Effects of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Mediastinal Drainage and the Use of Blood Products in the Intensive Care Unit in 60- to 80-Year-Old Patients Who Have Undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

OBJECTIVE

The present study consisted of patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and off-pump CABG and investigated effect of using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on the amount of postoperative drainage and blood products, red blood cell (RBC), free frozen plasma (FFP) given in the intensive care unit in 60-80-year-old patients who underwent CABG.

METHODS

The present study comprises a total of 174 patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (off-pump or on-pump CABG) surgery in our clinic in between 2012-2015 year.

RESULTS

It was observed that the amount of drainage in the first 24 postoperative hours was lower in the on-pump CABG group (Group 1) when compared to off-pump group (Group 2) (Group 1 vs. Group 2; 703.5±253.8 ml vs. 719.6±209.4 ml; P =0.716). However, the amount of drainage in the second 24 hours was statistically significantly lower in the off-pump CABG group (Group 1 vs. Group 2; 259.8±170.6 ml vs. 190.1±129.1 ml; P =0.016). With regard to the amount of overall drainage, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. Group 1 needed RBC transfusion higher than Group 2 (Group 1 vs. Group 2; 2.2±1.3 bag vs. 1.2±0.9 bag; P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

We can say that CPB influences the amount of second 24-hour drainage which indexed body surface area. In addition, CPB decreases hct, hb, thrombocyte count in ICU arrived, after 24 hours in postoperative period. Reduced thrombocyte counting effect can be appeared after 48 hours in the postoperative period of CPB.     

Robot-Assisted Versus Standard Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Over the years, there has been a continual shift toward more minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as the use of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery. Recently, there has been increasing adoption of robotic technology. Our study aims to compare and contrast robot-assisted and laparoscopic approaches to colorectal operations.

Methods:

Forty patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic colorectal surgery performed by 2 surgeons at an academic center, regardless of indication, were included in this retrospective review. Patients undergoing open approaches were excluded. Study outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, complications, and conversion rate to an open procedure.

Results:

Twenty-five laparoscopic and fifteen robot-assisted colorectal surgeries were performed. The mean patient age was 61.1 ± 10.7 years in the laparoscopic group compared with 61.1 ± 8.5 years in the robotic group (P = .997). Patients had a similar body mass index and history of abdominal surgery. Mean blood loss was 163.3 ± 249.2 mL and 96.8 ± 157.7 mL, respectively (P = .385). Operative times were similar, with 190.8 ± 84.3 minutes in the laparoscopic group versus 258.4 ± 170.8 minutes in the robotic group (P = .183), as were lengths of hospital stay: 9.6 ± 7.3 and 6.5 ± 3.8 days, respectively (P = .091). In addition, there was no difference in the number of lymph nodes harvested between the laparoscopic group (14.0 ± 6.5) and robotic group (12.3 ± 4.2, P = .683).

Conclusions:

In our early experience, the robotic approach to colorectal surgery can be considered both safe and efficacious. Furthermore, it also preserves oncologically sufficient outcomes when performed for cancer operations.     

Complications of Liver Resection: Laparoscopic Versus Open Procedures

Background and Objective:

Minimally invasive surgery for liver resection remains controversial. This study was designed to compare open versus laparoscopic surgical approaches to liver resection.

Methods:

We performed a single-center retrospective chart review.

Results:

We compared 45 laparoscopic liver resections with 17 open cases having equivalent resections based on anatomy and diagnosis. The overall complication rate was 25.8%. More open resection patients had complications (52.9% vs 15.5%, P < .008). The conversion rate was 11.1%. The mean blood loss was 667.1 ± 1450 mL in open cases versus 47.8 ± 89 mL in laparoscopic cases (P < .0001). Measures of intravenous narcotic use, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay all favored the laparoscopic group. Patients were more likely to have complications or morbidity in the open resection group than in the laparoscopic group for both the anterolateral (P < .085) and posterosuperior (P < .002) resection subgroups.

Conclusion:

In this series comparing laparoscopic and open liver resections, there were fewer complications, more rapid recovery, and lower morbidity in the laparoscopic group, even for those resections involving the posterosuperior segments of the liver.     

Surgical Management of Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy

Background and Objectives:

Our objective was to review the surgical management, surgical outcomes, and obstetric outcomes of adnexal masses in pregnancy.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of pregnant women before 20 weeks of gestation who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for management of an adnexal mass during the period of January 2005 to June 2012 at a university-affiliated hospital.

Results:

Thirty-five pregnant women underwent surgical removal of adnexal masses during the 7.5-year study period: 21 (60.0%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 14 (40.0%) underwent laparotomy. The left upper quadrant entry technique was used in 20 women. Conversion to laparotomy was required in 2 women because of extensive pelvic adhesions. The mean gestational age at surgery was 15.2 ± 1.9 weeks. All women had undergone ovarian cystectomy. A malignant mass was found in 3 (8.6%) women. The laparoscopy group had a significantly less blood loss (67.4 ± 55.8 vs 153.6 ± 181.0 mL, P = .048) and shorter mean hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.0 vs 3.8 ± 1.1 days, P = .006) than the laparotomy group. One woman miscarried soon after surgery. There was no significant difference in obstetric outcomes between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups.

Conclusion:

Surgical management of adnexal masses during pregnancy appears to have favorable outcomes for the mother and the fetus.     

Pre-resectional inflow vascular control: extrafascial dissection of Glissonean pedicle in liver resections

Background/aims

We are evaluated technique of anatomic major and minor hepatic resections using suprahilar-extrafascial dissection of Glissonean pedicle with vascular stapling device for transection of hepatic vessels intending to minimize operative time, and blood loss.

Methodology

We prospectively analyzed the clinical records of 170 patients who underwent hepatic resection by suprahilar-extrafascial pedicle isolation and stapling technique in our clinic for emergency surgery in Belgrade. Patients who underwent hilar extrahepatic intrafascial dissection were excluded from the study.

Results

We performed 102 minor liver resections and 68 major hepatectomies. The minor liver resections were associated with significantly shorter surgery duration (95.1±31.1 vs. 186.6±56.5) and transection time (35.9±14.5 vs. 65.3±17.2) than major hepatectomies (P<0.001 for all). The mean blood loss was 255.6±129.9 mL in minor resection and 385.7±200.1 mL in major resection (P=0.003). The mean blood transfusion requirement was 300.8±99.5 mL for the patients with minor hepatectomy and 450.9±89.6 mL for those with major liver resection (P=0.067). There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality between the groups (P=0.989; P=0.920). Major as well as minor liver resection were a superior oncologic operation with no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival rates.

Conclusions

Extrafascial dissection of Glissonean pedicle with vascular stapling represents both an effective and safe surgical technique of anatomical liver resection. Presented approach allows early and easy ischemic delineation of appropriate anatomical liver territory to be removed (hemiliver, section, segment) with selective inflow vascular control. Also, it is not time consuming and it is very useful in re-resection, as well as oncologically reasonable.     

Clinical outcomes compared between laparoscopic and open appendectomy in pregnant women

Background

Despite the initial absolute or relative contraindication of laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy, in the last decade, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been performed in pregnant women. But few studies compare the outcomes of LA compared with open appendectomy (OA). We investigated clinical outcomes to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LA compared with OA in pregnant women.

Methods

We recruited consecutive pregnant patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis who were undergoing LA or OA between May 2007 and August 2011 into the study.

Results

Sixty-one patients (22 LA and 39 OA) enrolled in our study. There were no significant differences in duration of surgery, postoperative complication rate and obstetric and fetal outcomes, including incidence of preterm labour, delivery type, gestation age at delivery, birth weight and APGAR scores between the 2 groups. However, the LA group had shorter time to first flatus (2.4 ± 0.4 d v. 4.0 ± 1.7 d, p = 0.034), earlier time to oral intake (2.3 ± 1.6 d v. 4.1 ± 1.9 d, p = 0.023) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (4.2 ± 2.9 d v. 6.9 ± 3.7 d, p = 0.043) than the OA group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendectomy is a clinically safe and effective procedure in all trimesters of pregnancy and should be considered as a standard treatment alternative to OA. Further evaluation including prospective randomized clinical trials comparing LA with OA are needed to confirm our results.     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary adenocarcinomas of the urinary bladder: a single-site experience

Background

Adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare malignancy. Radical surgery is suggested as the best available treatment for early-stage disease, but there is currently no consensus on standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced stage. We assessed the feasibility and effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) plus S-1 for patients with locally advanced primary adenocarcinomas of the urinary bladder.

Methods

Six patients with locally advanced urachal or non-urachal (n = 3, each) primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder were treated from October 2010 to October 2013 at a single center. All the patients were treated with 3 cycles (21d, each) of GC plus S-1 (gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m², days 1 and 8; cisplatin, 70 mg/m², day 2; and S-1, 50 mg bid, day 1-14). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients with urachal cancer were treated with en bloc radical cystectomy and umbilectomy; the remaining 3 patients were treated with cystectomy.

Results

All patients successfully completed the neoadjuvant chemotherapy without serious side effects. Two patients were assessed as complete response, 2 as partial response, 1 as stable disease and 1 as progressive disease.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations of a small study population, the GC plus S-1 regimen for locally advanced primary adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder was effective, and facilitated the success of surgery to a certain extent. Short follow-up time was also a limitation of our study. More studies are needed to evaluate the results.     

Assessment of Gel-Coated Delayed Self-Gripping Mesh

Background:

Mesh hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed procedures in general surgery. Recently, use of the self-gripping mesh demonstrated a beneficial effect on postoperative pain in inguinal hernia repairs. However, in intra-abdominal placement, the use of this novel mesh requires greater laparoscopic skill and dexterity because of the mesh''s tendency to fold and adhere to itself and to any surrounding tissues. We hypothesized that gel-like coverage of a self-gripping mesh with a water-soluble film would allow delaying the immediate surface adhesion of the mesh to the tissue, which may allow greater freedom and ease in mesh placement for laparoscopic surgeons.

Methods:

In this ex vivo animal study, gel-coated self-gripping mesh (ProGrip) was compared with a control uncoated mesh in bovine and porcine tissue specimens and assessed for dislodgement shear forces before and after dissolving of the gel.

Results:

Gel coating of the mesh reduced preperitoneal dislodgement forces in a porcine abdominal wall specimen by 81% (8.05 ± 0.66 vs 1.53 ± 0.82 N, P < .01). Dissolving the gel markedly increased the anchoring forces (10.62 ± 3.70 vs 1.53 ± 0.82 N, P < .0001), and after dissolving the gel, the mesh shear dislodgement forces were similar and noninferior to the control mesh (8.05 ± 0.66 vs 10.62 ± 3.70 N, P = NS).

Conclusions:

We believe that water-soluble gel coating does not impair the adhesive features of the self-gripping mesh and may simplify its use in open and laparoscopic procedures by allowing controlled activation of the self-gripping mechanism.     

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision provides acceptable perioperative outcomes but is lengthy — analysis of learning curves for a novice minimally invasive surgeon

Background

Associated with reduced trauma, laparoscopic colon surgery is an alternative to open surgery. Furthermore, complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been shown to provide superior nodal yield and offers the prospect of better oncological outcomes.

Methods

All oncologic laparoscopic right colon resections with CME performed by a single surgeon since the beginning of his surgical practice were retrospectively analyzed for operative duration and perioperative outcomes.

Results

The study included 81 patients. The average duration of surgery was 220.0 (range 206–233) minutes. The initial durations of about 250 minutes gradually decreased to less than 200 minutes in an inverse linear relationship (y = −0.58x × 248). The major complication rate was 3.6% ± 4.2% and the average nodal yield was 31.3 ± 4.1. CumulativeSum analysis showed acceptable complication rates and oncological results from the beginning of surgeon’s laparoscopic career.

Conclusion

Developing laparoscopic skills can provide acceptable outcomes in advanced right hemicolectomy for a surgeon who primarily trained in open colorectal surgery. Operative duration is nearly triple that reported for conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The slow operative duration learning curve without a plateau reflects complex anatomy and the need for careful dissection around critical structures. Should one wish to adopt this strategy either based on some available evidence of superiority or with intention to participate in research, one has to change the view of right hemicolectomy being a rather simple case to being a complex, lengthy laparoscopic surgery.     

Comparison of Laparoscopic Versus Open Approach to Gastrostomy Tubes

Background and Objectives:

Gastrostomy tube insertion for enteral access may be performed through laparotomy (open) or through the laparoscopic approach. This study''s purpose is to compare outcomes of these different approaches.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of all patients (age >18 years) who underwent insertion of a gastrostomy tube as a single elective procedure between 2004 and 2012 was performed. Primary end points included postoperative overall and tube-related morbidity, tube revision rates, and operative time.

Results:

During the study period, 71 patients had a gastrostomy tube inserted via either the open (n = 46) or the laparoscopic (n = 25) approach. Preoperative variables including age, gender, body mass index, albumin, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were statistically comparable between groups. There was no difference in rates of previous upper abdominal surgery (24% vs 26%, P = .590) or gastric surgery (12% vs 13%, P = .720) in the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. Previous percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion rates were higher in the laparoscopic group (32% vs 6.5%, P = .005). Operative time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (76.8 ± 7 vs 55.8 ± 3, P = .003) but was not affected by previous abdominal surgery or higher body mass index. Overall morbidity, tube-related morbidity, and tube revision rates were similar between groups. However, there was a trend toward increased major complication rates in the open group (6.5% vs 0%, P = .190).

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion is safe and feasible, even in patients who have had prior upper abdominal surgery. Patients with a prolonged prognosis, obesity, and intact neurologic capacity may benefit the most from this approach.     

Improvement of nutritional support strategies after surgery for benign liver tumor through nutritional risk screening: a prospective,randomized, controlled,single-blind clinical study

Objective

The rising of individualized therapy requires nutritional risk screening has become a major topic for each particular disease, yet most of the screenings were for malignancies, less for benign diseases. There is no report on the screening of patients with benign liver tumors postoperatively. We aim to evaluate the nutritional support strategies post operation for benign liver tumors through nutritional risk screening.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, 95 patients who underwent hepatectomy for benign tumors were divided into two groups. Fifty patients in the control group were given routine permissive underfeeding nutritional supply (75 kJ/kg/d), and 45 patients in the experimental group were given lower energy (42 kJ/kg/d) in accordance of their surgical trauma. Routine blood tests, liver/kidney function were monitored before surgery and at the day 1, 3, 5, 9 after surgery, patients were observed for the time of flatus, complications, length of hospitalization (LOH), nutrition-related costs, and other clinical parameters. This completed study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01292330.

Results

The nutrition-related expenses (494.0±181.0 vs. 1,514.4±348.4 RMB, P<0.05) and the total hospital costs (18,495.2±4735.0 vs. 21,432.7±8,291.2 RMB, P<0.05) for patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Meanwhile, the lowered energy supply after the surgeries did not have adverse effects on clinical parameters, complications, and LOH.

Conclusions

Patient with benign liver tumors can adopt an even lower postoperative nutritional supply that close to that for mild non-surgical conditions, and lower than the postoperative permissive underfeeding standard.Key Words: Nutritional risk screening, benign liver tumor, individualized therapy, nutrition therapy, permissive underfeeding     

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.     

Male Gender Impact on the Outcome of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background and Objectives:

Our aim was to assess the impact of male gender on the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by eliminating associated risk factors for conversion.

Methods:

A quantitative comparative study was set up on the background of our null hypothesis that male gender has no impact on the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We performed a retrospective study of 241 patients and recorded the duration of surgery, length of postoperative hospital stay, conversion rate, and procedure-specific complications. Risk factors for conversion were excluded. Inferential statistics were applied, and a 2-sided P value of < .05 was considered the cutoff point to indicate the amount of evidence against the null hypothesis. We used SPSS for Windows, version 12 (IBM, Armonk, New York). Parametric data were analyzed with the independent-samples t test, and nonparametric data were analyzed with the χ² test.

Results:

A total of 175 women (72.6%) and 66 men (27.4%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean age was 51.4 ± 14.8 years for women and 55 ± 12.7 years for men (P = .08). Women had a higher body mass index (28.4 ± 4.5) than men (26.8 ± 3.5) (P < .005). There were no statistically significant differences in the conversion rate and perioperative morbidity rate. The conversion rate was 2.9% for women and 7.5% for men (P = .142); the morbidity rate was 10.2% and 12.1%, respectively (P = .66). The mean duration of surgery was longer in men, at 67.9 ± 27.8 minutes, than in women, at 56.5 ± 23.98 minutes (P < .002). Both genders had an equal length of postoperative hospital stay, with 1.9 ± 1.8 days for men and 1.9 ± 2.1 days for women (P = .8).

Conclusions:

Male gender has no impact on the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gender affects the duration of surgery. Larger-scale studies may disclose the factors responsible for variations in the operative time.     

Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy

Background and Objective:

The present study retrospectively analyzed the data of 213 patients who underwent laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 213 patients, in whom we performed conventional laparoscopic ureterolithotomy from April 2006 and January 2015 based on the diagnosis of an upper or middle ureteral stone. Patients with large ureteral stones (>15 mm) or a history of failed shock-wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy were included in the study. Although the retroperitoneal approach was preferred for 170 patients, the transperitoneal approach was used in the remaining 43 patients.

Results:

The mean patient age was 39.3 ± 12.0 years (range, 18–73). The study population was composed of 78 (26.7%) female and 135 (63.3%) male patients. The mean stone size was 19.7 ± 2.5 mm. The mean operative time was 80.9 ± 10.9 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 63.3 ± 12.7 mL. Intraoperative insertion of a double-J catheter was performed in 76 patients. The overall stone-free rate was 99%. No major complication was observed in any patient. However, conversion to open surgery was necessary in 1 patient.

Conclusion:

With high success and low complication rates, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is an effective and reliable method that ensures quick recovery and may be the first treatment option for patients with large, impacted ureteral stones, as well as for those with a history of failed primary treatment.     

Effectiveness of Elective Laparoscopic Treatment for Colonic Diverticulitis

Background and Objectives:

To analyze the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for the elective treatment of diverticular disease.

Methods:

A consecutive unselected series of 94 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease from 2008 to 2012 was analyzed. We collected patients-, surgery- and hospital stay–related data, as well as the short- and long-term outcomes. Operative steps, instrumentation, and postoperative cares were standardized. Comorbidity was assessed by Charlson comorbidity index. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. The qualitative long-term assessment was carried out by subjecting patients to the validated gastrointestinal quality of life index questionnaire before and after surgery.

Results:

The mean age of our cohort was 61.3 ± 11.0 years with a Charlson comorbidity index of 1.2 ± 1.5.Mean operative time was 213.5 ± 60.8 minutes and estimated blood loss was 67.2 ± 94.3 mL. We had 3 cases (3.2%) of conversion to open laparotomy. The rates of postoperative complications were 35.1%, 6.3%, 2.1%, and 1.06%, respectively, for grades 1, 2, 3b, and 5 according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Length of hospital stay was 8.1 ± 1.9 days, and we have not recorded readmissions in patients discharged within 60 days after surgery. Median follow-up was of 9.6 ± 2.7 months. We observed no recurrence of diverticular disease, but there was evidence of 3 cases of incisional hernia (3.19%). The difference between preoperative and late gastrointestinal quality of life index score was statistically significant (97.1 ± 5.8 vs 129.6 ± 8.0).

Conclusions:

Elective laparoscopic treatment of colonic diverticular disease represents an effective option that produces adequate postoperative results and ensures a satisfactory functional outcome.     

Alterations in respiratory mechanics after laparoscopic and open surgical procedures

Objective

To compare the effects of laparoscopic and open surgical procedures on postoperative strength and respiratory mechanics.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Adult university hospital.

Participants

Fifty-one women aged 21 to 62 years scheduled to undergo elective cholecystectomy or hysterectomy (or related procedures), otherwise in good health.

Intervention

Open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy or hysterectomy (or related procedures).

Main Outcome Measures

Maximum voluntary handgrip strength (HGS), forced vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were each measured preoperatively and on the first postoperative morning. A visual analogue pain scale score was evaluated in relation to performance of the postoperative strength and respiratory measurements.

Results

VC, FEV₁ and MIP, but not HGS, were decreased after surgery. Postoperative VC, FEV₁ and MIP were lower after open procedures than after laparoscopic procedures and after cholecystectomy than after hysterectomy (all p < 0.001). Pain scores were lower after laparoscopic than after open procedures (p < 0.005) and could account in part for differences in postoperative respiratory mechanics.

Conclusions

Cholecystectomy and hysterectomy do not result in generalized muscle weakness, unlike more major abdominal procedures. Postoperative alterations in respiratory mechanics are related to the site of the surgery, the use of an open versus a laparoscopic approach and postoperative pain.     

EVALUATION OF ETHICAL IN INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS OF BRAZILIAN SURGICAL JOURNALS

Background:

The instructions to authors are the only means of communication between researchers and the editorial standards of a scientific journal. One of the mandatory items to be contained therein is about the ethical part, to prevent new research to carry out abuses with the enrolled on the research are published and stimulated.

Aim:

To verify the ethical questions on the guidelines of Brazilian surgical journals

Method:

Thirteen selected journals were divided into two groups: general surgery (n=3), and surgical specialty (n=10). The instructions to authors were analyzed by the quote of ethical requirements based on a specific research protocol, ranging from zero to six points.

Results:

The average score of the general surgery group was similar than that of the surgical specialty group (3.66±0.57 vs 3.30±1.15, p=0.6154). When each ethical requirement was compared between the groups, there was no significant difference between the ethical requirements (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

There was respect for most ethical questions evaluated, with no difference between the journals of general or specialty surgery.     

Robotic Liver Resection: Initial Experience With Three-Arm Robotic and Single-Port Robotic Technique

Background and Objective:

Robotic-assisted surgery offers a solution to fundamental limitations of conventional laparoscopic surgery, and its use is gaining wide popularity. However, the application of this technology has yet to be established in hepatic surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected liver surgery database was performed. Over a 6-month period, all consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted hepatic resection for a liver neoplasm were included. Demographics, operative time, and morbidity encountered were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 7 robotic-assisted liver resections were performed, including 2 robotic-assisted single-port access liver resections with the da Vinci-Si Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Sunnyvalle, Calif.) USA. The mean age was 44.6 years (range, 21–68 years); there were 5 male and 2 female patients. The mean operative time (± SD) was 61.4 ± 26.7 minutes; the mean operative console time (± SD) was 38.2 ± 23 minutes. No conversions were required. The mean blood loss was 100.7 mL (range, 10–200 mL). The mean hospital stay (± SD) was 2 ± 0.4 days. No postoperative morbidity related to the procedure or death was encountered.

Conclusion:

Our initial experience with robotic liver resection confirms that this technique is both feasible and safe. Robotic-assisted technology appears to improve the precision and ergonomics of single-access surgery while preserving the known benefits of laparoscopic surgery, including cosmesis, minimal morbidity, and faster recovery.     

Robotic Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

Background and Objectives:

We aimed to assess the feasibility and outcomes of complex ureteropelvic junction obstruction cases submitted to robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Methods:

The records of 131 consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty were reviewed. Of this initial population of cases, 17 were considered complex, consisting of either atypical anatomy (horseshoe kidneys in 3 patients) or previous ureteropelvic junction obstruction management (14 patients). The patients were divided into 2 groups: primary pyeloplasty (group 1) and complex cases (group 2).

Results:

The mean operative time was 117.3 ± 33.5 minutes in group 1 and 153.5 ± 31.1 minutes in group 2 (P = .002). The median hospital stay was 5.19 ± 1.66 days in group 1 and 5.90 ± 2.33 days in group 2 (P = .326). The surgical findings included 53 crossing vessels in group 1 and 5 in group 2. One patient in group 1 required conversion to open surgery because of technical difficulties. One patient in group 2, with a history of hemorrhagic rectocolitis, presented with peritonitis postoperatively due to a small colonic injury. A secondary procedure was performed after the patient had an uneventful recovery. At 3 months, significant improvement (clinical and radiologic) was present in 93% of cases in group 1 and 88.2% in group 2. At 1 year, all patients in group 2 showed satisfactory results. At a late follow-up visit, 1 patient in group 1 presented with a recurrent obstruction.

Conclusions:

Robotic pyeloplasty appear to be feasible and effective, showing a consistent success rate even in complex situations. Particular care should be observed during the colon dissection in patients with previous colonic pathology.