Stapler Resection Research Articles

Efficacy of four different left atrial appendage closure techniques during cardiac surgery—A transesophageal echocardiography follow-up study

ObjectiveClosure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a routine part of atrial fibrillation ablation surgery and significantly reduces stroke rates. Different LAA-closure techniques are used in cardiac surgery with variable results reported. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of 4 different LAA-closure techniques in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. MethodsIn total, 149 patients who underwent concomitant LAA closure during cardiac surgery between 2015 and 2019 were included in this retrospective transesophageal echocardiography study. Four different LAA-closure techniques were evaluated: LAA clipping (n = 62), suture ligation (n = 28), stapler resection (n = 30), and surgical LAA excision (n = 29). Successful LAA closure was defined as absence of LAA perfusion and absence of a stump greater than 10 mm. ResultsThe mean patients age was 68.7 ± 9.4 years; 61.7% were male. No complications related to LAA closure were observed. Mean follow-up was 36.5 ± 8 months. Transesophageal echocardiography follow-up showed the following LAA closure success rates: LAA clip 98.4%, surgical excision 93.1%, stapler resection 76.6%, and suture ligation 39.2%. Suture ligation resulted in a high rate of recanalization (50%) and residual stumps (10.8%), whereas stapler resection resulted in a high rate of residual stumps (23.4%). Overall, 4 patients (2.7%) had a stroke during follow-up. In detail, 2 of 27 (7.4%) patients with unsuccessful LAA closure had a stroke, whereas 2 of the 122 (1.6%) patients with successful LAA closure had a stroke. ConclusionsIn our study, LAA clipping and surgical LAA excision proved to be both successful LAA-closure methods. External LAA ligation and stapler resection resulted in low rates of successful LAA closure and should be avoided.

Comparative study of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy versus perineal stapler resection for external full-thickness rectal prolapse in elderly patients: enhanced outcomes and reduced recurrence rates—a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundIn elderly patients with external full-thickness rectal prolapse (EFTRP), the exact differences in postoperative recurrence and functional outcomes between laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) and perineal stapler resection (PSR) have not yet been investigated.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective multicenter study on 330 elderly patients divided into LVMR group (n = 250) and PSR (n = 80) from April 2012 to April 2019. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery by Wexner incontinence scale, Altomare constipation scale, and patient satisfaction questionnaire. The primary outcomes were incidence and risk factors for EFTRP recurrence. Secondary outcomes were postoperative incontinence, constipation, and patient satisfaction.ResultsLVMR was associated with fewer postoperative complications (p < 0.001), lower prolapse recurrence (p < 0.001), lower Wexner incontinence score (p = 0.03), and lower Altomare’s score (p = 0.047). Furthermore, LVMR demonstrated a significantly higher surgery–recurrence interval (p < 0.001), incontinence improvement (p = 0.019), and patient satisfaction (p < 0.001) than PSR. Three and 13 patients developed new symptoms in LVMR and PSR, respectively. The predictors for prolapse recurrence were LVMR (associated with 93% risk reduction of recurrence, OR 0.067, 95% CI 0.03–0.347, p = 0.001), symptom duration (prolonged duration was associated with an increased risk of recurrence, OR 1.131, 95% CI 1.036–1.236, p = 0.006), and length of prolapse (increased length was associated with a high recurrence risk (OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.197–1.655, p < 0.001).ConclusionsLVMR is safe for EFTRP treatment in elderly patients with low recurrence, and improved postoperative functional outcomes.Trial registrationClinical Trial.gov (NCT05915936), retrospectively registered on June 14, 2023.

Alternative Approach in Colorectal Anastomotic Stricture: Bougie Dilatation

Dear Editor, Anostomotic stricture (AS) is seen in 2-30% of patients after colorectal surgery. Various factors such as tissue ischaemia, anastomotic leakage and radiotherapy have been suggested in its pathogenesis [1,2]. Endoscopic methods (balloon dilatation, bougie dilatation, stents, endoscopic electroincision), digital dilatation, surgical methods (stapler stricturoplasty, transanal circular stapler resection, transabdominal redo-anastomosis) and corticosteroids are used in AS [3,4]. Surgery is generally preferred in complete/near complete AS [1]. Stents; the benefit of stents in AS after oncological surgery has not been shown [3]. However, Philip BC Pangg et al. treated near-total AS non-operatively with the colonic/rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) anastomosis technique and a hot lumen metallic stent [5]. We applied 3-stage bougie dilation to the patient with near complete anastomotic stricture. A 59-year-old female patient who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection due to sigmoid colon tumor was followed up with complaints of abdominal swelling, intermittent abdominal pain and difficulty in defecation. One month later, when colonoscopy was performed, near complete anastomotic stricture was observed. Bougie dilatation was performed with maloney flexible bougie dilators under wire guidance. Bougie dilatation was performed 3 times with fifteen days intervals. After the first (33, 36 and 42 F) and the second bougie dilatation (36, 42 F), the upper segment of the anastomotic stricture was reached by gastroscopy. After dilatation with a bougie (42, 45 F) for the third time, the colonoscope was easily passed through the anastomosis line to the upper segment. Six months later, colonoscopy was performed and the proximal part of the anastomosis was easily passed without the use of bougie dilators. Balloon dilatation is the first method used in AS. However, several repetitions are necessary for the success of the procedure. In addition, the risk of perforation increases when the stricture diameter is &lt;5 mm and length &gt;1 cm. The chances of success in AS are lower compared to bougie dilatation. Endoscopic electroincision is recommended in failure of balloon dilatation. Digital dilatation: used in distal anorectal anostamotic strictures. Corticosteroid application: very large studies are not available. Bougie dilatation in AS provides tactile feedback, allowing the amount of resistance to the passage of the dilator to be estimated and perforation to be avoided. Bougie dilatation method is simple, inexpensive and low risk of complications. Especially Maloney flexible silicone bougie minimise the risk of complications. Bougie dilatators can remain intact for many years and can be reused. But balloon dilatators are not reused. Surgical methods are used in 3-4% (complete/near complete AS) in the failure of endoscopic methods. But mortality risk is high [1,4-6]. Therefore, the alternative method of Philip BC Pang et al. can be applied [5]. However, due to limited endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) centers, gradual dilatation can be performed with flexible bougie dilators in case of anastomosis stricture. Yours Sincerely

The Surgical Management of Ileal Pouch Strictures.

Total proctocolectomy with IPAA reconstruction is the surgical approach of choice in ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, and selected patients with Crohn's disease. Pouch stricture is a common complication after IPAA. This study aims to identify surgical management options for pouch stricture and offer a treatment algorithm. A computer-assisted search of the online bibliographic databases MEDLINE and Embase from 1990 to 2021 was performed. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, observational studies, and case reports were considered. Mechanical dilation, strictureplasty, stapler resection, pouch advancement, bypass, and repeat IPAA were included. Twenty-three articles were considered eligible. Overall incidence of strictures varied from 5% to 38%. Strictures were categorized into 3 areas: pouch inlet (with a reported incidence of 9% to 56%), mid-pouch (with a reported incidence of 2%), and pouch-anal anastomosis (with a reported incidence of 43% to 87%). Pouch-anal strictures were initially managed using bougie or Hegar dilation, with various surgical procedures advocated when initial dilation failed. Mid-pouch strictures are relatively unstudied with scant data. Pouch inlet strictures can be surgically managed by various transabdominal techniques' including resection and reconnection, strictureplasty, or bypass. Pouch-anal strictures should be managed in a step-up strategy as conservative procedures are associated with acceptable success rates. Initial mechanical dilation using bougie or Hegar dilation has a success rate of >80%, although it is likely to require repeat dilations. When these measures fail, transanal surgical approaches using strictureplasty, stapler resection' or pouch advancement should be offered. Transabdominal pouch revision should be offered to patients refractory to a transanal approach. In mid-pouch strictures, the treatment of choice is pouch revision and reanastomosis. Pouch inlet strictures can be managed by resection, strictureplasty, or bypass depending on the location and length of the stricture and surgeon experience. Studies were often small and retrospectively analyzed. There were no randomized controlled trials or comparison between different treatment options.

Current tendencies in diagnostics and treatment of peripheral benign lung tumors

The OBJECTIVE was to estimate clinical characteristics, diagnostic possibilities of computed tomography, minimally invasive methods of treatment of peripheral benign lung tumors.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Benign tumors were diagnosed in 311 (8.2 %) patients among 3789 people with bronchopulmonary neoplasms. A comparative assessment of the results of diagnostics and treatment of two groups of patients was carried out. The first group included 103 patients treated from 2003 to 2009, the second one – 128 patients treated from 2013–2020. 219 (94.8 %) patients were operated on. RESULTS. Benign lung tumors were more often detected at the age of 40-60 years – in 143 (61.9%) patients. The majority (184 patients, 79.6%) had no complaints. In 208 (90 %) patients, tumors were diagnosed during fluorography studies. In the second group, multispiral computed tomography revealed tumors less than 10 mm in size in 38 % of cases. The histological type of tumors was determined during intraoperative express histological test. In the second group, the number of thoracoscopies increased from 2.2 to 43 %, and – thoracotomies decreased from 94.5 to 52.3 %, the number of stapler resections of the lungs doubled, and the number of tumor enucleation decreased by half (p&lt;0.01). Thoracotomy was performed in case of deep tumor localization or large size of the tumor, it was impossible to find it endoscopically. Ten patients underwent lobectomy.CONCLUSION. Most peripheral benign lung tumors are asymptomatic. Computed tomography revealed tumors less than 1cm in size in 38 % of cases. To rule out malignancy, it is necessary to perform urgent surgery with an intraoperative express histological test. Thoracoscopy allows to remove surface peripheral tumors using the method of stapler resection.

Confocal laser microscopy without fluorescent dye in minimal-invasive thoracic surgery: an ex-vivo pilot study in lung cancer.

Cancer will be the leading cause of death in a few decades. In line with minimal invasive lung cancer surgery, surgeons loose most of their tactile tissue information and need an additional tool of intraoperative tissue navigation during surgery. Confocal laser microscopy is a well-established method of tissue investigation. In this ex-vivo pilot study, we evaluated an endoscopic confocal laser microscope (eCLM) that does not need any fluorescent dye as a diagnostic tool in non-malignant and malignant pulmonary tissue and distal stapler resection margins, respectively. In seven cases, an eCLM was used for examining pulmonary tissue ex-vivo. Images of non-malignant and non-small cell lung cancer tissue and distal stapler resection margins were characterized in terms of specific signal-patterns. No fluorescent dye was used. Correlations to findings in conventional histology were systematically recorded and described. Healthy lung tissue showed hyperreflectoric alveolar walls with dark alveolar spaces. Hyperreflective nets indicated the tumor stroma; whereas the hyperreflective areas indicated the tumor cell clusters. Compared to adenocarcinoma tissue, tissue from squamous cell carcinoma showed more distinctive hyperreflective stroma nets. eCLM characteristics seen in non-malignant and malignant tissue were also visible in distal stapler resection margins and so therefore it was feasible to distinguish between healthy lung tissue and lung cancer. This pilot study shows that the assessment of pulmonary tissue with this eCLM for minimally invasive surgical approach without any fluorescent dye is feasible. It enables to differentiate between benign and malignant tissue in pulmonary specimen by easy to evaluate and reproducible parameters.

Modified perineal linear stapler resection for external rectal prolapse.

Backgroundrectal prolapse can cause bleeding and fecal incontinence that affects the life quality of patients. The treatment of external rectal prolapse is surgical. There are many procedures (abdominal or perineal) that can be used depending on the severity of the condition and patient tolerability for operation. In this study, a simple safe procedure is used for the treatment of the rectal prolapse in old, fragile and comorbid patients who cannot withstand the major surgeries and the risk of long-duration anesthesia.Methodsfrom December 2016 to July 2019, 36 elderly comorbid patients with rectal prolapse were involved in this study which is performed in the GIT surgery unit of Zagazig University Hospital. A modified linear stapler resection technique is used for the rectal prolapse. Postoperative follow up was done for one year to evaluate the functional outcome, operative time, hospital stay duration and complications.Resultthis study was conducted on 36 patients; The median age was 75 years (range 48–95). The postoperative complication rate was 11.1%. The median operative time was 25 min and 4 days for the hospital stay. Fecal incontinence improved in more than 90% of patients and constipation disappeared in 66% of total constipating patients.ConclusionThe modified perineal linear stapler resection for external rectal prolapse is a good, easy, rapid treatment for elderly comorbid patients with good functional outcomes.

Modified Perineal Linear Stapler Resection for External Rectal Prolapse: a Novel Approach

Modified Perineal Linear Stapler Resection for External Rectal Prolapse: a Novel Approach

P4731Procedure-related acute thrombosis after surgical left atrial appendage occlusion for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background/Introduction Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is an effective strategy for thromboembolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and the novel methods of occlusion is various. The acute thrombosis after percutaneous LAA occlusion devices has been recently reported, but thrombus formation after surgical LAA occlusion is still unclear. Purpose This study aimed to analyse the incidence and prognosis of thrombus formation on closure stump line in patients with AF who underwent surgical LAA occlusion. Methods This study retrospectively analised the data from patients treated with two methods of surgical LAA closure, resection or clipping, from January 2014 to November 2018. Results A total of 187 consecutive patients with AF underwent surgical LAA closure (31 clipping and 156 stapler resection). 170 patients (91%) underwent cardiac CT for LAA imaging on postoperative day 2. The incidence of acute procedure-related thrombus formation in full cohort was 19% (35 cases). The incidence of acute thrombus in patients with clipping and resection was 19% and 16%, respectively (Fisher's exact test, p=0.8). All of 35 patients who had thrombus on LAA closure stump line underwent cardiac CT again 3 months after the primary CT. In all patients with secondary cardiac CT, thrombus on LAA closure stump line disappeared. No symptomatic thromboembolism occurred during the follow-up from operation to secondary CT scan. Conclusion(s) Thrombus formation on stump after surgical LAA closure may often occur on acute phase. The optimal LAA imaging and anti-coagulation therapy after surgical LAA occlusion will prevent patients with acute thrombus from thromboembolism.

Randomized controlled trial on Pringle Maneuver to reduce blood loss during stapler hepatectomy - PriMal StHep

BackgroundExtended liver resections still bear the risk of severe haemorrhage. Moreover, the amount of blood loss during liver resection determines the need for perioperative blood transfusions and is of prognostic relevance in oncologic surgery. Even though there is an ongoing debate about its effectiveness and tolerable duration, the Pringle Maneuver (PM) as an occlusion of the hepatic inflow is routinely applied to reduce blood loss during parenchymal dissection. In combination with the stapler resection technique, PM is expected to minimize blood loss during major liver resection safely due to the short parenchymal dissection duration.MethodsIn a single center prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel, confirmatory trial the combination of PM and stapler resection technique in patients undergoing right and left hepatectomies will be tested against the control group that applies stapler resection without the use of PM. The primary endpoint of the study is the total intraoperative blood loss. The measurement of the intraoperative blood loss is conducted with respect to all handled rinse fluids during surgery and by weighing used swabs to generate accurate and comparable data. Secondary endpoints include intra- and postoperative blood transfusion requirements, liver function parameters and the 90-day mortality rate. A sample size of fifty-three patients in either group was calculated to detect a clinically significant difference in blood loss of at least 450 ml with an α of 5% at 80% power. The individual follow-up will be 90 days.DiscussionThis is the first clinical trial to test the combination of PM and stapler resection technique as a means to reduce intraoperative blood loss in hepatic left or right resection. Given the short parenchymal dissection duration in stapler resection, PM is expected to be applied shortly without compromising liver function postoperatively.Trial registrationThe PriMaL StHep trial has been prospectively registered to the German Clinical Trial Registry (WHO ID: DRKS00010427) on April 21st. 2016.

Еxperimental estimation of the stapler suture peritonization as a method of prevention of complications after sleeve resection of stomach

Objective. Estimation of expediency for peritonization of the stapler resection line, aiming to prevent the stapler suture hemorrhage and insufficiency.&#x0D; Маterials and methods. The investigation was conducted on laboratory rabbits, to which the sleeve gastric resection was performed: in 9 experimental animals (Group 1) – with peritonization of the stapler suture line, in experimental animals (Group 2) – without peritonization. Structural changes of gastric wall in the stapler suture portion in both groups of experimental animals were investigated.&#x0D; Results. Peritonization of the stapler suture line have caused exaggeration of the gastric walls ischemic changes.&#x0D; Conclusion. Peritonization of the sleeve gastric resection line promotes prophylaxis of postoperative hemorrhage from the stapler suture, but do not prevent its insufficiency.

Pulmonary Laser Metastasectomy by 1318-nm Neodymium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet Laser: A Retrospective Study About Laser Metastasectomy of the Lung.

The lungs are among the first organ affected by remote metastases from many primary tumors. The surgical resection of isolated pulmonary metastases represents an important and effective element of therapy. This is a retrospective study about our entire experience with pulmonary resection for metastatic cancer using 1318-nm neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum garnet laser. In this single-institution study, we retrospectively analyzed a group of 209 patients previously treated for primary malignant solid tumors. We excluded 103 patients. The number and location of lesions in the lungs was determined using chest computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Disseminated malignancy was excluded. All pulmonary laser resections are performed via an anteroaxillary muscle-sparing thoracotomy. All lesions were routinely removed by laser with a small (5-10 mm) margin of the healthy lung. Patients received systematic lymph node sampling with intraoperative smear cytology of sampled lymph nodes. Mortality at 2 years from the first surgery is around 20% (10% annually). This value increases to 45% in the third year. The estimated median survival for patients who underwent the first surgery is reported to be approximately 42 months. Our results show that laser resection of lung metastases can achieve good result, in terms of radical resection and survival, as conventional surgical metastasectomy. The great advantage is the possibility of limiting the damage to the lung. Stapler resection of a high number of metastases would mutilate the lung.

Anastomotic stenosis after coloanal, colorectal and ileoanal anastomosis: what is the best management?

To assess the results of treatment for colorectal (CRA), coloanal (CAA) or ileal pouch-anal (IPAA) anastomotic stenosis (AS). All patients operated on for AS from 1995 to 2014 were included. Success was defined as the absence of an additional surgical procedure for AS during 12months after the last procedure and the absence of a stoma at the end of follow-up. Fifty consecutive patients presenting with AS after CRA (n=16, 32%), CAA (n=18, 36%) or IPAA (n=16, 32%), performed for colorectal cancer (n=28, 56%), familial adenomatous polyposis (n=5, 10%), inflammatory bowel disease (n=8, 16%), diverticulitis (n=4, 8%), benign colorectal neoplasia (n=3, 6%) or other (n=2, 4%) underwent a total of 99 procedures including digital (n=14, 14%), instrumental (n=38, 38%) or endoscopic dilatation (n=5, 5%), transanal AS stricturoplasty (n=9, 10%), transanal circular stapler resection (n=11, 11%) or transabdominal redo-anastomosis (n=22, 22%). Overall the per-procedure success rate was 53% (52/99). Success rates were 36% (5/14) for digital dilatation, 40% (15/38) for instrumental dilatation, 20% (1/5) for endoscopic dilatation, 64% (7/11) for circular stapler resection, 89% (8/9) for stricturoplasty and 73% (16/22) for transabdominal redo-anastomosis. After a mean follow-up of 46months, 42/50 (84%) patients had treatment that was considered successful. Multivariate analysis identified redo-anastomosis [OR=5.1 (95% CI: 1.4-18.7), P=0.003] as the only independent prognostic factor for success. AS should be managed according to a step-up strategy. Conservative procedures are associated with acceptable success rates. If these fail, transabdominal redo-anastomosis is associated with the highest probability of success.

Stapler versus scalpel resection followed by hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant for distal pancreatectomy.

Resections of the pancreatic body and tail reaching to the left of the superior mesenteric vein are defined as distal pancreatectomy. Most distal pancreatectomies are elective treatments for chronic pancreatitis, benign or malignant diseases, and they have high morbidity rates of up to 40%. Pancreatic fistula formation is the main source of postoperative morbidity, associated with numerous further complications. Researchers have proposed several surgical resection and closure techniques of the pancreatic remnant in an attempt to reduce these complications. The two most common techniques are scalpel resection followed by hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant and stapler resection and closure. To compare the rates of pancreatic fistula in people undergoing distal pancreatectomy using scalpel resection followed by hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant versus stapler resection and closure. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis and Science Citation Index from database inception to October 2015. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing stapler versus scalpel resection followed by hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant for distal pancreatectomy (irrespective of language or publication status). Two authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and extracted the data. Taking into consideration the clinical heterogeneity between the trials (e.g. different endpoint definitions), we analysed data using a random-effects model with Review Manager (RevMan), calculating risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In two eligible trials, a total of 381 participants underwent distal pancreatic resection and were randomised to closure of the pancreatic remnant either with stapler (n = 191) or scalpel resection followed by hand-sewn closure (n = 190). One was a single centre pilot RCT and the other was a multicentre blinded RCT. The single centre pilot RCT evaluated 69 participants in five intervention arms (stapler, hand-sewn, fibrin glue, mesh and pancreaticojejunostomy), although we only assessed the stapler and hand-sewn closure groups (14 and 15 participants, respectively). The multicentre RCT had two interventional arms: stapler (n = 177) and hand-sewn closure (n = 175). The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula was the main outcome, and it occurred in 79 of 190 participants in the hand-sewn group compared to 65 of 191 participants in the stapler group. Neither the individual trials nor the meta-analysis showed a significant difference between resection techniques (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.45; P = 0.66). In the same way, postoperative mortality and operation time did not differ significantly. The single centre RCT had an unclear risk of bias in the randomisation, allocation and both blinding domains. However, the much larger multicentre RCT had a low risk of bias in all domains. Due to the small number of events and the wide confidence intervals that cannot exclude clinically important benefit or harm with stapler versus hand-sewn closure, there is a serious possibility of imprecision, making the overall quality of evidence moderate. The quality of evidence is moderate and mainly based on the high weight of the results of one multicentre RCT. Unfortunately, there are no other completed RCTs on this topic except for one relevant ongoing trial. Neither stapler nor scalpel resection followed by hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant for distal pancreatectomy showed any benefit compared to the other method in terms of postoperative pancreatic fistula, overall postoperative mortality or operation time. Currently, the choice of closure is left up to the preference of the individual surgeon and the anatomical characteristics of the patient. Another (non-European) multicentre trial (e.g. with an equality or non-inferiority design) would help to corroborate the findings of this meta-analysis. Future trials assessing novel methods of stump closure should compare them either with stapler or hand-sewn closure as a control group to ensure comparability of results.

Transection Speed and Impact on Perioperative Inflammatory Response - A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Stapler Hepatectomy and CUSA Resection.

BackgroundParenchymal transection represents a crucial step during liver surgery and many different techniques have been described so far. Stapler resection is supposed to be faster than CUSA resection. However, whether speed impacts on the inflammatory response in patients undergoing liver resection (LR) remains unclear.Materials and MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial including 40 patients undergoing anatomical LR. Primary endpoint was transection speed (cm2/min). Secondary endpoints included the perioperative change of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, overall surgery duration, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality.ResultsMean transection speed was significantly higher in patients undergoing stapler hepatectomy compared to CUSA resection (CUSA: 1 (0.4) cm2/min vs. Stapler: 10.8 (6.1) cm2/min; p<0.0001). Analyzing the impact of surgery duration on inflammatory response revealed a significant correlation between IL-6 levels measured at the end of surgery and the overall length of surgery (p<0.0001, r = 0.6188). Patients undergoing CUSA LR had significantly higher increase of interleukin-6 (IL-6) after parenchymal transection compared to patients with stapler hepatectomy in the portal and hepatic veins, respectively (p = 0.028; p = 0.044). C-reactive protein levels on the first post-operative day were significantly lower in the stapler cohort (p = 0.010). There was a trend towards a reduced overall surgery time in patients with stapler LR, especially in the subgroup of patients undergoing minor hepatectomies (p = 0.020).ConclusionsLiver resection using staplers is fast, safe and suggests a diminished inflammatory response probably due to a decreased parenchymal transection time.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01785212

Thoracoscopic diaphragm plication.

The diaphragm is grasped, and as much of the anterior diaphragm as possible is pulled into a retaining clamp. This maneuver is easier to perform for the right diaphragm than the left diaphragm, owing to the risk of incorporating viscera on the left. Upon initial placement of the clamp, it is evident that all of the diaphragm that would optimally be resected cannot occur in one application. This is precluded by three factors: the dome of the diaphragm, the length of the staple line, and the amount of diaphragm that would optimally be resected. Rather, the clamp is progressively advanced on the redundant diaphragm after each firing of the stapler resection is progressively regrasped after each staple load. A linear endostapling device (Covidien Endo GIATM and 45-mm Purple Reload with Tri-StapleTM) is placed under the clamp, and the diaphragm resection is begun at the most anterior aspect, with the intention to resect as much of the central portion of the diaphragm as possible. The diaphragm is then resected with subsequent staple loads, serially proceeding from anterior and medial on the diaphragm, diagonally in posterior and lateral direction.

Evaluation of pre- and post-operative symptoms in patients submitted to linear stapler nodulectomy due to anterior rectal wall endometriosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a more versatile rectosigmoid nodulectomy technique using a linear stapler. Case series. tertiary care (reference center for endometriosis surgery). Sixty-one consecutive patients who were operated on between January 2006 and February 2013. anterior rectal wall nodulectomy technique using sequential bites of the linear stapler. Perioperative complications were recorded, and a condition-specific bowel dysfunction quality of life questionnaire (Rome III--Constipation) was applied pre-operatively and post-operatively during the first week of April 2013. Canadian Task Force III RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were submitted to the intervention. After a mean follow-up period of 1.83 years (.25-7.1 ± 1.97), no post-operative fistula or leakage was observed. In addition, no cases of rectal stenosis or bowel obstruction were recorded, and two patients were excluded for not answering the post-operative questionnaire. According to the Rome III questionnaire, constipation symptoms improved significantly in 12 out of 17 questions. No patient reported worsening of symptoms in question. Linear stapler resection is a safe alternative to segmentar resection for endometriotic nodules on the anterior rectal wall.

Comparison of two different transection techniques in liver surgery—an experimental study in a porcine model

Postoperative morbidity and mortality after liver resection is closely related to the degree of intraoperative blood loss; the majority of which occurs during transection of the liver parenchyma. Many approaches and devices have therefore been developed to limit bleeding, but none has yet achieved perfect results up to now. The aim of this standardized chronic animal study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System (LVSS) with the stapler technique, which is one of the modern techniques for transecting the parenchyma in liver surgery. Sixteen pigs underwent a left liver resection (LLR). Eight pigs received a LLR by means of an Endo GIA, whereas the other eight pigs underwent liver parenchymal transection followed by simultaneous sealing by the LVSS. The operating time, transection time, blood loss during transection, and time of hemostasis were measured on the day of LLR (postoperative day 0/POD 0). Animals were re-explored on postoperative day 7 (POD 7) and the transection surface of remnant liver was observed for fluid collection (hematoma, biloma, and abscess), necrosis, and other pathologies. A biopsy was taken from the area of transection for histopathological examination. All animals survived until POD 7. Operating time and transection time of the liver parenchyma on POD 0 was significantly shorter in the stapler group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of blood loss during transection, time of hemostasis and number of sutures for hemostasis on POD 0, morbidity rate, as well as the histopathological examination on POD 7. Furthermore, the material costs were significantly higher in the stapler group than in the LVSS group. In this standardized chronic animal study concerning transection of the parenchyma in liver surgery, LVSS seems not only to be safe, but also comparable with the stapler technique in terms of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, LVSS significantly reduces material costs. However, the transection time is significantly longer for LVSS than for the stapler resection technique.

Incidence of Local Recurrence and Port Site Metastasis After Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy

To address the incidence of local recurrence and port site metastasis in patients who underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Between August 1993 and February 2006 116 laparoscopic RNU were performed in 115 patients at our institution. A traditional open excision, a laparoscopic stapler resection or a different approach was used for the management of the distal ureter in 76, 27, and 11 cases, respectively. Clinical follow-up as well as perioperative and pathologic data were retrospectively collected. Perioperative and pathologic data were available in all 116 cases. Clinical outcomes were available in 107 patients with a mean follow-up of 30.5 months (range 1 to 148). Six patients (5.6%) had a local recurrence develop, including 1 patient with port site metastasis (0.9%) at an average of 5.7 months. In 2 of these patients, violation of the ipsilateral urinary tract was noted perioperatively. We report, in this large single-center series of laparoscopic RNU, a low incidence of local recurrence. Our results confirm that a laparoscopic approach to upper tract TCC does not result in a clinically significant increased risk of tumor spillage provided that principles of oncologic surgery are followed.

Giant bullous emphysema resection by VATS. Analysis of laser and stapler techniques.

Advances in video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) technique led the authors to reconsider the treatment and thoracoscopic management of patients with giant bullous emphysema (GBE). From January 1993 to December 2001 we treated 40 patients with unilateral GBE: 24 males and 16 females, mean age 51+/-1 years. Thirty patients presented respiratory insufficiency, seven patients a spontaneous pneumothorax and three patients a bullae infection. Excision was performed by using Nd:YAG laser in five patients (12.5%) and stapling device in 35 patients (87.5%). Among the last 35, in 20 patients a partial pleurectomy stripping up to the 5th intercostal space was associated. In 15 patients this technique was modified through the systematic application of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to reinforce stitches. We experienced one conversion to open thoracotomy owing to haemorrhaging, in one patient who underwent a partial pleurectomy stripping. In the stapler resection patients, with PTFE application, the mean duration of air leaks, for type 1 bullae of Wakabayashi was 2.2+/-1.8 days and, for type 4, 5.9+/-1.4 days; the mean length of hospital stay was 6.1+/-0.5 days. The resection in VATS of giant bullous emphysema by stapling device associated to reinforcement in PTFE reduces duration of air leaks and hospitalisation and improves pulmonary function.