Standard Laparoscopic Procedures Research Articles

Endoscopic resection of extra-luminal gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors using a snare assisted external traction technique (with video)

ObjectiveThe primary purpose of the study was to explore the clinical efficacy of the novel snare assisted endoscopic resection of extraluminal growing gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (gastric GISTs) using external traction, and the secondary purpose was to compare the novel snare assisted endoscopic resection of extraluminal GISTs with the standard laparoscopic procedure. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent novel external traction assisted endoscopic resection or laparoscopic resection for their extraluminal gastric GIST ≤5 cm in diameter. ResultsA total of 111 patients (27 in the endoscopic group and 84 in the laparoscopic group) were included in this study. There was no significant difference in tumor diameter and complication rate between the two groups. The overall procedure time was slightly higher in the endoscopic group compared to the laparoscopic group (P = 0.034). However, postoperative hospitalization time (P < 0.001) and postoperative fasting time (P = 0.005) were shorter in the endoscopic group compared to the laparoscopic group. ConclusionSnare external traction-assisted endoscopic resection of extraluminal growing gastric GISTs is safe and effective, and it provides a new adjunctive method for endoscopic resection of GIST.

Comparison of two advanced bipolar tissue sealer/dividers for laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: articulating enseal G2 versus Ligasure Maryland device

BackgroundAdvanced bipolar tissue sealer/dividers provide the most reliable and efficient means of tissue dissection and blood vessel sealing in laparoscopic surgery and the techniques are continuously improved. In veterinary practice, cost-effectiveness is of major impact, leading to re-use of instruments designed and sold for single use. Two high-end devices were evaluated and compared in a highly standardized laparoscopic ovariectomy procedure in dogs: The new generation Ligasure Maryland Sealer/Divider (LMSD) with improved atraumatic curved jaw shape for delicate tissue handling and dissection and non-stick nanocoating, and the new-generation Articulating Enseal G2 (AENG2) with several proclaimed features improving surgical performance, including articulation of the forceps tip; improved tissue compression during sealing; unique offset electrode configuration; and specific nanoparticle coating minimizing thermal spread and tissue sticking. Twenty-one client-owned dogs admitted for elective laparoscopic ovariectomy were randomly assigned to one of two groups: ovariectomy using AENG2 on the left ovary and LMSD in the right ovary or vice-versa. Procedural video recordings were used to assess ovarian ligament fat score, smoke formation, occurrence of bleeding, and excision duration. Excised tissues were examined histopathologically and collateral thermal damage was scored in three anatomic zones: suspensory ligament, vascular pedicle, and uterine junction. Tissue sealers were used repeatedly following standardized cleaning protocol with instrument washing machine and ethylene oxide gas sterilization and the number of uses until device failure was recorded.ResultsExcision times were significantly increased for AENG2 (median 01:35 min) compared to LMSD (median 01:00 min). Minor hemorrhage from incomplete sealing occurred in 3 sites in 2 patients (2x AENG2, 1x LMSD) and was not significantly different between groups. Smoke production as scored on videos and thermal tissue damage scores on histopathology also did not differ between AENG2 and LMSD. Both vessel sealers could be re-used repeatedly.ConclusionAENG2 provides a good alternative to LMSD in laparoscopic ovariectomy, with only minor differences in measured variables. Subjectively, the articulating feature of AENG2 did not improve surgical performance in laparoscopic ovariectomy and the use of LMSD appeared more straight-forward for this specific procedure. However, differences in operating these devices may be subject to personal preference.

Phase I study of PTM-101 as neoadjuvant therapy for borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A trial in progress.

TPS775 Background: While there have been tremendous advances in cancer treatment, critical challenges remain including limited ability of drugs to successfully reach the tumor, short half-life, and low retention rate on site. Local control of non-metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major challenge. Up to 40% of patients present with locally advanced and borderline resectable anatomy, for whom enhanced local downsizing of disease could improve symptoms and increase overall survival (OS). Targeted therapies with reduced systemic toxicity are needed for the treatment of PDAC since current therapies have not provided meaningful advances. PTM-101 is a paclitaxel-impregnated absorbable product which is designed for direct, sustained release of the therapeutic agent at the tumor site. Preclinical animal studies demonstrate that PTM-101 results in enhanced drug levels in the tumor compared with comparable systemic paclitaxel dosing leading to tumor reduction, metastasis inhibition and survival benefit (Indolfi et al, 2016). Large animal (i.e. pigs) and human cadaver studies show that PTM-101 can successfully be deployed to the peritumoral pancreatic surface by a standard laparoscopic procedure. Further, large animal studies show no evidence of neutropenia, pancreatitis, severe fibrosis or scarring, or infection after placement of PTM-101. Methods: This Phase I trial will assess the addition of PTM-101 prior to mFOLFIRINOX in 6 subjects with newly diagnosed borderline resectable or locally advanced PDAC. The primary objective is to assess the safety, toxicity and feasibility of a single administration of PTM-101. It is hypothesized that PTM-101 will be readily implanted during diagnostic laparoscopy and will result in clinically meaningful delivery of paclitaxel directly towards the tumor area with good tolerance and minimal local systemic exposure of drug. Patients enrolled and treated on study will be monitored closely for local and systemic toxicities as well as preliminary signals of efficacy. Enrollment is in progress and 3 patients have been enrolled and completed prospective follow up at the time of abstract submission. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12621000881831 .

Real-world evidence with magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a scoping review

Summary Background The burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high, with up to 30% of the Western population reporting reflux-related symptoms with or without hiatal hernia. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a standardized laparoscopic procedure for patients who are dissatisfied with medical therapy and for those with early-stage disease who would not usually be considered ideal candidates for fundoplication. The MSA device is manufactured in different sizes and is designed to augment the physiologic barrier to reflux by magnetic force. Methods An extensive scoping review was performed to provide a map of current evidence with respect to MSA, to identify gaps in knowledge, and to make recommendations for future research. All the authors contributed to the literature search in PubMed and Web of Science and contributed to summarizing the evidence. Results Magnetic sphincter augmentation, especially in combination with crural repair, is effective in reducing GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitor use, and esophageal acid exposure, and in improving patients’ quality of life. Safety issues such as device erosion or migration have been rare and not associated with mortality. The MSA device can be removed laparoscopically if necessary, thereby preserving the option of fundoplication or other therapies in the future. Contraindication to scanning in high-power Tesla magnetic resonance systems remains a potential limitation of the MSA procedure. High-resolution manometry and functional lumen imaging probes appear to be promising tools to predict procedural outcomes by improving reflux control and reducing the incidence of dysphagia. Conclusion A consensus on acquisition and interpretation of high-resolution manometry and impedance planimetry data is needed to gain better understanding of physiology, to improve patient selection, and to pave the way for a personalized surgical approach in antireflux surgery.

Irrigation with Bupivacaine at the Surgical Bed for Postoperative Shoulder Tip and Abdominal Pain Relief after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Gallstones in western countries are primarily composed of cholesterol. However, mixed or pigment stones, which contain a higher proportion of bilirubin, are more frequently seen in developing nations and Asia than in western countries. Abdominal and shoulder tip pains (STPs) are common complaints following the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. To date, all pain management modalities have proven variable outcomes. This prospective randomized study included 82 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The control group received 20 mL of normal saline, whereas the study group received a 20-mL instillation of 0.5% bupivacaine at the gallbladder bed after surgical resection. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to analyze abdominal pain and STP. The mean age ranged from 20 to 80 years. Abdominal VAS at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 hours were statistically insignificant. The majority were discharged on postoperative day 1 (32 studies, 37 control). Follow-up VAS after 1 week for STP VAS and abdominal pain VAS in both groups were statistically insignificant. Even with small numbers of a well-conducted randomized trial, we demonstrated that bupivacaine irrigation at the gallbladder bedpost laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not affect pain relief.

Medico-economic impact of onco-urological robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery in a high-volume centre.

We lack data regarding the economic cost of robot-assisted surgical procedures in urology. We aimed to assess the medico-economic impact of onco-urological robot-assisted surgery. All patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in 2019 were included. Cost assessment included the costs of surgery, hospital stay, and complications. Global cost was calculated and compared with open and laparoscopic procedures. Overall, 126 (48%) RAPN and 135 (52%) RARP were included. Total cost per patient was 6857€ for RARP and 6034€ for RAPN. Costs of surgery, hospital stay, and complications represented 76.2%, 21.5%, and 2.3%, respectively, of the total cost per patient for RAPN, and 74.1%, 25.9%, and 0% for RARP. Compared to the open approach, RAPN was 6% cheaper and RARP was 10% more expensive per patient. Standard laparoscopic procedures were cheaper. Robotic procedures were associated with increased costs of surgical procedures, but with reduction in morbidity and hospital stay costs.

Quantifying and Statistically Modeling Residual Pneumoperitoneum after Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: A Prospective, Single-Center, Observational Study.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery (LS) requires CO2 insufflation to establish the operative field. Patients with worsening pain post-operatively often undergo computed tomography (CT). CT is highly sensitive in detecting free air—the hallmark sign of a bowel injury. Yet, the clinical significance of free air is often confounded by residual CO2 and is not usually due to a visceral injury. The aim of this study was to attempt to quantify the residual pneumoperitoneum (RPP) after a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients who underwent RALP between August 2018 and January 2020. CT scans were performed on postoperative days (POD) 3, 5, and 7. To investigate potential factors influencing the quantity of RPP, correlation plots were made against common variables. Results: In total, 31 patients with a mean age of 66 years (median 67, IQR 62–70.5) and mean BMI 26.59 (median 25.99, IQR: 24.06–29.24) underwent RALP during the study period. All patients had a relatively unremarkable post-operative course (30/31 with Clavien–Dindo class 0; 1/31 with class 2). After 3, 5, and 7 days, 3.2%, 6.4%, and 32.3% were completely without RPP, respectively. The mean RPP at 3 days was 37.6 mL (median 9.58 mL, max 247 mL, IQR 3.92–31.82 mL), whereas the mean RPP at 5 days was 19.85 mL (median 1.36 mL, max 220.77 mL, IQR 0.19–5.61 mL), and 7 days was 10.08 mL (median 0.09 mL, max 112.42 mL, IQR 0–1.5 mL). There was a significant correlation between RPP and obesity (p = 0.04665), in which higher BMIs resulted in lower initial insufflation volumes and lower RPP. Conclusions: This is the first study to systematically assess RPP after a standardized laparoscopic procedure using CT. Larger patients tend to have smaller residuals. Our data may help surgeons interpreting post-operative CTs in similar patient populations.

ЛАПАРОСКОПИЧЕСКАЯ ФУНДОПЛИКАЦИЯ НИССЕНА У НЕДОНОШЕННЫХ ДЕТЕЙ, НАХОДЯЩИХСЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПАЛАТЫ ИНТЕНСИВНОЙ ТЕРАПИИ

The present study focuses on registration of early postoperative changes based on a comparison of the clinical parameters of respiratory and nutritional support after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in premature infants in an intensive care unit. Materials and methods of research: a retrospective continuous single-center study was carried out. In the course of the study, the medical records of all infants with a body weight of less than 2500 g and gestational age less than 37 weeks, who underwent laparoscopic antireflux procedures, were studied for the period from January 2012 to December 2019. 25 patients met this criteria, 12 (48%) of which were female and 13 (52%) were male. Standard laparoscopic procedure was Nissen fundoplication. At the final stage of the study, perioperative data and complications that occurred in the early and longterm follow-up period were studied. Results: the average weight of patients was 1560.0±450.4 g (median 1600.0 [1200.0; 1950.0] g). Infants with gastroesophageal reflux were on various modes of respiratory therapy: 50% – mechanical ventilation (MV), 50% – oxygen therapy. The average duration of operation was 35.4±8.2 min (median 35.0 [30.0; 40.0] min). The average daily weight gain before and after surgery, measured during the first 28 days after surgery, was 15.3±2.1 g/day, respectively (median 15.0 [14.0; 16.0] g/day) and 24.9±1.8 g/day (median 25.0 [24.0; 26.0] g/day) (p&lt;0.001). The assessment of the severity of lung disease based on the determination of the concentration of O2 in the inhaled mixture (FiO2) before surgery and 7 days after it, a statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) decrease in the child's body oxygen demand for adequate gas exchange from 34.4±3,9% (median 35.0 [30.0; 37.5]%) to 23.1±3.4% (median 21.0 [21.0; 25.0]%). The need for invasive MV significantly decreased from 68 [47; 85]% up to 20 [7; 41]% (p&lt;0.001), in noninvasive MV – from 32 [15; 54]% up to 20 [7; 41]%, but this decrease was statistically insignificant (p=0.084). The ability to breathe spontaneously appeared in 60% of patients (0 [0; 14]% versus 60 [39; 79]%; p=0.002). Postoperative complications included recurrent reflux was in one patient (4 [0; 20]%), which required repeated fundoplication in the long-term follow-up period. Conclusions: thus, laparoscopic antireflux surgery is possible in premature infants. These surgical procedures are well tolerated by infants and can improve their quality of life.

Analyzing and Discussing Human Factors Affecting Surgical Patient Safety Using Innovative Technology: Creating a Safer Operating Culture.

Surgical errors often occur because of human factor-related issues. A medical data recorder (MDR) may be used to analyze human factors in the operating room. The aims of this study were to assess intraoperative safety threats and resilience support events by using an MDR and to identify frequently discussed safety and quality improvement issues during structured postoperative multidisciplinary debriefings using the MDR outcome report. In a cross-sectional study, 35 standard laparoscopic procedures were performed and recorded using the MDR. Outcome data were analyzed using the automated Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model. The video-assisted MDR outcome report reflects on safety threat and resilience support events (categories: person, tasks, tools and technology, psychical and external environment, and organization). Surgeries were debriefed by the entire team using this report. Qualitative data analysis was used to evaluate the debriefings. A mean (SD) of 52.5 (15.0) relevant events were identified per surgery. Both resilience support and safety threat events were most often related to the interaction between persons (272 of 360 versus 279 of 400). During the debriefings, communication failures (also category person) were the main topic of discussion. Patient safety threats identified by the MDR and discussed by the operating room team were most frequently related to communication, teamwork, and situational awareness. To create an even safer operating culture, educational and quality improvement initiatives should aim at training the entire operating team, as it contributes to a shared mental model of relevant safety issues.

P053 COMPARISON OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES BETWEEN INTRAPERITONEAL ONLAY MESH REPAIR (IPOM PLUS) AND ENHANCED-VIEW TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL REPAIR (ETEP) FOR VENTRAL HERNIAS

Abstract Aim We have been performing intraperitoneal on lay mesh repair (IPOM plus) as the standard laparoscopic procedure for ventral hernia in our department. We introduced enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) for ventral hernia repair in 2018, and have performed 31 cases so far. We compared the outcomes of IPOM Plus and eTEP at our institution. Material and Methods Ventral hernia cases who underwent surgery at our department between 2018 and 2020 were included in the study. The postoperative outcomes and complications of the IPOM Plus and eTEP groups were evaluated retrospectively. Results There were 12 cases of IPOM plus, and all were incisional hernias. There were 31 cases of eTEP, including 7 cases of primary hernias and 24 cases of incisional hernias. Transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) was added in 24 cases. The mean hernia size was 6.6 x 7.9 cm with IPOM Plus and 8.0 x 10.1 cm with eTEP, and the average meshes size was 15.5 x 22.0 cm and 20.3 x 23.6 cm, respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.8 days and 5 days. Postoperative complications included 1 case of mesh bulging and 1 case of recurrence in the IPOM Plus group, 1 case of seroma and 1 case of intestinal obstruction in the eTEP. Conclusions The surgical outcomes for ventral hernias up to 8 cm wide were similar for IPOM Plus and eTEP. The eTEP can insert a larger mesh and may be useful for wider hernias (&amp;gt;8cm).

The role of magnetic sphincter augmentation in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) has been designed as a less disruptive and more standardized laparoscopic surgical procedure than fundoplication for patients with early stage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We analyzed the more recent literature in search of updates regarding indications, technique, perioperative management, and long-term outcomes. Over the years, the procedure of MSA has evolved to including full hiatus repair rather than relying on the preservation of the phreno-esophageal ligament. Restoring the mechanical synergy between the lower esophageal sphincter and the crural diaphragm has the potential to further enhance the antireflux barrier. The adoption of this approach has led to expand the indications from early stage disease to different scenarios including patients with high esophageal acid exposure, atypical symptoms, large hiatal hernias, Barrett's esophagus, postbariatric surgery, and previously failed fundoplication. MSA has a favorable side-effect profile and is highly effective in reducing typical reflux symptoms, medication dependency, and esophageal acid exposure. Excellent outcomes have been confirmed over a 12-year follow-up, indicating that the operation has the potential to prevent GERD progression. Further studies are needed to confirm the cost-effectiveness of this procedure in patients with more advanced disease-stage and prior gastric surgery. A randomized control trial comparing MSA with fundoplication could raise the level of evidence and the strength of recommendation.

Comparison of intraocular pressure during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) versus transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair are standard laparoscopic procedures for inguinal hernia repair. Some evidence has shown that pneumoperitoneum can cause an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) during surgery. This study aimed to compare intraoperative IOP following extraperitoneal CO2 insufflation with the TEP approach and intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation with the TAPP approach. This study is a prospective cohort study. Patients who had inguinal hernias suitable for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair were assigned to undergo the TEP or TAPP approach. We measured preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative IOP. The IOP of the TEP and TAPP groups was evaluated using a t test. The relations between peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) were estimated using ANOVA. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with IOP. There were 50 patients in this study (TEP group n = 25, TAPP group n = 25). The change in intraoperative IOP from the preoperative measurement to the measurement after CO2 insufflation was not statistically significant in either the TEP or TAPP group (p value = 0.357). There was no significant difference in intraoperative IOP change between the TEP and TAPP groups. Intraoperative MAP and PIP were related to IOP, but intraoperative EtCO2 was not. There was no significant intraoperative IOP change during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Both the TEP and TAPP techniques can be performed safely without increasing intraoperative IOP.

Laparoscopic Colectomy for Splenic Flexure Cancer Approached from Four Directions.

Background: Standardized protocols for laparoscopic surgery of splenic flexure cancer (SFC) have not been established yet. We described a standardized laparoscopic procedure for SFCs and examined its safety and feasibility. Methods: Laparoscopic colectomy for SFC was performed as follows. The sigmoid colon was mobilized to the descending mesocolon through the medial approach. After confirming the base of the inferior mesenteric artery, the left colic artery was dissected and resected at the base. Further dissection was carried out between the mesentery of the colon and the renal fascia until it exceeded the upper pole of the left kidney and the splenic flexure. The next dissection reached the white line at the lateral side and the sigmoid-descending colon junction. After making an incision at the greater omentum and gastrocolic ligament from the center of the transverse colon to the splenic flexure, the transverse mesocolon base was dissected from the inside splenic flexure for complete mobilization. This was performed by approaching from four directions toward the splenic flexure. Intestinal resection and anastomosis are performed. Results: This procedure was performed in 70 patients with splenic flexure colon cancer (mean age 70 years). The mean operative time was 190 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 2.0 mL. No notable perioperative or postoperative complications were noted. Conclusions: Safe mobilization of the splenic flexure can be achieved by approaching from four directions, and standardization of left colectomy can facilitate complete mesenteric excision.

Advantages and faults of laparoscopic operations in treatment of ventral hernias

Objective. To conduct a comparison analysis of modern open, classic laparoscopic and separation laparoscopic hernioplastic procedures in treatment of ventral and postoperative ventral hernias.&#x0D; Materials and methods. During 2009 - 2019 yrs on the base of Odessa Regional Clinical Hospital 193 patients, suffering ventral and postoperative ventral hernias were operated. Depending on the hernioplasty method applied all the patients were divided on two groups. In the first one 100 patients were exposed to laparoscopic hernioplasty, including 91 patients - the standard laparoscopic operations. In the second group in 93 patients open hernioplasty was performed.&#x0D; Results. In the first group while using a standard laparoscopic procedures of hernioplasty the average duration of operation have constituted (114.0 ± 7.4) min, recurrence was revealed in 7 patients with large hernias (W3). In the second group the operation duration have constituted (130.0 ± 6.1) min, and recurrence was revealed in 8 patients.&#x0D; Conclusion. The operation method choice ought to be individually adjusted, taking into account the patient general status and age, presence of concurrent pathology, as well as the hernia defect dimensions and localization, in particular.

The effect of new cross linked hyaluronan gel on quality of life of patients after deep infiltrating endometriosis surgery: a randomized controlled pilot study

In this prospective randomised placebo-controlled study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of New Cross linked Hyaluronan Gel (NCH gel) on the quality of life of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery due to Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE). The intervention group received 40 mL of NCH gel, and the control group had a 40 mL sterile saline solution instilled into the peritoneal cavity following standard laparoscopic procedures. The patients were called in the third and sixth postoperative months and requested to fill the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-5), and Short Form for Mental and Physical Health (SF-12) questionnaires. There was a significant reduction in dysmenorrhoea, dyschezia, dyspareunia VAS scores at 3rd, and 6th-month visits in NCH gel group. The postoperative 6th-month EHP-5 scores were significantly lower (1.16 ± 1.51, p-value: .02) in NCH gel group. Besides, NCH gel group had higher SF-12 mental and SF-12 physical scores. Clinical Trials registration number: NCT04023383 IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Application of solid or liquid physical barriers is believed to be a promising strategy to reduce adhesions after laparoscopic endometriosis surgery. However, comparable data regarding the effects of adhesion barriers are still lacking. What the results of this study add? We revealed that there was a significantly higher decrease in VAS and EHP-5 scores and an increase in SF-12 physical-mental ratings after surgery in NCH gel group. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Using NHC gel in addition to standard surgical procedure improves postoperative VAS scores, and provides better quality of life scores.

A Robotic Camera Holder Controlled by Head Movements: Exploring This New Robot-Surgeon Interface.

Background. Most robotic camera steering devices (RCSDs) require active steering by the surgeon and necessarily increase workload. Clinical experience shows that standard laparoscopic procedures can be performed safely as solo surgery aided by RCSDs. No evidence exists concerning exploratory or emergency procedures. We compared the performance during unexpected laparoscopic tasks on surgical simulators aided either by an RCSD controllable by head movements of the surgeon or by a human camera assistant. Methods. Forty-five medical students without previous experience with minimal invasive surgery were randomized in 2 groups, and they performed standard and unexpected laparoscopic tasks requiring complex camera movements on box trainers either using an RCSD or assisted by a human camera assistant. Efficiency and performance parameters were recorded. Results. Performance in simulated standard procedures was equivalent. In simulated exploratory procedures, we saw significantly better performance scores in the conventional group versus the RCSD group. The strongest factor for these differences was the longer camera-adjusting time in the RCSD group versus the conventional group (PEG task = 208 ± 51 seconds vs 170 ± 36 seconds, P = .005; suture task = 563 ± 126 seconds vs 454 ± 201 seconds, P = .041). Conclusion. These results, obtained on surgical simulators, indicate that the solo approach to standard surgical tasks, facilitated by an RCSD controllable by head movements, can most likely be viewed as safe. Exploratory procedures with a relevant chance for complications or procedures that require rapid, often, or complex camera movements should rather be performed with a human camera assistant.

Effect of postoperative Trendelenburg position on shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic procedures: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundLaparoscopic surgery has become a standard of care for many gynecological surgeries due to its lower morbidity, pain and cost compared to open techniques. Unfortunately, the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) to insufflate the abdomen is the main contributor to post-operative shoulder pain.MethodsWe aim to assess the effect of postoperative Trendelenburg position on shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic procedures. We hypothesize that maintaining the patient in Trendelenburg for 24 h postoperatively will significantly decrease postoperative shoulder pain and analgesic consumption. After obtaining written informed consent, 108 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. In the control group, patients underwent standard gynecologic laparoscopic procedures; then after passive deflation of the pneumoperitoneum at the end of the surgery, the patients were placed in supine head up position in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and received our institution’s common postoperative care. Patients in the intervention group were subjected to the same maneuver but were positioned in a Trendelenburg position (20 °) once fully awake and cooperative in the PACU and retained this position for the first 24 h. Numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess shoulder pain and nausea upon patient arrival to the PACU, at 4, 6, 12 (primary outcome) and 24 h postoperatively. Time to first rescue pain medication, total rescue pain medications and overall satisfaction with pain control were recorded. 101 patients were included in the final data analysis.ResultsBoth groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. NRS pain scores were significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 h compared to the control group (0 [0–1] versus 5 [1–4], p < 0.001), furthermore improvement in postoperative shoulder pain between time of arrival to PACU (time zero) and 12 h postoperatively was significantly higher in patients allocated to the experimental group compared to the control group. Pain scores were significantly lower in patients allocated to the experimental group versus the control group (0 [0–1] versus 5 [1–4], p < 0.001).ConclusionIn conclusion, Trendelenburg position is an easy non-pharmacologic intervention that is beneficial in reducing postoperative shoulder pain following gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT04129385, date of registration: June 28, 2019

Minilaparoscopic lumbar sympathectomy with 3 mm instruments for plantar hyperhidrosis.

Severe palmoplantar hyperhidrosis affects about 1.5-2.8% of the general population. Plantar hyperhidrosis (PHH) is related to foot odor, cold feet, skin lesions and infections, and even instability when walking. Endoscopic Lumbar Sympathectomy (ELS) is the treatment of choice for this condition. However, few surgeons have used this technique over the past 20 years because of its technical difficulty. Two and 3 mm instruments, rather than the standard 5 mm instruments, have been used to improve the results of several standard laparoscopic procedures. Use of these minilaparoscopic instruments to perform ELS so far has not yet been published. We describe a technique for ELS using minilaparocopic instruments, which we have used for our last 70 cases and has become our standard technique. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique and its advantages compared to the conventional technique.

Laparoscopic surgery for colovesical fistula associated with sigmoid colon diverticulitis: a review of 39 cases.

Objectives: Colonic diverticular disease is widespread in Western countries and its associated with aging. In Japan, diverticulitis and colovesical fistula are also occurring more frequently. Colonic resection for diverticula-related fistulas is frequently technically demanding because of associated acute or chronic inflammation. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a standardized laparoscopic procedure. Methods: Data from 39 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery for colovesical fistula between October 2006 and August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The patients' median age was 60 years and comprised 35 men and four women. Sigmoidectomy was performed in 33 patients, Hartmann's procedure in four, and anterior resection in two. The median operative time was 203 minutes and estimated blood loss 15 mL. There were no intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery. No patients required bladder repair; three had minor postoperative complications, and none had recurrent diverticulitis or fistula at a mean follow-up of 5.1 years. Conclusions: The magnified vision and minimal invasiveness make a laparoscopic approach the ideal means of managing colovesical fistula. To our knowledge, this is the largest study of colovesical fistula managed by a standardized laparoscopic procedure.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Colovesical Fistula Due to Sigmoid Colon Diverticulitis

Introduction: Colonic diverticular disease is widespread in Western countries and its incidence increases with aging. Colonic resection for diverticula-related fistulas is frequently technically demanding because of the associated acute or chronic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our standardized laparoscopic procedure. Methods: A retrospective analysis was reviewed of 44 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colovesical fistula during the period October 2006 to June 2018. Results: The median age was 61 years (range 32-84 years) and the patients comprised 40 men and 4 women. The most common presenting first symptom was pneumaturia (49%), followed by urinary tract infection (44%), and diverticulitis (21%). Twelve (31%) patients had history of previous abdominal surgery. Surgical procedures were sigmoidectomy: thirty-eight, Hartmann’s operation: four, low anterior resection: two, respectively. The median operating time was 201 min (range 91-587 min) and the estimated blood loss was 65.5mL (range 0-569 mL). There were no intraoperative complications and conversion to open surgery. No bladder wall repairs were required. Six patients had minor postoperative complications comprising a postoperative abscess and three cases of superficial wound infection and three cases of anastomotic bleeding. The median length of postoperative stay was 11days. No patients had recurrence of diverticulitis or fistula at median follow-up of 5.5 years. Conclusion: We demonstrated that laparoscopic surgery for colovesical fistula can be safely performed. The magnified vision and minimal invasiveness make a laparoscopic approach the ideal means of managing colovesical fistula. To our knowledge, this is the largest study of colovesical fistula managed by a standardized laparoscopic procedure.157_A Figure 1. Demographics of patients157_B Figure 2. The fistula was encircled with cotton tape157_C Figure 3. Divide the sigmoid colon and bladder