Intraumbilical Incision Research Articles

Intraoperative and Postoperative Outcomes of Modified Bidirectional Intra-Umbilical Incision versus Infra-Umbilical Incision for Direct Trocar Insertion in Gynaecological Laparoscopy

Objectives: This study aimed to describe a modified, curved, deep, bidirectional, intra-umbilical, vertical incision for primary trocar insertion and prospectively compare its intraoperative and postoperative outcomes with an infra-umbilical incision in gynaecologic laparoscopy. Methods: Between August 2019 and March 2021, 110 patients subjected to the direct trocar insertion technique for laparoscopic intervention were classified into two groups. Group A comprised 55 cases of infra-umbilical incision, whereas group B comprised 55 cases of a modified, curved, longitudinal, deep, bidirectional, intra-umbilical incision. Afterwards, intraoperative and postoperative assessments were performed. Results: The increase in the numbers of parity, gravidity and previous caesarean sections was found to be statistically significant; a smaller number of infertility complaints were observed in group B. Similarly, group B expressed a statistically significant less peri-trocar CO2 leakage (46 [83.6%] patients versus 28 [50.9%] patients) and more tightness of the primary portal entry (45 [81.8%] patients versus 30 [54.5%] patients) when compared to group A throughout the whole operation. After a one-month follow-up, a statistically significant (P = 0.029) decrease in the Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Patient Scar Assessment Scale scores in group B (10.4 ± 4.2 and 11.8 ± 4.3, respectively), demonstrating better cosmoses when compared to group A (13.3 ± 5.7 and 16.0 ± 6.8, respectively). Conclusion: Performing a modified, curved, deep, bidirectional, intra-umbilical, vertical incision for the insertion of a primary laparoscopic trocar (i.e. Darwish laparoscopic entry) is a simple and fast step that results in the elimination of intraoperative gas leakage and trocar slippage without the need for any additional sutures. Aesthetically, it results in a better scar with satisfactory cosmoses when compared to an infra-umbilical incision. Keywords: Laparoscopy; Trocar; Egypt.

COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF PERIUMBILICAL INCISION VERSUS INTRAUMBILICAL INCISION IN EMERGENCY LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY IN A HIGH VOLUME LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY CENTRE

Background and Objective: An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the vermiform appendix. Laparoscopic Appendectomy is increasingly performed these days. Direct studies on comparison of complication rates of periumbilical and intraumbilical incision are lacking. The objective was to compare the frequency of infective complications of two different types of laparoscopic appendectomy incisions i.e. periumbilical incision versus intraumbilical.
 Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at Department of Surgery, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Ireland for 6 months (From 27.05.2015 to 26.11.2015). Medical records of 1044 patients who had Laparoscopic Appendectomy from 2010 to 2014 were analyzed. Their Preoperative, Intraoperative, Postoperative and clinical notes were reviewed. This included patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with periumbilical incision technique and those who were operated with intraumbilical incision technique. All the data was analyzed using computer software SPSS version 21.
 Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.38±11.76 years. Ratio of Male to female was 1.6:1. The erythema was observed in 31.42% patients, edema was present in 242(23.2%), pain was present in 278(26.6%) and the purulent discharge was noted in 294(28.2%) patients. Overall wound infection was found in 16.86% patients. In intra umbilical group wound infection was found in 7.28% of patients while this rate was 26.44% in peri umbilical group. Statistically significant difference was found between the study groups i.e. p-value=0.000.
 Conclusion: Intraumbilical incision is a safer and feasible substititute for the periumbilical incision, and it promises better outcomes.

A Comparison of Cosmetic Outcome of Periumbilical versus Intraumbilical Incision in Laparoscopic Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy-A One Year Randomised Controlled Trial

A Comparison of Cosmetic Outcome of Periumbilical versus Intraumbilical Incision in Laparoscopic Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy-A One Year Randomised Controlled Trial

Surgical management of urachal remnants in children: open versus laparoscopic approach

Urachal remnants (UR) represent a failure in the obliteration of the allantois, which connects the bladder to the umbilicus, at birth. Surgical management of UR in children is controversial. The traditional surgical approach involves a semicircular intraumbilical incision or a lower midline laparotomy. Recently, many reports have supported the laparoscopic approach (LA) for removing UR. However, there is a paucity of data comparing the benefits of LA those of the open approach (OA).We retrospectively reviewed all children (aged ≤16 years) with UR who underwent surgical procedures. Age at surgery, sex, operative time, intraoperative or postoperative complications, total wound length, and length of hospital stay length after operation were analyzed.Overall, 30 children aged between 9 months and 16 years (mean 9.0 years) underwent surgical procedures: 15 were treated by OA and 15 were treated by LA. The only statistically significant variable was the operative time. Furthermore, we reanalyzed the age distributions of the older children (aged ≥10 years). In this group, no significant difference in the operative time between OA and LA was observed; however, there was a statistically significant difference in the total wound length.Our review indicated that LA required longer operative time than OA without any cosmetic advantage. However, in older children (aged ≥10 years), the difference in the operative time was not significant; moreover, LA provided greater cosmetic advantage. LA is recommended for older children (aged ≥10 years) because of its cosmetic advantage.

Aesthetic Outcomes of Intra-Umbilical Incision vs Infra-Umbilical Incision in Postpartum Tubal Sterilization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: An incision inside the umbilicus is popular used in single port surgery intra-umbilical skin incision surgeries have been proven efficient and safe. When compared to infra-umbilical skin incisions, an incision wound was invisible after the operation. Why not use intra-umbilical skin incision in postpartum tubal sterilization.
 Objective: To compare aesthetic scores of an incision wound, surgical time and complications in postpartum sterilization under infra-umbilical and intra-umbilical skin incision.
 Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Prapokkhlo Hospital, Chanthaburi, Thailand. Patients (n = 58) with informed consents were randomly assigned to one of the two skin incision techniques for postpartum sterilization (n = 29 for each arm). Surgical times were recorded. Both the patients and an independent physician made wound aesthetic assessments one week after the operation using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scores (POSAS), which compares the wound to the nearby skin. T tests and exact probability statistical tests were used for statistical analysis.
 Results: The surgeon’s POSAS scores in intra-umbilical incisions were significantly closer to normal skin than those in infra-umbilical incisions (6.8 ± 1.5 vs 12.5 ± 5.0; P < .001). A similar finding was observed for patient POSAS scores (6.5 ± 1.2 vs 15.4 ± 5.0; P < .001). The operation times were also shorter (9.1 ± 2.8 vs 11.8 ± 4.7 minutes; P = .009). Neither intra-abdominal injuries nor wound infections were observed.
 Conclusions: Postpartum sterilization using intra-umbilical skin incision was more efficient in regard to aesthetic concerns and operation time.

Our connection procedure for an EEA™ XL stapler and anvil head using EEA OrVil™ for laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy.

We describe an easy technique to connect the anvil and center rod of the EEA™ OrVil™. The bulb tip of EEA OrVil was orally inserted slowly until the valve tip reached the esophageal stump. The surgeon inserted forceps while grasping the anvil from the right abdomen trocar. The circular stapler (EEA XL) was inserted via the cut-off stump of the lifted jejunum or remnant stomach through the intraumbilical incision. Then, the circular stapler was held with the shaft convex. When the automated stapler and center rod were confirmed to be completely aligned, the anvil and the main unit were connected, and the device was fired. Although we only reversed the direction of the circular stapler's shaft, this method improved the ease of the operation.

Analysis of the entrance and suture method of umbilical incision in gynecological laparoscopy

Objective: To explore the entrance and suture method of umbilical incision in gynecological laparoscopy. Methods: A total of 204 cases of gynecologic laparoscopy in our hospital from 2013 to 2016 were reviewed respectively. All the cases used two kinds of approach of umbilical incision: intra-umbilical incision and peri-umbilical incision (longitudinal/transverse oblique/arc incision according to the bellybutton natural skin folds) and two methods of suture: the suture of "U" and the suture of the whole subcutaneous tissue. Two groups were randomly assigned based on the entrance and suture method with each group 102 cases. The peri-operative outcomes were compared, including intra-operative and postoperative bleeding, postoperative incision fat liquefaction and infection, incision pain, incision appearance satisfaction and incision healing satisfaction. Results: The difference was statistically significant in the intra-operative and postoperative bleeding between two groups of intra-umbilical incision and peri-umbilical incision (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in postoperative incision fat liquefaction, infection and incision pain between two groups of the suture of "U" and the suture of the whole subcutaneous tissue (P<0.05). The incision appearance satisfaction showed no difference (P>0.05), but the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) in the incision healing satisfaction between two groups. Conclusion: The peri-umbilical incision (longitudinal/transverse oblique/arc incision according to the bellybutton natural skin folds) and suture of the whole subcutaneous tissue can be the feasible modified methods with high practicability and security, good cosmetic result. It should be promoted in gynecologic laparoscopy.

Efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair for irreducible or incarcerated inguinal hernia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal repair (SILS-TEP) of irreducible inguinal hernias and incarcerated inguinal hernias. We performed a retrospective analysis of 194 patients, including 16 with irreducible or incarcerated hernia, who had undergone SILS-TEP from May 2016 to December 2017 at Kinki Central Hospital. The outcomes of patients with irreducible or incarcerated hernia and those with reducible hernia were compared. For irreducible or incarcerated hernia, laparoscopic exploration with hernia reduction through an intraumbilical incision was performed. If no bowel resection was needed, one-stage SILS-TEP was performed. If bowel resection was required, two-stage SILS-TEP was performed 2-3 months after the bowel resection. Of the 16 patients, 8 had an irreducible hernia, and 8 had an incarcerated hernia. The eight patients with an incarcerated hernia underwent emergency surgery, and among these patients, two needed single-incision laparoscopic partial resection of the ileum followed by two-stage SILS-TEP. Fourteen patients, excluding the two patients who required single-incision laparoscopic partial resection of the ileum, underwent laparoscopic exploration with hernia reduction followed by one-stage SILS-TEP. Among these 14 patients, one with an irreducible hernia required conversion to Kugel patch repair. The operative outcomes were generally comparable between the two groups. However, the operative time was longer for unilateral hernia, and more seromas were seen in the irreducible or incarcerated group. No other major complications or cases of hernia recurrence were noted in this study. SILS-TEP, which offers good cosmetic results, can be safely performed for irreducible or incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Single port surgery and transumbilical surgery are progressing rapidly. The advantages of the cosmetic appearance of this surgery encourages the surgeon to do it which has good acceptance from the patients. Moreover transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the miratus of the single port surgery and traditional laparoscopic surgery. Single port surgery seemed to be expensive more than traditional laparoscopic surgery. Transumbilical Laparoscopic surgery is a rapidly evolving field as a bridge between traditional laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Aim: Hereby, we report of the initial clinical experiences in Saudi Arabia with this new technique. Ten cases of gallbladder stone are selected for this new technique. Materials and Methods: Tow curved intra-umbilical incision was made with 5mm port for camera (30 degree angle) and 8mm working port. Two separate incision 2mm each at right upper quadrant. Dissection was performed using an electric cautery hook and an endograsper. Result: Nine out of ten procedures were completed successfully and one case converted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy because acutely inflamed. Average operative time 48 min with minimal blood loss. Postoperative follow-up did not reveal any umbilical wound complication. Conclusion: Therefore, transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and a promising alternative method as less scar in abdominal surgery for the treatment of some patients with gallbladder stone. No extra cost or special instruments are used. Moreover, we reduce the risk of the post single port hernia surgery.

Single-Site Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Staging Surgery for Presumed Clinically Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

Study ObjectiveTo present the demonstration of robotic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site (R-LESS) staging surgery in presumed clinically early-stage ovarian cancer. DesignA step-by-step presentation of the procedure using video (Canadian Task Force classification III). SettingA university hospital. PatientA 29-year-old woman was referred from a local clinic for an 8 × 6 cm left ovarian tumor suggesting malignancy. Her serum cancer antigen 125 level was 1636 U/mL. There was no evidence of a metastatic tumor or lymph node enlargement on magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomographic/computed tomographic imaging. InterventionUnder general anesthesia, a 2-cm vertical intraumbilical incision was made, and a Lap Single trocar (Sejong Medical, Ltd, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) was applied. The entire abdominal cavity was clear without any seeding tumor or adhesion. We performed laparoendoscopic single-site left salpingo-oophorectomy. On frozen section, high-grade epithelial malignancy was diagnosed. We started R-LESS staging surgery with the Da Vinci Xi system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA). Fenestrated bipolar forceps and a permanent cautery hook were introduced. Both pelvic and inferior mesenteric para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed. The patient was tilted in a reverse Trendelenburg position while performing infracolic omentectomy. Main ResultsThe total operation took 280 minutes, and the console time was 135 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The patient was discharged on the next day after surgery. Histopathologic evaluation revealed a poorly differentiated endometrioid carcinoma. A total of 15 pelvic lymph nodes and 7 para-aortic lymph nodes were retrived. Among them, 2 para-aortic lymph nodes showed malignancy. ConclusionWe could successfully perform R-LESS staging surgery for presumed clinically early-stage ovarian cancer without any complications.

First case of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy with single-site VesPa platform

This study aimed at reporting our first experience with robotic laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy (R-LESS-RP) with single-site VesPa platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc.).A 68-year-old-man presenting with a cT1c adenocarcinoma Gleason Score 3+4=7 in 4/12 bilateral cores underwent a transperitoneal robotic LESS-RP with a single-site Vespa platform. Initial PSA, prostate weight, and body mass index (BMI) were 4.4ng/ml, 45g, and 25, respectively. Instruments and camera cross within the Single-Site port; the da Vinci System software detects and reassigns the user's hands with the instruments position. The single-site port is inserted through a 2-cm intraumbilical incision. The robotic 8.5mm scope and two surgical curved instruments (fenestrated bipolar forceps and cautery hook) are introduced through the ports and used for most of the procedure, whereas a wristed needle driver on the right hand is used for the reconstructive steps. An additional 12mm port (Air Seal, SurgiQuest) is placed in a midline between the umbilicus and the right iliac spine in order to facilitate table assistance during surgery and to place a drain at the end of the procedure.Operative time and blood loss were 300min and 400mL, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful. The drain and the catheter were removed on days 1 and 6, respectively. The patient experienced a temporary mild stress incontinence (one pad at sixth month) and erectile dysfunction.Our first robotic laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy (R-LESS-RP) with the single-site VesPa platform was associated with acceptable operative times and perioperative outcome. This procedure is feasible without complications, provided that a proper patient selection has occurred. Limited movements together with the lack of the fourth robotic arm require a considerable expertise in robotic surgery. Some tricks can help overcome technical limitations. The Robotic LESS-RP reduces in some measure the limitations of conventional LESS RP, although further refinement of the robotic instruments is necessary.

Intraumbilical versus periumbilical incision in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAn important issue in laparoscopic surgery is initial peritoneal access. An intraumbilical (IU) incision may be easier and faster to place, but due to concerns about wound complications, the periumbilical (PU) incision is still often used. A prospective randomized controlled study was performed to investigate the outcomes of the IU incision and PU incision in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MethodsStudy subjects were patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute or chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder polyp or adenomyomatosis, or porcelain gallbladder from June 2014 to January 2015. Enrolled subjects were randomly allocated to the IU incision group or the PU incision group. Demographic data, perioperative outcomes, and the results of a cosmetic satisfaction questionnaire were analyzed. ResultsA total of 130 subjects were analyzed (64 in the IU group, 66 in the PU group). There were no differences in patient demographics. The operation time was significantly shorter in the IU group (34.2 ± 14.6 vs 41.7 ± 21.3, P = 0.020). The cosmetic survey score was significantly higher in the IU group (36.8 ± 5.2 vs 33.2 ± 5.2, P < 0.001). There was no difference in the complication rates of the two groups. ConclusionsThe IU incision is a safe, feasible method of initial intraperitoneal access that can reduce the operation time and offer superior cosmetic effects to the patient.

Laparoscopic single-incision gastric bypass: initial experience, technique and short-term outcomes.

BackgroundSingle incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) research has been limited. The aim of this study is to describe our technique and to evaluate the short term outcomes and efficacy of SILS Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in a selected group of patients in a single center.MethodsFrom March 2012 to January 2013, a total of fourteen patients underwent SILS RYGB using a single vertical 2.5–3 cm intra-umbilical incision, 3-ports placed trans-fascially, and a liver suspension technique in Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Patient selection, short-term outcomes and technical issues were retrospectively viewed in this study.ResultsA total of 14 morbid obese patients (12 women and 2 men; mean age, 46 years). Mean operative time was 196 (range 131–265) min. Mean weight at surgery was 113 (range 91–135) kg. One patient required placement of one additional port (7 %). No conversions to conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) or open surgery was needed. The estimated blood loss was 40 (range 20–100) ml. In terms of pain control, the frequency of patient controlled analgesia had a mean use of 21 times in postoperative day 0 (POD), 37 times in POD1 and 13 times in POD2. Pain score (assessed by visual analogue scale) had a median score of 6.9 in POD0, 5.2 In POD1 and 3.8 in POD2. Weight loss was approximately 7.25 lb. (±4.5) after first postoperative visit, 28.9 lb. (±11.86) after 1 month and 45.4 lb. (±15.4) after 4 months. No patients required re-operation or readmission during the 90 days after surgery.ConclusionSingle incision is feasible, safe and reproducible technique used as an access to complex surgeries like gastric bypass in carefully selected patients. Results in short-term outcomes are comparable to those observed in literature. Some potential benefits include less postoperative pain, improved cosmesis, and patient satisfaction. Randomized trials involving larger patient series with a longer follow-up and larger cohort studies and/or systematic reviews will be necessary to assess the extent of the benefits and limitations of SILS in bariatric surgery.

Scarless abdominal fat graft harvest for neurosurgical procedures: technical note.

Background Abdominal fat grafts are often harvested for use in skull base reconstruction and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repairs, and for operations traversing the nasal sinuses or mastoid bone. Although the endoscopic transnasal surgery has gained significant popularity, in part because it is considered "scarless," a common adjunct, the abdominal fat graft, can result in a disfiguring scar across the abdomen. Objective This is the first report of a scarless abdominal fat graft technique for skull base reconstruction. Methods Ten patients with a median age of 56.5 years (range: 45-73 years) underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection with intraumbilical fat graft harvest. Careful circumferential fat dissection at the umbilicus, with progressive retraction of the graft, was crucial to ensure maximal visualization and to prevent injury to the subcutaneous vessels and rectus fascia. Results Following reconstruction of the sellar skull base, all patients did well postoperatively with no evidence of CSF leak. At 12-week follow-up for all patients, there was no evidence of scar, intracavity hematoma, or wound infection. Conclusions Fat graft harvest through an intraumbilical incision results in a scar-free abdominal harvest, and is a useful procedural adjunct to complement "scarless" brain surgery.

The intra-umbilical approach in umbilical hernia.

To investigate the "intra-umbilical incision", a smaller incision compared to classic incisions, in cases of umbilical hernia, and which we believe will contribute to patient satisfaction in aesthetic terms, and also the practicability of such operations. The umbilical margins of eight patients with an umbilical hernia were marked between the levels of 6 and 12 o'clock, and a median intra-umbilical skin incision was performed between these two points. In some cases, where exploration could not be performed sufficiently, the incision was extended horizontally from 6 or 12 o'clock. Hernia repair and mesh placement was then performed using an intra-umbilical approach. Patients were investigated according to the defect size and requirement for intra-umbilical incision extension. No requirement for intra-umbilical incision was encountered in six patients with a facial defect diameter smaller than 4 cm, while the incision had to be extended in two patients with defects greater than 4 cm. The intra-umbilical approach in umbilical hernia surgery is aesthetically superior to classical approaches and is a practicable technique.

Laparoscopic Stomach-Partitioning Gastrojejunostomy with Reduced-Port Techniques for Unresectable Distal Gastric Cancer

The improvement of quality of life is of great importance in managing patients with far-advanced gastric cancer. We report a new cure and less invasive method of creating a stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy in reduced-port laparoscopic surgery for unresectable gastric cancers with gastric outlet obstruction. A 2.5-cm vertical intraumbilical incision was made, and EZ Access (Hakko Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was placed. After pneumoperitoneum was created, an additional 5-mm trocar was inserted in the right upper abdomen. A gastrojejunostomy was performed in the form of an antiperistaltic side-to-side anastomosis, in which the jejunal loop was elevated in the antecolic route and anastomosed to the greater curvature of the stomach using an endoscopic linear stapler. The jejunal loop together with the stomach was dissected with additional linear staplers just proximal to the common entry hole so that a functional end-to-end gastrojejunostomy was completed. At the same time, the stomach was partitioned using a linear stapler to leave a 2-cm-wide lumen in the lesser curvature. Subsequently, jejunojejunostomy was performed 30 cm distal to the gastrojejunostomy, and the stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy resembling Roux-en Y anastomosis was completed. All patients resumed oral intake on the day of operation. Neither anastomotic leakage nor anastomotic stricture was observed. Our less invasive palliative operation offers the utmost priority to improve quality of life for patients with unresectable gastric cancer.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Conventional Instruments: A Surgeon’s Initial Experience

Purpose: Since the early 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for cholecystectomy. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a rapidly evolving field as a bridge between traditional laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic. The results are presented here of a single surgeon’s initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy with conventional laparoscopic instruments through his first 11 cases. Materials and Methods: A single curved intra-umbilical 25-mm incision was made by pulling out the umbilicus. A 12-mm trocar was placed through an open approach, and the abdominal cavity was explored with a 10-mm laparoscope. One 10-mm and one 5-mm port were inserted laterally from the laparoscope port. Dissection was performed using a dissector, which was not articulated. The gallbladder was investigated with an Endograsper, which was not articulated either. The hilum was dissected, and the cystic duct and artery were clipped and divided. Results: The patients are comprised of 9 females and 2 males with a mean age of 43.3 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.6 kg/m2. Open cholecystectomy was not required. The mean operative time was 69.9 min. Length of stay was only one day. All procedures were completed successfully without any perioperative or postoperative complications. In all cases, there was no need to extend the skin incision. Postoperative follow-up did not reveal any umbilical wound complications. The cosmetic results were scored as excellent by all patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible, safe and effective and a promising alternative method to four-port and SILS-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and as scarless abdominal surgery for the treatment of some patients with gallbladder disease with standard laparoscopic instruments.

Single-incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A New Retraction Technique

Background : Laparo-endoscopic single site cholecystectomy receives great interest from the surgical community. It has potential for reducing postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and improving cosmesis. Minimally invasive surgeons have been forced to develop techniques for providing adequate retraction of the gallbladder. Herein, we describe a new retraction technique to improve the dissection of Calot’s triangle.Surgical technique : Twelve patients underwent laparo-endoscopic single site laparoscopic cholecystectomy using this retraction technique. An intra-umbilical skin incision was made by pulling out the umbilicus. A SILS® port was placed through an open approach. We inserted a 10-mm 30o camera through the SILS® port without using any trocar. One suture was knotted in the middle of the gallbladder. Gallbladder retraction was achieved by the use of an EndoClose® needle that was inserted into abdominal cavity at the subcostal border. The floppy knot was held by the notched end of the EndoClose® needle. This device provided retraction of the gallbladder in every direction.Conclusions : Adequate retraction greatly simplifies laparo-endoscopic single site cholecystectomy. New retraction techniques will enable wider use of this novel minimally invasive approach. Further work is needed to investigate the advantages of this new technique.

Laparoendoscopic Single-site Repair of Retrocaval Ureter Without any Special Devices

INTRODUCTION The retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital anomaly. The extrinsic compression may be responsible for obstruction and pain symptoms. The laparoscopic approach has been used with good results and less morbidity than the open surgery. Herein we describe a case of retrocaval ureter treated with LESS. To our knowledge, this represents the second such case reported in the literature, and the first without using any special devices, such as, single port or bended instruments. PRESENTATION Female, 23 years, complaining of right low back pain for a long time and recurrent urinary tract infection. Renal ultrasound demonstrated right-sided hydronephrosis and intravenous urography suggested the presence of retrocaval ureter. DTPA renal scintigraphy confirms delay in the elimination of contrast through the right kidney. A laparoendoscopic single-site repair was planned. The patient was placed in rightside-up modified flank position. A semicircular intra-umbilical incision was made and the conventional trocars (one 10 mm and two 5 mm) were inserted through the same incision on different points of the aponeurosis. The colon was dissected medially and the proximal ureter lateral to the vena cava was identified and dissected. An extra corporeal repair with Vycril 2-0 was used to facilitate the ureteral dissection and the anastomosis. A segment of ureter was ressected due to the tortuosity. Two 4-0 Vycril sutures were used to perform a running anastomosis. An ureteral stent was placed after the posterior layer on an antegrade fashion. A suction drain was left through the umbilicus. RESULTS The total operative time was 145 min. The blood loss was minimal. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day and resumed total activity about 10 days after surgery. The double J was removed within 4 weeks. DISCUSSION Albeit technically challenging, LESS repair for retrocaval ureter might represent a feasible new treatment option for this rare anatomic anomaly. Special devices could help on the procedure, however they are not essencials.

Cosmetic outcome is an important parameter when comparing single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and conventional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC)

It was interesting to read the meta-analysis by Markar et al. [1] that compared single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and conventional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). They studied postoperative pain during first day after surgery and postoperative complications as the primary parameters and length of hospital stay and operative time as the secondary parameters. However, we fail to understand why the cosmetic result was not taken as one of the primary outcome parameters. SILS is an endeavor to reduce multiple incisions by using a least visible intraumbilical incision, thus making SILS look like a scarless operation to the patient. SILS is also seen as a step forward toward natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). However, to the patient, the cosmetic benefit is the main attraction of SILS and NOTES. Additional instrumentation, increased operating time, the need to learn new skills, and added costs can be justified only if they add value to the patient’s outcome, which is primarily the cosmetic result in these cases. Postoperative pain is also an important outcome measure. In an interesting study, Blinman et al. [2] demonstrated that the total tension across a wound rises nonlinearly with increasing wound length. They further established that the total tension across multiple incisions is always less than the total tension for an incision of the same total length. Based on this concept, Garg et al. [3] calculated total tension across two 10 mm and two 5 mm port wounds of CLC and a single SILS wound of 24.9 mm and found the tension to be quite similar. Therefore, it is probable that postoperative pain may not differ much in SILS and CLC groups as has also been concluded in the meta-analysis [1]. Second, the authors included the study by Asakuma et al. [4] in the meta-analysis. Asakuma et al. mentioned in their methods that no attempt was made to randomize patients and the patient’s request for a particular procedure (SILS or CLC) was honored. In such a scenario, is it justified to include this study in the meta-analysis? Third, the authors indicated that in the study by Lee et al. [5] none of the patients had a bile leak, whereas the study’s authors reported that a bile leak occurred in six SILS patients and four CLC patients.