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The reproducibility of the implementation of robotic liver surgery (RLS) is still debated. The aim of the present study is to evaluate short-term outcomes and cost differences during the implementation of RLS, performed by an early adopter in laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS). Patients undergoing RLS between February 2020 and May 2021 were included. Short-term outcomes of the robotic group (RG) were compared to the "Initial Phase" group (IP) of 120 LLS cases and the 120 most recent laparoscopic cases or "Mastery Phase" group (MP). A cost analysis per procedure for the three groups was performed. Seventy-one patients underwent RLS during the study period. Median operative time in the RG was comparable to the IP, but significantly shorter in the MP (140 vs 138 vs 120 min, p < 0.001). Median intraoperative blood loss in the RG was lower than in both laparoscopic groups (40 ml [20-90 ml] vs 150 ml [50-250 ml] vs 80 ml [30-150 ml], p < 0.001). Median hospital stay in the RG was significantly shorter than the IP group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative complication, conversion, or readmission rates. Procedural cost analysis was in favor of robotic surgery (€5008) compared to the IP (€ 6913) and the MP (€6099). Surgeons with sufficient experience in LLS can rapidly overcome the learning curve for RLS. In our experience, the short-term outcomes of the implementation phase of RLS are similar to the mastery phase of LLS. The total average cost per procedure is lower for RLS compared to LLS., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Sealing devices (SD) seal and cut tissue through different energy modalities, and are routinely used in laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS). The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of Thunderbeat (TB), an integrated ultrasonic/bipolar SD, versus Enseal (ES), an articulating bipolar SD, in LLS., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in a single center from December 2013 to September 2020. The primary endpoint was difference in blood loss (BL) between ES and TB. Secondary endpoints were complications, operative time, hospital stay, and 90-day mortality., Results: 352 patients were identified: TB (n = 105) and ES (n = 247). Median BL was significantly lower with TB (50 mL [20-120]) compared to ES (100 mL [50-250]) (p < 0.0001). Significant differences were identified for median operative time (TB 115 min [45-300]) vs. ES 140 min [40-370]; p = 0.0008) and median hospital stay (TB 2 days [1-4] vs. ES 4 days [3-6]; p < 0.0001). No major differences were encountered for postoperative bleeding (TB 0% vs. ES 1%; p = 0.5574), biliary leak (TB 1% vs. ES 2%; p = 1.0000), and 90-day mortality (TB 0% vs. ES 1%; p = 1.0000)., Conclusion: The integrated ultrasonic/bipolar SD is superior to the articulating bipolar SD in LLS for intraoperative BL without an increase in complications., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Société Internationale de Chirurgie.)

Background and Purpose: Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) of bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are challenging and the safety and long-term outcomes are unclear. In this study, the short- and long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns of one-stage LLR for bilobar CRLM were compared to single laparoscopic resection for CRLM., Methods: This single-center study consisted of all patients who underwent a parenchymal sparing LLR for CRLM between October 2011 and December 2018. Demographics, perioperative outcomes, short-term outcomes, oncologic outcomes and recurrence patterns were compared. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database., Results: Thirty six patients underwent a LLR for bilobar CRLM and ninety patients underwent a single LLR. Demographics were similar among groups. More patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the bilobar group (55.6% vs 34.4%, P = 0.03). There was no difference in conversion rate, R0 resection and transfusion rate. Blood loss and operative time were higher in the bilobar group (250 ml (IQR 150-450) vs 100 ml (IQR 50-250), P < 0.001 and 200 min (IQR 170-230) vs 130 min (IQR 100-165), P < 0.001) and hospital stay was longer (5 days (IQR 4-7) vs 4 days (IQR 3-6), P = 0.015). The bilobar group had more technically major resections (88.9% vs 56.7%, P < 0.001). Mortality was nil in both groups and major morbidity was similar (2.8% vs 3.3%, P = 1.0). There was no difference in recurrence pattern. Overall survival (OS) was similar (1 yr: 96% in both groups and 5 yr 76% vs 66%, P = 0.49), as was recurrence-free survival (RFS) (1 yr: 64% vs 73%, 3 yr: 38 vs 42%, 5 yr: 38% vs 28%, P = 0.62)., Conclusion: In experienced hands, LLR for bilobar CRLM can be performed safely with similar oncologic outcomes as patients who underwent a single LLR for CRLM., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC part of Springer Nature.)

Background: With growing popularity and experience in laparoscopic liver surgery, the options for more difficult procedures increase. Only small case series have been published regarding laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for tumours in proximity to major vessels (MVs). The aim was to compare outcomes of LLR for tumours located less or more than 15 mm from MVs., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of consecutive LLR (October 2011-August 2017). Proximity to MVs (PMV) was defined as lesions located within 15 mm to the caval vein, hepatic veins and portal vein (main trunk and first branches). The control group were all lesions located more than 15 mm from MVs., Results: Some 60/235 LLR were performed for lesions in proximity to major vasculature (24%). In the PMV group, median IWATE Difficulty Score was higher (8.5 (IQR: 6.0-9.0) VS 5.0 (IQR: 3.0-6.0), p < 0.001) as was the use of CUSA® (45.0% VS 8.6%, p < 0.001) and Pringle manoeuvre (8.3% VS 1.7%; p = 0.028). Operative time was longer (180min (IQR: 140-210) VS 120min (IQR: 75-150), p < 0.001) and blood loss was higher (190 ml (IQR: 100-325) VS 75 ml (IQR: 50-220), p < 0.001) in the PMV group. There was no difference in perioperative blood transfusion (3.3% VS 1.7%, p = 0.60) or postoperative morbidity (15.0% VS 14.3%, p = 0.89). There was no mortality in both groups. On mean follow-up of 21 months, no significant differences could be found in disease free (p = 0.77) and overall survival (p = 0.12)., Conclusion: In experienced hands, LLR of lesions in proximity to MVs is safe and feasible with acceptable short and long-term results., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (LRPS) is a technically demanding procedure. The aim of this article is to share our experience with LRPS and to highlight technical aspects of this procedure., Methods: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent LRPS between September 2011 and October 2017. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Video-in-picture (VIP) technology is used to facilitate and to highlight the technical aspects of this procedure., Results: In total, 18 patients underwent LRPS. Indication for surgery was mainly liver metastases (n = 11) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6). The Glissonean approach for inflow control was used in 13 patients. Median operative time was 162 (140-190) minutes. Median blood loss was 325 mL (IQR: 150-450). One conversion (5.5%) was required. There were two minor complications and one major complication. Median hospital stay was 6 days (range 5-8 days). All patients had an R0 resection. There was no 90-day mortality., Conclusion: The results of our experience in LRPS add weight to the feasibility and safety of this approach.

Background: Patients with lesions in the posterosuperior (PS) segments of the liver have been considered poor candidates for laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). This study aims to compare short-term outcomes of LLR and open liver resections (OLR) in the PS segments., Methods: This multicenter study consisted of all patients who underwent LLR in the PS segments and all patients who underwent OLR in the PS segments between October 2011 and July 2016. Laparoscopic cases were case-matched with those who had an identical open procedure during the same period based on tumor location (same segment) and the Brisbane classification of the resection. Demographics, comorbid factors, perioperative outcomes, short-term outcomes, necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy, and the interval between surgery and initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy were compared between the two groups. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained electronic database., Results: Both groups were comparable for age, sex, ASA score, maximum tumor diameter, and number of patients with additional liver resections outside the posterior segments. Operative time was similar in both groups (median 140 min; p = 0.92). Blood loss was less in the LLR-group (median: 150 vs. 300 ml in OLR-group). Median hospital stay was 6 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications (OLR-group: 31.4% vs. LLR-group: 25.7%; p = 0.60). There was no significant difference in R0 resections (LLR: 97.2 vs. 100% in OLR; p = 1.00). Tumor-free margins were less in the LLR group (LLR: 5 vs. 9.5 mm in OLR; p = 0.012). Patients undergoing LLR were treated with chemotherapy sooner compared to those undergoing OLR (41 vs. 56 days, p = 0.02)., Conclusion: This study suggests that laparoscopic parenchymal preserving liver resections in the PS segments can be performed with comparable short-term outcomes as similar OLR. The shorter interval to chemotherapy might provide long-term oncologic benefits in patients who underwent LLR.

Background: The use of a self-expanding nitinol framed prosthesis (ReboundHRD ® ) for totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) could solve issues of mesh shrinkage and associated pain. We prospectively evaluated the use of the ReboundHRD ® mesh for TEP-IHR., Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent a TEP-IHR using the ReboundHRD ® Large mesh from April 2014 till May 2015, were included. No mesh fixation was performed. Follow-up assessments were performed at the day of surgery, 1, 2, and 7 days, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Outcome measures include post-operative pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), operative details, complications, and recurrence rate., Results: In total, 69 TEP-IHR procedures were performed in 54 patients (15 bilateral hernias). No perioperative and 5 (9%) postoperative complications occurred, all graded Clavien-Dindo I-II. The median length of stay was 1 day (range 0-3), with 78% of the operations performed in an ambulatory setting. Median VAS score decreased from 3 (range 0-4) on the day of surgery to 1 (range 0-2) on day 7. Patients were completely pain-free at a median time of 5 (range 1-60) days. The majority (80.4%, 37/46) of the active patients went back to work within 2 weeks (maximum 6 weeks). At a median follow-up of 19 months (range 16-26 months), no recurrences occurred., Conclusion: TEP-IHR using a self-expanding nitinol framed hernia repair device is a safe technique in longterm follow-up. The technique is associated with a low incidence of postoperative pain, a short hospital stay and quick return to normal activities., (Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Volatile anaesthetics have an influence on small bowel peristalsis during laparoscopic surgery. A recent study concluded that desflurane increased intestinal motility compared to sevoflurane. Hence, a desflurane-based anaesthesia protocol may reduce surgical exposure during intestinal suturing or stapling due to small bowel hyperperistalsis. The effect of propofol on intestinal motility is not well studied. We tested the hypothesis that a propofol-remifentanil anaesthesia increases intestinal contractions in comparison with a sevoflurane-remifentanil anaesthesia., Methods: Patients scheduled for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery were randomized in this single blind randomized controlled trial to receive remifentanil combined with sevoflurane or propofol (ISRCTN 12921661). Bispectral index monitoring was used to guide depth of anaesthesia. Visual observation of peristaltic waves was performed during 1 min at the planned site of the jejunostomy. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon two-sample test., Results: After obtaining written informed consent 50 patients were included. Groups were similar for demographic variables, and depth of anaesthesia during the observations. The median number of peristaltic waves was lower in the sevoflurane-remifentanil group compared to the propofol-remifentanil group (0 vs. 6, P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Propofol-remifentanil increases intestinal motility compared with sevoflurane-remifentanil during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. A sevoflurane-based protocol can help to avoid disturbing peristalsis., (© 2015 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: All patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resections in the posterosuperior segments (LPSS) at our center were positioned in semiprone since August 2011. The aims of this study were to assess differences in perioperative outcomes between laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies (LLLS) performed in supine position and LPSS in semiprone position., Methods: We reviewed our prospectively collected database of all liver resections performed between January 2012 and January 2015. LLLS and LPSS were compared with respect to demographics and perioperative outcomes., Results: Forty-five patients underwent LLLS (n = 20) or LPSS (n = 25). There were no differences in patient demographics or tumor diameter (p = 0.946). There were no conversions. Pringle maneuver was not used in both groups. There was no difference in peroperative central venous pressure (p = 0.511). The median operative time in the LLLS group was 100 min (60-260) and 160 min (95-270) in the LPSS group (p = 0.002) with median intraoperative blood loss in the LLLS group of 50 ml (0-550) versus a larger 150 ml (50-700) (p = 0.010) for patients receiving LPSS. No patients required transfusion. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were similar in both groups. Median hospital stay was 6 days in both groups (p = 0.554)., Conclusion: LPSS in semiprone can be performed with similar clinical outcomes as a minor laparoscopic liver resection except for longer operative time and larger intraoperative blood loss without the need for transfusion.

Background and Objectives: In this single-institution study, we aimed to compare the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (SILSS) with multiport laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (MLS) for recurrent diverticulitis., Methods: Between October 2011 and February 2013, 60 sigmoidectomies were performed by the same surgeon. Forty patients had a MLS and 20 patients had a SILSS. Outcomes were compared., Results: Patient characteristics were similar. There was no difference in morbidity, mortality or readmission rates. The mean operative time was longer in the SILSS group (P=.0012). In a larger proportion of patients from the SILSS group, 2 linear staplers were needed for transection at the rectum (P=.006). The total cost of disposable items was higher in the SILSS group (P<.0001). No additional ports were placed in the SILSS group. Return to bowel function or return to oral intake was faster in the SILSS group (P=.0446 and P=.0137, respectively). Maximum pain scores on postoperative days 1 and 2 were significantly less for the SILSS group (P=.0014 and P=.047, respectively). Hospital stay was borderline statistically shorter in the SILSS group (P=.0053). SILSS was also associated with better cosmesis (P<.0011)., Conclusion: SILSS is feasible and safe and is associated with earlier recovery of bowel function, a significant reduction in postoperative pain, and better cosmesis.

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass hinders post-operative endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of preoperative endoscopic findings in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and to determine the proportion of patients in which these findings changed surgical management., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated electronic medical records of patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with routine antral biopsy for Helicobacter pylori (HP) detection, prior to LRYGB between January 2003 and January 2010 at our institution. The prevalence of all endoscopic findings was determined., Results: 652 underwent preoperative endoscopy prior to LRYGB. The mean age was 39.5 +/- 11.3 years and mean body mass index was 42.8 +/- 5.0 kg/m2. Abnormalities were found in 444 patients (68.1%). Findings at EGD were hiatal hernia 24.3% (n = 159), esophagitis 30.8% (n = 201), Barrett's esophagus 0.8% (n = 5), gastritis 36.2% (n = 236), gastric or duodenal ulcers 7.5% (n = 69) and 2 cases of gastric cancer. The prevalence of HP infection was 17.6% (n = 115). In 51 patients (7.8%), endoscopic findings led to postponement of surgery: in 49 patients, gastric or duodenal ulcer had to be treated prior to surgery, in 2 patients, gastric cancer led to changement in surgical approach., Conclusions: Routine preoperative EGD detects different abnormalities which need a specific approach prior to bariatric surgery. EGD with routine biopsies for HP detection should be included in the preoperative workup prior to LRYGB. Positive EGD findings led to a change in medical treatment in a quarter (24.3%) of patients. Postponement of surgery due to the EGD findings was less frequent (7.8%).

Background: Hyperperistalsis of the small bowel during laparoscopic surgery may cause mucosal prolapse and reduce exposure, making laparoscopic suturing or stapling more demanding for the surgeon. Although it is commonly accepted that both opioids and volatile anaesthetics induce intestinal paralysis, intestinal hyperactivity during anaesthesia is not uncommon. This randomized trial investigated the effect of different volatile anaesthetics on intestinal motility and the impact on surgeon satisfaction., Methods: Patients scheduled for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery were randomized to receive sevoflurane or desflurane in a balanced anaesthetic regimen. After surgical exposure peristaltic waves were counted over 1 min in a segment of the jejunum. Following evaluation of intestinal motility, N-butylhyoscine, an antimuscarinic anticholinergic agent that relaxes bowel smooth muscle cells, could be administered if the surgeon judged the intestinal motility as disturbing. The endpoints were number of peristaltic waves and incidence of N-butylhyoscine administration, a surrogate for surgeon satisfaction., Results: Twenty-two patients were randomized to each group. The groups were similar in age, sex and body mass index. There was a statistically significant difference in intestinal motility between the desflurane and sevoflurane groups: median (range) 7 (0-12) versus 1 (0-10) waves counted over 1 min respectively (P < 0·001). A higher proportion of patients in the desflurane group received N-butylhyoscine (10 of 22 versus 1 of 22 in the sevoflurane group; P = 0·004)., Conclusion: Desflurane increased intestinal motility and decreased surgeon satisfaction compared with sevoflurane during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. A sevoflurane-based anaesthetic protocol can help to avoid disturbing hyperperistalsis., Registration Number: B39620097060 (http://www.clinicaltrials.be)., (Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the "gold standard" revision procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcome of primary laparoscopic RYGB (pLRYGB) to revisional open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (rRYGB)., Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent pLRYGB or rRYGB from January 2003 to December 2009 has been performed. Demographics, indications for revision, and complications have been reviewed. The rRYGB and pLRYGB patients have been compared., Results: Seventy-two patients underwent rRYGB, and 652 patients underwent pLRYGB. Mean follow-up was 35 and 45 months, respectively. Fifty-six rRYGB procedures were performed laparoscopically. The primary operations had consisted of laparoscopic gastric banding (n = 28), laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty (n = 19), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (n = 6), laparoscopic RYGB (n = 3), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (n = 16). Indications included weight regain (n = 29), malabsorption (n = 16), gastrogastric fistula (n = 5), band-associated problems (n = 3), and refractory stomal ulceration (n = 1). There was no significant difference in early or late postoperative complications when comparing rRYGB to pLRYGBP patients (11.1% vs. 5.52%, P = 0.069 and 19.4% vs. 24.2%, P = 0.465 respectively). Five rRYGB patients (7.04%) required reintervention (3 internal hernias, 1 ventral hernia, 1 laparoscopic exploration) compared with 101 pLRYGB patients (15.71%; P = 0.051). None of the patients died. Mean hospital stay was not significantly longer in the rRYGB group (5.38 vs. 4.95 days, P = 0.058)., Conclusions: In our series, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality of rRYGB were not significantly higher compared with pLRYGB. Furthermore, we believe that this type of revisional bariatric surgery should be performed in high-volume bariatric centers.

Reported incidence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass varies between 1.5% and 3.5%. It has been suggested that the antecolic antegastric laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (AA-LRYGB) is associated with a low incidence of internal herniation (IH). Therefore we routinely did not close mesenteric defects. The records of 652 consecutive patients undergoing primary AA-LRYGB from January 2003 to December 2009 in a single institution were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence, etiology, clinical symptoms, radiologic diagnostic accuracy and operative outcomes of SBO. Of the 652 patients, 63 (9.6%) developed SBO. The majority (6.9%, 45 patients) had a SBO due to IH. In 41 (91%) cases, the IH was at the jejunojejunostomy (JJ), four cases had an IH at Petersen's space. Adhesions and ventral hernia were found in 14 (2.1%) and four (0.6%) cases, respectively. Twenty-nine out of 63 cases had negative computed tomography (CT) findings and IH was diagnosed on CT in only 33% (14/45) of patients with IH. All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. No bowel resections had to be performed. In contrast to previous reports, a high incidence of SBO with a high rate of IH at the JJ site was found in our series. Accuracy of CT is low and diagnostic laparoscopy is mandatory when SBO is suspected. Since 2010 we have started closing the JJ site, and data on SBO are collected prospectively. We believe that closing of the mesenteric defects is a mandatory step, even in an AA-LRYGB.

Background: This retrospective study evaluated long-term weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, quality of life (QoL), and food tolerance after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)., Methods: Between January 2003 and July 2008, 102 patients underwent LSG as a sole bariatric operation. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. Demographics, complications, and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were determined. Quality of life was measured using Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) questionnaires, which were sent to all patients. The food tolerance score (FTS) was determined and compared with that of nonobese subjects., Results: A total of 83 patients (81.4%) were eligible for follow-up evaluation. Their mean initial body mass index (BMI) was 39.3 kg/m(2). No major complications occurred. At a median follow-up point of 49 months (range, 17-80 months), the mean %EWL was 72.3% ± 29.3%. For the 23 patients who reached the 6-year follow-up point, the mean %EWL was 55.9% ± 25.55%. The mean BAROS score was 6.5 ± 2.1, and a "good" to "excellent" score was observed for 75 patients (90.4%). In the comparison of patients with a %EWL greater than 50% and those with a %EWL of 50% or less, the SF-36 scores were statistically different only for "physical functioning" and "general health perception." The mean FTS was 23.8, and 95.2% of the patients described their food tolerance as acceptable to excellent., Conclusion: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective bariatric procedure, although a tendency for weight regain is noted after 5 years of follow-up evaluation. Resolution of comorbidity is comparable with that reported in the literature. The LSG procedure results in good to excellent health-related QoL. Food tolerance is lower for patients after LSG than for nonobese patients who had no surgery, but 95.2% described food tolerance as acceptable to excellent.