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.

Methods

Five pigs were subjected to SPEC. An endoscope was inserted through a 12-mm port placed in the right upper abdomen. After grasping and retracting the gallbladder using a 2-mm retractor that was directly introduced into the peritoneal cavity, gallbladder excision with ligation of the cystic artery and duct using endoclips was carried out.

Results

A complete gallbladder excision was carried out easily and safely in all cases. No major adverse events occurred. The mean operating time was 67 min (range 52–84 min).

Conclusions

SPEC is a technically feasible procedure. It is simpler, easier, and safer than NOTES cholecystectomy. SPEC could be a less invasive alternative to the conventional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Rendezvous gastrotomy technique using direct percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for transgastric cholecystectomy in hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery

Background/purpose

Transgastric access is a major route in natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES); gastrotomy should be performed unless it would damage surrounding organs in the peritoneal cavity. This article describes a novel rendezvous gastrotomy technique over a direct percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

Methods

In six live porcines, the gastrotomy involved applying a direct PEG through the abdominal wall into the stomach and exchanging to a needle trocar. An endoscopic balloon catheter was passed through the trocar by rendezvous technique. Then the inflated balloon and endoscope were advanced to the peritoneal cavity through the gastrotomy. Transgastric cholecystectomy was performed with a hybrid needle grasper through the same percutaneous site and the gastrotomy was closed with endoscopic clips.

Results

The rendezvous gastrotomy technique could reduce guidewire exchange. The success rate was 100% (6/6). Mean times for transgastric peritoneoscopy and cholecystectomy were 25.5 and 83.5 min. Mortality and morbidity was 0%. The addition of the extra trocar was unnecessary in all procedures.

Discussions/conclusions

The advantage of this introduction system includes the creation of controlled gastric perforation, which is easier to close. It provides reliable transgastric access and increases safety. It simplifies transgastric NOTES and provides less invasive hybrid NOTES procedure.     

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.     

Endoscopic transgastric pure NOTES cholecystectomy with naso-gallbladder drainage tube placement and injection of a hyaluronic acid mixture (with Video)

Background

Endoscopic transgastric pure natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) cholecystectomy is a difficult procedure, and most human female cases are performed as hybrid NOTES, using a transvaginal route. We tried a transgastric pure NOTES procedure without laparoscopic procedure in an animal study after placing an endoscopic naso-gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) tube and injecting a hyaluronic acid (HA) mixture.

Methods

We performed the method in four pigs, using a standard single-channel endoscope. The ENGBD tube was placed first and the HA mixture was injected between the gallbladder (GB) serosa and liver bed.

Results

We determined the gastrotomy site using an ENGBD tube, which made the GB approach easy under fluoroscopic guidance. The scope was not retroflexed, but was rotated at the stomach fornix. The connecting tissues between the GB serosa and liver bed expanded following the injection of the HA mixture, facilitating GB removal with a Hook knife. The GB wall, liver, and vessels were observed clearly during the procedure, and there were no incorrect cuts.

Conclusion

We successfully performed a transgastric pure NOTES cholecystectomy in pigs. An ENGBD tube was useful as a guide to the GB, and for recognizing the cystic duct, and injecting the HA mixture facilitated the GB dissection.     

Challenges and lessons learned from NOTES cholecystectomy initial experience: a stepwise approach from the laboratory to clinical application

Background/Purpose

The initial idea behind natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) was that of an incisionless surgery. NOTES cholecystectomy is a good model of human ingenuity and technological advance. NOTES cholecystectomy in a human being was performed at our institution after extensive laboratory work in live pig models. In this process we gained helpful information related to NOTES cholecystectomy.

Methods

More than 250 cholecystectomies in pigs have been performed. From May 2007 to November 2008 a total of 10 and 6 transvaginal and transgastric human cholecystectomies, respectively, have been performed.

Results

The procedure was successful in all patients, with a mean operative time of 120 min. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Patients recovered promptly after surgery and had minor postoperative pain. They were discharged on the second postoperative day.

Conclusions

The advantages of laparoscopy appeared to be enhanced by this approach: patients had minor postoperative pain and minimal scarring. This stepwise experience in the cholecystectomy procedure is an important first step in the development of methods and devices to enable the evaluation of potential incisionless NOTES surgery. Additional research and comparison studies are needed for further improvement in order to provide NOTES procedures to a wider range of patients.     

Chinese Physician Perception of Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery

Background

A gross difference of opinion prevails amongst the physicians about the acceptance of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore the Chinese physician perception of NOTES.

Methods

This is a questionnaire-based study, which was conducted during a conference on gastroenterology and endoscopy. The information was obtained from the participants about the demographic and practice characteristics and their perception of NOTES.

Results

The study recruited 221 physicians: 192 gastroenterologists and 29 surgeons. The physicians’ awareness of NOTES prior to the survey showed the same confidence with NOTES as compared to those with no knowledge about it (24.2 vs. 25.6 %; P = 0.99). The NOTES preference was not different between female and male doctors (21.8 vs. 26.3 %; P = 0.5952). More surgeons (47.6 %) opted for NOTES as treatment or recommended it for their families than gastroenterologists (21.1 %; P = 0.0165). However, the multivariate analysis confirmed that the physicians chose NOTES only if their hospital had already performed NOTES on humans successfully (OR = 3.53, 95 % CI 1.17–10.60; P = 0.0247). The gastroenterologists believed more often than surgeons that NOTES had the potential to become a mainstream procedure (96.9 vs. 81.0 %; P = 0.0084); but the inclination for NOTES training was similar in both groups (96.9 vs. 95.2 %; P = 0.8027). Safety of NOTES was their major concern and the choice of ideal entry point was thought to be the key barrier to NOTES clinical application. Hybrid NOTES was regarded as the best method for NOTES clinical application at the time of the study.

Conclusions

Physicians were hesitant when considering the NOTES approach. However, most of the physicians were interested in NOTES training and had confidence in NOTES.     

A 2-µm Continuous-Wave Laser System for Safe and High-Precision Dissection During NOTES Procedures

Introduction

Lasers 2-µm in wavelength offer efficient tissue cutting with limited thermal damage in biological tissue.

Objective

To evaluate the dissection capabilities of a 2-μm continuous-wave laser for NOTES procedures.

Methods and Procedures

We conducted 18 acute animal experiments. Group 1 (three animals): transcolonic access to the peritoneal cavity (15-W transcolonic laser puncture, balloon dilation over the laser probe). Group 2 (six animals): transcolonic access with needle-knife puncture and balloon dilation. Group 3 (three animals): transgastric access to the peritoneal cavity (similar technique as group 1) followed by laser-assisted dissection of the kidney. In one animal of group 3, a therapeutic target (hematoma) was created by percutaneous puncture of the kidney. Group 4 (six animals): transgastric access (similar to the technique of group 2).

Results

Translumenal access to the peritoneal cavity was achieved in 2–3 min in group 1 (significantly shorter than with the needle-knife-assisted technique, 4–5 min, p = 0.02) and in 7–10 min in group 3 (compared to 6–17 min in group 4, p = 0.88). In group 3, laser dissection of the parietal peritoneum and of perinephric connective tissue allowed access to the retroperitoneum with complete removal of a blood collection in the animal with puncture trauma. Laser dissection demonstrated good maneuverability, clean and rapid cutting, and excellent hemostasis. Peritoneoscopy and necropsy showed no damage of targeted tissue and surrounding organs.

Conclusions

The 2-μm continuous-wave laser system showed promising capabilities for highly precise and safe dissection during NOTES procedures.     

Single-incision multiport laparoendoscopic surgery using a newly developed short-type flexible endoscope: a combined procedure of flexible endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery

Background and objective

We hypothesized that using a flexible endoscope as a working scope in laparoscopic surgery through a single incision might provide many benefits. To this end, a short-type flexible endoscope with a working length of 600?mm was newly developed. In this animal experimental study, we aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of our new approach, single-incision multiport laparoendoscopic (SIMPLE) cholecystectomy, using this endoscope.

Methods

Eight pigs were subjected to SIMPLE cholecystectomy using the short-type flexible endoscope. The endoscope was inserted through a 12-mm trocar in an SILS? Port followed by the insertion of two additional 5-mm trocars in the SILS? Port. Encirculation and ligation of the pedicle of the cystic artery and duct were carried out using laparoscopic instruments through the 5-mm trocars, while the dissection of the gallbladder from the intrahepatic fossa was predominantly performed using a cutting device through the endoscope.

Results

A complete gallbladder excision, with complete encirculation and ligation of the pedicle, was completed in all cases. The mean operating time was 58?min (range 34–78?min). The endoscope provided a good view of the operating field, and it allowed some degree of freedom to the working laparoscopic instruments without compromising the field of view. Dissection of the gallbladder using the cutting device through the endoscope was much easier than that using the laparoscopic device, because the articulating instruments together with the endoscope enabled operation with triangulation. Furthermore, the water-jet and suctioning functions and the self-cleaning lens capability of the endoscope served the surgery well.

Conclusions

SIMPLE cholecystectomy using the newly developed short-type flexible endoscope is a technically feasible procedure. Using this flexible endoscope for various tasks, such as resection, suctioning, and smoke evacuation, can make the surgical procedures easier.     

Pain Provocation and Low Gallbladder Ejection Fraction with CCK Cholescintigraphy Are Not Predictive of Chronic Acalculous Gallbladder Disease Symptom Relief After Cholecystectomy

Introduction

Chronic acalculous gallbladder disease (CAGD) falls within the spectrum of diseases associated with gallbladder dysmotility. Cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy (CCK-CS) has been used to evaluate for CAGD, with a gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) of <35 % being indicative of gallbladder dysfunction. The reproduction of biliary colic upon administration of CCK has been cited as indicative of CAGD. Our purpose was to determine whether low GBEF or reproduction of pain during CCK-CS was predictor of surgical outcomes related to resolution of symptoms or as a correlate to gallbladder pathology.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients was performed to evaluate adults with a diagnosis of CAGD who underwent CCK-CS prior to surgical intervention. CPT and ICD-9 coding queries were used to identify the patient population. Patients with cholelithiasis were excluded.

Results

Sixty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Two patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded. During CCK-CS, 41 patients (66 %) reported symptoms similar to their presenting complaint. Twenty-one patients reported no symptoms with CCK-CS. There was no significant relationship between gallbladder pathology and either GBEF or reproduction of symptoms with CCK-CS (p = 0.14). About 81 % of patients (n = 50) had relief of symptoms following cholecystectomy. Sixty-six percentage of patients (n = 33) with long-term symptom relief after cholecystectomy had reproduction of symptoms with CCK-CS. Nineteen percentage of all patients (n = 12) had long-term symptom recurrence despite surgery. Eight of these patients (66 %) had symptom reproduction with CCK-CS. There was no significant correlation with either the GBEF or symptoms reproduction with CCK-CS as a predictor of postoperative outcome (p = 0.12).

Conclusion

Provocation of pain by CCK-CS and low GBEF are unreliable predictors of postoperative relief of symptoms following cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia or chronic acalculous gallbladder disease.     

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) for colon resections—analysis of the first 139 patients of the German NOTES Registry (GNR)

Background

The German NOTES registry (GNR) is the largest published database for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) worldwide. Although transvaginal cholecystectomy is the most frequent procedure in the GNR, the number of colorectal resections is increasing. The objective of this study was to analyze the first 139 colonic procedures of the GNR.

Methods

All colonic procedures from the GNR were analyzed regarding patient- and therapy-related parameters. A multivariate analysis was conducted for transvaginal sigmoid resections regarding procedural time, hospital stay, conversion rate, and rate of complications.

Results

From October 2008 to January 2013, 139 colon NOTES procedures (12 male, 127 female) were registered. Main diagnoses were sigmoid diverticulitis (85.6 %), colon carcinoma (9.4 %), and ulcerative colitis (3.6 %). Sigmoid resections (87.1 %), proctocolectomies (3.6 %), right-sided resections (2.9 %), left-sided resections (3.6 %), segmental resections (2.2 %), and 1 ileocecal resection (0.7 %) were performed. All procedures were conducted in transvaginal (87.8 %) or transrectal (12.2 %) hybrid technique, with a median of 3 percutaneous trocars. Conversions to laparoscopic technique were necessary in 3.6 % (none to conventional technique). Intraoperative complications were recorded in 2.9 % and postoperative complications in 12.2 %. The institutional case number in transvaginal sigmoid resections correlated negatively with procedural time (p?=?0.041) and the number of percutaneous trocars (p?=?0.002).

Conclusion

The analysis of the first 139 colon NOTES operations of the GNR shows the feasibility of colon operations in hybrid technique, especially for transvaginal sigmoid resection as the most frequent procedure.     

Diagnostic Stringency and Healthcare Needs in Patients with Biliary Dyskinesia

Aim

We have recently shown an increase in cholecystectomies for biliary dyskinesia. Based on these results, we hypothesized that diagnostic criteria are less stringently applied which may contribute to ongoing resource utilization.

Methods

Using billing codes, patients seen for biliary dyskinesia were identified and data were extracted from the electronic medical record to confirm the diagnosis, obtain demographic and clinical data and assess resource utilization 1 year prior to and after cholecystectomy.

Results

A total of 972 patients were identified, with 894 undergoing cholecystectomy. In 259 patients, symptoms had started <3 months prior to evaluation. Functional gallbladder imaging revealed a mean gallbladder ejection fraction of 23.1 ± 0.7 %; of the patients undergoing surgery, 116 had a normal gallbladder ejection fraction. Sufficient up data for pre- and post-operative assessment of resource utilization was available for 368 patients. Emergency room (ER) visits decreased from 0.86 ± 0.07 to 0.69 ± 0.03 (P < 0.05), while hospitalization rates remained unchanged after surgery. Patients not meeting consensus criteria for the diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia were more likely to use opioids and have ER visits prior to and after cholecystectomy. Using multiple logistic regression benzodiazepine use, migraine history and prior ER visits independently predicted postoperative resource utilization.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that a significant number of patients undergo cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia, even though they do not meet currently accepted diagnostic criteria. While healthcare resource utilization drops within the first year after surgery, ER visits and hospitalizations remain common, suggesting a more limited benefit of surgical approaches in these patients.     

Learning curve of single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy determined using the non-linear ordinary least squares method based on a non-linear regression model

Introduction

Single port laparoscopic surgery has come to the forefront of minimally invasive surgery. For those familiar with conventional techniques, however, this type of operation demands a different type of eye/hand coordination and involves unfamiliar working instruments. Herein, the authors describe the learning curve and the clinical outcomes of single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy for 150 consecutive patients with benign gallbladder disease.

Method

All patients underwent single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a homemade glove port by one of five operators with different levels of experiences of laparoscopic surgery. The learning curve for each operator was fitted using the non-linear ordinary least squares method based on a non-linear regression model.

Results

Mean operating time was 77.6 ± 28.5 min. Fourteen patients (6.0%) were converted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Complications occurred in 15 patients (10.0%), as follows: bile duct injury (n = 2), surgical site infection (n = 8), seroma (n = 2), and wound pain (n = 3). One operator achieved a learning curve plateau at 61.4 min per procedure after 8.5 cases and his time improved by 95.3 min as compared with initial operation time. Younger surgeons showed significant decreases in mean operation time and achieved stable mean operation times. In particular, younger surgeons showed significant decreases in operation times after 20 cases.

Conclusion

Experienced laparoscopic surgeons can safely perform single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy using conventional or angled laparoscopic instruments. The present study shows that an operator can overcome the single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy learning curve in about eight cases.     

Cholecystectomy and Clinical Presentations of Gastroparesis

Background

Many patients with gastroparesis have had their gallbladders removed.

Aim

To determine if clinical presentations of patients with gastroparesis differ in those with prior cholecystectomy compared to patients who have not had their gallbladder removed.

Methods

Gastroparetic patients were prospectively enrolled in the NIDDK Gastroparesis Registry. Detailed history and physical examinations were performed; patients filled out questionnaires including patient assessment of GI symptoms.

Results

Of 391 subjects with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis (IG), 142 (36 %) had a prior cholecystectomy at the time of enrollment. Patients with prior cholecystectomy were more often female, older, married, and overweight or obese. Cholecystectomy had been performed in 27/59 (46 %) of T2DM compared to 19/78 (24 %) T1DM and 96/254 IG (38 %) (p = 0.03). Patients with cholecystectomy had more comorbidities, particularly chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety. Postcholecystectomy gastroparesis patients had increased health care utilization, and had a worse quality of life. Independent characteristics associated with prior cholecystectomy included insidious onset (OR = 2.06; p = 0.01), more comorbidities (OR = 1.26; p < 0.001), less severe gastric retention (OR(severe) = 0.68; overall p = 0.03) and more severe symptoms of retching (OR = 1.19; p = 0.02) and upper abdominal pain (OR = 1.21; p = 0.02), less severe constipation symptoms (OR = 0.84; p = 0.02), and not classified as having irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 0.51; p = 0.02). Etiology was not independently associated with a prior cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

Symptom profiles in patients with and without cholecystectomy differ: postcholecystectomy gastroparesis patients had more severe upper abdominal pain and retching and less severe constipation. These data suggest that prior cholecystectomy is associated with selected manifestations of gastroparesis.     

Cancer risk in patients with cholelithiasis and after cholecystectomy: a nationwide cohort study

Background

This study examined the association of cholelithiasis post-cholecystectomy with subsequent cancers and evaluated the risk of cancer in patients with both cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy.

Methods

The Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database was used to identify 15545 newly diagnosed cholelithiasis patients from 2000 to 2010, and 62180 frequency-matched non-cholelithiasis patients. A total of 5850 (37.6 %) with cholelithiasis patients received a cholecystectomy. The risk of developing cancer after cholecystectomy was measured using the Cox proportional-hazards model.

Results

The incidence of developing cancer in the cholelithiasis cohort was 1.52-fold higher than that in the comparison cohort (p < 0.001). Compared with patients aged 20–34 years, patients in older age groups had a higher risk of developing cancer. The hazard ratio (HR) for developing gallbladder, extrahepatic bile duct, pancreatic, liver, stomach, and colorectal cancer was 59.3, 10.7, 3.12, 1.90, 1.71, and 1.36-fold higher for patients with cholelithiasis, respectively. After a cholecystectomy, the HR for developing stomach and colorectal cancer was 1.81-fold and 1.56-fold, respectively. The incidence rate ratio was higher for the first 5 years and over 5 years (5.05 and 4.46, respectively) (95 % confidence interval 4.73–5.39 and 4.11–4.84, respectively) in proximal colon and stomach cancer patients with cholecystectomies.

Conclusions

Cholelithiasis patients have a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancer, particularly of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct cancer. Post-cholecystectomy patients have a risk of colorectal and stomach cancer within the first 5 years and persisting after 5 years, respectively. This paper proposes strategies for preventing gastrointestinal cancer.     

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES): Patients�� Perceptions and Attitudes

Background

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has generated a surge of enthusiasm among researchers by virtue of its challenge to the dogma and potential benefits. However, no data is available in the medical literature about NOTES' acceptance by patients in Asia. The aim of the study is to survey patients?? perceptions and attitudes towards NOTES.

Methods

It is a questionnaire-based multi-center study on inpatient subjects with various gastrointestinal disorders from 14 hospitals in 12 cities of China. Procedural details with the benefits and risks of NOTES, laparoscopic surgery, and conventional surgery were explained to all registered candidates. They were required to choose and cite reasons for adopting one of the above three surgical techniques as the preferred mode of treatment. The reasons for selection of the surgical treatment were: safety, efficacy, cost, postoperative pain, abdominal wounds, and scarring.

Results

There were 1,797 cases, including 976 (54.3%) males and 821 females (45.7%). Based on their comprehension of the procedure, 802 (44.6%) patients opted for NOTES, 757 (42.1%) for laparoscopic surgery, and 238 (13.2%) for conventional surgery. NOTES was mainly selected by the young and educated persons, especially females and by those with past exposure to laparoscopy or conventional surgery. The choice of treatment was significantly correlated with age (P = 0.0021), education (P = 0.0209), past medical history (laparoscopy, P = 0.0134; open surgery, P < 0.0001), and department of admission (P = 0.0173). The preference for NOTES was based on safety (37.3%), cost (17.6%), elimination of postoperative scars (16.1%), abdominal wounds (16.0%), and efficacy (13.1%).

Conclusions

The vast majority of patients prefer mini-invasive surgery to conventional surgery. The potential recipients of NOTES are educated and younger age groups. However, a few consider NOTES as a safe and effective intervention at present.     

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: the use of preoperative CT findings to differentiate it from gallbladder carcinoma

Background and aim

A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 patients with histologically confirmed xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and 21 patients with gallbladder carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment between 1998 and 2007.

Methods

All patients underwent preoperative CT scanning. The CT features analyzed were: the presence of intramural hypoattenuated nodules or bands, mucosal line, the patterns of wall thickening and enhancement, and the presence of stones in the gallbladder. The variables of the CT findings with XGC were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Intramural hypoattenuated nodules were observed in 21 patients (65%) with XGC, but in only six patients (29%) with gallbladder carcinoma (P < 0.01). The mucosal line was observed in 27 patients (84%) with XGC and in only four patients (19%) with gallbladder carcinoma (P < 0.0001). Gallstones were noted in 24 patients (75%) with XGC and five patients (24%) with gallbladder carcinoma (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the pattern of gallbladder wall thickening (diffuse or focal) and the presence of changes outside the gallbladder. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed from the CT features that the enhanced continuous mucosal line (P = 0.0013) and the presence of gallstones (P = 0.0072) were independently correlated with XGC.

Conclusion

CT features of the enhanced continuous mucosal line in a thickened gallbladder wall, together with gallstones in a patient with chronic gallbladder disease, are highly suggestive of XGC. Accurate diagnosis of XGC may therefore indicate the need to select a less aggressive surgical approach.     

NOTES: approach to the liver and spleen

Background

Minimally invasive abdominal surgery means minimal trauma to the abdominal wall, thus reducing postoperative pain and wound complications, and facilitating earlier mobilization and shorter hospitalization in comparison with conventional surgery. Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has the potential to further reduce the invasiveness of surgery in human patients. Here we report an experimental study of NOTES to access the liver and spleen, discuss its current status, and review the related literature.

Methods

The utility of transgastric peritoneoscopy was evaluated using one 15-kg pig and four 8-kg dogs on the basis of acute experiments. Under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, a forward-viewing, double-channel endoscope was advanced into the peritoneal cavity through a gastric hole. Liver biopsy from the edge of the liver was performed using routine biopsy forceps. Splenectomy was performed using a laparoscopically assisted procedure, and then the spleen was pulled into the stomach using an endoscopic polypectomy snare after enlargement of the gastric orifice. The animals were then sacrificed and necropsy was performed.

Results

There were no complications during incision of the gastric wall and entry into the peritoneal cavity. Peritoneoscopy gave satisfactory visualization of the abdominal cavity in all directions. Liver biopsy was performed successfully without any bleeding and adequate samples were obtained in all cases. Splenectomies were also accomplished uneventfully, except for injury of the splenic parenchyma due to excessive force during pulling into the stomach. Necropsy revealed no particular damage to other intraperitoneal organs related to this transgastric procedure.

Conclusion

Although NOTES is a feasible procedure and offers several advantages to patients, surgeons and endoscopists need to resolve several key issues before its clinical introduction for routine surgical work and to establish a training system for NOTES in order to avoid critical complications.     

Transvaginal pure NOTES sigmoid resection using a single port device

Background

The amount of published experience using natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is increasing. However, approximately half of the technical approaches described include NOTES as part of a hybrid procedure. Colonic resections performed using NOTES have mainly been described using a hybrid approach.

Methods

An 84-year-old female presented with a symptomatic volvulus of the sigmoid colon. Endoscopic detorsion and desufflation were successfully performed. Definitive treatment was accomplished by performing a sigmoid resection entirely via a transvaginal route using a single port device (SILS? Covidien, Westbury, MA, USA).

Results

Operative time was 135 min. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Only minimal narcotic analgesia was required and oral intake was initiated on postoperative day 3. At the last follow-up assessment, 2 months postoperatively, no complications or recurrent volvulus were observed.

Conclusion

Transvaginal NOTES sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid volvulus is feasible and can be performed safely.     

Can Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Offer Clinical Benefit for Thick-Walled Gallbladders?

Background

No previous studies have compared cytology obtained under endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGD) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for thick-walled gallbladders.

Aim

The present study investigated the diagnostic yield of bile cytology under ETGD and EUS-FNA for gallbladder tumors.

Methods

A total of 69 patients were diagnosed as having gallbladder wall thickening. Among these patients, 28 patients were diagnosed by clinical follow-up, solely by imaging such as computed tomography or by histological examination of surgical specimens. The remaining 41 patients underwent ETGD and/or EUS-FNA. In these 41 patients, the clinical data collected included gender, age, diameter of gallbladder wall, site of gallbladder wall thickening, final diagnosis, adverse events, and diagnostic yield of ETGD and EUS-FNA.

Results

Cyto-histological diagnosis with EUS-FNA was higher than that with ETGD, with a sensitivity of 100 versus 71 %, specificity of 100 versus 94 %, and accuracy of 100 versus 88 %, respectively, in the two groups. In addition, the sampling adequacy of EUS-FNA was 100 %. Adverse events were seen in five patients in the ETGD group (mild pancreatitis), although no adverse events were seen in the EUS-FNA group (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that EUS-FNA can be safely performed for the diagnosis of gallbladder lesions. Further, this procedure may be the diagnostic method of choice over cytology of bile juice obtained via ETGD to obtain histological evidence of gallbladder cancer.     

Transanal TATA/TME: a case-matched study of taTME versus laparoscopic TME surgery for rectal cancer

Background

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has always made more sense in the colorectal field where the target organ for entry houses the pathology. To address the question whether an adequate total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer can be performed from a transanal bottoms-up approach, we performed a case-matched study.

Methods

Starting in 2009, transanal TME (taTME) surgery was selectively used for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy and prospectively entered into a database. Between March 2012 and February 2014, 17 consecutive taTME rectal cancer patients were identified and case-matched to multiport laparoscopic TME (MP TME) based on age, body mass index, uT stage, radiation dose, level in the rectum, and procedure. Perioperative outcomes, morbidity, mortality, local recurrence, completeness of TME, and radial and distal margins were analyzed. Statistically significant differences were identified using Student’s t test.

Results

There were 12 transanal abdominal transanal (TATA)/5 abdominoperineal resection procedures in each group. Data regarding overall/taTME/MP TME are as follows: % positive-circumferential margin: 2.9/0/5.9 % (p = 0.32). Distal margin: 0/0/0 %. Complete or near-complete TME: 97.1/100/94.1 % (p = 0.32). Incomplete TME 2.9/0/5.9 % (p = 0.32). Local recurrence: 2.9/5.9/0 % (p = 0.32). There were no perioperative mortalities. Morbidity in each group: 26.4/23.5/29.4 % (p = 0.79). There were no differences in perioperative or postoperative outcomes except days to clear liquids (1/2 days, p = 0.03) and largest incision length (1.3/2.6 cm, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

We demonstrated no differences in perioperative/postoperative outcomes or pathologic TME outcomes of transanal or bottoms-up TME compared to standard laparoscopic TME. TaTME is a promising progressive approach to NOTES and deserves additional evaluation.