Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery

Robotic surgery remains in its infancy, and little experience has been reported, as surgeons carefully explore the application of this type of technology to diseases of the pancreas. While challenging and controversial, Dr. Zollinger would most likely support the ongoing research in the techniques of pancreatic surgery that can lead only to an improvement in the outcomes of our patients.     

Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), or laparoscopic surgery, plays a vital role in residency training in a number of surgical disciplines including general surgery, surgical oncology, colorectal surgery, pediatric surgery, and thoracic surgery. The tremendous patient demand for MIS over the past 2 decades has resulted in surgeons rapidly embracing this technique. Many general surgery residencies cover basic laparoscopy within their residency program; however, the experience with more advanced cases is more variable. This career resource guides the interested medical student and physician to opportunities for fellowship training in MIS. It includes a discussion of the specialty, training requirements, grant funding, research fellowships, and pertinent societies.     

The management and outcome of anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery

Purpose  Anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and may result in poor functional and oncological outcomes. Diagnostic difficulties may delay identification and appropriate management of leaks. The aim of this study was to look at the diagnosis, clinical management and outcomes of anastamotic leaks in our department.
Method  A retrospective audit and case note review of all patients who underwent the formation of a colorectal anastomosis between January 1996 and December 2002 ( n  = 1421) was performed. An anastomotic leak was defined as sepsis identified to have arisen from an anastomosis that subsequently required surgery, radiological drainage or intravenous antibiotics. Forty-one patients (25 male, 16 female) with a median age of 60 years (range 7–89 years) were identified as having suffered an anastomotic leak.
Results  The median time to diagnosis of an anastomotic leak following surgery was 7 days (range 3–29). At re-operation, 21 patients (51%) underwent formation of a stoma, and any who required the anastomosis to be formally taken down have been left with a 'permanent' stoma. Currently only four of 12 patients (33%) who required a stoma for an anastomotic leak following anterior resection have undergone stoma reversal. Eleven of 16 patients (69%) who had received a stoma following another colorectal procedure had undergone stoma reversal. The mortality associated with an anastamotic leak in this series was 5% ( n  = 2).
Conclusion  Although anastomotic leaks following colorectal surgery are associated with significant morbidity and stoma formation, early and aggressive management should result in a low overall mortality. If an anastomosis is taken down following an anastomotic leak after anterior resection, this will usually result in a 'permanent' stoma.     

The incidence of anastomotic leaks in patients undergoing colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND: There is evolving interest in auditing and credentialling the performance of surgeons. The incidence of anastomotic leakage has been proposed as a measure of performance following colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing resections of the colon and rectum. METHODS: A prospective database was developed for all patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Anastomotic leakage was defined prior to the commencement of the study. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of leakage. The variables analysed included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, anatomical location, pathology, emergency surgery, type of anastomosis, a covering stoma and radiotherapy. Significance was defined as the probability of a type 1 error of < 5%. The results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: There were 1598 patients who underwent 1639 anastomoses. Their mean age was 63 years, 34% of patients were ASA 3 or 4, and 16% of the operations were emergencies. Anastomotic leaks occurred in 2.4% (40/1639) of anastomoses. The leak rate for intraperitoneal anastomoses was 1.5% (19/1283) vs 6.6% for extraperitoneal anastomoses (21/316). Half of these leaks (20/40) were managed with re-operation or percutaneous drainage procedures. Ultra-low anterior resections were associated with the highest leak rate (8%, 18/225). A logistic regression analysis identified a covering stoma (P = 0.0001, OR 5.078, 95% CI 2.527-10.23) and diverticular disease (P = 0.037, OR 2.304, 95% CI 1.053-5.042) as independent predictors of a leak. CONCLUSIONS: Within this surgical unit, the incidence of leaks from intraabdominal anastomoses was relatively low. However, leaks in patients undergoing extraperitoneal anastomoses continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality.     

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery by the port-access method

Recently, minimally invasive surgery has come to be an important theory in cardiac surgery, the goal of which is shortening of hospital stay, earlier recovery of employment, and cosmetics. In this paper, we will describe our experience with port-access cardiac surgery conducted under the support of our new technology. This study assesses the quality of cardiac surgery performed by the port-access method. The author developed a direct endoaortic clamp balloon (Yozu balloon). This balloon is a triple-lumen balloon catheter of 3.6 mm in outer diameter and 40 cm in full length. The balloon is inserted directly into the ascending aorta. Injection of cardioplegic solution and aortic vent can be conducted. Also, we introduce a modified Cosgrove flex clamp to apply in small-incision surgery, aiming at a less invasive procedure. The modified point is that the original, united Cosgrove flex clamp can be divided into the handle part equipped with a ratchet, and the bellows part equipped with a clamp jaw. By this modification, it became possible to apply the Cosgrove flex clamp transthoracically; that is, it became possible to conduct aortic clamping safely and securely through this small port of 8 mm in diameter. Port-access cardiac surgery is one of the developing and promising methods of cardiac operation. In view of future technological progress, we can expect the gradual but wide popularization of this method.     

降钙素原与C反应蛋白在预测结直肠癌手术后吻合口瘘的临床价值

目的验证降钙素原（PCT）与C反应蛋白（CRP）可否作为吻合口瘘（AL）早期预测指标,并确定最佳临界值,为结直肠癌术后AL的早期识别提供帮助。 方法收集2013年1月至2017年4月鞍钢集团总医院收治的408例结直肠癌手术患者为研究对象,于术后第3、5天检测PCT、CRP质量浓度及白细胞计数（WBC）,记录患者手术方式、术后出现AL及其他并发症,比较术后第3、5天AL组与非瘘并发症组、无并发症组的PCT、CRP、WBC水平差异。根据ROC曲线比较PCT、CRP、WBC对AL的预测准确性,并计算其敏感度、特异度、联合敏感度、联合特异度、阴性预测值、阳性预测值及最佳临界值。 结果19例出现AL,术后第3、5天AL组的PCT、CRP值均高于非瘘并发症组及无并发症组（P<0.05）,术后第3天PCT、CRP的ROC曲线AUC分别为0.773、0.839,术后第5天PCT、CRP的ROC曲线AUC分别为0.893、0.863。第5天PCT、CRP预测AL的准确性均优于第3天。术后第5天PCT最佳临界值为2.15 μg/L,AL阴性预测值为96.4%,阳性预测值为32.1%,敏感度为84.2%,特异度为90.7%。术后第5天CRP最佳临界值为129.5 mg/L,AL阴性预测值为95.7%,阳性预测值为19.6%,敏感度为94.7%,特异度为77.6%。联合术后第5天PCT和CRP预测AL的敏感度和特异度分别为100.0%、70.4%。 结论PCT和CRP是结直肠癌手术后早期诊断AL的有价值的指标,术后第5天联合检测PCT和CRP更加有助于AL预测。     

Abnormal vital signs after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: More common than you think

BackgroundAnastomotic leak is a feared complication. The presence of abnormal vital signs is often cited as an important overlooked predictive clue in retrospective settings once the diagnosis of leak has already been established. We aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal vital signs following colorectal resection and assess its predictive value.MethodsWe retrospectively studied patients undergoing colorectal resection. The performance of vital signs in predicting anastomotic leak was assessed using discrete-time survival analysis and receiver operator characteristic curve.Results1662 patients (841 laparoscopic, 821 open) were included. Clinical anastomotic leak was diagnosed in 50 patients (3.1%). 96.8% of patients of the entire cohort had at least one abnormal vital sign during their postoperative course. No individual vital sign was a strong predictor of anastomotic leak in either laparoscopic or open cohorts.ConclusionVital sign abnormalities are extremely common following open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery and alone are poor predictors of anastomotic leak.     

Minimally invasive open thyroidectomy

We recently developed a new surgical technique for carrying out thyroidectomy, to minimize tissue trauma by obviating unnecessary neck exploration. This report describes our technique of performing minimally invasive open thyroidectomy and compares the results with those of conventional thyroidectomy. Minimally invasive open thyroidectomy was performed by making a small skin incision, 3.0–4.5 cm long, and approaching the thyroid directly via a transverse divi-sion of the strap muscles without raising skin flaps. The outcomes of 466 patients who underwent a minimally invasive open thyroidectomy were retrospectively compared with those of 437 patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy for various types of thyroid nodules. There was no significant difference in the extent of surgery between the group of patients who underwent minimally invasive thyroidectomy and the group of patients who underwent conventional thyroidectomy. However, the length of the skin incision, at 3.7 ± 0.7 vs 9.6 ± 3.3 cm, respectively, operative time, at 57.6 ± 11.7 vs 85.2 ± 32.3 min, respectively, blood loss, at 18.4 ± 15.3 vs 43.1 ± 21.8 ml, respectively, and hospital stay, at 1.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.3 ± 1.6 days, respectively, were significantly reduced in the minimally invasive open thyroidectomy group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of patients who required postoperative analgesia was significantly less in the minimally invasive open thyroidectomy group. These results show that minimally invasive open thyroidectomy provides surgeons with a clear operative field, and that it has proven to be simple, safe, and practical for selected patients. Received: September 11, 2000 / Accepted: March 6, 2001     

Zero Leaks With Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: a Team-Based Approach

Introduction:

Minimally invasive surgery has been applied in several ways to esophagectomy. Newer techniques have improved patient outcomes while maintaining oncological principles; however, mortality still exists. Most series have reported mortality rates ranging from 2% to 25%. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIE) in a non-university tertiary care center.

Methods:

MIE in the form of a combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic technique was performed cooperatively by 2 surgeons. Records of patients who underwent MIE between September 2005 and August 2008 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Thirty-four patients underwent MIE over a 3-year period. There was a male predominance. Mean age at presentation was 62.6 years. Comorbidities were documented in 79% of the patients. Most patients (68%) presented with dysphagia. Two patients had end-stage achalasia, 1 had corrosive esophageal stricture, and 31 had esophageal malignancies. No mortalities were reported. No anastomotic leaks were observed. Eighteen (58%) patients with malignancy received preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Six (33%) patients had a pathological response (CR) on final histopathology. The mean operating time was 294 minutes. The mean blood loss was 302 mL.

Conclusions:

Minimally invasive esophagectomy can be performed with results that meet and exceed reported benchmarks. A team-based approach greatly impacts the outcome of the surgery. This surgical technique must be standardized to achieve this outcome.     

微创手术平台与微创手术方式的未来走向

近30年来,随着能量平台、器械平台、显像平台三大手术平台的发展,微创外科有了突飞猛进的提升。以结直肠癌手术为例,手术方式的五要素都有着不同程度的发展：手术入路经历了"从大到小"的过程;切除范围从单纯肠段切除到根治术或扩大根治术,再到注重保留器官功能的手术;随着对正常淋巴引流方向和肿瘤淋巴转移特点的认知,淋巴结清扫愈趋规...     

胆囊息肉的微创外科治疗

目的：观察没有合并结石,胆囊功能良好的良性胆囊息肉患,行经皮内镜胆囊息肉切除术的疗效。方法;85例胆囊息肉,硬膜外麻醉,胆囊底部皮肤小切口,插入胆镜到胆囊内,用自制微波电极加热凝固鼻肉蒂部或基底部,切除息肉并作病理检查。术后定期随访。结果：全部手术均顺利,平均手术时间1-1.5h。67例平均随访5．5年（2－9年）结果无任何症状,B超检查64例胆囊功能完好,无结石或息肉复发。结论：该方法创伤小,效果好,并发症少,对于胆囊良性息肉且胆囊功能良好是一种合理选择。     

Preoperative bowel preparation does not favor the management of colorectal anastomotic leak

BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the impact of preoperative bowel preparation on patients undergoing colorectal surgery. This is due to previous research studies,which fail to demonstrate protective effects of mechanical bowel preparation against postoperative complications. However, in recent studies, combination therapy with oral antibiotics(OAB) and mechanical bowel preparation seems to be beneficial for patients undergoing an elective colorectal operation.AIM To determine the association between preoperative bowel preparation and postoperative anastomotic leak management(surgical vs non-surgical).METHODS Patients with anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery were identified from the 2013 and 2014 Colectomy Targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(ACS-NSQIP) database and were employed for analysis. Every patient was assigned to one of three following groups based on the type of preoperative bowel preparation: first groupmechanical bowel preparation in combination with OAB, second groupmechanical bowel preparation alone, and third group-no preparation.RESULTS A total of 652 patients had anastomotic leak after a colectomy from January 1,2013 through December 31, 2014. Baseline characteristics were assessed and found that there were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of age, gender, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists score,and other preoperative characteristics. A χ~2 test of homogeneity was conducted and there was no statistically/clinically significant difference between the three categories of bowel preparation in terms of reoperation.CONCLUSION The implementation of mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotic use in patients who are going to undergo a colon resection does not influence the treatment of any possible anastomotic leakage.     

Management of low colorectal anastomotic leak: Preserving the anastomosis

Anastomotic leak continues to be a dreaded complication after colorectal surgery, especially in the low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. However, there has been no consensus on the management of the low colorectal anastomotic leak. Currently operative procedures are reserved for patients with frank purulent or feculent peritonitis and unstable vital signs, and vary from simple fecal diversion with drainage to resection of the anastomosis and closure of the rectal stump with end colostomy (Hartmann’s procedure). However, if the patient is stable, and the leak is identified days or even weeks postoperatively, less aggressive therapeutic measures may result in healing of the leak and salvage of the anastomosis. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of pelvic collections with percutaneous treatments, and newer methods of endoscopic therapies for the acutely leaking anastomosis, such as use of the endosponge, stents or clips, have greatly reduced the need for surgical intervention in selected cases. Diverting ileostomy, if not already in place, may be considered to reduce fecal contamination. For subclinical leaks or those that persist after the initial surgery, endoluminal approaches such as injection of fibrin sealant, use of endoscopic clips, or transanal closure of the very low anastomosis may be utilized. These newer techniques have variable success rates and must be individualized to the patient, with the goal of treatment being restoration of gastrointestinal continuity and healing of the anastomosis. A review of the treatment of low colorectal anastomotic leaks is presented.     

Minimally invasive spinal surgery

Recent advances in endoscopy, imaging and retractor technology have led to major developments in minimal access surgery of the spine. Their place in practice probably awaits the results of prospective trials.     

Minimally invasive parathyroid surgery

Background: Minimally invasive access for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism is becoming widespread, but several different approaches have been proposed in the literature. Methods: We describe the three main types of mini-invasive parathyroidectomy, with particular attention to the gasless video-assisted procedure, which is now routinely performed at our institution. Results: Eighty-nine patients with a preoperatively localized single adenoma were successfully treated. Operative time was 58 mins, and there were only five conversions. Discussion: After comparing the different approaches described in literature, we conclude that mini-invasive parathyroidectomy is feasible and can provide additional benefits not available with traditional surgery. At present, however, this operation can be recommended only for patients with sporadic disease, localized lesions, and absence of goiter and prior neck surgery. Received: 8 August 1999/Accepted: 13 December 2000/Online publication: 14 September 2000