Robotic radical hysterectomy versus total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for treatment of early cervical cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare intraoperative, pathologic and postoperative outcomes of robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) to total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) in patients with early stage cervical carcinoma. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed cases of TLRH or RRH with pelvic lymphadenectomy performed for treatment of early cervical cancer between 2000 and 2008. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent TLRH and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer from August 2000 to June 2006. Thirteen patients underwent RRH and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer from April 2006 to January 2008. There were no differences between groups for age, tumor histology, stage, lymphovascular space involvement or nodal status. No statistical differences were observed regarding operative time (323 vs 318 min), estimated blood loss (157 vs 200 mL), or hospital stay (2.7 vs 3.8 days). Mean pelvic lymph node count was similar in the two groups (25 vs 31). None of the robotic or laparoscopic procedures required conversion to laparotomy. The differences in major operative and postoperative complications between the two groups were not significant. All patients in both groups are alive and free of disease at the time of last follow up. CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, robotic radical hysterectomy appears to be equivalent to total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with respect to operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and oncological outcome. We feel the intuitive nature of the robotic approach, magnification, dexterity, and flexibility combined with significant reduction in surgeon's fatigue offered by the robotic system will allow more surgeons to use a minimally invasive approach to radical hysterectomy.     

Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: comparison with conventional open total gastrectomy

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy has been applied to the treatment of early gastric cancer in Japan. So far, several studies about comparison between laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and conventional open distal gastrectomy were reported. However, there are few reports on the laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy, mainly because this procedure is performed relatively infrequently, and the procedure is more difficult than laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. This was a case-control study comparing between laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy group and open total gastrectomy group. From June 2001 to August 2004, laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was performed in 20 patients. Reconstruction was performed by Roux-en-Y method or Roux-en-Y with jejunal pouch method through the mini-laparotomy. These cases were compared with 19 cases of open total gastrectomy, regarding operating time, blood loss, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, time to the first passage of gas, time to initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay.Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy was successful in 20 patients. The mean operating time was 280 minutes and blood loss was 227.5 mL. Leukocyte counts on days 1, 3, and 7 were significantly lower in laparoscopic surgery group than in open surgery group. The time to first flatus, time to initiate oral intake, and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the laparoscopic surgery group than in the open surgery group. This study demonstrated that laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy is suitable and feasible for early gastric cancer and has the advantage of a shorter recovery time compared with open total gastrectomy.     

Laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal caliceal diverticular calculi

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are a variety of options for the management of symptomatic calculi in caliceal diverticula, each with utility in particular situations. Herein, we describe a laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) technique to address the unusual combination of an anterior caliceal diverticulum together with multiple branched calculi having segments both within and proximal to the diverticulum. TECHNIQUE: With the patient in a modified lithotomy position, standard transperitoneal laparoscopy was performed utilizing three 10-mm trocars. After mobilization of the colon medially, the cystic diverticulum was opened. An additional 12-mm trocar was placed to allow transperitoneal PCNL within the diverticulum. Rigid nephroscopy, holmium laser lithotripsy, and stone extraction were performed, including laser enlargement of the diverticular neck and removal of the stone burden proximal to the neck. A double-pigtail ureteral stent and Jackson-Pratt drain were placed. RESULTS: This procedure was successful in the only patient in whom it has been used to date. As far as we know, this is the first report of laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal PCNL for the management of caliceal diverticular calculi. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal PCNL is a safe and effective alternative for the management of symptomatic stones in anterior cystic caliceal diverticula with a narrow neck and complex branched calculi.     

A new transperitoneal approach for retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy

A new transperitoneal approach for retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is presented. The abdominal incision resembles the letter omega, gives free access to both suprahilar renal areas and abdominal pelvis and provides solid repair of the abdominal wall. It may also be used for surgery on both kidneys and adrenals.     

Laparoscopy-assisted transvaginal total exenteration for locally advanced cervical cancer with bladder invasion after radiotherapy

When invasive cervical cancer involves the urinary bladder or rectum, exenteration can be curative treatment. However, this operation, particularly by an open approach, carries significant morbidity, both physically and psychologically. Laparoscopic surgery has been documented to be a reasonable alternative to the open counterpart for a variety of pelvic operative procedures, including such advanced procedures as laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and laparoscopy radical hysterectomy. With improving surgical technology and increasing surgical experience, exenteration is a logical extension of current laparoscopic practice. However, it raises skepticism regarding the feasibility and justification for the complicated surgery. We herein describe our experience in a patient undergoing total exenteration assisted by laparoscopic technology for advanced recurrent cervical cancer after extensive radiotherapy. Transperitoneal laparoscopic total exenteration with ureterosigmoidstomy and end-sigmoidostomy was accomplished in 6 hours. The whole specimen was removed en bloc transvaginally. The patient tolerated the procedure well. The only complication was a wound infection 50 days postoperatively that was controlled with debridement and antibiotics. No episodes of pyelonephritis occurred. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient is free of cancer by imaging studies and lives without associated morbidity of this extensive palliative operation except the care of the sigmoid colostomy.     

腹腔镜辅助下阴式全子宫切除术与开腹全子宫切除术的护理比较

目的:研究腹腔镜辅助下阴式全子宫切除术与开腹全子宫切除术的护理效果比较。方法:选择2008年5月～2011年12月腹腔镜辅助下阴式全子宫切除术患者58例作为观察组,同时选择开腹全子宫切除术患者50例作为对照组,比较两组患者术后的护理效果。结果:两组患者均手术成功,腹腔镜辅助下阴式全子宫切除术患者术后拔尿管时间和下床时间及肛门排气时间明显早于对照组,手术后患者止痛药的使用率明显低于对照组(P<0.05),通过比较两组差异有统计学意义。结论:腹腔镜辅助下阴式全子宫切除手术的术后恢复快,痛苦少,值得临床推广。     

Combined spinal-epidural technique for vaginal hysterectomy in a patient with Machado-Joseph disease

OBJECTIVE: Machado-Joseph disease is a form of progressive spino-cerebellar ataxia with both bulbar and peripheral neurological manifestations. To date, anesthesia for patients affected by this disease has not been described. General anesthesia may be problematic because of the risk of pulmonary aspiration and hypoxia. We describe our experience with the successful use of combined spinal-epidural in a patient with Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD).CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old woman with MJD complicated by significant bulbar and peripheral neuropathy presented for an elective vaginal hysterectomy. She had no other medical history of note. After informed consent, subarachnoid block was performed by combined spinal-epidural anesthesia at the L2-3 lumbar intervertebral space with hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg, morphine 100 microg, and fentanyl 10 microg. Surgery proceeded uneventfully, with excellent postoperative analgesia. There was full recovery of preinduction neurologic function by the sixth postoperative hour. CONCLUSIONS: Central neuraxial anesthesia is an option for patients with MJD presenting for lower abdominal and lower extremity operations. Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia confers hemodynamic stability yet allows for augmentation of intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia.     

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy versus vaginal hysterectomy for enlarged uterus

OBJECTIVES: To compare the surgical and immediate postoperative outcomes for vaginal hysterectomy (VH) with those for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in patients with enlarged myomatous uterus. METHODS: Eighty women requiring hysterectomy for an enlarged myomatous uterus were randomly allocated into 2 treatment arms: VH (n=40) and LAVH (n=40). The randomization procedure was based on a computer-generated list. The primary outcome was a comparison of the discharge times between the 2 procedures. Continuous outcome variables were analyzed using the Student t test. Discrete variables were analyzed with the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean discharge time was longer for LAVH than for VH (72+/-4.2 vs 48+/-2.6 h; P=0.00). VH resulted in shorter times for paralytic ileus (19+/-3 vs 26+/-3 h; P=0.00) and surgery (71+/-3 vs 129+/-7 min; P=0.00). The intraoperative blood loss was less with VH (186.0+/-52 vs 362.7+/-65 mL; P=0.00). No intraoperative complications occurred, and no patient was returned to the operative theater in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Several surgical and immediate postoperative outcomes were significantly better in the VH group than in the LAVH group. However, further controlled prospective studies are required for identifying the best approach for hysterectomy in patients with enlarged uterus.     

A case of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal cuff suturing for vaginal cuff dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy

IntroductionVaginal cuff dehiscence after hysterectomy is a rare complication and occurs in less than 1% of patients. It can present with serious complications, such as bowel evisceration and peritonitis.Presentation of caseA 51-year-old multigravida Korean woman underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for leiomyoma. Six months later, she reported lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Physical examination revealed rebound tenderness in the lower abdomen, and pelvic examination showed a small amount of vaginal bleeding with an evisceration of the small intestine through the vagina that exhibited healthy peristalsis. The eviscerated bowel, which seemed to be a part of the ileum, was carefully manually reduced transvaginally into the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopic observation revealed adhesions between the omentum, small intestine, and the peritoneum. Specifically, the small intestine was adhered around the vaginal cuff. An abdominal abscess was found in the left lower abdominal cavity. An adhesiotomy was performed and the abdominal abscess was removed and irrigated. Complete separation of the anterior and posterior vaginal cuff edges was obtained. The vaginal cuff was closed with interrupted 0-polydioxanone absorbable sutures without bowel injury. A 6-month follow-up examination revealed complete healing of the vaginal cuff.DiscussionIn this case, we were able to make use of both laparoscopic and transvaginal methods to perform a successful repair with a minimally invasive and safe technique.ConclusionLaparoscopically assisted vaginal cuff suturing for vaginal cuff dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy was found to be effective, safe, and minimally invasive.     

Culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy with vaginal hysterectomy: an optional minimal-access surgical technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Oophorectomy during vaginal hysterectomy may be difficult or impossible when the ovaries lie high in the pelvis or when adhesions are present. A new technique of culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy during vaginal hysterectomy is described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After the uterus is removed, a 12-mm cannula is introduced into the culde-sac, and a pneumoperitoneum is created. A 10-mm telescope is inserted through the vaginal port, and, under culdoscopic surveillance, two or three 3-mm abdominal ports are placed. The 10-mm telescope is removed, and a minilaparoscope is introduced through one of the abdominal cannulas. Oophorectomy is performed with a coagulator and scissors introduced via the vaginal port, and the ovaries are extracted through the vaginal cannula. Eight patients with pelvic adhesions found at the time of vaginal hysterectomy underwent culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy. RESULTS: The procedure lasted between 28 minutes and 45 minutes, including adhesiolysis, removal of an enlarged ovary, and a liver biopsy. No complications occurred in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Culdolaparoscopic oophorectomy is a simple minimal-access surgical technique for removing the ovaries when these are not easily accessible at vaginal hysterectomy.     

腹腔镜全子宫切除术后阴道残端的处理体会

目的:探讨腹腔镜全子宫切除术后阴道残端的处理方法。方法:随机将2009年5月至2012年2月267例腹腔镜全子宫切除术患者分为两组,对照组(n=132)经阴道行连续锁边缝合;研究组(n=135)经腹腔行连续锁边缝合,比较两组患者术中阴道流血量、阴道残端处理时间、术后阴道流血量及阴道流血时间、住院时间、术后并发症及随访情况。结果:两组术中、术后阴道流血量及流血时间、术后并发症、术后3个月内阴道排液量差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),而处理时间、住院时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:两种方法均适用于腹腔镜全子宫切除术,但经腹腔行连续锁边缝合具有术中、术后阴道流血量少、时间短、术后并发症少等优点,更利于妇科微创手术的临床推广。     

腹腔镜全子宫切除术与腹腔镜辅助阴式全子宫切除术后对盆底功能的影响

目的 观察腹腔镜全子宫切除术和腹腔镜辅助阴式全子宫切除术后对患者盆底功能的影响.方法 回顾性分析2007年10月至2013年1月在中山大学附属第三医院行子宫切除术的患者94例,其中行腹腔镜全子宫切除术的46例患者为观察组,同期进行腹腔镜辅助阴式全子宫切除术的48例患者为对照组,比较两组手术情况及术后1～6年女性盆底功能障碍性疾病（PFD）发生率.结果 观察组患者与对照组患者的手术时间、术后肛门排气时间与住院天数无明显差别（P＞0.05）.观察组患者阴道顶端脱垂、膀胱及直肠膨出及压力性尿失禁发生率均高于对照组,但差异无明显的统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 腹腔镜全子宫切除术手术创伤小,结合阴道操作或者采取腹腔镜下阴道骶骨固定术可改善盆底功能.     

Laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal percutaneous nephrolithotomy for recurrent calculus in isthmic calix of horseshoe kidney

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Management of urolithiasis in a horseshoe kidney (HSK) poses a unique challenge. Although most patients can be managed by a combination of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), calculi in the isthmic calix remain difficult to treat, as this area is out of reach during rigid PCNL, and, owing to the poor evacuation of the fragments, the results of SWL are suboptimal. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old man known to have an HSK presented with right-sided lower-abdominal pain and episodes of urinary infection. In the past, he had undergone pyelolithotomy and lithotripsy for lithiasis in the kidney. Imaging studies identified a large recurrent calculus in the anteriorly directed isthmic calix. This was treated successfully by a laparoscopy-assisted transperitoneal PCNL. The laparoscopic view allowed the bowel to be retracted away from the site of the HSK, and PCNL guided by fluoroscopy and laparoscopy was performed. Complete stone clearance was achieved in a single stage. The patient remains free of symptoms and recurrence 3 months later. CONCLUSION: We believe this to be the first report describing this novel approach to lithiasis in an HSK.     

腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除联合盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期宫颈癌临床效果分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜广泛子宫切除术和盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期宫颈癌的临床价值。方法 2010-06—2014-06间共实施47例经腹腔镜(腹腔镜组)和42例开放(开放组)广泛子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术,回顾性分析患者的临床资料。记录2组手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结切除数量、胃肠功能恢复时间、住院时间、手术并发症发生率等。结果 腹腔镜组术中出血量、切除的淋巴结数、胃肠功能恢复时间、术后住院时间明显优于开放组(P0.05),2组手术时间无显著差异(P0.05)。腹腔镜组平均随访(28.8±6.6)月,并发症发生率为14.9%(7/47),开放组平均随访(26.2±5.8)月,并发症发生率为14.3%(6/42),2组差异无统计学意义。结论 腹腔镜下广泛全子宫切除加盆腔淋巴结清扫术治疗早期宫颈癌,安全有效,具有创伤小,恢复快等优势。     

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer

The surgical treatment of endometrial cancer is still a matter of debate. Two of the most controversial issues are the beneficial effect of lymphadenectomy and the feasibility of laparoscopy. The aim of the case report was to describe the feasibility of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in a 56-years-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with endometrial cancer. After a CO2 pneumoperitoneum was created the peritoneum was incised cranially to the para-colic fossa just above the external iliac vessels until the psoas muscle is visualized. The external iliac vessels were identified and lymph nodes from the anterior and the medial surface were removed until the iliac bifurcation and placed in an Endo-bag. The procedure continued with the identification of the hypo-gastric and the umbilical artery which were pulled medially in order to open the obturator fossa and remove the lymphatic tissue superior to the obturator nerve. The next step was the opening of the para-vesical and pararectal spaces by using blunt dissection; this maneuver was facilitated by pulling the uterine fundus towards the opposite direction with the uterine manipulator. The parametrium being isolated between the two spaces can be safely divided. At the superior limit of the parametrium the uterine artery is identified and divided at its origin. Thereafter, by placing the uterine fundus in median and posterior position, the vesicouterine peritoneal fold was opened by scissors and a bladder dissection from the low uterine segment down to the vagina was performed. Then the ureter is dissected, freed from its attachments to the parametria and de-crossed from the uterine artery down to its entry into the bladder. Next the rectovaginal space is opened and the utero-sacral ligaments divided; this allows the division of para-vaginal attachments. The vagina is sectioned and the specimen is extracted transvaginally. Then the vaginal stump was sutured by laparoscopy. Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy was not associated with an increased operative time or blood loss and appears to be a feasible alternative to conventional surgical approach in patients with endometrial carcinoma.     

Prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing total vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy

A prospective study to evaluate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis in 57 patients undergoing total abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy was conducted at Arlington Hospital. Patients were assigned randomly to one of two regimens. Group I received a single 1 gram preoperative dose of Cefotaxime (Claforan). Group II received a 2 gram dose of Cefoxitin (Mefoxin) preoperatively and also four 2 gram doses postoperatively. There was no significant group difference in the incidence of postoperative infection or in the mean duration in hospital stay. One dose of Cefotaxime was as effective as five doses of Cefoxitin in preventing infection.     

Evaluation of the learning curve of total robotic hysterectomy with or without lymphadenectomy for a gynecologic oncology service

We sought to determine the learning curve for total robotic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TRH, BSO) with/without lymphadenectomy (LND) for a gynecologic oncology service. Data was collected prospectively and included demographics, surgical data, and timed data points to calculate times for the following categories: total operating room (OR) time, setup time, hysterectomy (HYST) time, lymphadenectomy (LND) time, and console time. Cases were grouped into tens by chronological order and compared. A risk-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) model was used to evaluate learning curves for hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The first 155 patients are reported. Average HYST time was 45.2 min and average LND time was 52.4 min. Cases were grouped by each consecutive 10 cases per surgeon (i.e. Group 1 = cases 1?C10 for each surgeon). All groups were similar with respect to age, body mass index, stage, grade, cancer type, number of lymph nodes, and uterine weight. All times significantly improved with the increase in number of cases: total OR time (P < 0.001); setup time (P = 0.004); HYST time (P = 0.001); LND time (P = 0.05); console time (P = 0.05). CUSUM analysis demonstrated a learning curve of 14 cases for HYST time and 19 cases for lymphadenectomy. Our data describes the robotic laparoscopic learning curves for both hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy in a gynecologic oncology practice and could be utilized for hospital credentialing. The amount of experience required to achieve maximum time efficiency for robotic lymphadenectomy was greater than that for hysterectomy. A significant improvement was observed in all timed data points collected, and the time to proficiency appears reasonable.