Nd-YAG laser applications in surgical endoscopy: a single center comprehensive experience

A retrospective review of endoscopic procedures using the Nd-YAG laser was carried out for patients treated between September 1984 and November 1986. Two hundred twenty two procedures were performed on 104 patients (58M:46W) during this 26 month period. The study encompasses a unique period of time in this center, as it includes the initial use of the endoscopic laser technique, the learning curves associated with its application, and finally, the time when its use became routine. Treatment of tumors was the indication in 47 per cent of the cases. Gastrointestinal bleeding of benign cause was the indication in nearly half of the patients; arteriovenous malformations were the most common causes of bleeding. Laser photocoagulation of hemorrhoids was performed in 11 cases. Upper endoscopy was the route in 33 per cent of procedures. Anoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy were the routes in the remainder. The time spent on the procedure and the energy delivered were found to be variables of the type of lesion and the endoscopic route. Nd-YAG laser endoscopy can be used safely and effectively for a variety of bleeding and obstructive gastrointestinal conditions. Appropriate certification for granting of privileges to laser endoscopists is of utmost importance.     

机器人辅助胃癌根治术助手操作技巧及经验

随着微创外科理念深入人心,机器人手术系统凭借其独特的优势逐渐被外科医生所接纳,并广泛应用于各种腔镜手术.本团队从器械的合理装配、充分的视野显露、必要的操作配合、故障的及时排除四个方面总结机器人胃癌手术助手配合的经验,分析机器人手术中助手操作配合的重点和难点,以期建立较为完整的机器人胃癌手术助手的操作规范.     

Osteoporosis after kidney transplantation: preliminary report from a single center

OBJECTIVE: One of the major adverse effects of kidney transplantation is osteoporosis, which is mainly related to steroid use. Only limited data are available on calcitonin therapy for posttransplantation osteoporosis. METHOD: From March 2007 to August 2007, 67 kidney recipients agreed to enter this study. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar (L) spine and left femoral neck. We prescribed calcitonin nasal spray to osteoporosis patients (DEXA T < -2.5 SD) who agreed with the treatment. A second and a third DEXA were performed at 3-month subsequent intervals later to evaluate the therapeutic effects. RESULTS: The incidence of osteoporosis in our kidney recipients was 46.26% (31/67 patients). Osteopenia accounted for 38.81% (26/67 patients) and only 14.93% (10/67 patients) were normal. Calcitonin inhalation seemed to improve the BMD with 61% showing improvement on the second DEXA study in our preliminary data. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data suggested that calcitonin may help to restore bone mass in kidney recipients with osteoporosis. Steroid elimination may prevent the onset of osteoporosis and might even enhance calcitonin efficacy. In the future we need a longer study period to confirm the results and compare it with the outcomes of bisphosphonates therapy.     

Biological osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures: surgical technique and results from a prospective single center trial

Introduction  

Locked plating for complex proximal humerus fractures through a deltopectoral incision can be difficult due to the fracture morphology and need for fixed angle screws. Although good results have been reported with the deltopectoral approach; technical difficulties, excessive soft tissue stripping and fears of avascular necrosis have lead to the use of minimal access techniques.     

Advantages and limits of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery: preliminary experience

Background In the last few years, robotics has been applied in clinical practice for a variety of laparoscopic procedures. This study reports our preliminary experience using robotics in the field of general surgery to evaluate the advantages and limitations of robot-assisted laparoscopy.Methods Thirty-two consecutive patients were scheduled to undergo robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in our units from March 2002 to July 2003. The indications were cholecystectomy, 20 patients; right adrenalectomy, two points; bilateral varicocelectomy, two points; Hellers cardiomyotomy, two points; Nissens fundoplication, two points; total splenectomy, one point; right colectomy, one point; left colectomy, 1 point; and bilateral inguinal hernia repair, one point. In all cases, we used the da Vinci surgical system, with the surgeon at the robotic work station and an assistant by the operating table.Results Twenty-nine of 32 procedures (90.6%) were completed robotically, whereas three were converted to laparoscopic surgery. Conversion to laparoscopy was due in two patients to minor bleeding that could not be managed robotically and to robot malfunction in the third patient. There were no deaths. Median hospital stay was 2.2 days (range, 2–8).Conclusions The main advantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery are the availability of three-dimensional vision and easier instrument manipulation than can be obtain with standard laparoscopy. The learning curve to master the robot was 10 robotic procedures. The main limitations are the large diameter of the instruments (8 mm) and the limited number of robotic arms (maximum, three). We consider these technical shortcomings to be the cause for our conversions, because it is difficult to manage bleeding episodes with only two operating instruments. The benefit to the patient must be evaluated carefully and proven before this technology can become widely accepted in general surgery.     

Renal transplant survival from older donors: a single center experience

HYPOTHESIS: Despite the observation that kidney transplantations from older donors have an increased risk of failure, the percentage of kidney donors 55 years and older has increased. We explored the risk of allograft failure in a single transplantation center with older (55-79 years) vs younger (18-54 years) donors. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort review with a mean follow-up of 32 months. SETTING: Academic transplant center. PATIENTS: Consecutive recipients (n = 324) of renal transplants from adult donors. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 4 groups based on donor status (living or deceased) and donor age (< or =54 or > or =55 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Allograft survival and function, incidence of acute rejection. RESULTS: Recipients of older donor kidneys were significantly older (53.6 vs 43.6 years, P<.001). Seven allografts (12.7%) failed from 55 transplants from donors 55 years and older, compared with 41 allografts (15.2%) from 269 younger donors (P =.63). Renal function was superior following renal transplantation using younger donors (P =.004). However, renal function was acceptable in all groups, with a mean +/- SD serum creatinine level of 1.7 +/- 0.4 mg/dL (150 +/- 35 micro mol/L) among recipients of older donor kidneys. Allograft survival at 1, 2, and 3 years, censored for death with allograft function, did not differ when comparing older vs younger donors. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients receiving allografts from older donors do well. Older donor kidneys provide suitable renal function for many patients on dialysis awaiting transplantation.     

Upper limb ischemia: 20 years experience from a single center

The objective of this study was to review a single center's experience of upper limb revascularization over 20 years. All patients undergoing operative or endovascular upper limb revascularization between June 1983 and July 2003 were identified. One hundred eighty-four upper limb revascularization procedures were carried out on 172 patients. Sixty-one patients had a thromboembolic event (35%), 53 patients presented with a traumatic vascular injury (31%), and 29 patients had symptoms of chronic atherosclerotic upper limb ischemia (17%). Fifteen patients had subclavian steal syndrome, eight patients had thoracic outlet compression, and six patients had iatrogenic injuries of the upper limb arteries. Fifty-five thromboembolectomies were performed, 37 under locoregional anesthesia. Ten patients (18.2%) died from cardiopulmonary causes following embolectomy. Fifteen reversed saphenous vein bypass grafts were performed for traumatic damage. Twenty-seven patients had a primary repair, and five required a vein patch. One patient subsequently had an arm amputation, and two patients died. Twelve patients presenting with chronic arm ischemia had a subclavian angioplasty, 12 patients had a proximal bypass, and in 5 patients, stenoses were stented. The mortality in this group was 6.9% (2 of 29). The mortality for upper limb revascularization was 8.7%. Almost all deaths occurred after upper limb embolectomy, and the mortality of this procedure was similar to that of lower limb embolectomy. Deaths were the result of cardiac comorbidity, and this should be actively sought and treated if outcomes are to improve.     

Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic lung tumors: preliminary experience with a single center device

Background This study aimed to assess the feasibility and short-term results for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of primary and secondary lung tumors. Methods Between May 2003 and July 2004, 15 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; range, 51–80 years) with 18 pulmonary lesions (9 primitive non–small cell lung cancers and 9 metastases) underwent the ablation procedure. All the patients had absolute contraindications to the surgery. The procedure was performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance with anesthesiologic assistance using a coaxial Le Veen needle electrode. The results were evaluated by postprocedural CT scan, and then by clinical and laboratory examination and CT scan 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the treatment. Results A complete ablation was obtained for 16 of 18 lesions (88.9%), and a partial ablation was achieved for the remaining 2 lesions (central tumors). In terms of complications, there were five cases of pneumothorax (2 resolved spontaneously and 3 were drained through a coaxial needle), four middle pleural reactions, and one hemothorax that required draining surgically. Follow-up evaluation was performed for 16 of 18 lesions. Stability was observed in one of two central tumors that received partial ablation. The remaining 15 tumors that received a complete ablation were followed up for a mean of 5 months (range, 1–12 months). All 15 lesions appeared to be hypodense at the CT examination. Dimension reduction with progressive fibrotic scar formation was observed in seven of seven lesions during a follow-up period of 6 months or more. A recurrence at the site of the treatment for two of three lesions was observed during a 12-month follow-up period. One of these received a second radiofrequency ablation. Five patients experienced systemic disease progression. In four of these five patients, this progression was not associated with recurrence at the site of the treatment. Conclusion Radiofrequency ablation seems to be possible for “nonsurgical” patients with primary and secondary lung tumors. Good results in terms of local tumor control were observed during short-term follow-up evaluation.     

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a monoinstitutional Western center experience

Background  

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LAG) is safe for benign lesions; however, such surgery for cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare technical feasibility and oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.     

Safety and efficacy of outpatient sleeve gastrectomy: 2534 cases performed in a single free-standing ambulatory surgical center

BackgroundSleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently the most widely performed operation for treatment of morbid obesity. SG leads to significant weight loss and reduction in weight related comorbidities. Procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) can provide several advantages over hospital-based surgery. We present results of 2,534 consecutive patients who underwent SG in an ASC.ObjectiveAssess the safety and efficacy of outpatient SG in a freestanding ASC.SettingFree-standing ASC, Eviva Bariatrics, Seattle WA.MethodsData was collected retrospectively for all patients undergoing SG from January 2008 – January 2018, n = 2,534. Revisional procedures were not excluded from this study. Patients were excluded from the ASC if they weighed >450 pounds, if anticipated surgery time was > 2 hours, if the patient had impaired mobility limiting early ambulation, or if there were medical problems requiring postoperative monitoring beyond 23 hours.ResultsMean age was 45.9 years. Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 41.9. Mean operative time was 70 minutes. 30-day complications included 3 mortalities (0.12%), 60 (2.53%) re-admissions, 35 (1.42%), re-operations, and 31 (1.22%) direct transfers from the ASC to a nearby hospital. There were 25 staple line leaks (0.99%). There were no open conversions. At 6 months average excess body weight loss (EWL) was 56.3% and total weight loss (TWL) was 20.9% (n = 1,758/2,303). At 1 year, EWL was 70.1% and TWL was 26.4% (n = 1,199/2,125).ConclusionWith experienced surgeons, appropriate protocols, and a consistent operative team, SG can be performed safely in a free-standing ASC.     

Marginal ulcer perforation: a single center experience

Purpose

Marginal ulcer (MU) is defined as ulcer on the jejunal side of the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) anastomosis. Most MUs are managed medically but those with complications like bleeding or perforation require intervention. It is recommended that GJ anastomosis be revised in patients with MU perforation (MUP). The aim of this case series is to study the clinical presentation and management of MUP.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-two patients who underwent emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer at a single center were studied over a period of 5 years.

Results

Nine patients (2.7 %) presented with MUP. GJ was previously done for either complicated peptic ulcer (n = 4) or for suspected gastric malignancy (n = 5). Two patients had previously completed H. pylori therapy. None of the patients presented with septic shock. MU was on the jejunal side of GJ in all patients. The median MUP size was 10 mm. Four patients (44.4 %) had omental patch repair, three (33.3 %) had primary closure, and one each had revision of GJ and jejunal serosal patch repair. There were no leaks, intra-abdominal abscess or reoperation and no malignancies.

Conclusion

MUP patients do not present with septic shock. Omental patch repair or primary closure is sufficient enough. Revision of Billroth-II-GJ into Roux-en-Y-GJ is not mandatory.