Experience In Laparoscopic Surgery Research Articles

Clinical impact of Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) by Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and low anterior resection based on the National Clinical Database (NCD) registry.

AimThis study aimed to evaluate the association between surgeons certified via the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) of the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and laparoscopic low anterior resection (LLAR).MethodsJapanese National Clinical Database data on the patients undergoing LDG and LLAR between 2014‐2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The proportion of cases performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons was calculated for each procedure, and clinicopathological factors with or without participation of ESSQS‐certified surgeons as an operator were assessed. Then, effects of operations performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons on short‐term patient outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations logistic regression analysis.ResultsThere were 110 610 and 65 717 patients who underwent LDG and LLAR, respectively. The operations performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons in each procedure totaled 28 467 (35.3%) and 12 866 (31.2%), respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that odds ratios of mortality for LDG and LLAR performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons were 0.774 (95% CI, 0.566‐1.060, P = 0.108) and 0.977 (0.591‐1.301, P = 0.514), respectively. Odds ratios for secondary endpoints of anastomotic leakage in LDG and LLAR performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons were 0.835 (95% CI, 0.723‐0.964, P = 0.014) and 0.929 (0.860‐1.003, P = 0.059), respectively, whereas that of ileus/bowel obstruction for LLAR performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons was 1.265 (1.132‐1.415, P < 0.001). There were no significant associations between the two operations performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons and other factors such as mortality and overall complications.ConclusionsESSQS certification did not affect postoperative mortality following LDG and LLAR, but annual experience of laparoscopic surgery was associated with it. ESSQS certification may contribute to favorable outcomes regarding anastomotic leakage following LDG and LLAR.

Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: Single-Center Experience of 200 Consecutive Cases.

Background: Renal transplantation is the ideal treatment method for end-stage renal disease. Since deceased organ donation rates cannot meet the demand, live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is commonly performed worldwide. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is currently the most commonly preferred minimally invasive donor nephrectomy technique. However, experienced surgeons should perform this procedure since the safety of the live donor is the priority in transplant practice. In this study, we aimed to investigate this procedure's safety at the hands of a surgeon during the transition period from open donor nephrectomy (ODN) to LDN. Methods: Data of the donors and recipients who underwent LDN and LDKT in Ankara Medicana Hospital between 2016 and 2019 were included in this study. Demographic, surgical, and immunological data of the donors and recipients were collected retrospectively. Donor data, including duration of surgery, warm ischemia time (WIT), complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and recipient data such as patient and graft survival rates, were compared with the published literature. Results: Two hundred donors and 200 recipients were included. The complication rate, surgical time, WIT at the donor site, and 1- and 3-year patient and graft survival rates were all comparable with the literature. Survival rates were irrespective of the relationship status of the donors with recipients. Conclusions: The LDN procedure can be safely performed by a surgeon with extensive laparoscopic surgery experience in general surgery cases and ODN.

Laparoscopic Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy with Vascular Resection for Pancreatic Cancer: Tips and Tricks

BackgroundLaparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (L-RAMPS) with vascular resection for pancreatic cancer has been rarely reported in the literature. Several critical steps are required to achieve a safe radical resection under laparoscopy while respecting oncologic principles of radicality. MethodsProspectively collected data on a consecutive series of patients undergoing radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) were retrospectively reviewed for the purpose of this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach and the need for vascular resection, and data were compared. The surgical technique is reported in detail focusing on the different modalities of vascular resection. ResultsTwenty-three patients (male/female ratio, 12/11; mean age, 73 years) underwent RAMPS between July 2014 and October 2018 at our institution. Of these, 17 had a laparoscopic approach and six a standard open approach. All patients in the open group underwent complex vascular reconstructions while four out of 17 (23.5%) underwent laparoscopic vascular resection. One patient in the laparoscopic approach required a vascular reconstruction with graft interposition, which combined the two approaches. There was no mortality, and the complication rate and the duration of surgery were comparable between the two groups. ConclusionL-RAMPS with vascular resection is feasible and safe in selected cases when performed by advanced pancreatic surgeons with experience in laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic repair for perforated peptic ulcer: our experience, a comparison with the open approach and a review of the literature.

Backgrounds: The incidence of perforated peptic ulcers has decreased during the last decades but the optimal treatment for these patients remains controversial. At the same time, a laparoscopic approach to this condition has been adopted by an increased number of surgeons. Therefore, this study wants to evaluate the postoperative results of the laparoscopic treatment of perforated peptic ulcer performed in one Italian center with extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery. Methods: This retrospective study includes 94 patients who were operated for perforated peptic ulcer peritonitis at “St. Orsola Hospital - Emergency Surgery Unit - University of Bologna” from May 2014 to December 2019. The patients’ charts were reviewed for demographics, surgical procedure, complications, and short-term outcomes. Results: The diagnosis was made clinically and confirmed by the presence of gas under diaphragm on abdominal X-ray. All patients underwent primary suture repair with or without omentopexy. Boey score 0 or 1 was found in 66 (70%) patients, Boey 2 or 3 in 28 (30%) patients. The operative time was between 35 and 255 minutes, with a mean of 93 minutes. The overall median hospital stay was 9.5 (1-60) days. Post-operative complications occurred in 19 (20%) patients and 18 (19%) patients died. Conclusions: Perforated peptic ulcer is a severe condition that requires early hospital admission and immediate surgery. Laparoscopy in experienced centers and for selected patients is safe, associated with optimal outcomes and should be the preferred approach.

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Description of the Technique.

Surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. The most effective approach to reduce locoregional recurrence is total mesorectal excision (TME). However, obtaining an optimal TME is demanding, especially in low rectal tumors and anatomically unfavorable pelvis. Transanal TME (taTME) was developed to facilitate low pelvis dissection and potentially provide optimal outcomes for oncologic resection. Current studies have reported satisfactory short-term outcomes. However, taTME is a technically challenging procedure and must be learned in an appropriate training process to allow for a safe implementation. Previous experience in laparoscopic and transanal surgery is strongly recommended. In this work, we provide a detailed discussion of the technique, based on the realization of more than 400 taTME interventions.

Learning Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision.

A dynamic evolution is occurring in transanal surgery. Transanal techniques began with intraluminal surgical removal of rectal masses and have progressed to transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) for rectal cancer. TaTME was first performed in 2009 by Sylla, Rattner, Delgado, and Lacy. This article documents the training pathway followed by pioneers in the taTME technique as well as consensus reports outlining the process of learning the taTME technique. A literature search was performed for taTME training, learning, and technique. Key elements in learning the taTME technique include appropriate indications, cadaver training, and outcomes reporting such as participating in a taTME registry. Consensus reports also agree on the following facets associated with improved outcomes: (1) appropriate case selection of mid and low rectal cancers, (2) prerequisite completion of an accredited training program in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and prior experience in transanal endoscopic surgery, (3) a two-team taTME approach from above and below is ideal, and (4) higher rectal cancer volume surgical practice. The unifying international recommendation for surgeons interested in learning the taTME technique conveys the following message: taTME is an advanced and complex technique that requires dedicated training and experience in TME surgery.

A Short Series of Laparoscopic Mesenteric Bypasses for Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia.

BackgroundLaparoscopic aortomesenteric bypass may be performed to treat the chronic mesenteric ischemia patients who are not suitable for endovascular treatment. This study presents an initial experience with a limited series of laparoscopic mesenteric artery revascularization for the treatment of mesenteric ischemia.MethodsChronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) patients with previous unsuccessful endovascular treatment or with arterial occlusion and extensive calcification precluding safe endovascular treatment were offered laparoscopic mesenteric revascularization. From October 2015 until November 2018, nine patients with CMI underwent laparoscopic revascularization. In addition to demographic data and perioperative results of the treatment, graft patency was assessed with Duplex ultrasound at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed.ResultsAll bypasses were constructed with an 8 mm ring enforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft in a retrograde fashion (from infrarenal aorta or iliac artery) to either superior mesenteric artery or splenic artery (2 cases). Median operation time was 356 mins (range 247–492 mins). Five patients had a history of unsuccessful endovascular treatment. Laparoscopic technical success was 78%, and the primary open conversion rate was 22%. All laparoscopic revascularization procedures remained patent after discharge during a median follow-up time of 26 months (range 18–49 months). The primary graft patency at 30 days was 78%. Primary assisted, and secondary graft patency was 78% and 100%, respectively. Median weight gain was 2 kg (range 2–18 kg), and all patients achieved relief from postprandial pain and nausea. No mortality was observed during the follow-up period.ConclusionLaparoscopic aortomesenteric revascularization procedures for chronic mesenteric ischemia are feasible but require careful patient selection. These procedures should only be performed at referral centers by vascular surgeons with prior experience in laparoscopic vascular surgery.

Laparoscopic Colectomy vs Laparoscopic CME: a Retrospective Study of Two Hospitals with Comparable Laparoscopic Experience

PurposeTo compare laparoscopic non-CME colectomy with laparoscopic CME colectomy in two hospitals with similar experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. MethodsData was collected retrospectively from Päijät-Häme Central Hospital (PHCH, NCME group) and Central Finland Central Hospital (CFCH, CME group) records. Elective laparoscopic resections performed during 2007–2016 for UICC stage I–III adenocarcinoma were included to assess differences in short-term outcome and survival. ResultsThere were 340 patients in the NCME group and 325 patients in the CME group. CME delivered longer specimens (p < 0.001), wider resection margins (p < 0.001), and more lymph nodes (p < 0.001) but did not result in better 5-year overall or cancer-specific survival (NCME 77.9% vs CME 72.9%, p = 0.528, NCME 93.2% vs CME 88.9%, p = 0.132, respectively). Thirty-day morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay were similar between the groups. Conversion to open surgery was associated with decreased survival. DiscussionComplete mesocolic excision (CME) is reported to improve survival. Most previous studies have compared open CME with open non-CME (NCME) or open CME with laparoscopic CME. NCME populations have been historical or heterogeneous, potentially causing bias in the interpretation of results. Studies comparing laparoscopic CME with laparoscopic NCME are few and involve only small numbers of patients. In this study, diligently performed laparoscopic non-CME D2 resection delivered disease-free survival results comparable with laparoscopic CME but was not safer.

P336 Minimally invasive surgery is safe and feasible for luminal Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel condition that still requires surgical intervention in about 70% of cases with laparoscopic surgery increasingly becoming the preferred approach. We present our experience in laparoscopic and open surgery for luminal CD in a DGH setting. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively between 2008 and 2018. All patients with the diagnosis of CD who underwent a surgical intervention for luminal CD were selected and their demographic, clinical and surgical outcomes data analysed. Results 183 patients were identified. 162 (87%) underwent open and 21 (13%) laparoscopic surgery (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). The median age was 48 years (16–82 years) in the open group and 42 years (16–64 years) in the laparoscopic group(p = 0.05). Male:female ratio was 1:1.2 in the open and 1:1 in the laparoscopic groups. Anastomotic leak rates were lower in the laparoscopic group (0% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.3520). Statistically significant lower readmission rates (9.5% in the laparoscopic, 18% in the open groups, p = 0.0255) and reoperation rates (14% in the laparoscopic and 18% in the open groups, p = 0.0108) were noted in the laparoscopic group. Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery is safe in patients requiring surgical intervention for Crohn’s disease with a notable trend towards improved clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic excision and redo hepaticojejunostomy for remnant choledochal cyst with anastomotic stricture in an adult: A case report.

The laparoscopic management of hepatobiliary pathology is an established mode of treatment. Incomplete excision of choledochal cyst with the resultant complications is a distinct surgical pathology, the treatment of which can be rendered based on the philosophy of minimally invasive approach which is now an acceptable treatment for the primary condition itself. We describe a case of hepaticojejunostomy site stricture associated with incomplete cyst excision managed laparoscopically. A redo procedure is technically demanding considering the presence of adhesions and a difficult to discern anatomy, but resulted in an excellent outcome. At centres with significant experience in laparoscopic surgery, redo procedures with a favourable impression on pre-operative work-up can be effectively treated with laparoscopy.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A NEW LAPAROSCOPIC ENDOTRAINER FOR NEONATAL SURGERY AND REDUCED SPACES.

Pediatric laparoscopy box with sliding tray. Pediatric procedures have the difficulty of being performed in reduced spaces. Training in reduced spaces has proven to be different in complexity compared to adult laparoscopic endotrainers. To develop and validate a new neonatal/reduced-space endotrainer. The simulator was tested and assessed by users with different skill levels and experience in laparoscopic pediatric surgery through an 8-item questionnaire. Construct validity was determined by evaluating the performance of each subject on nine exercises. A 10.5 x 10 x 18 cm acrylic simulator was created, with an internal working surface of 9 x 9 cm. An HD camera was incorporated, with a 0-180° range of movement. All exercises of a Basic Laparoscopic Training Program were adapted on a scale of 1:0.5 to fit in. From 49 participants, 42 (85.71%) answered the survey; 80.5% considered that the simulator reproduces similar conditions to procedures performed in children under one year of age; 61.1% thought that the simulator represents a difficulty identical to procedures performed in newborns; 73.7% considered that the neonatal simulator is more complicated than the adult simulator. Experts showed significantly better performance in all proposed exercises. The simulator has a high-quality image and design that allows training with basic tasks. The endotrainer permitted to discriminate between these different skill levels and was well evaluated by users with diverse surgical experience.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as the new field of implementation of laparoscopic liver resection programs. A comparative propensity score based analysis of open and laparoscopic liver resections

Objective: Initial restraint to adoption of laparoscopic approach in the treatment of Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma has been recently overcome. This is thanks to the great development in surgical techniques, technology and many studies demonstrating the oncological efficiency of the laparoscopic approach. Aim of the present study is to analyze and compare the outcomes of laparoscopic and open liver resections for ICC in the modern era of minimally invasive liver surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing laparoscopic and open liver resections for ICC in two European tertiary referral centers were included. Finally, 104 patients from the open group and 104 patients from the laparoscopic group were compared after propensity scores matching according to seven covariates representative of patients and disease characteristics. Indications to surgery, short- and long- terms outcomes were analyzed and compared. Results: Operative time, median number of retrieved nodes, rate of negative resection margins, and depth of surgical margins were comparable between the two groups. Blood loss was lower in the MILS (150 ± 100 mL, mean ± SD) compared with the Open group (350 ± 250 mL, p=0.030). Postoperative complications occurred in 14.4% of patients in the MILS and in the 24% of patients in the Open group (p=0.02). There was no significant differences in long term outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: Our results confirm feasibility, safety and oncological efficiency of the laparoscopic approach in the management of ICC. However, this surgery is often complex and should be only considered in centers with large experience in laparoscopic liver surgery.

Dermoid Kistlerde Beş Yıllık Tek Merkez Laparoskopik ve Laparotomik Cerrahi Deneyimi

Dermoid Kistlerde Beş Yıllık Tek Merkez Laparoskopik ve Laparotomik Cerrahi Deneyimi

Post-Market Safety of Laparoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation.

Background and Objectives:Postoperative safety outcomes with laparoscopic intra-abdominal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation, as performed by gynecologic surgeons new to the procedure, were evaluated and compared to the premarket, pivotal study. Post-procedure feedback from surgeons was reported.Methods:This was a post-market, prospective, single-arm analysis with 4 to 8 weeks follow-up among surgeons (n = 29) with varying levels of laparoscopic surgery experience participating in the ongoing, multinational Treatment Results of Uterine Sparing Technologies randomized clinical trial. Patients were premenopausal adult women (n = 110) desiring uterine-conserving treatment for symptomatic fibroids. During run-in, surgeons received proctored training. Following training, and after performing ≥ 2 procedures, surgeons provided self-assessment and feedback using a standardized form.Results:Surgeons performed 105 procedures with 100 per-protocol patients. The average number of proctored cases per surgeon was 2.48. No acute (≤ 48 hours) serious adverse events occurred (0/101, 0.0%) compared with 2 acute serious adverse events in the premarket study (2/137, 1.46%). Both studies reported 1 near-term (∼30 days) serious adverse event (< 1% for both). In this study, the near-term complication was fever of unknown origin requiring hospitalization related to uterine entry/manipulation. This was categorized as probably device-related; the patient was treated with antibiotics and discharged. Twenty-six surgeons completed the evaluation form; none reported experiencing problems with the procedure.Conclusion:Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons can learn laparoscopic intraabdominal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation and perform it safely (in terms of acute and near-term serious adverse events) after ≥ 2 proctored cases. There were no significant differences in safety outcomes compared to the premarket, pivotal study.

LEARNING CURVE OF ROBOT-ASSISTED MYOMECTOMY

Introduction. Robot-assisted myomectomy is the most modern types of surgical interventions for uterine myoma in patients of reproductive age. It benefit in simplicity of intracorporeal suturing and lack of laparoscopic myomectomy limitations. Of great scientific interest is the speed of mastering the method. We studied the learning curve of a robot-assisted myomectomy based on our own experience. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the results of 45 robot-assisted operations for uterine myomas from August 2016 to June 2017 was performed at the City Clinical Hospital named after S.I. Spasokukotskiy. All operations were performed by a single surgeon with extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon had no experience of robotic operations. Results. According to a retrospective analysis, there was stromg correlation between the acquired experience of robotic surgery and such indicators as the average duration of the operation, the time of thermal ischemia and the volume of blood loss. Conclusion. The learning curve of a robot-assisted myomectomy for an experienced laparoscopic surgeon improves to 15 operations. This experience is enough to perform operations with a minimum duration, volume of blood loss and complications.

Laparoscopic liver resection for liver tumours in proximity to major vasculature: A single-center comparative study

BackgroundWith growing popularity and experience in laparoscopic liver surgery, the options for more difficult procedures increase. Only small case series have been published regarding laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for tumours in proximity to major vessels (MVs). The aim was to compare outcomes of LLR for tumours located less or more than 15 mm from MVs. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of consecutive LLR (October 2011–August 2017). Proximity to MVs (PMV) was defined as lesions located within 15 mm to the caval vein, hepatic veins and portal vein (main trunk and first branches). The control group were all lesions located more than 15 mm from MVs. ResultsSome 60/235 LLR were performed for lesions in proximity to major vasculature (24%). In the PMV group, median IWATE Difficulty Score was higher (8.5 (IQR: 6.0–9.0) VS 5.0 (IQR: 3.0–6.0), p < 0.001) as was the use of CUSA® (45.0% VS 8.6%, p < 0.001) and Pringle manoeuvre (8.3% VS 1.7%; p = 0.028). Operative time was longer (180min (IQR: 140–210) VS 120min (IQR: 75–150), p < 0.001) and blood loss was higher (190 ml (IQR: 100–325) VS 75 ml (IQR: 50–220), p < 0.001) in the PMV group. There was no difference in perioperative blood transfusion (3.3% VS 1.7%, p = 0.60) or postoperative morbidity (15.0% VS 14.3%, p = 0.89). There was no mortality in both groups. On mean follow-up of 21 months, no significant differences could be found in disease free (p = 0.77) and overall survival (p = 0.12). ConclusionIn experienced hands, LLR of lesions in proximity to MVs is safe and feasible with acceptable short and long-term results.

2521 Post-Market Surgeon Safety Outcomes and Experience Performing Laparoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation using the Acessa™ System

Study Objective 1) Evaluate intraoperative and near-term safety outcomes following laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of fibroids (Lap-RFA) performed by gynecologic surgeons new to the procedure, using the Acessa™ system (Acessa Health, Austin, TX, USA). 2) Compare observed complication rates with those from the pivotal study. Design Post-market, prospective, single-arm, multicenter analysis; 4-8 weeks’ follow-up. Setting Community and university hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Patients or Participants Surgeons (N=29) with varying levels of laparoscopic surgery experience participating in the ongoing, multinational Treatment Results of Uterine Sparing Technologies (TRUST) randomized clinical trial. Patients were premenopausal women (N=110), aged ≥18 years, enrolled as either run-in patients or randomized to the TRUST Lap-RFA arm. Interventions During run-in, surgeons received proctored Lap-RFA training. Following training, and after performing ≥2 procedures, surgeons provided feedback using a standardized form. Measurements and Main Results The primary endpoints were acute intraoperative and serious near-term postoperative complications, defined as occurring Conclusion There were no significant differences in safety outcomes when comparing the pre- and post-market studies. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons can safely learn the Lap-RFA procedure with acceptable outcomes after 2-3 proctored cases.

Strategy of training in robotic vascular surgery

Robotic vascular surgery is a mini-invasive alternative for the treatment of aortoiliac pathologies, avoiding the difficult training of laparoscopic vascular surgery. Training on simulator and pelvi-trainer exist, but no training program was described. The aim of this study was to evaluate a strategy of formation to the standardized robotic vascular surgery for a vascular team without experience in laparoscopic surgery.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic aortic surgery: a 7-year monocentric experience

The objective was to share our experience of robot-assisted laparoscopic abdominal aortic surgery illustrated by a video per-procedure. The principal criterion of evaluation was the perioperative death rate. The secondary criteria of judgment were the per-procedure conversion rate and the average duration of stay.

Advantages and surgical experience of laparoscopic anatomical surgery for adrenal tumors

Objective To analyze the advantages and surgical experience of laparoscopic anatomical surgery for adrenal tumors. Methods A total of 156 patients with benign or malignant adrenal tumors admitted to our hospital from April 2012 to September 2016 were enrolled and underwent laparoscopic anatomical surgery in the study.The curative effect and advantages of the operation were analyzed, and surgical experiences of laparoscopic anatomical surgery for adrenal tumors were summarized. Results Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successfully completed in 155 of the 156(99.4%)patients and 1 patient with pheochromocytoma underwent open surgery due to pneumothorax caused by an accidental diaphragm injury.Postoperative pulmonary embolism occurred in 1 case and hematoma in right adrenal region in 6 cases, all of whom were completely relieved after intervention.Postoperative surgical specimen of adrenal glands in 54 patients were histopathologically examined, the results of which showed the negative boundaries in all patients.Patients were followed up for a mean of 11.6 months(range, 4 to 26 months). All patients had a good recovery after surgery without recurrence of malignant tumor in local or trocar site. Conclusions As compared with open surgery, the transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenal surgery provides a larger operation area for good orientation and vision, and has such advantages as shorter hospital stay, fewer postoperative complications and better prognosis in patients with malignant adrenal tumors, which is worthy of clinical selection. Key words: Adrenal gland neoplasms; Laparoscopy