Single-site Cholecystectomy Research Articles

Cystic Duct Leaks After Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cholecystectomy

Leakage from the clipped cystic duct stump (cystic duct stump leak [CDSL]) as a cause of biliary peritonitis has not been emphasized enough. It deserves special mention because it is not an uncommon cause and it is easier to treat. With the advent of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) cholecystectomy, its occurrence in relation to other causes of biliary peritonitis needs reexamination. Details of 756 patients undergoing LESS cholecystectomy were analyzed, and patients presenting with biliary peritonitis were identified. The investigative profile included an ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to identify the site of leak. The management in addition to stenting included abdominal tube drainage. There were 5 (0.66%) patients, all female, with biliary peritonitis, and 4 of them (0.53%) had cystic stump leakage as identified by ERCP. The usual time of presentation was in the first week after surgery, with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. Common bile duct stenting was carried out, after choledocholithotomy where required, at the same ERCP session. Tube abdominal drain was required in 2 patients, and 1 patient had to undergo exploratory laparotomy for an associated acute intestinal obstruction. All the patients recovered completely. The stent was removed between 4 and 6 weeks after ERCP. Effective CDSL management requires early recognition and management. ERCP is the cornerstone for correct identification, and common bile duct stenting was curative in all patients.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Versus Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery in Patients with Cholecystectomy: A Meta-analysis

To evaluate the primary outcomes of traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TLC) compared with laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy (LESSC). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TLC with LESSC were included by a systematic literature research. The inclusion and extraction of the data were completed by two authors independently. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.1.4 software. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by odds ratio (OR) and standard mean difference (SMD) according to the different types of data. Sensitivity and heterogeneity analyses were used to account for rationality of pooling data and sources of heterogeneity. Seven RCTs involving 611 patients met the predefined inclusion criteria. The cosmetic score of the LESSC group was significantly higher at 1 week (SMD = 0.48; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.24, 0.73; P = .0001), 2 weeks (SMD = 0.87; 95% CI 0.61, 1.13; P < .00001), and 1 month (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI 0.62, 1.44; P<.00001) postoperatively. However, LESSC showed a lesser physical quality of life (PQOL) score at 3 days (SMD = -0.28; 95% CI -0.52, -0.44; P = .02), 1 week (SMD = -0.31; 95% CI -0.55, 0.06; P = .01), and 2 weeks (SMD = -0.30; 95% CI -0.55, -0.05; P = .02) postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in operating time, perioperative complication, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, Visual Analog Scale pain score, and PQOL on 1 day, 5 days, and 1 month postoperatively. LESSC is associated with a higher cosmetic score and a lesser short-term PQOL score compared with TLC.

Intra‐operative fluorescent cholangiography using indocyanin green during robotic single site cholecystectomy

Very recently, robotic single site cholecystectomy (RSSC) has been reported feasible and safe for selected cases. While an intra-operative cholangiography can be performed, data is scarce with respect to its use. Indocyanin green (ICG) has been shown to be a viable option to visualize biliary anatomy. Since the introduction of a new near infrared camera integrated to the da Vinci Si System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA), the surgeon is able to assess the biliary anatomy by a non-invasive and non-ionizing method. This paper presents the first report of ICG imaging during a RSSC. Twelve consecutive patients presenting symptomatic cholelithiasis were prospectively enrolled. They underwent RSSC approximately 45 minutes after intravenous administration of ICG (2.5 mg). The biliary anatomy was analyzed using a near infrared camera integrated to the robot before and after the robotic dissection. Eight women and four men underwent the procedure. There was a port addition in one case and no peri-operative complications. Mean operative time was 85 minutes (range: 57-125). The cystic, common bile and common hepatic ducts were recognized by fluorescence imaging before the dissection in 91.7%, 50%, and 33.3% of patients, respectively. At least one structure was visualized in 100% of patients. After the completion of Calot's triangle dissection, the cystic, common bile, and common hepatic ducts were recognized in 100%, 83.3%, and 66.7% of cases respectively. RSSC using ICG for biliary tree fluorescence imaging can be performed safely. Fluorescent cholangiography enabled real-time identification of the extra-hepatic biliary anatomy using a near infrared camera integrated to the robot. Its routine clinical use merits further investigations.

Laparoendoscopic single‐site cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery is a revolution in minimally invasive surgery in recent years, and cholecystectomy is the most common intervention. However, laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy (LESSC) is a controversial procedure. Its safety, cosmetic results, complications, post-operative pain and post-operative stay are not confirmed by multi-centre randomized controlled studies. This review examined the impact of LESSC versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). The primary outcomes were conversional rate and intraoperative and post-operative complications, and other outcomes were cosmetic results, operative time, post-operative pain and post-operative stay. Pubmed, EMbase, Web of Science, Ovid, clinical trials of the US National Institutes of Health and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Controlled Trials Register were searched to identify all possible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two reviewers completed article search, and eligible data were entered into a computerized spreadsheet for analysis. Nine studies were obtained using the search strategy. Patients accepting LESSC had a higher conversion rate than those having CLC (7.17 (3.00, 17.11) (P < 0.01)). There was no significant difference for total complications between the two groups (1.17 (0.76, 1.80) (P = 0.46)), but incidence of incisional hernia and haemorrhage (seroma) in the LESSC group was obviously higher than that in the CLC group. Operative time was much longer in the LESSC group (mean difference: 10.69 (3.14, 18.24) (P = 0.006)). Cosmetic results favoured LESSC; however, post-operative abdominal pain and post-operative stay were not significantly different between the two groups in most of the nine studies. LESSC can be safely performed with better cosmetic results; however, it carries a higher conversion rate and a longer operative time, and offers no benefit in terms of post-operative abdominal pain and post-operative stay. Further RCTs, according to the CONSORT statement, are advocated to validate its objective benefits.

Combined Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery: Initial Experience of a Single Center

This study reports the initial experience with combined laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) referring to cholecystectomy, appendectomy, oophorocystectomy and liver cyst and renal cyst fenestration and explore the feasibility and safety of combined LESS. From October 2008 to May 2011 selective 24 patients underwent combined LESS in our center. The single incision in umbilicus was about 2cm. All the operations were performed by the same surgical team and used conventional rigid instruments. In 24 patients, combined laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy and appendectomy were performed in 17 cases, combined cholecystectomy and liver cyst fenestration in 5 cases and combined cholecystectomy and oophorocystectomy in 2 cases. Twenty one patients were successfully operated and the other 3 were converted to conventional laparoscopic surgery because of separating Calot's triangle difficulty. The mean operating time was 87.3 minutes. One urinary retention (4.2%) and one fat liquefaction in abdominal incision (4.2%) occurred and were cured conservatively. There was no mortality in the study. Combined laparoendoscopic single-site surgery is safe, feasible, minimally invasive and cosmetic technique but is more difficult than conventional laparoscopic surgery. It is a reasonable alternative to be performed in selective patients by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

From 3-Port to New Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) Cholecystectomy

In recent years, laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has gained greater interest and diffusion for the treatment of gallstones. This critical review aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LESS cholecystectomy versus the 3-port technique (TPT) through a comparative analysis of 5 parameters: mean operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, conversion to open, conversion to the 4-trocar technique and postoperative hospital stay. The authors performed a systematic search of the medical literature through a search of PubMed and Ovid EMBASE. Inclusion criteria were as follows: publication date between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010; English or Italian language; human participants and series of 20 operations or more. There were 5 manuscripts meeting the inclusion criteria for TPT and 23 for LESS. Only one prospective randomized controlled trial comparing TPT and LESS was identified. Operative time is significantly longer in the single-incision group. Complications and conversion rates to the 4-port technique are higher in LESS. Postoperative hospital stay is similar in the 2 groups. Rate of conversion to open is higher in TPT. Despite the number of publications on LESS cholecystectomy, the vast majority of data available in the literature are from small case series without any comparative data. Although LESS cholecystectomy is a fashionable technique there are few data available for an evidence-based determination as to the real benefits of this technique. Well-designed comparative studies are suggested to validate the clinical benefits and ensure that there are no new complications or added costs associated with the new technique.

Single-site incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: a single-center initial experience

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard approach in most pediatric surgical centers. In an attempt to further minimize the surgical trauma and improve cosmetic outcome, new techniques with a single incision through the umbilicus have been proposed. There are still few reports concerning this technique in the pediatric population. We evaluated the feasibility of the single incision for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children. We performed the operation in 10 patients, with a mean age of 12 years, mean operating time of 122 minutes, and mean hospital stay of 2 days. No complications occurred, and no conversion to open surgery was needed. In 1 patient, an extra 5-mm port was necessary. The cosmetic results were very satisfactory. In our experience, despite its technical difficulty and initial learning curve, single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the pediatric population is a safe and feasible method.

α-Defensins and hsCRP levels in inflammatory response of standard and laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is an evolution of laparoscopic surgery aiming at decreasing the patient's parietal trauma associated with abdominal operations. LESS has been found so far to be efficient and have the same good results as the standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. α-Defensins are antimicrobial peptides of the organism. They are the first cell components against pathogens. Cytokines are also mediators in the response to trauma. The aim of this study was to compare the inflammatory reaction in LESS and four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Forty patients with noncomplicated cholelithiasis were randomly assigned into one of two groups. Group A included the patients who would undergo four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and group B included the patients who would undergo LESS cholecystectomy. These patients had a BMI < 30, were ASA I or II, and had no previous upper-GI surgery. Blood was taken preoperatively and 6 and 24 h postoperatively. hsCRP (with automated analyzer) and α-defensins (using ELISA) were calculated for each sample. The same postoperative protocol was followed for both groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the results. Pain was calculated with a visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder and abdomen at 6 and 24 h. Hospital stay, nausea, and pain medication needed was noted. The α-defensins value was statistically significantly higher in the 24-h samples (P < 0.001) for LESS cholecystectomy. No statistically significant difference was shown for hsCRP, even though P = 0.05 for the 24-h samples with the values of LESS higher. No LESS was converted to a classical laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and none of the patients of either group needed conversion to open cholecystectomy. Pain was statistically significantly less for the LESS group at the 24-h interval (P < 0.0001). Less medication was needed for LESS patients after the 6th postoperative hour (P = 0.007). Higher inflammatory reaction in LESS cholecystectomy could be the result of greater tension on the tissues. More studies are needed to conclude if this has a significant clinical expression.

Single-site umbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Until the mid-1980s, cholecystectomy was performed through a generous right upper abdominal incision. After the early reports from Europe and the United States on the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the minimally invasive revolution began. This revolution has continued to the current time, where surgeons are attempting to perform minimally invasive procedures with less or no visible scarring. Cholecystectomy is ideally suited for the single-site umbilical laparoscopic approach to obviate the need for epigastric and supraumbilical incisions. This article will describe the single-site umbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has been performed at Children's Mercy Hospital since 2009. Also, the literature concerning this approach in adults and in children will be discussed. Finally, a prospective randomized trial comparing the single-site cholecystectomy with the traditional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy will also be described.

Single-Port Robotic Cholecystectomy

To report our results from a first human use clinical study with the da Vinci Surgical single-site instrumentation in patients with gallbladder disease and to perform a retrospective comparison with traditional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Ten patients underwent robotic single-port cholecystectomy performed with the da Vinci Si robot and novel da Vinci single-site instrumentation. Outcomes and operative times were compared with patients undergoing traditional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the same period. Tertiary care Veterans Administration hospital. Outpatients older than 18 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 1 to 3, no prior upper abdominal surgery, and diagnosis of noninflammatory biliary disease. Single-site robotic cholecystectomy. Operative time, complications up to 30 days, pain scores, and overall satisfaction. Nine of 10 patients had completion of robotic single-site cholecystectomy. Average operating room time was 105.3 minutes compared with an average of 106.1 minutes in the standard laparoscopic group. There were no serious adverse events in the robotic surgery group, with an average follow-up of 3 or more months. Robotic single-port cholecystectomy is feasible and comparable with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the Veterans Administration medical center setting.

Laparo-endoscopic single site cholecystectomy versus standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of a pilot randomized trial

Background In recent years, new devices providing multiple channels have made the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy through a single access site not only feasible but much easier. The potential benefits of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) cholecystectomy may include scarless surgery, reduced postoperative pain, reduced postoperative length of stay, and improved postoperative quality of life. There are no comparative data between LESS cholecystectomy and standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) available at present with which to quantify these benefits. Methods This study was a prospective, randomized, dual-institutional pilot trial comparing LESS cholecystectomy with standard LC. The primary end point was postoperative quality of life, measured as length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, cosmetic results, and SF-36 questionnaire scores. Secondary end points included operative time, conversion to standard LC, difficulty of exposure, difficulty of dissection, and complication rate. Results No significant differences in postoperative lengths of stay were found in the two groups. Postoperative pain evaluation using a visual analogue scale showed significantly better outcomes in the standard LC arm on the same day of surgery ( P = .041). No differences in postoperative pain were found at the next visual analogue scale evaluation or in the postoperative administration of pain-relieving medications. Cosmetic satisfaction was significantly higher in the LESS group at 1-month follow-up (mean, 94.5 ± 9.4% vs 86 ± 22.3%; median, 100% vs 90%; P = .025). Among the 8 scales of the SF-36 assessing patients' physical and mental health, scores on the Role Emotional scale were significantly better in the LESS group (mean, 80.05 ± 29.42 vs 68.33 ± 25.31; median, 100 vs 66.67; P < .0001). Conclusions In this pilot trial, LESS cholecystectomy resulted in similar lengths of stay and improved cosmetic results and SF-36 Role Emotional scores but performed less well on pain immediately after surgery. A larger multicenter trial is needed to confirm and further investigate these results.

Laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled study

This study reports the initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) cholecystectomy and compares it with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) through a randomized controlled trial. Sixty selective patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis or polyp lesion of the gallbladder (PLG) were randomly divided into two groups undergoing either LESS cholecystectomy or LC separately. The clinical data about operations and recovery of the two groups were compared. In the LESS group 28 of 30 patients underwent LESS cholecystectomy successfully and the remaining two (6.7%) were converted to standard laparoscopic surgery. LC was successfully performed in all patients in the control group. Mean operative time of LESS cholecystectomy group and LC group was 55.6 ± 25.7 versus 42.7 ± 18.6 (p < 0.05). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.7 ± 1.3 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 days (p < 0.05). Mean pain index was 2.8 ± 0.6 versus 3.7 ± 1.1 (p < 0.05). A questionnaire revealed that the mean scores of satisfaction with the operation were 8.9 ± 0.7 versus 8.1 ± 1.5 (p < 0.05). LESS cholecystectomy is safe, feasible, minimally invasive, and cosmetic. It is a reasonable alternative to selective patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis and PLG. But larger controlled studies are still needed.

Gasless laparoendoscopic single-site surgery with abdominal wall lift in general surgery: initial experience

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) was motivated by the desire to make minimally invasive surgery even more "minimal." We performed gasless laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (GLESS) with abdominal wall lift (AWL) for cholecystectomy and fenestration of liver cyst. This study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of the techniques. From June to December 2009, 18 cases of gasless laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy (GLESC) and 4 cases of fenestration of liver cyst (GLESF) were performed in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, China. Subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting system, LAP protector, flexible laparoscopes, and bent and articulating instruments were used during the procedures. Clinical data regarding patient demographics, operating time, blood loss, complications, and postoperative hospital stay were collected and analyzed retrospectively in the study. 17 cases of GLESC and 4 cases of GLESF were performed successfully, and 1 case of GLESC was converted to laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy using AWL combined with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Mean body mass index was 23.7 ± 3.1 kg/m(2) for GLESC and 22.9 ± 1.5 kg/m(2) for GLESF. Mean operating time was 64 ± 17 min for GLESC and 101 ± 10 min for GLESF. Mean blood loss was 8 ± 3 ml for GLESC and 24 ± 11 ml for GLESF. Despite minor wound complication, no postoperative complications were observed during mean follow-up of 118 and 95 days for GLESC and GLESF, respectively. GLESS with AWL is safe and feasible for cholecystectomy and fenestration of liver cyst. The techniques provide satisfactory operative field exposure and an easier access method for LESS. Instrument collisions are greatly ameliorated both extra- and intracorporeally through use of flexible laparoscopes and bent and articulating instruments. This may prove to be a better approach for LESS techniques.

Laparoscoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy and occult gallbladder cancer

Dear Sir, We read with interest the article by Gibbs and Kaleya [1] on the accidental discovery of gallbladder cancer during single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We comment on this issue considering a case of occult T3 gallbladder carcinoma managed through laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) with regard to specific issues of these developing single-access surgeries [LESS and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES)]. Recently, a 66-year-old woman with a history of symptomatic gallbladder stones was treated with LESS cholecystectomy (Fig. 1). Gallbladder retraction was achieved without sling suture, and no bile spillage occurred. Pathologic examination showed a T3N1 gallbladder carcinoma, and the woman was offered a radical resection. At this writing, she has recovered well. This case and the article by Gibbs and Kaleya [1] urge us to consider some general principles established for cholecystectomy due to the risk of occult gallbladder cancer. History has shown us that surgical principles should be respected, especially for cholecystectomy in terms of biliary tract lesions and dramatic oncologic results for occult gallbladder carcinoma at the introduction of laparoscopy [2, 3]. Although the risk of gallbladder cancer accounts for only 0.2–2.9% of all cholecystectomies, [4] these principles should be strictly followed. The first surgical principle is to avoid bile spillage. Many groups have violated this principle by performing single-access cholecystectomy though placement of a sling suture (as we did during our preliminary experience [5]) or other transparietal device for exposition. This practice should now be avoided, which is made easier by the use of the newly developed multiport and instrumentation [3, 6, 7]. When exposition still remains a challenge, as could happen with patients who have a high body mass index (BMI), additional port placement should be strongly recommended and probably is safer. Is a 5-mm port scar worse than the risk of gallbladder carcinoma spillage? The second surgical principle dictates that the gallbladder specimen should be extracted from the abdominal

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) Combined Cholecystectomy and Hysterectomy

Study Objective: To present a video of a combined Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) cholecystectomy and hysterectomy Materials and Methods: A 37 year old G2P2 presented with combined complaints of a symptomatic fibroid uterus and symptomatic cholelithiasis. Evaluation demonstrated a 12 week size uterus which was globular in appearance consistent with adenomyosis and a non-mobile hyperechoic focus in the neck of the gallbladder consistent with cholelithiasis. The patient underwent a combined Laparoendoscopic Single-Site (LESS) cholecystectomy and hysterectomy procedure.

From single-port access to laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy

From single-port access to laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy

Advances in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Advances in Minimally Invasive Surgery