Anastomotic Reconstruction Research Articles

Initial clinical experience with a powered circular stapler for colorectal anastomosis.

The Echelon circular™ powered stapler (ECP stapler) obviates the need for manual firing of conventional circular staplers during the construction of a colorectal anastomosis, but has not been evaluated clinically. The aim of this study was to perform a clinical evaluation of this stapler. A retrospective review of the initial clinical experience of a single surgeon using the ECP stapler for left-sided colorectal anastomosis construction during elective colorectal resections for benign and malignant disease was conducted by analyzing results from a prospectively maintained study database. Additionally, four attending colorectal and/or general surgeons who had performed ≥ 5 colorectal operations with the ECP stapler were invited to complete an anonymous online survey to subjectively assess the user experience with the device. Statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel Version 15.33. Seventeen patients underwent left-sided anastomotic reconstruction using the ECP stapler. All donuts (proximal and distal) were intact. Anastomotic integrity was evaluated using the air-leak test utilizing flexible video sigmoidoscopy. No leaks were observed, although one patient (5.9%) developed a postoperative pelvic abscess. The anonymous survey was completed by all four surgeons. Subjective evaluation of the ECP stapler suggests that the overall stapling quality, overall device ease-of-use, and the overall perception of anastomotic quality as above average when compared to manual 'end-to-end anastomosis' (EEA) stapling devices. In an initial clinical evaluation of the ECP stapler, the safety and ease-of-use of the device appears to be satisfactory. Powered stapling and the design of '3D stapling' may provide advantages over manual systems, and may improve the construction quality of left-sided colorectal anastomosis.

Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy with Intrathoracic Anastomosis (Ivor Lewis): Promising Results in 100 Consecutive Patients (the European Experience)

BackgroundRobot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis is gaining popularity as a treatment for esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to describe postoperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes for RAMIE procedures using the da Vinci Xi robotic system 4-arm technique. MethodsData of 100 consecutive patients with esophageal or gastro-esophageal junction carcinoma undergoing modified Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were prospectively collected. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using an identical intrathoracic anastomotic reconstruction technique with the same perioperative management. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were graded according to Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) definitions. ResultsMean duration was 416 min (±80); 70% of patients had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery. Pulmonary complications were observed in 17% of patients. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 8% of patients. Median ICU stay was 1 day and median overall postoperative hospital stay was 11 days. The 30-day mortality was 1%; 90-day mortality was 3%. A R0 resection was reached in 92% of patients with a median number of 29 dissected lymph nodes. All patients had at least 7 months of follow-up with a median follow-up of 17 months. Median overall survival was not reached yet. ConclusionRAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis (Ivor Lewis) for esophageal or gastro-esophageal junction cancer was technically feasible and safe. Postoperative complications and short-term oncologic results were comparable to the highest international standards nowadays.

Emergent Reconstruction of Laryngeal Penetrating Neck Injury: A Case Report

Objective: This paper aims to describe an unconventional surgical procedure performed in a case of penetrating neck injury involving the larynx.
 Methods:
 Design: Case Report
 Setting: Tertiary Government Hospital
 Population: One
 Results: A 38-year-old man sustained a hacking laceration to the anterior neck that extended into the hypopharyngeal area, transecting the thyroid cartilage. After pre-emptive tracheostomy, the patient was referred to otorhinolaryngology – head and neck surgery due to the extensive hypopharyngeal injury. Neck exploration performed to control bleeders confirmed a Schaefer-Fuhrman Classification Group 3 penetrating neck injury. Anastomotic reconstruction of the hypopharynx, transected thyroid cartilage and strap muscles was attempted using absorbable sutures with post-operative re-establishment of structural continuity and documentation of full bilateral vocal fold mobility. The patient was about to be discharged home with a tracheotomy and nasogastric tube when he suddenly deteriorated and expired on the eighth post-operative day.
 Conclusion: Our technique might be utilized in cases where urgent reconstruction of laryngeal structures is considered despite serious damage to the laryngeal skeleton, and may provide a temporary surgical option for similar cases in an emergent setting. However, we cannot recommend it as a routine standard on the basis of one case.
 Keywords: larynx; penetrating neck injury; vocal cord; reconstruction, neck exploration

P87 FLUORESCENCE ANGIOGRAPHY OF THE ANASTOMOTIC SITE DURING ESOPHAGECTOMY: TIME TO ENHANCEMENT AS QUANTITATIVE VALUE TO PREDICT ANASTOMOTIC LEAKAGE

Abstract Aim In this study we correlated time to fluorescent enhancement as a quantitative value of intraoperative fluorescence angiography (IFA) to anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction. Background & Methods IFA seems a helpful technique to visualize anastomotic perfusion after esophagectomy. However, IFA is interpreted subjectively. To evaluate fluorescence objectively and find a threshold to predict AL, we evaluated time to fluorescence enhancement. All consecutive patients undergoing elective esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction for a one-year period since the introduction of IFA in June 2018 were prospectively recorded. IFA was performed after injection of indocyanine green (ICG) before and/or after anastomotic reconstruction. During IFA, time to fluorescent enhancement was recorded (time points: ICG injection, enhancement in lung, base of gastric conduit, planned anastomotic site, tip of gastric conduit). The anastomotic site was changed according to subjective interpretation of IFA. AL was classified according to the ECCG classification. Results Sixty-five patients underwent esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction for esophageal cancer. The anastomosis was either constructed in the cervical (13/65, 20%) or intrathoracic (52/65, 80%) region. The anastomotic site was adjusted due to IFA in 3/65 (4.6%) cases. AL occurred in 7/65 (10.8%) patients and in 1/3 (33.3%) after change of anastomotic site. Before anastomotic reconstruction, time between ICG injection and enhancement of the tip (injection-tip) and time between enhancement in the lung and base of the conduit (lung-conduit) were significantly correlated with AL (p=0.027 and p=0.042, respectively). ROC curve analysis revealed a cut-off value of 61 seconds for injection-tip with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 and corresponding sensitivity 82.9% and specificity 100%. For lung-conduit a cut-off value of 11 seconds was found with an AUC of 0.71 and corresponding sensitivity 63% and specificity 83%. Conclusion In this study cut-off values for the time between injection-tip and lung-conduit were derived to predict AL after esophagectomy. Time to fluorescent enhancement is a quantitative fluorescent parameter, which is easy to implement, as no software is required. However, a larger cohort needs to be observed for potential significance of the difference between other time points and to confirm these thresholds.

P123 ROBOT ASSISTED MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY (RAMIE4) WITH INTRATHORACIC ANASTOMOSIS: PROMISING RESULTS AND LESSONS LEARNED IN 100 PATIENTS

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to describe postoperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes for RAMIE4 with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer within our case series of 100 consecutive patients. Background & Methods Robot assisted minimally-invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis is gaining popularity as a treatment for esophageal cancer. In this study, we present the results of 100 RAMIE procedures using the da Vinci Xi robotic system (RAMIE4). The aim of this study was to describe postoperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes for RAMIE4 within our case series of 100 consecutive patients. Between January 2017 and February 2019, data of 100 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing modified Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy were prospectively collected. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using an identical intrathoracic anastomotic reconstruction technique with the same perioperative management and pain control regimen. Intra-operatively and post operatively complications were graded according to definitions stated by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG). Results Mean duration of the surgical procedure was 416 min (± 80). In total, 70 patients (70%) had an uncomplicated operative procedure and postoperative recovery. Pulmonary complications were most common and were observed in 17 patients (17 %). Anastomotic leakage was observed in 8 patients (8%). Median ICU stay was 1 day and median overall postoperative hospital stay was 11 days. 30 day mortality was 1%. A R0 resection was reached in 92% of patients with a median number of 29 dissected lymph nodes. Conclusion RAMIE4 with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer or cancer located in the esophagus was technically feasible and safe. Postoperative complications and short term oncologic results were comparable to the highest international standards nowadays. These results could only be obtained due to a structured RAMIE training pathway. The superiority of RAMIE compared to conventional minimally invasive esophagus is currently investigated in multiple randomized controlled trials. Results of these trials will define the role for RAMIE for patients with esophageal cancer in the future.

Effect of Biologic Material Reinforcement on Surgical Anastomosis After Gastrectomy-A Pilot Study.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix is a biologic material derived from the skin of human cadaveric donors. It has been used successfully in the past to reduce complications in breast surgery and hernia repair. This investigation was aimed at assessing the feasibility of using acellular dermal matrix to support the anastomosis after gastrectomy with the aim of reducing anastomotic site leakage complications.Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to standard anastomotic reconstruction (control arm) or anastomotic reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix reinforcement (intervention arm). Surgical outcomes related to anastomotic complications were collected. Because actual anastomotic leaks found on imaging studies are infrequent and thus require a very high number of patient recruitment to detect statistically significant difference between the two groups, in this pilot investigation other clinical and laboratory measures that have been shown to correlate to or predict anastomotic leaks were also collected. Each surgical outcome was compared.Results: A total of 94 patients (intervention arm: 50, control arm: 44), were included in the analysis. Two patients in the control arm (4.55%) and one patient in the intervention arm (2.00%) experienced anastomotic leakage (p = 0.598), a difference without statistical significance. However, average postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and NUn scores, both of which have been shown to reflect likelihood of progressing to anastomotic leakage, were significantly lower for the intervention arm. The control arm showed an average CRP level of 128.77 mg/dL (SD: 97.08) while the intervention arm showed 77.38 mg/dL (SD: 49.08, p = 0.049).Conclusions: Leakage rate reduction with acellular dermal matrix reinforcement of anastomotic site was not detected in this investigation. However, postoperative inflammation levels and numerical predictors of anastomotic leakage development were significantly lower with acellular dermal matrix reinforcement of surgical anastomosis. This finding is worthy of further investigation, as reduction of inflammation with anastomotic site reinforcement is a novel finding, and more in-depth research may lead to discoveries on the physiologic role of the surgical anastomosis in post-gastrectomy patients. In addition, lower CRP and NUn scores for the intervention arm suggest potential for larger studies to detect reduction in clinical leak rates after acellular dermal matrix reinforcement.

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS)

Patients develop a variety of bowel dysfunction following low or very low anterior resection for rectal cancer. These symptoms are known collectively as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), and the extent to which it affects the quality of life of these patients can be assessed by the LARS score. Knowledge about anorectal functional anatomy is a prerequisite to understanding the aetio-pathology and clinical manifestation of LARS. Structural and functional impairment of the internal and external anal sphincter and the anal transition zone, loss of reservoir function of the rectum, increased colonic motility, proximal diversion, enteric nervous system remodelling and neuropathy of autonomic nerves in the pelvis are known to cause LARS. Assessment of patients with LARS with MRI scan, endoanal ultrasound and anorectal manometry will help to identify the cause for LARS. Treatment of LARS will have to be tailored to the individual patient. The treatment protocol can start with conservative measures like pelvic floor rehabilitation, colonic irrigation and biofeedback therapy. Medication with Imodium and serotonin receptor antagonists may help some patients with LARS. Sacral nerve stimulation is a minimally invasive technique that has been used to treat patients with LARS for more than one year. Stoma creation will be considered in those with major LARS persisting for more than two years. Meticulous dissection with preservation of nerves and anal sphincters and anastomotic reconstruction techniques such as an end to side anal anastomosis or a colonic–J pouch anal anastomosis can minimize the occurrence of LARS.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Anastomotic Failure in 1594 Patients Treated by Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Results From the International TaTME Registry.

To determine the incidence of anastomotic-related morbidity following Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (TaTME) and identify independent risk factors for failure. Anastomotic leak and its sequelae are dreaded complications following gastrointestinal surgery. TaTME is a recent technique for rectal resection, which includes novel anastomotic techniques. Prospective study of consecutive reconstructed TaTME cases recorded over 30 months in 107 surgical centers across 29 countries. Primary endpoint was "anastomotic failure," defined as a composite endpoint of early or delayed leak, pelvic abscess, anastomotic fistula, chronic sinus, or anastomotic stricture. Multivariate regression analysis performed identifying independent risk factors of anastomotic failure and an observed risk score developed. One thousand five hundred ninety-four cases with anastomotic reconstruction were analyzed; 96.6% performed for cancer. Median anastomotic height from anal verge was 3.0 ± 2.0 cm with stapled techniques accounting for 66.0%. The overall anastomotic failure rate was 15.7%. This included early (7.8%) and delayed leak (2.0%), pelvic abscess (4.7%), anastomotic fistula (0.8%), chronic sinus (0.9%), and anastomotic stricture in 3.6% of cases. Independent risk factors of anastomotic failure were: male sex, obesity, smoking, diabetes mellitus, tumors >25 mm, excessive intraoperative blood loss, manual anastomosis, and prolonged perineal operative time. A scoring system for preoperative risk factors was associated with observed rates of anastomotic failure between 6.3% to 50% based on the cumulative score. Large tumors in obese, diabetic male patients who smoke have the highest risk of anastomotic failure. Acknowledging such risk factors can guide appropriate consent and clinical decision-making that may reduce anastomotic-related morbidity.

Anastomotic Reconstruction and External Drainage of Wirsung's Duct as Treatment for Pancreaticojejunal Stenosis Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Stenosis of the pancreaticodigestive anastomosis (pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy) is a very rare complication that usually develops several years after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Only a few cases have been previously reported. We have reviewed the literature and present 2 more cases of pancreaticojejunostomy stenosis that started with episodes of recurrent acute pancreatitis 6 years and 1 year after PD, respectively. Diagnosis was based on symptoms of pancreatitis (12–15 episodes between 5 and 20 months after PD) and CT and MRI scans. Both patients were treated by resection of the pancreaticojejunostomy stenosis, including a 1-cm slice of pancreatic parenchyma in contact with the jejunum, followed by a new well-vascularized two-layer end-to-side PJ with external drainage of the Wirsung duct. Catheter drainage was exteriorized through a jejunal limb using the Witzel technique. Postsurgical course was uneventful in both cases, and after a follow-up period of 3 and 2.5 years, respectively, the patients remain asymptomatic but with endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Resection of the PJ and construction of a new PJ with external stent drainage of the Wirsung duct is our preferred surgical option in the rare cases of PJ stenosis after a Whipple procedure.

FA04.03: MIE VERSUS RAMIE: PROMISING RESULTS OF A SINGLE-CENTER AND SINGLE-SURGEON ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Robot assisted surgery for esophageal cancer is rapidly increasing, especially high-volume centers with access to a robot. The fully robotic minimally invasive esophagectomy using 4 robotic arms in the abdomen and thorax (RAMIE4) is performed as standard procedure in our department. In this analysis we compare the results of our first 50 RAMIE4 procedures with our last 50 fully minimally-invasive esophagectomies (MIE), which was our standard prior the robotic era. Methods Between April 2016 and March 2018, the data from 100 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing modified Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, performed by the same surgeon using the identical intrathoracic anastomotic reconstruction technique (circular stapler). 50 patients were treated with MIE and the other 50 with RAMIE4. Demographic data, extracted lymph nodes and R-status were compared. Complications occurred were compered according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. Results Demographic data did not show significant differences between the groups. The overall 30- and 90- mortality rates were 1% (1/100) and 3% (3/100) respectively (P = 0.305 and P = 0.499 respectively). In the RAMIE group the median lymph node harvest was significantly higher (27 vs. 23; P = 0.045), the median hospital stay was less in the RAMIE group, however not significantly (11.5d vs 13d; P = 0.112), the median ICU stay was significantly lower in the RAMIE group compared to MIE (1d vs 2.5d; P = 0.002). The complications according to the Dindo-Calvien classification were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.091). Conclusion In this study we were able to demonstrate the superiority of robotic assisted lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer surgery in a highly comparable setting. In addition the perioperative parameters, especially ICU stay seem to be in favor of RAMIE. The future potential of standardized RAMIE and RAMIE4 seems to be high. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Ileocecal Anastomosis Type Significantly Influences Long-Term Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Healthcare Utilization in Postoperative Crohn's Disease Patients Independent of Inflammation Recurrence.

Anastomotic reconstruction following intestinal resection in Crohn's disease (CD) may employ side-to-side anastomosis (STSA; anti-peristaltic orientation) or end-to-end anastomosis (ETEA). Our aim was to determine the impact of these two anastomotic techniques on long-term clinical status in postoperative CD patients. We performed a comparative effectiveness study of prospectively collected observational data from consented CD patients undergoing their first or second ileocolonic bowel resection and re-anastomosis between 2008 and 2012, in order to assess the association between anastomosis type and 2-year postoperative quality of life (QoL), healthcare utilization, disease clinical or endoscopic recurrence, use of medications, and need for repeat resection. One hundred and twenty eight postoperative CD patients (60 STSA and 68 ETEA) were evaluated. At 2 years postoperatively, STSA patients had higher rates of emergency department visits (33.3% vs. 14.7%; P=0.01), hospitalizations (30% vs. 11.8%; P=0.01), and abdominal computed tomography scans (50% vs. 13.2%; P<0.001) with lower QoL (mean short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire 47.9 vs. 53.4; P=0.007). There was no difference among the two groups in the 30 day surgical complications and 2-year patterns of disease activity, CD medication requirement, endoscopic recurrence, and need for new surgical management (all P > 0.05). At 2 years postoperatively, CD patients with ETEA demonstrated better QoL and less healthcare utilization compared with STSA, despite having similar patterns of disease recurrence and CD treatment. These findings suggest that surgical reconstruction of the bowel as an intact tube (ETEA) contribute to improved functional and clinical status in patients with CD.

Reimplantation of the upper lobe bronchus after lower sleeve lobectomy or bilobectomy: long-term results.

The advantages of a bronchial sleeve resection are well established. A clear majority of reported cases are of upper lobe sleeve resection. Reimplantation of the upper lobe bronchus after a lower sleeve lobectomy or bilobectomy (the so-called Y-sleeve resection) is infrequent. Related technical peculiarities are the main issues. We present our experience and results in this setting. Between 1989 and 2015, we performed 28 Y-sleeve resections of the left lower lobe (n = 18) or right middle and lower lobes (n = 10). The lung-sparing reconstructive operation was performed for non-small-cell lung cancer in 23 cases, for bronchial carcinoid tumour in 4 cases and for a cystic adenoid carcinoma in 1 case. Anastomotic reconstruction was performed by interrupted 4-0 absorbable sutures (monofilament material). All the resections were complete (R0). Postoperative mortality was 3.6%. The rate of major complications was 10.7% (1 myocardial infarction, 1 anastomotic stenosis requiring dilatation and 1 anastomotic fistula). Among the 23 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (18 men and 5 women; mean age 58 ± 12 years), 8 were Stage I, 9 were Stage II and 6 were Stage IIIa. At a mean follow-up of 46 months, the recurrence rate was 32%. There were 2 loco-regional recurrences. No endobronchial or perianastomotic recurrence occurred. The 3- and 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were 76.3% and 55.1% and 68.7% and 62.9%, respectively. A Y-sleeve resection with reimplantation of the upper load bronchus is a technically feasible and oncologically adequate operation.

Different types of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis.

The pancreatico-enteric anastomosis has widely been regarded as the 'Achilles heel' of the modern day, single-stage, pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). A review of the literature was carried out to address the evolution of the pancreatico-enteric anastomosis following PD, the spectrum of anastomoses performed around the world, and finally present the current evidence in support of each anastomosis. Pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) are the most common forms of pancreatico-enteric reconstruction following PD. There is no difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rates between PG and PJ, as well as individual variations, except in a high-risk anastomosis where performance of a PJ may be preferred. The routine use of glue, trans-anastomotic stents or omental wrapping is of no proven benefit. Externalised trans-anastomotic stents may have a role in mitigating the risk of a clinically relevant POPF in high-risk anastomoses. Pancreatico-enteric anastomosis is an important component of reconstruction following PD even though it is fraught with the risk of development of a POPF. Adherence to the tenets of anastomotic reconstruction and performance of a safe and reproducible anastomosis with a low clinically-relevant POPF rate remain the mainstay of achieving the best outcomes. Appropriate selection and opportune use of fistula mitigation strategies may help provide optimal outcomes when faced with the need to perform a high-risk pancreatico-enteric anastomosis.

Feasibility of the TAMIS technique for redo pelvic surgery.

AimThe aim of this study was to report on the feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) as a novel approach to redo colorectal or ileoanal anastomoses.MethodsFrom October 2014, a prospective institutional database was created for all consecutive patients who underwent redo surgery by TAMIS for presacral sinus or anastomotic stenosis after low anterior resection or pouch-related problems following restorative proctocolectomy. Intra-operative feasibility, 30-day postoperative outcomes, intestinal continuity and complications after 6-month follow-up were evaluated.ResultsOf 17 included patients, 14 underwent anastomotic reconstruction and three completion proctectomy. The median operation time was 265 min (range 201–413). A successful rendezvous with simultaneous transabdominal access was achieved in 15 patients, and the procedure was completed by TAMIS alone in two. Five patients were readmitted within 30 days (29 %). Two (14 %) patients developed an anastomotic leakage within 30 days and 4 (24 %) developed a pelvic abscess requiring reintervention. One patient developed an urethra stenosis and was managed with a suprapubic catheter. Median follow-up was 9 (6–15) months. Within 6-month follow-up, the redo-TAMIS 1 patient developed a delayed anastomotic leak and 1 patient had a recurrent presacral abscess after stoma closure. Intestinal continuity was reached in 71 % of the patients at 6-month follow-up.ConclusionTAMIS is a valuable approach in redo pelvic surgery, but is still associated with high complication rates related to the complexity of the underlying problem.

Randomized clinical trial comparing long-term quality of life for Billroth I versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Patients' quality of life (QoL) deteriorates remarkably after gastrectomy. Billroth I reconstruction following distal gastrectomy has the physiological advantage of allowing food to pass through the duodenum. It was hypothesized that Billroth I reconstruction would be superior to Roux-en-Y reconstruction in terms of long-term QoL after distal gastrectomy. This study compared two reconstructions in a multicentre prospective randomized clinical trial to identify the optimal reconstruction procedure. Between January 2009 and September 2010, patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer were randomized during surgery to Billroth I or Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The primary endpoint was assessment of QoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric (FACT-Ga) questionnaire 36 months after surgery. A total of 122 patients were enrolled in the study, 60 to Billroth I and 62 to Roux-en-Y reconstruction. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications or mortality, and no significant differences in FACT-Ga total score (P = 0·496). Symptom scales such as epigastric fullness (heaviness), diarrhoea and fatigue were significantly better in the Billroth I group at 36 months after gastrectomy (heaviness, P = 0·040; diarrhoea, P = 0·046; fatigue, P = 0·029). The rate of weight loss in the third year was lower for patients in the Billroth I group (P = 0·046). The choice of anastomotic reconstruction after distal gastrectomy resulted in no difference in long-term QoL in patients with gastric cancer. NCT01065688 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Esophageal surgery in minimally invasive era.

The widespread popularity of new surgical technologies such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and robotics has led many surgeons to treat esophageal diseases with these methods. The expected benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) mainly include reductions of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and pain and better cosmetic results. All of these benefits could potentially be of great interest when dealing with the esophagus due to the potentially severe complications that can occur after conventional surgery. Moreover, robotic platforms are expected to reduce many of the difficulties encountered during advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures such as anastomotic reconstructions, accurate lymphadenectomies, and vascular sutures. Almost all esophageal diseases are approachable in a minimally invasive way, including diverticula, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, achalasia, perforations and cancer. Nevertheless, while the limits of MIS for benign esophageal diseases are mainly technical issues and costs, oncologic outcomes remain the cornerstone of any procedure to cure malignancies, for which the long-term results are critical. Furthermore, many of the minimally invasive esophageal operations should be compared to pharmacologic interventions and advanced pure endoscopic procedures; such a comparison requires a difficult literature analysis and leads to some confounding results of clinical trials. This review aims to examine the evidence for the use of MIS in both malignancies and more common benign disease of the esophagus, with a particular emphasis on future developments and ongoing areas of research.

Defining the practice of pancreatoduodenectomy around the world

BackgroundPancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a technically challenging operation characterized by numerous management decisions. ObjectiveThis study was designed to test the hypothesis that there is significant variation in the contemporary global practice of PD. MethodsA survey with native‐language translation was distributed to members of 22 international gastrointestinal surgical societies. Practice patterns and surgical decision making for PD were assessed. Regions were categorized as North America, South/Central America, Asia/Australia, and Europe/Africa/Middle East. ResultsSurveys were completed by 897 surgeons, representing six continents and eight languages. The median age and length of experience of respondents were 45 years and 13 years, respectively. In 2013, surgeons performed a median of 12 PDs and reported a median career total of 80 PDs; only 53.8% of respondents had surpassed the number of PDs considered necessary to surmount the learning curve (>60). Significant regional differences were observed in annual and career PD volumes (P< 0.001). Only 3.7% of respondents practised pancreas surgery exclusively, but 54.8% performed only hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Worldwide, the preferred form of anastomotic reconstruction was pancreatojejunostomy (88.7%). Regional variability was evident in terms of anastomotic/suture technique, stent use and drain use (including type and number), as well as in the use of octreotide, sealants and autologous patches (P< 0.02 for all). ConclusionsGlobally, there is significant variability in the practice of PD. Many of these choices contrast with established randomized evidence and may contribute to variance in outcomes.

Surgery in Crohn's disease

Surgical treatment is primarily used to treat complications of Crohn's disease but also to improve the quality of life. An adequate preoperative preparation including improvement of the nutritional status, weaning off or stopping immunosuppressive medication and preoperative drainage of abscesses can decrease the complication rate. With the exception of when neoplasia is present, bowel-sparing techniques (e. g. strictureplasty and limited resection) are now standard, which has resulted in a low risk of short bowel syndrome. The laparoscopic approach is possible for most indications even in the case of recurrent disease, in primary ileocecal resection the laparoscopic approach has been shown to be superior to the open approach. None of the available techniques for anastomotic reconstruction of the bowels has been shown to be superior. A drainage seton is a good option to retain the quality of life in complex fistulas and reconstructive repair should only be considered when the rectum is free from inflammation.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: An update on functional and oncologic outcomes, techniques, and advancements in technology.

The robotic platform has revolutionized the management of prostate cancer over the last 15 years. Several techniques have been developed to improve functional and oncologic outcomes, including meticulous apical and posterior dissection, nerve sparing techniques, bladder neck and urethral length sparing, and anastomotic reconstruction. Future developments involving novel single-site, robotic technology will undoubtedly further the field of minimally invasive urology. These topics are reviewed within this article.

Gastrointestinal robotic surgery: challenges and developments

Gastrointestinal robotic surgery: challenges and developments Lapo Bencini, Mario Annecchiarico, Michele Di Marino, Luca Moraldi, Federico Perna, Andrea Coratti Division of Surgical Oncology and Robotics, Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy Abstract: The rapid diffusion of new technologies in surgery, together with high expectations of both patients and the mass media, has led to many gastrointestinal procedures being approached using robots. Robotic technology seems to resolve many of the drawbacks of laparoscopic advanced procedures, such as anastomotic reconstructions, accurate lymphadenectomy, and vascular sutures. In addition, a deeper tridimensional steady vision with excellent high definition, the EndoWrist technology offering seven degrees of freedom, tremor filtration, scaled motion, optimal working ergonomics, and avoidance of the &lsquo;fulcrum effect&rsquo;, are the main strengths of the da Vinci&reg; system. The use of near-infrared technology and the possibility of tutoring through a double-console will most likely add many more advantages of this technology over laparoscopy alone. However, none of the gastrointestinal robotic interventions has reached a level of evidence-based efficacy that enables it to be routinely applied. The main limitations of robotic gastrointestinal procedures are represented by the learning curve, the higher costs of robotic surgery compared to traditional and laparoscopic surgery, and the longer operation times, including setup and organizational troubles. Moreover, while the limits of robotics for benign diseases are mainly represented by technical issues, oncologic outcomes remain the foundation of any procedures to cure malignancies, and long-term follow-up is still lacking. On the other hand, a word of caution should be presented on the adoption of robotics in too many surgical units without the correct and formal technical background and third-party control to guarantee the best outcomes for patients at minimum risk. Therefore, the robotic treatment of gastrointestinal diseases requires a thorough analysis of the published evidence, in order to determine the correct indications and patient selection. This review aims to examine the evidence for the use of robotic surgery in both malignancies and benign disease arising from the gastrointestinal area. Future developments in robotics and ongoing areas of research are also analyzed. Keywords: gastrointestinal surgery, mini-invasive surgery, da Vinci