Functional Results Following Elective Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy After CT-Proven Diagnosis of Acute Diverticulitis Evaluation of 43 Patients and Review of the Literature

We performed a prospective study to analyze the functional results following elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for computed tomography (CT)-proven diagnosis of acute diverticulitis and review the literature. Forty-three of 45 available patients (96%) who had laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for CT-proven acute diverticulitis answered, after a mean time of 40 months, a questionnaire exploring new abdominal symptoms, bowel function, and the patient’s own judgement of the surgical outcome. Surgical technique aimed at removing all the sigmoid by taking down the splenic flexure and do a colorectal anastomosis. Four patients (9%) complained of new abdominal pain. Bowel function was reported as better for 24 patients (56%), unchanged for 16 patients (37%), and worse for 3 (7%). Twenty patients (47%) considered their final result as excellent to good, 17 patients (40%) as satisfying, and 6 patients (13%) as mediocre. Male gender, absence of preoperative history compatible with an irritable bowel syndrome, length of resected sigmoid and residual acute inflammation on histology are statistically predictive of a better postoperative degree of satisfaction. After elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for CT-proven diverticulitis, a great majority of patients are very satisfied with their postoperative general comfort.     

Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy for Diverticulitis: a Prospective Study

Background:

Surgical treatment of complicated colonic diverticular disease is still debatable. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in patients with diverticulitis. Patients offered laparoscopic surgery presented with acute complicated diverticulitis (Hinchey type I, II, III), chronically recurrent diverticulitis, bleeding, or sigmoid stenosis caused by chronic diverticulitis.

Method:

All patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy within a 12-year period were prospectively entered into a database registry. One-stage laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis constituted the planned procedure. A 4-trocar approach with suprapubic minilaparotomy was performed. Main data recorded were age, sex, postoperative pain, return of bowel function, operation time, duration of hospital stay, and early and late complications.

Results:

During the study period, 260 sigmoid colectomies were performed for diverticulitis. The cohort included 104 male and 156 female patients; M to F ratio was 4:6. Postoperative pain was controlled by NSAIDs or weak opioid analgesia. Fifteen patients (5.7%) required conversion from laparoscopic to open colectomy. The most common reasons for conversion were directly related to the inflammatory process, abscess, and peritonitis. Mean operative time was 130±54. Average postoperative hospital stay was 10±3 days. A longer hospital stay was recorded for Hinchey type IIb patients. Complications were recorded in 30 patients (11.5%). The most common complications that required reoperation were hemorrhage in 2 patients (0.76) and anastomotic leak in 5 patients (only 3 of them required reoperation). The mortality among them was 2 patients (0.76%).

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic surgery for diverticular disease is safe, feasible, and effective. Therefore, laparoscopic colectomy has replaced open resection as standard surgery for recurrent and complicated diverticulitis at our institution.     

Laparoscopic Rectosigmoid Resection for Acute Sigmoid Diverticulitis

Abstract   Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy has been widely accepted as elective approach but is, however, still discussed controversially for acute cases. Patients receiving a laparoscopic early single-stage procedure benefit from an early postoperative convalescence with a minimum of disability. As more surgeons gain expertise in minimally invasive surgery of the rectosigmoid, this video highlights the main steps of a rectosigmoid resection for acute complicated diverticulitis. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Bile Duct Injury After Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background:

The advancement and development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy revolutionized surgery and case management. Many procedures are routinely performed laparoscopically. Single incision laparoscopic surgery has been introduced with the hope of further reduction of scarring and possibly procedural pain. With no established technique for this procedure, the safety of single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not been determined.

Methods and Results:

A 30-year-old man underwent single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis at an outside hospital. The operation was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home. The patient returned to the Emergency Department 4 days postoperatively, and a bile duct injury was diagnosed. A percutaneous drain was placed, and the patient was transferred to the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) service of a tertiary care center for definitive care. A delayed repair approach was used to allow the inflammation around the porta to decrease. Six weeks after injury, the patient underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The patient did well postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Although single incision laparoscopic surgery will play a prominent role in the future, its development and application are not without risks as demonstrated from this case. It is imperative that surgeons better define the surgical approach to achieve the critical view and select appropriate patients for single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Hybrid Single-incision Laparoscopic Restorative Proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a rapidly evolving field as a bridge between traditional laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. We report one of the initial clinical experiences from India for Laparoscopic Restorative Proctocolectomy and Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (RPC IPAA) with this new technique. A SILSTM port was used through the curved intra-umbilical 25-mm incision. A 12-mm port was placed in the right iliac fossa at the ileostomy site. Another 5 mm port was placed in the left iliac fossa at the drain site. 10 mm 0 degree lens was used through the SILS port. Two 5 mm port were placed from the SILS port. Right iliac fossa port was the surgeon’s right hand port and left hand port was 5 mm SILS port. Left iliac fossa port and 5 mm SILS port were used by the assistant surgeon for retraction. The specimen was delivered through the umbilical incision by extending the incision for 1.5 cm on either side. Ileal J Pouch was created extracorporeally and then anastomosed to the anal canal with the circular stapler laparoscopically. The diverting loop ileostomy was brought out through the right iliac fossa 12 mm port. The pelvic drain was brought out through the left iliac fossa port. The procedure was completed without any perioperative complications. Operative time was 256 minutes. Postoperative follow-up did not reveal any umbilical wound complication. Till date we have performed 26 Laparoscopic RPC with IPAA and this was the first Single Incision Laparoscopic RPC with IPAA. For experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons, single incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is feasible. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy is a promising alternative method as minimally invasive abdominal surgery for the treatment of patients requiring colectomy.     

Single‐incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in complex colorectal surgery: a technique offering potential and not just cosmesis

Aim Single‐incision (or port) laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has recently emerged as a method to improve morbidity and cosmetic benefit of conventional laparoscopic surgery. The literature contains two reports of SILS right hemicolectomy, and we report our experience of this technique. Method Seven consecutive, unselected patients underwent SILS retrocaecal appendicectomy, right hemicolectomy, extended right hemicolectomy, colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, proctocolectomy, anterior resection and restorative proctocolectomy/ileoanal pouch using a single Triport (Olympus Keymed, Southend, UK), conventional instrumentation and nerve block analgesia. Three had undergone previous surgery, two had cancer and two were immunosuppressed. Results Umbilical, right‐ and left‐iliac fossa SILS was feasible using conventional instruments. Operative time ranged between 23 and 195 min (median 48 min). Four patients tolerated normal diet within 6 h (12–16 h for the remainder). Only one patient required postoperative enteral morphine (10 mg × 4). Discharge occurred between 8 and 90 h (median 16 h) of surgery. A secondary haemorrhage from the ileorectal anastomosis was managed conservatively. Conclusion SILS colorectal resection is feasible and safe when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon and theatre team. It may have advantages over conventional laparoscopic surgery in terms of reduced pain, lower cost, faster recovery and cosmesis.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) in Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallbladder removal and the most common laparoscopic procedure worldwide. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery and its continuous development, the focus has shifted to ‘scarless’ surgery. In recent times, the innovative technique of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been applied in gallbladder removal and even more complex biliopancreatic procedures to further minimize the invasiveness of the surgery. Newer developments in laparoscopic equipments and instrumentation have helped to further evolve this field of minimally invasive surgery. Literature search was performed using the following online search engines: Google, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, and the online Springer link library. The terms used for the search were as follows: SILS, LESS, single-incision laparoscopic surgery, single-port laparoscopic surgery, SILS cholecystectomy, and SILS pancreatic surgery. Articles that matched the search criteria were selected and extensively reviewed. Moreover, pertinent information on instrumentation and technology for SILS and LESS was obtained by accessing websites of manufacturers. Although SILS represents the search for an essentially scarless surgery, there is still not a widespread use and uniformity of this procedure. SILS is performed either by single- or multiple-port technique. In the present article, we present a review of the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of SILS in biliary and pancreatic diseases. There are many studies showing benefits in cholecystectomy. A few case reports have also emerged about its feasibility in procedures such as cystogastrostomy and limited pancreatic resection. Further research and development of this technique is needed to arrive at a tangible conclusion about the perceived benefits of SILS. Randomized studies to compare SILS with traditional laparoscopy are essential.     

Single incision laparoscopic approach for esophageal achalasia: A case report

INTRODUCTIONEsophageal achalasia is an uncommon, benign, neurodegenerative disease that induces a transit disorder characterized by incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 56-year-old woman with dysphagia was admitted to our hospital. An esophagography revealed flask-type achalasia. Endoscopy revealed a dilated esophagus and some resistance at the esophagogastric junction. We used a capped wound protector, common straight forceps, and hook-type electrocautery to perform transumbilical single incision laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (SILHD). The left liver lobe and cardia were pulled by a thread. A 6-cm Heller myotomy of the esophagus was performed with an additional 2-cm myotomy of the gastric wall. Dor fundoplication was performed to cover the exposed submucosa. Intraoperative endoscopy confirmed the adequacy of the myotomy and Dor fundoplication. There were no postoperative complications. An esophagography and an endoscopic examination did not reveal stenosis or reflux at 1-year follow-up, and the patient has been satisfactorily symptom free.DISCUSSIONLHD is the most accepted surgical treatment for achalasia and has low invasiveness and long-term efficacy. SILHD for achalasia is a new approach and may provide improved cosmetics and less invasiveness compared with those by conventional LHD. The 1-year follow-up results in the present case are the longest reported to date. The evaluation of long-term results in a large-scale study is necessary in future.CONCLUSIONSILHD can be safe, widely accepted, mid-term minimal invasive and cosmetically superior surgical procedure for achalasia.     

Laparoscopic Transumbilical Cholecystectomy Without Visible Abdominal Scars

Introduction  We present a novel surgical technique for cholecystectomy utilizing three laparoscopic ports placed through the umbilicus. This new method is natural orifice transumbilical surgery (NOTUS) and describes a laparoscopic operation that can be performed with all incisions placed within the umbilicus obviating visible abdominal scars. Objectives  To develop a novel laparoscopic surgical technique for cholecystectomy utilizing only transumbilical incisions. Summary Background Data  Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has become an exciting area of surgical development. Significant limitations to this surgical concept, however, are lack of surgical expertise and appropriate flexible instrumentation. An alternative and competing technology to NOTES is NOTUS. Methods  We describe a patient in whom a laparoscopic surgical technique for cholecystectomy utilized incisions all placed entirely within the umbilicus. This new technique is called NOTUS and describes a laparoscopic operation that can be performed without visible abdominal scar. Results  The operative time was 70 min. There were no intraoperative complications. The patient did well postoperatively and was discharged on the same operative day. There were no postoperative complications at 2 months follow-up. Conclusion  Cholecystectomy performed through laparoscopic incisions placed within the umbilicus was technically feasible and safe in our patient. Development of advanced flexible instrumentation and visualization platforms may facilitate this new operative approach. Further advantages of NOTUS cholecystectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy will ultimately require a randomized clinical trial.     

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Colectomy in Elective Surgery for Diverticulitis

Background  

The role of laparoscopy in the management of diverticular disease is evolving. Concerns were raised in the past because laparoscopic resection for diverticulitis is often difficult and occasionally hazardous. This study was undertaken to evaluate the difference in overall outcomes between elective open and laparoscopic surgery with or without anastomosis for diverticulitis.     

Single incision laparoscopic left colectomy for carcinoma of distal transverse colon

Objective We report a single‐incision laparoscopic left colectomy for a patient with a distal transverse colon cancer. Method A 78‐year‐old man with carcinoma of the transverse colon close to the splenic flexure underwent a single‐incision laparoscopic left colectomy with full mobilization of splenic flexure using the TriPort™ Access System and ordinary laparoscopic instruments. Results The operation was successfully performed. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged after 3 days. Histopathological examination showed a T3N1 tumour with clear resection margins. Conclusion This case demonstrates that single‐incision laparoscopic colectomy can be applied safely to large bowel cancer close to the splenic flexure. The technique warrants further investigation.     

Diverticulitis in the younger patient

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the presentation of diverticulitis at an urban county hospital serving predominantly indigent patients and to analyze the differences, if any, in presentation and treatment in younger patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from 1995 to 2001 was performed at a single institution to identify patients admitted to the surgical service with the diagnosis of diverticular disease. Inclusion criteria were either diverticulitis confirmed at operation or radiographic findings consistent with the disease. Patient demographics, history, pertinent physical findings, and treatment were recorded. The data were analyzed after dividing the patients into two populations: a younger population 50 years of age or less, and a second population of patients older than 50. RESULTS: During the interval, a total of 64 patients were admitted to the surgical service with the diagnosis of diverticulitis. The mean age of this population was 45.5 years (range 21 to 86). Forty-six patients were under 50 years of age (72%). Analysis of sex differences, type and timing of surgical procedure, and complication rate with respect to age showed no significant difference between the two age groups. CONCLUSIONS: We are clearly treating a younger patient population than previous reports on patients with diverticulitis. Although there was a trend toward increased surgical intervention in the younger population, this number did not reach statistical significance. Diverticulitis in young patients at our institution does not appear to take a more aggressive course than the same disease in older patients.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Standard Laparoscopic Surgery for Unroofing of Hepatic Cysts

Background and Objectives:

The aim of this report is to document the feasibility and safety of umbilical single-incision laparoscopic liver cyst unroofing in the treatment of simple hepatic cysts in a retrospective case-control study. We also introduce some operative skills for single-incision laparoscopic surgery.

Methods:

From May 2009 to July 2011, 15 patients underwent umbilical single-incision laparoscopic liver cyst unroofing. All the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Another 15 simple liver cyst patients who received standard laparoscopic liver cyst unroofing at our hospital during the same period—with a similar age, nature of the cyst, and position to the single-incision group—were selected to undergo a case-control study. The operative time, blood loss, recovery time of gastrointestinal function, volume of postoperative drainage, postoperative drainage time, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the single-incision group and standard group in operative time (58.3 ± 7.43 minutes vs 58.7 ± 6.14 minutes), blood loss (17.0 ± 3.19 mL vs 14.7 ± 1.86 mL), recovery time of gastrointestinal function (2.5 ± 0.22 days vs 2.4 ± 0.22 days), volume of postoperative drainage (408.0 ± 119.5 mL vs 450.0 ± 89.5 mL), postoperative drainage time (2.6 ± 0.55 days vs 3.7 ± 0.59 days), or postoperative hospitalization time (4.8 ± 0.44 days vs 5.2 ± 0.56 days) (P > .05). The postoperative follow-up period was 1 to 24 months.

Conclusions:

Compared with standard laparoscopic liver cyst unroofing, single-incision laparoscopic liver cyst unroofing shows no significant difference during the overall treatment process. In addition to the advantages of less trauma, more rapid recovery, and shorter hospital stay, single-incision laparoscopic surgery can reach the effect of “no scar” and can be safely and effectively carried out.     

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.     

301. Ungewöhnliche Fistelbildung bei Diverticulitis

Zusammenfassung Über eine sigmouterine Fistelbildung wurde noch nie berichtet. Bei der 71jährigen Patientin wurde Faeces-Abgang aus dem Muttermund festgestellt, da sie über rezidivierende Stuhl- und Windabgänge durch die Scheide klagte. Im Colonkontrasteinlauf zeigte sich ein diverticulitisches Perforationsgeschehen; bei der Vagino-Hysterosalpingographie stellte sich ein Fistelgang vom Fundus uteri zum perforierten Divertikel dar. Histomorphologisch fanden sich am Operationspräparat eine transmural komplette Fistelbildung im Uterus sowie im äußeren Myometriumdrittel typische Drüsenstrukturen vom Colontypus.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Splenectomy

Background and Objectives:

The single-incision approach in laparoscopic surgery is a relatively new concept. This systematic review of the literature was performed to appraise the existing clinical evidence concerning the use of the single-incision technique for spleen resection.

Methods:

We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases, and the studies retrieved were included in our review. The references of the included studies were also hand searched.

Results:

Thirty-one relevant studies were found in the field including 81 patients with an age range from 0.6 to 90 years and a body mass index range from 18 to 36.7 kg/m². Splenomegaly (44.6%), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (31%), and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (6.8%) were the most common indications for the procedure. Concerning the applied port system, multiple single ports (5 to 12 mm) were used in 54.4% of patients, the SILS port (Covidien, Mansfield, Massachusetts) was used in 26.6%, the TriPort (Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) was used in 7.6%, glove ports were used in 6.3%, and the GelPort (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, California) was used in 5.1%. The median operative time was 125 minutes (range, 45–420 minutes), and the median quantity of blood loss was 50 mL (range, 10–450 mL). No conversion to open surgery and no transfusion were needed. The length of hospital stay was between 1 and 9 days. Low rates of complications and no patient deaths were found. The existing evidence on cosmesis is limited.

Conclusion:

Single-site/single-port laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that seems to be a challenging alternative in the management of spleen resection.     

A case of single incision laparoscopic total colectomy for intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B

IntroductionIntestinal neuronal dysplasia type B (IND-B) is an infrequent disease of the submucosal plexus of intestine manifesting chronic intestinal obstruction or severe chronic constipation. IND is rarely reported in adult patients.Presentation of a caseThe present study reports on the case of a 36 year-old woman suffering from longstanding chronic constipation and who was diagnosed with severe constipation in more than 20 years. Although she began to take a large amount of stimulant laxatives, such as “senna” and “bisacodyl”, constipation symptoms did not improve, she was admitted to our hospital. It was diagnosed with refractory constipation of the medication treatment-resistance, total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis by single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was performed. The final pathological diagnosis was IND-B.DiscussionRefractory constipation after medical treatment is often seen in young generation. SILS has benefits of better cosmesis, reduced morbidity, reduced postoperative pain, and reduced length of hospital stay.ConclusionFor the patients with refractory constipation associated with neuropathy such as IND, total colectomy by SILS was very effective.