Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Research Articles

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Female Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery with Double Prophylactic Therapy.

Purpose Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a major problem after surgery. This study aimed to demonstrate the incidence of PONV and the potential associated factors in female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery against the background of double prophylactic therapy. Methods Our retrospective study recruited 109 female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery with double prophylactic therapy, combining palonosetron with dexamethasone, from October 2020 to March 2021, at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Patient characteristics and perioperative management factors were included in univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors influencing PONV. Results Four patients lacked complete records, and of the 105 patients included in the final analysis, 53 (50.5%) patients developed PONV. Two influencing factors for PONV were identified: a history of chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR] 0.325, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.123-0.856; p = 0.023) and dosage of hydromorphone ≥ 0.02 mg/kg (OR 2.857, 95% CI 1.247-6.550; p = 0.013). The performance of the multivariate logistic regression was evaluated by analyzing receiver operating characteristic curves, resulting in an area under the curve value of 0.673. Conclusion The incidence of PONV remains high in female patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, even with double prophylactic therapy. A dosage of hydromorphone ≥ 0.02 mg/kg may increase risk of PONV, whereas a history of chemotherapy might be a protective factor.

Effect of subanesthetic dose of esketamine on postoperative pain in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor Surgery:A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

PurposePostoperative pain is prevalent and severe complication in elderly surgical patients. Multiple studies propose that a small dose of esketamine administered intraoperatively can alleviate postoperative pain and curtail opioid usage. We aimed to evaluate the impact of esketamine on postoperative acute pain among elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Patients and methodsThis is a prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Ninety patients aged 60 and above, undergoing resection of gastrointestinal tumors, were randomly assigned to two groups: esketamine group (Group S, a single dose of 0.25 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg/h infusion) and control group (Group C, saline). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores were the primary outcome. Remifentanil consumption, instances of rescue analgesia, delirium, sleep quality, postoperative recovery quality, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, and adverse events within 72 h post-surgery were secondary outcomes, respectively. ResultsData of 87 of 99 eligible patients were analyzed. VAS scores at rest in Group S were lower than those in Group C at 6 h [1.2 (0.6, 1.6) vs 1.6 (1.0, 2.0), P = 0.003], 12 h [1.4 (1.0, 2.0) vs 2.0 (1.5, 2.0), P < 0.001], and 24 h [1.8 (1.3, 2.0) vs 2.2 (1.6, 2.6), P < 0.001] postoperatively. At 6 h post-surgery, VAS score during coughing was lower in Group S than Group C [2.0 (2.0, 2.3) vs 2.0 (2.0, 3.0), P = 0.009]. The instances of rescue analgesia were fewer in group S compared to group C (P = 0.007). Furthermore, the esketamine group showed improved sleep quality and QoR-15 score (P < 0.05) postoperatively. ConclusionIntravenous administration of esketamine as an adjunct to general anesthesia can decrease the intensity of pain for 24 h without additional adverse effects after laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor surgery.

Effect of Oxycodone-Based Multimodal Analgesia on Visceral Pain After Major Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial.

Oxycodone is a potent μ- and κ-opioid receptor agonist that can relieve both somatic and visceral pain. We assessed oxycodone- vs sufentanil-based multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain following major laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery. In this randomised double-blind controlled trial, 40 adult patients were randomised (1:1, stratified by type of surgery) to receive oxycodone- or sufentanil-based multimodal analgesia, comprising bilateral transverse abdominis plane blocks, intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion, flurbiprofen axetil, and oxycodone- or sufentanil-based patient-controlled analgesia. The co-primary outcomes were time-weighted average (TWA) of visceral pain (defined as intra-abdominal deep and dull pain) at rest and on coughing during 0-24 h postoperatively, assessed using the numerical rating scale (0-10) with a minimal clinically important difference of 1. All patients completed the study (median age, 64 years; 65% male) and had adequate postoperative pain control. The mean (SD) 24-h TWA of visceral pain at rest was 1.40 (0.77) in the oxycodone group vs 2.00 (0.98) in the sufentanil group (mean difference=-0.60, 95% CI, -1.16 to -0.03; P=0.039). Patients in the oxycodone group had a significantly lower 24-h TWA of visceral pain on coughing (2.00 [0.83] vs 2.98 [1.26]; mean difference=-0.98, 95% CI, -1.66 to -0.30; P=0.006). In the subgroup analyses, the treatment effect of oxycodone vs sufentanil on the co-primary outcomes did not differ in terms of age (18-65 years or >65 years), sex (female or male), or type of surgery (colorectal or gastric). Secondary outcomes (24-h TWA of incisional and shoulder pain, postoperative analgesic usage, rescue analgesia, adverse events, and patient satisfaction) were comparable between groups. For patients undergoing major laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, oxycodone-based multimodal analgesia reduced postoperative visceral pain in a statistically significant but not clinically important manner. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052085).

Preoperative 6-minute walk distance is associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal cancer surgery

ObjectiveThe 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a simple and valid method to evaluate cardiopulmonary function. We performed this prospective study in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal cancer surgery to explore the association between preoperative 6MWT performance and overall postoperative complications. MethodsThis study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03711526). The study consecutively enrolled patients receiving laparoscopic gastrointestinal cancer surgery in our institution. All patients performed the 6MWT upon recruitment and received 30 days of postoperative follow-up. The primary outcome was overall complications, defined by ≥ grade I Clavien–Dindo (CD) classification (2004) complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of 6-min walk distance (6MWD) with the outcome. ResultsA total of 184 patients were included in the final analyses. In the 37 (20.1 %) patients with overall complications, the mean (standard deviation) preoperative 6MWD was 469.1 (86.8) m. In patients with no complications, the 6MWD was 502.6 (90.2) m. The mean difference was 33.5 m (95 % confidence interval, 1.3, 65.7; P = 0.042). A longer preoperative 6MWD was associated with a lower odds of developing postoperative complications (odds ratio, 0.994 per meter increase; 95 % confidence interval, 0.989, 0.999; p = 0.023). ConclusionThis study indicated an association between the preoperative 6MWD and postoperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Comparison between transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and metoclopramide in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery-A prospective and randomized study

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting is a common complication after laparoscopic surgery and general anesthesia. It increases the patient’s discomfort and compromises the surgical outcome. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) and Injection of Metoclopramide for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery. The secondary objective of the study was to find out the percentage of cases needed rescue antiemetic drug (Inj. Ondansetron) when prophylaxis failed. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial conducted at M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore. 90 patients of 18–60 years of age, ASA physical status I-II, undergoing elective laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery were included. Patients were allocated randomly into two equal groups. Group T received TENS (the stimulation group) at P6 acupressure point, whereas group M received an injection of Metoclopramide before induction of anesthesia. Patients in both groups were observed for 24 h postoperatively for the incidence of nausea and vomiting and the requirement for rescue antiemetic. Results: The percentage of Postoperative Nausea Vomiting (PONV) and requirement of rescue antiemetics in both the groups were comparable in the first 6 h following laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeries (P=1.000). There was no significant difference in PONV and rescue antiemetic requirement at 24 h in both the groups. Conclusion: TENS stimulation at P6 acupressure point is comparable to injection of Metoclopramide in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeries.

Surveys on diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma by the Chinese Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study Group-10 Research Team

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric junction (AEG) adenocarcinoma by members of the Chinese Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study Group (CLASS)-10 research team. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the CLASS-10 study group, which consists of investigators and research assistants from 32 centers in China, all of whom are gastric surgeons. The questionnaire was administered before the start of the study (2020) and mid-study (2022). The survey was developed to address the participants'perceptions of surgical consultation and management of AEG and included three main areas: diagnosis, surgical treatment, and perioperative management. In the second survey, the first two sections of the initial questionnaire were supplemented: the diagnosis section with a survey on the respondent's title, type of hospital, and definition of AEG, and the surgical treatment section with a survey on the perception of inferior mediastinal lymph node dissection as addressed in the CLASS-10 study. Respondents' clinical perceptions of AEG were recorded and the differences in perceptions between the two surveys analyzed. Results: Thirty-two and 34 questionnaires were returned in the first and second surveys, respectively. Regarding the definition of AEG adenocarcinoma, the highest acceptance rate was for the Chinese expert consensus (18/34, 52.9%), in which they are defined as lesions whose epicenter is located within 5 cm proximal or distal to the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and crossing or touching the EGJ. Regarding the anatomic landmark for the EGJ, the percentage of respondents choosing the dentate line increased from 68.8% (22/32) to 88.2% (30/34) (P=0.143) between the two surveys. As to assessment of the longitudinal diameter and epicenter, the percentage of respondents choosing gastroscopy increased from 53.1% (17/32) to 73.5% (25/34) (P=0.040). Regarding the landmark for EGJ in surgical specimens, the percentage of respondents choosing the dentate line increased from 59.4% (19/32) to 85.3% (29/34) (P=0.027). In 2022, 82.4% (28/34) respondents reported that they were "skilled" in inferior mediastinal lymph node dissection for AEG. As to a safe proximal margin, the percentage of respondents choosing "≥1 cm, <2 cm" increased from 6.3% (2/32) to 26.5% (9/34) (P=0.158). Regarding the means of determining a safe proximal margin when the tumor is not infiltrating the serosa, the percentage of respondents choosing "intraoperative palpation" increased from 3.1% (1/32) to 23.5% (8/34), whereas those choosing "intraoperative gastroscopy" decreased from 62.5% (20/32) to 35.3% (12/32) (P=0.018). Conclusions: In the CLASS10 research team, the most commonly adopted definition of AEG was the Chinese expert consensus definition. We identified an increasing trend for choosing "endoscopy" and the "dentate line" when diagnosing AEG. Further, the definition of a safe proximal margin had decreased.

Robot-Assisted versus Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Intra- and Post-Operative Complications.

The use of robotic surgery is attracting ever-growing interest for its potential advantages such as small incisions, fine movements, and magnification of the operating field. Only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored the differences in perioperative outcomes between the two approaches. We screened the main online databases from inception to May 2023. We included studies in English enrolling adult patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. We used the following exclusion criteria: surgery with the involvement of thoracic esophagus, and patients affected by severe heart, pulmonary and end-stage renal disease. We compared intra- and post-operative complications, length of hospitalization, and costs between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. A total of 18 RCTs were included. We found no differences in the rate of anastomotic leakage, cardiovascular complications, estimated blood loss, readmission, deep vein thrombosis, length of hospitalization, mortality, and post-operative pain between robotic and laparoscopic surgery; post-operative pneumonia was less frequent in the robotic approach. The conversion to open surgery was less frequent in the robotic approach, which was characterized by shorter time to first flatus but higher operative time and costs. The robotic gastrointestinal surgery has some advantages compared to the laparoscopic technique such as lower conversion rate, faster recovery of bowel movement, but it has higher economic costs.

Fosaprepitant for postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery: a randomised trial

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a major problem after surgery. Even with double prophylactic therapy including dexamethasone and a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist, the incidence is still high in many at-risk patients. Fosaprepitant, a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, is an effective antiemetic, but its efficacy and safety in combination antiemetic therapy for preventing PONV remain unclear. MethodsIn this randomised, controlled, double-blind trial, 1154 participants at high risk of PONV and undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery were randomly assigned to either a fosaprepitant group (n=577) receiving fosaprepitant 150 mg i.v. dissolved in 0.9% saline 150 ml, or a placebo group (n=577) receiving 0.9% saline 150 ml before anaesthesia induction. Dexamethasone 5 mg i.v. and palonosetron 0.075 i.v. mg were each administered in both groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV (defined as nausea, retching, or vomiting) during the first 24 postoperative hours. ResultsThe incidence of PONV during the first 24 postoperative hours was lower in the fosaprepitant group (32.4% vs 48.7%; adjusted risk difference −16.9% [95% confidence interval: −22.4 to −11.4%]; adjusted risk ratio 0.65 [95% CI: 0.57 to 0.76]; P<0.001). There were no differences in severe adverse events between groups, but the incidence of intraoperative hypotension was higher (38.0% vs 31.7%, P=0.026) and intraoperative hypertension (40.6% vs 49.2%, P=0.003) was lower in the fosaprepitant group. ConclusionsFosaprepitant added to dexamethasone and palonosetron reduced the incidence of PONV in patients at high risk of PONV undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery. Notably, it increased the incidence of intraoperative hypotension. Clinical trial registrationNCT04853147.

Effect of individualized PEEP titration by ultrasonography on perioperative pulmonary protection and postoperative cognitive function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) lung protection ventilation strategy by combining driving pressure (ΔP) and pulmonary ultrasound (LUS)-based titration on lung function and postoperative cognitive function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during laparoscopic surgery.MethodsA total of 108 patients with COPD undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery under general anesthesia were included in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups (n = 36): traditional volume ventilation group (Group C), fixed PEEP 5 cmH2O group (Group P), and ΔP combined with LUS-based PEEP titration in the resuscitation room group (Group T). All three groups were given volume ventilation mode, I:E = 1:2; In group C, VT was 10 mL/kg and PEEP was 0 cmH2O; In groups P and T, VT was 6 mL/kg and PEEP was 5 cmH2O; After mechanical ventilation for 15 min in Group T, ΔP in combination with LUS was used to titrate PEEP. The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), airway platform pressure (Pplat), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and venous interleukin-6(IL-6) were recorded at the corresponding time points, and the final PEEP value in Group T was recorded.ResultsThe final PEEP value of Group T was (6.4 ± 1.2) cmH2O; Compared with groups C and P: PaO2/FiO2 and Cdyn in Group T were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and value of IL-6 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at the corresponding time points. Compared with group C, the MoCA score on day 7 after surgery in Group T was significantly higher (P < 0.05).ConclusionCompared with the traditional ventilation strategy, the individualized ΔP combined with LUS-based PEEP titration in patients with COPD during the perioperative period of laparoscopic surgery can play a better role in lung protection and can improve postoperative cognitive function.

Comparing the Effectiveness of S-Ketamine Combined with Sufentanil versus Sufentanil Alone for Postoperative Pain Management in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. The optimal analgesic dose of S-ketamine after laparoscopic gastrointestinal malignancy surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of S-ketamine combined with sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) on postoperative pain relief in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal tumors. Methods. Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer were randomly assigned to one of three postoperative analgesia groups: F group received 2 ug/kg sufentanil in PCIA, LSF group received 0.5 mg/kg S-ketamine and 1.5 ug/kg sufentanil, and SF group received 1 mg/kg S-ketamine and 1 ug/kg sufentanil. The PCIA also contained 0.15 mg/kg of butorphanol and 0.02 mg/kg of ramosetron. Study drugs were administered via PCIA for 48 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome was the accumulated parecoxib sodium requirements within 48 hours after surgery. Results. A total of 105 patients were randomized, and 95 completed the trial (F group: n = 32, LSF group: n = 32, and SF group: n = 31). The cumulative consumption of parecoxib sodium within 48 hours postoperatively was lower in the SF group compared to that in the F group (median difference: −40 mg; 95% confidence interval: −40 to 0; P = 0.0028 ). The number of PCIA compressions within 48 hours after surgery was smaller in the SF group compared to that in the F group. NRS pain scores at 6 h and 12 h postoperatively were reduced in the SF group compared to that in the F group, both at rest and during movement. Compared to the F group, the incidence of postoperative mild depression was lower, the time to first flatus and time to first defecation were shorter, and the incidence of postoperative vomiting was lower in the SF group. The mechanical pain threshold, hyperalgesia area, and sedation scores were similar between the SF and F groups. No differences were observed in the abovementioned parameters between the LSF group and the F group. Conclusion. This trial demonstrated that 1.0 mg/kg S-ketamine combined with 1 ug/kg sufentanil in PCA decreased cumulative parecoxib sodium consumption within 48 hours after laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer in elderly patients.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves Postoperative Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study was conducted to observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the postoperative sleep quality of patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor surgery and to verify the possible mechanism. Eighty-three patients were allocated to the TEAS or Sham group. Patients in the TEAS group received TEAS treatment (disperse-dense waves; frequency, 2/100Hz) on bilateral Shenmen (HT7), Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) points for 30min each time, total three times in the perioperative period. In the Sham group, electrodes were placed; however, no current was given. Sleep quality was assessed on the day before surgery (P1) and the first and third days after surgery (D1 and D3) using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) 72h postoperatively. The incidences of abdominal distension, dizziness, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pulmonary complications were recorded. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of key factors of oxidative stress and key molecules of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) signal pathway were measured. TEAS ameliorated sleep quality at D1 and D3 (PSQI P < 0.05, AIS P < 0.05) and decreased postoperative pain as demonstrated by lower VAS scores compared to the Sham group (P < 0.05). The incidences of abdominal distension and PONV were also lower in the TEAS group. Markers of oxidative stress were increased (P < 0.05), and the serum concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly lower in the TEAS group. The key mediators of the Nrf2/ARE pathway were enhanced after TEAS. Perioperative TEAS improved postoperative sleep quality, reduced postoperative pain and alleviated postoperative adverse effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor surgery resection. This may be associated with activating Nrf2/ARE signal pathway and decreasing its inflammatory actions. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ), ChiCTR2100054971.

Consistency of the anesthesia consciousness index versus the bispectral index during laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery with sevoflurane anesthesia: A prospective multi-center randomized controlled clinical study.

This study aimed to compare the consistency of anesthesia consciousness index (Ai) with that of bispectral index (BIS) in monitoring the depth of anesthesia (DOA) during sevoflurane anesthesia, to reveal the optimal cutoff values in different states of consciousness, and explore the stability of DOA monitoring during intraoperative injurious stimulation. We enrolled 145 patients (97 men and 48 women) from 10 medical centers. General anesthesia was induced using intravenous anesthetics and maintained with sevoflurane. Ai and BIS values were recorded. The mean difference between the Ai and BIS was-0.1747 (95% confidence interval, -0.6660 to 0.3166; p = 0.4857). The regression equation of Ai and BIS from the Deming regression analysis was y = 5.6387 + 0.9067x (y is BIS, x is Ai), and the slope and intercept were statistically significant. Meanwhile, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of anesthesia-induced unconsciousness, loss of consciousness, and recovery of consciousness revealed that the accuracy of Ai and BIS were similar. In addition, the optimal cutoff values of the different states of consciousness were not sensitive to age, and both Ai and BIS had no correlation with hemodynamics. We conclude that Ai and BIS show no systematic deviation in readings with high consistency, similar accuracy, and good stability; these insights provide more data for clinical application.

Relationship between perfusion index and central temperature before and after induction of anesthesia in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery: A prospective cohort study.

The perfusion index (PI) cutoff value before anesthesia induction and the ratio of PI variation after anesthesia induction remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between PI and central temperature during anesthesia induction, and the potential of PI in individualized and effective control of redistribution hypothermia. This prospective observational single center study analyzed 100 gastrointestinal surgeries performed under general anesthesia from August 2021 to February 2022. The PI was measured as peripheral perfusion, and the relationship between central and peripheral temperature values was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify baseline PI before anesthesia, which predicts a decrease in central temperature 30 minutes after anesthesia induction, and the rate of change in PI that predicts the decrease in central temperature 60 minutes after anesthesia induction. In cases with a central temperature decrease of ≥ 0.6°C after 30 minutes, the area under the curve was 0.744, Youden index was 0.456, and the cutoff value of baseline PI was 2.30. In cases with a central temperature decrease of ≥ 0.6°C after 60 minutes, the area under curve was 0.857, Youden index was 0.693, and the cutoff value of the PI ratio of variation after 30 minutes of anesthesia induction was 1.58. If the baseline PI is ≤ 2.30 and the PI 30 minutes after anesthesia induction is at least 1.58-fold the PI ratio of variation, there is a high probability of a central temperature decrease of at least 0.6°C within 30 minutes after 2 time points.

Ultrasonic Cleaning for Irrigating Purulent Substances during Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery.

To improve the outcome of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, improvement in the technology for removing purulent substances from the abdominal cavity is required. Ultrasonic cleaning technology may be suitable for the task. However, it is necessary to examine cleaning efficiency and safety through model tests that can lead to clinical trials for practical use. Nine surgical specialists first estimated the distribution of the actual attachment of purulent substances using videos of removing pus-like model dirt as an evaluation scale. Subsequently, cleaning tests were conducted using a small-size shower with model dirt that was somewhat difficult to remove, and its suitability as a model sample was confirmed. A mixture of miso and other substances was attached to a silicon sheet to prepare a test sample. The model dirt could be removed within a few seconds by cleaning using a probe-type ultrasonic homogenizer while the test sample was submerged in water. This performance greatly surpassed that of water flow cleaning under increased water pressure. An ultrasonic cleaner that is useful for irrigation during laparoscopic surgery will be suitable for practical use in laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopically guided transversus abdominis plane block versus local wound analgesia in laparoscopic surgery for peritoneal endometriosis: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded LTAP-trial

BackgroundUltrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) performed by anesthesiologist has been shown to be an effective and safe analgesia method in abdominal surgery, reducing postoperative opioid consumption. Recently, there has been growing interest to insert TAP under laparoscopic vision (LTAP) by surgeon. LTAP has been used in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery, but studies on LTAP in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery are sparse and inconsistent. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of LTAP and local wound analgesia in laparoscopic surgery due to suspected or diagnosed superficial peritoneal endometriosis.MethodsThe LTAP-trial is a prospective randomized controlled double-blinded study comparing the efficacy and safety of LTAP with local wound analgesia in laparoscopic endometriosis surgery. Patients are randomized to receive LTAP with levobupivacaine and wound infiltration with placebo or wound infiltration with levobupivacaine and LTAP with placebo. The primary outcome is postoperative opioid consumption measured by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Secondly, subjective postoperative pain up to 24 h postoperatively will be measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Additional outcome measures are factors related to recovery and length of stay in the hospital as well as a 6-month follow-up survey regarding pain (NRS) and endometriosis-related wellbeing (endometriosis-related health profile, EHP-30) after surgery. A total of 46 patients will be randomized in a proportion of 1:1.DiscussionPatients with peritoneal endometriosis are often prone to severe postoperative pain that may prohibit their enhanced recovery after laparoscopy. Thus, there is a need for effective postoperative pain management with minimal side-effects. This study focusing on laparoscopically inserted transversus abdominis plane block may provide new insight in dealing with postoperative pain after laparoscopic endometriosis surgery as well as after other gynecologic surgery.Trial registrationThe LTAP-trial -protocol has been prospectively registered to ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04735770. Registered on February 2021.

Common Hepatic Artery Approach in Difficult Laparoscopic Distal Splenopancreatectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is the gold standard nowadays. The infiltration of splenic artery near to its origin as well as engagement of splenic vein near to its confluence with superior mesenteric vein could be a reason for technical difficulties. In such cases the most easily accessible major landmark is the common hepatic artery. Transection of the pancreatic neck and splenic vein is essential to reach the dorsal aspect of the splenic artery at the level of the celiac trunk. The aim of this study is to present our approach to retroperitoneal access of the splenic artery. Methods: We present two cases of laparoscopic distal splenopancreatectomy, one of them for cancer of the pancreatic body, and the other one with pseudocyst of the pancreatic body. Mean age of the two patients was 59.5. Results: Totally laparoscopic splenopancreatectomy with hepatoduodenal and celiac lymph node dissection was performed. Peripancreatic invasion near to the origin of the splenic artery was observed. Stepwise pancreatic transection at the neck, followed by transection of splenic vein were done in both cases. In the second one major venous bleeding occured and was managed by clipping and division of the splenic vein. The mean operative time was 240min with insignificant blood loss. The patients had uneventful hospital stay and were discharged on the 7.5th postoperative day. Conclusions: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy can be technically difficult and should be performed only by surgeons with sufficient experience in both open pancreatic surgery and advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy Combined With Spleen-Preserving Hilar Lymphadenectomy for Locally Advanced Proximal Gastric Cancer

The long-term survival of patients with laparoscopic total gastrectomy combined with spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymphadenectomy (LSTG) for advanced upper-third gastric cancer (AUTGC) and the association of splenic hilar lymph node (LN-10) metastasis with survival remain controversial. To evaluate the long-term outcomes of LSTG and the value index of LN-10 metastasis for patients with AUTGC. The Chinese Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study 4 (CLASS-04) was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial that involved 19 centers in China. A total of 251 eligible patients with clinical stage T2, T3, or T4a upper-third gastric cancer without distant metastases were enrolled from September 1, 2016, to October 31, 2017. The final follow-up was on December 31, 2020. All patients were enrolled to undergo LSTG. The main outcomes were the 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Multivariate analyses were used to explore the association of LN-10 metastasis with survival. Among the 251 patients, 246 (98.0%; mean [SD] age, 60.1 [9.4] years; 197 [80.1%] male) underwent LSTG and completed the study. The 3-year OS was 79.1% (95% CI, 74.0%-84.2%), and the 3-year DFS was 73.1% (95% CI, 67.4%-78.8%). In addition, the 3-year therapeutic value index of LN-10 dissection was 4.5, exceeding the indexes for the partial D2 LN group (including LNs 5, 6, 11d, and 12a). Nineteen patients (7.7%) with LN-10 metastasis had significantly worse survival than the nonmetastasis group, and multivariate analysis revealed that splenic LN-10 metastasis was an independent risk factor (OS: hazard ratio [HR], 2.38; 95% CI, 1.08-5.26; P = .03; DFS: HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.12-4.63; P = .02). Moreover, patients with LN-10 metastasis were more likely to have recurrence (42.1% vs 20.7%, P = .03), especially when multiple site metastasis was present (21.1% vs 4.4%, P = .01). However, patients with LN-10 metastasis who received adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly better OS and DFS than those without adjuvant chemotherapy and achieved the same oncologic effect as those without LN-10 metastasis. This results of this study suggest that LSTG for AUTGC has feasible long-term outcomes. In addition, patients with LN-10 metastasis may have worse survival and may be more prone to recurrence.

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Combined with Low Pneumoperitoneum Pressure for Nociceptive Recovery After Major Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PurposePatients undergoing major laparoscopic surgery often experience significant pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Deep neuromuscular block (NMB) improves surgical conditions and facilitates the application of low intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), which may be beneficial for these patients. This study is designed to determine the effects of deep NMB combined with low IAP, as compared to moderate NMB combined with standard IAP, on patients’ nociceptive recovery after major laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.Study Design and MethodsThis single-center randomized controlled trial will include 220 patients scheduled for major laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery (lasts for ≥ 90 minutes). Patients will be randomly assigned, with a 1:1 ratio, into a deep NMB + low IAP group (train of four = 0, post-tetanic count = 1–3, IAP = 8 mmHg) and a moderate NMB + standard IAP group (train of four = 1–3, IAP = 12 mmHg). If the surgical workspace is inadequate, the surgeons can request a step increase of 1 mmHg in IAP during 3-min intervals. The upper limit of IAP will be set at 15 mmHg. Postoperative recovery will be assessed using the postoperative quality recovery scale (PQRS). The primary outcome of this trial is the PQRS nociceptive recovery (including pain and PONV) at postoperative day (POD) 1. The secondary outcomes include recovery in other PQRS domains at POD 1, and recovery in all PQRS domains in a post-anesthesia care unit, at POD 3 in the surgical wards, at hospital discharge, and at postoperative 30 days. For the sample size estimation, 110 patients in each group (220 in total) would be needed to detect an absolute increase rate of 20% in the PQRS nociceptive domain in the deep NMB + low IAP group at POD 1.DiscussionThis study investigates the effects of deep NMB combined with low IAP on postoperative PQRS nociceptive recovery in patients undergoing major laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery. We expect that this deep NMB + low IAP strategy would improve postoperative pain and PONV following major laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.

Increasing rates of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery and decreasing rates of surgical site infections: an observational study in Japan from 2012\u20132017

BackgroundSurgical site infections (SSI) are the most common healthcare-associated infection, and gastrointestinal surgery is frequently followed by a high incidence of SSI. Epidemiological analysis of the temporal trends in SSI following gastrointestinal surgery has yet to be performed in Japan. Our purpose was to descriptively investigate these trends.MethodsExtracting national surveillance data from the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (JANIS) system, we analyzed the frequency of SSI events following gastrointestinal surgery, which consisted of seven surgical procedures, from 2012–2017. We calculated the standardized infection ratio to compute risk-adjusted SSI frequency, and used the trend test to detect time-dependent changes.ResultsThe frequency of SSI events, except for those associated with surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract, revealed a decreasing time-dependent trend. The use of laparoscopic surgery increased dramatically over time (p < 0.01 for the six applicable surgical sites), while the frequency of SSI events during laparoscopic surgery remained unchanged.ConclusionsThe increasing use of laparoscopic surgery was identified, and the observation coincided with the decreasing trend in SSI, especially in lower gastrointestinal tract surgery. If the relationship is causal, the overall SSI incidence among previously healthy individuals is expected to decrease, because the use of laparoscopic surgery has large growth potential in Japan.

Next era of the thirty-year Chinese laparoscopic surgery: past, present, and future

Laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery has experienced 30 years of development in China, and has now entered a high plateau stage at the technical level. Laparoscopic surgery, once an emerging technology, is gradually becoming a "traditional surgery". Meanwhile, laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery is gradually moving towards a new situation of multi-disciplinary and multi-technical integration. High-quality clinical studies are constantly being reported, and new tools and techniques are emerging. In the next era, the development of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery will focus more on international research, digital surgery, high-tech operating rooms, etc. An urging requirement is to understand and face the current intensified involution and other practical problems, and to create another glorious innovation for Chinese laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery in the next 30 years.