A Comparison of Continuous and Interrupted Suturing in Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

Background:

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is one of the most common reconstructive procedures performed by urologists. Both continuous and interrupted sutures are being practiced for ureteropelvic anastomosis. The success rate and the complications associated with the suturing technique needs evaluation. We analyzed the results from of our patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty using both techniques.

Objective:

To review the outcome differences among patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty regarding suturing technique.

Materials and Methods:

All patients who underwent laparoscopic, transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty of the primary pelviureteric obstruction were analyzed. The primary outcome was successful pyeloplasty, as assessed by the resolution of symptoms and T½ <10 minutes. The secondary outcomes were the complication rate and the operative parameters. The difference in the parameters was assessed by Student t test analysis.

Results:

Of the 107 patients we studied, 65 had interrupted suturing and 42 had continuous suturing. The success rate was not significantly different among the 2 groups. The mean suturing time, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative hospital stay, and total cost of the procedure were significantly less in the continuous suturing group.

Conclusion:

The continuous suturing technique is preferred over the interrupted suturing technique for laparoscopic pyeloplasty because the success rates are equal and the postoperative stay, suturing time, drain output, and cost of the procedure are better.     

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.     

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.     

Evaluation of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic and Open Pyeloplasty in Children: Single-Surgeon Experience

Introduction

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP), the most commonly undertaken paediatric robotic urologic surgery, has not been compared against open pyeloplasty (OPN) by a single surgeon. Here, we describe our experience and outcomes.

Methods

Children undergoing RALP or OPN from 2007 to 2013 were reviewed. Clinical success was defined as resolution of presenting symptoms and improved/stable hydronephrosis on ultrasound.

Results

RALP and OPN cohorts comprised 52 and 40 patients, respectively. RALP patients were significantly older (6.8 vs 1.2 years, p<0.01) and heavier (28.4 vs 8.4 kg, p<0.01). Operative times for RALP were longer (203.3 vs 135.0 min, p<0.01), but decreased significantly with increasing experience (r²=0.42, p<0.01). Seven type-IIIb Clavien–Dindo complications occurred in RALP patients compared with two in OPN cases. There were no differences in postoperative narcotic administration (p=0.92) or duration of stay in hospital (DOSH) (p=0.93). A total of 11/40 (28%) OPN patients required epidural analgesia but none were placed in the RALP cohort. A total of 49/52 (94%) RALP patients and 40/40 OPN cases had successful outcomes. Three RALP patients required revision RALP.

Conclusions

These data show that outcomes for RALP and OPN were comparable. An initial learning curve with RALP is to be expected, but operative times for RALP approached those for OPN. Previously reported benefits of RALP (reduced analgesic requirements, DOSH) were not observed. This difference may have been due to comparison of a heterogeneous cohort. Close evaluation of complications allowed for improved placement of stents in RALP.     

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in the Animal Model

Purpose:

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty has been associated with long operative times. This study proposed to evaluate the feasibility of two different laparoscopic techniques for the performance of pyeloplasty repair of secondary ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen female Yucatan mini-pigs underwent general anesthesia for cystoscopy, retrograde pyelography, urine culture and a baseline renal scan. Unilateral UPJ obstruction was created by ligating the UPJ over a 5F catheter. Six weeks later a laparoscopic pyeloplasty was performed utilizing an intracorporeal suturing technique and the Lapra-Ty suture clip or the Endostitch device with intracorporeal knot tying. Four control animals underwent only cystoscopy and in/out ureteral catheterization. In the study animals the ureteral stent was maintained for six weeks and at six weeks, three months and six months post-pyeloplasty the animals underwent the previously mentioned studies. At six months post-pyeloplasty the animals were euthanized and the UPJ was calibrated. Histopathology was obtained on the ureter below the anastomosis, at the anastomosis, above the anastomosis and on a renal biopsy.

Results:

All planned laparoscopic pyeloplasties were completed. However, the stricture model was too severe in that most animals developed 40-45% decrease in renal function in the kidney following ipsilateral UPJ ligation. There was no significant difference between the two pyeloplasty techniques with respect to operative time to perform the pyeloplasty (mean of 40 minutes), post-pyeloplasty ureteral caliber (7.5-8.0 F), serum creatinine or healing scores at, above or below the anastomosis.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be performed equally successfully with the Endostitch device and intracorporeal knot tying or with the intracorporeal suturing technique and Lapra-Ty clips. The resultant pyeloplasty is also equivalent for the two techniques.     

Laparoscopic Appendectomy Is Safer Than Open Appendectomy in an Elderly Population

Background and Objectives:

This study describes perioperative patient safety outcomes comparing laparoscopic appendectomy with open appendectomy in the elderly population (defined as age ≥65 years) during the diffusion of laparoscopic appendectomy into widespread clinical practice.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients undergoing open or laparoscopic appendectomy in the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a 20% sample of inpatient discharges from 1056 hospitals, from 1998 to 2009, and used weighted sampling to estimate national trends. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to examine the association of laparoscopy with perioperative outcomes.

Results:

Patients who met the inclusion criteria totaled 257 484. Of these, 87 209 (34%) underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. These patients were younger (P < .001); had lower Charlson comorbidity scores (P < .001); were more likely to be white (P < .001), to be privately insured (P = .005), and to undergo surgery in urban hospitals (P < .001); and were less likely to have appendiceal rupture (P < .001). Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a decreased length of stay (4.44 days vs 7.86 days, P < .001), fewer total patient safety indicator events (1.8% vs 3.5%, P < .001), and a decreased mortality rate (0.9% vs 2.8%, P < .001). On multivariate analyses, we observed a 32% (odds ratio, 0.68) decreased probability of patient safety events occurring in laparoscopic appendectomy cases versus open appendectomy cases as measured by patient safety indicators.

Conclusion:

The data suggest that laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with improved clinical outcomes in the elderly and that diffusion of laparoscopic appendectomy is not associated with adverse patient safety events in this population.     

Modified Retroperitoneoscopic Port Sites for Surgery of Upper Urinary Tract

Background and Objectives:

Our objective was to introduce our experience using modified retroperitoneoscopic port positions for operations of the upper urinary tract.

Methods:

We designed different trocar positions or incisions according to different surgical procedures and specimen sizes. A total of 116 patients, comprising patients with common adrenal, kidney, and ureter diseases, underwent retroperitoneoscopic operations by use of modified incisions. These patients comprised 23 with adrenal diseases, 84 with kidney diseases, and 9 with ureter diseases. The specimen was retrieved, as much as possible, through a transverse incision to produce a hidden scar after recovery. By contrast, 143 patients underwent the same or similar procedures using classical 3-port incisions. The operative time was defined as the time from skin incision to skin closure.

Results:

There were no significant differences in age, estimated blood loss, oral intake, and hospital stay between groups. A significant difference in favor of the modified group was noted with respect to analgesia use (diclofenac sodium, 50 mg vs 100 mg; P < .05) in all 3 modified methods, as well as in cosmetic outcome in the groups undergoing the first modification (score, 8.9 ± 2.2 VS 7.3 ± 2.8; P < .05) and second modification (score, 8.7 ± 2.5 VS 7.1 ± 2.4; P < .05). In addition, the mean operative time in patients undergoing ureter operations was shorter than that in the conventional group using classical 3-port positions (55 ± 11 minutes vs 70 ± 15 minutes, P < .05).

Conclusions:

Our modified retroperitoneoscopic incision is a safe, cosmetic alternative procedure for operations of the upper urinary tract. Different diseases and specimen sizes can be treated with the personalized or suitable incisions that we have introduced.     

Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Benign Disease

Background and Objectives:

We compared the perioperative outcomes of hysterectomy performed by robotic (RH) versus laparoscopic (LH) routes for benign indications using the Dindo-Clavien scale for classification of the surgical complications.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent robotic (n=288) and laparoscopic (n=257) hysterectomies by minimally invasive surgeons at the University of Michigan from March 2001 until June 2010.

Results:

Age, body mass index, operative time, and estimated blood loss were not statistically different between groups. The RH subgroup had a larger uterine weight (LH 186.4±130.6 g vs RH 234.9±193.9 g, P=.001), higher prevalence of severe adhesions (13.2% vs 23.3%, respectively, P=.003), and stage III–IV endometriosis (4.7% vs 15.3%, respectively, P<.05). There were no differences in the rates of Dindo-Clavien grade I, grade II, and grade III surgical complications between the RH and LH groups (9.7%, 13.2%, and 3.1%, respectively, in the RH group vs 6.2%, 9.3%, and 5.8%, respectively, in the LH group, P>.05). However, the rates of urinary tract infection were higher in the RH group (LH 2.7% vs RH 6.9%, P=.02), whereas the conversion to laparotomy rate was higher in the LH group (LH 6.2% vs RH 1.7%, P=.007).

Conclusions:

Perioperative outcomes for laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy for benign indications appear to be equivalent.     

Retroperitoneal and Transperitoneal Robot-Assisted Pyeloplasty in Adults: Techniques and Results

Background

The surgical management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) has dramatically evolved over the past 20 yr due to the development of new technology.

Objective

Our aim was to report the feasibility and efficacy of robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) performed by either the retroperitoneal or the transperitoneal approach.

Design, setting, and participants

A stage 2 investigative study was conducted including development (stage 2a) and exploration (stage 2b) of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal RAP performed in 55 patients at an urban tertiary university department of urology.

Surgical procedure

Retroperitoneal RAP was performed with the patient in full flank position using a 12-mm Hasson-style optical port at the tip of the 12th rib, plus two operative 8-mm robotic trocars and an assistant 5-mm port. The stenotic ureteropelvic junction was excised, the ureter was spatulated, and a dismembered pyeloplasty was performed in all cases. Transperitoneal RAP was performed with the patients in the 60° flank position. The optical port is in the umbilical area, plus two 8-mm operative robotic ports and one 5-mm assistant port. The pyeloplasty technique is similar to the retroperitoneoscopic approach. In both groups, the stent can be positioned in an anterograde or retrograde fashion.

Measurements

Success consisted of no evidence of obstruction on computed tomography urography or mercaptoacetyltriglycine-3 diuretic renal scan, no postoperative symptoms, and no further treatment.

Results and limitations

Thirty-six patients underwent retroperitoneoscopic RAP and 19 transperitoneal RAP for UPJO. All the procedures were completed with robotic assistance. The overall objective success (measured by diuretic renal scan and/or imaging techniques) was 96% with two cases of recurrence (both in the retroperitoneal group). The main limitation was the short follow-up, although all patients reached at least a 6-mo follow-up.

Conclusions

RAP performed either retroperitoneally or transperitoneally was revealed as a feasible and reproducible surgical option for the treatment of UPJO, offering a subjective optimal plasty reconfiguration at short follow-up.     

Indomethacin and ketorolac given preoperatively are equally effective in reducing early postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Design

A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Setting

A university hospital.

Patients

Fifty-two patients with cholelithiasis but without known allergy to one of the study drugs, history of bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, known cardiac, lung or renal disease, abnormal liver function or use of opiates or NSAIDs within 2 weeks before operation. Patients were assigned to one of three groups, and treatment was randomized by placing the drugs in sealed, numbered envelopes.

Intervention

Administration of the NSAIDs ketorolac, intramuscularly, or indomethacin, rectally, before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Postoperative pain scored on a visual analogue scale and by nurse assessment, total dose of fentanyl citrate given, and nausea or emesis.

Results

Patients in the placebo group reported significantly more pain than either NSAID group (p < 0.05) and were reported as having significantly more pain by the nurses (p < 0.05). These patients were subsequently treated with a higher mean postoperative dose of fentanyl citrate than either NSAID group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the placebo group reported more nausea and emesis (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any of the parameters measured between the ketorolac or indomethacin group.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate that the NSAIDs ketolorac and indomethacin, administered preoperatively, decrease early postoperative pain and nausea after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and are equally efficacious in producing these results.     

Is Laparoscopy a Risk Factor for Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy?

Background and Objectives:

Previously, risk factors for bile duct injury have been identified as acute cholecystitis, male gender, older age, aberrant biliary anatomy, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2006 was performed with an inclusion criterion of cholecystectomy performed on hospital day 0 or 1. Patient- and hospital-level factors potentially associated with bile duct injury were examined by logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 377,424 cholecystectomy patients were identified. There were 1124 bile duct injuries (0.30%), with 177 (0.06%) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group and 947 (1.46%) in the open cholecystectomy group (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for bile duct injury were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.38; P = .006), age >60 years (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.61–3.09; P < .001), and academic hospital status (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05–1.79; P = .02). Acute cholecystitis was associated with a lower risk of bile duct injury (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46–0.99; P = .044).

Conclusion:

Independent risk factors for bile duct injury included male gender, age >60 years, and academic hospital status. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, obesity, insurance status, or hospital volume was not associated with an increased risk of bile duct injury.     

Short-term inspiratory muscle training potentiates the benefits of aerobic and resistance training in patients undergoing CABG in phase II cardiac rehabilitation program

Objective

To investigate the efficiency of short-term inspiratory muscle training program associated with combined aerobic and resistance exercise on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and are in the phase II cardiac rehabilitation program.

Methods

A prospective, quasi-experimental study with 24 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and were randomly assigned to two groups in the Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program: inspiratory muscle training program associated with combined training (aerobic and resistance) group (GCR + IMT, n=12) and combined training with respiratory exercises group (GCR, n=12), over a period of 12 weeks, with two sessions per week. Before and after intervention, the following measurements were obtained: maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax and PEmax), peak oxygen consumption (peak VO₂) and quality of life scores. Data were compared between pre- and post-intervention at baseline and the variation between the pre- and post-phase II cardiac rehabilitation program using the Student''s t-test, except the categorical variables, which were compared using the Chi-square test. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Compared to GCR, the GCR + IMT group showed larger increments in PImax (P<0.001), PEmax (P<0.001), peak VO₂ (P<0.001) and quality of life scores (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that the addition of inspiratory muscle training, even when applied for a short period, may potentiate the effects of combined aerobic and resistance training, becoming a simple and inexpensive strategy for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass and are in phase II cardiac rehabilitation.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: a prospective randomized trial of 81 patients

Objective

To compare the efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) in the treatment of acute appendicitis.

Design

A prospective randomized trial.

Setting

A university teaching hospital.

Patients

Eighty-one patients with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis were prospectively randomized to undergo either LA or OA. The two groups were matched for age and sex.

Interventions

LA or OA.

Main Outcome Measures

Number of days in hospital and time to full recovery.

Results

The mean hospital stay for LA was 3.23 days compared with 3.03 days for OA (p < 0.001). The mean number of narcotic injections required for patients in the LA group was 4.05 compared with 5.58 for patients in the OA group (p < 0.001). The mean time to complete recovery for patients in the LA group was 9.0 days compared with 16.2 days for patients in the OA group (p < 0.001). The mean operative time for LA was 73.8 minutes compared with 45.0 minutes for OA (p < 0.001). Three patients in the LA group had intra-abdominal abscesses (p > 0.25). No significant difference in wound infection rates was demonstrated (p > 0.05). Similarly, pain scores at 7 and 28 days showed no significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

With LA significantly fewer narcotic injections are required and there is a more rapid return to normal activities. LA takes longer to perform and was associated with three intra-abdominal abscesses. In cases of simple acute appendicitis the hospital stay for LA is significantly shorter.     

Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Stomach

Background:

Laparoscopy has emerged as the “gold standard” procedure for many diseases that require surgical treatment. Our goal was to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic vs open partial gastrectomies for the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach (gGIST) using a national database.

Methods:

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database (2006–2009), we identified patients who underwent laparoscopic and open partial gastrectomy gGIST. Overall morbidity and mortality were assessed. The relationships between anesthesia time, operative duration, surgical site infection (SSI), and hospital stay were also examined. Two-sample t tests were used.

Results:

Of 486 patients, 146 (30%) underwent laparoscopic resection (LR) and 340 (70%) underwent open resection (OR). Patients who underwent LP were older (mean: 65 vs 62 years; P = .062). Patients treated with LR experienced shorter anesthesia time (mean: 183 vs 212 minutes; P < .05) and shorter operative time (mean: 119 vs 149 minutes; P < .05) compared with those who underwent OR. All patients treated with LR had fewer SSIs compared with those who underwent OR (0.68% vs 6.7%; P < .001). Patients treated with LR were less likely to experience an overall morbidity (mean: 3.9% vs 11.7%; P < .001) or mortality (mean: 0.23% vs 0.72%; P < .001) and shorter total hospital stay (mean: 3.17 vs 7.50 days; P < .001) compared with those who underwent OR.

Conclusions:

In ACS NSQIP hospitals, laparoscopic resection of gGIST appears to be preferable to open surgery. However, prospective studies with large sample sizes comparing both surgical approaches with size-matched tumors are strongly suggested.     

Updated Hysterectomy Surveillance and Factors Associated With Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

Background and Objectives:

The goal of this study is to obtain updated surveillance statistics for hysterectomy procedures in the United States and identify factors associated with undergoing a minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed. Subjects included all women aged 18 years or older who underwent hysterectomy of any type. Logistic regression and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the proportion of hysterectomies performed by various routes, as well as factors associated with undergoing minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic, vaginal, or robotic).

Results:

A total of 479 814 hysterectomies were performed in the United States in 2009, 86.6% of which were performed for benign indications. Among the hysterectomies performed for benign indications, 56% were completed abdominally, 20.4% were performed laparoscopically, 18.8% were performed vaginally, and 4.5% were performed with robotic assistance. Factors associated with decreased odds of a minimally invasive hysterectomy included the following: minority race (P < .0001), fibroids (P < .0001), concomitant adnexal surgery (P < .0001), self-pay (P = .01) or Medicaid as insurer (P < .0001), and increased severity of illness (P < .0001). Factors associated with increased odds of a minimally invasive hysterectomy included the following: age >50 years (P < .0001), prolapse or menstrual disorder (P < .0001), median household income of $48 000–$62 999 (P = .007) or ≥$63 000 (P = .009), and location in the West (P = .02). A length of stay >1 day was most common in abdominal hysterectomy cases (96.1%), although total mean charges were highest for robotic cases ($38 161).

Conclusion:

The US hysterectomy incidence in 2009 decreased from prior years'' reports, with an increasing frequency of laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Racial and socioeconomic factors influenced hysterectomy mode.     

Update Experience of Surgery for Acute Limb Ischaemia in a District General Hospital – Are We Getting Any Better?

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to audit results of a 10-year experience of surgery for acute limb ischaemia (ALI) in terms of limb salvage and mortality rates, and to compare results with a historical published series from our unit.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All emergency operations performed during the period 1993–2003 were identified from theatre registers and patient notes reviewed to determine indications for, and outcome of, surgery. Data were compared to a similar cohort who underwent surgery from 1980 to 1990.

RESULTS

There was a 33% increase in workload from 87 to 116 patients between the two time periods. The number of patients with idiopathic ALI reduced (24% versus 4%; P < 0.05), and there were fewer smokers (71% versus 39%; P < 0.05) and a greater number of claudicants (17% versus 35%; P < 0.05) in those treated from 1993–2003. Latterly, more patients underwent pre-operative heparinisation (33% versus 80%; P < 0.05), received prophylactic antibiotics (14% versus 63%; P < 0.05), and had anaesthetic presence in theatre (46% versus 88%; P < 0.05). There was also a reduction in local anaesthetic procedures (80% versus 41%; P < 0.05). Despite increased pre-operative (15% versus 47%; P < 0.05) and on-table imaging (0% versus 16%; P < 0.05) technical success did not improve. Whilst complication rates were identical at 62%, there were fewer cardiovascular complications in the recent cohort. The 30-day mortality rate for embolectomy fell from 45% to 33%. Multivariate analysis revealed age > 70 years, prolonged symptom duration, ASA score ≥ III, lack of prophylactic antibiotics, absence of an anaesthetist, and operations performed under local anaesthetic to be associated with increased risk of mortality. Factors adversely affecting limb salvage included prolonged duration from symptom onset to operation, and a history of claudication or smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite improvements in pre- and peri-operative management, arterial embolectomy/thrombectomy remains a procedure with a high morbidity and mortality. Further attempts to improve outcome must be directed at early diagnosis and referral as delay from symptom onset to surgery is a major determinant of outcome.     

Perioperative Outcomes of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Conventional Laparoscopy Surgery for Advanced-Stage Endometriosis

Background and Objectives:

To determine perioperative outcome differences in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) versus conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for advanced-stage endometriosis.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study at a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery center at 2 academically affiliated, urban, nonprofit hospitals included all patients treated by either robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery for stage III or IV endometriosis (American Society for Reproductive Medicine criteria) between July 2009 and October 2012 by 1 surgeon experienced in both techniques. The main outcome measures were extent of surgery, estimated blood loss, operating room time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of stay, with medians for continuous measures and distributions for categorical measures, stratified by body mass index values. Robotically assisted laparoscopy and conventional laparoscopy were then compared by use of the Wilcoxon rank sum, χ², or Fisher exact test, as appropriate.

Results:

Among 86 conventional laparoscopic and 32 robotically assisted cases, the latter had a higher body mass index (27.36 kg/m² [range, 23.90–34.09 kg/m²] versus 24.53 kg/m² [range, 22.27–26.96 kg/m²]; P < .0079) and operating room time (250.50 minutes [range, 176–328.50 minutes] versus 173.50 minutes [range, 123–237 minutes]; P < .0005) than did conventional laparoscopy patients. After body mass index stratification, obese patients varied in operating room time (282.5 minutes [range, 224–342 minutes] for robotic-assisted laparoscopy versus 174 minutes [range, 130–270 minutes] for conventional laparoscopy; P < .05). No other significant differences were noted between the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopy groups.

Conclusion:

Despite a higher operating room time, robotic-assisted laparoscopy appears to be a safe minimally invasive approach for patients, with all other perioperative outcomes, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, comparable with those in patients undergoing conventional laparoscopy.     

Role of Epidural and Patient-Controlled Analgesia in Site-Specific Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Limited data are available comparing epidural and patient-controlled analgesia in site-specific colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate 2 modes of analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic right colectomy (RC) and low anterior resection (LAR).

Methods:

Prospectively collected data on 433 patients undergoing laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colon surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed from March 2004 to February 2009. Patients were divided into groups undergoing RC (n = 175) and LAR (n = 258). These groups were evaluated by use of analgesia: epidural analgesia, “patient-controlled analgesia” alone, and a combination of both. Demographic and perioperative outcomes were compared.

Results:

Epidural analgesia was associated with a faster return of bowel function, by 1 day (P < .001), in patients who underwent LAR but not in the RC group. Delayed return of bowel function was associated with increased operative time in the LAR group (P = .05), patients with diabetes who underwent RC (P = .037), and patients after RC with combined analgesia (P = .011). Mean visual analogue scale pain scores were significantly lower with epidural analgesia compared with patient-controlled analgesia in both LAR and RC groups (P < .001).

Conclusion:

Epidural analgesia was associated with a faster return of bowel function in the laparoscopic LAR group but not the RC group. Epidural analgesia was superior to patient-controlled analgesia in controlling postoperative pain but was inadequate in 28% of patients and needed the addition of patient-controlled analgesia.     

Surgical Management of Boerhaave's Syndrome in a Tertiary Oesophagogastric Centre

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to review the management and outcome of patients with Boerhaave''s syndrome in a specialist centre between 2000–2007.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were grouped according to time from symptoms to referral (early, < 24 h; late, > 24 h). The effects of referral time and management on outcomes (oesophageal leak, reoperation and mortality) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 21 patients (early 10; late 11), three were unfit for surgery. Of the remaining 18, immediate surgery was performed in 8/8 referred early and 6/10 referred late. Four patients referred late were treated conservatively. Oesophageal leak (78% versus 12.5%; P < 0.05) and mortality (40% versus 0%; P < 0.05) rates were higher in patients referred late. For patients referred late, mortality was higher in patients managed conservatively (75% versus 17%; not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

The best outcomes in Boerhaave''s syndrome are associated with early referral and surgical management in a specialist centre. Surgery appears to be superior to conservative treatment for patients referred late.