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Purpose: Although the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) is the gold-standard bariatric procedure, it remains uncertain what the optimal bowel limb lengths are to accomplish maximal weight loss while minimizing nutritional deficiencies and related gastro-intestinal complaints. The aim of this randomized controlled multicenter trial is to investigate the effect of significant lengthening of the length of the Roux limb (RL) at the cost of the length of the common channel (CC) while keeping the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) lengths the same on both study arms. Methods: Four hundred forty-four patients were randomized to receive either a Very Long Roux Limb LRYGB (VLRL-LRYGB) (variable RL length, BPL 60 cm, and CC 100 cm) or a Standard LRYGB (S-LRYGB) (RL 150 cm, BPL 60 cm, and a variable CC length). Results at 1-year follow-up for weight loss, effect on obesity-related comorbid conditions, complications, re-operation rate, malnutrition rate, and re-admission rate were investigated. Results: Weight loss at 1-year showed no significant differences for %EWL (84.3% versus 85.3%, p = 0.72) and %TWL (34.2% versus 33.6%, p = 0.359) comparing VLRL-LRYGB versus S-LRYGB. Malabsorption requiring surgical bowel length adjustment was observed in 1.4% in VLRL-LRYGB group versus 0.9% in S-LRYGB group (p = 0.316). Conclusion: Significant lengthening of the RL at the cost of the common channel seems to have no effect on the weight loss at 1-year follow-up, which supports the theory that absorption of nutrients also occurs in the RL. Nevertheless, long-term results of the VLRL-LRYGB have to be awaited to draw final conclusions as part of the discussion towards optimal limb length in LRYGB surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although long-term results of sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remain scarce in the literature, its popularity as a stand-alone procedure has accounted for a global increase in LSG performance. In this retrospective study, the authors present 5 to 8-year follow-up results in terms of weight loss, failure/revision rate, and comorbidity resolution from a single center. Materials and Methods: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for patients who underwent LSG between 2007 and 2010. Data analysis on weight loss, comorbid conditions, revision surgery, and mortality was conducted. Results: Median percentage excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) was 59.0, and 53.9 %, and median percentage total weight loss (%TWL) was 25.1, and 22.9 % at 5 and 8 years, respectively. Revision to gastric bypass due to insufficient weight loss or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was performed in 42 patients (15.2 %). Resolution of comorbid condition was achieved in 91 % of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), 68 % of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), 53 % of patients with hypertension, and 25 % of patients with dyslipedemia. Loss to follow-up rate was 45 % at 5 years, 28 % at 6 years, 23 % at 7 years, and 13 % at 8 years. Conclusion: This study adds to the currently available data confirming the LSG to be a safe and effective procedure at long term. Data from high-volume studies are needed to establish the definite role of the LSG in the spectrum of bariatric procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is an increasing disease worldwide. Bariatric surgery is the only effective therapy to induce sufficient long-term weight loss for morbidly obese patients. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) is the gold standard surgical technique. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a new promising bariatric procedure which has the advantage of maintaining an intact gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of both techniques. Our hypothesis is that LSG has a similar percentage excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) after 5 years compared to LRYGB. Methods/Design: The Sleeve Bypass Trial is a randomized multicentre clinical trial: patients eligible for bariatric surgery are randomized to either LSG or LRYGB. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) = 40 kg/m² or BMI 35 kg/m² with obesity related comorbidity (T2 DM, sleep apnoea, hypertension) are eligible for randomization. At randomization patients are stratified for centre, sex, T2 DM and BMI ≥ = 50 kg/m². A total number of 620 patients will be enrolled and equally (1:1) randomized to both treatment arms. Only surgeons experienced in both operation techniques will participate in the Sleeve Bypass trial. The primary endpoint is the 5-year weight loss (%EBMIL) of LSG and LRYGB. Secondary endpoints are resolution of obesity related comorbidity, complications, revision bariatric surgery and quality of life (QOL) defined in various questionnaires. Discussion: Long-term %EBMIL between the two treatment strategies used to be in favour of LRYGB, but more recent results throughout the world show similar %EBMIL in both techniques. If weight loss is comparable, obesity-related comorbidity and QOL after bariatric procedures should be taken into account when deciding on which surgical technique is to be preferred for certain subgroups in the future. Trial registration: Dutch Trial Register: NTR 4741. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Controversial data are available as to whether to perform a simultaneous abdominal or vaginal colposuspension operation in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy procedures. We wanted to evaluate the effect of a modified laparoscopic operation technique on urodynamic parameters and lower urinary tract symptoms. Design Prospective single center cohort study. Setting Teaching hospital. Population Forty-nine consecutive patients who underwent a modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy/hysteropexy operation using bone anchor fixation and synthetic mesh, performed by the same laparoscopic surgeons. Methods Pre- and postoperative multichannel urodynamic evaluation and validated questionnaires. The same urologist, blinded to the results of the questionnaire survey, interpreted all urodynamic evaluations. Main outcome measures The effects of surgery on pelvic anatomy and patient satisfaction, urodynamic observations and diagnoses and symptom scores in validated questionnaires. Results Forty-two patients consented to pre- and postoperative urodynamic evaluation. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy successfully corrected vaginal vault prolapse in all 42 patients with urodynamic evaluation six months after surgery. The bladder volume at first desire to void was significantly increased and the maximal detrusor pressure at voiding phase was significantly decreased. In the questionnaires, irritative and storage voiding symptoms were significantly decreased. Conclusions The results of the study demonstrate that there are no adverse urodynamic findings following this modified technique for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The statistically significant urodynamic improvements are in accordance with the scores on the Urogenital Distress Inventory questionnaires. These results do not support a simultaneous routine prophylactic colposuspension procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term anatomic and functional outcomes and safety of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with bone anchor fixation. Methods: A prospective cohort study of women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between 2004 and 2009. Anatomic outcome was assessed using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification score (POP-Q). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Defecatory Distress Inventory, and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to test differences between related samples. Results: Forty-nine women underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The objective success rate in the apical compartment was 98%, subjective success rate was 79%. One mesh exposure (2%) was found. One conversion was necessary due to injury to the ileum. Conclusions: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with bone anchor fixation is a safe and efficacious treatment for apical compartment prolapse. It provides excellent apical support and good functional outcome 6 months postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anastomotic leakage is a major complication in colorectal surgery. This study investigates a new method for reducing anastomotic failure using antitraction sutures. Methods: In 2007, the authors began routine placement of three sutures at every one-third of the circular end-to-end anastomosis to reduce traction. Before the start of the new protocol, 76 patients received laparoscopic colorectal left sided surgery, 21 (28%) of whom received a defunctioning stoma. After the start of the new protocol, 77 patients received laparoscopic colorectal surgery, 6 (8%) of whom received a defunctioning stoma. Results: Placement of a defunctioning stoma was significantly reduced ( n = 21 vs. 6; P = 0.01). Only one patient (1%) in the sutured group experienced anastomotic leakage compared with six patients in the control group ( P = 0.025). Other anastomosis-related complications during the follow-up period, including anastomotic stenosis and intraabdominal abscess, occurred more frequently in the control group, although the difference did not reach significance. Conclusion: The use of antitraction sutures to support the anastomosis seems to reduce the occurrence of anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic left colorectal surgery. A prospective randomized trial is necessary to prove the decreasing effect of antitraction sutures on anastomotic leakage as well as the major decreasing effect on the necessity of placement of defunctioning stomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several minimal invasive, mainly laparoscopic-assisted, techniques for reversal of Hartmann’s procedure (HP) have been published. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess a minimal invasive procedure through the stomal site that may compare favorably with open or laparoscopic-assisted procedures in terms of operative time, hospital stay and postoperative complications. HP reversal through the stomal side was attempted in 13 consecutive patients. Lysis of intra-abdominal adhesions was done manually through an incision at the formal stoma side, without direct vision between thumb and index finger. The rectal stump was identified intra-abdominally using a transanal rigid club. A manually controlled stapled end-to-end colorectal anastomosis was created. Mean duration of operation was 81 min (range 58–109 min); mean hospital stay was 4.2 days (range 2–7 days). In two patients the procedure was converted because of strong adhesions in the lower pelvic cavity around the rectal stump that could not be lysed manually safely. No complications occurred in the patients in whom reversal was completely done through the stomal site. In our opinion, restoration of intestinal continuity through the stomal side after HP is a feasible operation, without need for additional incisions. In the hands of a specialist gastrointestinal surgeon this technique can be attempted in all patients, as conversion to a laparoscopic-assisted or an open procedure can be performed when necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bad vision due to a dirty camera lens is one of the disadvantages and one of the most prominent frustrations in performing endoscopic surgery. Different methods to prevent lens fogging have been described; however, little is published about the prevention of lens contamination due to a dirty port. The authors report three port-cleaning methods: (1) sterile gauze wrapped around an endoscopic dissecting clamp, (2) sterile gauze wrapped around a Pean clamp, and (3) a 10-mm sterile cotton swab, all being simple, adequate, cost-saving solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]