Single Port Access (SPA) Cholecystectomy: Two Year Follow-up

Introduction:

Laparoscopy is a constantly evolving field of surgery. New technology, applications, and benefits prompt continual improvement. We have developed a Single Port Access (SPA) surgical technique that allows for the entire cholecystectomy to be performed through a single incision within the umbilicus while maintaining safe standard dissection and retraction techniques of currently performed multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Fifteen consecutive patients underwent SPA cholecystectomy. Indications were cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, CBD stones, and biliary akinesia. The entire procedure was performed through a single umbilical incision measuring <1.8 cm within the umbilicus. Three trocars and a rigid grasper were inserted through separate fascial sites within the same skin incision. The cholecystectomy procedures are then performed in the standard fashion described in multi-port cholecystectomy.

Results:

Fifteen patients successfully underwent Single Port Access cholecystectomy. One patient required a second 5-mm port site secondary to difficulty with retraction of a large liver. Operative times averaged 107 minutes. Blood loss, patient recovery, and outcomes have been comparable to those of standard multi-port procedures. No umbilical hernias have been seen at 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

We present the SPA cholecystectomy as an alternative to multi-port cholecystectomy. In the first 2 years, SPA surgery has evolved into a technique easily taught and performed without the restrictions of new equipment or added cost.     

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Newer Techniques of Gallbladder Removal

Objectives:

To describe the surgical complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as performed by a single surgeon over an 8-year period and to discuss how this compares to newer methods of cholecystectomy, such as single-incision surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Methods:

The charts of 1000 consecutive patients who underwent consecutive cholecystectomies were reviewed to gather the following information: age, sex, prior abdominal procedures, type of procedure performed (laparoscopic vs open, with or without cholangiography), pre and postoperative diagnosis, and complications directly related to surgical technique, such as biliary injury, bile leak, infection, trocar-related injury, and incisional hernia.

Results:

The laparoscopic approach was attempted in all but one patient and was successful in 94.1% of patients. The conversion rate was higher with acute cholecystitis than with other forms of biliary tract disease. Successful cholangiography was accomplished in over 97% of patients. Nineteen complications directly related to the surgical procedure were found, including one bile duct injury.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to offer a safe and effective treatment for patients with symptomatic biliary tract disease. Although other forms of minimally invasive cholecystectomy are being studied, there is little data to suggest any additional benefit, other than a slight improvement in cosmesis. Until larger series demonstrate that these techniques have a complication rate similar to those cited in the surgical literature, traditional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy should remain the standard of care.     

Comparative analysis of iatrogenic injury of biliary tract in laparotomic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Iatrogenic injury to the bile ducts is the most feared complication of cholecystectomy and several are the possibilities to occur.

Aim

To compare the cases of iatrogenic lesions of the biliary tract occurring in conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, assessing the likely causal factors, complications and postoperative follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study with analysis of records of patients undergoing conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All the patients were analyzed in two years. The only criterion for inclusion was to be operative bile duct injury, regardless of location or time of diagnosis. There were no exclusion criteria. Epidemiological data of patients, time of diagnosis of the lesion and its location were analyzed.

Results

Total of 515 patients with gallstones was operated, 320 (62.1 %) by laparotomy cholecystectomy and 195 by laparoscopic approach. The age of patients with bile duct injury ranged from 29-70 years. Among those who underwent laparotomy cholecystectomy, four cases were diagnosed (1.25 %) with lesions, corresponding to 0.77 % of the total patients. No patient had iatrogenic interventions with laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to laparotomy, had a lower rate of bile duct injury.     

Iatrogenic Combined Bile Duct and Right Hepatic Artery Injury During Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background:

Numerous recent reports describe the performance of laparoscopic procedures through a single incision. Although the feasibility of this approach for a variety of procedures is currently being established, little data are available regarding safety.

Case Report:

A 65-year-old female patient who was transferred from an outside institution had undergone a single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy that resulted in biliary tract and vascular injuries.

Methods:

The patient was transferred with a known bile duct injury on the first postoperative day following single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Review of her magnetic resonance imaging and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram studies showed a Bismuth type 3 bile duct injury. Hepatic angiogram demonstrated an occlusion of the right hepatic artery with collateralization from the left hepatic artery. She was initially managed conservatively with a right-sided external biliary drain, followed 6 weeks later by a Hepp-Couinaud procedure to reconstruct the biliary tract.

Conclusion:

As new techniques evolve, it is imperative that safety, or potential side effects, or both safety and side effects, be monitored, because no learning curve is established for these new techniques. In these initial stages, surgeons should have a low threshold to add additional ports when necessary to ensure that procedures are completed safely.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic-Assisted Right Colon Resection for Cancer

Introduction:

We present an approach to laparoscopic right colon resection utilizing a single port placed through the umbilicus. The technique described is performed through a single small umbilical incision with a virtually scar-free result.

Methods:

A 77-year-old woman with a tubulovillous adenoma in her cecum underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy using a single port placed through the umbilicus. Straight and reticulating laparoscopic instruments were utilized.

Results:

The total operative time was 112 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The patient was discharged home on day 5 postoperatively with normal bowel function and tolerance of a solid diet.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic right colectomy can be safely performed through a single incision through the umbilicus with an excellent cosmetic result.     

Single Incision Laparoscopic Splenectomy in a 5-Year-Old With Hereditary Spherocytosis

Background:

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is an emerging technique that has been used as an approach for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and splenectomy. We describe the technique of single incision laparoscopic splenectomy for hypersplenism in a 5-year-old boy with spherocytosis.

Case Report:

The patient required blood transfusions for anemia secondary to hypersplenism. His spleen measured 9.8 cm in cranio-caudal length on ultrasound. SILS splenectomy was performed through a 2-cm umbilical incision by using 3 ports. The splenic attachments were taken down using an electrosurgical sealing and cutting device, and the hilum was transected with an endosurgical stapler. The spleen was placed in an endosurgical bag, morcellated, and removed from the abdomen via the umbilical incision without complications. Operative time was 84 minutes; blood loss was minimal.

Conclusion:

SILS splenectomy is feasible in pediatric patients. More experience is needed to assess advantages and disadvantages compared with the standard laparoscopic approach.     

Single Incision Laparoscopic Pancreas Resection for Pancreatic Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background:

Transumbilical single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) offers excellent cosmetic results and may be associated with decreased postoperative pain, reduced need for analgesia, and thus accelerated recovery. Herein, we report the first transumbilical single incision laparoscopic pancreatectomy case in a patient who had renal cell cancer metastasis on her pancreatic corpus and tail.

Methods:

A 59-year-old female who had metastatic lesions on her pancreas underwent laparoscopic subtotal pancreatectomy through a 2-cm umbilical incision.

Results:

Single incision pancreatectomy was performed with a special port (SILS port) and articulated equipment. The procedure lasted 330 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 100mL. No perioperative complications occurred. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day with a low-volume (20mL/day) pancreatic fistula that ceased spontaneously. Pathology result of the specimen was renal cell cancer metastases.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported SILS pancreatectomy case, demonstrating that even advanced surgical procedures can be performed using the SILS technique in well-experienced centers. Transumbilical single incision laparoscopic pancreatectomy is feasible and can be performed safely in experienced centers. SILS may improve cosmetic results and allow accelerated recovery for patients even with malignancy requiring advanced laparoscopic interventions.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Combined Cholecystectomy and Appendectomy

Background and Objectives:

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is becoming more widely used, but few combined procedures have been reported. Herein we share our experience with single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy.

Methods:

We reviewed data from 26 patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy between May 1, 2009 and June 1, 2013 at Shengjing Hospital. All the procedures were performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments placed through a single operating portal of entry created within the umbilicus.

Results:

All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Patients were satisfied with the therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusions:

Single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy appear to be a technically feasible alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure in simultaneous management of coexisting benign gallbladder and appendix pathologies. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.     

A Simple Approach to Specimen Retrieval via Posterior Colpotomy Incision

Introduction:

Posterior colpotomy incision for specimen retrieval is infrequently used in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery unless a concomitant hysterectomy is performed. We aim to describe a simple and unique technique for creating the colpotomy incision and to describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

Fifty patients underwent adnexal specimen retrieval through a posterior colpotomy incision. After devascularization and detachment of the adnexal specimen, the posterior cul-de-sac was visualized. The colpotomy incision was created by introducing a 12- or 15-mm laparoscopic trocar through the vagina into the posterior vaginal fornix under direct visualization. Specimens were placed into laparoscopic bags and removed through the vagina. The colpotomy incision was closed vaginally. Charts were reviewed for intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-nine women underwent adnexal surgery for an adnexal mass, 14 women underwent surgery for pelvic pain, and 7 women underwent adnexal surgery for primary prevention of malignancy. The specimens removed ranged in size from 2 to 16 cm (mean 5.7). The mean time patients were under anesthesia was 103 minutes (SD 57.3). There were no operative complications related to the colpotomy incision and no cases of postoperative vaginal cellulitis or pelvic infection were reported. Only 1 woman with a prior vaginal delivery reported dyspareunia postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This simple technique for posterior colpotomy incision can easily be added to the gynecologic surgeon''s armamentarium and can be safely used for most women.     

UREKA: umbilical ring easy kannula access

Background and Objectives:

Standard techniques of laparoscopic access involve creating an abdominal wall defect and can result in complications. We describe the umbilical ring easy kannula access (UREKA) technique, evaluating safety and a decrease in complications related to port placement.

Methods:

UREKA is performed via a supra- or infraumbilical incision followed by circumferential dissection of the umbilical stalk. The umbilical skin is dissected free from the fascia, exposing the umbilical ring. Pneumoperitoneum is established either before or after placement of a dilating port through the open ring. We reviewed all laparoscopic procedures performed by one pediatric surgeon over 14 months using UREKA.

Results:

Ninety-four patients underwent laparoscopic surgery with initial port placement via UREKA. Appendectomy (n=57) was the most common procedure, followed by fundoplication (15) and cholecystectomy (10). No intestinal, solid organ, vascular, or bladder injuries related to port placement occurred. The only postoperative complication was a superficial wound infection in a 135-kg patient following cholecystectomy, treated successfully with oral antibiotics alone.

Conclusion:

The umbilical ring persists to some degree in all pediatric patients and provides a safe portal of entry for laparoscopic surgery. UREKA has few complications and is a straightforward, reproducible technique for gaining initial laparoscopic access.     

Single Port Access (SPA) Splenectomy

Introduction:

Over the last decade, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the standard of care for spleen removal. Elimination of a large incision and difficult exposure has decreased postoperative morbidity and length of stay. Single port access (SPA) surgery was developed as an alternative to traditional multiport laparoscopy, potentially exploiting the already proven benefits of minimally invasive surgery. We apply the SPA technique to splenectomy via a single umbilical incision.

Methods:

SPA splenectomy was performed in a 36-year-old male for staging. The single-port access technique was used to gain abdominal entry. Exposure, dissection, and removal were performed via a single incision within the umbilicus. The final incision was extended for removal of a complete specimen for pathologic evaluation.

Results:

Splenic mobilization and control of the short gastrics was successfully performed via a single umbilical incision. The final incision was extended inferiorly for en bloc organ removal. Follow-up at 18 months revealed a well-healed incision with no signs of hernia formation.

Conclusions:

The single-port access technique has been successfully applied to splenectomy as an available alternative to multiport laparoscopic splenectomy. Use of standard instrumentation and trocars maintains costs and familiarity of the procedure. Exposure, visualization, and dissection are the same as in standard laparoscopy. SPA surgery may be more ergonomically pleasing to the surgeon and offer patient benefits, such as faster recovery and decreased adhesion formation in the long term.     

SIMPLIFIED LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY WITH TWO INCISIONS

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has traditionally been performed with four incisions to insert four trocars, in a simple, efficient and safe way.

Aim

To describe a simplified technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with two incisions, using basic conventional instrumental.

Technique

In one incision in the umbilicus are applied two trocars and in epigastrium one more. The use of two trocars on the same incision, working in "x" does not hinder the procedure and does not require special instruments.

Conclusion

Simplified laparoscopic cholecystectomy with two incisions is feasible and easy to perform, allowing to operate with ergonomy and safety, with good cosmetic result.     

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) splenectomy with a conventional laparoscope and instruments

Background and Objectives:

We present 2 cases of laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) splenectomy performed with a conventional laparoscope and instruments, and the use of a novel internal retraction device.

Methods:

One patient underwent LESS splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), and a pediatric patient with sickle cell disease underwent LESS splenectomy and cholecystectomy. In each case, a 2-cm vertical incision was made within the confines of the umbilical ring, and a SILS port (Covidien, Norwalk CT) inserted. A 5-mm, 30-degree laparoscope and standard 5-mm instruments were used. After isolation of the splenic hilum, one 5-mm trocar of the SILS port was upsized to 12mm, and a laparoscopic stapler was used to divide the splenic artery and vein. An internal retractor consisting of a laparoscopic bulldog clamp with a hook attachment was used to retract the gallbladder, and to secure the specimen retrieval bag during splenic extraction, which eliminated the need for a fourth trocar.

Results:

Total operative time was 160 minutes for the LESS splenectomy, and 216 minutes for the LESS splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Both procedures were successfully completed with conventional instrumentation and a SILS port, without the need for additional incisions or trocars. No complications occurred, and both patients had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusions:

LESS splenectomy is a feasible procedure that can be performed safely. Although articulating instruments and laparoscopes may offer advantages, they are not necessary for performing LESS splenectomy.     

Large subcapsular liver hematoma following single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background and Objectives:

Many laparoscopic surgeons are now transitioning from standard multiple-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy to single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in an attempt to improve cosmetic outcomes and decrease postoperative morbidity. However, little has been published regarding the potential complications of SILS operations.

Methods:

We report the case of a patient undergoing SILS cholecystectomy who developed the complication of a large hepatic hematoma, resulting in significant postoperative morbidity, blood transfusion requirement, and reoperation.

Results:

After an in-depth internal review of the postoperative morbidity of this case, it appears that the causative factor may be instrument shaft torque on the liver surface.

Conclusion:

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery may pose significant and unique risks that warrant additional operative caution. Quantitative comparison of SILS to the gold-standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy is needed to further elucidate definitive benefits and complications of this novel technique.     

Risk Factors for Perioperative Anxiety in Laparoscopic Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Our aim is to investigate the anxiety status of the patient before elective cholecystectomy and to analyze the relation between the level of anxiety for a given operation type (laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy) and the corresponding demographic and social data.

Methods:

A total of 333 patients undergoing cholecystectomy due to cholelithiasis were included in the study; 218 patients (66.1%) received laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 115 patients (33.9%) were treated with open cholecystectomy. The Beck Anxiety Inventory was given to all patients to be completed. We evaluated levels of anxiety in 3 groups as follows: 0 to 15, low to mild anxiety; 16 to 25, moderate anxiety; 26 to 63, severe anxiety. The following patient information remained confidential and was recorded: age and sex, associated disease, civil status, educational status, having open/laparoscopic cholecystectomy, previous knowledge of the operation, job status, economic status, health insurance, and having a child in need of care.

Results:

The following criteria were determined: the most determinant factors in differentiating between the score groups were having a low level of education, being of the female sex, being single, and having laparoscopic operation; the factors of being a homemaker and over the age of 25 years were determined to have significant effects.

Conclusions:

When analyzing the results that may appear during the intraoperative and postoperative period, understanding preoperative anxiety, analyzing the risk factors in depth, and taking the necessary precautions are all considerations that need to be the primary objectives of operators who are involved with laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery.     

Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy safe for acute cholecystitis in the presence of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt?

Introduction

In patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, laparoscopic procedures were previously contraindicated for the potential risks of elevating intra-cranial pressure resulting from increased intra-abdominal pressure and shunt malfunction/infection.

Presentation of case

Here we present a case of a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt who successfully and uneventfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis without any shunt manipulation or intra-cranial pressure monitoring.

Discussion

Several methods have been suggested to decrease the risks of increased intra-cranial pressure during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, but have not been routinely used.

Conclusion

Standard technique laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely used to manage patients with VP shunts presenting with acute gall bladder disease.     

Laparoscopic Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy During Pregnancy: Six Case Reports

Background:

Pregnancy was once considered a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy. The progression of laparoscopic techniques has resulted in a continued reassessment of laparoscopic procedures during pregnancy. There still exists some controversy as to the safety of laparoscopic procedures during pregnancy. This paper reviews our series of six pregnant patients treated laparoscopically for appendicitis and cholecystitis.

Methods:

Charts were reviewed of all pregnant patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendectomy at St Clare''s Hospital Schenectady, New York between 1992 and 1996. Six patients were identified. Patients and obstetricians were contacted to investigate the results of the pregnancy.

Results:

All patients and fetuses survived the procedure. Two patients delivered prematurely but remote from the operative procedure. All infants were healthy postpartum. One patient underwent an elective abortion as she had planned. The abortion was remote from the surgical procedure.

Conclusion:

Our series adds to the growing evidence that laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy can be performed safely during pregnancy.