Standard Laparoscopic Procedures Research Articles

Suprapubic transvesical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for vesicovaginal fistula repair: a case report.

Some minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to decrease morbidity related to standard laparoscopic procedures. One such approach is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), which can also be applied for transvesical surgery. The aim of the study was to present our initial clinical experience of using this technique for transvesical vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair. In August 2011, we carried out the LESS repair of a 3-mm in diameter vesicovaginal fistula on a 72-year-old woman, who failed the conservative treatment with Foley placement. The procedure was performed transvesically (percutaneous intraluminal approach) with a single-port device (4-channel, TriPort+, Olympus Winter&IBE GMBH) via a 1.5-cm incision made 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. A standard 10-mm optic and straight laparoscopic instruments were used. The fistulous tract was dissected and partially excised. The bladder and vaginal wall defects were closed in two layers with running absorbable V-Loc (Covidien, Norwalk, CT, USA) suture. Ureteral catheters were left for 5 days and the Foley catheter for 14 days. The operative time was 170 min. The blood loss was minimal. No complications were observed. The postoperative period was uneventful. During a 6-month follow-up the patient reported no involuntary discharge of urine into the vagina. Diagnostic scans revealed no presence of VVF and laboratory examination results were all within the normal range. Although substantial development of the instruments and skills is needed, the transvesical LESS vesicovaginal fistula repair appeared to be feasible and safe. Nevertheless, further experience and observations are necessary.

V2159 SUPRAPUBIC TRANSVESICAL LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SINGLE-SITE SURGERY (LESS) FOR VESICOVAGINAL FISTULA REPAIR: INITIAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

You have accessJournal of UrologySingle Port Surgery1 Apr 2012V2159 SUPRAPUBIC TRANSVESICAL LAPAROENDOSCOPIC SINGLE-SITE SURGERY (LESS) FOR VESICOVAGINAL FISTULA REPAIR: INITIAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Marek Roslan, Marcin Markuszewski, Jakub Kedzior, and Kazimierz Krajka Marek RoslanMarek Roslan Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author , Marcin MarkuszewskiMarcin Markuszewski Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author , Jakub KedziorJakub Kedzior Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author , and Kazimierz KrajkaKazimierz Krajka Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.2331AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Some minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to decrease morbidity related to standard laparoscopic procedures. One such approach is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). We describe our initial clinical experience of using this technique for transvesical vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair. METHODS In August 2011, we carried out the LESS repair of a 5-mm in diameter vesicovaginal fistula on a 72-year old woman, who failed the conservative treatment with Foley placement. The procedure was performed transvesically (percutaneous intraluminal approach) with a single-port device (4-channel) via a 1.5-cm incision made 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. A standard 10-mm optic and straight laparoscopic instruments were used. The fistulous tract was dissected and partially excised. The bladder and vaginal walls' defects were closed in two layers with running absorbable V-Loc™ suture. Ureteral catheters were left for 5 days and Foley catheter for 14 days RESULTS The operation lasted 170 minutes. The blood loss was minimal. No complications were observed. The postoperative period was uneventful. During a two-month follow-up the patient reported no involuntary discharge of urine into the vagina. Diagnostic scans revealed no presence of VVF and laboratory examination results were all within normal range. CONCLUSIONS Although substantial development of the instruments and skills is needed, the transvesical LESS vesicvaginal fistula repair appeared to be feasible and safe. Nevertheless, further experience and observations are necessary. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e871 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Marek Roslan Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author Marcin Markuszewski Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author Jakub Kedzior Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author Kazimierz Krajka Gdañsk, Poland More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Classical Clinical Trial Design in Testicular Cancer: Time to Move On

Italian]. Minerva Ginecol 42:515-518, 1990 6. Jacoby VL, Autry A, Jacobson G, et al: Nationwide use of laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with abdominal and vaginal approaches. Obstet Gynecol 114:1041-1048, 2009 7. Seamon LG, Fowler JM, Richardson DL, et al: A detailed analysis of the learning curve: Robotic hysterectomy and pelvic-aortic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 114:162-167, 2009 8. Leitao MM Jr, Gardner GJ, Briscoe G, et al: Comparison of robotically assisted and standard laparoscopic procedures in patients with endometrial cancer. Presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists 42nd Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer 2011, Orlando, FL, March 6-9, 2011 (abstr 296) 9. Jonsdottir GM, Jorgensen S, Cohen SL, et al: Increasing minimally invasive hysterectomy: Effect on cost and complications. Obstet Gynecol 117:1142-1149, 2011 10. Wikipedia: IBM 5100. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_5100 11. Apple: iPad. http://www.apple.com/ipad/

Unilateral and Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in 157 Mares: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

To evaluate surgical techniques, perioperative complications and outcome of laparoscopic surgery for unilateral and bilateral ovariectomy in mares. Retrospective multicenter case series. Mares (n = 157). Indications for surgery were neutering, fertility problems, elimination of hormone-related abnormal behavior, ovarian tumors as well as nonregressive ovarian hematomas or cysts. Ovariectomy (n = 206) were performed by a standard laparoscopic procedure in 157 standing sedated mares. Dissection and hemostasis were achieved by using either (1) a linear stapling device, (2) bipolar electrosurgical instruments, with or without a modified Roeder knot, (3) a vessel-sealing system, or (4) a diode-laser with ligation. For some larger ovarian masses (>20 cm diameter), a 2-step surgical procedure was used with standing flank laparoscopic ovariectomy followed by ovarian retrieval through a median celiotomy. Surgical techniques, outcome, and perioperative complications of each method were recorded and analyzed. Laparoscopic dissection of the ovary was accomplished in all mares. Because of the size of the ovarian tumor (n = 7) or in 1 mare with behavioral problems (n = 1), the dissected ovary was removed through a median celiotomy under general anesthesia. Seventeen mares (10.8%) developed postoperative complications (eg, incisional drainage, incisional infection, seroma formation, dehiscence, transient fever and mild abdominal discomfort). All mares with flank incisional problems had ovarian size >12 cm and in 15 (88%) of these mares electrosurgical instruments were used for mesovarial dissection. Laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing sedated mares provides good surgical access and is associated with low morbidity.

Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy: technical aspects and short-term results

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is currently regarded as the next major advance in the progress of minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery. We describe our initial experience using SILS for the management of colorectal disease and present preliminary short-term results. Between February 2010 and April 2011, 7 patients (4 females and 3 males, mean age 55 years, range 32–74) underwent SILS for either benign or malignant colorectal disease. Preoperative diagnosis was diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon in two patients, malignant polyps of the sigmoid colon in two other patients and large villous tumor of the right colon in three patients. Surgical procedures, 4 anterior resections of the rectum and 3 right hemicolectomies, were performed through a 3 cm single umbilical incision using a SILS multi port device with conventional or articulated laparoscopic instruments. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions in the standard laparoscopic procedure. The mean operative time for anterior resections was 160.0 ± 10.6 min, whereas it was 160.6 ± 20 for right hemicolectomies. Blood loss was minimal. No postoperative complications were reported in any of the patients. The overall mean hospital stay was 4.8 ± 0.2 days (range 4–5). For the subset of patients with malignant or pre-malignant disease, the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 15.6 ± 4.4 (range 6–31). Cosmetic results were considered excellent by all the patients after 15 days. In conclusion, our preliminary experience shows that SILS for colorectal disease is feasible and safe with potential reproducible oncologic results.

Transumbilical laparo-endoscopic single site surgery for adrenal cortical adenoma inducing primary aldosteronism: initial experience

BackgroundWe have started using laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in urologic surgery, although its use has not gained momentum due to its level of difficulty. We here report our initial experience with transumbilical LESS for adrenal cortical adenoma by using a single port with a multichannel cannula (SILS port) and bent laparoscopic instrumentation.FindingsA multichannel port (SILS port), bent laparoscopic instrument (Roticulator Endo Mini-Shears) and Opti4 laparoscopic electrodes were used in all cases. The intraperitoneal space was approached through the umbilicus. The SILS port was placed through a 2 cm incision at the inner edge of the umbilicus. A 5 mm flexible laparoscope was introduced to keep the laparoscope outside, and surgical specimens were extracted using an Endocatch bag. In addition, as a case control study, we compared perioperative data of LESS adrenalectomy (LESS-A) with that of conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). We performed transumbilical LESS-A for adrenal cortical adenoma in 12 cases, beginning in December, 2009. All procedures were successfully completed, with only one incision through the umbilicus, and without conversion to a standard laparoscopic approach. Mean operative time for LESS-A was 121.2 ± 7.8 min, which was slightly longer than LA (110.2 ± 7.3 min). For right adrenal tumors, we used a miniport (2 mm port) in addition to a SILS port, and were able to successfully perform adrenalectomy "with no visible scaring". Tumor laterality and patient BMI did not affect surgical morbidity in these procedures. Moreover, there was no significant difference between LESS-A and LA in blood loss, analgesic requirement, hospital stay, and scar satisfaction.ConclusionsThe transumbilical approach in LESS for adrenalectomy is safe and feasible and also improves cosmetic outcome compared with standard laparoscopic procedures. Improvements in surgical devices may aid the further development of this approach.

Learning Curve of Laparoscopy-Assisted Gastrectomy Using a Standardized Surgical Technique and an Established Educational System

The learning curve of a trainee for laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy in a high volume center, in which an educational system and a standardized laparoscopic procedure are already established, remains unclear. The early surgical outcomes of the patients of two trainees were investigated. Both trainees followed a training program where they performed at least 20 cases being the camera assistant, 20 cases being the first assistant, before performing the surgery as an operator. The average operation time, intraoperative bleeding, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, and morbidity rate were 240.2 min, 45.7 ml, 35.4, and 13.0%, respectively. There was no learning curve effect observed except with the operation time of one trainee. In a high volume center with an established educational system, trainees could perform laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy safely, although there might be a -learning curve effect in operation time and the surgeries took longer operation time in trainee's initial cases.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with endometrial cancer undergoing robot-assisted or standard laparoscopic procedures

Sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with endometrial cancer undergoing robot-assisted or standard laparoscopic procedures

Comparison of robot-assisted and standard laparoscopic procedures in patients with endometrial cancer

Comparison of robot-assisted and standard laparoscopic procedures in patients with endometrial cancer

Postoperative pain medication requirements in patients undergoing robotically assisted and standard laparoscopic procedures for newly diagnosed endometrial cancer

Postoperative pain medication requirements in patients undergoing robotically assisted and standard laparoscopic procedures for newly diagnosed endometrial cancer

TULC – Total Umbilikale Laparoskopische Cholezystektomie

Except for some few cases only symptomatic cholecystolithiasis constitutes an indication for operative treatment. The gold standard meanwhile has been the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, because the method shows good results with short hospital stay. Recently there has been an intensive discussion about combination of laparoscopic techniques with natural body orifice using surgery (NOTES). These techniques permit further reduction of surgical trauma and enhancing of cosmetic results. However, the technical effort is significant and most of the times a combination (hybrid procedure) of NOTES with standard laparoscopic procedure is performed, so that we concentrated on performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a single incision through the umbilicus. A 5-mm incision left deep in the umbilicus and a 10-mm incision directly below were used for creating a pneumoperitoneum and for inserting the ports for the optic and the dissector. Exposition of the gallbladder was carried out by sutures, that were penetrated from outside through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity and transfixed through the gallbladder in order to hang up the gallbladder like a puppet by penetrating the abdominal wall again to the outside. Removal occurred through the umbilical incision. We successfully operated on 90 patients in a 12-month period. Mean operating time was 48 (39-71) min whereby no conversion to open surgery was necessary. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred in any patient. Average hospital stay was 2.5 (2-4) days, postoperative examination showed no differences to the usual laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a good cosmetic result and no visible scars. The purpose of our study was to further improve the cosmetic results of minimally invasive surgery of the gallbladder by operating totally through the umbilicus, using 2 ports deep in the umbilicus. We thereby avoid further surgical trauma due to creating an access through another organ as is done in the NOTES technique. For this operation no special equipment like flexible endoscopes was needed as common laparoscopic instruments were used.

Complications of Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Renal Surgery: Single-center Ten-year Experience

To review our perioperative complications during the first decade of using hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy using a sleeve (HALN). HALN is a minimally invasive procedure first reported by our group in 1997. After institutional review board approval, the charts of the patients who had undergone HALN, hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, or hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy from 1997 to 2007, at our institution, were retrospectively reviewed. Standard laparoscopic procedures were not included. The relevant patient characteristics, operative details, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, comorbidities, medications, and complications were recorded. A total of 227 consecutive patients had undergone Hand-assisted laparoscopic renal surgery, and all their charts were reviewed. Of these 227, 134 were radical HALN, 37 were nonradical HALN, 42 were hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and 15 were hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. Complications developed in 59 patients (26%): 8% major and 18% minor. The procedure-specific complication rate was 29% for radical HALN, 27% for nonradical HALN, 33% for hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and 17% for hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Complications included blood transfusion in 6%, urinary retention in 4%, ileus in 4%, and wound infection in 4%. From 2003 through 2007 (n = 163), our overall complication rate was 22% (8% major and 13% minor). From 1997 to 2002 (n = 65), the overall complication rate was 38% (P = .02). The American Society of Anesthesiologists score and the use of systemic steroids were associated with the occurrence of perioperative complications. Our results have shown that hand assistance provides a safe, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. Our complications rates were comparable to those with other standard and hand-assist series, although the spectrum of complications varied. Hand-assisted laparoscopic renal surgery could be a method by which to improve patient access to minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery.

Risk Factors for Conversion to Hand Assisted Laparoscopy or Open Surgery During Laparoscopic Renal Surgery

Risk factors for conversion to hand assisted laparoscopic or open surgery during laparoscopic renal surgery are incompletely defined. We reviewed our institutional database of 759 standard laparoscopic and 833 hand assisted laparoscopic radical, simple, donor and partial nephrectomies, pyeloplasties and nephroureterectomies from June 1996 to February 2009, representing a total of 1,592 cases. We identified the incidence of and indications for conversion to hand assisted laparoscopic and open surgery, and determined risk factors for conversion. Of all 1,592 procedures 20 (1.3%) required conversion to open surgery. Of 759 standard laparoscopic procedures 21 (2.8%) were converted to hand assisted laparoscopic surgery and 1.7% were converted to open surgery for an overall standard laparoscopy conversion rate of 4.6%. Only 0.7% of hand assisted laparoscopic procedures were converted to open surgery. The rate of conversion to open surgery ranged from 0.3% for laparoscopic partial to 2.5% for laparoscopic simple nephrectomy. The rate of conversion to hand assisted laparoscopic surgery ranged from 0% for laparoscopic pyeloplasty to 6.5% for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Conversion to open surgery was most likely due to hemorrhage (50% of cases) or failure to progress (40%) while conversion to hand assisted laparoscopic surgery was most likely due to failure to progress (76%) and tumor anatomy (19%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the only significant risk factor for conversion to open surgery was greater American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Conversion to hand assisted laparoscopic surgery was associated with greater body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and partial nephrectomy. Conversion during laparoscopic renal surgery to open or hand assisted laparoscopic surgery is a rare but important event in laparoscopic surgery. The risk is influenced by the nature of the procedure and overall patient health.

Initial experience of transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery of partial adrenalectomy in patient with aldosterone-producing adenoma

BackgroundLaparoscopic single-site surgery has recently emerged in the field of urology and this minimally-invasive surgery has resulted in a further reduction in morbidity compared with traditional laparoscopy. We present our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery of partial adrenalectomy (LESS-PA) to treat aldosterone-producing adenomas.Case presentationA 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with aldosterone-producing macroadenomas in the left adrenal and aldosterone-producing microadenomas in the right adrenal. A two-step operation was planned. The first step involved transumbilical LESS-PA for the left adrenal tumors. A multichannel port was inserted through the center of the umbilicus and the left adrenal gland was approached using bent instruments according to standard traditional laparoscopic procedures. The tumors were resected using an ultrasonic scalpel, and the resected site was coagulated using a vessel sealing instrument and then sealed with fibrin glue. Operative time was 123 minutes and blood loss was minimal. The patient was discharged from hospital within 72 hours. Her right adrenal microadenomas will be treated in the next several months.ConclusionsAlthough our experience is limited, LESS-PA appears to be safe and feasible for treating aldosterone-producing adenomas. More cases and comparisons with the multiport technique are needed before drawing any definite conclusions concerning the technique.

Laparoendoscopic single‐site pyeloplasty: a comparison with the standard laparoscopic technique

• To compare laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) and standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty procedures with the aim of defining whether perioperative, recovery or health-related quality of life (HRQL) benefits exist for the LESS procedure. • From November 2007 to August 2008, sixteen patients underwent LESS pyeloplasty at a tertiary care referral centre. These patients were compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing standard laparoscopic pyeloplasty. • Matching criteria included gender and age (within 10 years), as well as preoperative degree of obstruction (T(½) within 15 min) and differential renal function (within 10% ipsilaterally) based on diuretic radionuclide scanning. Mean follow-up was 13 ± 4 months for the LESS group and 17 ± 3 months for the standard laparoscopic group. • LESS pyeloplasty procedures were all performed using a single-port device in the umbilicus and suturing was assisted with a 2-mm grasping instrument. Perioperative variables, successful relief of obstruction and HRQL measurements were compared between the two groups. • Except for a lower body mass index in the LESS group (23 ± 6 kg/m² vs 30 ± 7 kg/m², P = 0.002), no difference was noted for perioperative variables between the two cohorts, including hospital stay and analgesic requirement. • No significant HRQL advantage was noted for either group based on a six-item non-validated questionnaire. • All patients in both groups experienced clinical resolution of their symptoms. A patient in the standard laparoscopy group and two patients in the LESS group had T(½) > 20 min (0.063% vs 0.125%, P= 1.00) on diuretic radionuclide scanning. • Limitations include the retrospective nature of the present study, as well as the relatively small study population and short follow-up. • No benefit was noted for LESS pyeloplasty over the standard laparoscopic procedure beyond aesthetic advantages. • Further comparisons are needed to determine whether these results are generalizable to other LESS procedures.

Technical feasibility of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for patients with low rectal cancer after concurrent radiation and chemotherapy with bevacizumab plus FOLFOX

This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for the treatment of low rectal cancer after concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) with bevacizumab and FOLFOX. Patients with clinical T3, T4, or N1-2 rectal cancer were subjected to a preoperative CCRT protocol with FOLFOX and bevacizumab (5 mg/kg) biweekly for 6 cycles followed by a standardized laparoscopic TME procedure, as detailed in the attached video. The treatment protocol was completed by 28 patients. Scrutiny of the video indicated that the dissection plane was a little blurred due to preoperative CCRT, but this did not significantly increase the technical difficulties. Laparoscopic TME was efficiently performed with acceptable operation time (214.4 ± 44.4 min). However, the median blood loss (420 ml; range, 120-1,200 ml) in this series was significantly greater than in the historic series without bevacizumab therapy. Bevacizumab seems not to increase the severity of FOLFOX-related liver steatosis and sinusoidal dilation. One operative mortality (3.6%) occurred. Six patients (21.4%) presented with postoperative complications including upper gastrointestinal bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, pelvic abscess, wound infection, enterocutaneous fistula, and perineal fistula. The patients presented with mild postoperative pain and had a quick convalescence. The addition of bevacizumab to FOLFOX achieved a superior pathologic response for 78.3% of the patients, whose residual tumor cells were very few (< 10% microscopic field). Based on the controllable surgical complications and minimal invasiveness in the current patient series, laparoscopic TME is shown to be technically feasible and can be recommended for patients with advanced lower rectal cancer requiring preoperative CCRT using bevacizumab as the additional therapeutic agent.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery: a promising approach to sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy has become the standard procedure in elective surgery for recurrent diverticular disease. To realize further benefits of this minimal invasive procedure and to offer less postoperative pain, shorter recovery time, reduced complications, and improved cosmetic results, attempts are being made to minimize the number of necessary skin incisions for trocar positioning. One method is to use only one port for laparoscopic access to perform diverticular-related elective sigmoidectomies. Between 7 July and 4 August 2009, 10 consecutive patients were referred for partial left colon resection due to multiple episodes of diverticulitis. In all cases, access to the abdomen was achieved through a 2- to 2.5-cm single incision via the umbilicus followed by insertion of the single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS™) port system. Outcomes such as change in the procedural method, operative time, postoperative complications, and length of stay were recorded. Of the 10 consecutive sigmoidectomies, 9 were performed successfully with the SILS™ procedure using only one incision in the umbilicus. No mortalities or major complications were noted. The median operating time was 120 min, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days. As an alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure, single-incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy via the umbilicus is technically feasible and effective. This attractive procedure aims to increase the patient's comfort further after abdominal surgery.

Single incision laparoscopic right colectomy

This study was designed to describe the surgical technique for single-incision laparoscopic right colectomy and present preliminary short-term results. Laparoscopic surgery has been fully validated as alternative, minimally invasive treatment for different benign and malignant conditions. In the attempt to reduce even more the surgical trauma, natural orifices transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES™) and single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) have been proposed. Although the lack of proper instrumentations makes NOTES™ not fully suitable for advanced procedures, SILS might play a significant role, although, to date, only limited series and few case reports of single-incision right colectomy are present in the literature. After signed, informed consent was obtained, patients with malignant tumors or large polyps of the right colon underwent single-incision colonic resection through a 3-cm incision using two different single-port devices and articulated or coaxial curved instruments. Preliminary results were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 36 patients were selected for SILS procedure. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to the standard laparoscopic procedure. One patient had a postoperative urinary tract infection and one prolonged ileum that did not required any surgical intervention. No complications were reported in all the remaining cases. The mean postoperative stay was 5 ± 1.2 days (range, 4-14), and mean lymph node retrieval and tumor-free margins was 24 ± 7 (range, 29-15) and 8 ± 3 (range, 6-12) cm, respectively. Our preliminary results show that single-incision laparoscopic right colectomies are feasible and safe from the oncological point of view; nevertheless larger, randomized experiences are needed to demonstrate the benefits of SILS compared with standard laparoscopic resections.

Right-Sided Upper Abdomen Single-Incision Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was recently implemented for performing gastric banding. However, concern exists regarding the safety of single-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (SILS-LAGB) compared to standard laparoscopy, and the operative technique is still evolving. We describe our preliminary experience of a new technique for SILS gastric banding based on a unique incision location, which allows a better view and improved dissection capability. During a period of 6 months, ten patients underwent SILS-LAGB in our institution. The operative technique consisted of a 4-cm skin incision placed in the right upper quadrant (RUQ), starting from the midline and extending to the right, located above the mid-distance between the xiphoid and umbilicus. Through that incision, three trocars (two 5-mm trocars and one 15 mm) are inserted. The liver retraction was achieved through the additional subxiphoid skin puncture wound using Nathanson retractor. Ten patients (eight females, two males) underwent SILS-LAGB. Mean age was 31.4 years (21-49) and mean BMI 40.9 kg/m(2) (39-44). In nine out of ten patients, the procedure was completed through the original skin incision. In one case, one additional trocar was inserted due to poor surgical field visualization. The operative time declined from 80 to 60 min along the learning curve. The mean hospital stay was 1.1 days (1-2). There was no mortality or morbidity. The location of the incision in the RUQ enabled a better view of the retrogastric tunnel and facilitated the dissection, and therefore should be of comparable safety to a standard laparoscopic procedure.

Transvaginal video-assisted cholecystectomy in clinical practice

Transvaginal video-assisted cholecystectomy with rigid instruments is a new procedure that combines natural orifice surgery (NOS) with classic laparoscopy. This hybrid technique requires conventional laparoscopy via an umbilical incision. To date it is unclear if this procedure is safe and feasible in routine practice. We report on a case series of 128 women who consented to transvaginal cholecystectomy. Data, including visual analog scores (VAS), were collected prospectively via a standard digital spreadsheet. Patients completed satisfaction questionnaires within 10 days after discharge from hospital. We report on outcomes, age, body mass index, operating time, complications, pain scores, and patient satisfaction. In 115 (89.8%) patients the procedure was performed as a transvaginal operation. In 11 women (8.6%), we converted to standard laparoscopy, and in 2 cases (1.6%), we converted to an open procedure. Mean age was 52.4 years (range = 23-78 years) and mean body mass index was 27.8 (range = 18.8-42). Mean operating time was 60.6 min (range = 22-110 min). Other procedures were combined with hybrid cholecystectomy in six cases. Complications following transvaginal access included one vaginal bleeding, one perforation of the urinary bladder, and one superficial lesion of the rectum. In one case the hepatic duct had to be stented due to leakage after the procedure via endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Mean VAS on day 1 was 2.26 (± 0.31 SEM) and on day 2 it was 1.53 (± 0.35 SEM). In a postoperative questionnaire, 95% of patients indicated that they would recommend this procedure to other patients. Transvaginal cholecystectomy is a safe and easy-to-learn procedure. Possible complications are different than those of standard laparoscopic procedures. Trauma to the abdominal wall and scarring is minimal. Postoperative pain scores were not different than those of standard laparoscopy and a high percentage of patients are satisfied with the procedure.