Intraoperative tumor localization using laparoscopic ultrasonography in laparoscopic–assisted gastrectomy

Background During laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy, it is impossible to identify early gastric cancer (EGC) lesions; therefore, a precise localization technique is needed. In this study, we used laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) after endoscopic clipping as a method of localizing EGC and evaluated the effectiveness of this method. Methods A prospective study of 17 patients who had undergone laparoscopic—assisted gastrectomy was performed. Three endoscopic clips were applied just proximal to the tumor during the preoperative endoscopy. The applied clips were detected from the serosal side of the stomach using LUS. The serosal surface of the lesion was marked with dye. Results In all patients, endoscopic clips were applied proximal to the lesion without complications, and the applied clips were confirmed by plain abdominal radiography. The clips were successfully detected by LUS in all patients. In the resected specimen, the serosal surface, marked with dye, was always just above the clips in the anterior wall or on the anterior wall opposite the clips applied in the posterior wall. The mean detection time was 4.7 min (range, 2–8). With this procedure, two patients underwent total gastrectomy and 15 patients underwent distal subtotal gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy or gastrojejunostomy. Histological examination confirmed that the resection margins were tumor free in all patients. There was no operative morbidity related to the LUS procedure. Conclusions Using LUS to detect endoscopic clips is an easy, safe, and accurate method to localize EGC lesions in laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Denver, Colorado, USA, March–April 2004     

Does previous laparoscopic experience improve ability to perform single-incision laparoscopic surgery?

Background  

Single-site laparoscopic surgery (SSLS) has been suggested as a safe and less invasive alternative to standard laparoscopic surgery (LAP). It is not clear whether previous laparoscopic experience influences the ability to perform SSLS. This study aimed to assess the impact of laparoscopic experience on the performance of SSLS.     

Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy cheaper?

As laparoscopic cholecystectomy is being used more and more frequently, a cost analysis was aimed to be performed to evaluate cost effectiveness in Turkey. Records of 376 patients who underwent cholecystectomy by various methods were analyzed retrospectively. Mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 5.1 +/- 2.6 days for the open cholecystectomy group (OC group), composed of 177 patients; 5.6 +/- 2.1 days for the converted open cholecystectomy group (CC group) composed of 15 patients; and 2.5 +/- 1.8 days for the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (LC group), which included 184 patients. The mean cost per patient was 778 dollars +/- 75, 1964 dollars +/- 82, and 2357 dollars +/- 80 for the OC, LC, and CC groups, respectively. It was concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy will gain economic feasibility over conventional cholecystectomy in our country only when costs of laparoscopic equipment lower and personnel wages increase sufficiently.     

Why laparoscopic cholecystectomy today?

Traditional open cholecystectomy became the gold standard of surgical treatment for symptomatic gallstone disease during the last century. In spite of its good results, clinicians have been trying to establish effective nonsurgical methods of eliminating gallstones. Although oral, percutaneous, or retrograde litholysis can be used effectively for cholesterol stones, these represent only 10% of all gallstones. Moreover, intracorporeal lithotripsy is an invasive method, and while extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a promising procedure, even after careful selection, only 70%–80% of the patients become stone-free within 1 year. In fact, none of the methods which leave the gallbladder intact are free of complications, and they are followed by 50% stone recurrence within 5 years. Since 1987, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the procedure of choice as it is safe and only minimally invasive. We believe that the laparoscopic technique is a promising way to the surgery of the future.     

Staged restorative proctocolectomy: laparoscopic or open completion proctectomy after laparoscopic subtotal colectomy?

Background  

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of laparoscopic and open completion proctectomy (CP) and ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) after a previous laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC).     

Conversion from laparoscopic to open appendicectomy: a possible drawback of the laparoscopic technique?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the reasons for, and outcome of, conversion from laparoscopic to open appendicectomy and to identify factors that may predict the need for conversion. DESIGN: Subgroup analysis from a randomised multicentre study. SETTING: One university hospital and four county hospitals, Sweden. SUBJECTS: A total of 500 patients were randomised to laparoscopic (n = 244) or open (n = 256) appendicectomy. Thirty operations (12%) were converted to open appendicectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reasons for conversion, outcome, and preoperative predictive variables. RESULTS: Difficult anatomy or the presence of an abscess were the main reasons for conversion (25/30). The incidence of perforated appendicitis was higher among patients who required conversion compared with both the open and laparoscopic group. Operating time, anaesthetic time, and duration of hospital stay were longer after conversion. Time to full recovery and length of sick leave were also longer, except for patients with perforated appendicitis. There was no difference in the complication rate. No predictive factors were identified. CONCLUSION: The main reasons for conversion were difficult anatomy and the presence of an abscess. After conversion patients recovered more slowly than those operated on laparoscopically or by primary open operation.     

Positive intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: is laparoscopic common bile duct exploration necessary?

The treatment of choledocholithiasis discovered incidentally during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not yet standardized. Options include laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERCP-ES), and no intervention. We undertook a review of our case series to determine whether LCBDE is obligatory and which LCBDE method is unsuccessful. During the 6-year study period, 91 patients with choledocholithiasis were identified. Fifty-six patients (62%) underwent LCBDE. Thirteen (23%) of these 56 patients subsequently required ERCP. Balloon sweeping of the common bile duct failed in 10 of 21 patients (48% failure) compared to any other combination of techniques with a failure rate of 1/33 (3%; P < 0.001). Two patients did not undergo complete duct exploration because of technical problems. Thirty-five patients (38%) did not undergo LCBDE. Nine of these patients (26%) did not have ERCP-ES. None of the patients who underwent postoperative ERCP-ES required additional procedures or surgery. LCBDE can successfully treat common bile duct stones, with minimal to no morbidity, but is not mandatory for safely treating choledocholithiasis. Additionally, advanced techniques for clearing the common bile duct are more successful. Surgeons should be proficient at performing these techniques.     

An overview of laparoscopic colorectal surgery

<正> Laparoscopic skills has been widely applied in colorectal surgery.The definition,indications and contraindications, the oncologic principles, port side recurrence, and the newer advances are reported in this article.     

Simplifying laparoscopic running suture line utilizing “Puller” technique: demonstration in laparoscopic myomectomy

Background

Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) has increased recently as treatment options for symptomatic uterine myomas for a patient who wants to preserve her uterus. However, adequate suture of the uterine defect is difficult in LM, even for an experienced surgeon. The most time-consuming step of LM is the suturing procedure. The suture material can tangle easily and disentanglement is time-consuming. We introduce a simple but highly effective instrument named “Puller” for continuous intracorporeal suturing in LM.

Methods

After completion of myoma enucleation, the operator sutures the uterine defect with suture material in continuous manner. The tip of “Puller” looks like a hook. During the suture, the first assistant inserts the “Puller” on the suprapubic site and sets the suture material on the hook and pulls it extracorporeally. After one stitch, the operator pulls the suture material intracorporeally, and then the first assistant pulls the sutured portion of the thread extracorporeally with “Puller” and holds the stitch to maintain the adequate tension during the repair.

Results

From January 2011 to October 2011, 88 patients who were diagnosed with uterine myoma underwent LM using “Puller” by a single surgeon. The mean diameter of the myoma was 6.8 ± 2.1 cm, and multiple myomas were observed in 46 cases (52.3 %). As a result, the mean operation time was 65.0 ± 22.1 min, the estimated blood loss was 173.9 ± 179.8 ml. Mean weight of removed myoma was 141.5 ± 105.7 g. Postoperative febrile morbidity (body temperature higher than 37.7 °C) was observed in 15 patients (17 %). However, no patients had conversion to laparotomy and needed blood transfusion. There were no major complications that required reoperation or readmission.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic myomectomy can be performed easily and effectively by using the “Puller” technique with standard instruments. Additionally, this “Puller” technique could be adopted in all minimally invasive surgery needed running suture for hemostasis and closure.     

Does gender affect laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

The relationship between sex and outcome after laparoscopic surgery for symptomatic cholelithiasis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of sex on the clinical presentation of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease and the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The rates of conversion to open cholecystectomy, complication rates, operative times, and lengths of hospital stay were compared between the sexes. Compared with female patients, males were significantly older and more likely to have coexisting cardiovascular disease, previous upper abdominal surgery, previous hospitalization for acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, and suppurative cholecystitis (such as empyema), conversions, and complications. The mortality rate was nil. Analyses revealed an independent effect of sex on the prevalence of complications, even when including all of the major confounding factors in the model. In contrast, the effect of sex on conversion to open cholecystectomy was not significant when controlling for patient age. Operative time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly longer in males than in females. The tendency of male patients to have cholecystitis of greater severity should remind surgeons of the need to inform patients about the higher conversion rate among male patients, to reduce the disappointment of a large laparotomy wound or prolonged recovery period. On the other hand, there may be an increased need for surgeons to strongly advice male patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis to undergo early intervention.     

Fluorocholangiography: reincarnation in the laparoscopic era—evaluation of intra-operative cholangiography in 3635 laparoscopic cholecystectomies

Background

The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) resulted in the decline of routine intra-operative cholangiography (IOC). Common bile duct stones are being diagnosed preoperatively using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). We aim to evaluate the use and benefits of IOC during laparoscopic biliary surgery at a high-volume biliary surgery unit.

Methods

Prospective data from 4088 patients undergoing LC over 22 years were analysed. Referral protocols allow one firm to receive the great majority of biliary emergencies and all suspected ductal stones. All patients with gall stones on ultrasound scanning, fit for surgery, will undergo LC during the index admission. MRCP and ERCP are not part of preoperative investigation. A four-port LC is performed with a size 5Fr ureteric catheter within an open cannula to obtain an IOC through right sub-costal port.

Results

Of 4088 patients, IOC was attempted in 3691 (90.2 %) and 3635 had a successful IOC (98.4 %). 75 % were females. The mean age was 59 years. Patients presented with one or more of the following: chronic biliary pain in 60 %, acute pain 26.7 %, acute cholecystitis 8.4 %, gallstone pancreatitis 7.8 % and jaundice with or without cholangitis in 19.2 %. A total of 1328 patients (36.5 %) had risk factors for CBD stones. The IOC was abnormal in 975 cases (26.8 %), recording 1599 abnormalities. IOC identified 774 patients with CBD stones (21.3 %), including previously unsuspected CBD stones in 4.7 %. IOC was false negative in 20 cases (0.5 %) found to have stones on basket exploration. A decision not to perform IOC in 453 cases (11 %) was made preoperatively in 74.2 % and intra-operatively in 12.3 %.

Conclusion

IOC can be safely and routinely performed in LC. It helps to identify CBD stones, even in patients with no known risk factors, delineate bile duct anatomy and facilitate single-stage management of CBD stones.

     

Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC)��a matched pair analysis

Introduction

The aim of our study was to compare single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with respect to complications, operating time, postoperative pain, use of analgesics, length of stay, return to work, rate of incisional hernia, and cosmetic outcome.

Methods

Sixty-seven patients underwent SILC. Of a cohort of 163 LC operated in the same time period, 67 patients were chosen for a matched pair analysis. Pairs were matched for age, gender, ASA, BMI, acuity, and previous abdominal surgery. In the SILC group, patient characteristics (gender, age, BMI, comorbidities, ASA, previous abdominal surgery, symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, cholecystitis) and perioperative data (surgeon, operation time, conversion rate and cause, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, reoperation rate, VAS at 24?h, VAS at 48?h, use of analgesics according to WHO class, and length of stay) were collected prospectively.

Results

Follow-up in the SILC and LC group was completed with a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 26?months; data acquired were recovery time the patients needed until they were able to get back into the working process, long-term incidence of postoperative hernias, and satisfaction with cosmetic outcome. Operating time was longer for SILC (median 75?min, range 39?C168 vs. 63, range 23?C164, p?=?0.039). There were no significant differences for SILC and LC with regard to postoperative pain measured by VAS at 24?h (median 3, range 0?C8 vs. 2, range 0?C8, p?=?0.224), at 48?h (median 2, range 0?C6 vs. 2, range 0?C8, p?=?0.571), use of analgesics, and length of stay (median 2?days, range 1?C9 vs. 2, range 1?C11, p?=?0.098). There was no major complication in either group. The completion rate of SILC was 85.1% (57 of 67). Although there was a trend towards an earlier return to the working process in patients of the SILC group, this was not significant. The rate of incisional hernias was 1.9% (1/53) in the SILC and 2.1% (1/48) in the LC group indicating no significant difference. Self-assessment of satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome was not judged different by patients in both groups.

Conclusion

SILC is associated with longer operating time, but equals LC with respect to safety, postoperative pain, use of analgesics, length of stay, return to work, rate of incisional hernia, and cosmetic outcome.     

Fewer adhesions induced by laparoscopic surgery?

Background Laparoscopic surgery has potential theoretical advantages over open surgery in reducing the rate of adhesion formation, but very few comparative studies are available to prove this.Methods A literature search was performed within Medline and Cochrane databases using the key words: adhesion*, adhesiolysis, laparoscop*, laparotomy, open surgery. Further articles were identified from the reference lists of retrieved literature. Both clinical and experimental studies comparing laparoscopy and laparotomy with regard to adhesion formation were retained. In each article, the rates of adhesion formation were identified or deduced for the operative site, access wound site, and distant sites.Results Fifteen studies from 1987 to 2001 were identified. Most studies assessed the operative site. Thus, three clinical studies and six experimental ones found fewer adhesions following laparoscopy than laparotomy, while other five experimental studies found similar adhesion rates for the two surgical methods. There were fewer adhesions to trocar wounds than to the laparotomy wounds in seven studies and equal rates of adhesion in one study. The problem of distant adhesions is poorly represented in literature; three studies favored laparoscopy as being followed by fewer adhesions. Because of the important differences between studies with regard to the design, end points, and statistical calculations, a metaanalysis could not be achieved. The conclusion is based on the prevalence of evidence.Conclusions All clinical studies and most of the experimental studies found a reduction of adhesion formation after laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery.     

Are laparoscopic operations on stomach useful?

The purpose of this review is to assess the position of laparoscopic gastric surgery. Only for perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers a prospective randomized study is available without revealing meaningful differences between conventional and laparoscopic procedure. The elective laparoscopic Selective Proximal Vagotomy (SPV) of stomach and duodenal ulcers was reported on some 200 patients till now. The perioperative risk was lower than that of the conventional method. Due to only short follow-up statements on the risk of ulcer recurrence and therefore completion of vagotomy can not be made. Because of operative technical difficulties some examinators have modified the Selective Proximal Vagotomy, but long-term results with these techniques and the conventional method do not exist. Till now a laparoscopic resection of the stomach was done in less than 100 patients. At comparable risk of both methods representative conclusions could not be made. Similar small are the experiences with laparoscopic resection of the stomach or gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. The results suppose that a systematic lymph node dissection of the compartment II is only restrictevly possible. The operative risk is nearly that of the conventional method. Laparoscopic staging is a favourable indication in gastric surgery with the aim to detect peritoneal metastases and to spare the patient an exploratory laparotomy. Furthermore, laparoscopy offers advantages in palliative procedures, without existence of extensive proof. Nowadays it is applied for extreme obesity and "Gastric Banding", a method with low perioperative risk. Whether the long-term results are equivalent to those of conventional stomach bypass operations is not proved so far. Alltogether the advantages of laparoscopy in comparison to conventional gastric surgery are only obvious in a few clinical situations. Qualified randomized prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the new operation techniques.