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Background: The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery is high. Extended postdischarge prophylaxis in this patient population has been controversial. This study aimed to examine the safety of postdischarge extended VTE prophylaxis in patients at high risk of VTE events after HPB surgery., Methods: Adult patients risk stratified as very high risk of VTE who underwent HPB operations between 2014 and 2020 at a quaternary care center were included. Patients were matched 1:2 extended VTE prophylaxis to the control group (patients who did not receive extended prophylaxis). Analyses compared the proportions of adverse bleeding events between groups., Results: A total of 307 patients were included: 103 in the extended prophylaxis group and 204 in the matched control group. Demographics were similar between groups. More patients in the extended VTE prophylaxis group had a history of VTE (9% vs 3%; P = .045). There was no difference in bleeding events between the extended VTE prophylaxis and the control group (6% vs 2%; P = .091). Of the 6 patients with bleeding events in the VTE prophylaxis group, 5 had gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and 1 had hemarthrosis. Of the 4 patients with bleeding events in the control group, 1 had intra-abdominal bleeding, 2 had GI bleeding, and 1 had intra-abdominal and GI bleeding., Conclusion: Patients discharged with extended VTE prophylaxis after HPB surgery did not experience more adverse bleeding events compared with a matched control group. Routine postdischarge extended VTE prophylaxis is safe in patients at high risk of postoperative VTE after HPB surgery., (Copyright © 2023 Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The liver is one the largest organs in the abdomen and the most frequent site of metastases for gastrointestinal tumors. Surgery on this complex and highly vascularized organ can be associated with high morbidity even in experienced hands. A thorough understanding of liver anatomy is key to approaching liver surgery with confidence and preventing complications. The aim of this quiz is to provide an active learning tool for a comprehensive understanding of liver anatomy and its integration into clinical practice., (© 2023. The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.)

Background: During minimal access surgery, surgical smoke is produced which can potentially be inhaled by the surgical team, leading to several health risks. This smoke can escape from the abdominal cavity into the operating room due to trocar leakage. The trocars and insufflator that are used during surgery influence gas leakage. Therefore, this study compares particle escape from a valveless (Conmed AirSeal iFS), and a conventional (Karl Storz Endoflator) system., Materials and Methods: Using an in vitro model, a conventional and a valveless trocar system were compared. A protocol that simulated various surgical phases was defined to assess the surgical conditions and particle leakage. Insufflation pressures and instrument diameters were varied as these are known to affect gas leakage., Results: The conventional trocar leaked during two distinct phases. Removal of the obturator caused a sudden release of particles. During instrument insertion, an average of 211 (IQR 111) particles per second escaped when using the 5 mm diameter instrument. With the 10 mm instrument, 50 (IQR 13) particles per second were measured. With the conventional trocar, a higher abdominal pressure increased particle leakage. The valveless trocar demonstrated a continuously high particle release during all phases. After the obturator was removed, particle escape increased sharply. Particle escape decreased to 1276 (IQR 580) particles per second for the 5 mm instrument insertion, and 1084 (IQR 630) particles per second for 10 mm instrument insertion. With the valveless trocar system, a higher insufflation pressure lowered particle escape., Conclusions: This study shows that a valveless trocar system releases more particles into the operating room environment than a conventional trocar. During instrument insertion, the leakage through the valveless system is 6 to 20 times higher than the conventional system. With a valveless trocar, leakage decreases with increasing pressure. With both trocar types leakage depends on instrument diameter., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: An objective evaluation of the functional state and viability of biological tissues during minimally invasive surgery remains unsolved task. Various non-contact methods for evaluating perfusion during laparoscopic surgery are discussed in the literature, but so far there have been no reports of their use in clinical settings., Methods and Patients: Imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) is a new method for quantitative assessment of perfusion distribution along the tissue. This is the first study in which we demonstrate successful use of iPPG to assess perfusion of organs during laparoscopic surgery in an operation theater. We used a standard rigid laparoscope connected to a standard digital monochrome camera, and abdominal organs were illuminated by green light. A distinctive feature is the synchronous recording of video frames and electrocardiogram with subsequent correlation data processing. During the laparoscopically assisted surgeries in nine cancer patients, the gradient of perfusion of the affected organs was evaluated. In particular, measurements were carried out before preparing a part of the intestine or stomach for resection, after anastomosis, or during physiological tests., Results: The spatial distribution of perfusion and its changes over time were successfully measured in all surgical cases. In particular, perfusion gradient of an intestine before resection was visualized and quantified by our iPPG laparoscope in all respective cases. It was also demonstrated that systemic administration of norepinephrine leads to a sharper gradient between well and poorly perfused areas of the colon. In four surgical cases, we have shown capability of the laparoscopic iPPG system for intra-abdominal assessment of perfusion in the anastomosed organs. Moreover, good repeatability of continuous long-term measurements of tissue perfusion inside the abdominal cavity was experimentally demonstrated., Conclusion: Our study carried out in real clinical settings has shown that iPPG laparoscope is feasible for intra-abdominal visualization and quantitative assessment of perfusion distribution., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is an important vital sign in critically ill patients and has a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to validate a novel non-invasive ultrasonographic approach to IAP measurement against the gold standard intra-bladder pressure (IBP) method. We conducted a prospective observational study in an adult medical ICU of a university hospital. IAP measurements using ultrasonography by two independent operators, with different experience levels (experienced, IAP US1 ; inexperienced, IAP US2 ), were compared with the gold standard IBP method performed by a third blinded operator. For the ultrasonographic method, decremental external pressure was applied on the anterior abdominal wall using a bottle filled with decreasing volumes of water. Ultrasonography looked at peritoneal rebound upon brisk withdrawal of the external pressure. The loss of peritoneal rebound was identified as the point where IAP was equal to or above the applied external pressure. Twenty-one patients underwent 74 IAP readings (range 2-15 mmHg). The number of readings per patient was 3.5 ± 2.5, and the abdominal wall thickness was 24.6 ± 13.1 mm. Bland and Altman's analysis showed a bias (0.39 and 0.61 mmHg) and precision (1.38 and 1.51 mmHg) for the comparison of IAP US1 and IAP US2 and vs. IBP, respectively with small limits of agreement that were in line with the research guidelines of the Abdominal Compartment Society (WSACS). Our novel ultrasound-based IAP method displayed good correlation and agreement between IAP and IBP at levels up to 15 mmHg and is an excellent solution for quick decision-making in critically ill patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: During laparoscopic surgery, CO 2 insufflation gas could leak from the intra-abdominal cavity into the operating theater. Medical staff could therefore be exposed to hazardous substances present in leaked gas. Although previous studies have shown that leakage through trocars is a contributing factor, trocar performance over longer periods remains unclear. This study investigates the influence of prolonged instrument manipulation on gas leakage through trocars., Methods: Twenty-five trocars with diameters ranging from 10 to 15 mm were included in the study. An experimental model was developed to facilitate instrument manipulation in a trocar under loading. The trocar was mounted to a custom airtight container insufflated with CO 2 to a pressure of 15 mmHg, similar to clinical practice. A linear stage was used for prolonged instrument manipulation. At the same time, a fixed load was applied radially to the trocar cannula to mimic the reaction force of the abdominal wall. Gas leakage was measured before, after, and during instrument manipulation., Results: After instrument manipulation, leakage rates per trocar varied between 0.0 and 5.58 L/min. No large differences were found between leakage rates before and after prolonged manipulation in static and dynamic measurements. However, the prolonged instrument manipulation did cause visible damage to two trocars and revealed unintended leakage pathways in others that can be related to production flaws., Conclusion: Prolonged instrument manipulation did not increase gas leakage rates through trocars, despite damage to some individual trocars. Nevertheless, gas leakage through trocars occurs and is caused by different trocar-specific mechanisms and design issues., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The biological models used in the study of generalized peritonitis can be subdivided into 5 groups (introduction of foreign bodies, cultures of microorganisms, suspensions of feces, chemicals, and mechanical damage to the gastrointestinal tract) or into 4 groups (introduction of foreign bodies, chemicals, bacterial contamination of the abdominal cavity, and combined methods). After analysis of published reports, the most justified classification of methods of peritonitis modelling is based on the type of peritonitis-inducing agent and the administration route and on the nature of peritonitis developing in the abdominal cavity. The choice of the model maximally close reproducing clinical conditions of peritonitis should be based on the specific objectives of the study, focusing on the etiology, pathogenesis, and severity of the disease course, planned measures aimed at eliminating the process, and other factors., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction and Hypothesis: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients predominantly experience involuntary leakage during respiratory functions that induce a rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) such as coughing and sneezing. The abdominal muscles have an important role in the forced expiration and modulation of IAP. We hypothesized that SUI patients have different thickness changes in the abdominal muscles compared to healthy individuals during breathing maneuvers., Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 17 adult women with SUI and 20 continent women. Muscle thickness changes were measured by ultrasonography at the end of deep inspiration and expiration, and the expiratory phase of voluntary coughing for external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscles. The percent thickness changes of muscles were used and analyzed with a two-way mixed ANOVA test and post-hoc pairwise comparison at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05)., Results: The percent thickness changes of TrA muscle were significantly lower in SUI patients at deep expiration (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.055) and coughing (p < 0.001, Cohen's d=1.691). While, percent thickness changes for EO (p = 0.004, Cohen's d=0.996) and IO thickness (p < 0.001, Cohen's d=1.784) were greater at deep expiration and deep inspiration, respectively., Conclusions: The percent thickness changes of abdominal muscles differed between women with and without SUI during breathing maneuvers. The present study provided information regarding the altered function of abdominal muscles during breathing maneuvers; therefore, it is important to consider the respiratory role of abdominal muscles for the rehabilitation of SUI patients., (© 2023. The International Urogynecological Association.)

The gold standard to measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is intra-vesical measurement via the urinary bladder. However, this technique is restricted in ambulatory settings because of the risk of iatrogenic urinary tract infections. Rectal IAP measurements (IAP rect ) may overcome these limitations, but requires validation. This validation study compares the IAP rect technique against gold standard intra-vesical IAP measurements (IAP ves ). IAP rect using an air-filled balloon catheter and IAP ves using Foley Manometer Low Volume were measured simultaneously in sedated and ventilated patients. Measurements were performed twice in different positions (supine and HOB 45° elevated head of bed) and with an external abdominal pressure belt. Sixteen patients were included. Seven were not eligible for analysis due to unreliable IAP rect values. IAP rect was significantly higher than IAP ves for all body positions (p < 0.01) and the correlation between IAP ves and IAP rect was poor and not significant in each position (p ≥ 0.25, R 2  < 0.6, Lin's CCC < 0.8, bias - 8.1 mmHg and precision of 5.6 mmHg with large limits of agreement between - 19 to 2.9 mmHg, high percentage error 67.3%, and low concordance 86.2%). Repeatability of IAP rect was not reliable (R = 0.539, p = 0.315). For both techniques, measurements with the external abdominal pressure belt were significantly higher compared to those without (p < 0.03). IAP rect has important shortcomings making IAP estimation using a rectal catheter unfeasible because the numbers cannot be trusted nor validated., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Contrary to traumatic and iatrogenic intraabdominal hemorrhages, spontaneous intraabdominal hemorrhage is a challenging clinical situation. A variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions may cause spontaneous intraabdominal bleeding. Imaging findings vary depending on the source of bleeding and the underlying cause. In this article, we aim to increase the awareness of imagers to the most common causes of spontaneous intraabdominal hemorrhage by using representative cases., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) has a greater tendency to metastasize to the peritoneum, retroperitoneum, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract as compared to invasive carcinoma of no special type (NST). Like primary ILC in the breast, ILC metastases are frequently infiltrative and hypometabolic, rather than mass forming and hypermetabolic in nature. This renders them difficult to detect on conventional and metabolic imaging studies. As a result, intra-abdominal ILC metastases are often detected late, with patients presenting with clinical complications such as liver failure, hydronephrosis, or bowel obstruction. In patients with known history of ILC, certain imaging features are very suggestive of infiltrative metastatic ILC. These include retroperitoneal or peritoneal nodularity and linitis plastica appearance of the bowel. Recognition of linitis plastica on imaging should prompt deep or repeat biopsies. In this pictorial review, the authors aim to familiarize readers with imaging features and pitfalls for evaluation of intra-abdominal metastatic ILC. Awareness of these will allow the radiologist to assess these patients with a high index of suspicion and aid detection of metastatic disease. Also, this can direct histopathology and immunohistochemical staining to obtain the correct diagnosis in suspected metastatic disease., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objective: To evaluate 3D reconstruction through CT in the measurement of abdominal cavity volume., Methods: From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, 61 patients diagnosed as external abdominal hernia were included in this prospective study. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was applied to patients scanning, and the images were transferred to post-processing workstation for further analysis. We measured the abdominal cavity volumes using volume rendering (VR) method and diameter rendering (DR) method, and the results were used to test whether there is a correlation between them. In addition, the time required for the measurement was recorded and analyzed., Results: In this study, we found that there was no significant difference in the abdominal cavity volumes between these two groups (VR vs. DR = 7857.316 ± 2035.786 cm 3 vs. 7967.268 ± 2925.792 cm 3 , P > 0.05). Besides, the correlation analysis between the measured values of VR method and DR method showed there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.922, P < 0.01). The linear regression equation based on the scatter plot was established as follows: y = 0.6417x + 2745, R 2  = 0.8504. Furthermore, this regression equation was simplified as follows: y = 0.64x + 2800, R 2  = 0.8499. Meanwhile, the time required for measurement of VR was significantly longer than that of DR (VR vs. DR = 64.3 ± 7.1 min vs. 2.6 ± 0.6 min, P < 0.01)., Conclusion: In conclusion, the DR method can quickly measure and calculate the abdominal cavity volume, and its accuracy can more suitable for clinical requirement., (© 2020. Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Undetected bowel perforations occur in 0.3-1% of laparoscopic surgical procedures with an associated mortality rate of 5.3%., Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of a novel medical device to accurately detect bowel gas, specifically hydrogen (H 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ), from a sample of gas from the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic surgery when a known bowel wall perforation has occurred., Setting: University (Academic) Hospital., Methods: A prospective single arm study was composed of 8 patients undergoing a standard laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass. At seven time points during the operation intra-abdominal gas was pulled from the abdominal cavity and analyzed using the novel device for H 2 and CH 4 . The time points included after insufflation (T1), after first jejunotomy (T2), after closure of jejunotomy (T3), after recycle of carbon dioxide gas (T4), after gastrostomy (T5), after jejunotomy (T6), at procedure end (T7)., Results: Eight patients were enrolled in the study; in 7 (87.5%) patients data from all 7 time points were obtained. After the first opening of the small bowel (T2) mean hydrogen levels were significantly increased compared to baseline hydrogen levels (T1, T4, T7) (p < 0.001). At all time points, there was no significant detection of methane. There were no intra-operative or post-operative complications during the study., Conclusion: Hydrogen gas is released into the intra-abdominal cavity when bowel is opened and can be detected in real time using a novel device during laparoscopic surgery. The presence or absence of hydrogen directly correlates to whether the bowel is open (perforated) or intact. This device could be used in the future to detect unintended bowel perforations during laparoscopic surgery, prior to the conclusion of the operation. This technology could also potentially lead to novel mechanism for detecting postoperative leaks using gas detection technology.

Background: To provide adequate workspace between the viscera and abdominal wall, insufflation with carbon dioxide is a common practice in laparoscopic surgeries. An insufflation pressure of 15 mmHg is considered to be safe in patients, but all insufflation pressures create perioperative and postoperative physiologic effects. As a composition of viscoelastic materials, the abdominal wall should distend in a predictable manner given the pressure of the pneumoperitoneum. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between degree of abdominal distention and the insufflation pressure, with the goal of determining factors which impact the compliance of the abdominal wall., Methods: A prospective, IRB-approved study was conducted to video record the abdomens of patients undergoing insufflation prior to a laparoscopic surgery. Photo samples were taken every 5 s, and the strain of the patient's abdomen in the sagittal plane was determined, as well as the insufflator pressure (stress) at bedside. Patients were insufflated to 15 mmHg. The relationship between the stress and strain was determined in each sample, and compliance of the patient's abdominal wall was calculated. Subcutaneous fat thickness and rectus abdominus muscle thickness were obtained from computed tomography scans. Correlations between abdominal wall compliances and subcutaneous fat and muscle content were determined., Results: Twenty-five patients were evaluated. An increased fat thickness in the abdominal wall had a direct exponential relationship with abdominal wall compliance (R 2  = 0.59, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between muscle and fat thickness., Conclusion: All insufflation pressures create perioperative and postoperative complications. The compliance of patients' abdominal body walls differs, and subcutaneous fat thickness has a direct exponential relationship with abdominal wall compliance. Thus, insufflation pressures can be better tailored per the patient. Future studies are needed to demonstrate the clinical impact of varying insufflation pressures.

Background: A rarely used technique for enabling closure of large ventral hernias with loss of domain is preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP), which uses intermittent insufflation to gradually stretch the contracted abdominal wall muscles, increasing the capacity of the abdominal cavity. This allows the re-introduction of herniated viscera into the abdominal cavity and assists in closure of giant hernias which may otherwise be considered inoperable., Methods: This was a prospective study assessing 16 patients between 2013 and 2015 with multi-recurrent ventral hernia. All patients were treated preoperatively with both Botulinum Toxin A (BTA) injections to the lateral abdominal wall muscles to confer flaccid paralysis, and short-term PPP to passively expand the abdominal cavity. All patients underwent serial abdominal CT imaging, with pre- and post-treatment circumference measurements of the peritoneal cavity and hernia sac, prior to undergoing operative mesh repair of their hernia., Results: The mean hernia defect size was 236 cm 2 , with mean 28 % loss of domain. The mean overall duration of PPP was 6.2 days. The mean gain in abdominal circumference was 4.9 cm (5.6 %) (p 0.002) after BTA and PPP. Fascial closure and mesh hernia repair were performed in all 16 patients, with no patients suffering from postoperative abdominal hypertension, ventilatory impairment, or wound dehiscence. There are no hernia recurrences to date. Eight patients (50 %) experienced PPP-related complications, consisting of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumocardium, and metabolic acidosis. No complication required intervention., Conclusions: PPP is a useful adjunct in the repair of complex ventral hernia. It passively expands the abdominal cavity, allowing viscera to re-establish right of domain. At the same time, it helps to minimize the risks of postoperative abdominal compartment syndrome and the sequelae of fascial closure under tension. However, its benefits must be carefully weighed with the risk of serious complications, such as infection, perforation, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum.

Background: The use of transanal laparoscopic access to completely avoid abdominal wall incisions represents the most current evolution in minimally invasive surgery. The combination of single-site surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES™) can be used for totally transanal laparoendoscopic pull-through colectomy with J-pouch creation (TLPC-J). The aim of the present study was to provide evidence for the feasibility of TLPC-J in adult human cadavers., Methods: TLPC-J was performed in six fresh adult human cadavers. The procedure involved endorectal submucosal dissection from 1 cm above the dentate line to a point above the peritoneal reflection, where the rectal muscle was divided circumferentially. The edge of the mucosal cuff was closed distally in order to prevent fecal contamination and the endorectal tube was placed back into the abdomen. A Triport+™ or QuadPort+™ system was introduced transanally, and it served as a multiport device (MD). Resection of the entire colon, mobilization of the distal ileal segment, and extracorporeal suture of the ileal J-loop were performed via the transanal approach. The J-pouch was created using Endo GIA™. After removal of the MD, the J-pouch was sutured to the rectal wall., Results: TLPC-J was performed in all cadavers, with a mean operation duration of 236 ± 22 min. Conversion to either transabdominal laparoscopy or laparotomy was not required in any of the cadavers. No bowel perforation or damage to other organs was observed. The use of a curved endoscope greatly facilitated visualization during transanal laparoscopic dissection for partial and total colectomy, making the procedure feasible. All specimens were retrieved through the anus, eliminating the need for additional transabdominal incisions., Conclusions: TLPC-J was technically feasible in adult human cadavers, and abdominal wall incisions were not required. However, clinical studies are needed to determine its feasibility in living adults.

Seroma formation following open or laparoscopic mesh repair of inguinal hernia is common, albeit with no impact on recovery. One of the possible complication from such a seroma is infection. A patient presented with such an infective complication 6 years following a total extra peritoneal (TEP) repair of bilateral inguinal hernia. This report gives an account of its management.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of an air embolization with the volume of the insufflation tube during induction of laparoscopy. A further objective was to determine the LD₅₀ of air in young piglets., Methods: End-tidal carbon dioxide pressure ([Formula: see text]), pulmonary arterial pressure (P pa), heart rate (f c), and mean arterial pressure (P a carot) were measured in 17 piglets divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 6), bolus application (CO₂ embolization, followed by air embolization, 2 mL/kg each), group 2 (n = 7), continuous air embolization (30 min, 0.2 mL/kg/min), and group 3 (n = 4), continuous CO₂ embolization (30 min, 0.4 mL/kg/min)., Results: All animals survived CO₂ embolism. Air embolization as a bolus (2 mL/kg) or with an accumulated volume of 3.1 mL/kg led to death. Decreases in [Formula: see text] indicated air or massive CO₂ embolization only. There was a good correlation between [Formula: see text] and P pa in case of air embolization (r = -0.80, p < 0.0001). In contrast, no dependency was recognized during CO₂ embolism (r = -0.17, p = 0.2)., Conclusions: In order to minimize the lethal risk of gas embolization, the insufflation system has to be completely filled with CO₂ before connecting to the patient.

The reaction of various tissues of rats to implantation of polyhydroxyalkanoate films and ultrafine fibers was studied by optic microscopy. Implantation of polyhydroxyalkanoate films into the abdominal cavity caused a peritoneal reaction, leading after 1 month to the formation of fibrous adhesions between polyhydroxyalkanoate and intestinal loops. Under the skin and in the muscle tissue polyhydroxyalkanoate films were encapsulated in a thick fibrous capsule. Implantation of polyhydroxyalkanoate ultrathin fibers led to formation of foreign body granulomas in all tissues with perifocal inflammation and sclerosis of the adjacent tissues. The polymer was fragmented in these granulomas and phagocytosed by macrophages with the formation of giant foreign body cells. Hence, polyhydroxyalkanoate materials implanted in vivo caused chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction and were very slowly destroyed by macrophages.

Introduction: Cavernous hemangiomas represent the most common benign primary hepatic neoplasm, often being incidentally detected. Although the majority of hepatic hemangiomas remain asymptomatic, symptomatic hepatic hemangiomas can present with abdominal pain, hemorrhage, biliary compression, or a consumptive coagulopathy. The optimal surgical management of symptomatic hepatic hemangiomas remains controversial, with resection, enucleation, and both deceased donor and living donor liver transplantation having been reported., Case Report: We report the case of a patient found to have a unique syndrome of multiorgan cavernous hemangiomatosis involving the liver, lung, omentum, and spleen without cutaneous involvement. Sixteen years following her initial diagnosis, the patient suffered from intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to her giant cavernous hepatic hemangioma. Evidence of continued bleeding, in the setting of Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome and worsening abdominal compartment syndrome, prompted MELD exemption listing. The patient subsequently underwent emergent liver transplantation without complication., Conclusion: Although cavernous hemangiomas represent the most common benign primary hepatic neoplasm, hepatic hemangioma rupture remains a rare presentation in these patients. Management at a center with expertise in liver transplantation is warranted for those patients presenting with worsening DIC or hemorrhage, given the potential for rapid clinical decompensation.

Background: The advancement of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) depends on the availability of a suitable platform. A 2008 Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research (NOSCAR) Working Group identified access, navigation, maneuverability, and stability to withstand instrument forces as the essential requirements for a successful NOTES platform [1]. No single NOTES platform can adequately achieve all four of these key capabilities. In this study, the authors tested a novel flexible endoscopic robotic platform in a cadaver to determine how it performs with respect to these specific requirements., Methods: A highly maneuverable multichannel flexible robotic endoscopic platform developed for NOTES was used transgastrically in an adult cadaver to test the platform's ability to reach multiple intraabdominal targets. The device was under the control of the surgeon throughout the test. The surgeon was blinded to a control laparoscopic view. At each target organ, the platform was maneuvered via a joystick to provide different camera views and tool access orientation appropriate for the surgical tasks of each procedure. Standard endoscopic tools were used in the platform's two working channels to demonstrate the platform's ability to withstand the forces generated during tissue manipulation and clipping., Results: The platform reached each target organ site without difficulty, relying on the endoscopic view only. The platform's unique ability to maintain stability in two- and three-dimensional space resisted forces exerted by tools in the tool channels used for tissue manipulation and clipping. Endoscopic visualization allowed the surgeon to reposition the platform easily to gain a different camera view or tool access orientation about an organ (see video in Supplementary material)., Conclusion: The authors demonstrated that the four capabilities identified by NOSCAR can be provided by the flexible robotic endoscopic platform. These essential capabilities for the clinical implementation of NOTES were addressed specifically by this platform. The provision of these capabilities in a single device may further the advancement and adoption of NOTES.

Background: Repair of giant incisional hernias may lead to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and, sometimes, to abdominal compartment syndrome. Measurement of IAP using Kron's technique (Kron et al. in Ann Surg 199:28-30, 1984) is currently accepted as the gold standard, whereas Harrahill has described a simple measurement setup using urinary drainage manometry (Harrahill in J Emerg Nurs 24:465-466, 1998). The aim of this clinical trail was to evaluate the correlation, reproducibility and effectiveness of this device., Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in 43 patients undergoing elective standard abdominal intervention with laparotomy. These patients remain under surveillance in the intensive care unit and require a urinary catheter because of the operation. We performed comparative measurements of IAP using both Korn's (IVM) and Harrahill's (UDM) technique., Results: Evaluating the correlation between the IVM and UDM techniques, we measured median IAPs of 9.8 +/- 4.1 mmHg (2.9-19.9 mmHg) and 10.0 +/- 4.1 mmHg (min-max: 1.5-19.9 mmHg), respectively. Pearson's coefficient of correlation was r = 0.97. The average of difference between UDM and IVM was -0.2 +/- 0.9 mmHg with limits of agreement of -1.7 to 2.0 mmHg. Evaluating the reproducibility of Harrahill's technique, we found median IAPs of 10.4 +/- 2.1 mmHg (min-max: 2.9-19.1 mmHg) and 10.4 +/- 2.7 mmHg (3.7-19.9 mmHg), respectively, in 43 comparative measurements (Pearson's coefficient of correlation, r = 0.97. The average difference between both measurements was -0.1 +/- 1.1 mmHg with limits of agreement of -2.3 to 2.2 mmHg., Conclusions: We were able to demonstrate good correlation and high reproducibility of IAP measurement using Harrahill's technique compared to the gold standard Korn method. We consider this technique as a suitable method for quick and simple screening test for intra-abdominal hypertension, especially after repair of giant incisional hernias.

Background: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) achieves good results in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. There are two main procedures to deliver this therapy: the open abdomen and the closed abdomen techniques. A true comparison of the two techniques has never been performed. The aim of this study was to compare blood and abdominal tissue concentrations of oxaliplatin after open and closed techniques to deliver HIPEC., Methods: Nine pigs underwent HIPEC at 42-43 degrees C for 30 min with oxaliplatin (400 mg/m(2)) according to two techniques: closed (three animals) or open (six animals). The open technique used either an external heater with a pump (three animals) or an intra-abdominal heating cable (three animals) to achieve hyperthermia. Temperature homogeneity, systemic absorption, and abdominal tissue mapping of the penetration of oxaliplatin with each technique were studied. Two additional pigs underwent hyperthermia with dyes instead of oxaliplatin to depict the distribution of the liquid within the abdomen with both techniques., Results: Hyperthermia was satisfactory with both techniques. The closed technique achieved higher temperatures within the diaphragmatic area, while the open technique obtained higher temperatures in the mid and lower abdomen (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). The systemic absorption of oxaliplatin was higher with the open technique (P < 0.04 for all comparisons), as was the accumulation within the abdominal cavity. The operating time for the two techniques was not greatly different., Conclusions: Intraperitoneal hyperthermia can be achieved with both techniques. The open technique had far higher systemic absorption and abdominal tissue penetration of oxaliplatin than the closed technique.

Background: Hemodynamic changes caused by carbon dioxide (CO(2)) insufflation occur frequently in patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery. One indicator of these changes is corrected QT dispersion (QTcd), an index of myocardial function. Prolongation of QTcd has been associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We compared the effects of high-pressure (15 mmHg) and low-pressure (7 mmHg) CO(2) pneumoperitoneums on the QT interval, the rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), the QT dispersion (QTd), and the corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy., Methods: Twenty consecutive patients were in a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum group and 32 were in a high-pressure pneumoperitoneum group. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was used to monitor cardiac variables. In all patients, serial electrocardiograms were recorded before anesthesia induction (baseline), immediately after the pneumoperitoneum had been created, every 15 minutes during CO(2) insufflation, and 5 minutes after deflation. Two observers measured the QT intervals independently, and the QTcd was calculated using Bazett's formula., Results: The QT interval and the QTc interval did not change significantly during the study in either group. The QTd and QTcd in the high-pressure pneumoperitoneum group increased significantly during CO(2) insufflation and were significantly higher in the high-pressure pneumoperitoneum group compared with the low-pressure pneumoperitoneum group. Changes caused by CO(2) insufflation were reversible., Conclusions: Statistically significant increases of QTd and QTcd, which are associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias and cardiac events, occur during CO(2) insufflation in both high-pressure and low-pressure pneumoperitoneums. QTd and QTcd were significantly higher in the high-pressure pneumoperitoneum group than they were in the low-pressure pneumoperitoneum group. QT interval changes were not related to anesthetic agents, surgical stress, hypercapnia, or duration of CO(2) insufflation. Increased intra-abdominal pressure may have caused these changes.

Background: Exposure of the surgical team to toxic drugs during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remains a matter of great concern. During closed-abdomen HIPEC, operating room staff are not exposed to drugs, but the distribution of the heated liquid within the abdomen is not optimal. With open-abdomen HIPEC, the opposite is true. Although the open-abdomen method is potentially more effective, it has not become a standard procedure because of the risk of exposure of members of the team to drugs., Methods: We present a new technique (closed HIPEC with open abdomen) which ensures protection against potentially contaminating exposure to liquids, vapours and aerosols, and allows permanent access to the whole abdominal cavity. Its principle is to extend the abdominal surgical wound upwards with a sort of "glove-box". The cutaneous edges of the laparotomy are stapled to a latex "wall expander". The expander is draped over a special L-section metal frame placed above the abdomen. A transparent cover containing a "hand-access" port, like those used in laparoscopic surgery, is fixed inside the frame., Results: In 10 patients, this device proved to be hermetic for both liquids and vapours. Intra-abdominal temperature was maintained between 42 and 43 degrees C during most of the procedure. The whole abdominal cavity was accessible to the surgeon, allowing optimal exposure of all peritoneal surfaces., Conclusion: This technique allows optimal HIPEC, while limiting the potential toxic effects for the surgical, medical and paramedical teams.

Use of gauze sponges that have been embedded with passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags presents a high probability of reducing or eliminating instances of gossypiboma, or retained surgical sponge. The use of human counts during surgical operations, especially during instances where unexpected or emergency events occur, can result in errors where surgical instruments, most often gauze sponges, are retained within the patient's body, leading to complications at a later date. Implementation of an automatic inventory record system, for instance, RFID, may greatly reduce these incidences by removing the human factor and would improve patient safety by eliminating the current sponge count protocol. Experiments performed by placing RFID-labeled sponges within an animal and removing them have demonstrated that tags are at least partially readable inside the body cavity and fully readable once removed, suggesting the possibility of an automated sponge count system pending further development of this technology.

Esophageal duplication cysts (EDCs) are well described within the literature, normally occurring within the mediastinum. Intra-abdominal EDCs are rare and typically occur near the intra-abdominal esophagus. Herein, we describe two cases of intra-abdominal EDCs: a 60-year-old man who was incidentally found to have a retro-duodenal cystic mass and a 50-year-old woman with a cystic lesion near the body and tail of her pancreas causing left flank pain. Both patients underwent enucleation of their respective masses. Pathology revealed ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with scattered mucus-secreting cells and two smooth muscle layers in the cyst wall of both patients, consistent with EDCs. Although intra-abdominal EDCs have been reported in the literature, our two cases and a review of the literature indicate that these lesions are not always adherent to or even near the intra-abdominal esophagus.

The vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a genetic disorder of connective tissue and is frequently associated with catastrophic arterial complications. Its surgical treatment is extremely difficult because of the fragility of vessels. This article describes three patients with vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who developed mesenteric hemorrhage due to spontaneous arterial rupture. The clinical and molecular characteristics of the disease are briefly reviewed.

Background: Polypropylene is a material widely used in surgery. Because of its association with formation of enterocutaneous fistulae and adhesions, direct contact between mesh and intestine is avoided. The following study was designed to investigate the adhesive potential of different polypropylene meshes when placed in direct contact with intestine., Material and Methods: In an established experimental model, a total of 45 chinchilla rabbits underwent laparoscopic placement of meshes with different pore size (Group I: monofilament PP 0.6 mm, Group II: monofilament PP 2.5 mm, Group III: multifilament PP 4.0 mm) with the Intra-Peritoneal-Onlay-Mesh Technique (IPOM). The degree of adhesion formation was measured after 7, 21, and 90 days, evaluated by an adhesion score, quantified by computer-assisted planimetry, followed by histological and morphometric investigation of the perifilamental granuloma formation., Results: The heavyweight, small porous polypropylene meshes (PP 0.6) showed significantly stronger adhesion formation at all intervals of investigation compared with the lightweight meshes with a pore size >2.5 mm. Between the two different lightweight mesh variations, there was no significant difference. Granuloma formation was lowest in large-pore-size monofilament meshes (PP 2.5)., Conclusion: The IPOM rabbit model is suitable for investigation of biomaterials in the intra-abdominal position. Our results show that the adhesive potential is significantly influenced by the pore size. However, the extent of the foreign-body reaction seems also to be influenced by the filament structure, respectively, the surface area, favoring monofilament material.

Background: New materials have been devised to prevent postoperative adhesions when placing a prosthesis in contact with abdominal contents., Methods: Eighty rats underwent laparotomy and denudation of the serosa of the cecum and peritoneal covering of the abdominal wall. Five treated mesh products (Parietex Composite, Parietene Composite, Bard Composix E/X, Sepramesh, and Gore-Tex Dual Mesh) and one untreated mesh product (untreated Parietene) were randomly placed between the cecum and abdominal wall. A group without mesh was used as control. The animals were sacrificed at 21 days following surgery and analyzed for the presence of adhesions., Results: The incidence of adhesion formation, mean adhesion area, maximum adhesion length, and strength of adhesion separation were similar between Parietex Composite, Parietene Composite, and Bard Composix E/X, and they were significantly less than with Sepramesh, untreated Parietene, and the control group. Gore-Tex Dual Mesh resulted in less adhesions, adhesion area, mean strength of separation, and work of separation than the untreated Parietene group and the control group. Sepramesh resulted in less strength and work of separation compared to the control group., Conclusions: The incidence of adhesions and work and strength of adhesion separation are reduced when using a treated mesh, compared to the untreated mesh and the control group without mesh. Parietex Composite, Parietene Composite, Bard Composix E/X, and Gore-Tex Dual Mesh were superior to Sepramesh, untreated Parietene, and the control group in the prevention of adhesion formation.

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum (PP) increases mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) but decreases stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). This study evaluated the hemodynamic effects of elevated intraabdominal pressure (IAP) occurring during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN)., Methods: Twenty-two patients undergoing LDN were investigated and hemodynamic parameters, P(v)CO2) (carbon dioxide partial pressure), and VCO2 (carbon dioxide production) were monitored during the procedure. Before and after PP, IAP was raised from 12 to 20 mmHg and the hemodynamic effects were measured every 30 s., Results: During IAP of 12 mmHg and stable serum CO2, there was no change in SV compared to preinsufflation levels. When IAP was elevated from 12 to 20 mmHg, SV initially decreased (p < 05), followed by an increase in MAP and SVR (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: This study shows that with the fluid and ventilation protocol used, PP has no significant effect on SV at an IAP of 12 mmHg, whereas increasing IAP to 20 mmHg does. In this study, the hemodynamic effects induced by CO2 PP of 12 mmHg are not due to changes in serum CO2. Compression of the venous system during a PP of 20 mmHg reduces preload, with an subsequent increase in SVR.

The adjuvant effect of high-frequency hyperthermia of the abdominal cavity was studied in 2-month-old mice of highly leukemic AKR strain treated with cyclophosphamide. Weights of organs, parameters of the peripheral blood, and cytological imprints of organs were compared in experimental and control animals. A more pronounced antitumor effect was observed in animals exposed to hyperthermia. These data provide the basis for clinical use of hyperthermia of the abdominal cavity.

Background: In the past decade, cryptorchidism has generally been treated in the first 36 months of life using an inguinal approach, in the case of palpable testis, or using laparoscopy, in the case of nonpalpable testis. Nevertheless, before this period some children were managed incorrectly. This case report shows how laparoscopy and the collaboration between pediatric surgeons and urologists may lead to optimal results., Case Report: A 19-year-old male was referred to our unit following routine medical examination for enrollment in the military service with a diagnosis of right cryptorchidism. The clinical history showed the anamnesis of right cryptorchidism diagnosed at birth as a right nonpalpable testis, confirmed at 2 years of age with clinical examination and computer tomography. The patient came to our attention to again undergo a clinical examination, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. We found a left, well-positioned testis of 20 ml in volume and an empty right scrotum; all the instrumental examinations were negative. The patient was thus scheduled for a diagnostic laparoscopy. A pediatric surgeon with extensive experience in this pathology performed the procedure. The 10-mm 30 degrees optics introduced through the umbilicus showed a closed right inguinal ring, with no evidence of either vas deferens or inner spermatic vessels at the level of the inguinal region or pelvis. Two more trocars were introduced and a testis of 15 ml in volume was found under the ascending colon 10 cm away from the cecum. An orchiectomy was performed via laparoscopy., Conclusion: This case clearly shows that some males with nonpalpable testis may have been treated incorrectly in the prelaparoscopic era and may now have an intraabdominal testis. In addition, our experience shows that intraabdominal testis may sometime be in an unusual location, and a laparoscopic surgeon with experience in this pathology is fundamental to finding the testis. In the case of adults with nonpalpable testis, when echography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are not useful, the only effective diagnostic procedure is laparoscopy.