on the time from surgery, preoperative GFR, tumor size, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and ischemia time.

Results and limitations

Mean patient age, tumor size, and ASA score were similar between LPN and OPN patients. The baseline preoperative GFR was lower in the laparoscopic group (67 ml/min per 1.73 m² vs 73 ml/min per 1.73 m²; p < 0.001). The mean ischemia time was shorter after LPN than OPN (35 min vs 40 min, respectively; p < 0.001). In a multivariable model, the interaction term between time from surgery and approach was statistically significant (p = 0.045), indicating that there was a differential effect on recovery of renal function over time by approach. Laparoscopically treated patients maintained a slightly higher renal function than those treated via an open approach. The 2-mo and 6-mo predicted GFR for a typical patient increased slightly from 65 ml/min per 1.73 m² to 67 ml/min per 1.73 m², respectively, for those treated laparoscopically but remained constant at 62 ml/min per 1.73 m² after OPN.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the surgical approach has a small effect on the recovery of renal function after partial nephrectomy. Laparoscopically treated patients maintained slightly higher renal function.     

Recovery time and patient satisfaction in ambulatory knee arthroscopy: Prospective study comparing three anaesthetic methods

The aim of this study was to compare recovery time and satisfaction of patients operated under two anaesthetic techniques. A randomised-controlled trial that enrolled ASA I-II patients submitted to ambulatory knee arthroscopy was designed. Patients included were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups: general intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), spinal anaesthesia with lidocaine (LIDO), and spinal anaesthesia with prilocaine (PRILO). Spinal groups did not receive supplementary sedation. Major outcome measures considered were both the time to discharge from the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) and from the day-case surgical unit (DSU), the incidence of adverse events, postoperative need for analgesics and patients satisfaction. One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled. Mean time from the patients comes into operating room to discharge from PACU was 125 ± 27 min for the PRILO group, 109 ± 24 min for the LIDO group and 106 ± 34 min for the TIVA group (P < 0.01). Time to discharge from the ASU was 279 ± 37 min for the PRILO group, 261 ± 53 min for the TIVA group and 241 ± 36 min for the LIDO group (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the appearance of adverse events, the need for postoperative analgesics and the degree of patient satisfaction among the study groups. A shorter recuperation time was observed in the LIDO group, but more TIVA patients preferred to have the same anesthetic again. All three anaesthetic methods are useful for ambulatory knee arthroscopy.     

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis in pediatric familial adenomatous polyposis: A 24-year review of operative technique and patient outcomes

Background

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the operative procedure of choice for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. We review 24 years of operative experience and outcomes in pediatric patients with FAP.

Methods

Patients with FAP, age < 20 years, presenting to a single institution between 1987 and 2011 were included. Operative technique and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications (30 days), long-term bowel function, and polyp recurrence at the anal anastomosis.

Results

95 patients with FAP underwent IPAA. Mean age at IPAA was 15.5 years with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years. 29 patients underwent 1-stage IPAA, 65 patients had a two-stage IPAA, and 1 patient underwent a 3-stage procedure. 67 patients had an open procedure, 25 underwent a laparoscopic approach, and more recently 3 patients underwent single incision laparoscopic IPAA. Patients with 1-stage IPAA demonstrate better long term bowel control vs. 2-stage IPAA patients (10.7% vs. 36.0% occasional incontinence, p = 0.018). However, 1-stage IPAA patients suffered increased short-term complications, such as anastomotic leak (17.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.002) and reoperation (20.7% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.02) compared to 2-stage IPAA. Anal anastomosis polyp recurrence occurred in 22.7% of 1-stage patients and 10.0% of 2-stage patients. Short-term complications, polyp recurrence, or long-term continence were equivalent between open and laparoscopic cases.

Conclusion

Single-stage IPAA in children with FAP is associated with better bowel control but increased anastomotic leak, reoperative rate, and polyp recurrence. In experienced hands, laparoscopic IPAA is equivocal to open IPAA.     

Aprendizaje de la cirugía del cáncer de recto por laparoscopia sin aumento de la morbimortalidad

Introduction

The treatment of rectal cancer via laparoscopy is controversial due to its technical complexity. Several randomized prospective studies have demonstrated clear advantages for the patient with similar oncological results to those of open surgery, although during the learning of this surgical technique there may be an increase in complications and a worse prognosis.

Objective

Our aim is to analyze how the learning curve for rectal cancer via laparoscopy influences intra- and postoperative results and oncological markers. A retrospective review was conducted of the first 120 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal neoplasia. The operations were performed by the same surgical team with a wide experience in the treatment of open colorectal cancer and qualified to perform advanced laparoscopic surgery. We analyzed sex, ASA, tumour location, neoadjuvant treatment, surgical technique, operating time, conversion, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, number of lymph nodes, stage and involvement of margins.

Results

Significant differences were observed with regard to surgical time (224 min in the first group, 204 min in the second group), with a higher rate of conversion in the first group (22.5%) than in the second (11.3%). No significant differences were noted for rate of conservative sphincter surgery, length of hospital stay, post-surgical complications, number of affected/isolated lymph nodes or affected circumferential and distal margins.

Conclusions

It is possible to learn this complex surgical technique without compromising the patient's safety and oncological outcome.     

Hepatobiliary physiological changes after Roux-en-Y cholecysto-colonic diversion

Background

We speculated that Roux-en-Y cholecysto-colonic diversion was as effective for treating children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) as partial biliary diversion. The feasibility of the novel approach in bypassing bile was investigated in rabbits.

Methods

Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: sham operated group (Group1), 30 cm limb group (Group 2), and 10 cm limb group (Group 3). Group 2 or 3 underwent a Roux-en-Y cholecystocolonic anastomoses with a 30- or 10-cm-long Roux limb. ^99mTcEHIDA dynamic biligraphy was used to detect alterations of bile flow among the three groups at 1 year postoperatively. TBA levels and histological changes were also evaluated.

Results

All animals survived and developed normally without clinical symptoms during 1 year follow-up. Bile was diverted into colon directly after cholecystocolonic anastomosis. In group 3, E20 and E35 values were (77.27 ± 6.15%) and (90.39 ± 1.49%) respectively. Gallbladder emptying was accelerated in 10 cm short limb group than in 30 cm long limb group. The ratio of bile shunt was (0.547 ± 0.182), which was also more than that in group 2 (p < 0.05). The activity-time curve for the gallbladder area in group 2 looks like a wave. A significant reduction in TBA level was observed in group 2 and 3 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Roux-en-Y cholecystocolonic bypass was safe and feasible. Its effectiveness is related to the length of Roux loop. Cholecystocolonic bypass led to a significant loss of bile acids in healthy rabbits and might be considered for bile diversion in pediatric patients with selected cholestatic diseases.     

An electrophysiologic evaluation of whether open and laparoscopic techniques used in pediatric inguinal hernia repairs affect the genitofemoral nerve

Background

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the effect of inguinal hernia repairs on the genitofemoral nerve (GFN), and to compare postoperative electrophysiologic changes in the GFN of patients who had undergone either open or laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Seventy patients with a mean age of 6.48 ± 3.49 were enrolled in the study. Either open or laparoscopic techniques were used to operate on the patients' inguinal hernias. In all cases, bilateral GFN motor responses were investigated electrophysiologically using surface electrodes on three occasions: preoperatively, in the first month, and third month postoperatively. t-Tests were used to compare changes in the GFN.

Results

Preoperative mean latency of the GFN in all groups was found to be significantly prolonged on the hernia side, compared with the non-hernia side (P = 0.01). Although no difference was observed in the latency levels of the GFN on the operated side at the preoperative and early postoperative stages, GFN latency levels decreased significantly in the late postoperative period in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.05). In the late postoperative period, amplitudes of GFN motor responses were significantly higher in the laparoscopic group than the open repair group (0.91 ± 0.11 mV and 0.57 ± 0.053 mV, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative prolonged latency of GFN on the hernia side is likely to occur due to the pressure on the nerve caused by the hernia mass. By surgically removing the hernia mass, this buildup of pressure is prevented, decreasing the latency of the GFN. The significantly higher motor response amplitudes and decreased latency in the late postoperative stage for the laparoscopic group may be due to the fact that this technique is less invasive.     

Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Laparoscopic and Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Background

The advantages of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) over laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) have rarely been investigated in randomised controlled trials.

Objective

To compare RARP and LRP in terms of the functional, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes. The main end point of the study was changes in continence 3 mo after surgery.

Design, setting, and participants

From January 2010 to January 2011, 120 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned (using a randomisation plan) to one of two groups based on surgical approach: the RARP group and the LRP group.

Intervention

All RARP and LRP interventions were performed with the same technique by the same single surgeon.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The demographic, perioperative, and pathologic results, such as the complications and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements, were recorded and compared. Continence was evaluated at the time of catheter removal and 48 h later, and continence and potency were evaluated after 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo. The student t test, Mann-Whitney test, χ² test, Pearson χ² test, and multiple regression analysis were used for statistics.

Results and limitations

The two groups (RARP: n = 60; LRP: n = 60) were comparable in terms of demographic data. No differences were recorded in terms of perioperative and pathologic results, complication rate, or PSA measurements. The continence rate was higher in the RARP group at every time point: Continence after 3 mo was 80% in the RARP group and 61.6% in the LRP group (p = 0.044), and after 1 yr, the continence rate was 95.0% and 83.3%, respectively (p = 0.042). Among preoperative potent patients treated with nerve-sparing techniques, the rate of erection recovery was 80.0% and 54.2%, respectively (p = 0.020). The limitations included the small number of patients.

Conclusions

RARP provided better functional results in terms of the recovery of continence and potency. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.