Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) cosmesis: Patients perception of body image distortion after LESS surgery

BackgroundRelative to conventional laparoscopy, Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) surgery has been associated with improved cosmesis. This study investigated preoperative and postoperative patient perceptions of LESS surgery and what factors may affect those perceptions.MethodsPatients undergoing LESS Surgery were queried before and after their operations. Body image and other factors were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively in 881unselected patients undergoing LESS surgery utilizing Likert scale questionnaires. Responses were collated and analyzed. Data are reported as median (mean ± SD), where appropriate.Results881 patients studied had a median age of 59 (57 ± 15.3) years and had a median Body Mass Index of 27 (28 ± 6.2) kg/m². 65% were women. 343 (39%) had undergone a previous abdominal operation(s). Prior to LESS surgery, patients reported neutral body image scores and rated their overall appearance satisfaction as 40% (37% ± 30.7) on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). 68% were unwilling to undergo LESS surgery if it involved more risk relative to traditional laparoscopy as safety was their number one concern. Postoperatively, patients reported a significant improvement in body image perception and safety was no longer their foremost concern.ConclusionPreoperatively, patients are most concerned with safety (e.g. risk) with secondary concerns of cost and pain but they were less concerned with their appearance. Postoperatively, safety is much, much less of an issue (because it has been achieved) and appearance is more paramount with significant improvements in their self-assessed appearance. With LESS surgery patients indicate a high level of satisfaction with cosmesis.     

Determinants of Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy Outcomes

Background

Pure laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is a unique intervention because it carries known risks and complications, yet carries no direct benefit to the donor. Therefore, it is critical to continually examine and improve quality of care.

Objective

To identify factors affecting LDN outcomes and complications.

Design, setting, and participants

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 1204 consecutive LDNs performed from March 2000 through August 2012.

Intervention

LDN performed at an academic training center.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Using multivariable regression, we assessed the effect of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), laterality, and vascular variation on operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, and length of stay.

Results and limitations

The following variables were associated with longer operative time (data given as parameter estimate plus or minus the standard error): female sex (9.09 ± 2.43; p < 0.001), higher BMI (1.03 ± 0.32; p = 0.001), two (7.87 ± 2.70; p = 0.004) and three or more (22.45 ± 7.13; p = 0.002) versus one renal artery, and early renal arterial branching (5.67 ± 2.82; p = 0.045), while early renal arterial branching (7.81 ± 3.85; p = 0.043) was associated with higher EBL. Overall, 8.2% of LDNs experienced complications, and by modified Clavien classification, 74 (5.9%) were grade 1, 13 (1.1%) were grade 2a, 10 (0.8%) were grade 2b, and 2 (0.2%) were grade 2c. There were no grade 3 or 4 complications. Three or more renal arteries (odds ratio [OR]: 2.74; 95% CI, 1.05–7.16; p = 0.04) and late renal vein confluence (OR: 2.42; 95% CI, 1.50–3.91; p = 0.0003) were associated with more complications. Finally, we did not find an association of the independent variables with length of stay. A limitation is that warm ischemia time was not assessed.

Conclusions

In our series, renal vascular variation prolonged operative time and was associated with more complications. While complicated donor anatomy is not a contraindication of LDN, surgical decision-making should take into consideration these results.     

Technique of Right Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy: A Single Center Experience

The majority of laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (LDNs) are limited to the left side due to technical and allograft concerns in using the right. We review our experience with right LDNs. Since June 1997, 15 right LDNs were performed and the records retrospectively reviewed for demographics, operative time, transfusions, complications, and length of stay. Recipient records were also reviewed for delayed graft function, complications, and serum creatinine levels. Overall donor, recipient and graft survivals at 6 months are 100%. Mean operative time was 317 +/- 11.0 min, length of stay was 4.2 +/- 0.2 d, and mean serum creatinine levels at discharge, 1, 3, and 6 months were 1.74 +/- 0.19, 1.59 +/- 0.13, 1.72 +/- 0.13, and 1.68 +/- 0.13 mg/dL, respectively. No transfusions were required. There were no operative or hospital complications. Two recipients (13.3%) experienced delayed graft function, defined as requiring hemodialysis post-transplantation. With hand-assisted laparoscopy, the right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is safe and allows excellent allograft function.     

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.     

Laparoendoscopic Single Site (LESS) Cholecystectomy

Introduction  The journey from conventional “open” operations to truly “minimally invasive” operations naturally includes progression from operations involving multiple trocars and multiple incisions to operations involving access through the umbilicus alone. Laparoscopic operations through the umbilicus alone, laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS), offer improved cosmesis and hopes for less pain and improved recovery. This study was undertaken to evaluate our initial experience with LESS cholecystectomy and to compare our initial experience to concurrent outcomes with more conventional multiport, multi-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods  All patients referred for cholecystectomy over a 6-month period were offered LESS. Outcomes, including blood loss, operative time, complications, and length of stay were recorded. Outcomes with our first LESS cholecystectomies were compared to an uncontrolled group of concurrent patients undergoing multiport, multi-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the same hospital by the same surgeon. Results  Twenty-nine patients of median age 50 years undergoing LESS cholecystectomy from November 2007 until May 2008 were compared to 29* patients, median age 48 years, undergoing standard multiport, multiple-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy over the same time period. Median operative time for patients undergoing LESS cholecystectomy was 72 min and was not different from that of patients undergoing multiport, multi-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.81). Median length of hospital stay was 1.0 day for patients undergoing LESS cholecystectomy and was not different from patients undergoing standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.46). Operative estimated blood loss was less than 100 cc for all patients. No patients undergoing attempted LESS cholecystectomy had conversions to “open” operations; two patients had an additional trocar(s) placed distant from the umbilicus to aid in exposure. Three patients undergoing LESS cholecystectomy had complications: two were troubled by pain control and another had urinary retention. Conclusions  LESS cholecystectomy is a safe and effective alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It can be undertaken without the expense of added operative time and provides patients with minimal, if any, apparent scarring. We believe LESS cholecystectomy will be driven by consumer demand, and therefore, laparoscopic surgeons will need to become proficient with LESS procedures.     

手助腹腔镜与标准腹腔镜根治性肾切除术的临床研究

目的探讨手助腹腔镜根治性肾切除术与标准腹腔镜根治性肾切除术的临床价值。方法回顾分析2010年1月至2011年12月本中心96例腹腔镜根治性肾切除术患者的临床资料,其中58例为手助腹腔镜组,38例为标准腹腔镜组。对比分析两组患者的术中、术后相关临床指标、并发症及短期随访结果。结果手助腹腔镜组和标准腹腔组的手术时间(65.3min和95.8min)、术中出血量(48.9ml和123.9ml)有明显统计学差异(P<0.05)。所有病例均进行了3～27个月的随访,均未发现肿瘤局部复发或远处转移。结论手助腹腔镜技术保留了腹腔镜手术创伤小、痛苦少、术后恢复快、并发症少等优点,并可缩短手术时间、减少术中出血及损伤周围脏器的风险。     

Laparoendoscopic Single-site Partial Nephrectomy Without Ischemia for Very Small,Exophytic Renal Masses: Surgical Details and Functional Outcomes

Background

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has emerged as a natural progression from standard laparoscopy aiming to further minimize the morbidity of urologic procedures.

Objective

To describe our technique and report the surgical and functional outcomes of unclamped LESS partial nephrectomy (PN) in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs).

Design, setting, and participants

Prospective evaluation of pre- and postoperative variables of patients undergoing the LESS-PN without ischemia between 2009 and 2012. The indications were single exophytic SRMs.

Surgical procedure

Unclamped LESS-PN was performed through a transperitoneal approach. A pararectal Hasson access technique was preferred. Single-port access was achieved via different single-port devices. A combination of straight and articulating laparoscopic instruments was used. The tumor was excised using bipolar scissors during normal renal perfusion. Hemostasis was achieved by bipolar electrocautery, parenchymal stitches, and hemostatic agents.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Demographic, operative, postoperative, and pathologic outcomes data were recorded and analyzed.

Results and limitations

A total of 21 LESS-PN were performed (operative time: 111 ± 41 min; blood loss: 196 ± 195 ml: tumor size: 2.0 ± 0.3 cm). Neither conversion to open surgery nor transfusions occurred. Three patients required conversion to standard laparoscopy. Postoperatively, three complications (Clavien grades 2, 3a, and 4) were recorded. Pathologic examination revealed 14 clear cell carcinomas, four renal cysts, two oncocytomas, and one angiomyolipoma. Hospital stay was 4.4 ± 1.9 d. At the last follow-up (mean: 17 ± 11.5 mo), no port-site, local, or distant recurrences were detected. No significant variation in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed. Subjective scar evaluation indicated 66% of patients were very satisfied/enthusiastic. Study limitations include the small sample size, the lack of a control group, the short follow-up period, and the arbitrary measure of patient's scar perception.

Conclusions

Unclamped LESS-PN for selected SRMs is a safe and feasible procedure providing favorable postoperative outcomes and ensuring high levels of subjective, cosmetic satisfaction.     

Laparoendoscopic Single-site Nephrectomy Compared with Conventional Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A 5-year,Single-surgeon Experience

Background

Conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) is the gold standard approach for nephrectomy. An advance in minimally invasive nephrectomy is laparoendoscopic single-site nephrectomy (LESS-N).

Objective

To compare 5-yr experience and outcomes of LESS-N to LN.

Design, setting, and participants

Retrospective, case-control, single-surgeon series of 47 LESS-N cases matched in a 1:2 fashion by age, indication, and tumor size to 94 LN controls. LESS-N procedures were performed between August 2007 and February 2012 and LN procedures between December 1999 and 2009.

Intervention

LESS-N or LN.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Categorical variables were compared by χ² analysis, and continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results and limitations

There were significantly more female patients (66% vs 46%; p = 0.023) and a significantly lower median body mass index (24 kg/m² vs 28 kg/m²; p < 0.001) in the LESS-N group compared with the LN group. Surgical indication was benign in 69 patients (23 LESS-N and 46 LN) and malignant in 72 patients (24 LESS-N and 48 LN). There were no significant differences for the LESS-N and LN groups, respectively, in mean operative time (149 min vs 150 min; p = 0.9), change in hematocrit (5.6% vs 4.8%; p = 0.661), change in creatinine (0.18 mg/dl vs 0.49 mg/dl; p = 0.18), analgesic use (morphine equivalents) (18.4 vs 17.5; p = 0.81), or intraoperative complication rates (6.4% vs 2.1%; p = 0.20). Length of stay was shorter (49 h vs 70 h; p = 0.017) and estimated blood loss was lower (56 ml vs 137 ml; p = 0.002) for the LESS-N group. Over a mean follow-up of 3 yr, postoperative complications (12.8% vs 7.4%; p = 0.30), disease-free survival (95.8% vs 87.5%; p = 0.384), and overall survival (91.7% vs 95.8%; p = 0.123) were not significantly different. The most significant limitation of this study is the retrospective design.

Conclusions

This series demonstrates that LESS-N is safe and durable in properly selected patients; however, multi-institutional randomized trials are required to confirm benefits.     

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.     

Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Step Forward in Kidney Transplantation?

Open donor nephrectomy for live donor kidney transplantation is a safe procedure that has been used for more than 30 years with excellent results. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is a relatively new technique that has the potential of decreased postoperative pain, less incisional morbidity, and shorter recovery time. Furthermore, it has been reported that this potentially less traumatic approach increases the number of potential live donors. This review article focuses on the currently used laparoscopic techniques in live kidney donation as well as the controversy regarding its efficacy, safety, and future.     

用SilsPort行单一切口腹腔镜胃内手术的可行性研究

目的探讨SilsPort行单一切口胃内手术的可行性、安全性与有效性。方法 6头家猪作为实验对象,将SilsPort经腹壁切口置入胃内。3头猪用超声刀切开胃后壁黏膜层,切开长度3 cm,3-0可吸收线间断缝合;另3头猪用抓钳抓取胃后壁组织,用直线切割吻合器切除。结果所有模拟操作均顺利完成,无明显术中出血与并发症。放置SilsPort所用时间为8~40 min,（16.2±12.2）min。3头猪用直线切割吻合器行模拟切除总手术时间分别为75、45、38 min;另3头猪用超声刀模拟切除缝合所用时间分别为80、85、70 min。术后活检见胃前壁缝合良好,胃内模拟切除部位缝合（或钉合）满意,局部无出血。结论用SilsPort进行胃内手术可行、安全,提供了将腹腔镜与器械置入胃内进行手术操作简便、稳定的平台。     

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 Live Donor Nephrectomy: Comparison of Outcomes Right Versus Left

Objective

To compare outcomes between right- and left-sided laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LDN). Left LDN (LLDN) remains the side of choice whenever possible because the left renal vein is longer; however, there are some donors in whom the right kidney is taken for donation due to anatomical or functional reasons. Right LDN (RLDN) is perceived to be difficult due to anatomical factors. Therefore, many surgeons have a bias for left kidney donation or will do right side donation as an open donor nephrectomy. At our institution, we routinely perform RLDN when indicated and herein compare the outcomes between right- and left-sided LDN.

改良小切口经腹腹腔镜肾切除术（附13例报告）

目的：探讨改良小切口经腹腹腔镜肾切除术的应用价值及其优势。方法：本组患者13例,均采用改良小切口经腹腹腔镜肾切除术。术前超声及CT扫描等检查测量肾脏的最短径作为小切口长度,辅助定位腹腔镜通道穿刺点。腹腔镜经腹行肾切除术,切除肾脏后经小切口取出。对手术时间、出血量、输血量、术后疼痛程度、术后恢复时间等资料进行观察记录。结果：本组患者均成功行腹腔镜肾切除术。手术时间（114±16）min（90～135min）,术中失血（231±89）ml（100～350m1）,术中及术后输血0～400ml。术后第一个24h视觉模拟量表（VAs）疼痛评分为3～6分。术后3天内使用双氯芬酸钠纳肛50～100mg／d。术后患者恢复进食时间1～2天,下床活动时间3～5天。13例患者术后平均随访2个月,均未出现严重并发症。结论：改良小切口经腹腹腔镜肾切除术能根据患者具体病情及肾脏解剖结构,个体化设计并充分利用腹腔镜的三个穿刺造通道。对患者损伤较小,术后恢复快,并且不增加手术并发症,具有较好的临床应用和推广价值。     

Single Incision Laparoscopic Splenectomy: The First Two Cases

Aims  Single incision laparoscopic procedures are presumed to be as a step towards pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. However, loss of requirement of any perforation of visceral organ and endoscopic equipment make this technique more popular and easily performable. Herein we report two splenectomy cases where single incision surgery (SILS) technique was performed. Cases  Two females of 28 years old and 22 years old with the diagnoses of ITP underwent single incision laparoscopic splenectomy. Preoperatively with the receival of steroid therapy, thrombocyte counts were 92,000/m³. A 2-cm umbilical incision was used for the placement of three (5 mm) trocars. One 5-mm videoscope (30°) and roticulated laparoscopic dissector/grasper were the main tools during surgical procedure. Spleen was removed with a plastic removal bag through the umbilical trocar incision. The whole procedure ended in 110 and 150 min in both cases without any problem. Results  Two patients were discharged on third and second postoperative days with the thrombocyte counts of 174,000/m³ and 400,000/m³, respectively. Conclusion  Although there were some procedures performed with single incision technique like cholecystectomy, prostatectomy, and partial nephrectomy, as far as we are concerned this is the first report about laparoscopic splenectomy performed with single incision surgery technique.     

Laparoscopic and Open Partial Nephrectomy: A Matched-Pair Comparison of 200 Patients

Background

Laparoscopy is currently challenging the role of the open approach for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS), yet comparative studies on this issue are scant.

Objective

To compare surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN).

Design, setting, and participants

We undertook matched-pair (age, sex, tumour size) analysis of patients who underwent elective NSS for renal masses either by laparoscopic (Klagenfurt) or open (Vienna) access.

Measurements

Surgical data, complications, histologic and oncologic data, and short- and long-term renal function of the open and laparoscopic groups were compared.

Results and limitations

In total, 200 patients matched for age, sex, and tumour size entered the study after either LPN or OPN and were followed for a mean of 3.6 yr. Surgical, ischemia, and hospitalisation times were shorter in the LPN group (p < 0.001). Blood loss and complication rates were comparable in both groups. Malignant tumours were pT1 stage renal-cell cancer only in both groups. The positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 4% after LPN and 2% after OPN (p = 0.5); positive margins were not a risk factor for disease recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-yr local recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 97% after LPN and 98% after OPN (p = 0.8); the respective numbers for distant free survival were 99% and 96% (p = 0.2). Five-year overall survival (OS) for patients with pT1 stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was 96% after LPN and 85% after OPN. The decline in glomerular filtration rate at the last available follow-up (LPN: 10.9%; OPN: 10.6%) was similar in both groups (p = 0.8). We recognise the retrospective nature, limited follow-up, and sample size as shortcomings of this study.

Conclusions

In experienced hands, LPN provides similar results compared to open surgery. PSM rates were comparable after LPN and OPN. Current experience questions the indication of secondary nephrectomy in these patients.     

经脐单孔腹腔镜肾切除术2例报告

目的：初步探讨经脐单孔腹腔镜肾切除术的临床可行性和安全性。方法：2009年6～7月,对2例患者行经脐入路单孔腹腔镜肾切除术,1例右肾癌患者行单孔腹腔镜右肾根治性切除术,1例左侧积水性无功能肾患者行单孔腹腔镜单纯左肾切除术。患者取45。健侧卧位,作2．5cm绕脐“Z”形皮肤小切VI,Hasson法制备经腹腔入路单孔腹腔镜工作通道切口,置入单孔三通道腹腔镜操作通道。从单孔通道分别置人5mm腹腔镜和手术器械,按照标准的腹腔镜根治性肾切除术和单纯。肾切除术的手术操作步骤完成手术,切除标本均从脐部切口取出。结果：2例手术均顺利完成,手术时间分别为210min和90min,估计出血量分别为100ml和20ml,无中转开放及标准三孔腹腔镜手术,术中无并发症发生,短期随访无术后并发症发生。结论：小样本的临床研究结果初步显示了单孔腹腔镜。肾切除术良好的安全性和可行性。然而,该术式的临床治疗效果尚需大样本中远期随访和对照研究予以证实。