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Background: Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is increasingly performed via the robot-assisted approach but may be associated with increased costs. This study is a post-hoc comparison of healthcare cost expenditure for robotic liver resection (RLR) and laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in a high-volume center., Methods: In-hospital and 30-day postoperative healthcare costs were calculated per patient in a retrospective series (October 2015-December 2022)., Results: Overall, 298 patients were included (143 RLR and 155 LLR). Benefits of RLR were lower conversion rate (2.8% vs 12.3%, p = 0.002), shorter operating time (167 min vs 198 min, p = 0.044), and less blood loss (50 mL vs 200 mL, p < 0.001). Total per-procedure costs of RLR (€10260) and LLR (€9931) were not significantly different (mean difference €329 [95% bootstrapped confidence interval (BCI) €-1179-€2120]). Lower costs with RLR due to shorter surgical and operating room time were offset by higher disposable instrumentation costs resulting in comparable intraoperative costs (€5559 vs €5247, mean difference €312 [95% BCI €-25-€648]). Postoperative costs were similar for RLR (€4701) and LLR (€4684), mean difference €17 [95% BCI €-1357-€1727]. When also considering purchase and maintenance costs, RLR resulted in higher total per-procedure costs., Discussion: In a high-volume center, RLR can have similar per-procedure cost expenditure as LLR when disregarding capital investment., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare surgical and oncological outcomes after minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) versus open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) for distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA)., Background: A dCCA might be a good indication for MIPD, as it is often diagnosed as primary resectable disease. However, multicenter series on MIPD for dCCA are lacking., Methods: This is an international multicenter propensity score-matched cohort study including patients after MIPD or OPD for dCCA in 8 centers from 5 countries (2010-2021). Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and disease-free interval (DFI). Secondary outcomes included perioperative and postoperative complications and predictors for OS or DFI. Subgroup analyses included robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) and laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD)., Results: Overall, 478 patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for dCCA were included of which 97 after MIPD (37 RPD, 60 LPD) and 381 after OPD. MIPD was associated with less blood loss (300 vs 420 mL, P =0.025), longer operation time (453 vs 340 min; P <0.001), and less surgical site infections (7.8% vs 19.3%; P =0.042) compared with OPD. The median OS (30 vs 25 mo) and DFI (29 vs 18) for MIPD did not differ significantly between MIPD and OPD. Tumor stage (Hazard ratio: 2.939, P <0.001) and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (Hazard ratio: 0.640, P =0.033) were individual predictors for OS. RPD was associated with a higher lymph node yield (18.0 vs 13.5; P =0.008) and less major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo 3b-5; 8.1% vs 32.1%; P =0.005) compared with LPD., Discussion: Both surgical and oncological outcomes of MIPD for dCCA are acceptable as compared with OPD. Surgical outcomes seem to favor RPD as compared with LPD but more data are needed. Randomized controlled trials should be performed to confirm these findings., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Many centers worldwide are shifting from laparoscopic to robotic minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary resections (MIS-HPB) but large single center series assessing this process are lacking. We hypothesized that the introduction of robot-assisted surgery was safe and feasible in a high-volume center., Methods: Single center, post-hoc assessment of prospectively collected data including all consecutive MIS-HPB resections (January 2010-February 2022). As of December 2018, all MIS pancreatoduodenectomy and liver resections were robot-assisted. All surgeons had participated in dedicated training programs for laparoscopic and robotic MIS-HPB. Primary outcomes were in-hospital/30-day mortality and Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complications., Results: Among 1875 pancreatic and liver resections, 600 (32%) were MIS-HPB resections. The overall rate of conversion was 4.3%, Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complications 25.7%, and in-hospital/30-day mortality 1.8% (n = 11). When comparing the period before and after the introduction of robotic MIS-HPB (Dec 2018), the overall use of MIS-HPB increased from 25.3 to 43.8% (P < 0.001) and blood loss decreased from 250 ml [IQR 100-500] to 150 ml [IQR 50-300] (P < 0.001). The 291 MIS pancreatic resections included 163 MIS pancreatoduodenectomies (52 laparoscopic, 111 robotic) with 4.3% conversion rate. The implementation of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy was associated with reduced operation time (450 vs 361 min; P < 0.001), reduced blood loss (350 vs 200 ml; P < 0.001), and a decreased rate of delayed gastric emptying (28.8% vs 9.9%; P = 0.009). The 309 MIS liver resections included 198 laparoscopic and 111 robotic procedures with a 3.6% conversion rate. The implementation of robotic liver resection was associated with less overall complications (24.7% vs 10.8%; P = 0.003) and shorter hospital stay (4 vs 3 days; P < 0.001)., Conclusion: The introduction of robotic surgery was associated with greater implementation of MIS-HPB in up to nearly half of all pancreatic and liver resections. Although mortality and major morbidity were not affected, robotic surgery was associated with improvements in some selected outcomes. Ultimately, randomized studies and high-quality registries should determine its added value., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Biliary cysts (BC) are rare congenital dilatations of intra- and extrahepatic parts of the biliary tract and bear a significant risk of carcinogenesis. Surgery is the cornerstone treatment for patients with BC. While total BC excision and Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the treatment method of the choice in patients with extrahepatic BC (i.e., Todani I-IV), patients with intrahepatic BC (i.e., Todani V) benefit the most from a surgical liver resection. In recent years, minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) including robotic MILS has gained more acceptance as a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of both benign and malignant indications. Robotic major MILS is still considered technically demanding and a detailed description of the technical approach during robotic major MILS has only been limitedly discussed in the literature. The current article describes the main steps for a robotic left hepatectomy in a patient with a large BC Todani Type V. The patient is in French position with 5 trocars placed (4 robotic, 1 laparoscopic assistant). After mobilizing the left hemiliver, the left and right hepatic artery are dissected carefully followed by a cholecystectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound is performed to confirm localization and margins of the BC. The Left hepatic artery and left portal vein are isolated, clipped, and divided. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is used regularly during the entire procedure to visualize and confirm biliary tract anatomy and the BC. Parenchymal transection is performed with robotic cautery hook for the superficial part and robotic cautery spatula, bipolar cautery, and vessel sealer for the deeper parenchyma. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. A robotic left hepatectomy is technically demanding, yet a feasible and safe procedure. ICG-fluorescence imaging aids in delineating the BC and bile duct anatomy. Further, comparative studies are needed to confirm clinical benefits of robotic MILS for benign and malignant indications.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate oncological outcome for patients with and without anastomotic leakage after colon or rectal cancer surgery., Summary of Background Data: The role of anastomotic leakage in oncological outcome after colorectal cancer surgery is still topic of debate and impact on follow-up and consideration for further treatment remains unclear., Methods: Patients included in the international, multicenter, non-inferior, open label, randomized, controlled trials COLOR and COLOR II, comparing laparoscopic surgery for curable colon (COLOR) and rectal (COLOR II) cancer with open surgery, were analyzed. Patients operated by abdominoperineal excision were excluded. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the impact of leakage on overall survival, disease-free survival, local and distant recurrences, adjusted for possible confounders. Primary endpoints in the COLOR and COLOR II trial were disease-free survival and local recurrence at 3-year follow-up, respectively, and secondary endpoints included anastomotic leakage rate., Results: For colon cancer, anastomotic leakage was not associated with increased percentage of local recurrence or decreased disease-free-survival. For rectal cancer, an increase of local recurrences (13.3% vs 4.6%; hazard ratio 2.96; 95% confidence interval 1.38-6.34; P = 0.005) and a decrease of disease-free survival (53.6% vs 70.9%; hazard ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.41; P = 0.006) at 5-year follow-up were found in patients with anastomotic leakage., Conclusion: Short-term morbidity, mortality, and long-term oncological outcomes are negatively influenced by the occurrence of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. For colon cancer, no significant effect was observed; however, due to low power, no conclusions on the influence of anastomotic leakage on outcomes after colon surgery could be reached. Clinical awareness of increased risk of local recurrence after anastomotic leakage throughout the follow-up is mandatory.Trial Registration: Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00387842 and NCT00297791., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: Based on excellent outcomes from high-volume centres, laparoscopic liver resection is increasingly being adopted into nationwide practice which typically includes low-medium volume centres. It is unknown how the use and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection compare between high-volume centres and low-medium volume centres. This study aimed to compare use and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection in three leading European high-volume centres and nationwide practice in the Netherlands., Method: An international, retrospective multicentre cohort study including data from three European high-volume centres (Oslo, Southampton and Milan) and all 20 centres in the Netherlands performing laparoscopic liver resection (low-medium volume practice) from January 2011 to December 2016. A high-volume centre is defined as a centre performing >50 laparoscopic liver resections per year. Patients were retrospectively stratified into low, moderate- and high-risk Southampton difficulty score groups., Results: A total of 2425 patients were included (1540 high-volume; 885 low-medium volume). The median annual proportion of laparoscopic liver resection was 42.9 per cent in high-volume centres and 7.2 per cent in low-medium volume centres. Patients in the high-volume centres had a lower conversion rate (7.4 versus 13.1 per cent; P < 0.001) with less intraoperative incidents (9.3 versus 14.6 per cent; P = 0.002) as compared to low-medium volume centres. Whereas postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were similar in the two groups, a lower reintervention rate (5.1 versus 7.2 per cent; P = 0.034) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (3 versus 5 days; P < 0.001) were observed in the high-volume centres as compared to the low-medium volume centres. In each Southampton difficulty score group, the conversion rate was lower and hospital stay shorter in high-volume centres. The rate of intraoperative incidents did not differ in the low-risk group, whilst in the moderate-risk and high-risk groups this rate was lower in high-volume centres (absolute difference 6.7 and 14.2 per cent; all P < 0.004)., Conclusion: High-volume expert centres had a sixfold higher use of laparoscopic liver resection, less conversions, and shorter hospital stay, as compared to a nationwide low-medium volume practice. Stratification into Southampton difficulty score risk groups identified some differences but largely outcomes appeared better for high-volume centres in each risk group., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: While most of the evidence on minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is derived from expert centers, nationwide outcomes remain underreported. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and outcome of MILS on a nationwide scale., Methods: Electronic patient files were reviewed in all Dutch liver surgery centers and all patients undergoing MILS between 2011 and 2016 were selected. Operative outcomes were stratified based on extent of the resection and annual MILS volume., Results: Overall, 6951 liver resections were included, with a median annual volume of 50 resections per center. The overall use of MILS was 13% (n = 916), which varied from 3% to 36% (P < 0.001) between centers. The nationwide use of MILS increased from 6% in 2011 to 23% in 2016 (P < 0.001). Outcomes of minor MILS were comparable with international studies (conversion 0-13%, mortality <1%). In centers which performed ≥20 MILS annually, major MILS was associated with less conversions (14 (11%) versus 41 (30%), P < 0.001), shorter operating time (184 (117-239) versus 200 (139-308) minutes, P = 0.010), and less overall complications (37 (30%) versus 58 (42%), P = 0.040)., Conclusion: The nationwide use of MILS is increasing, although large variation remains between centers. Outcomes of major MILS are better in centers with higher volumes., (Copyright © 2019 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy with open reconstruction (LPD-OR) has been suggested to lower the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula reported after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy with laparoscopic reconstruction (LPD). Propensity score matched studies are, lacking., Methods: This is a multicenter prospective cohort study including patients from 7 Dutch centers between 2014-2018. Patients undergoing LPD-OR were matched LPD patients in a 1:1 ratio based on propensity scores. Main outcomes were postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) grade B/C and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications., Results: A total of 172 patients were included, involving the first procedure for all centers. All 56 patients after LPD-OR could be matched to a patient undergoing LPD. With LPD-OR, the unplanned conversion rate was 21% vs. 9% with LPD (P < 0.001). Median blood loss (300 vs. 400 mL, P = 0.85), operative time (401 vs. 378 min, P = 0.62) and hospital stay (10 vs. 12 days, P = 0.31) were comparable for LPD-OR vs. LPD, as were Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications (38% vs. 52%, P = 0.13), POPF grade B/C (23% vs. 21%, P = 0.82), and 90-day mortality (4% vs. 4%, P > 0.99)., Conclusion: In this propensity matched cohort performed early in the learning curve, no benefit was found for LPD-OR, as compared to LPD., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Observational cohort studies have suggested that minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is associated with better short-term outcomes compared with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP), such as less intraoperative blood loss, lower morbidity, shorter length of hospital stay, and reduced total costs. Confounding by indication has probably influenced these findings, given that case-matched studies failed to confirm the superiority of MIDP. This accentuates the need for multicenter randomized controlled trials, which are currently lacking. We hypothesize that time to functional recovery is shorter after MIDP compared with ODP even in an enhanced recovery setting., Methods: LEOPARD is a randomized controlled, parallel-group, patient-blinded, multicenter, superiority trial in all 17 centers of the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group. A total of 102 patients with symptomatic benign, premalignant or malignant disease will be randomly allocated to undergo MIDP or ODP in an enhanced recovery setting. The primary outcome is time (days) to functional recovery, defined as all of the following: independently mobile at the preoperative level, sufficient pain control with oral medication alone, ability to maintain sufficient (i.e. >50%) daily required caloric intake, no intravenous fluid administration and no signs of infection. Secondary outcomes are operative and postoperative outcomes, including clinically relevant complications, mortality, quality of life and costs., Discussion: The LEOPARD trial is designed to investigate whether MIDP reduces the time to functional recovery compared with ODP in an enhanced recovery setting., Trial Registration: Dutch Trial Register, NTR5188 . Registered on 9 April 2015.

Objective: To study the feasibility and impact of a nationwide training program in minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP)., Summary of Background Data: Superior outcomes of MIDP compared with open distal pancreatectomy have been reported. In the Netherlands (2005 to 2013) only 10% of distal pancreatectomies were in a minimally invasive fashion and 85% of surgeons welcomed MIDP training. The feasibility and impact of a nationwide training program is unknown., Methods: From 2014 to 2015, 32 pancreatic surgeons from 17 centers participated in a nationwide training program in MIDP, including detailed technique description, video training, and proctoring on-site. Outcomes of MIDP before training (2005-2013) were compared with outcomes after training (2014-2015)., Results: In total, 201 patients were included; 71 underwent MIDP in 9 years before training versus 130 in 22 months after training (7-fold increase, P < 0.001). The conversion rate (38% [n = 27] vs 8% [n = 11], P < 0.001) and blood loss were lower after training and more pancreatic adenocarcinomas were resected (7 [10%] vs 28 [22%], P = 0.03), with comparable R0-resection rates (4/7 [57%] vs 19/28 [68%], P = 0.67). Clavien-Dindo score ≥III complications (15 [21%] vs 19 [15%], P = 0.24) and pancreatic fistulas (20 [28%] vs 41 [32%], P = 0.62) were not significantly different. Length of hospital stay was shorter after training (9 [7-12] vs 7 [5-8] days, P < 0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 3% vs 0% (P = 0.12)., Conclusion: A nationwide MIDP training program was feasible and followed by a steep increase in the use of MIDP, also in patients with pancreatic cancer, and decreased conversion rates. Future studies should determine whether such a training program is applicable in other settings.

Background: Cohort studies from expert centers suggest that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is superior to open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) regarding postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. But the generalizability of these findings is unknown because nationwide data on LDP are lacking., Study Design: Adults who had undergone distal pancreatectomy in 17 centers between 2005 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. First, all LDPs were compared with all ODPs. Second, groups were matched using a propensity score. Third, the attitudes of pancreatic surgeons toward LDP were surveyed. The primary outcome was major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III)., Results: Among 633 included patients, 64 patients (10%) had undergone LDP and 569 patients (90%) had undergone ODP. Baseline characteristics were comparable, except for previous abdominal surgery and mean tumor size. In the full cohort, LDP was associated with fewer major complications (16% vs 29%; p = 0.02) and a shorter median [interquartile range, IQR] hospital stay (8 days [7-12 days] vs 10 days [8-14 days]; p = 0.03). Of all LDPs, 33% were converted to ODP. Matching succeeded for 63 LDP patients. After matching, the differences in major complications (9 patients [14%] vs 19 patients [30%]; p = 0.06) and median [IQR] length of hospital stay (8 days [7-12 days] vs 10 days [8-14 days]; p = 0.48) were not statistically significant. The survey demonstrated that 85% of surgeons welcomed LDP training., Conclusions: Despite nationwide underuse and an impact of selection bias, outcomes of LDP seemed to be at least noninferior to ODP. Specific training is welcomed and could improve both the use and outcomes of LDP., (Copyright © 2015 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is the treatment of choice for appendicitis provided sufficient laparoscopic expertise is available. The endostapler possibly provides an easier and safer closure of the appendiceal stump, but at greater expense. This study aimed to compare two strategies for closure of the appendiceal stump in a large retrospective cohort of patients., Methods: This study reviewed patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in three academic hospitals and two regional hospitals in The Netherlands during the period 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2011. The endostapler was routinely used in two hospitals and selectively used in the remaining three hospitals. Both strategies were compared for complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification., Results: A total of 1,036 patients were analyzed according to the strategy followed. The 571 patients in the first group were routinely treated with the endostapler. For the 465 patients in the second group, the intentional method of stump closure was with endoloops. The endostapler was used when indicated for 69 of these patients. The patient characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The groups also did not differ significantly in number of intra- and postoperative complications. In both groups, 4.3 % of the patients had complications classified as grade 3 or higher. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of intraabdominal abscesses (3.2 % vs. 4.3) or wound infections (0.4 and 1.5 %). In a multivariate analysis, the chosen strategy for stump closure was not a significant predictor for postoperative complications., Conclusion: Routine use of the endostapler showed no clinical advantages over the use of endoloops with selective endostapler closure. The latter strategy is preferable because it is more cost effective.

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in developed countries. The treatment of acute appendicitis is either open or laparoscopic appendectomy. The latter has gained wide acceptance in the past years, although the debate on the true merits of laparoscopic appendectomy is still on going. Some authors prefer this approach as the gold standard for all patients, but in our opinion a tailored approach is warranted for specific patient groups. In addition, a standardised guideline on the technical aspects is still lacking. In the current article, open versus laparoscopic appendectomy and several technical aspects, such as stump closure, appendix extraction and single incision are discussed laparoscopic appendectomy are being addressed. In the future perspectives we will briefly discuss the third 'newly' introduced antibiotic treatment., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review on the introduction of laparoscopic liver surgery in the Netherlands, to investigate the initial experience with laparoscopic liver resections and to report on the current status of laparoscopic liver surgery in the Netherlands., Methods: A systematic literature search of laparoscopic liver resections in the Netherlands was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE. Analysis of initial experience with laparoscopic liver surgery was performed by case-control comparison of patients undergoing laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy matched with patients undergoing the open procedure in the Netherlands between the years 2000 and 2008. Furthermore, a nationwide survey was conducted in 2011 on the current status of laparoscopic liver surgery., Results: The systematic review revealed only 6 Dutch reports on actual laparoscopic liver surgery. Matched case-control comparison showed significant differences in the length of hospital stay, blood loss and operation time. Complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (26 vs. 21%). The 2011 survey showed that 21 centers in the Netherlands performed formal liver resections and that 49 (5% of total) laparoscopic liver resections were performed in 2010., Conclusion: The systematic review revealed that very few laparoscopic liver resections were performed in the Netherlands in the previous millennium. The matched case-control comparison of laparoscopic and open left lateral resection showed a reduction in hospital length of stay with comparable morbidity. The laparoscopic technique has been slowly adopted in the Netherlands, but its popularity seems to increase in recent years., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

A patient with an umbilical hernia presenting with collateral veins in the abdominal wall and umbilicus is a case that every hernia surgeon has to deal with occasionally. Several underlying diseases have been described to provoke collateral veins in the abdominal wall. However, the treatment strategy should be uniform. We herein report a case of a successful laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair in a patient with collateral veins in the abdominal wall and umbilicus. A 63-year-old man was referred to the surgical outpatient clinic with a large symptomatic umbilical hernia and collateral veins in the abdominal wall, secondary to an occlusion of both common iliac veins. Because of collateral veins in the umbilicus and the size of the hernial defect, he was offered laparoscopic hernia repair without compromising these veins. Because of the extensive abdominal wall collaterals, duplex sonography vein mapping was performed preoperatively to mark a safe collateral-free area for trocar introduction. The defect was repaired by mesh prosthesis.

One trocar appendectomy is a combination of laparoscopic and open appendectomy. The advantage, along with improved cosmesis, is the possibility to introduce a dissection instrument through the optical trocar without an additional incision. In this prospective study the sense of one trocar appendectomy is evaluated in daily practise for a cohort of consecutive patients with suspected acute appendicitis. Twenty-two patients were enrolled. One-trocar appendectomy was successful in 13 patients. In 8 patients one extra 2, 5 or 10 millimetre trocar was necessary. In one patient a third trocar was necessary. Conversion to an open appendectomy through a grid iron incision was not necessary. The pathologist confirmed the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in all patients. The average operation time was 53 minutes. Complications included one wound abscess and one wound haematoma. In conclusion one trocar appendectomy is a good and safe technique in patients with the suspicion of acute appendicitis, provided that the operative team must be experienced in laparoscopic surgery and the constitution of the patient is suitable for this technique.

Background: Training of skills in simulators is preferred over learning on patients so as to avoid undue injury to patients and to allow more efficient use of resources. Most simulators are costly and require a dedicated space. The aim of this study was to evaluate a simple desktop simulator, the Mirror Trainer., Methods: Thirty medical students were randomly assigned to three groups. One group was taught laparoscopic suturing in the Mirror Trainer, the second group used a pelvic training box, while the third group served as a control group and did not receive any training. All suture attempts during training were recorded on video. A blinded, independent investigator analyzed the videos. At the completion of training, the suturing skills of each participant were evaluated in an animal model., Results: Training with the Mirror Trainer required less time than with the pelvic trainer (p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the Mirror Trainer group and the pelvic trainer group were significantly faster at creating three knots in the pig (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Both training groups performed equally well on the animal model (p = 0.99)., Conclusion: The Mirror Trainer and the pelvic trainer are equally effective in teaching laparoscopic suturing skills but training with the Mirror Trainer requires less time, can be done on any desktop, and is less costly.

Background: Chronic groin pain, especially in professional sportsmen, is a difficult clinical problem., Methods: From January 1999 to August 2005, 55 professional and semiprofessional sportsmen (53 males; mean age, 25 +/- 4.5 years; range, 17-36 years) with undiagnosed chronic groin pain were followed prospectively. All the patients underwent an endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh placement., Results: Incipient hernia was diagnosed in the study athletes: 15 on the right side (27%), 12 on the left side (22%), and 9 bilaterally (16%). In 20 patients (36%), an inguinal hernia was found: 3 direct inguinal hernias (5%) and 17 indirect hernias (31%). All the athletes returned to their normal sports level within 3 months after the operation., Conclusions: A TEP repair must be proposed to patients with prolonged groin pain unresponsive to conservative treatment. If no clear pathology is identified, reinforcement of the wall using a mesh offers good clinical results for athletes with idiopathic groin pain.

Background: This metaanalysis aimed to compare endoscopic linear stapling and loop ligatures used to secure the base of the appendix., Methods: Randomized controlled trials on appendix stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy were systematically searched and critically appraised. The results in terms of complication rates, operating time, and hospital stay were pooled by standard metaanalytic techniques., Results: Data on 427 patients from four studies were included. The operative time was 9 min longer when loops were used (p = 0.04). Superficial wound infections (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06-0.71; p = 0.01) and postoperative ileus (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.89; p = 0.03) were significantly less frequent when the appendix stump was secured with staples instead of loops. Of 10 intraoperative ruptures of the appendix, 7 occurred in loop-treated patients (p = 0.46). Hospital stay and frequency of postoperative intraabdominal abscess also were comparable in loop-treated and staple-treated patients., Conclusions: The clinical evidence on stump closure methods in laparoscopic appendectomy favors the routine use of endoscopic staplers.

Background: The safety and short-term benefits of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer remain debatable. The multicentre COLOR (COlon cancer Laparoscopic or Open Resection) trial was done to assess the safety and benefit of laparoscopic resection compared with open resection for curative treatment of patients with cancer of the right or left colon., Methods: 627 patients were randomly assigned to laparoscopic surgery and 621 patients to open surgery. The primary endpoint was cancer-free survival 3 years after surgery. Secondary outcomes were short-term morbidity and mortality, number of positive resection margins, local recurrence, port-site or wound-site recurrence, metastasis, overall survival, and blood loss during surgery. Analysis was by intention to treat. Here, clinical characteristics, operative findings, and postoperative outcome are reported., Findings: Patients assigned laparoscopic resection had less blood loss compared with those assigned open resection (median 100 mL [range 0-2700] vs 175 mL [0-2000], p<0.0001), although laparoscopic surgery lasted 30 min longer than did open surgery (p<0.0001). Conversion to open surgery was needed for 91 (17%) patients undergoing the laparoscopic procedure. Radicality of resection as assessed by number of removed lymph nodes and length of resected oral and aboral bowel did not differ between groups. Laparoscopic colectomy was associated with earlier recovery of bowel function (p<0.0001), need for fewer analgesics, and with a shorter hospital stay (p<0.0001) compared with open colectomy. Morbidity and mortality 28 days after colectomy did not differ between groups., Interpretation: Laparoscopic surgery can be used for safe and radical resection of cancer in the right, left, and sigmoid colon.

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) appears, when compared to open splenectomy (OS), associated with immediate important advantages. However, in a number of patients splenectomy does not lead to an adequate response, or after initial adequate response a relapse occurs after some time. A relapse may be associated to the presence of accessory spleens and splenosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the operative outcome and the hematological results on the long term of a series of LS with a historic series of OS for the treatment of ITP., Methods: A retrospective review was done of 50 consecutive patients who underwent LS for ITP. Patient characteristics, outcome of surgery, and hematological results were compared to a historical group of patients who underwent conventional splenectomy for ITP (n = 31). Response to splenectomy was defined in three groups: complete remission, partial remission, and no response. Grouping was based on hematological data., Results: Concerning operative outcome and postoperative complications, there was a significant difference in favor of LS. Moreover, the hematological outcome of both groups showed no differences after a median period of 66 months (OS) and 35 months (LS), respectively., Conclusions: Hematological results after laparoscopic splenectomy for ITP are comparable to those after open splenectomy in both the short and the long term.

Laparoscopic resection of colonic cancer can be regarded as a safe and efficacious procedure. Short-term outcome is better after laparoscopic colectomy than after open colectomy. Long-term results of the first published randomized clinical trial indicate improved cancer related survival following laparoscopic resection of colonic cancer. However, patients included in this single center study were operated on by highly experienced laparoscopic surgeons and included relative small numbers of patients. Results of other large randomized controlled trials have to be awaited before laparoscopic resection can be recommended for colonic cancer. Higher in-hospital costs and a long learning curve hinder rapid implementation of laparoscopic colectomy into general surgical practice. Integration of laparoscopic surgery into surgical training programs is mandatory.

Background: Recent developments in laparoscopic solid organ surgery suggest a possible reduction in postoperative discomfort and disability for kidney donors. Technical aspects and the influence of surgical experience in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy were evaluated., Methods: The clinical outcome of 57 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies (LapNx) was compared with that for a historic control group of 27 open donor nephrectomies (OpenNx)., Results: Three conversions to open nephrectomy (5.2%) were necessary. Postoperative complications were minor and comparable in both groups. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery demonstrated significantly less postoperative pain and a shorter hospital stay, but operative time and warm ischemia time were significantly longer. Graft survival after LapNx was 100% during a median follow-up period of 13 months. Operative time for LapNx decreased considerably with experience gained and seemed to be less for right nephrectomy. Stenotic ureter-bladder anastomoses occurred after LapNx in four patients during the first half year (7.0%), but this problem seemed to be resolved after modification of the technique., Conclusion: LapNx is associated with less postoperative discomfort and improved convalescence.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to find the ergonomically optimal operating surface height for laparoscopic surgery in order to reduce discomfort in the upper extremities of the operators and the assistants. The operating surface height was defined as the level of the abdominal wall of a patient with pneumoperitoneum., Materials and Methods: Two pelvi-trainer tests were performed. One test was performed on six different operating surface heights. The (extreme) joint excursions of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist were measured by a video analysis method. Another test was performed by holding a laparoscope for 15 minutes while an electromyelograph of the biceps brachii was made. The results of both tests were evaluated subjectively by a questionnaire., Results: The ergonomically optimal operating surface height lies between a factor 0.7 and 0.8 of the elbow height of the operator/assistant. At this height, the joint excursions stay in the neutral zone for more than 90% of the total manipulation time, and the activity of the biceps brachii when holding the laparoscope stays within 15% of the maximum muscle activity., Conclusions: The operating surface height influences the (extreme) upper joint excursions of the surgeon. The ergonomically optimal operating surface height reduces the discomfort in the shoulders, back, and wrists of the surgeon during laparoscopic surgery. This optimal table height range for laparoscopic surgery is lower than those currently available.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (ERA)., Summary Background Data: Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the procedure of choice for benign adrenal pathology. Although the adrenal glands are located in the retroperitoneum, most surgeons prefer the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach to adrenal tumors., Methods: Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 111 ERAs from January 1994 to December 1999 were evaluated., Results: Ninety-five patients underwent 111 ERAs (79 unilateral, 16 bilateral). Indications were Cushing syndrome (n = 22), Cushing disease (n = 8), ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (n = 6), Conn's adenoma (n = 25), pheochromocytoma (n = 19), incidentaloma (n = 11), and other (n = 4). Tumor size varied from 0.1 to 8 cm. Median age was 50 years. Unilateral ERA required 114 minutes, with median blood loss of 65 mL. Bilateral ERA lasted 214 minutes, with median blood loss of 121 mL. The conversion rate to open surgery was 4.5%. The complication rate was 11%. Median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days for unilateral ERA and 5 days for bilateral ERA. The death rate was 0.9%. At a median follow-up of 14 months, the recurrence rate of disease was 0.9%., Conclusion: For benign adrenal tumors less than 6 cm, ERA is recommended.

Background: Laparoscopic ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for the localization of islet cell tumors has been described before, but few reports on laparoscopic resection of insulinomas exist. We retrospectively reviewed the results of our experience with laparoscopic detection and the resection of insulinomas to determine its feasibility., Methods: Between February 1996 and February 1999, 10 patients underwent operation for organic hyperinsulinism at our institution. Patient and clinical characteristics were studied retrospectively. Laparoscopic ultrasonography was performed to localize the insulinoma and then laparoscopic resection was performed., Results: Eight women and 2 men underwent operation for hyperinsulinism. In 6 patients the insulinoma could be resected laparoscopically, either by enucleation (5 patients) or by resection of the pancreatic tail (1 patient). Four procedures were converted to laparotomy for the proximate location of the insulinoma to the portal vein or pancreatic duct (3 procedures) and failure to identify the insulinoma (1 procedure). The overall success rate of preoperative localization of an insulinoma with the use of various imaging techniques was 60% (6/10 patients). Laparoscopic ultrasonography could identify an insulinoma in 90% of the patients (9/10 patients). The median hospital stay was 7 days., Conclusions: Laparoscopic ultrasonography followed by laparoscopic removal of the insulinoma in patients with clinically manifested hyperinsulinism is a feasible and safe technique with low morbidity and fast postoperative recovery. Preoperative localization studies appear of limited value.

Background: Animal experiments have shown that carbon dioxide (CO(2)) laparoscopy results in more port-site recurrences than gasless laparoscopy. Possible transport of aerosolized tumor cells by CO(2) was investigated in rats., Methods: Abdominal cavities of 15 pairs of Wistar Agouti (WAG) rats were connected and 2 x 10(6) or 16 x 10(6) CC 531 cells were injected in the first (donor) rat of each pair. Then 10 l of CO(2) were allowed to flow from the first (donor) to the second (recipient) rat., Results: No tumor was found in the recipients after injection of 2 x 10(6) cells in the donors. Injection of 16 x 10(6) cells in the donors resulted in very limited tumor growth in the recipients., Conclusions: Aerosolization of tumor cells occurs, but the number of intraperitoneal tumor cells required for metastases to occur by this mechanism is extremely high. Therefore, aerosolization of tumor cells appears not to be of major relevance in the pathogenesis of port-site metastases.

Design: Evaluation of thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy and laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy as endoscopic palliative treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer., Patients and Methods: Between November 1993 and September 1998 we performed 16 thoracoscopic splanchnicectomies and 6 laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies in patients with an advanced pancreatic cancer admitted to the Department of Surgery of University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt. These patients either did not achieve adequate pain control with medication or presented serious problems of gastric outlet obstruction, or both., Results: There were fourteen patients (9 men and 5 women) with mean age of 51.8 years (range 28-83), mean BMI of 21.1 (range 17.2-27.2), ASA score I in 2, II in 11, III in 1. We performed 2 left, 2 right and 4 bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomies, 4 laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies and 2 combined endoscopic procedures (bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy and laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy). The overall average operation ("skin to skin") time was 86 minutes (range 75-100) for bilateral thoracoscopic splanchnicectomies, 63 minutes (range 60-65) for unilateral splanchnicectomies, 88 minutes (range 65-115) for laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies and 190 minutes (range 180-200) for the combined procedure. Blood loss was insignificant with a median of 50 ml (range 30-150). The conversion's rate to open surgery was 4.5%. There were no intraoperative complications. The overall average postoperative mobilization was in 1.9 days (range 1-4) and the overall median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (range 2-24). There was no mortality at 30 days after endoscopic procedures and the morbidity rate was 21.4%. The postoperative analgesic requirement was considerably reduced with a successful rate was 83.3%. The resolution of gastric outlet obstruction has been complete in all laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies., Conclusions: Our results show the feasibility and safety of these minimally invasive approaches such as endoscopic palliative treatment of complications of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Background: Port-site metastases after laparoscopic procedures in patients with digestive malignancies have evoked concern. The pathogenesis of port-site metastases remains unclear. Two experiments in rats were performed to determine the impact of both tissue trauma and leakage of CO2 along trocars (chimney effect) in the development of port-site metastases., Methods: Experiment I: Ten WAG rats had four 5-mm incisions in all abdominal quadrants. The incisions on the right side were crushed to induce tissue trauma. After inserting 5-mm trocars in all incisions, a pneumoperitoneum was created, and CC-531 tumor cells were injected intraperitoneally. CO2 was insufflated for 20 min. Experiment II: Ten WAG rats had 5-mm incisions in the left and right abdominal upper quadrant. A 5-mm trocar was inserted in the incision in the left upper quadrant, and a 2-mm trocar was inserted in the incision in the right upper quadrant. After insufflating the abdomen, CC-531 tumor cells were injected intraperitoneally. Total leakage of CO2 along the trocar in the right quadrant was 10 liters. After 4 weeks, in both experiments, the tumor deposits at the trocar sites were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test., Results: Experiment I: The median weight of tumor deposits at the trocar sites without induced tissue trauma was 22 mg. At the traumatic port sites, median weight of tumor deposits was 316 mg (p = 0.007). Experiment II: The median weight of tumor deposits at the leaking trocar sites was 478 mg and at the control sites 153 mg (p = 0.009)., Conclusion: Tissue trauma at trocar sites and leakage of CO2 along a trocar appear to promote implantation and growth of tumor cells at port sites.

The value of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal malignancy as compared with open surgery will be determined in the COLOR-trial. The disease-free survival time is the primary end point. Twenty-one hospitals in the Netherlands and Scandinavia will participate in the trial. In the COLOR trial 1500 patients with colon carcinoma will be randomised for either a laparoscopic or open colon resection.

Background: In experimental studies on the effects of laparoscopic procedures on tumor biology, a localized tumor model is desirable. The spleen and the kidney are preferable, because these organs are amenable to tumor placement and subsequent removal. This study describes the technique of laparoscopic splenectomy and nephrectomy in the rat model., Methods: Pneumoperitoneum was established by CO2 insufflation. Laparoscopic splenectomy involved two-handed dissection, intracorporeal ligation, and division of gastrosplenic attachments and hilar and short gastric vessels. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was done by intracorporeal ligation and division of the renal vessels and the ureter after mobilization of the kidney., Results: Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed in six rats; laparoscopic nephrectomy was done in six rats. Operative time ranged from 45 to 90 min for splenectomy and from 40 to 65 min for nephrectomy. Postoperatively, two rats died from hemorrhage. Necropsy of the rats after 10 days revealed adhesion in three rats after splenectomy and in four rats after nephrectomy. Inflammatory processes were found around the silk ligatures in all rats after splenectomy; in two rats wound infections occurred at the port sites., Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy and nephrectomy in the rat proved technically feasible and may provide new localized tumor models suitable to be used in further studies on the oncological effects of laparoscopic surgery.

Background: Closed laparoscopy, employing a Veress needle and blind insertion of the first trocar, is favoured by most laparoscopic surgeons. The potential danger of this technique is the occurrence of visceral or vascular injury. Establishment of pneumoperitoneum by an open technique using a blunt-tipped trocar may be a safer alternative., Methods and Results: Retrospective review of the literature and the authors' experience was used to compare closed and open laparoscopy. Data on closed laparoscopy in 489335 patients and on open laparoscopy in 12444 patients were culled. Rates of visceral and vascular injury were respectively 0.083 and 0.075 per cent after closed laparoscopy, and 0.048 per cent and zero after open laparoscopy. Mortality rates after closed and open laparoscopy were respectively 0.003 per cent and zero. Pearson chi 2 analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in terms of visceral and vascular injury between closed and open laparoscopy (P = 0.002); there was no such difference for mortality rates., Conclusion: Open establishment of pneumoperitoneum is advocated in laparoscopic surgery because it is safer than the closed method.

Background: A randomized clinical trial was performed to compare open appendectomy (OA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA)., Methods: 201 patients with similar characteristics of appendicitis were randomized to either OA or LA. Operative time and technique, reintroduction of diet, postoperative pain, use of analgesia, hospital stay, and complications were documented., Results: 104 patients were allocated to the OA group and 97 to the LA group. Postoperative pain was significantly less in the LA group on the 1st (p < 0.001) and 2nd (p < 0.001) postoperative day, resulting in less use of analgesics on both days (p < 0.001). Restoration of diet was similar in both groups. Mean operative time was longer in the LA group: 61 vs 41 min (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications did not differ in either group, except for wound infections (six OA group vs zero LA group, p < 0.05). Mean hospital stay was similar in both groups., Conclusions: LA results in less postoperative pain and fewer wound infections. The laparoscopic procedure is technically more demanding to perform, resulting in longer operative time.

Abstract: Aim: To address the role of a dedicated radiologist and high quality CT scanning in staging of patients referred with suspected locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, the value of laparoscopy in detecting CT-occult metastases in these patients was assessed. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 116 patients with suspected unresectable pancreatic cancer referred from peripheral hospitals (107) or our own gastroenterology department (9) were analysed. CT scans from referral centres were reviewed and in case of locally advanced disease or uncertain metastatic disease, patients underwent a laparoscopy to detect CT-occult metastases. Patients without metastases were offered 5-FU based chemoradiotherapy. Results: After reviewing 107 abdominal CT scans from referral centres, 73 (68%) scans had to be repeated due to unacceptable quality. Locally advanced disease was confirmed in 59 (55%) patients and metastatic disease was found in 24 patients (22%). During laparoscopy, metastases were found in 24/68 (35%) patients with locally advanced disease on CT scan and metastases were confirmed in 3/5 (60%) with suspected metastases. Overall, only 46/116 (40%) patients with suspected unresectable disease appeared to have locally advanced pancreatic cancer after adequate staging including laparoscopy in our centre. Conclusion: Correct staging is difficult in patients with suspected locally advanced pancreatic cancer and should preferably be performed in centres with technically advanced equipment and experienced radiologists. Laparoscopy should be offered to patients before locoregional therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laparoscopic procedures are mostly performed in operating rooms which have been designed for conventional surgery. The ergonomic layout of these operating rooms is not suited for endoscopic surgery. This study reports on the current state of ergonomics of Dutch operating rooms for laparoscopic surgery. Number of trolleys, presence of ceiling-mounted booms, and number, positioning and size of monitors were recorded. The floor surface of operating rooms and lowest and highest positions of operating tables were documented. Positioning of the surgical team and monitors during laparoscopic surgery were assessed. Twenty-nine hospitals participated in this study. The average number of trolleys per hospital was 2.4. The mean height of the center of the monitors was 163 cm. Average floor surface of operating rooms was 37.45 m 2 . Only one of the 29 hospitals had a ceiling-mounted boom. The height of operating tables varied between 725 and 1215 mm. The floor space of current operating rooms is too small to allow use of space occupying technological systems. Less than 4% of operating rooms are equipped with permanent monitors mounted on booms. Operating tables cannot be lowered to a position which allows an ergonomic posture of the surgical team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main and basic ergonomic problems associated with laparoscopy is the surgeon's non-neutral posture during laparoscopic procedures. There are five main issues that influence the posture of the surgeon: the (hand-held) instrument design, the position of the monitor, the use of foot pedals to control diathermy, the poorly adjusted operating table height, and the static body posture. This paper gives an overview of the ergonomic guidelines that have been developed in these five areas and shows product solutions that have been developed according to these guidelines. The guidelines can be used by operating room (OR) staff to evaluate the ergonomics of their OR environment and to improve issues that do not satisfy the ergonomic guidelines. When designers use these guidelines to design new OR equipment, the new designs are an improvement in the field of human factors compared to the currently used laparoscopic products. When all these products are applied in the laparoscopic operating room, a new and ergonomic environment is created for the surgeon as well as for the assistants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]