Complete Laparoscopic Procedure Research Articles

Intracorporeal hemi-hand-sewn technique for end-to-end anastomosis in laparoscopic left-side colectomy.

Recently, complete laparoscopic procedures with intracorporeal reconstruction were performed in laparoscopic colectomies; however, they were scarcely reported in left-side colectomies because of the anatomical reasons. Since the descending colon is extensively fixed to the retroperitoneum, the dissection range required for resection cannot always be enough for a safe extracorporeal anastomosis. We devised an intracorporeal hemi-hand-sewn (IC-HHS) technique for end-to-end anastomosis in laparoscopic left-side colectomies. A total of 11 patients underwent IC-HHS anastomosis for the treatment of colon cancer around the sigmoid-descending (SD) junction. The posterior wall of the anastomosis was constructed with a linear stapler and subsequently, the anterior wall was sutured with an intracorporeal hand-sewn technique. Perioperative outcomes were evaluated. IC-HHS reconstruction between the descending colon and sigmoid colon was performed in 11 cases. There were six males and five females with an average age of 66.5years. The average body mass index was 26.1kg/m2. The averages of the operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 181.2min (range, 154 to 210min) and 13.9ml (range 5-30ml), respectively. There were no perioperative complications except for one patient with a superficial surgical site infection. IC-HHS anastomosis was successfully performed for colon cancer around the SD junction with acceptable perioperative outcomes and there were no procedure-related complications, indicating its feasibility. IC-HHS anastomosis could eliminate unnecessary splenic flexure mobilization in left-side colectomies. IC-HHS anastomosis can be an optional reconstruction for totally laparoscopic colectomies.

Laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure colon cancers: a retrospective multi-center study with 117 cases.

The objective is to investigate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic resections of splenic flexure colon cancers in three Italian high-volume centers. The laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure colon cancers is a challenging procedure and has not been completely standardized, mainly due to the technical difficulty, the arduous identification of major blood vessels, and the problems associated with anastomosis construction. In this retrospective cohort observational study, a consecutive series of patients treated in three Italian high-volume centers with elective laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure for cancer is analyzed. The observational period was from January 2008 to August 2017. Patient demographics and clinical features, operative data, and short- and long-term outcomes were prospectively recorded in a specific database and were retrospectively analyzed. During the observation period, 117 patients were selected. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 15 patients (12.8%). Of 102 complete laparoscopic procedures, multi-visceral resection was performed in 13 cases (12.7%). Postoperative surgical complications occurred in 13 patients (12.7%), with 3 cases of anastomotic leak (2.9%) and 3 cases of re-operation (2.9%). The postoperative mortality in this population was null. The 5-year overall survival rate was 84.3%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 87.8%. Laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure is feasible and safe in high-volume centers. Compared to the results of other laparoscopic colonic resections, the short- and long-term outcomes are similar, but the conversion rate is higher.

The long-term results of laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyeloplasty in adults

ObjectivesTo report the long-term outcome of laparoscopic retroperitoneal pyeloplasty (LRP) in adults. Patients and methodsThirty patients underwent LRP for primary pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO). Anderson–Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty was used in 28 patients and a Foley Y–V pyeloplasty in two. A JJ stent was inserted antegradely during the procedure. Patients were reviewed at 1month after LRP for stent removal, and then at 6 and 12months routinely, using excretory urography. ResultsThe mean patient age was 29.7years, with a female predominance of 60%. Conversion to open surgery was mandated by dense adhesions secondary to previous pyelonephritis in three patients, and difficulty in suturing in one. The mean (range) operative duration was 228 (190–280)min. There was a crossing vessel in 11 patients and it was not transposed in any. The mean hospital stay after LRP was 4.2days. The mean (range) follow-up was 60 (29–106)months. Of the 26 patients who had complete laparoscopic procedures, 23 had no evidence of obstruction on long-term postoperative intravenous urography and/or diuretic renography. ConclusionLRP combines the high functional success rate of open pyeloplasty in the long term and the minimally invasive morbidity of laparoscopy.

Mid‐term oncological control after laparoscopic radical cystectomy in men: a single‐centre experience

• To assess the mid-term (3 years of follow-up) oncological control of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) for high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer in a well studied male population. • We assessed 40 men with bladder cancer (mean [range] age 66.5 [50-75] years) who underwent LRC and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution between April 2004 and September 2008. • Of the 40 patients, 13 (32.5%) had a complete laparoscopic procedure (ileal conduit: seven patients; neobladder: five patients; bilateral ureterostomy: one patient) and 27 (67.5%) had an LRC procedure only (ileal conduit: 15 patients; neobladder: 12 patients). • No major complications were observed intraoperatively. • The mean operating time was 407 min and the mean blood loss was 720 mL. Four patients (10%) required conversion to open surgery. The mean (range) hospital stay was 10.2 (7-25) days. One patient died of myocardial infarction in the postoperative period. • Pathological analysis showed organ-confined tumours (stage pT0/pT1/pT2/pT3a) in 22 patients (55%) and extravesical disease (pT3/pT4) in 18 (45%). Of the 40 patients, six (15%) had lymph node involvement. The mean (range) number of nodes removed was 19.9 (5-40). • At a mean (range) follow-up period of 36 (0-72) months, 26 patients were alive with no evidence of disease (disease-free survival rate 67%). • Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is a safe, feasible, and effective alternative to open radical cystectomy (ORC). The 3-year oncological efficacy was comparable with that of ORC.

Laparoscopic Approach for Artificial Urinary Sphincter Implantation in Women with Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency Incontinence: A Single-Centre Preliminary Experience

BackgroundImplantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is used as a last resort in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). ObjectiveTo assess the early functional outcome after laparoscopic placement of an AUS in women. Design, setting, and participantsTwelve women with type 3 SUI underwent a laparoscopic AUS placement between 2006 and 2008. Eleven (92%) had previously undergone anti-incontinence procedures. InterventionThe AUS was implanted with laparoscopic access either preperitoneally or intraperitoneally. The cuff was placed around the bladder neck between the periurethral fascia and the vagina. MeasurementsPerioperative complications were reviewed. To assess resolution of urinary incontinence, all patients were seen at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo after the surgery and yearly thereafter. Results and limitationsThe mean age of subjects was 56.7±12 yr (33–78). The mean body mass index was 24±2.3 (20–25). The mean preoperative closure pressure was 22±10.9cmH2O (4–35). The mean operative time was 181±39min [110–240]. Intraoperative complications occurred in three women (25%), with bladder (n=2) and vaginal (n=2) injuries. These complications required open conversion. AUS implantation was postponed in one case. The mean hospital stay was 7±2.3 d (3–11). The bladder catheter was removed after a mean time of 10±8 d (2–30). Urinary retention was observed in five cases (45%) after bladder catheter removal. AUS activation was done 4–14 wk after implantation. Mean follow-up was 12.1±8 mo (5.2–27). Incontinence was completely resolved in eight women (88%) who underwent complete laparoscopic procedure. The main limitation of the study was the limited length of follow-up. ConclusionsAUS implantation can be successfully achieved by laparoscopy. It appears to be technically feasible. These results are still preliminary, and further studies of larger populations with longer follow-up are needed to make any statement regarding surgical strategy.

Laparoscopic Excision of the Cystic Lymphangioma Occurred in the Lesser Omentum

Intraperitoneal cyst occurring in the lesser omentum is extremely rare entity. Because of the absence of abdominal symptoms, omental cyst is occasionally found accidentally in imaging examination performed during health screening. We experienced a case of cystic lymphangioma that occurred in the lesser omentum, which was successfully resected under complete laparoscopic procedure. A 50-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital because a cystic mass was found in the abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography scan was performed because she had a traffic accident, despite complaining no abdominal symptoms. The abdominal computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large cystic mass in the lesser omentum adjacent to the lesser curvature of the stomach, which was resected with a complete laparoscopic procedure. As the cystic wall was closely attached to the lesser curvature of the gastric wall, an ultrasonic coagulating shear was quite helpful to entirely mobilize the cyst from the surrounding structure such as lesser curvature of the stomach. After placing clips to the feeding vessels to the cyst branched from the accessory hepatic vessels, the entire cyst was mobilized without leakage of cystic content. The postoperative course was uneventful with slight delayed gastric emptying due to partial denervation of the lesser curvature of the stomach. The patient was discharged on eighth day after surgery without any postoperative complications. This is the first case of cyst of lesser omentum resected under complete laparoscopic procedure and certainly highlights advantage and feasibility of laparoscopic approach for cases with abdominal cystic lesions. Laparoscopic excision of cystic lymphangioma in the lesser omentum provides all the advantage of minimally invasive procedure.

Results of Kidney Transplantation From ABO-Incompatible Living Donors in a Single Institution

ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation has become a popular alternative to kidney transplantation in Japan because of the severe shortage of cadaveric donors. In our institution, 21 cases of ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation were performed from April 2004, to October 2007. Recipient age was 42.8 ± 14.5 years old; there were 9 men and 12 women. Duration of hemodialysis was 1,914 ± 2,343 days. Donor operation was performed using a complete laparoscopic procedure. Recipient's splenectomy was performed using a hand-assisted laparoscopic procedure and kidney transplantation was performed with a standard method using an extraperitoneal approach. Pretransplant immunosuppressive protocol includes an administration of mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, predonisolone, splenectomy, double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), and plasma exchange (PE). All patients showed an immediate graft function and their serum creatinine levels promptly decreased to 1.48 ± 0.99 mg/dL on day 7 and 1.21 ± 0.72 mg/dL on day 30. Both immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG titers were maintained at much lower levels for 7 days after transplantation in all patients. Cytomegalovirus antigenemia was observed in 11 patients (52.4%). One patient (4.8%) developed a Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia and the formation of lymphocele was observed in one patient (4.8%). Total patient survival at 3 years was 95.2%, and graft survival at 3 years was 90.5%, which were almost equal to those in the patients who underwent ABO-matched, compatible kidney transplantation.

Laparoscopic Long Esophagomyotomy with Dor's Fundoplication Using a Transhiatal Approach for an Epiphrenic Esophageal Diverticulum

The conventional treatment for an epiphrenic diverticulum consists of diverticulectomy with or without myotomy via a left thoracic approach. We describe the resection of an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum using a laparoscopic transhiatal approach after observing its rate of enlargement on routine chest X-rays done over a number of years. This approach eliminates the need for thoracotomy and pleural drainage, and permits a complete laparoscopic procedure, including diverticulectomy, myotomy, and antireflex surgery.

Prostatectomía radical laparoscópica extraperitoneal: Experiencia preliminar

Presentation of our initial experience with the practice of the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy through the extraperitoneal access (ELRP). We describe the proceeding and its technical difficulties, time consumption and complications. From January to May 2005 we have indicated 17 ELRP in our institution. Two of them were performed with the help of a mentor. We followed the Brussels technique but without preservation of the neuro vascular bundles. Laparoscopic approach was indicated in 17 patients, 8 of them were completed and 9 converted to open surgery. Of the cases performed without external aid (which are the analysed in this communication), 6 were pure laparoscopic and 9 were permuted to open. Of the last 6, only one was not completed by laparoscopy. Mean operative time was 304 minutes (355 for the pure laparoscopy cases). Transfusion rate was 13%. Positive surgical margins were observed in 26% of the cases (16% of the complete laparoscopic procedures). There were not major complications. Not ileus was observed. In one case, bladder catheter had to be replaced after 7 days because it was not properly placed during surgery. Conversion to open surgery during extraperitoneal laparoscopic proceeding is not very difficult but previous surgical experience is required. ELPR is feasible in an institution like ours but is necessary a team with previous experience in laparoscopic surgery and the aim of invest a big effort, specially regarding operative time. Initial learning curve has not caused any important complication.

Laparoscopic resections of malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

As the importance of laparoscopic surgery for benign diseases of the gastrointestinal tract continues to grow, the application of this approach in cases of malignancy remains controversial. Although the concept of cancer recurrence in the area of surgical wounds is not new, the incidence of port site recurrence is the most obvious concern. Indications and contraindications for surgery as well as a standardized nomenclature describing the type of laparoscopic procedures being performed are some other issues that need to be clarified. Complete laparoscopic procedures or the combination of laparoscopy with open techniques can offer advantages and disadvantages that surgeons will have to take into consideration when making decisions. The skill of the operating team and the extent of disease define the boundaries of laparoscopic surgery possible. The continued research as well as development of intelligent instruments and standardized techniques might give laparoscopy a clear role in the treatment of abdominal malignancies.

Laparoscopic colorectal resection

The aim of the present study was to evaluate retrospectively the experience of six surgical units currently performing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. From November 1991 to January 1994, 200 patients (103 male, 97 female; mean age 62.5 years) were candidates for, and received, laparoscopic colorectal resection for benign (54) or malignant (196) lesions. All the units excluded patients with locally advanced organ tumors and all cases with suspected perforation and ascites. One center submitted to laparoscopic resection only stage I and IV adenocarcinoma. All surgeons considered obesity a relative contraindication. The following data were analyzed: indications, conversion rate to open surgery, operative time, morbidity and mortality, resumption of gastrointestinal function, number of lymph nodes harvested, hospital stay. Twenty-one out of 200 patients were converted to open surgery (10.5%); 37 patients had a complete laparoscopic procedure (17.1%); 137 had an assisted resection (68.5%); and the remaining 5 patients had a facilitated resection. The mean operative time was 208 min (90-480) for assisted resection and 275 min (54-550) for complete laparoscopic resection. The mortality rate was 1.7%; the overall morbidity was 19.6% (major complications 11.2%). All patients quickly became ambulatory and showed a prompt resumption of gastrointestinal functions, and less postoperative pain if compared with converted cases. The average number of lymph nodes was 12.1 (range 1-32). The mean hospital stay was 8.6 days (range 5-14.5). The mean follow-up was 16 months (range 6-24). The recurrence rate 11.7%. Laparoscopy seems to offer the possibility of minimally invasive treatment, but long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Is complete laparoscopic colectomy superior to laparoscopic assisted colectomy?: [formula omitted], JW Dawson, P Reissman, EG Weiss, JJ Nogueras, SD Wexner, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Much debate has centered around what constitutes a true laparoscopic colon resection. Purists argue that intracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis confer a benefit over a "laparoscopic assisted" procedure. The aim of this study was to further examine this issue. Data were prospectively collected on 102 consecutive laparoscopic colon resections. Five procedures were converted to open cases and were excluded from analysis. Procedures were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 34) consisted of complete laparoscopic procedures (no abdominal incision was made): abdominoperineal resection (3), Hartmann's reversal (3), end colostomy (7), low anterior resection (5), proctectomy (1), sigmoid colectomy (15). Group 2 (n = 63) consisted of laparoscopic "assisted" procedures (i.e., an incision was made to facilitate anastomosis, division of the mesentery, and/or specimen retrieval): Ileocolic resection (6), restorative proctocolectomy (26), right colectomy (19), subtotal colectomy/end ileostomy (5), subtotal colectomy/ileorectal anastomosis (7). Length of hospitalization and duration of postoperative ileus were compared. A subset analysis of right colectomy (intracorporeal mobilization and extracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis) versus sigmoid colectomy (intracorporeal mobilization, division of the mesentery and anastomosis) was also performed. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay (Group 1, 7.47 +/- 2.75 days; Group 2, 7.78 +/- 5.55 days) or duration of postoperative ileus (Group 1, 3.24 +/- 1.56 days; Group 2, 3.68 +/- 1.58 days). Similarly, in the sigmoid colectomy versus right colectomy subset analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay (sigmoid colectomy, 7.92 +/- 2.90 days; right colectomy, 6.40 +/- 1.50 days) or duration of postoperative ileus (sigmoid colectomy, 3.36 +/- 1.39 days; right colectomy, 3.18 +/- 1.07 days). Our data demonstrate that intracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis confer no advantage over the laparoscopic assisted procedures. Data were prospectively collected on 102 consecutive laparoscopic colon resections. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay or duration of postoperative ileus regardless of whether intracorporeal or extracorporeal mesenteric division and anastomosis were undertaken. These data demonstrate that a completely laparoscopic procedure does not appear to offer any advantage as compared to a laparoscopic assisted one.