Laparoscopic splenectomy: ligasure versus EndoGIA: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of hematologic disease of the spleen. Intraoperative bleeding is the main complication and main cause of conversion during LS. In this paper, we present our experience with 112 LS procedures, comparing two different techniques and instruments for spleen dissection and hilar vascular control. METHODS: We have performed a total of 112 LS procedures in 9 years in two affiliated university hospitals. There were 48 males and 64 females (median age, 32.8 years). Indications were as follows: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in 42 patients, hereditary spherocitosis in 28, 6 with beta-talassemia, 1 with hemolitic anemia, 27 with lymphoma, 2 with leukemia, 3 with splenic cysts, and 3 PPT cases. Associated procedures were present in 25 cases (17 cholecystectomy and 4 liver/lymphnodal biopsies + lysis of adhesions). Patients were divided in two groups according to the method of dissection and hilar section (group 1, endostapler + monopolar coagulation with 38 patients; group 2, the Ligasure Vessel Sealing System (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) with 74 patients). RESULTS: Groups were well matched according to age, indications, spleen sizes, and procedures associated. Conversion rates (10 cases, 9%; 5 in each group), postoperative hospital stay (median 4 days in each group), and intra- and postoperative complications were similar in the 2 groups without any mortality in each group, while intraoperative blood loss (loss of 100 mL in 55 patients in group 2, 78%; and in 21 patients in group 1, 52%), transfusion rates (8 patients in group 1 versus 4 patients in group 2), and operative mean time (150 minutes in group 1 versus 125 minutes in group 2) were minor in the Ligasure Vessel Sealing System group, with a statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The approach to spleen dissection and hilum section was safe and efficacy in each case, otherwise the use of Ligasure results in a gain of time. Furthermore the average intraoperative bleeding and average transfusion rates of this series were lower in group 2.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy

Background: Intraoperative bleeding is the main complication and main cause of conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We present the advantages of the lateral approach and the use of the ultrasonic shears (US) for achieving a safer vascular control. Methods: We have performed a total of 48 LS using several approaches. In our initial experience 10 patients underwent surgery with an anterior approach. In the second series of 18 patients, we used a manually assisted procedure. In the last 20 patients, we employed a technique with a full lateral position. Only three ports have been used. The major part of the dissection was conducted from behind, thus allowing a safer vascular control. The division of short gastric vessels and lower pole vessels was performed using US. The main vascular pedicle was stapled. The spleen was removed through a short Pfannenstiel incision. There were 9 males and 11 females with a mean age of 36 years (range, 18–71 years). Fourteen had immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP); two had an HIV-infection-related purpura; two had an autoimmune hemolytic anemia; and two had a spherocytosis. Results: All the 20 LS were completed. The average splenic weight was 274 g (range, 162–1,400 g). In all but one patient, the intraoperative blood loss was less than 60 ml, and was none in six patients (average, 51 ml). In our initial series of 10 patients surgically treated with an anterior approach, the average blood loss was 180 ml, and it was 230 ml in the series of hand-assisted procedures. The average operative time was 127 min (range, 70–220 min), including the time required by the change of position and the Pfannenstiel incision. There was no mortality. All but one patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The HIV-infected patient had a severe postoperative pancreatitis. In those patients with an uncomplicated course, the average postoperative stay was 4.3 days (range, 2–8 days). Conclusions: The lateral position with a posterior approach to splenic vessels allows for safe vascular control. The use of US results in a gain of time and safety. The average intraoperative bleeding of this series is much lower than that observed in our previous experience and in other published series.     

Minimizing intraoperative bleeding using a vessel-sealing system and splenic hilum hanging maneuver in laparoscopic splenectomy

Background/purpose  

The most common cause of conversion to laparotomy (open splenectomy) during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is bleeding from the splenic hilar vessels. Recently, the efficacy of Ligasure (a vessel-sealing system) as a safety device for sealing vessels and reducing intraoperative blood loss has been reported with various laparoscopic procedures. The objective of this report was to describe our techniques for minimizing bleeding during LS, characterized by the application of Ligasure (which reduces the number of clips and staples, and reduces unnecessary bleeding) and a splenic hilum hanging maneuver with a Diamond-Flex flexible retractor to obtain optimal exposure of the splenic hilum.     

Sutureless and stapleless laparoscopic splenectomy using radiofrequency

Background Bleeding is the main complication and cause of conversion during laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We present the advantages of the LigaSure vessel sealing system added to the lateral approach for achieving safe vascular control. Methods We performed 63 consecutive LS in a 3-year period using LigaSure in two affiliated university hospitals. We employed a right semilateral position technique with dissection of the spleen and vessel sealing using LigaSure. Forty-two patients had benign hematological disease, 19 had malignant disease, and two had splenic cysts. Results A total of 58 LS were completed with five conversions due to hilar bleeding (three cases), difficult dissection (one), and massive splenomegaly (one). In all but five patients, blood loss was less than 100 ml. No transfusions were needed. There were five postoperative complications: portal thrombosis (one case), hemoperitoneum (two), surgical wound infection (one), and pleural effusion (one). Conclusions The use of LigaSure, and the semilateral position, results in a gain of time and safety. Furthermore, average intraoperative bleeding is very low. Paper presented in part at the 13th European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Congress, Venice, Italy, June 2005     

Laparoscopic Splenectomy Using LigaSure

Background:

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the standard approach for most splenectomy cases. Bleeding is the main complication and cause for conversion. We present our experience with the LigaSure and discuss its advantage as a vessel sealing system in achieving safe vascular control.

Method:

Over a 3-year period, we performed 12 consecutive LS using LigaSure at a single center. A literature review of all the patients who had undergone laparoscopic splenectomy with of the LigaSure to achieve vascular control at the hilum was carried out, assessing its advantages and outcome.

Results:

Twelve LS were performed. Eleven of these patients had ITP, and one patient had sickle cell disease. The mean blood loss was 70mL (range, 50 to 460), and operating time was 126 minutes (range, 110 to 240). Two postoperative complications occurred: portal vein thrombosis in one case and subphrenic collection in the other. The literature review revealed 8 studies with 231 cases in which the LigaSure was used to perform laparoscopic splenectomy. A significant reduction in operating time (average 102 minutes) and intraabdominal blood loss (66mL) was observed with the LigaSure compared with endostaplers.

Conclusion:

The use of LigaSure and the semilateral position results in a gain of time and safety in addition to low intraoperative bleeding, need for transfusion, minimal complications and a low conversion rate.     

Laparoscopic splenectomy for hematologic disorders: experience with the first fifty patients

BACKGROUND: Splenectomy is increasingly being performed by various minimal access surgical modalities for select hematologic disorders. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the first 50 patients on whom laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) was attempted. The data studied included indications for surgery, patient demographics, intraoperative parameters, and patient outcomes. A total laparoscopic approach (TLS) was employed in 38 patients and a hand-assisted technique (HALS) was used in 12 patients with massive splenomegaly. Eight patients had concomitant surgical procedures: 7 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 1 patient received a kidney transplant. The most common indications for LS were idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (50%) and hereditary spherocytosis (24%). RESULTS: LS was successfully completed in 48 patients (96%). Thirty-four patients (68%) required perioperative blood or platelet transfusions. The mean spleen diameter was 17.1 cm (range, 11.2-28.4 cm) on imaging study and mean intact splenic weight was 1019 gm. The mean operative time was 188 minutes (range, 90-340 minutes) in the TLS group and 171 minutes (range, 120-240 minutes) in the HALS group. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 306 mL (range, 40-640 mL) in the TLS group and 163 mL (range, 100-300 mL) in the HALS group. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.2 days (range, 2-5 days). CONCLUSION: TLS is safe and feasible in patients with nonpalpable spleens. A concomitant laparoscopic procedure for treating coexisting abdominal pathology may be performed without additional morbidity. The HALS technique may be preferable in patients with splenomegaly (palpable spleens), as it appears to offer intraoperative advantages for retraction, dissection, hemostasis, and organ retrieval.     

Splenic artery aneurysms: methods of laparoscopic repair.

PURPOSE: Surgical therapy for splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) has traditionally consisted of a laparotomy with resection of the aneurysm and possibly a splenectomy. Our early experience with the laparoscopic approach to treat SAAs is reported. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted on all patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of SAAs at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from May 1996 to August 1997. RESULTS: Four patients with SAAs, three women and one man, with an average age of 55 years (range, 37 to 63 years), underwent successful laparoscopic SAA repair. The average size of the aneurysm was 3.2 cm (range, 2.5 to 5.0 cm). Three patients underwent an aneurysm resection, whereas one patient underwent simple ligation. Intraoperative ultrasound scanning with Doppler was used in three cases as a means of localizing the aneurysm and identifying all feeding vessels; the complete cessation of flow within the aneurysm in the case in which the feeding vessels were simply ligated was also documented. The average intraoperative time was 150 minutes (range, 100 to 190 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was 105 mL (range, 20 to 300 mL). There were no intraoperative complications. The average hospital stay was 2.2 days (range, 1 to 4 days). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach to splenic artery aneurysm by aneurysmectomy or splenic artery ligation can be safe and effective. The laparoscopic approach affords a short hospital stay and an effective result.     

Total mesorectal excision with radiofrequency in rectal cancer

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the safety, the efficacy and the oncologic results in rectal cancer with total mesorectal excision using Ligasure (LS), a modern bipolar vessel sealing system, with monopolar electrocoagulation or stiches (ME). METHODS: From July 2005 to December 2007 one hundred twenty-nine patients underwent colon resection for cancer at the San Martino Hospital of Genoa (Italy); 43 patients underwent rectal resection. All patients underwent laparotomy rectal resection with total mesorectal excision; 9 (21%, group LS) underwent total mesorectal excision with radiofrequency, 34 (79%, group ME) with monopolar elettrocoagulations, vessels ligation or stiches. Patients of group LS were similar to patients of group ME in age, gender, weight and body mass index. Cancer stage was for group A 3 stage B, 5 stage C and 1 stage D, for group B 4 stage A, 15 stage B, 8 stage C, 6 stage D and 1 non-staged tumor. RESULTS: There were no differences in intraoperative or postoperative complications. Operat-ing time was similar in both group. Oncological results was similar in both groups. The major cost in group LS were attributable to cost of service. CONCLUSION: The Ligasure device does not reduce operating time in laparotomy rectal cancer resection but permit correct oncological results in patients submitted to total mesorectal excision. The costs of device reserved its use to surgery of low-rectal cancer or laparoscopic approach.     

Does the early ligation of the splenic artery reduce hemorrhage during laparoscopic splenectomy?

The aim of this study was to investigate whether early ligation of the splenic artery before splenic lysis has an effect on the amount of intraoperative bleeding and conversion rate during laparoscopic splenectomy. Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in 34 patients with hematological diseases or splenic cysts between January 1993 and January 2003. The splenic artery was ligated before manipulation of the spleen in 22 patients (group 1) and laparoscopic splenectomy was performed with no previous ligation of the splenic artery in 12 patients (group 2). Prospective data was collected and the groups compared regarding intraoperative blood loss, platelet count, operative time, hospital stay, and conversion rate. Laparoscopic splenectomy was successfully completed in 30 (88%) patients. One patient in group 1 (5%) and 3 patients in group 2 (25%) required conversion due to bleeding. Estimated average blood loss was 161 mL (range 70-450 mL) in group 1, and 292 mL (range 100-700 mL) in group 2 (P < 0.001). The average operative time was 140 minutes (range 80-240) in group 1, and 155 minutes (range 80-200) in group 2 (P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups comparing splenic size, conversion rate, hospital length of stay and platelet count. Early ligation of the splenic artery is feasible, safe and effective and may provide easy dissection and manipulation of the spleen during laparoscopic splenectomy with decreased intraoperative blood loss and no extension of the operative time.     

New energy‐based devices in laparoscopic splenectomy: Comparison of Ligasure alone versus Ligasure and Ultracision together

Background: More effective energy‐based haemostatic devices, such as LigaSure and Ultracision, have made laparoscopic solid organ surgery, such as laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), feasible and have facilitated its advancement. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Ligasure alone or Ligasure and Ultracision together in LS. Methods: Between February 2007 and August 2010, 25 consecutive adult patients (16 male, 9 female, mean age 35 years) who underwent LS with a wide range of immune trombositopenic purpura (ITP) were studied retrospectively. The patients were evaluated in two groups. The first group of 12 patients was the LigaSure group, and the second group of 13 patients was the LigaSure + Ultracision group. The two groups were compared according to operating time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay. Groups were well matched according to age, sex, spleen size and weight, body mass index, converting and complication rate. Results: Mean operative time was significantly shorter for the LigaSure + Ultracision group versus the LigaSure group (112.3 vs 147.5 min; P = 0.002). Mean intraoperative blood loss was slightly lower for the LigaSure + Ultracision group vs the LigaSure group, but it was not statistically significant (122.3 vs 142.5 mL; P = 0.219). There was no significant difference in mean postoperative hospital stay for both groups (2.3 vs 2.9 days; P = 0.093). Conclusion: LS must be the first choice for removal of the spleen, particularly for benign haematological disorders. One of the most important factors to achieve advanced laparoscopic surgery, such as LS, is new energy‐based devices, such as LigaSure and Ultracision. Using LigaSure and Ultracision together in LS reduces the operating time.     

Is expertise in pediatric surgery necessary to perform laparoscopic splenectomy in children? An experience from a department of general surgery

Splenectomy is frequently required in children for various hematologic pathologic findings. Because of progress in minimally invasive techniques, laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become feasible. The objective of this report is to present a monocentric experience and to evaluate the efficacy of and complications observed after laparoscopic splenic procedures in a department of general surgery. 57 consecutive LSs have been performed in a pediatric population between January 2000 and October 2010. There were 33 females and 24 males with a median age of 12?years (range 4-17). Indications were: hereditary spherocytosis 38 cases, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura 10, sickle cell disease (SCD) 6, thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura 2 and non-hodgkin lymphoma 1 case. Patients were operated on using right semilateral position, employing Atlas Ligasure vessel sealing system in 49 cases (86%) and Harmonic Scalpel?+?EndoGIA in 8. In 24 patients (42.1%), a cholecystectomy was associated. Two patients required conversion to open splenectomy (3.5%). In three cases, a minilaparotomy was performed for spleen removal (5.2%). Accessory spleens were identified in three patients (5.2%). Complications (8.8%) included bleeding (two), abdominal collection (one) and pleural effusion (two). There was no mortality. Average operative time was 128?min (range 80-220). Average length of stay was 3?days (range 2-7). Mean blood loss was 80?ml (range 30-500) with a transfusion rate of 1.7% (one patient). Laparoscopic spleen surgery is safe, reliable and effective in the pediatric population with hematologic disorders and is associated with minimal morbidity, zero mortality, and a short length of stay. Ligasure vessel sealing system shortened operative time and blood loss. On the basis of the results, we consider laparoscopic approach the gold standard for the treatment of these patients even in a department of general surgery.     

Laparoscopic nephrectomy using Ligasure system: preliminary experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The advent of laparoscopic surgery has created new technical challenges and problems. Recently, a new commercially available vessel-sealing technology, the Ligasure system, was introduced. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of this new system with earlier methods in a group of patients affected by renal-cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 30 patients underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for clinically localized renal-cell carcinoma. We always used a transperitoneal approach with a three-trocar technique. Patients were randomly divided in two groups: 15 underwent conventional laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, while 15 underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy using the Ligasure system, which is a bipolar radiofrequency generator. Information analyzed included intraoperative blood loss, operative time, conversion rate, and postoperative course. Statistical analysis was performed with commercially available software. The two groups were compared in term of clinical and pathologic variables using Student's t-test. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups for baseline characteristics. No conversion occurred in either group. Statistically significant differences were observed between conventional and Ligasure nephrectomy regarding mean intraoperative blood loss (485 mL and 100 mL, respectively; p < 0.05) and mean operative time (164 minutes and 68 minutes, respectively p < 0.05). No statistically difference was observed in the postoperative discharge time. CONCLUSION: The Ligasure vessel-sealing system seems to produce a consistent, reliable, permanent seal of veins, arteries, and tissue bundles by fusing the collagen in vessel walls. By reducing sutures and the number of instrument exchanges in the operating theatre, the Ligasure decreases operating time and blood loss. This new energy-based vessel-ligation device appears to be effective in advanced laparoscopic procedures.     

前入路分层解剖腹腔镜原位脾切除术的临床应用

目的 探讨前入路分层解剖腹腔镜下脾切除术(LS)的应用价值和临床疗效.方法 2007年12月至2009年7月我科共开展27例LS,回顾分析前入路分层解剖LS的临床资料.结果 除1例因胰尾肥大出血,中转剖腹行脾脏切除术外,其余手术均在腹腔镜下完成.切除脾脏长径8～20 cm,6例患者发现副脾(6/27,22.2%),平均手术时间125 min,平均术中失血量90 ml,平均术后住院时间5.5 d.结论 前人路分层解剖可快速顺利完成LS操作,无需过多翻弄脾脏,可减少意外损伤,节约手术时间,值得临床推广应用.

Abstract：

Objective To study the role of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) using the anterior approach with sequential layered dissection. Methods From December 2007 to July 2009, we performed 27 LS using the anterior approach with sequential layered dissection. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results The range of splenic length was 8-20 cm. Accessory spleen was found in 6 patients (22.2%). The mean operative time was 125 mins. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 90 ml, and the mean postoperative stay was 5.5 days. Conclusions Laparoscopic splenectomy using the anterior approach with sequential layered dissection could be carried out smoothly and rapidly. It reduced accidental injuries and shortened the operative time.     

前入路分层解剖腹腔镜原位脾切除术的临床应用

目的 探讨前入路分层解剖腹腔镜下脾切除术(LS)的应用价值和临床疗效.方法 2007年12月至2009年7月我科共开展27例LS,回顾分析前入路分层解剖LS的临床资料.结果 除1例因胰尾肥大出血,中转剖腹行脾脏切除术外,其余手术均在腹腔镜下完成.切除脾脏长径8～20 cm,6例患者发现副脾(6/27,22.2%),平均手术时间125 min,平均术中失血量90 ml,平均术后住院时间5.5 d.结论 前人路分层解剖可快速顺利完成LS操作,无需过多翻弄脾脏,可减少意外损伤,节约手术时间,值得临床推广应用.     

Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard in the surgical management of adrenal pathology. Bilateral adrenalectomy is indicated in patients with Cushing's disease secondary to macroadenoma or hypophysial hyperplasia in whom medical treatment and transsphenoid surgery have failed. Also, it is the first choice for bilateral benign tumors and metastatic neoplasia. We present our experience with bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy, analyzing its indications, feasibility, results, and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 1999 and December 2005, 221 laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed by the same surgeon (OAC) at our institution. Of the 221 adrenalectomies, 44 were bilateral. A total of 20 patients underwent bilateral synchronic laparoscopic adrenalectomy (91%); the remaining 2 had two-stage procedures. There were 6 cases of bilateral pheochromocytoma, 6 patients with Cushing's disease, 3 cases of metastasis, 3 congenital adrenal hyperplasias, 2 hyperaldosteronisms, and a single case each of adrenal adenoma and myelolipoma. The average patient age was 41.6 years (range 17-72 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:2.6. RESULTS: Total laparoscopic adrenalectomy and partial adrenalectomy were performed on 37 and 7 occasions (84% and 16%), respectively. The mean tumor size was 4.15 cm (range 1-11 cm). The mean operative time for each adrenalectomy was 79.2 minutes (range 25-210 minutes). The estimated intraoperative blood loss was on average 65.4 mL (range 0-500 mL). Only one patient required a blood transfusion. There was only one intraoperative complication (2.2%), a renal-vein injury that was controlled with intracorporeal suturing. There were no open conversions. The mean hospital stay was 3.19 days (range 2-5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is technically feasible and can be performed with minimal bleeding in a reasonable surgical time.     

Randomized clinical trial of stapled hemorrhoidectomy vs open with Ligasure for prolapsed piles

Background The aim of the study was to compare the results in 95 patients randomly allocated to undergo either stapled or open hemorrhoidectomy using Ligasure.Methods Ninety-five patients with grade III and IV hemorrhoids were randomly allocated to undergo either stapled (50 patients) or open using Ligasure (45 patients). Stapled hemorrhoidectomy was performed with the use of a circular stapling device. Open hemorrhoidectomy was accomplished according to the Milligan-Morgan technique by using Ligasure. Postoperative pain was assessed by means of a visual analog scale (VAS). Recovery evaluation included return to pain-free defecation and normal activities. A 6-month clinical follow-up and an 18 (12-24) month median telephone follow-up were obtained in all patients.Results Operation time for open hemorrhoidectomy using Ligasure was shorter [median 13 (range 9.2-16.1) min vs 15 (range 8-17) minutes, p < 0.05]. Median range of VAS score in the stapled group were significantly lower [VAS score after 8 h: 3 (2-6) vs 5 (3-8), p < 0.01; VAS score after first defecation: 5 (3-8) vs 7 (3-9), p < 0.001. The stapled hemorrhoidectomy was associated with an increased incidence of intraoperative bleeding in 18 cases (36%) vs four cases (8.8%) of the Ligasure group. There were three cases (6%) from the stapled group with recurrence of the hemorrhoids and none from the open technique.Conclusions Hemorrhoidectomy with a circular stapler device is easy to perform, but one more line of clips must be added to the device to avoid intraoperative bleeding from the cut line. Hemorrhoidectomy performed using Ligasure is more painful postoperatively but is a more radical operation.     

腹腔镜袖状胃切除术中夹闭切缘血管减少胃切缘出血的回顾性研究

目的探讨腹腔镜袖状胃切除术(LSG)胃切缘出血的相关因素与处理措施。 方法回顾性分析2017年1月至2018年12月82例行LSG术患者资料,采用SSPS20.0软件统计分析,统计术中胃切缘出血与切缘血管处理及术中血压的关系,采用χ²检验,P<0.05差异具有统计学意义。 结果患者BMI≥40、高血压、有阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停(OSA)与胃切缘出血率的关系密切(P<0.01);切割胃壁后胃切缘出血60例(73.2%),胃切缘无出血22例(26.8%)。术中胃壁切割闭合前,进行切缘血管预夹闭28例,切割后发生出血10例;未进行切缘血管预夹闭54例,切割后发生出血50例(χ²＝30.39,P＝0.000)。切割胃壁过程中26例患者血压大于130 mmHg,其中14例切缘出血需要处理;56例患者血压小于等于130 mmHg,其中15例切缘出血需要处理(χ²＝5.69,P＝0.017)。 结论LSG中预夹闭切缘血管可有效减少胃切缘出血,控制术中血压130 mmHg以下可减少胃切缘出血,且胃切缘出血后通过夹闭切缘血管和降低血压至130 mmHg以下可以有效控制出血。     

Dye-assisted lymph vessels sparing laparoscopic varicocelectomy

OBJECTIVE: Hydrocele, the main complication of laparoscopic varicocelectomy, is thought to result from a disruption of gonadal lymphatics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of patent blue V dyeing to identify and preserve lymphatic vessels and to assess whether the lymphatic sparing technique avoids postoperative hydrocele in adolescent boys undergoing a laparoscopic procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two (52) boys affected by varicocele Grade III (range, 12-16 years) underwent a left-sided laparoscopic varicocelectomy. Twenty-six (26) boys were randomly assigned to a lymphatic nonsparing (LNS) group, and the others to a lymphatic sparing (LS) group. Before surgery in the LS group, 2 mL of patent blue V was injected under the tunica dartos on the left side. RESULTS: All varicocelectomies were performed laparoscopically. Lymphatic vessels were identified in 23 (88.5%) boys of the LS group. In the remaining three (11.5%), the lymphatics could not be identified clearly. No adverse local or generalized reactions were noted. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, no recurrent varicocele or testicular volume reduction were detected. Hydrocele developed in 4 LNS patients and 1 was operated on. No patient from the LS group developed a hydrocele. CONCLUSIONS: Staining gonadal lymph vessels with patent blue V is an effective and simple method of visualization of the lymphatic drainage from the testis. Blue-stained lymph vessels could be readily distinguished and preserved during a laparoscopic varicocelectomy, which results in a decrease of hydrocele development. To validate an efficacy of vital staining of lymphatic vessels in avoiding hydrocele formation, a larger series and longer follow-up are necessary.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without hilar vascular clamping using a saline-cooled, high-density monopolar radiofrequency device

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nephron-sparing surgery is now accepted as an alternative treatment option for small renal tumors. However, hemostasis during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be technically challenging, especially without hilar vascular clamping. The aim of our study was to evaluate the technique of hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the TissueLink (TissueLink Medical, Dover, NH), a saline-cooled monopolar radiofrequency device, without hilar vascular clamping. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the hand-assisted laparoscopic approach, the kidney is mobilized transperitoneally, and the renal tumor with overlying perinephric fat is exposed. The tumor is excised with a 1-cm margin using a combination of the TissueLink device and endoscopic scissors. The tumor and a biopsy of the base of the tumor bed are sent for frozen-section examination. The bleeding vessels are controlled with digital compression and the TissueLink device. At the end of procedure, the tumor bed is covered with a hemostatic agent. Three female and four male patients ages 52 to 76 years (mean 66 years) were treated with this new device for incidental tumors detected during imaging studies (N = 6) or during work-up for gross hematuria (N = 1). Preoperative imaging studies included CT in six patients and MRI in three. The average tumor size was 2.2 cm (range 1.3-3 cm). Only peripheral tumors that did not approach the hilum or the collecting system were selected. RESULTS: All of the patients underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using the TissueLink device without hilar vascular clamping. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. The mean operative time was 175 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 186 mL (range 100-300 mL). Histologic examination demonstrated renal-cell carcinoma in five cases, oncocytoma in one, and an angiomyolipoma in one. The dimensions of the normal tissue around the tumor ranged from 1 to 4 mm, and frozen-section analysis showed tumor-free margins in all cases. Postoperatively, all patients recovered well except one patient who developed transient atrial fibrillation, which was treated medically in the immediate postoperative period. All patients were discharged in good condition at an average of 3 days (range 2-6 days). CONCLUSION: Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without vascular clamping using the TissueLink device is a safe and feasible technique for exclusion of small exophytic renal tissues.     

Laparoscopic resection of Osler-Weber-Rendu lesion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Osler-Weber-Rendu is a hereditary disease characterized by telangiectasias, arteriovenous malformations, and aneurysms involving the cutaneous, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and central nervous systems. This report describes a combinatorial approach using laparoscopic and intraoperative endoscopy to perform a partial gastric resection of bleeding arteriovenous malformations. METHODS: A 70-year-old female with a history of bleeding from Osler-Weber-Rendu disease presented to the emergency department complaining of hematemesis. Her vital signs were unstable, and she was immediately resuscitated with intravenous fluids and transfusions. A combined laparoscopic and intraoperative endoscopic approach to a partial gastric resection was planned. Intraoperatively, a single lesion was identified along the posterior aspect of the greater curvature of the stomach by using endoscopy. The blood supply was taken down with a Ligasure and gastric resection with a 60-mm Echelon stapler. RESULTS: The pathology report confirmed the complete resection of the arteriovenous malformations. The patient recovered well and was discharged home several days later without any pain complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Little has been written about the medical treatment of Osler-Weber-Rendu arteriovenous malformations, let alone surgical treatment. A combinatorial laparoscopic and intraoperative endoscopic approach to gastric resection allows both minimization of the gastric resection and the complete identification and removal of the arteriovenous malformations.