Prospective assessment of the safety and benefit of laparoscopic liver resections

Abstract. Background/Purpose: Laparoscopy represents an alternative to open surgery for virtually all digestive surgery procedures, with the anticipated short-term advantage of reduced esthetic prejudice, postoperative pain, and duration of in-hospital stay. In this study, we investigated the safety and benefits of laparoscopic liver resections in patients with benign solid liver tumors. Methods: Laparoscopic liver resection of up to two segments for benign liver tumor was performed under continuous carbon dioxide (CO₂) pneumoperitoneum in 21 patients with no underlying chronic liver disease. The risk of gas embolism was assessed by end-tidal CO₂ and O₂ saturation, and the hemodynamic variations were monitored by a Swan-Ganz catheter. The postoperative course was compared with that following open surgery by matched-pair analysis. Results: No patient experienced gas embolism or was converted, and clamping of the hepatic pedicle resulted in hemodynamic variations comparable to those observed during open surgery. Duration of surgery (177 vs 156 min.), intraoperative blood loss (218 vs 285 ml), modifications of postoperative liver function tests, and incidence of postoperative complications (10% vs 10%) were comparable to those after open surgery. Laparoscopic resection was associated with a 50% reduction (15.5 vs 31.6 mg) in morphine consumption during the first postoperative days, a reduction of the delay to oral intake of 0.8 days, and a reduction of in-hospital stay of 1.4 days. Conclusions: Liver resections of up to two segments can be performed by laparoscopy using the same technique as that used during open surgery. However, the benefits observed compared with open surgery appear to be limited. Received: July 25, 2001 / Accepted: January 5, 2002     

Optimizing cost and short-term outcomes for elderly patients in laparoscopic colonic surgery

Background

Elderly patients often are regarded as high-risk for major abdominal surgery because of a lack of functional reserve and associated medical comorbidities. The goal of this study was to compare the cost of care and short-term outcomes of elderly and nonelderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy. Our hypothesis was that elderly patients managed with laparoscopic colorectal surgery and an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) can realize the same benefits of lower hospital length of stay (LOS) without increasing hospital costs or readmission rates.

Methods

Review of a prospective database identified all patients that underwent an elective laparoscopic colectomy from 2009 to 2012. Patients were stratified into elderly (≥70 years old) and nonelderly (<70 years old) cohorts. The main outcome measures were discharge disposition, hospital costs, hospital LOS, and 30-day readmission rates between the laparoscopic and open groups.

Results

A total of 302 nonelderly (66 %) and 153 elderly (34 %) patients were included in the analysis. The elderly cohort had significantly higher comorbidities than the nonelderly group. There were no mortalities. Operative variables (procedure time, blood loss, and intraoperative complications) were similar. At discharge, significantly more elderly patients required temporary nursing or home care. There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes of LOS, 30-day readmission rates, or costs for the episode of care between the two groups.

Conclusions

Combining laparoscopic colectomy with an ERP is cost-effective and results in similar short-term outcomes for the elderly and nonelderly patients. Despite higher comorbidities, elderly patients realized the same benefits of shorter LOS with similar hospital costs and readmission rates.     

Oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy: a single-center safety and feasibility study

Background

Indications for laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for early stomach cancer have spread worldwide and evaluation of short-term outcomes has been favorable. The present study aimed to evaluate both technical feasibility and safety of LG and short-and long-term outcomes after LG.

Methods

The study group comprised 231 patients who underwent LG during the period from August 2001 through December 2011 at Gifu University School of Medicine.

Results

Concomitant resection of other organs was performed in 16 (6.9 %) of the 231 patients, and conversion to open surgery was performed in 5 (2.2 %) patients. The final clinical stage of the patients, according to the Union for International Cancer Control classification, was stage IA in 183 (79.0 %), stage IB in 26 (11.3 %), stage IIA in 9 (2.6 %), stage IIB in 6 (2.6 %), stage IIIA in 5 (2.2 %), and stage IIIB in 2 (0.9 %) patients. Average values of total blood loss and operation time were 133.7 ± 129.0 ml and 328.1 ± 70.1 min, respectively. Postoperative complications were detected in 29 patients (12.6 %), and one patient died. According to the Clavien–Dindo classification of surgical complications, the rate of severe complications of grade ≥3a was 6.1 % and that of grade ≥3b was 1.3 %. There were no significant differences in complications in relation to clinicopathological or operative procedures. Cancer recurrence was detected in 2 (0.9 %) patients. In the patient with peritoneal dissemination, tumor size and macroscopic type were critical. Five-year overall survival rates were 99.3 % for stage IA, 95.2 % for stage IB, and 50.0 % for stage IIB patients. One recurrence each was detected for stages IA and IIB cancers.

Conclusion

The present study showed LG to have a safe postoperative course and to benefit oncologic outcomes.     

Safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis: a single institutional case-matched experience

OBJECTIVE: To compare safety and short-term outcomes of 100 laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) versus 200 conventional open IPAA patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Outcomes of laparoscopic IPAA (LAP-IPAA) have been incompletely characterized. Previous reports are characterized by small numbers of patients and rarely include case-matched or randomized trial methodology. This report describes 100 LAP-IPAA patients case matched to 200 open IPAA patients. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2004, 100 consecutive LAP-IPAA patients (75 laparoscopic assisted, 25 hand assisted) were identified and case matched to 200 open IPAA control patients by age, operation, gender, date of operation, and body mass index. Operative and postoperative outcomes at 90 days were compared. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients (180 female) with a median age of 32 years (range, 17-66 years), and a median body mass index of 23 kg/m (range, 16-34 kg/m) underwent IPAA (100 LAP-IPAA, 200 open IPAA). Diagnosis (chronic ulcerative colitis 97%, familial adenomatous polyposis 3%) and previous operative history were equivalent between groups. One intraoperative complication occurred in each group. Overall, the laparoscopic conversion rate was 6%. Median operative time was longer for the LAP-IPAA group (333 minutes versus 230 minutes, P < 0.0001). LAP-IPAA patients had shorter median time to regular diet (3 versus 5 days), time to ileostomy output (2 versus 3 days), length of stay (4 versus 7 days), and decreased IV narcotic use (all P < 0.05.Postoperative morbidity was equivalent (LAP-IPAA = 33%, open IPAA = 37%), mortality was nil, and readmission rates were equal (LAP-IPAA = 21%, open IPAA = 22%). Reoperation was required in 3% of LAP-IPAA and 6.5% of open IPAA patients (P < 0.2) during the first 3 months. CONCLUSION: LAP-IPAA is equivalent to open IPAA in terms of safety and feasibility. In addition, LAP-IPAA provides significant improvements in short-term recovery outcomes.     

Robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a comparative analysis of oncological safety and short-term outcomes

Background  

We assessed feasibility, short-term oncologic safety, and short-term outcomes in robotic total mesorectal excision (R-TME) for rectal cancer compared with laparoscopic TME.     

Meta-analysis of short-term outcomes after laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic resection (LR) for colorectal cancer remains to be established. METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic with those of open resection for colorectal cancer was undertaken. A literature search was performed for relevant articles published by the end of 2002. Two reviewers independently appraised the trials using a predetermined protocol. Results were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-analysis. RESULTS: The outcomes of 2512 procedures from 12 trials were analysed. LR took on average 32.9 per cent longer to perform than open resection but was associated with lower morbidity rates. Specifically, wound infection rates were significantly lower (odds ratio 0.47 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.28 to 0.80); P = 0.005). In patients undergoing LR, the average time to passage of first flatus was reduced by 33.5 per cent, that to tolerance of a solid diet by 23.9 per cent and that to 80 per cent recovery of peak expiratory flow by 44.3 per cent. Early narcotic analgesia requirements were also reduced by 36.9 per cent, pain at rest by 34.8 per cent and during coughing by 33.9 per cent, and hospital stay by 20.6 per cent. There were no significant differences in perioperative mortality or oncological clearance. CONCLUSION: LR for colorectal cancer is associated with lower morbidity, less pain, a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay than open resection, without compromising oncological clearance.     

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastasis

Introduction

Laparoscopy is an accepted treatment for colorectal cancer and liver metastases, but there is no consensus for its use in the management of synchronous liver metastases (SCRLM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate totally laparoscopic strategies in the management of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

Methods

Patients presenting to Ninewells Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010, with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum with synchronous liver metastases were considered. Patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon cancer resection, a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and colon cancer, or simultaneous colon resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of SCRLM. Primary endpoints were in-hospital morbidity and mortality, total hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgery, and resection margin status.

Results

Twenty-eight patients presented with synchronous colorectal liver metastases. Thirteen patients underwent a simultaneous laparoscopic liver and colon resection (median operating time, 370 (range, 190–540) min; median hospital stay, 7 (range, 3–54) days), seven patients had a staged laparoscopic resection of SCRLM and primary colon cancer (median operating time, 530 (range, 360–980) min; median hospital stay 14, (range, 6–51) days), and eight patients underwent laparoscopic colon resection and RFA of SCRLM (median operating time, 310 (range, 240–425) min; median hospital stay, 8 (range, 6–13) days). There were no conversions to an open procedure. Overall in-hospital morbidity and mortality was 28 and 0?% respectively. An R0 resection margin was achieved in 91?% of the resection group. At a median follow-up of 26 (range, 18–55) months, 19 (90?%) patients remain disease-free.

Conclusions

Totally laparoscopic strategies for the radical treatment of stage IV colorectal cancer are feasible with low morbidity and favorable outcomes. A laparoscopic approach for the simultaneous management of SCRLM and primary colon cancer is associated with reduced surgical access trauma, postoperative morbidity, and hospital stay with no compromise in short-term oncological outcome.     

手辅助腹腔镜和腹腔镜及开腹直肠癌根治术的近期疗效比较

目的比较手辅助腹腔镜和腹腔镜及开腹手术3种方式应用于直肠癌根治术的近期疗效。方法回顾性分析2009年6月至2012年6月在浙江省肿瘤医院结直肠外科接受直肠癌根治术的390例患者的临床资料,其中手辅助腹腔镜组101例,腹腔镜组157例,开腹手术组132例。比较3组患者在手术时间、术中出血量、切口长度、中转开腹率、淋巴结检出数目、标本长度、下切缘长度、术后恢复排气时间、进食时间、术后住院时间及并发症等方面的差异。结果腹腔镜组手术时间为（231±61）min,明显长于手辅助腹腔镜组的（173±39）min和开腹手术组的（163±38）min（P〈0．01）。手辅助腹腔镜组与腹腔镜组的中转开腹率分别为2．0％（2／101）和3．2％（5／157）,差异无统计学意义（P=0．708）。手辅助腹腔镜组、腹腔镜组和开腹手术组的术后并发症发生率分别为11．9％（12／101）、11．5％（18／157）和19．7％（26／132）,差异无统计学意义（P=0．100）。3组术后标本长度、下切缘长度、清扫淋巴结数目和阳性淋巴结数目的差异无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。手辅助腹腔镜组与腹腔镜组患者的术后排气时间、进食时间和住院时间均明显短于开腹手术组（均P〈0．01）。结论手辅助腹腔镜手术与腹腔镜手术一样具有创伤小和术后恢复快等优势．可达到与开腹手术一样的近期肿瘤根治效果,但手辅助腹腔镜手术明显缩短了手术时间。     

Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia: feasibility, technique, and short-term outcomes

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the standard surgical treatment for esophageal achalasia. The incidence of esophageal perforation is about 5–10%. Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy (RAHM) offers results at least as good as those from laparoscopic procedures, additionally yielding fewer intraoperative complications. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of RAHM and its value in the treatment of esophageal achalasia. We analyzed demographics, preoperative symptoms, esophagograms, esophageal manometry, intraoperative and postoperative data of all the patients who underwent RAHM for achalasia at three institutions: 36 women and 37 men, mean age 45 ± 16 (13–87) years. Dysphagia was present in 100% of patients. Thirty-three patients (45%) had had previous endoscopic treatment: 23 patients had pneumatic dilation, four patients had Botox injections, and six patients had both. Surgical time averaged 119 min (range of 62–211); blood loss averaged 23 ml; no mucosal perforations were observed; length of hospitalization was 1.5 days; there were no deaths. At 12 months, 96% of patients had relief of their dysphagia. In conclusion, RAHM is safe and effective since there were no intraoperative esophageal perforations and relief of symptoms was achieved in 96% of the patients.     

Laparoscopic liver resections: a feasibility study in 30 patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic liver resections. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The use of the laparoscopic approach for liver resections has remained limited for technical reasons. Progress in laparoscopic procedures and the development of dedicated technology have made it possible to consider laparoscopic resection in selected patients. METHODS: A prospective study of laparoscopic liver resections was undertaken in patients with preoperative diagnoses including benign lesion, hepatocellular carcinoma with compensated cirrhosis, and metastasis of noncolorectal origin. Hepatic involvement had to be limited and located in the left or peripheral right segments (segments 2-6), and the tumor had to be 5 cm or smaller. Surgical technique included CO2 pneumoperitoneum and liver transection with a harmonic scalpel, with or without portal triad clamping or hepatic vein control. Portal pedicles and large hepatic veins were stapled. Resected specimens were placed in a bag and removed through a separate incision, without fragmentation. RESULTS: From May 1996 to December 1999, 30 of 159 (19%) liver resections were included. There were 18 benign lesions and 12 malignant tumors, including 8 hepatocellular carcinomas in cirrhotic patients. Mean tumor size was 4.25 cm. There were two conversions to laparotomy (6.6%). The resections included 1 left hepatectomy, 8 bisegmentectomies (2 and 3), 9 segmentectomies, and 11 atypical resections. Mean blood loss was 300 mL. Mean surgical time was 214 minutes. There were no deaths. Complications occurred in six patients (20%). Only one cirrhotic patient developed postoperative ascites. No port-site metastases were observed in patients with malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resections are feasible and safe in selected patients with left-sided and right-peripheral lesions requiring limited resection. Young patients with benign disease clearly benefit from avoiding a major abdominal incision, and cirrhotic patients may have a reduced complication rate.     

高龄胃癌患者腹腔镜胃切除术安全性与近期疗效

目的:评价为高龄胃癌患者行腹腔镜胃切除术的安全性及近期疗效.方法:回顾分析2008年7月-2011年12月87例行胃切除术高龄(≥70岁)胃癌患者的临床资料,其中39例行腹腔镜手术(腔镜组),48例行开腹手术(开腹组),比较两组患者的一般情况、手术指标、术后恢复情况、并发症情况及治疗效果.结果:两组患者性别、中位年龄、术前合并症、ASA术前危险度评分、疾病类型均无明显差异(均P＞0.05).与开腹组比较,除平均手术时间无明显差异外(P＞0.05),腔镜组术中平均出血量(73 mL vs.309 mL),肠功能恢复时间(4.1 d vs.5.5 d),进流食时间(4.2 d vs.6d),平均住院时间( 19.1 d vs.25.2 d),术后心肺并发症发生率(28.2％ vs.56.3％)均明显减少(均P＜0.05).平均随访29个月,腹腔镜组和开腹组患者总生存率分别是57.1％和65.9％ (P＞0.05).结论:为高龄患者行腹腔镜胃癌切除术安全可行,可减少患者术中出血量,降低术后心肺并发症的发生率,加快术后胃肠功能恢复.     

腹腔镜肝囊肿开窗术治疗多囊肝的可行性及长期疗效观察

目的:探讨腹腔镜肝囊肿开窗术治疗多囊肝的可行性及长期疗效。方法:回顾分析2003年至2010年为21例多囊肝患者行腹腔镜囊肿开窗术的临床资料,总结分析其术前情况、术后死亡率、术后并发症、术后囊肿及症状复发率。结果:手术顺利,无一例中转开腹。术后2例患者出现胆漏,其中1例伴少量胸腔积液,1例出现少量腹水,均保守治疗痊愈。术后随访24～103个月,平均49个月,2例囊肿复发,1例症状复发。结论:腹腔镜囊肿开窗术具有患者创伤小、康复快、复发率低等优点,术中联合应用多种有效手段,其并发症发生率及术后长期复发率逐渐降低,成为临床治疗多囊肝的有效术式。