Pain Amelioration after Thoracotomy: A Prospective,Randomized Study

Twenty patients undergoing a posterolateral thoracotomy for lung resection or a nonpulmonary procedure were divided into four groups. Group 1 was the control group. Patients in Group 2 had an intercostal nerve block at the time of closure. Those in Group 3 underwent a continuous intercostal nerve block for five days. Electronic pain control was used in Group 4. An additional group of patients underwent operation through an anterolateral thoracotomy (Group 5) and was compared with the control group. Breathing performance was evaluated daily for five days with bedside spirometry, and intergroup comparison was done utilizing the unpaired t test and analysis of variance. Forced expiratory volume in one second, expressed as percent of preoperative values, was significantly better in Group 3 (continuous intercostal nerve block) at 52.4 ± 9.2% (standard deviation; p < 0.05) and in Group 5 (anterolateral thoracotomy) at 52.0 ± 7.5% (p < 0.05) than in the control group (38.4 ± 8.8%) five days postoperatively. It is concluded that bedside spirometry is a simple and reliable technique to assess postoperative changes in ventilatory mechanics due to pain. The pain that follows posterolateral thoracotomy can be substantially decreased with a continuous intercostal nerve block. Anterolateral thoracotomy is notably less painful than posterolateral thoracotomy and should be considered the approach of choice for patients with decreased pulmonary reserve who undergo uncomplicated pulmonary resection.     

Preperitoneal Bupivacaine Infiltration Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption,Acute Pain,and Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Bariatric Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

A multimodal pain treatment including local anesthetics is advised for perioperative analgesia in bariatric surgery. Due to obesity, bariatric surgery patients are at risk of respiratory complications. Opioid consumption is an important risk factor for hypoventilation. Furthermore, acute postoperative pain is an important risk factor for chronic postsurgical pain. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether preperitoneal anesthesia with bupivacaine would reduce pain and opioid consumption after bariatric surgery.

Methods

One hundred adults undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery were randomized to receive either preperitoneal bupivacaine 0.5% or normal saline before incision. Postoperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain, and postoperative recovery parameters were assessed for the first 24 h after surgery. One year after surgery, chronic postsurgical pain and influence of pain on daily living were evaluated.

Results

Postoperative opioid consumption during the first hour after surgery was 2.8?±?3.0 mg in the bupivacaine group, whereas in the control group, it was 4.4?±?3.4 mg (p =?0.01). Pain scores were significantly reduced in this first hour at rest and at 6 h during mobilization on the ward. One year after surgery, the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain was 13% in the bupivacaine group versus 40% in the placebo group.

Conclusion

This study shows that preperitoneal local anesthesia with bupivacaine results in a reduction in opioid consumption and postoperative pain and seems to lower the incidence rate of chronic postsurgical pain after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

     

A Prospective Randomized Study Between Laparoscopic Gastric Banding and Laparoscopic Isolated Sleeve Gastrectomy: Results after 1 and 3 Years

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (GB) is the most popular restrictive procedure for obesity in Europe. Isolated sleeve gastrectomy (SG), is less common, but more invasive and with a higher learning curve. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the results of GB and SG after 1 and 3 years of surgery. Methods: 80 patient candidates for laparoscopic restrictive surgery were operated consecutively and randomly, between January and December 31, 2002, by GB (7M, 33F) or by SG (9M, 31F) (NS). Median age was 36 (20-61) for GB versus 40 (22-65) for SG (NS). Median BMI was 37 (30-47) for GB versus 39 (30-53) for SG (NS). After 1 and 3 years: weight loss, feeling of hunger, sweet eating, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), complications and re-operations were recorded in both groups. Results: Median weight loss after 1 year was 14 kg (−5 to +38) for GB and 26 kg (0 to 46) for SG (P<0.0001); and after 3 years was 17 kg (0 to 40) for GB and 29.5 kg (1 to 48) for SG (P<0.0001). Median decrease in BMI after 1 year was 15.5 kg/m 2 (5 to 39) after GB and 25 kg/m² (0 to 45) after SG (P<0.0001); and after 3 years was 18 kg/m² (0 to 39) after GB and 27.5 kg/m 2 (0 to 48) after SG (P=0.0004). Median %EWL at 1 year was 41.4% (−11.8 to +130.5) after GB and 57.7% (0 to 125.5) after SG (P=0.0004); and at 3 years was 48% (0 to 124.8) after GB and 66% (−3.1 to +152.4) after SG (P=0.0025). Loss of feeling of hunger after 1 year was registered in 42.5% of patients with GB and in 75% of patients with SG (P=0.003); and after 3 years in 2.9% of patients with GB and 46.7% of patients with SG (P<0.0001). Loss of craving for sweets after 1 year was achieved in 35% of patients with GB and 50% of patients with SG (NS); and after 3 years in 2.9% of patients with GB and 23% of patients with SG (NS). GERD appeared de novo after 1 year in 8.8% of patients with GB and 21.8% of patients with SG (NS); and after 3 years in 20.5% of patients with GB and 3.1% of patients with SG (NS). Postoperative complications requiring re-operation were necessary for 2 patients after SG. Late complications requiring re-operation after GB included 3 pouch dilations treated by band removal in 2 and 1 laparoscopic conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), 1 gastric erosion treated by conversion to RYGBP, and 3 disconnections of the system treated by reconnection. Inefficacy affected 2 patients after GB, treated by conversion into RYGBP and 2 patients after SG treated by conversion to duodenal switch. Conclusion: Weight loss and loss of feeling of hunger after 1 year and 3 years are better after SG than GB. GERD is more frequent at 1 year after SG and at 3 years after GB. The number of re-operations is important in both groups, but the severity of complications appears higher in SG.     

Acetazolamide Reduces Referred Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Surgery with Carbon Dioxide Insufflation

Background: Carbon dioxide is the preferred insufflating gas for laparoscopy because of greater safety in the event of intravenous embolism, but it causes abdominal and referred pain. Acidification of the peritoneum by carbonic acid may be the major cause of pain from carbon dioxide insufflation. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that increases the rate of carbonic acid formation from carbon dioxide. Because acetazolamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase, the authors hypothesized that the pain caused by carbon dioxide insufflation may be decreased by the administration of acetazolamide.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 38 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery during general anesthesia was performed. Acetazolamide (5 mg/kg) or a saline placebo was administered intravenously during surgery. Pain was rated on a visual analog scale (0-10) at four times: when first awake, at discharge from the recovery room, when discharged from the hospital, and on the day after surgery. The site and quality of pain were recorded, as were medications and side effects.

Results: Initial referred pain scores were lower after acetazolamide (1.00 +/- 1.98; n = 18) than after placebo (3.40 +/- 3.48; n = 20; P = 0.014), and 78% of patients in the acetazolamide group had no referred pain; however, only 45% patients in the placebo group had no referred pain. Incisional pain scores were not statistically different, and referred pain scores were similar at later times.     

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Two Different Techniques for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) represents a relatively new restrictive operation for obesity. We report a prospective randomized study comparing two different techniques of performing this procedure. METHODS: Between January and August 2006, 20 patients (group A) and 20 patients (group B) were prospectively and randomly submitted to LSG. The characteristics of the patients in the two groups were similar for age and sex. The median preoperative weight was of 120 kg (95-180) (A) and 133 kg (83-175) (B) (NS). The median preoperative BMI was of 42.5 kg/m2 (35-58) (A) and 47 kg/m2 (37-58) (B) (NS). The two techniques differ in that in A, stapling is performed after full devascularization and mobilization of the gastric curve, whereas in B stapling is performed as soon as the lesser sac is entered and the greater curve is devascularized after full completion of the sleeve. The staple-line is reinforced at the end of stapling in both techniques. RESULTS: Median operative time was 34 min (12-54) (A) and 25 min (9-51) (B) (P = 0.06). Median peroperative bleeding was 5 mL (0-450) (A) and 5 mL (0-100) (B) (P = 0.37). Median number of staple cartridges used was 6 (5-7) (A) and 6 (4-7) (B) (P = 0.63). Peroperative complications were a small hiatal hernia requiring repair and a bleeding in two patients of A. Postoperative leak occurred in 1 patient of A, and minor early complications affected 2 patients of A and 1 patient of B. Peroperative and postoperative mortality was 0. Median hospital stay was 3 days (1-10) (A) and 3 days (2-7) (B) (P = 0.59). One stenosis as a late complication appeared in a patient of B. %EWL at 6 months and 1 year was respectively 43.4% (A), 42.2% (B) and 48.3% (A) 49.5% (B) (P = 0.82). CONCLUSION: LSG can be performed by two different techniques. The technique B (section of the stomach followed by its mobilization) appears familiar to surgeons usually performing laparoscopic RYGBP. No observed differences are significant, but the technique B when looking at observed distributions, seems to be better than the technique A (mobilization of the stomach followed by its section) in terms of operative time, peroperative bleeding and hospital stay.     

Prospective Randomized Comparison of Linear Endostaplers During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Purpose

The development of Laparoscopic Linear Endostaplers (LLES) is crucial in minimally invasive approaches in bariatric surgery, but there have been very few published studies comparing 6-row LLES in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). The objective of this study was to compare two 6-row LLES in LSG.

Methods

A total of 60 patients were prospectively randomized to undergo LSG with either Medtronic Endo GIA? Tri-Staple technology (MTS) or AEON ? Endostapler(Lexington Medical) LLES. The measured parameters included patient demographics, comorbidity indices, LLES and specimen characteristics, postoperative symptoms, hospital stay, and total adverse events (AEs). Intraoperative bleeding was evaluated using five laparoscopic and corresponding endoscopic images of staple line before clip application, compared with a 1–5 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), assessed by an independent bariatric surgeon who was blinded to the LLES used. Images of all cases were reviewed on the same day to increase test–retest reliability.

Results

Both groups were similar in patient demographics. Compared to MTS, AEON LLES group had significantly lower bleeding VAS scores in 4/5 laparoscopic images (pre-pyloric: 1.7?±?0.7 vs. 2.36?±?0.76, p?=?0.0007, mid-sleeve: 1.46?±?0.62 vs. 1.86?±?0.68, p?=?0.019, proximal sleeve: 1.6?±?0.77 vs. 2.0?±?0.83, p?=?0.038, gastro-esophageal junction: 1.43?±?0.67 vs. 1.86?±?0.77, p?=?0.014) and 3/5 endoscopic images (pre-pyloric: 1.56?±?0.56 vs. 2.36?±?0.76, p?=?0.006, incisura: 1.66?±?0.54 vs. 2.0?±?0.52, p?=?0.021, mid-sleeve: 1.63?±?0.49 vs. 2.0?±?0.45, p?=?0.005). There was no statistical difference in other parameters.

Conclusion

Both devices were equally safe and effective in terms of LLES and specimen characteristics, patient symptoms, hospital stay, and AEs. Bleeding VAS scores were significantly lower, favoring the AEON LLES.

Graphical abstract

     

Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: A Prospective,Randomized Study

We aimed to compare the clinical outcome and cost of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Sixty patients with acute cholecystitis were randomized into early (within 24 hours of admission) or delayed (after 6–8 weeks of conservative treatment) laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups. There was no significant difference between study groups in terms of operation time and rates for conversion to open cholecystectomy. On the other hand, total hospital stay was longer (5.2 ± 1.40 versus 7.8 ± 1.65 days; P = 0.04) and total costs were higher (2500.97 ± 755.265 versus 3713.47 ± 517.331 Turkish Lira; P = 0.03) in the delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded in 8 patients in the early laparoscopic cholecystectomy group, whereas no complications occurred in the delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P = 0.002). Despite intraoperative and postoperative complications being associated more with early laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with delayed intervention, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be preferred for treatment of acute cholecystitis because of its advantages of shorter hospital stay and lower cost.Key words: Acute cholecystitis, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Outcome assessment, Cost and cost analysisElective laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic gallstones.¹ However, in the early days, acute cholecystitis was a contraindication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and patients with acute cholecystitis were managed conservatively and discharged for re-admission in order to have elective surgery performed for the definitive treatment.^2,3 Then, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses had shown the benefits of early surgery (within the acute admission period, which is 24 to 72 hours) compared with delayed cholecystectomy with respect to hospital stay and costs, with no significant difference in morbidity and mortality.^2,4,5 Thus, in the late 1980s early surgery for acute cholecystitis had gained popularity. The updated Tokyo Guidelines announced in 2013 by the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery suggested that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the first-line treatment in patients with mild acute cholecystitis, whereas in patients with moderate acute cholecystitis, delayed/elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy after initial medical treatment with antimicrobial agent is the first-line treatment.⁶With the increased experience in laparoscopy, surgeons started to attempt early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.² However, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still performed by only a minority of surgeons.^7–9 Furthermore, the exact timing, potential benefits, and cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of acutely inflamed gallbladder have not been clearly established and continue to be controversial.^1,10The aim of this study was to compare the intra-operative and postoperative outcomes, and cost of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.     

Is Totally Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Less Invasive Than Laparoscopy-assisted Gastrectomy?: Prospective,Multicenter Study

Background Laparoscopic surgery has been adopted for the treatment of gastric cancer, and many reports have confirmed its favorable outcomes. Most surgeons prefer to laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy using minilaparotomy rather than totally laparoscopic procedures because of technical difficulties of intracorporeal anastomosis. We conducted this study to compare laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. In addition, laparoscopic procedures were compared with open distal gastrectomy. Material and methods This prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study enrolled 60 patients with early gastric cancer at three branch hospitals of our institutes. Twenty-five- to 30-cm-long mid-line incision, 5-cm midline or transverse incision, and 3-cm U-shaped incision were used in open distal gastrectomy, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, respectively. Postoperative outcomes, immunologic changes, and operation-related costs were compared between the three groups. Results There was no difference in gender, mean age, body mass index, and tumor characteristics between the three groups. No operation-related death occurred. Estimated blood loss, number of additional analgesics use, first flatus, and soft meal diet time were significantly different between the three groups (P < 0.05). In totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, the time to first flatus was significantly shorter than laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (3.7 vs. 2.8 days, in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, respectively, P < 0.05). White blood cell count and C-reactive protein level at postoperative day 1 were significantly higher in open distal gastrectomy than the other groups; however, there was no difference between laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. The operation-related costs were significantly greater in totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (P < 0.05). Conclusion Although totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy needs more cost, totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy provides shorter bowel recovery time than laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.     

Intravenous Lidocaine for Effective Pain Relief After a Laparoscopic Colectomy: A Prospective,Randomized, Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Study

A perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion has been reported to decrease postoperative pain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous lidocaine in reducing postoperative pain for laparoscopic colectomy patients. Fifty-five patients scheduled for an elective laparoscopic colectomy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group L received an intravenous bolus injection of lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg before intubation, followed by 2 mg/kg/h continuous infusion during the operation. Group C received the same dosage of saline at the same time. Postoperative pain was assessed at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery by using the visual analog scale (VAS). Fentanyl consumption by patient-controlled plus investigator-controlled rescue administration and the total number of button pushes were measured at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. In addition, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were checked on the operation day and postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 5. VAS scores were significantly lower in group L than group C until 24 hours after surgery. Fentanyl consumption was lower in group L than group C until 12 hours after surgery. Moreover, additional fentanyl injections and the total number of button pushes appeared to be lower in group L than group C (P < 0.05). The CRP level tended to be lower in group L than group C, especially on postoperative day1 and 2 and appeared to be statistically significant. The satisfaction score was higher in group L than group C (P = 0.024). Intravenous lidocaine infusion during an operation reduces pain after a laparoscopic colectomy.Key words: Analgesics, Colectomy, Pain, LidocaineBecause of a substantial increase in the incidence of benign and malignant tumors of the colon, the number of laparoscopic colorectal surgeries has increased.¹ Laparoscopic colectomy appears to be less painful, involves less bleeding, and has a faster recovery than an open colectomy.² Further, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been proven to be beneficial in comparison with robot-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery in many aspects.³ However, postoperative pain because of surgical incision is still an issue that requires resolution. Therefore, various clinical applications such as intrathecal morphine, epidural analgesia, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to control pain after a laparoscopic colectomy.^4,5 However, optimal management has not yet been established. A regional block can have technical difficulties and complications. The epidural failure rate has been reported up to 40%, and other drugs, such as opioids or NSAIDs, have side effects or drug allergies.^5,6Intravenous lidocaine is inexpensive, easy to inject, and a relatively safe drug.⁷ A number of studies showed that intravenous lidocaine has analgesic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a fast recovery, reducing the hospital stay and the time for bowel function recovery.^8–10 In addition, lidocaine in a nontoxic concentration has been reported to decrease the variant volatile anesthesia requirement in an animal study.¹⁰ Therefore, the authors aimed to determine whether a continuous infusion of intravenous lidocaine would have an adequate postoperative analgesic effect for a laparoscopic colectomy. The hypothesis of this study was that an intravenous lidocaine infusion during an operation could decrease postoperative pain.     

Intra-Articular Bupivacaine Reduces Postoperative Pain and Meperidine Use After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized,Double-Blind Study

One hundred patients receiving unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to receive an intra-articular injection of 300 mg bupivacaine or normal saline after completion of surgery. Pain scores of the bupivacaine group were significantly lower than those of the control group the first 12 hours postoperatively (all, P < 0.001). A significantly lower dose of meperidine was used in the study group than in the control group the first 24 hours postoperatively (median, 25 vs. 45 mg, P < 0.001). Nineteen patients in the study group required meperidine the first day after surgery, as compared to 45 patients in the control group. We conclude that intra-articular injection of bupivacaine after THA reduces pain and meperidine use in the first 12 hours after surgery.     

Metabolic and Hormonal Changes After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Randomized,Prospective Trial

Background  

The mechanisms of amelioration of glycemic control early after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are not fully understood.     

空肠间置代胃术的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的:探讨空肠原位间置代胃术在全胃切除术后消化道重建中的价值。方法:以12例健康人为对照,将140例胃癌全胃切除术病人按消化道重建术式不同分为4组。A组:食管空肠Roux鄄y吻合术;B组:食管空肠“P”襻加Roux鄄y吻合术;C组:食管空肠Hunt鄄Lawrence吻合术;D组:食管空肠原位间置代胃术。比较4组病人术后的生活质量、预后营养指数(PNI)、体重、血液营养学指标、胃肠激素水平及免疫功能,并以此判断各术式之优劣。结果:D组病人的PNI、体重和血液营养学指标(血清铁、转铁蛋白、Hb)均优于A、B、C组(P<0.05);D组餐后30min的胆囊收缩素(CCK)水平及自然杀伤细胞(NK)、CD4、CD8及CD4/CD8值与对照组相似,而均优于A、B、C组(P<0.05)。差异均具显著性。结论:空肠原位间置代胃术是一较合理的重建术式。空肠“P”形构造不仅具有代胃之功能,且可降低十二指肠液逆蠕动冲力,防止反流性食管炎的发生;食糜通过十二指肠刺激CCK等胃肠激素的分泌,有利于消化及营养的吸收;仅切断一端空肠及适度大小的代胃,保持了空肠与系膜原有的联系,既简化了手术,又保证了间置代胃空肠之血运,使吻合口无缺血坏死之忧。     

Impact of Botulinum Neurotoxin Pyloric Injection During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Postoperative Gastric Leak: a Clinical Randomized Study

Background

The most frequent and most feared complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gastric leak (GL). We hypothesize that botulinum neurotoxin (botulinum type A (BTX-A)) injection into the pyloric sphincter muscle at the time of operation may decrease the risk of postoperative GL.

Methods

Consecutive patients with morbid obesity (MO) treated by LSG were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group I (intrapyloric BTX-A injection was performed) and group II (no injection was performed). The primary outcome measure was number of patients developing GL. Secondary outcome measures were percent of excess weight loss, postoperative complications, and their management.

Results

One hundred and fifteen patients (86 (74.8 %) females) were randomized into two groups of 57 patients (group I) and 58 patients (group II). Four patients in group II developed GL versus no patient in group I (P?=?0.04). Ten patients in group I and two in group II developed refractory epigastric pain (P?=?0.01). Other complication rates were comparable for both groups. Mean preoperative BMI of patients in both groups had significantly decreased from 54.64?±?6.82 to 42.99?±?5.3 at 6 months and to 39.09?±?5.14 at 12 months (P?<?0.001).

Conclusions

LSG is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive procedure for treatment of MO. No patient in whom pyloric BTX-A injection was performed developed postoperative GL versus four patients in whom injection was not performed. The difference in GL rate was statistically significant, thus favoring the use of pyloric BTX-A injection during LSG.

     

Reinforcing the Staple Line During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Prospective Randomized Clinical Study Comparing Three Different Techniques

Background

Gastric leak and hemorrhage are the most important challenges after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). In order to reduce these complications, the staple line can be reinforced by absorbable sutures or by the use of glycolide trimethylene carbonate copolymer onto the linear stapler (Gore Seamguard®; W.L. Gore &; Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ). To our knowledge, there are no randomized studies showing the utility of staple line reinforcement during LSG. The purpose of this study was to randomly compare three techniques in LSG: no staple line reinforcement (group 1), buttressing of the staple line with Gore Seamguard® (group 2), and staple line suturing (group 3).

Methods

Between January 2008 and February 2009, 75 patients were prospectively and randomly enrolled in the three different techniques of handling the staple line during LSG. The patient groups were similar (NS).

Results

Mean operative time to perform the stomach sectioning was 15.9?±?5.9 min (group 1), 20.8?±?8.1 min (group 2), and 30.8?±?10.1 min (group 3) (p?p?=?0.02). Mean blood loss during stomach sectioning was 19.5?±?21.3 mL (group 1), 3.6?±?4.7 mL (group 2), and 16.7?±?23.5 mL (group 3) (p?p?=?0.03). Mean number of stapler cartridges used was 5.6?±?0.7 (group 1), 5.7?±?0.7 (group 2), and 5.8?±?0.6 (group 3) (NS). Postoperative leak affected one patient (group 1), two patients (group 2), and one patient (group 3) (NS). Mean hospital stay was 3.6?±?1.4 days (group 1), 3.9?±?1.5 days (group 2), and 2.8?±?0.8 days (group 3) (p?=?0.01).

Conclusions

In LSG, buttressing the staple line with Gore Seamguard® statistically reduces blood loss during stomach sectioning as well as overall blood loss. No staple line reinforcement statistically decreases the time to perform stomach sectioning and the total operative time. No significant difference is evidenced in terms of postoperative leak between the three techniques of LSG.

     

The Use of Intraoperative Endoscopy May Decrease Postoperative Stenosis in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is becoming one of the most common bariatric surgeries performed worldwide. Leak or stenosis following LSG can lead to major morbidity. We aim to evaluate whether the routine use of intraoperative endoscopy (IOE) can reduce these complications.

Methods

All cases of LSG between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed. In all cases, we place the 32 Fr endoscope once we are done with the greater curvature dissection. We perform an IOE at the end of surgery. If IOE shows stenosis, the over-sewing sutures are removed and the IOE is repeated.

Results

During the study period, 310 LSG were performed (97.4 % were primary LSG cases). The study population included 213 (68.7 %) females. The average age for our cohort was 34.9 years (range 25–63 years), the average BMI was BMI 45 kg/M2 (range 35–65 kg/M2), and the average weight was 120 kg (89–180 kg). The average length of stay was 2.2 days [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Our clinical leak rate was 0.3 % (1/310). Our leak rate in primary LSG was 0 % (0/302), and in revisional LSG was 12.5 % (1/8). All IOE leak tests were negative and the only patient with leak had negative radiographic studies as well. In contrast, IOE showed stenosis in 10 LSG cases (3.2 %), which resolved after removing over-sewing sutures. Our clinical stenosis after LSG was 0 %.

Conclusion

Routine use of IOE in LSG has led to a change in the operative strategy and could be one of the reasons behind the acceptable leak and stenosis in this series of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

     

Efficacy of Pre-incisional Bupivacaine Infiltration on Postoperative Pain Relief after Appendectomy: Prospective Double-blind Randomized Trial

Pain is the most undesirable and threatening experience for surgical patients. This study aims to determine the efficacy of pre-incisional analgesic bupivacaine infiltration (preemptive analgesia) on postoperative pain relief after appendectomy. A prospective randomized double-blinded study was conducted on 123 patients aged 13–45 years with a preoperative and-postoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis admitted to Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, from January to May 2002. They were randomly set into two groups: the control (61 patients) and the preemptive (62 patients). In the preemptive group, bupivacaine (Marcaine) was infiltrated into the skin and subcutaneous tissue along the proposed wound line before gridiron incision, and also into the muscle layer after incision. The control group received no injection. Routine appendectomy was done. Pain score was assessed by the patients in the first 48 hr while they were lying supine and as they moved to a sitting position at 24 and 48 hr after operation. Morphine injection was given on patients request with pain score = 5 every 4 hr in the first 48 hr or until analgesic paracetamol could be taken orally. The pain score during the first 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr, including the score while sitting up, were all significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the preemptive group. So were the total number of morphine injections and the amount of morphine used postoperatively. The pain reduction could be due to interruption of inflammatory or pain mediator cascades that normally occur during an operation. This study showed that pre-incisional bupivacaine infiltration is an effective and simple method of reducing postoperative pain for patients undergoing appendectomy.