Minimally invasive surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a meta-analysis

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with traditional open surgical approach for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

A literature search was performed using the PubMed database, Embase, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials using a defined set of criteria. The outcomes, which include post-operative mortality, incidence of hernia recurrence, rates of patch use and complications, were analyzed.

Results

We investigated nine studies, which included 507 patients. All studies were non-randomized historical control trials. The MIS group had a significantly lower rate of post-operative death with a risk ratio of 0.26 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.68; p = 0.006] but a greater incidence of hernia recurrence with a risk ratio of 3.42 (95 % CI 1.98–5.88; p < 0.00001). Rates of prosthetic patch use were similar between the two groups. Fewer cases of surgical complications were found in the MIS group with a risk ratio of 0.66 (95 % CI 0.47–0.94; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

MIS for CDH repair is associated with lower post-operative mortality and morbidity compared with traditional open repair. Although rate of patch use appears to be comparable, the increased risk of CDH recurrence should not be ignored. The lack of well-controlled prospective trials still limits strong evaluations of the two surgical techniques.

     

Prenatal surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has a mortality rate of up to 77% despite optimal pre- and postnatal care. Fetuses with liver herniation, a low lung-to-head ratio, and an early diagnosis before 24 weeks have a particularly poor prognosis. In utero open repair of these fetuses does not improve patient survival. The PLUG (Plug the Lung Until it Grows) technique was reported to be able to reverse pulmonary hypoplasia in CDH. A foam plug or a titanium clip is used and the trachea can be unplugged using Ex Utero Intrapartum Tracheoplasty (EXIT) at birth. Since hysterotomy causes premature labour, a video-fetoscopic intrauterine technique of tracheal occlusion called Fetendo-PLUG was developed. Compared to those who receive standard postnatal care or fetal tracheal occlusion via open hysterotomy, patients who undergo Fetendo-PLUG are reported to have a higher survival rate of 75% and fewer fetal and maternal complications. A recent refinement is to use a detachable balloon for intratracheal occlusion through a single 5 mm port under real-time ultrasound guidance. Without the need for neck dissection, injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerves and trachea and vocal cord paresis can be minimized. The result of this form of treatment for CDH is promising, but further refinement of fetal instrumentation and development of effective tocolytic drugs are still required.     

Minimally invasive repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Purpose

Operative approach, including minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), is variable among institutions. The short-term recurrent hernia rate is not well described. We evaluated the in-hospital recurrence rate of MIS repairs of infants with CDH from the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Registry.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from infants with CDH were analyzed from the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Registry from January 1995 to January 2010. Recurrent hernia was defined as reoperations during initial hospitalization. Operative approaches included abdominal, thoracic, laparoscopic, and thoracoscopic techniques.

Results

Five thousand four hundred eighty infants with CDH were identified, of which 4516 (82.4%) were repaired. Operative data were available in 4390 infants. One hundred fifty-one infants (3.4%) underwent MIS repairs with 12 reported recurrences (7.9%) compared with 114 for open techniques (2.7%, P < .05). Minimally invasive surgery demonstrated a significant increased odds for recurrence (odds ratio, 3.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.92-6.71) after adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, patch repair, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive techniques appear to have a significant higher recurrent hernia rate, with thoracoscopy being the highest. Although adjusted for patch repair, other factors with regard to disease severity may contribute to differences in outcomes among centers. This study is limited to short-term recurrence during initial hospitalization.     

Delayed surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Between January 1987 and December 1990, 67 neonates were treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, symptomatic within 6 h of birth. The mortality rate was 33 per cent. Preoperative stabilization was achieved in 47 patients, all of whom survived initial treatment, although two died later. Stabilization could not be achieved in 20 neonates, all of whom died within 3 days of birth, 18 without undergoing operation and two after early repair. Intensive resuscitation with controlled, delayed operation for congenital diaphragmatic hernia gives long-term results similar to those of urgent operative repair. This approach avoids operation in the majority of those who subsequently die.     

Decreased cerebral oxygen saturation during thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia in infants

Background/Purpose

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TOF) can be repaired thoracoscopically, but this may cause hypercapnia, acidosis, and reduced cerebral oxygenation. We evaluated the effect of thoracoscopy in infants on cerebral oxygen saturation (cSO₂), arterial blood gases, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorption.

Methods

Eight infants underwent thoracoscopy (6 CDH and 2 EA/TOF). Serial arterial blood gases were taken. Regional cSO₂ was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Absorption of insufflated CO₂ was calculated from exhaled ¹³CO₂/¹²CO₂ ratio measured by mass spectrometry.

Results

CO₂ absorption increased during thoracoscopy with a maximum 29% ± 6% of exhaled CO₂ originating from the pneumothorax. Paco₂ increased from 9.4 ± 1.3 kPa at the start to 12.4 ± 1.0 intraoperatively and then decreased to 7.6 ± 1.2 kPa at end of operation. Arterial pH decreased from 7.19 ± 0.04 at the start to 7.05 ± 0.04 intraoperatively and then recovered to 7.28 ± 0.06 at end of operation. Cerebral hemoglobin oxygen saturation decreased from 87% ± 4% at the start to 75% ± 5% at end of operation. This had not recovered by 12 (74% ± 4%) or 24 hours (73% ± 3%) postoperatively.

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests that thoracoscopic repair of CDH and EA/TOF may be associated with acidosis and decreased cSO₂. The effects of these phenomena on future brain development are unknown.     

A prospective comparative evaluation of persistent respiratory morbidity in esophageal atresia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare long-term respiratory morbidity in children after repair of esophageal atresia (EA) or congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Patients and Methods

Children were seen at 6, 12, and 24 months and 5 years within a prospective longitudinal follow-up program in a tertiary children's hospital. Respiratory morbidity and physical condition were evaluated at all moments. At age 5 years, pulmonary function and maximal exercise performance were tested.

Results

In 3 of 23 atresia patients and 10 of 20 hernia patients, bronchopulmonary dysplasia was developed. Seventeen atresia and 11 hernia patients had recurrent respiratory tract infections mainly in the first years of life. At age 5, 25% of EA and CDH patients measured showed reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (z-score < −2). Both atresia and hernia patients showed impaired growth, with catch-up growth at 5 years in patients with EA but not in those with hernia. Maximal exercise performance was significantly below normal for both groups.

Conclusions

Esophageal atresia and CDH are associated with equal risk of long-term respiratory morbidity, growth impairment, and disturbed maximal exercise performance. Prospective follow-up of EA patients aimed at identifying respiratory problems other than tracheomalacia should be an integral part of interdisciplinary follow-up programs.     

Timing of surgery in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Eighty-six consecutive patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting within 6 hours of birth to a regional neonatal surgical unit were reviewed. Patients were managed under a policy of delayed surgery which has evolved during the 6-year study period. Overall survival (to leave hospital) was 70.9%. There were only seven postoperative deaths (10.3% of operations). Analysis of the 25 deaths in the light of postmortem findings and published exclusion criteria indicates that the availability of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation would have made little difference to overall survival.     

Management of oesophageal atresia in association with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Oesophageal atresia (OA) with or without a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is rarely associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The combination poses significant management problems and the mortality rate is high. Two patients with CDH and associated OA are presented and their management outlined. Early recognition of the TOF is essential to prevent increasing respiratory compromise by gaseous distension of herniated bowel within the thorax. A staged surgical approach involving initial repair of the CDH allowing left lung function to improve prior to right thoracotomy and ligation of the TOF with oesophageal anastomosis may improve outcome. The presence of other life-threatening anomalies and/or chromosomal abnormalities must be evaluated prior to embarking upon definitive treatment.     

胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗小婴儿先天性膈疝

目的:探讨胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗小婴儿先天性膈疝的可行性及治疗效果。方法:回顾分析2014年8月至2016年5月胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗3例小婴儿先天性膈疝的临床资料,均为左后外侧疝,年龄分别为5个月、8个月、19个月。其中1例伴肠旋转不良,术中经腹腔镜处理。3例患儿先经腹腔镜疝内容物复位,再经胸腔镜行膈疝修补。结果:手术均顺利完成,手术时间分别为115 min、106 min、110 min。术中出血量3~5 ml,经腋前线第7肋间Trocar孔放置胸腔闭式引流。术后1周内复查胸片,心脏复位良好,肺膨胀良好。术后随访1~6个月无复发,患儿呼吸急促、呼吸困难症状消失,食欲好,体重增加明显。结论:胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗小婴先天性膈疝操作方便,创伤较小,手术操作更加安全;同时能兼顾腹部,避免了因消化道畸形再次手术的可能。手术效果令人满意,也可作为备选的治疗方式。     

Anesthesia for congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Hypoplasia of the lungs is the cause of the high mortality of newborns with diaphragmatic hernia. Survival depends mainly on the development of the contralateral lung. Eighty percent of diaphragmatic hernias are postolateral hernias of the left side. The most serious postoperative complication is a relapse into fetal circulation with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right-to-left shunting (Fig. 2). The clinical signs of diaphragmatic hernia are cyanosis and tachypnea. Intermittent suction via a nasogastric tube and early intubation without mask ventilation should be performed. The inspiratory pressure should not exceed 25 cm H2O to minimize the risk of pneumothorax. Survival of the baby is unlikely if the initial blood gas analysis shows pH less than 7.10, pO2 less than 50 mmHg, and pCO2 greater than 65 mmHg. Hypothermia should be strictly avoided because it leads to increased oxygen consumption. Intraoperative monitoring should include a precordial stethoscope, ECG, blood pressure, and rectal temperature. Anesthesia is maintained with fentanyl 0.02-0.03 mg/kg body wt. and pancuronium 0.08-0.1 mg/kg. One dose of atropine (0.02 mg/kg) is administered before fentanyl. Intraoperative ventilation is performed by hand or by use of a Siemens Servo ventilator. Thirty newborns were anesthetized for repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia with no intraoperative complication and an overall mortality of 27%.     

Coexisting congenital diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, and tracheoesophageal fistula: a case report and review of the literature

Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are two relatively common neonatal conditions. The coexistence of the two conditions in the same newborn is extremely rare. This is a case report of a newborn with CDH and concurrent EA and TEF. Aspects of diagnosis and the literature on the subject are also reviewed.     

Thoracoscopic surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a report of nine cases

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical technique and early results of thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients with CDH who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in our institution over a period of 15 months. There were nine patients, five boys and four girls, ranging in age from 7 days to 8 years. All nine patients underwent surgery under general anaesthesia. Reduction of the hernia contents was carried out using one optical trocar and two operating trocars. Pleural insufflation with carbon dioxide was maintained at a pressure of 2 to 4 mmHg. The hernia defect was repaired using non-absorbable interrupted sutures. RESULTS: The hernia was located on the left side in seven patients and on the right side in two. The mean operative time was 80 minutes. In all patients, the chest tube was removed on the first postoperative day. All patients were discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Chest X-ray and clinical examination 3 months after surgery were normal in all patients. CONCLUSION: The thoracoscopic approach for the repair of CDH in children, including small infants and newborns, is feasible and safe. The technique causes minimal trauma, results in good respiratory function, and promotes early recovery.     

Evaluating minimally invasive surgery training using low-cost mechanical simulations

Background: The goal of this study was to develop, test, and validate the efficacy of inexpensive mechanical minimally invasive surgery (MIS) model simulations for training faculty, residents, and medical students. We sought to demonstrate that trained and experienced MIS surgeon raters could reliably rate the MIS skills acquired during these simulations. Methods: We developed three renewable models that represent difficult or challenging segments of laparoscopic procedures; laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and laparoscopic inguinal hernia (LH). We videotaped 10 students, 12 surgical residents, and 1 surgeon receiving training on each of the models and again during their posttraining evaluation session. Five MIS surgeons then assessed the evaluation session performance. For each simulation, we asked them to rate overall competence (COM) and four skills: clinical judgment (respect for tissue) (CJ), dexterity (economy of movement) (DEX), serial/simultaneous complexity (SSC), and spatial orientation (SO). We computed intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients to determine the extent of agreement (i.e., reliability) among ratings. Results: We obtained ICC values of 0.74, 0.84, and 0.81 for COM ratings on LH, LC, and LA, respectively. We also obtained the following ICC values for the same three models: CJ, 0.75, 0.83, and 0.89; DEX, 0.88, 0.86, and 0.89; SSC, 0.82, 0.82, and 0.82; and SO, 0.86, 0.86, and 0.87, respectively. Conclusions: We obtained very high reliability of performance ratings for competence and surgical skills using a mechanical simulator. Typically, faculty evaluations of residents in the operating room are much less reliable. In contrast, when faculty members observe residents in a controlled, standardized environment, their ratings can be very reliable.