Laparoscopic And Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery Research Articles

Defining a Subgroup Treatable for Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery in Undifferentiated Early Gastric Cancer: the Role of Lymph Node Metastasis

BackgroundRecently, the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) and the development of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) have enabled either the preservation of the stomach or the minimization of the extent of partial resection. ESD has recently been practiced on a differentiated type of EGC. However, there is no clear evidence for endoscopic treatments of undifferentiated EGC. The purposes of this study are to investigate predictive factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in undifferentiated EGC and expand the possibility of using LECS for the treatment of undifferentiated EGC. MethodsData from 116 patients with undifferentiated EGC and surgically treated were collected, and the association between the clinicopathological factors and the presence of LNM was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) were calculated. ResultsThe tumor size (OR = 11.748, 95 % CI 2.034–62.213, P = 0.008), depth of invasion (OR = 13.928, 95 % CI 1.971–92.434, P = 0.016), and lymphatic vessel involvement (OR = 11.522, 95 % CI 2.645–59.172, P = 0.021) that were significantly associated with LNM by univariate analysis were found to be significant and independent risk factors for LNM by multivariate analysis. The LNM rate was 5.9 % (4/68) and 29.2 % (14/48) with intramucosal and submucosal undifferentiated EGC, respectively. LNM was observed in 66.7 % (2/3) of patients with both risk factors (tumor larger than or equal to 2.0 cm and the presence of lymphatic vessel involvement (LVI)), but in none of 36 patients without the two risk factors in intramucosal undifferentiated EGC. The 5-year survival rates were 88.9, 72.4, and 33.3 %, respectively, in cases with none, one, and two of the risk factors, respectively, in intramucosal undifferentiated EGC (P < 0.05). ConclusionsESD alone may be a sufficient treatment for intramucosal undifferentiated EGC if the tumor is less than 2.0 cm in size and when LVI is absent upon postoperative histological examination. LECS is feasible and safe for patients with undifferentiated EGC.

腹腔鏡内視鏡合同手術（Laparoscopy and Endoscopy Cooperative Surgery；LECS） を施行したＳ状結腸膀胱瘻の1例

We performed laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for partial colectomy with partial cystectomy in an 80-year-old woman with sigmoidovesical fistula secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis. LECS was designed for local resection of the stomach for gastric submucosal tumors using the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) technique. While conventional open abdominal surgery is very invasive, LECS has enabled surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery. Although there have been no reported cases in which the bladder was laparoscopically resected after sigmoidovesical fistula division, we were able to safely resect the fistula and preserve the urethral opening by performing laparoscopic and cystoscopic cooperative surgery. There are no previously reported cases in which LECS was performed for partial sigmoidectomy and partial cystectomy ; therefore, we report this as a valuable case, with a review of the literature. We hope that further studies involving more patients will lead to the establishment of this procedure.

Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery.

Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) is a newly developed concept for tumor dissection of the gastrointestinal tract that was first investigated for local resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The first reported version of LECS for GIST has been named 'classical LECS' to distinguish it from other modified LECS procedures, such as inverted LECS, a combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with a non-exposure technique (CLEAN-NET), and non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS). These modified LECS procedures were developed for dissection of malignant tumors which may seed tumor cells into the abdominal cavity. While these LECS-related procedures might prevent tumor seeding, their application is limited by several factors, such as tumor size, location and technical difficulty. Currently, classical LECS is a safe and useful procedure for gastric submucosal tumors without mucosal defects, independent of tumor location, such as proximity to the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring. For future applications of LECS-related procedures for other malignant diseases with mucosal lesions such as GIST with mucosal defects and gastric cancer, some improvements in the techniques are needed.

Cutting edge of endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric tumor.

Recently, several studies have reported local full-thickness resection techniques using flexible endoscopy for gastric tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, gastric carcinoid tumors, and early gastric cancer (EGC). These techniques have the advantage of allowing precise resection lines to be determined using intraluminal endoscopy. Thus, it is possible to minimize the resection area and subsequent deformity. Some of these methods include: (1) classical laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS); (2) inverted LECS; (3) combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with non-exposure technique; and (4) non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery. Furthermore, a recent prospective multicenter trial of the sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) for EGC has shown acceptable results in terms of sentinel node detection rate and the accuracy of nodal metastasis. Endoscopic full-thickness resection with SNNS is expected to become a treatment option that bridges the gap between endoscopic submucosal dissection and standard surgery for EGC. In the future, the indications for these procedures for gastric tumors could be expanded.

膀胱子宮内膜症に対する腹腔鏡補助下膀胱鏡下膀胱部分切除術:─laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery（LECS）の1例─

膀胱子宮内膜症に対する腹腔鏡補助下膀胱鏡下膀胱部分切除術:─laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery（LECS）の1例─

Future perspective of gastric cancer endotherapy.

Endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer (EGC) has proven safety and efficacy, and is the established standard of care in Japan. In the past decade, it is increasingly established worldwide. The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is superior to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique as it is designed to provide adequate staging and long-term curative therapy-based on the en bloc R0 specimen irrespective of the size and/or location of the tumor coupled with the reliable pathological specimen. However, ESD is still requiring skilled and experienced endoscopist to perform because of complex procedures, higher complication and causing long-time consuming. The learning and application of these relatively complex endoscopic techniques for EGC has been shown across the world. Thus, a standardized ESD training system is urgently needed to disseminate safe and effective ESD technique to practices with limited ESD experience. In recent years, several innovations providing solutions to easier and safer performance of ESD have emerged. Those increase control of surgical effectors manipulating the target tissue, and enhance performance in complex surgical tasks. Very recently, the use of the laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) procedure is indicated for EGC that would be difficult to treat with ESD. As an ultimate gastric cancer endotherapy with a reasonable surgical time, LECS might be promising method at this stage. The indications for LECS for EGC could be expanded in the future, which could result in increasingly successful gastric cancer treatment.

Single-port laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for a gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor: report of a case

We herein report a case of single-port laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for a gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). A 75-year-old female with an endoluminal GIST located near the esophagogastric junction underwent LECS. Both the mucosal and submucosal layers around the tumor were circumferentially dissected using endoscopic submucosal dissection via intraluminal endoscopy. The endoluminal GIST was exteriorized to the abdominal cavity. The tumor and the edge of the incision line were closed using an endoscopic linear stapler. The LECS was successfully accomplished without the need for any skin incisions or additional ports. The length of the operation was 120 min and blood loss was 5 ml. Oral intake was resumed on the second day and the length of hospital stay was 5 days. No complications were noted and the patient had an excellent cosmetic result. In our experience, single-port LECS is feasible and safe for gastric GIST when performed by a surgeon experienced in laparoscopic and gastric surgery.

Successful Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Resection using Modified Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery: Report of a Case

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are commonly treated with surgical resection only, because they do not generally metastasize. We herein report our experience with curative resection of a GIST located at high lesser curvature using laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery. Case presentation: An 81 year old male with hematochezia was diagnosed with a GIST in stomach and hemorrhoids. Endoscopy revealed that the tumor was located at high lesser curvature, jutted into the lumen of the stomach; no metastases were apparent. Laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the tumor. The tumor, covered by mucosa and without ulceration, was resected with adequate surgical margins. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged without complications. Surgical technique: We performed laparoscopic partial gastric resection assisted by endoscopy. The tumor was not visible through the laparoscope, but intraoperative endoscopy aided in its identification. The space left by enucleation of the tumor was closed using a flexible linear stapling forceps while an intracorporeal functional anastomosis was subsequently performed. Conclusion: It is well-known that laparoscopic resection near high lesser curvature is difficult, but we were able to resect the tumor using this laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) safely and easily.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric submucosal tumors, including esophagogastric junction tumors

Recently, the use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric submucosal tumor (gSMT) and the development of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) have enabled either preservation of the stomach or minimization of the extent of partial resection. In the present study, the outcomes following the recent introduction of LECS for gSMT are presented. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LECS for gSMT, including esophagogastric junction (EGJ) SMT. LECS is indicated for lesions that have an intragastric growth pattern, or for which fundusectomy can be avoided despite an extragastric growth pattern. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of LECS carried out in 25 patients including five EGJ SMT. Surgery was completed achieving an R0 resection rate of 100% with no postoperative complications. Mean tumor size was 32.3 ± 13.5 mm and mean resected specimen size was 37.6 ± 13.5 mm. Resection margins were tumor-free in all cases, with adequate minimum surgical margins, and precise conclusive diagnosis was achieved with perfect operative specimens. Endoscopic confirmation of the EGJ enabled the extent of resection to be minimized and the stomach to be preserved, avoiding fundusectomy. Although there were significant differences in tumor size and resected specimen size between EGJ SMT and non-EGJ SMT, there were no significant differences in outcomes of the LECS procedure. LECS is feasible and safe for cases with gSMT including lesions adjacent to the EGJ.

Minimally invasive treatment of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for patients with gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We retrospectively reviewed the data of 69 consecutive patients who underwent LECS, including laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic resection (LAER) and endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (EAWR), for pathologically confirmed gastric GISTs of less than 5 cm in diameter from January 2006 to October 2012. The tumor was located at the upper third of the stomach in 22 patients, the middle third in 38 and the lower third in nine, with a mean tumor size of 2.8 ± 1.6 cm. The operating time was 81.6 ± 31.8 min in the LAER group and 86.3 ± 28.5 min in the EAWR group (P = 0.776). Intraoperative blood loss was 29.8 ± 15.4 mL in the LAER group and 31.4 ± 11.6 mL in the EAWR group (P = 0.561). Most patients had a very low or low risk of tumor recurrence, while six had an intermediate risk of tumor recurrence. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.6 days. Only two patients had postoperative complications after LECS, both of whom were treated successfully without open surgery. During a median follow-up of 35 months, all patients were disease-free, with no tumor recurrence or metastases. LECS is a minimally invasive and safe alternative approach which can achieve fast recovery and satisfactory short-term outcomes for appropriately selected patients with gastric GISTs.

Endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection for the treatment of gastric stromal tumor

In recent years,minimally invasive surgery has become the mainstream trend of modern surgery with the rapid development of endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques.However,there are limitations when either technique is used alone.The laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS),which combines the advantages and makes up the deficiencies of these two techniques,has expanded the application field of minimally invasive surgery.Laparoscopic wedge resections are increasingly applied for gastric stromal tumor.Base on clinical experience of 43 patients who underwent laparoscopic wedge resections for surgical treatment of gastric stromal tumor,we conclude that this procedure is feasible and safe. Key words: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, gastric ; Laparoscopy; Endoscopy; Gastrectomy

Recent developments in gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: Towards the era of endoscopic resection of layers deeper than the submucosa

With technical advances in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), several variations of endoscopic procedure derived from ESD and fusion procedures of endoscopy and laparoscopy for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumor and cancer have recently been developed. The former includes endoscopic muscularis dissection (EMD), submucosal endoscopic tumor resection (SET), endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR), and the latter includes laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (LAEFR), and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy without gastrectomy following ESD. In the present article, recent developments in gastric ESD and advanced procedures derived from ESD are discussed.

New-style laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric stromal tumors

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new style of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), an improved method of laparoscopic intragastric surgery (LIGS) for the treatment of gastric stromal tumors (GSTs). Six patients were treated with the new-style LECS. Surgery was performed according to the following procedures: (1) Exposing and confirming the location of the tumor with gastroscopy; (2) A laparoscopy light was placed in the cavity using the trocar at the navel, and the other two trocars penetrated both the abdominal and stomach walls; (3) With gastroscopy monitoring, the operation was carried out in the gastric lumen using laparoscopic instruments and the tumor was resected; and (4) The tumor tissue was removed orally using a gastroscopy basket, and puncture holes and perforations were sutured using titanium clips. Tumor size ranged from 2.0 to 4.5 cm (average 3.50 ± 0.84 cm). The operative time ranged from 60 to 130 min (average 83.33 ± 26.58 min). Blood loss was less than 20 mL and hospital stay ranged from 6 to 8 d (average 6.67 ± 0.82 d). The patients were allowed out of bed 12 h later. A stomach tube was inserted for 72 h after surgery, and a liquid diet was then taken. All cases had single tumors which were completely resected using the new-style LECS. No postoperative complications occurred. Pathology of all resected specimens showed GST: no cases of implantation or metastasis were found. New-style LECS for GSTs is a quick, optimized, fast recovery, safe and effective therapy.

Surgical Advantages of Gastric SMTs by Laparoscopy and Endoscopy Cooperative Surgery

The treatment of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) is strictly surgical and enucleation of the tumor or wedge resection of the stomach is efficient to achieve R0 resection. Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) can be safely performed with adequate cutting lines. This study describes the initial 16 cases treated by LECS and evaluates the advantages by LECS for gastric SMTs retrospectively. Sixteen patients with gastric SMT underwent LECS from June 2007 to December 2010, their surgical data, clinical characteristics and surgical specimens of SMTs were compared. The surgical specimens of 9 gastric SMTs treated by laparoscopic wedge resection (LWR) were compared as a control. The median (range) length of operation time, blood loss, hospital stay after surgery were minutes 172 (115- 220), <5mL (<5-115) and 10 days (6-17), respectively. The median (range) ratio of the longest diameter of the tumor divided by the longest diameter of the surgical specimen in LECS and LWR were 0.86 (0.625-1.0) and 0.69 (0.44-1.0), respectively (p=0.0189, Wilcoxon rank sum test). LECS minimizes the surgical specimen while still providing sufficient surgical margins to successfully cure gastric SMTs.

Successful application of laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for a lateral-spreading mucosal gastric cancer

In the current era of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer, which carries a negligible risk of lymph node metastasis, local resection of the stomach remains an option for these lesions. This is particularly so for a large intramucosal lesion or a lesion with a strong ulcer scar, for which ESD becomes a difficult option. Here, we describe a case of lateral-spreading intramucosal gastric cancer of 6-cm diameter located at the fornix of the stomach, which was successfully treated by laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) because of the expected risk of complications during ESD. In the LECS procedure, the resection margin was appropriately determined by the endoscopic evaluation in detail and by the ESD technique. If early gastric cancer fits the criteria for endoscopic resection but would present difficulty if performing ESD, this is a good indication for the LECS procedure.

Successful Gastric Submucosal Tumor Resection Using Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery

Laparoscopic wedge resections are increasingly utilized to treat gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). However, laparoscopic wedge resection is not applicable for tumors located near the gastric inlet or outlet and requires resection of relatively large sections of healthy stomach, particularly if laparoscopic linear staplers are used. Twenty consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for resection of gastric SMTs. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia. The mucosal and submucosal layers around the tumor were circumferentially dissected using endoscopic submucosal dissection via intraluminal endoscopy. Subsequently, the seromuscular layer involving three-fourths of the line of the incision around the tumor was laparoscopically dissected. The submucosal tumor was then exteriorized to the abdominal cavity and dissected with an endoscopic linear stapling device. In all cases, the LECS procedure was successful in dissecting the gastric SMT. The tumor was located in the upper third of the stomach in eight cases, in the middle third in eight cases, and in the lower third in four cases. The mean operating time was 157.0 ± 68.4 minutes, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 3.5 ± 6.4 ml. The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. We demonstrated the feasibility and satisfactory surgical outcomes after LECS for gastric SMT. With LECS, relatively small sections of healthy gastric wall are resected without postoperative morbidity or mortality. Thus, LECS is safe, easy, and beneficial for laparoscopic resection of SMTs, although care should be taken to avoid gastric juice contamination.

Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastrointestinal stromal tumor dissection

Laparoscopic wedge resections are increasingly applied for gastric submucosal tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Despite this, no defined strategy exists to guide the surgeon in choosing the appropriate laparoscopic technique for an individual case on the basis of tumor characteristics such as location or size. This study aimed to introduce a laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) for gastric wedge resection that is applicable for submucosal tumor resection independent of tumor location and size. Seven patients underwent LECS for the resection of gastric submucosal tumors. Both mucosal and submucosal layers around the tumor were circumferentially dissected using endoscopic submucosal dissection via intraluminal endoscopy. Subsequently, the seromusclar layer was laparoscopically dissected on the exact three-fourths cut line around the tumor. The submucosal tumor then was exteriorized to the abdominal cavity and dissected with a standard endoscopic stapling device. In all cases, the LECS procedure was successful for dissecting out the gastric submucosal tumor. In four of seven cases, the tumor was located in the upper gastric portion near the esophagogastric junction. The remaining three tumors were in the posterior gastric wall. In two cases, the tumors were more than 5 cm in diameter, and one was a GIST of the remnant stomach. The mean operation time was 169 +/- 17 min, and the estimated blood loss was 7 +/- 2 ml. The postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. The LECS procedure for dissection of gastric submucosal tumors such as GIST may be performed safely with reasonable operation times, less bleeding, and adequate cut lines. In addition, the success of the procedure does not depend on the tumor location such as the vicinity of the esophagogastric junction or pyloric ring.