Search

Background and objectives Single-site laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been firmly established; however, few reports addressing this technique in the inflammatory bowel disease population exist. Methods We conducted a case-matched retrospective review of 20 patients who underwent single-site laparoscopic procedures for inflammatory bowel disease compared with 20 matched patients undergoing multiport laparoscopic procedures. Data regarding these patients were tabulated in the following categories: demographic characteristics, operative parameters, and perioperative outcomes. Results A wide range of cases were completed: 9 ileocolic resections, 7 cases of proctocolectomy with end ileostomy or ileal pouch anal anastomosis, 2 cases of proctectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis, and 2 total abdominal colectomies with end ileostomy were all matched to equivalent multiport laparoscopic cases. No single-incision cases were converted to multiport laparoscopy, and 2 single-incision cases (10%) were converted to an open approach. For single-incision cases, the mean length of stay was 7.7 days, the mean time to oral intake was 3.3 days, and the mean period of intravenous analgesic use was 5.0 days. There were no statistically significant differences between single-site and multiport cases. Conclusions Single-site laparoscopic surgery is technically feasible in inflammatory bowel disease. The length of stay and period of intravenous analgesic use (in days) appear to be higher than those in comparable series examining outcomes of single-site laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and the outcomes are comparable with those of multiport laparoscopy. This may be because of the nature of inflammatory bowel disease, limiting the benefits of a single-site approach in this population.

Background: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty is one of the most common reconstructive procedures performed by urologists. Both continuous and interrupted sutures are being practiced for ureteropelvic anastomosis. The success rate and the complications associated with the suturing technique needs evaluation. We analyzed the results from of our patients who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty using both techniques. Objective: To review the outcome differences among patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty regarding suturing technique. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent laparoscopic, transperitoneal dismembered pyeloplasty of the primary pelviureteric obstruction were analyzed. The primary outcome was successful pyeloplasty, as assessed by the resolution of symptoms and T½

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and open nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer. Methods: Between April 1995 and August 2010, 189 patients underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, or open nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer. Of these patients, 110 with no previous or concurrent bladder cancer or any metastatic disease were included in this study. Cancer-specific survival, recurrence-free survival, and intravesical recurrence-free survival rates were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. The median follow-up period for the cohort was 70 months (range, 6–192 months). Results: The 3 groups were well matched for tumor stage, grade, and the presence of lymphovascular invasion and concomitant carcinoma in situ. The estimated 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 81.1%, 65.6%, and 65.2% for laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and open nephroureterectomy, respectively (P = .4179). The estimated 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 33.8%, 10.0%, and 41.2% for laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and open nephroureterectomy, respectively (P = .0245). The estimated 5-year intravesical recurrence-free survival rates were 64.8%, 10.0%, and 76.2% for laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and open nephroureterectomy, respectively (P < .0001). Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference in cancer-specific survival rate among the laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and open nephroureterectomy groups, hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy may be inferior to laparoscopic nephroureterectomy or open nephroureterectomy with regard to recurrence-free survival and intravesical recurrence-free survival rates.

An inverse association was observed between the use of barbed suture for vaginal cuff closure during laparoscopic hysterectomy and the presence of postoperative vaginal bleeding., Background and Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate whether the use of barbed suture for vaginal cuff closure is associated with a decrease in postoperative vaginal bleeding compared with cuff closure with polyglactin 910 in patients who have undergone laparoscopic hysterectomy. Methods: We performed a cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy between January 2008 and July 2012 by the minimally invasive gynecologic surgery division of the Gynecology, Obstetrics and Human Reproduction Department at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia. Results: A total of 232 women were studied: 163 were in the polyglactin 910 group, and 69 were in the barbed suture group. The main outcome, postoperative vaginal bleeding, was documented in 53 cases (32.5%) in the polyglactin 910 group and in 13 cases (18.8%) in the barbed suture group (relative risk, 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.9; P = .03). No statistically significant differences were found in other postoperative outcomes, such as emergency department admission, vaginal cuff dehiscence, infectious complications, and the presence of granulation tissue. Conclusion: In this study an inverse association was observed between the use of barbed suture for vaginal cuff closure during laparoscopic hysterectomy and the presence of postoperative vaginal bleeding.

Several key steps essential for the reduction of vaginal prolapse in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy are reported., Background and Objectives: Today, laparoscopic intrafascial hysterectomy and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy are well-accepted techniques. With our multimodal concept of laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications, preservation of the pelvic floor as well as reconstruction of pelvic floor structures and pre-existing prolapse situations can be achieved. Methods: The multimodal concept consists of 3 steps: Intrafascial hysterectomy with preservation of existing structures Technique 1: Primary uterine artery ligationTechnique 2: Classic intrafascial hysterectomyA technique for the stable fixation of the vaginal or cervical stumpA new method of pectopexy to correct a pre-existing descensus situation Results and Conclustion: This well-balanced concept can be used by advanced endoscopic gynecologic surgeons as well as by novices in our field.

Laparoscopic intervention may be a safe and effective alternative to open surgery for management of perforation during colonoscopic examination. A simple algorithm is presented that may be helpful for those considering a laparoscopic approach to managing this condition., Background and Objectives: The role of laparoscopy in the management of iatrogenic colonoscopic injuries has increased with surgeons becoming facile with minimally invasive methods. However, with a limited number of reported cases of successful laparoscopic repair, the exact role of this modality is still being defined. Drawing from previous literature and our own experiences, we have formulated a simple algorithm that has helped us treat colonoscopic perforations. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of patients treated for colonoscopic perforations since the algorithm's introduction. For each patient, initial clinical assessment, management, and postoperative recovery were carefully documented. A Medline search was performed, incorporating the following search words: colonoscopy, perforation, and laparoscopy. Twenty-three articles involving 106 patients were identified and reviewed. Results: Between May 2009 and August 2012, 7 consecutive patients with colonoscopic perforations were managed by 2 surgeons using the algorithm. There were no complications and no deaths, with a mean length of stay of 4.43 days (range, 2–7 days). Of the 7 patients, 6 required surgery. A single patient was managed conservatively and later underwent an elective colon resection. Conclusions: Traditionally, laparotomy was the preferred method for treating colonoscopic perforations. Our initial experience reinforces previous views that laparoendoscopic surgery is a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgery for managing this complication. We have formulated a simple algorithm that we have found helpful for surgeons considering a laparoscopic approach to managing this condition.

Background and Objectives: To compare our initial experience in laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriomas performed through an umbilical incision using a single 3-channel port and flexible laparoscopic instrumentation versus traditional laparoscopy. Methods: This study was conducted in 3 tertiary care referral centers. Since September 2009, we have performed laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in 24 patients diagnosed with ovarian endometriomas. A control group of patients with similar diagnoses who underwent traditional operative laparoscopy during the same period was included (n = 28). In the laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group, a multichannel port was inserted into the peritoneum through a 1.5- to 2.0-cm umbilical incision. Results: Patients in the laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group were significantly older (P = .04) and had a higher body mass index (P = .005). Both groups were comparable regarding history of abdominal surgery, lateral pelvic side wall involvement, and cul-de-sac involvement. After we controlled for age and body mass index, the size of the resected endometriomas, duration of surgery, and amount of operative blood loss were comparable in both groups. When required, an additional 5-mm port was inserted in the right or left lower quadrant in the laparoendoscopic single-site surgery group to allow the use of a third instrument for additional tissue retraction or manipulation (10 of 24 patients, 41.6%). However, adhesiolysis was performed more frequently in the conventional laparoscopy group. The duration of hospital stay was

Introduction Interstitial pregnancy is a rare and life-threatening condition. Diagnosis and appropriate management are critical in preventing morbidity and death. Case description Four cases of interstitial pregnancy are presented. Diagnostic laparoscopy followed by laparotomy and cornuostomy with removal of products of conception was performed in 1 case. Laparoscopic cornuostomy and removal of products of conception were performed in the subsequent 3 cases with some modifications of the technique. Subsequent successful reproductive outcomes are also presented. Discussion Progressively conservative surgical measures are being used to treat interstitial pregnancy successfully, with no negative impact on subsequent pregnancies.

Robotic pyeloplasty appears to be feasible and effective with a consistent success rate even in complex situations., Background and Objectives: We aimed to assess the feasibility and outcomes of complex ureteropelvic junction obstruction cases submitted to robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Methods: The records of 131 consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty were reviewed. Of this initial population of cases, 17 were considered complex, consisting of either atypical anatomy (horseshoe kidneys in 3 patients) or previous ureteropelvic junction obstruction management (14 patients). The patients were divided into 2 groups: primary pyeloplasty (group 1) and complex cases (group 2). Results: The mean operative time was 117.3 ± 33.5 minutes in group 1 and 153.5 ± 31.1 minutes in group 2 (P = .002). The median hospital stay was 5.19 ± 1.66 days in group 1 and 5.90 ± 2.33 days in group 2 (P = .326). The surgical findings included 53 crossing vessels in group 1 and 5 in group 2. One patient in group 1 required conversion to open surgery because of technical difficulties. One patient in group 2, with a history of hemorrhagic rectocolitis, presented with peritonitis postoperatively due to a small colonic injury. A secondary procedure was performed after the patient had an uneventful recovery. At 3 months, significant improvement (clinical and radiologic) was present in 93% of cases in group 1 and 88.2% in group 2. At 1 year, all patients in group 2 showed satisfactory results. At a late follow-up visit, 1 patient in group 1 presented with a recurrent obstruction. Conclusions: Robotic pyeloplasty appear to be feasible and effective, showing a consistent success rate even in complex situations. Particular care should be observed during the colon dissection in patients with previous colonic pathology.

The authors describe a laparoscopic Stamm gastrostomy and compare it with the open approach., Background and Objectives: Gastrostomy tube insertion for enteral access may be performed through laparotomy (open) or through the laparoscopic approach. This study's purpose is to compare outcomes of these different approaches. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients (age >18 years) who underwent insertion of a gastrostomy tube as a single elective procedure between 2004 and 2012 was performed. Primary end points included postoperative overall and tube-related morbidity, tube revision rates, and operative time. Results: During the study period, 71 patients had a gastrostomy tube inserted via either the open (n = 46) or the laparoscopic (n = 25) approach. Preoperative variables including age, gender, body mass index, albumin, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were statistically comparable between groups. There was no difference in rates of previous upper abdominal surgery (24% vs 26%, P = .590) or gastric surgery (12% vs 13%, P = .720) in the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively. Previous percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion rates were higher in the laparoscopic group (32% vs 6.5%, P = .005). Operative time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group (76.8 ± 7 vs 55.8 ± 3, P = .003) but was not affected by previous abdominal surgery or higher body mass index. Overall morbidity, tube-related morbidity, and tube revision rates were similar between groups. However, there was a trend toward increased major complication rates in the open group (6.5% vs 0%, P = .190). Conclusion: Laparoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion is safe and feasible, even in patients who have had prior upper abdominal surgery. Patients with a prolonged prognosis, obesity, and intact neurologic capacity may benefit the most from this approach.

Background and objectives This review focuses on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) assessment questionnaires and the influence of various parameters on HRQoL at distinct time points after laparoscopic colectomy for cancer. Methods A PubMed electronic database literature search was conducted. Results Twenty studies (7 prospective randomized, 5 nonrandomized, 2 retrospective, 1 matched, and 3 observational studies) used the following HRQoL tools: European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 (8 studies), EORTC QLQ-CR38 (6 studies), EORTC QLQ-CR29 (1 study), Short Form 36 (8 studies), Gastrointestinal Quality Life Index (2 studies), EuroQoL-5D (1 study), Symptoms Distress Scale (2 studies), Quality of Life Index (2 studies), and global quality of life (1 study). Long-term beneficial effects on patient HRQoL after laparoscopic colectomy for cancer have not been clearly shown compared with "open" resections. A physical function deterioration and emotional function improvement are observed during the first month. Most patients have recovered at 12 months. Distinct HRQoL domains may be affected in older, female, and chemotherapy-treated patients. HRQoL-related parameters of pain and cosmesis have been assessed in few of the current studies on hand-assisted and single-incision laparoscopic colectomy. Conclusion Studies' heterogeneity in terms of assessment tools and time points remains as the main obstacle to establish robust conclusions. The addition of more patients and extension of the follow-up period will improve our knowledge on HRQoL changes after laparoscopic colectomy for cancer.

Background and Objectives: Our objective was to review the surgical management, surgical outcomes, and obstetric outcomes of adnexal masses in pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of pregnant women before 20 weeks of gestation who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for management of an adnexal mass during the period of January 2005 to June 2012 at a university-affiliated hospital. Results: Thirty-five pregnant women underwent surgical removal of adnexal masses during the 7.5-year study period: 21 (60.0%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 14 (40.0%) underwent laparotomy. The left upper quadrant entry technique was used in 20 women. Conversion to laparotomy was required in 2 women because of extensive pelvic adhesions. The mean gestational age at surgery was 15.2 ± 1.9 weeks. All women had undergone ovarian cystectomy. A malignant mass was found in 3 (8.6%) women. The laparoscopy group had a significantly less blood loss (67.4 ± 55.8 vs 153.6 ± 181.0 mL, P = .048) and shorter mean hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.0 vs 3.8 ± 1.1 days, P = .006) than the laparotomy group. One woman miscarried soon after surgery. There was no significant difference in obstetric outcomes between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. Conclusion: Surgical management of adnexal masses during pregnancy appears to have favorable outcomes for the mother and the fetus., published_or_final_version

Background and Objectives: Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and occur most frequently in young women. They have an uncertain pathogenesis and unclear clinical behavior. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical presentation of solid pseudopapillary tumors and assess the efficacy of treatment with minimally invasive surgery. Methods: From March 1997 to February 2011, 13 of 273 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures on the pancreas were found to have solid pseudopapillary tumors. There were 12 female patients and 1 male patient. The median age was 21 years (range, 15–77 years). Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (n = 9). Tumors were incidentally found in 3 patients on computed tomography scans obtained for other reasons. Results: Enucleation of the tumor was performed in 4 patients, including 3 in whom the tumor was located in the head of the pancreas. Eight patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, whereas spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed in one case. The median tumor size was 6 cm (range, 1.5–11 cm), the median operative time was 197 minutes (range, 68–320 minutes), and the median blood loss was 50 mL (range

Transvaginal endoscopic salpingectomy for tubal ectopic pregnancy appears to be feasible and safe and may result in less postoperative pain compared with a laparoscopic approach., Objective: To explore the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and cosmetic outcomes of transvaginal endoscopic salpingectomy for tubal ectopic pregnancy. Methods: From May 2009 to May 2012, we prospectively enrolled 40 patients, each of whom had been scheduled for a salpingectomy because of a tubal ectopic pregnancy, and randomized them into two groups: transvaginal endoscopic surgery and laparoscopic approach. We recorded the estimated blood loss, time of anal exhaust, postoperative pain score, length of stay, and scar assessment scale associated with transvaginal endoscopic access (n = 18) (natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) and laparoscopic salpingectomy (n = 20) (control group) for tubal ectopic pregnancy. The transvaginal salpingectomy was performed with a double-channel endoscope through a vaginal puncture. A single surgeon performed the surgical procedures in patients in both groups. Results: The group that underwent the transvaginal endoscopic procedure reported lesser pain at all postoperative visits than the group that underwent the laparoscopic approach. The duration of time for transvaginal endoscopic surgery was slightly longer than that for the laparoscopic approach. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the duration of operative time. The group that underwent transvaginal endoscopic surgery was more satisfied with the absence of an external scar than the group that underwent the laparoscopic procedure, which left a scar. The estimated blood loss, time of anal exhaust, and length of stay were the same in both groups. Conclusion: The safety and efficacy of transvaginal endoscopic salpingectomy for tubal ectopic pregnancy are equivalent to those of the laparoscopic procedure. Lesser postoperative pain and a more satisfactory cosmetic outcome were found with the transvaginal endoscopic procedure, making it the more preferred method and superior to the laparoscopic approach.

Background and Objectives: Combining laparoscopy and enhanced recovery provides benefit to short-term outcomes after colorectal surgery. Advances in training and techniques have allowed surgeons to operate on cases that are technically challenging and associated with prolonged operative time. Laparoscopic techniques improve the outcome of enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery; however, there are no specifications on the effect of prolonged operations on the outcome. The objective was to elucidate the impact of prolonged surgery and blood loss on the outcome of enhanced recovery after surgery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods: Four-hundred patients who underwent elective colorectal resection on enhanced recovery after surgery in Yeovil District Hospital between 2002 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Delayed discharge was defined as a prolonged length of stay beyond the mean in this series (≥8 days). Results: Three-hundred eighty-five patients were included. Median operative time was 180 minutes with a median blood loss of 100 mL. Conversion was not associated with a prolonged length of stay. Operative time and blood loss correlated with length of stay in a stepwise fashion. There were 2 cutoff points of operative time at 160 minutes and 300 minutes (5 hours), where risk of prolonged stay increased significantly (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.90; P= 027), and blood loss of >500 mL (OR = 3.114; 95% CI, 1.501-6.462, P =.002). Conclusions: Total operative timing impacts negatively on the outcome of enhanced recovery after laparoscopic colorectal resections with increased risk of delayed discharge seen after ~2.5 hours and 5-hour duration. © 2014 by JSLS, Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.

Background and objectives Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity among minimally invasive surgeons and is now being applied to a broad number of surgical procedures. Although this technique uses only 1 port, the diameter of the incision is larger than in standard laparoscopic surgery. The long-term incidence of port-site hernias after single-incision laparoscopic surgery has yet to be determined. Methods All patients who underwent a single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedure from May 2008 through May 2009 were included in the study. Single-incision laparoscopic surgical operations were performed either by a multiport technique or with a 3-trocar single-incision laparoscopic surgery port. The patients were seen at 30 to 36 months' follow-up, at which time they were examined for any evidence of port-site incisional hernia. Patients found to have hernias on clinical examination underwent repairs with mesh. Results A total of 211 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The types of operations included were cholecystectomy, appendectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, and gastrojejunostomy. We found a port-site hernia rate of 2.9% at 30 to 36 months' follow-up. Conclusion Port-site incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedures remains a major setback for patients. The true incidence remains largely unknown because most patients are asymptomatic and therefore do not seek surgical aid.

Adoption of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy during fellowship training is safe and feasible; however, longer operative times are expected during the teaching process., Background and Objectives: Minimally invasive surgery fellowship programs have been created in response to advancements in technology and patient's demands. Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a technique that has been shown to be safe and feasible, but this appears to be the case only for experienced surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive surgery fellow participation during SILC. Methods: We reviewed data from our experience with SILC during 3 years. The cases were divided in two groups: group 1 comprised procedures performed by the main attending without the presence of the fellow, and group 2 comprised procedures performed with the fellow present during the operation. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, indication for surgery, total surgical time, hospital length of stay, and complications were evaluated. Results: The cohort included 229 patients: 142 (62%) were included in group 1 and 87 (38%) in group 2. No differences were found in demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and indication for surgery between groups. The total surgical time was 34.4 ± 11.4 minutes for group 1 and 46.8 ± 16.0 minutes for group 2 (P < .001). The hospital length of stay was 0.89 ± 0.32 days for group 1 and 1.01 ± 0.40 days for group 2 (P = .027). No intraoperative complications were seen in either group. There were 3 postoperative complications (2.1%) in group 1 and none in group 2 (P = .172). Conclusion: Adoption of SILC during an established fellowship program is safe and feasible. A longer surgical time is expected during the teaching process.

Single-port laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with a modified Sugarbaker technique is suggested to be feasible and safe and provides an alternative to multi-port surgery., Introduction: Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with modified Sugarbaker technique has become increasingly the operation of choice because of its low recurrence rates. This study aimed to assess feasibility, safety, and efficiency of performing the same operation with single-incision laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: All patients referred from March 2010 to February 2013 were considered for single-port laparoscopic repair with modified Sugarbaker technique. A SILS port (Covidien, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA) was used together with conventional straight dissecting instruments and a 5.5- mm/52-cm/30° laparoscope. Important technical aspects include modified dissection techniques, namely, “inline” and “chopsticks” to overcome loss of triangulation, insertion of a urinary catheter into an ostomy for ostomy limb identification, safe adhesiolysis by avoiding electocautery, saline -jet dissection to demarcate tissue planes, dissection of an entire laparotomy scar to expose incidental incisional hernias, adequate mobilization of an ostomy limb for lateralization, and wide overlapping of defect with antiadhesive mesh. Results: Of 6 patients, 5 underwent single-port laparoscopic repair, and 1 (whose body mass index [BMI] of 39.4 kg/m2 did not permit SILS port placement) underwent multiport repair. Mean defect size was 10 cm, and mean mesh size was 660 cm2 with 4 patients having incidental incisional hernias repaired by the same mesh. Mean operation time was 270 minutes, and mean hospital stay was 4 days. Appliance malfunction ceased immediately, and pain associated with parastomal hernia disappeared. There was no recurrence with a follow-up of 2 to 36 months. Conclusion: Compared with multiport repair, single-port laparoscopic parastomal repair with modified Sugarbaker technique is safe and efficient, and it may eventually become the standard of care.

The use of a percutaneous surgical system appears to be feasible for several laparoscopic procedures and may be appropriate to replace 5-mm trocars., Background and Objectives: Needlescopic 3-mm instruments induce minimal trauma and produce excellent cosmetic results. A combination of a 3-mm abdominal wall incision and a 5-mm instrument in the abdominal cavity would combine the beneficial features of these two different sizes. Methods: The Percutaneous Surgical System (PSS) (Ethicon EndoSurgery, Galway, Ireland) is a new instrument consisting of a 3-mm shaft that is introduced percutaneously into the abdominal cavity. Through a 5-mm trocar, a loader with a 5-mm attachment such as a Maryland dissector is introduced. The attachment is connected to the shaft, and the loader is removed from the abdomen. The feasibility of this device was evaluated retrospectively in 3 Swedish hospitals between January and September 2012. Results: Twenty-eight patients were laparoscopically operated on (cholecystectomy, gastric bypass, fundoplication, incisional hernias, and totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia) by use of 1 or 2 PSSs in each operation (47 in total). It was feasible to use the PSS in all procedures except during the totally extraperitoneal repair procedure because of the limited available preperitoneal space. Especially in laparoscopic cholecystectomies, the two lateral 5-mm trocars were easily replaced by two 3-mm PSS instruments. Conclusions: The use of the PSS is feasible in a number of laparoscopic procedures, where it can replace 5-mm trocars. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the future role of the PSS versus, for example, needlescopic laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic colon surgery that incorporates multimodal perioperative care may allow patients to be discharged within the first 24 hours., Background and Objectives: A short hospital stay is one of the main advantages of laparoscopic surgery. Previous studies have shown that after a multimodal fast-track process, the hospital length of stay can be shortened to between 2 and 5 days. The objective of this review is to show that the hospital length of stay can, in some cases, be reduced to

These authors suggest there is no difference in postoperative complication rates in suture versus tack mesh fixation in laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair., Background and Objectives: Mesh fixation in laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is poorly studied. We compared postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair in suture versus tack mesh fixation. Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair were separated by method of mesh fixation: sutures versus primarily tacks. Medical history and follow-up data were collected through medical records. The primary outcome of this study was the recurrence rates of hernias. Postoperative major and minor complications, such as surgical site infection, small-bowel obstruction, and seroma formation, were regarded as secondary outcomes. Additionally, a telephone interview was conducted to assess postoperative pain, recovery time, and overall patient satisfaction. Results: Eighty-six patients were identified: 33 in the suture group and 53 in the tacks group. The number of emergent cases was increased in the tacks group (6 vs 0; P = .022). Mean follow-up time was 2.7 years for both groups. Documented postoperative follow-up was obtained in 29 (90%) suture group and 31 (58%) tacks group patients. Hernia recurrence occurred in 3 and 2 patients in the sutures and tacks groups, respectively (P was not significant). No differences were found in secondary outcomes, including subjective outcomes from telephone interviews, between groups. Conclusions: There are no differences in postoperative complication rates in suture versus tack mesh fixation in laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair.

Laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy appears to be an effective option for sexually active women with pelvic organ prolapse., Background and Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy for apical support in sexually active patients with pelvic organ prolapse. Methods: One-hundred thirty-five women with symptomatic prolapse of the central compartment (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitative [POP-Q] stage 2) underwent laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy. The operating physicians used synthetic mesh to attach the anterior endopelvic fascia to the anterior longitudinal ligament of the sacral promontory with subtotal hysterectomy. Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy was performed when necessary. The patients returned for follow-up examinations 1 month after surgery and then over subsequent years. On follow-up a physician evaluated each patient for the recurrence of genital prolapse and for recurrent or de novo development of urinary or bowel symptoms. We define “surgical failure” as any grade of recurrent prolapse of stage II or more of the POP-Q test. Patients also gave feedback about their satisfaction with the procedure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33 months. The success rate was 98.4% for the central compartment, 94.2% for the anterior compartment, and 99.2% for the posterior compartment. Postoperatively, the percentage of asymptomatic patients (51.6%) increased significantly (P < .01), and we observed a statistically significant reduction (P < .05) of urinary urge incontinence, recurrent cystitis, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and discomfort. The present study showed 70.5% of patients stated they were very satisfied with the operation and 18.8% stated high satisfaction. Conclusion: Laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy is an effective option for sexually active women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Sporadic adrenomedullary hyperplasia may mimic pheochromocytoma. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is recommended for the management of this entity., Background and Objectives: Sporadic adrenomedullary hyperplasia (AMH) is characterized by a medical history of hypertension, excessive catecholamine excretion, and histomorphometric evidence of increased adrenomedullary tissue relative to the cortex in the absence of multiple endocrine neoplasia. The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of patients after laparoscopic adrenalectomy for AMH, an early form of sporadic adrenal medulla–related endocrine hypertension, as well as to update our understanding of the clinical features and management of this clinicomorphologic entity. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients operated on between 2007 and 2011 at Reina Sofia University General Hospital, Murcia, Spain, with a diagnosis of AMH. Patient characteristics, diagnostic studies, surgical procedures, and histologic findings were analyzed. Results: Seven hypertensive patients with intermittent adrenergic crises were found to have AMH (3 men and 4 women; mean age, 44 years). Catecholamine levels were increased. Radiologic studies included 1 or more of the following: magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose, dihydroxyphenylalanine–positron emission tomography–computed tomography, Octreoscan (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, St. Louis, MO, USA) and 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in all cases. One patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy because of persistent symptomatology after unilateral adrenalectomy. Surgery was associated with normalization of catecholamine hypersecretion and complete disappearance of symptoms, as well as the reduction or abstention of antihypertensive therapy. Conclusions: Sporadic AMH is a clinicomorphologic entity that may mimic pheochromocytoma clinically. Recent advances in diagnostic and surgical methods have changed the management and outcome of this unusual disease. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be recommended as the gold standard in the treatment of this entity. Definitive diagnosis is provided by histologic study.

This report suggests that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe and effective as a definitive bariatric procedure., Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was initially performed as the first stage of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch in the superobese population. In the past few years, however, LSG has been performed as a definitive procedure because of its promising early and midterm results. In this study we describe our initial experience and outcomes with LSG as a potential independent bariatric operation. Methods: A prospectively maintained database including all patients between 2008 and 2011 was reviewed. Results: A total of 100 initial consecutive patients (69 women and 31 men) were included, with a mean age of 50 years (range, 19–79 years) and body mass index of 49 kg/m2 (range, 36.6–70.3 kg/m2). The mean operative time was 106 minutes (range, 58–212 minutes) with a 2% conversion rate. Thirty-day perioperative complications included port-site hemorrhage (1.0%) and the inability to tolerate oral intake resulting in dehydration (3%). The reoperation rate was 2%, and the mean length of stay was 3.1 days (range, 2–12 days). In one patient with a prolonged hospital stay, an acute cholecystitis developed, and prosthetic heart valve complications developed in another patient. The mean excess body weight loss was 18%, 31.7%, 45%, 52%, 58.4%, and 64% at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively, respectively. No deaths occurred in this series. Conclusions: Satisfactory outcomes and low complication rates were observed after LSG. Our findings suggest that LSG is safe and effective to serve as a definitive bariatric procedure.

Operative time was significantly longer with robotic myomectomy; however, patients experienced shortened lengths of hospital stay and less time before returning to work., Background and Objectives: Differences in postoperative outcomes comparing robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) with abdominal myomectomy (AM) have rarely been reported. The objective of this study was to compare surgical, quality-of-life, and residual fibroid outcomes after RALM and AM. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent RALM (n = 16) were compared with AM patients (n = 23) presenting with a uterine size of

Robotic hysterectomy for very large uteri requires longer operative times but results in shorter hospital stays and decreased intraoperative blood loss., Background and Objectives: We sought to examine the outcomes of patients with myomatous uteri weighing >1000 g who underwent hysterectomy by one of two modalities, either with a robotic system or by laparotomy. Methods: All patients who underwent robotic hysterectomy for uteri weighing >1000 g at our institution between May 2007 and January 2011 were identified, and a retrospective chart review was performed. These patients were matched to a laparotomy control group by body mass index and uterine weight, and the postoperative outcomes in both groups were analyzed and compared. Results: Sixty patients with uteri weighing >1000 g underwent hysterectomy, 30 with the robotic system and 30 by laparotomy. The median body mass index was 31.8 kg/m2 (range, 18.5–56.3 kg/m2) and the median uterine weight was 1259 g (range, 1000–3543 g) in the robotic group versus 30.2 kg/m2 (range, 18–48 kg/m2) and 1509 g (range, 1000–3570 g), respectively, in the laparotomy group (P = .31). The median operating time was 255 minutes (range, 180–372 minutes) in the robotic group versus 150 minutes (range, 100–285 minutes) in the laparotomy group (P < .001). There were no conversions to laparotomy. In both groups the operative time was not increased with increasing specimen weight. The median blood loss was 150 mL in the robotic group versus 425 mL in the laparotomy group. Of 30 patients in the robotic group, 23 (76.6%) were discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 1. The median hospital stay for the robotic group was 1 day, and for the laparotomy group, it was 2.5 days (P < .01). Conclusion: Robotic surgeries for very large myomatous uteri are feasible and have minimal morbidity even in morbidly obese patients. The robotic surgery requires a longer operative time but results in a shorter hospital stay and decreased intraoperative blood loss.

Use of disposable automated laparoscopic suturing device was more cost-effective than the da Vinci surgical system or traditional laparoscopic suturing techniques for performance of total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease., Background and Objectives: To determine the effect of a disposable automated laparoscopic suturing device, the Endo Stitch (ES) (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA), on hospital cost and surgical time in patients undergoing a benign total laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure compared with the use of the da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) or traditional laparoscopic suturing technique. Methods: The Premier Perspective Database (Premier, Charlotte, NC, USA) was used to identify all inpatient hospital discharges with the primary procedure of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 68.41) for benign conditions between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011. Patients were further categorized into 3 groups: (1) those for whom the ES was used during the laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure, (2) those for whom robotic assistance (RA) was used, and (3) those for whom neither ES nor RA (NER) was used. Multivariate analysis was performed to examine the association among the ES, RA, and NER groups with respect to hospital cost, length of stay, and surgery time. The multivariate analysis controlled for the patient's age, race, severity of illness, and comorbid conditions, as well as hospital characteristics, such as bed size, region, and teaching status. Results: A total of 9308 patients undergoing an inpatient total laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011, were eligible for the study. The ES was used in 974 of the patients (10%), RA was used in 3971 (43%), and neither technique was used in 4363 (47%). After adjusting for confounding variables, the mean hospital cost was $1769 (P = .0332) lower, with a 42-minute (P < .001) surgery time savings, for the ES group compared with the RA group. The mean hospitalization cost for the ES group was also $634 (P < .0879) less expensive, with a 21-minute (P = .0131) surgery time savings, compared with the NER group. Conclusion: Use of a disposable automated laparoscopic suturing device, the ES, is significantly more cost-effective than the use of the da Vinci surgical system or traditional laparoscopic suturing techniques for the performance of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure for benign conditions.

Complications appear to be lower in laparoscopic cases versus open cases for anterolateral and posterosuperior hepatic segment surgery., Background and Objective: Minimally invasive surgery for liver resection remains controversial. This study was designed to compare open versus laparoscopic surgical approaches to liver resection. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective chart review. Results: We compared 45 laparoscopic liver resections with 17 open cases having equivalent resections based on anatomy and diagnosis. The overall complication rate was 25.8%. More open resection patients had complications (52.9% vs 15.5%, P < .008). The conversion rate was 11.1%. The mean blood loss was 667.1 ± 1450 mL in open cases versus 47.8 ± 89 mL in laparoscopic cases (P < .0001). Measures of intravenous narcotic use, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay all favored the laparoscopic group. Patients were more likely to have complications or morbidity in the open resection group than in the laparoscopic group for both the anterolateral (P < .085) and posterosuperior (P < .002) resection subgroups. Conclusion: In this series comparing laparoscopic and open liver resections, there were fewer complications, more rapid recovery, and lower morbidity in the laparoscopic group, even for those resections involving the posterosuperior segments of the liver.

Robotic sacrocolpopexy may increase insufflation complications including massive subcutaneous emphysema., The advent of robotic surgery has increased the popularity of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Carbon dioxide insufflation, an essential component of laparoscopy, may rarely cause massive subcutaneous emphysema, which may be coincident with life-threatening situations such as hypercarbia, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum. Although the literature contains several reports of massive subcutaneous emphysema after a variety of laparoscopic procedures, we were not able to identify any report of this complication associated with laparoscopic or robotic sacrocolpopexy. Massive subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 3 women after robotic sacrocolpopexy in our practice. The patients had remarkable but reversible physical deformities lasting up to 1 week. A valveless endoscopic dynamic pressure system was used in all 3 of our cases. Our objective is to define the risk of massive subcutaneous emphysema during robotic sacrocolpopexy in light of these cases and discuss probable predisposing factors including the use of valveless endoscopic dynamic pressure trocars.

The authors report that a laparoscopic technique could facilitate orthotopic kidney transplantation in selected patients., Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic surgery has rapidly expanded in surgical practice with well-accepted benefits of minimal incision, less analgesia, better cosmetics, and quick recovery. The surgical technique for kidney transplantation has remained unchanged since the first successful kidney transplant in the 1950s. Over the past decade, there were only a few case reports of kidney transplantation by laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a laparoscopic technique for kidney transplantation at the region of the native kidney. Methods: After initial development of the laparoscopic technique for kidney transplant in cadaveric pigs, 5 live pigs (Sus scrofa, weighing 45–50 kg) underwent laparoscopic kidney transplant under general anesthesia. First, laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed, and then the kidney was perfused and preserved with cold Ross solution. The orthotopic auto-transplant was subsequently performed using the laparoscopic technique. The blood flow of the kidney graft was assessed using Doppler ultrasonography, and urine output was monitored. Results: The laparoscopic kidney transplant was successful in 4 live pigs. Immediate urine output was observed in 3 pigs. The blood flow in the kidney was adequate, as determined using Doppler ultrasonography. Conclusion: It has been shown that laparoscopic kidney orthotopic transplant is feasible and safe in the pig model. Immediate kidney graft function can be achieved. A further study will be considered to identify the potential surgical morbidity and mortality after recovery in a pig model before translating the technique to clinical human kidney transplantation.

A simple collapsible mobile box trainer may be a cost-effective method of training residents for the fundamentals of laparoscopic skill tasks., Background and Objectives: We sought to determine whether training with a simple collapsible mobile box trainer leads to improved performance of fundamental laparoscopic skills (FLSs) during a 6-month interval versus validated laparoscopic box trainers and virtual-reality trainers, only accessible at a simulation training center. Methods: With institutional review board approval, 20 first- and second-year general surgery residents were randomized to scheduled training sessions in a surgical simulation laboratory or training in the use of a portable, collapsible Train Anywhere Skill Kit (TASKit) (Ethicon Endo-Surgery Cincinnati, OH, USA) trainer. Training was geared toward the FLS set for a skill assessment examination at a 6-month interval. Results: The residents who trained with the TASKit performed the peg-transfer, pattern-cut exercise, Endoloop, and intracorporeal knot-tying FLS tasks statistically more efficiently during their 6-month assessment versus their initial evaluation as compared with the group randomized to the simulation laboratory training. Conclusions: Using a simple collapsible mobile box trainer such as the TASKit can be a cost-effective method of training and preparing residents for FLS tasks considering the current cost associated with virtual and high-definition surgical trainers. This mode of surgical training allows residents to practice in their own time by removing barriers associated with simulation centers.

Results of this study suggest that strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis cholecystectomy is feasible, safe, and decreases the cumulative incision length as well as the number of incisions in patients with favorable body habitus and previous surgical history., Background and Objectives: Until the advent of single-incision laparoscopic surgery, few advances were aimed at improving cosmesis with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Criticisms of the single-incision laparoscopic surgery technique include a larger incision and increased incidence of wound-related complications. We present our initial experience with a novel technique aimed at performing strategic laparoscopy for improved cosmesis (SLIC) for cholecystectomy. Methods: Twenty-five patients with biliary symptoms were selected for SLIC cholecystectomy. Access to the abdomen was obtained with a 5-mm optical trocar in the left upper quadrant and a 5-mm trocar in the umbilicus. Retraction was performed by a transabdominal suture in the dome of the gallbladder and a needlescopic grasper. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, operative time, length of stay, pathology results, and short-term complications at follow-up were prospectively recorded. Results: The 25 female patients had a mean age of 34.3 years and mean body mass index of 24 kg/m2. American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ranged from 1 to 3. The mean operative time was 51.3 minutes. Pathology revealed chronic cholecystitis in all patients. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. The only complication was one ultrasonography-documented deep vein thrombosis. All 25 planned SLIC cholecystectomies were successfully completed. Conclusions: SLIC cholecystectomy is feasible and safe. This technique decreases the cumulative incision length, as well as the number of incisions, leading to very desirable cosmetic results in patients with a favorable body habitus and surgical history.

This report suggests that the learning curve for a surgeon with advanced laparoscopic skills may be short, requiring approximately 10 cases to decrease operative times to baseline., Background and Objectives: Single-port laparoscopic colectomy is described as a new technique in colorectal surgery. The initial case reports show the safety and feasibility, but the learning curve for this technique is unknown. Methods: Between July 2009 and September 2010, 20 consecutive patients with an indication for right hemicolectomy underwent a single-port laparoscopic approach without bias in selection. The only exclusion criterion was a prior midline laparotomy. The patients were followed up for 30 days. Chart review was completed for up to 35 months to assess long-term morbidity and mortality rates. Results: The median age was 65 years (range, 59–88 years). Ninety percent of patients were men. The median body mass index was 28 kg/m2 (range, 20–35 kg/m2). Seventy-five percent of patients had significant comorbidities with an American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 3 or 4. The estimated blood loss was 25 mL (range, 25–250 mL). The median number of pathologic lymph nodes for patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma was 16 (range, 8–23). There was one conversion to hand-assisted laparoscopic (case 6) and one to open colectomy (case 9) because of the inability to achieve safe vessel ligation. The median hospital stay was 4.5 days (range, 3–7 days). The length of stay for the first 10 patients was 5.1 days, and it was 3.9 days for the last 10 patients (P = .045). There were no significant postoperative complications within 30 days. The mean operative time for the first 10 cases was 198 minutes (range, 148–272 minutes), and it was 123 minutes (range, 98–150 minutes) for the subsequent 10 cases (P = .0001). All intraoperative complications (minor bleeding) occurred within the first 10 patients, with no significant bleeding recorded for the last 10 cases. Conclusion: Single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy can be safely performed in patients who are candidates for conventional or hand-assisted right hemicolectomy with very low intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. The 30-day morbidity rate remained low with this technique. The higher technical difficulty compared with conventional laparoscopy is reflected in the longer initial operative times. The learning curve for a surgeon with advanced laparoscopic skills and adequate procedure numbers seems to be short, requiring approximately 10 cases to decrease operative times to baseline. The role and feasibility of broad adaptation for single-incision laparoscopy in colorectal surgery need to be further evaluated in larger case series and trials.

Inanimate models represent reproducible, low-cost and readily available tools for the teaching and training of laparoscopic skills., Background and Objective: The use of training models in laparoscopic surgery allows the surgical team to practice procedures in a safe environment. The aim of this study was to determine the capability of an inanimate laparoscopic appendectomy model to discriminate between different levels of surgical experience (construct validity). Methods: The performance of 3 groups with different levels of expertise in laparoscopic surgery—experts (Group A), intermediates (Group B), and novices (Group C)—was evaluated. The groups were instructed of the task to perform in the model using a video tutorial. Procedures were recorded in a digital format for later analysis using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score; procedure time was registered. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test. Results: Twelve subjects were evaluated, 4 in each group, using the GOALS score and time required to finish the task. Higher scores were observed in the expert group, followed by the intermediate and novice groups, with statistically significant difference. Regarding procedure time, a significant difference was also found between the groups, with the experts having the shorter time. The proposed model is able to discriminate among individuals with different levels of expertise, indicating that the abilities that the model evaluates are relevant in the surgeon's performance. Conclusions: Construct validity for the inanimate full-task laparoscopic appendectomy training model was demonstrated. Therefore, it is a useful tool in the development and evaluation of the resident in training.

This report suggests that sleeve-joint pancreaticojejunostomy reduces the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula., Introduction: Laparoscopic procedures for pancreatic surgery have been significantly improved recently; however, only a limited number of successful laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have been reported. The limitations could be attributed to the complexity of the reconstruction procedures under laparoscopic observation and the high incidence of complications. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) has been regarded traditionally as the most frequent major complication and is a potentially serious and life-threatening event. It remains the single most important cause of morbidity after PD and contributes significantly to prolonged mortality. Several modified methods of pancreas anastomosis were introduced to prevent POPF. However, few methods with a satisfactory leakage rate have yet to be seen. Collating principle of theoretical mechanics, we introduce a new method of reconstruction by performing an asymmetric sleeving-joint pancreaticojejunostomy (SJPJ). The aim of this study is to summarize the results of a new technique that is designed to decrease the POPF. Methods: From January 2004 to December 2010, SJPJ was performed on 86 patients undergoing PD by 1 surgeon: a laparoscopic reconstruction was completed in 9 cases, a hand-assisted laparoscopic reconstruction in 2 cases, and an open SJPJ reconstruction in 75 cases. Discussion: We used SJPJ, an asymmetric pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). The time of operation ranged from 300 minutes to 640 minutes. Postoperatively there were no major morbidities and no deaths. Although POPF was observed in the laparoscopic SJPJ group with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 3 patients developed POPF in the open SJPJ group with ampullary adenocarcinoma (n=1) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=2). The POPF rate was 9.30% in the open SJPJ group and 9.10% in the laparoscopic SJPJ group. The SJPJ procedure facilitates PJ, both laparoscopically and in open surgery. It is safe, effective, and feasible in experience hands.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was found to be a safe and effective stand-alone procedure for severe, morbid, and super obese patients in a high-risk veteran population., Background: The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is emerging as an effective bariatric operation and is especially attractive in high-risk populations. In this study we examine the efficacy of LSG as a stand-alone operation in the veteran population. Methods: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent LSG as a stand-alone procedure at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs medical center with a minimum 12-month follow-up. Results: Of 205 patients undergoing bariatric surgery, 71 patients had a sleeve gastrectomy, 40 of whom had the operation performed at least 12 months previously. Thirty-six (90%) were available for 1-year follow-up, with a mean follow-up duration of 22 months (range: 12–42), a mean body mass index of 48.3 kg/m2, and an 83% male population. Mean percent excess weight loss was 61% at an average of 22 months, with no significant difference between severely obese, morbidly obese, and super obese cohorts. Diabetes remission was seen in 56% of patients, hypertension remission in 51.6%, and obstructive sleep apnea remission in 46.4%, and gastroesophageal reflux disease improved or did not change in 83%. Medication use significantly decreased after surgery. Conclusion: LSG is safe and effective as a stand-alone bariatric operation in the high-risk veteran population. It is effective in severely obese, morbidly obese, and super obese patients. LSG induces remission or improvement in comorbidities of nearly all patients, translating to a decrease in medication use.

In selected female patients with chronic pelvic pain, laparoscopic inguinal exploration with mesh implantation resulted in a moderate improvement of symptoms., Background and Objective: Chronic pelvic pain affects 15% of women. Our objective was to evaluate empiric laparoscopic inguinal exploration and mesh placement in this population. Methods: Retrospective cohort with follow-up questionnaire of women with lateralizing chronic pelvic pain (right or left), ipsilateral inguinal tenderness on pelvic examination, no clinical hernia on abdominal examination, and ipsilateral empiric laparoscopic inguinal exploration with mesh placement (2003–2009). Primary outcome was pain level at the last postoperative visit. Secondary outcomes were pain level and SF-36 scores from the follow-up questionnaire. Results: Forty-eight cases met the study criteria. Surgery was done empirically for all patients, with only 7 patients (15%) found to have an ipsilateral patent processus vaginalis (shallow peritoneal dimple or a deeper defect (occult hernia)). Of 43 cases informative for the primary outcome, there was pain improvement in 15 patients (35%); pain improvement then return of the pain in 18 patients (42%); and pain unchanged in 9 patients (21%) and worse in 1 patient (2%). Improvement in pain was associated with a positive Carnett's test in the ipsilateral abdominal lower quadrant (P = .024). Thirteen patients returned the questionnaire (27%), and the pain was now described as improved in 9 patients (69%), unchanged in 4 patients (31%), and worse in none. Three SF-36 subscales showed improvement (physical functioning, social functioning, and pain). Conclusion: In select women with chronic pelvic pain, empiric laparoscopic inguinal exploration and mesh placement results in moderate improvement in outcome. A positive Carnett's test in the ipsilateral abdominal lower quadrant is a predictor of better outcome.

A multicenter prospective study evaluating the management of endometriosis comparing excision versus ablation is needed using primary outcomes other than chronic pelvic pain., Objective: To serve as a pilot feasibility study for a randomized study of excision versus ablation in the treatment of endometriosis by (1) estimating the magnitude of change in symptoms after excision only at multiple referral centers and (2) determining the proportion of women willing to participate in a randomized trial. Methods: We performed a multicenter prospective study of women undergoing excision for endometriosis (Canadian Task Force class II-3) at Duke University Center for Endometriosis Research & Treatment (currently the Saint Louis University Center for Endometriosis), Center for Endometriosis Care, Northshore University Health System, Memorial University (Canada), and Florida Hospital. The study comprised 100 female patients, aged 18 to 55 years, with endometriosis-suspected pelvic pain. The intervention was laparoscopic excision only of the abnormal peritoneum suspicious for endometriosis. The main outcome measures were quality of life, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and bowel and bladder symptoms. Results: The mean follow-up period was 8.5 months. Excision of endometriosis showed a significant reduction in all pain scores except bowel symptoms, as well as significant improvement in quality of life. Of the patients, 84% were willing to participate in a randomized study. Conclusions: Quality of life is a needed primary outcome for any randomized study comparing excision versus ablation. A multicenter comparative trial is feasible, although quality assurance would have to be addressed. Patients were willing to be randomized even at surgical referral centers.

A laparoscopic approach to ventral hernia repair using Proceed mesh was associated with low conversion rate and no major complications in this study of single surgeon's experience., Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic technique to repair ventral hernia offers advantages over conventional open surgery such as shorter recovery time, decreased pain, and lower recurrence rates. There are a myriad of meshes available for laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias. This study evaluated the outcomes of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias with Proceed mesh (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in a single academic institution. Methods: An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was performed for 100 consecutive patients with ventral hernia who underwent a laparoscopic approach at our institution from August 2006 to February 2009. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon using a standard technique with transabdominal suture fixation and tacks. Results: The study included 100 consecutive patients (57 female and 43 male patients). The mean age was 55 years (range, 16–78 years), and the mean body mass index was 33.3 kg/m2 (range, 19.6–68.9 kg/m2). Of the repairs, 27% were performed for a recurrent hernia. The mean and median size of the defect were 128 cm2 and 119.5 cm2 (range, 4–500 cm2), respectively. To ensure appropriate mesh overlap, the mean size of mesh was 253 cm2 (range, 36–700 cm2). There were 4 conversions. The mean operative time was 117 minutes (range, 35–286 minutes). The mean length of stay was 1.9 days. There were no major abdominal complications. With a mean follow-up period of 50 months (range, 38–68 months), we have not recorded any recurrences. No mesh-related complications have been documented. Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach to ventral hernia repairs using Proceed mesh is associated with a low conversion rate and no major complications. At 50 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate is 0%. There were no mesh-related complications.

The learning curve for laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery was found to be definable, short, and safe., Background and Objectives: This study of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease was undertaken to determine the “learning curve” for implementing LESS fundoplication. Methods: One hundred patients, 38% men, with a median age of 61 years and median body mass index of 26 kg/m2, underwent LESS fundoplications. The operative times, placement of additional trocars, conversions to “open” operations, and complications were compared among patient quartiles to establish a learning curve. Median data are reported. Results: The median operative times and complications did not differ among 25-patient cohorts. Additional trocars were placed in 27% of patients, 67% of whom were in the first 25-patient cohort. Patients undergoing LESS fundoplication had a dramatic relief in the frequency and severity of all symptoms of reflux across all cohorts equally (P < .05), particularly for heartburn and regurgitation, without causing dysphagia. Conclusion: LESS fundoplication ameliorates symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease without apparent scarring. Notably, few operations required additional trocars after the first 25-patient cohort. Patient selection became more inclusive (eg, more “redo” fundoplications) with increasing experience, whereas operative times and complications remained relatively unchanged. The learning curve of LESS fundoplication is definable, short, and safe. We believe that patients will seek LESS fundoplication because of the efficacy and superior cosmetic outcomes; surgeons will need to meet this demand.

The combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy was found to be the most reliable method for diagnosis and treatment of uterine septum with short operative time, less blood loss, increased postoperative pregnancy rate and live birth rate along with lower spontaneous abortion rate., Objective: To explore the method of diagnosis for uterine septum and the clinical effect of hysteroscopic transcervical resection of the septum. Methods: One-hundred ninety cases of patients with uterine septum who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital during 2007–2011 were selected, and their general information, perioperative status, postoperative recovery treatment, and postoperative pregnancy rates were statistically analyzed. Results: All 190 patients were cured with one surgery, with an average hysteroscopic operating time of 22.60 ± 10.67 minutes and intraoperative blood loss of 15.74 ± 9.64 mL. There were no complications such as uterine perforation, water intoxication, infection, or heavy bleeding. Among the 115 patients that we followed up, 86 became pregnant and delivered infants, 81 of which were born at term and 5 that were born premature. Conclusion: The combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is still the most reliable method for the diagnosis of uterine septum. With a shorter operative time, less blood loss, a significantly increased postoperative pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and a significantly lower spontaneous abortion rate, transcervical resection of the septum was the preferred method for the treatment of uterine septum, and surgical instruments and skills were critical to the prognosis of uterine septum.

Diagnostic laparoscopy was found to be helpful in confirming the source of acute scrotal edema in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis., Background: Acute scrotal edema is an infrequent complication in patients who undergo continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), occurring in 2% to 4% of patients. Inguinal hernia is usually the cause, but the diagnosis is sometimes confusing. Imaging modalities such as computed tomographic peritoneography are helpful but can be equivocal. We have used diagnostic laparoscopy in conjunction with open unilateral or bilateral hernia repair for diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with acute scrotal edema. Technique and Cases: Three patients with acute scrotal edema while receiving CAPD over the span of 7 years had inconclusive results at clinical examination and on diagnostic imaging. All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy that revealed indirect inguinal hernia, which was concomitantly repaired using an open-mesh technique. Results: Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed the etiology of the scrotal edema 100% of the time, with no complications, and allowed concomitant repair of the hernia. One patient had postoperative catheter outflow obstruction, which was deemed to be unrelated to the hernia repair. Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy is helpful in confirming the source of acute scrotal edema in CAPD patients and can be performed in conjunction with an open-mesh repair with minimal added time or risk.

The authors conclude that laparoscopic radical parametrectomy is superior to abdominal parametrectomy in terms of shorter operative time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stay., Background and Objective: Radical parametrectomy (RP), performed either abdominally (ARP) or laparoscopically (LRP), is a viable alternative to radiotherapy in treating invasive cervical cancer, vaginal apex cancer, and endometrial cancer that is more advanced than initially suspected after hysterectomy. We carried out a comparative study on intra- and postoperative parameters between the two performed by similarly experienced surgeons. Methods: Forty consecutive patients indicative for RP were reviewed: 22 and 18 underwent ARP and LRP, respectively. Information was collected on demographics, indications for initial and this surgery, tumor characteristics, intra- and postoperative parameters, and complications. The lengths of resected parametrial and vaginal tissues were measured. Results: Compared with ARP, LRP resulted in shorter operative time (200 vs 239 min), less blood loss (627.8 vs 929.5 mL), shorter hospital stay (16.8 vs 19.9 days), and removal of more pelvic lymph nodes (27.4 ± 5.9 vs 23.1 ± 7.1). Although it was not attempted in ARP to remove lymph nodes in the deep obturator space, it was attempted in LRP and one positive node was found. In the ARP cohort there was one case of injury to the small intestine during surgery, whereas in LRP there was one instance of lower urologic fistula after surgery. Conclusion: LRP is superior to ARP in terms of shorter operative time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stay while still maintaining the completeness of the procedure. It can be safely performed in the hands of experienced surgeons for cervical or vaginal apex carcinoma and stage II endometrial cancer after hysterectomy.

Kidney donors experience significant mental stress compared with those undergoing extirpative kidney surgery. Better preoperative counseling and postoperative monitoring is suggested by the authors., Background and Objectives: This study compares donor quality of life (QOL) with extirpative (simple or radical) patients' QOL after laparoscopic nephrectomy and analyzes factors predictive of mental QOL for donors. Methods: One hundred one donors and 48 extirpative laparoscopic nephrectomy patients filled out the SF-36v2 form at pre- and postoperative visits, and scores were transformed to norm-based. Donor characteristics were collected and analyzed using univariate analysis. Results: Donor patients had a decline in the mental summary at all time points that became significant at 7 months (–2.9), whereas extirpative patients trended positive at 7 months (+2.6). Both groups had a significant decline in the physical summary at 1 month, which rebounded by 4 months. Female gender, positive social/psychiatric history, and major graft recipient complications were all significant predictors of a decline in mental health at 1 month. Conclusion: Compared with patients who undergo extirpative surgery, kidney donors have significant mental stress associated with donation that persists beyond the postoperative period. Better preoperative counseling and postoperative monitoring might lead to better outcomes, especially for those in high-risk groups.

This study indicates that patients with sigmoid diverticulitis and fistula may be successfully treated by laparoscopic excision with outcomes similar to patients without fistula., Background and Objectives: A growing number of operations for sigmoid diverticulitis are being done laparoscopically. There is a paucity of data on the outcome of laparoscopy for sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by colonic fistula. The aim of this study was to compare the results of laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis with and without colonic fistula. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by fistula at a single tertiary care institution over a 7-year period. Comparison was made with a group of patients who underwent resection for diverticulitis without fistula during the same study period. Results: Forty-two patients were analyzed (group 1: diverticular fistula, group 2: no fistula). The median age was similar (49 vs. 50 years, P = .68). A chronic abscess was present in 24% of patients in group 1 and 10% in group 2 (P = .40). Fistula types were colovesical (71%), colovaginal (19%), and colocutaneous (10%). Operation types were sigmoidectomy (57% vs. 81%) and anterior resection (43% vs. 19%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .18). Ureteral catheters were used more frequently in group 1 (67% vs. 33% [P = .06]). No difference was noted in operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, length of stay, overall complications, wound infection rate, readmission rate, reoperation rate, and mortality. All patients healed without fistula recurrence. Conclusions: Patients with sigmoid diverticulitis with fistula can be successfully treated with laparoscopic excision, with similar outcomes for patients without fistula.

Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is comparable with laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, offering equivalent oncological and functional outcomes., Background and Objectives: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is emerging as an alternative to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for the treatment of small renal tumors. We compare the results of LPN and RAPN performed by a single surgeon. Methods: Data from 100 consecutive patients who underwent LPN (n=52) or RAPN (n=48) performed by a single experienced laparoscopic surgeon between October 2007 and June 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Perioperative data, including clinical, pathological, and functional outcomes, were compared between the LPN and RAPN groups. Results: No significant differences were found between groups with regard to mean estimated blood loss, main operation time, warm ischemic time, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, hospital stay, or percent reduction of hemoglobin. The mean duration of follow-up was 16.2 months for LPN patients versus 8.9 months for RAPN patients (P

A modified Aptos needle appeared to allow an easy, simple, safe method for fascial closure of trocar sites., Background and Objectives: Trocar-site incisional hernias are the most common complications in laparoscopic surgery. Fascial closure of port sites represents a challenging issue in laparoscopic surgery. Methods: We describe a simple easy technique for fascial closure of port sites using a double-tip needle (Lasheen needle). This study included 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery from January 2009 through August 2011 in the General Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Zagazig, Egypt. The mean follow-up period was 2 years for any wound complications at these trocar sites. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.5 years, and the mean time for placement of one suture was 2 minutes. No trocar-site herniation occurred with our technique during the period of follow-up. Infection developed at the trocar site in 3 patients. Conclusion: This technique is easy, simple, safe, fast, inexpensive, and effective for fascial closure of trocar sites.

Total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy may be a viable alternative to the standard Whipple procedure, offering the potential of a decreased length of stay, quick recovery, and improved quality of life., Introduction: Total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (TLPD) remains one of the most advanced laparoscopic procedures. Owing to the evolution in laparoscopic technology and instrumentation within the past decade, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is beginning to gain wider acceptance. Methods: Data were collected for all patients who underwent a TLPD at our institution. Preoperative evaluation consisted of computed tomography scan with pancreatic protocol and selective use of magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopic ultrasonography. The TLPD was done with 6 ports on 3 patients and 5 ports in 2 patients and included a celiac, periportal, peripancreatic, and periduodenal lymphadenectomy. Pancreatic stents were used in all 5 cases, and intestinal continuity was re-established by intracorporeal anastomoses. Results: Five patients underwent a TLPD for suspicion of a periampullary tumor. There were 3 women and 2 men with a mean age of 60 years and a mean body mass index of 32.8. Intraoperatively, the mean operative time was 9 hours 48 minutes, with a mean blood loss of 136 mL. Postoperatively, there were no complications and a mean length of stay of 6.6 days. There was no lymph node involvement in 4 out of 5 specimens. The pathological results included intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in 2 patients, pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 1 patient (R0 resection), benign 4-cm periampullary adenoma in 1 patient, and a somatostatin neuroendocrine carcinoma in 1 patient (R0, N1). Conclusion: TLPD is a viable alternative to the standard Whipple procedure. Our early experience suggests decreased length of stay, quicker recovery, and improved quality of life. Complication rates appear to be improved or equivalent.

Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomies demonstrated shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and fewer transfusions than abdominal myomectomies. Robotic myomectomy offers a minimally invasive alternative for management of symptomatic myoma in a community hospital setting., Background and Objectives: To evaluate the operative outcomes between robotic, laparoscopic, and abdominal myomectomies performed by a private gynecologic oncology practice in a suburban community hospital. Methods: The medical records of 322 consecutive robotic, laparoscopic, and abdominal myomectomies performed from January 2007 through December 2009 were reviewed. The outcomes were collected from a retrospective review of patient medical records. Results: Records for 14/322 (4.3%) patients were incomplete. Complete data were available for 308 patients, including 169 (54.9%) abdominal, 73 (23.7%) laparoscopic, and 66 (21.4%) robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomies. Patients were similar in age, body mass index, parity, and previous abdominopelvic surgery. Median operative time for robotic surgery (140 min) was significantly longer (P

Total laparoscopic Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy may be a first choice for patients with biliary disease that requires biliary-jejunal anastomosis., Background and Objectives: Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy (RCJS) has been widely used in biliary bypass surgeries, but in most reported literature, an assisted mini-incision was needed, and studies reporting total laparoscopic Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy (TLRCJS) are rare. The goal of this study was to investigate how to treat hepatic portal bile duct diseases and perform jejunojejunostomy and cholangiojejunostomy totally laparoscopically. We evaluated the feasibility of TLRCJS in treating biliary tract diseases. Methods: TLRCJS were performed in 103 patients from January 2000 to August 2011. There were 28 cases of recurrent choledocholithiasis combined with stricture of the common bile duct (CBD) after several stone extractions, 3 patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury, 24 patients with choledochal cyst, 36 patients with hepatic portal cholangiocarcinoma, and 12 patients with cancer of the pancreatic head and periampullary cancer. All surgeries were performed through 5 trocars. First, laparoscopic surgery on the CBD was performed according to the original disease. The CBD was opened and stones were extracted in choledocholithiasis patients. In iatrogenic injury patients, strictured CBD was resected and repaired. Dilated CBD or choledochal cyst with tumor was transected. In patients with malignant jaundice, the CBD was opened longitudinally. At the same time, the bile duct was prepared for cholangiojejunostomy. Second, the positions of the laparoscope and surgeons were altered. The jejunal mesentery and jejunum were transected, and side-to-side jejunojejunostomy (JJS) was performed. The laparoscope and surgeon positions were exchanged again; the Roux-en-Y biliary limb was lifted close to the residual bile duct; and side-to-side or end-to-side choledochojejunostomy (CJS) was performed. Finally, an abdominal drainage tube was placed. Results: All the surgeries were performed successfully. The diameter of the residual bile duct ranged from 0.4 to 3.2 cm (average, 0.9 cm). Three patients had postoperative bile leakage and were treated from 1 week to approximately 1 month with abdominal drainage. Postoperative intraperitoneal hemorrhage and stress ulcer of the stomach occurred in 2 patients with biliary tract injury combined with obstructive jaundice. One with intraperitoneal hemorrhage was cured by another laparoscopic surgery. The other patient was cured after 2 days of abdominal drainage, antacids, and hemostatic drug therapy. The follow-up duration of 95 patients was 4 to 93 months (average, 48.3 months). The follow-up rate was 92.2% (95/103). Patients with cancer died of metastasis or cachexia during 14-month follow-up with no postoperative complication. Reflux cholangitis occurred in 3 patients 2, 3, and 5 years after the operation, respectively. No anastomotic stricture or other complication was found in other patients during the follow-up. Conclusions: TLRCJS is the best and first choice for patients with biliary tract diseases that need biliary-jejunal anastomosis. But it is essential that the surgeon has proficiency in laparoscopic surgeries.