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Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of minimally invasive surgery for the management of necrotising pancreatitis in acute settings and to propose tailor-made approaches to deal with various locations of pancreatic necrosis. Patients and Methods: Three hundred and thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic management of necrotising pancreatitis in this study period from January 2010 to June 2021, out of which 122 patients underwent minimally invasive necrosectomy for acute necrotising pancreatitis. The remaining 191 patients underwent laparoscopic internal drainage in the form of cystogastrostomy/cystojejunostomy for walled-off pancreatic necrosis. Results: Mean body mass index was 26.45 ± 3.78 kg/sqm. Mean operating time was 56.40 ± 20.48 min and mean blood loss was 120 ± 31.45 mL. Ten patients required reoperation (6 underwent open procedure and 4 underwent laparoscopic redo necrosectomy). Six patients died of multi-organ failure. The mean duration of return of bowel function was 5 ± 1.8 days. The mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 10.19 ± 7.09 days. There were no major wound-related complications. Conclusion: A minimally invasive approach to pancreatic necrosectomy is safe and feasible with good outcomes in centres with advanced laparoscopic expertise. It requires not only careful case selection but also proper timing and the ideal route of access to achieve optimal outcomes.

Seroma formation is one the most common occurrence post-ventral hernia repair, with varied presentation from asymptomatic collection to infected collection to chronic collection, which may sometimes present as a diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic challenge. We report a case of giant abdominal swelling presenting as an encysted peritoneal cyst, which was ultimately found to be a chronic seroma and was managed successfully with combined laparo-seroscopic approach.

Cholecystoenteric fistulas are rare complications of cholelithiasis, with cholecystogastric fistulas (CGFs) being the rarest. Recommended treatment is surgery; however, select asymptomatic patients can be managed conservatively. The population frequently involved is old age with multiple comorbidities. Open surgery comes with its added morbidities, especially in this subgroup and hence laparoscopic surgery might be beneficial. Sometimes, these fistulas can be incomplete. Here, we describe a case of incomplete CGF managed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and omental patching along with a brief review of the literature.

Background: Annular pancreas is a rare, congenital, rotational anomaly of pancreas, seen usually in newborns who present with features of duodenal obstruction. However, in adults, only 24% of cases are present with duodenal obstruction. Surgery remains the procedure of choice in patients in whom symptoms can be attributed to duodenal obstruction and the goal of surgery is to relieve obstruction by bypassing the annulus. Laparoscopic Roux-en Y duodenostomy (DJ) is our preferred bypass approach for this condition. Literature search revealed that very few case reports have been published about laparoscopic management of annular pancreas, especially about duodenojejunal anastomosis. We present our experience in the laparoscopic management of symptomatic annular pancreas in adults and technique of the laparoscopic Roux-en Y DJ for annular pancreas. Materials and Methods: Between 1996 and 2016, a total of six adult patients underwent laparoscopic management for symptomatic annular pancreas. The demographic, perioperative and follow-up details were documented. Results: All surgeries were successfully performed by laparoscopic approach with no conversion to open. Five cases underwent Roux-en Y DJ and one underwent gastrojejunostomy. No major perioperative events occurred. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.6 days. Five out of six patients were followed up for 24 months, and no symptom recurrence was seen. Conclusion: Laparoscopic Roux-en Y duodenojejunostomy could be used as a safe and physiological treatment for annular pancreas in adult patients and should be preferred for the treatment of duodenal obstruction due to annular pancreas.

Background: Gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare neoplasms that require excision for cure. Although the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of smaller gastric GIST has been established, the feasibility and long-term efficacy of these techniques are unclear in larger lesions. This study is done to assess the feasibility of the laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs and their long-term outcomes. Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of gastric GISTs were identified in a prospectively collected database. Outcome measures included patient demographics, operative findings, morbidity and histopathologic characteristics of the tumour. Patient and tumour characteristics were analysed to identify risk factors for tumour recurrence. Results: There were 42 patients with a mean age of 56.7 years and had a mean tumour size was 4.5 ± 2.7 cm. Laparoscopic wedge resection was the most common procedure done. There were no major perioperative complications or mortalities. All lesions had negative resection margins. At a mean follow-up of 48 months, 36/39 (92.3%) patients were disease free and 3/39 (7.6%) had progressive disease. Univariate analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association of disease progression with tumour size, high mitotic index, tumour ulceration and tumour necrosis. The presence of >10 mitotic figures/50 high-power field was an independent predictor of disease progression. Conclusion: Our study establishes laparoscopic resection is feasible and safe in treating gastric GISTs for tumours >5 cm size. The long-term disease-free survival in our study shows acceptable oncological results in comparison to historical open resections.

Byline: Umang. Mamaniya, Pinak. Dasgupta, Palanisamy. Senthilnathan, Palanivelu. Chinnusamy Giant lumbar hernia, with loss of domain, is a complex scenario to treat. Abdominal compartment syndrome is a dreaded post-operative complication. [...]

Duodenal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies that generally present with abdominal pain and vomiting or may have nonspecific symptoms. Surgical excision is the recommended treatment owing to possible complications, including malignancy. However, difficult locations like the periampullary region are problematic and major surgical procedures, for example, pancreaticoduodenectomy is necessary for total resection. These have a high complication rate resulting in a poor quality of life, especially in children and young adults. Here, we describe a case of duodenal duplication cyst managed by robotic (transduodenal) excision along with a brief review of the literature.

Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a very complex disease that requires the best multidisciplinary decisions. Improved outcomes are reported only in high-volume centres with good expertise and the latest technology in radiology for imaging and intervention, endoscopy, and surgery. However, in India, only very few centres have very good infrastructure for the same. Additionally, protocoldriven treatment is also not uniform in India. To fulfil this gap, authors believe that a strict, disciplined work-up of these complex cases is the only way to achieve optimal treatment. Authors propose a protocolised checklist involving multidisciplinary decisions for hilar CCA patients that could be used. This case series aims to assess the oncological outcome of hilar CCA using our checklist and, secondarily, to assess the immediate postoperative outcome and complications in these patients. Out of 20 patients, 13 underwent successful hepatectomy based on the decisions made. No mortality was noted in this case series. Two cases had a postoperative liver failure (Clavien Dindo 3A). All 13 patients had an R0 resection. The mean length of the tumour-free margin was 8.46 mm. Doing two-dimensional surgical simulation preoperatively and adhering to the special plane of transection helped in attaining R0 resection. Here, a small series of hilar CCA is presented which was managed successfully, signifying the importance of a protocol-based approach which can be easily adapted and reproduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation is a ray of hope for thousands of patients with end-stage liver disease but is currently challenged by the scarcity of donor organs worldwide. Unlike kidney transplantation where minimally invasive donor organ procurement has almost become a norm, laparoscopic procurement of hemi-liver from a living donor is still in the infancy of development, at least in the Indian sub-continent. Minimally invasive surgery has made its way into different procedures of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, but only a few centres in the world are performing pure laparoscopic donor hepatectomy. We report two cases of total laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from Indian sub-continent.

Background: The morbidity related to radical oesophagectomy can be reduced by adopting minimally invasive techniques. Over 250 thoraco-laparoscopic oesophagectomy (TLE) was done in our centre over the last 15 years, before adopting robotic surgery as the latest innovation in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Here, we share our initial experience of robotic-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE) for carcinoma oesophagus. Methods: A prospective observational study conducted from February to December 2017. A total of 15 patients underwent RAMIE in this period. Data regarding demography, clinical characteristics, investigations, operating techniques, and post-operative outcome were collected in detail. Results: There were 10 (66.7%) male patients and the median age of all patients was 62.9 (range 36–78) years. The median body mass index was 24.4 (range 15–32.8) kg/m2. Twelve (80.0%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oesophagus and 3 (20%) patients had adenocarcinoma (AC). Five (33.3%) patients received neoadjuvant therapy. All 15 patients underwent RAMIE. Patients with SCC underwent McKeown's procedure, and those with AC underwent Ivor Lewis procedure. Extended two-field lymphadenectomy (including total mediastinal lymphadenectomy) was done for all the patients. The median operating time was 558 (range 390–690) min and median blood loss was 145 (range 90–230) ml. There were no intra-operative adverse events, and none of them required conversion to open or total thoracolaparoscopic procedure. The most common post-operative complications were recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis (3 patients, 20.0%) and pneumonia (2 patients, 13.3%). The median hospital stay was 9 (range 7–33) days. In total, 9 (60%) patients required adjuvant treatment. Conclusion: Adequate experience in TLE can help minimally invasive surgeons in easy adoption of RAMIE with satisfactory outcome.

Byline: Senthil. Ganapathi, Rajapandian. Subbiah, Sathiyamoorthy. Rudramurthy, Harish. Kakkilaya, Parthasarathi. Ramakrishnan, Palanivelu. Chinnusamy Background: Rectal prolapse is more common in elderly women worldwide, but in India, it predominantly occurs in [...]

Background The aim of this study is to document results of laparoscopic iliopubic tract (IPT) repair for inguinal hernia in the pediatric age group.Methods Hospital records of 190 children who underwent IPT repair between January 2015 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively for demographic details, variations between clinical, radiological and laparoscopic diagnosis, associated pathologies, operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications and follow-up. The internal ring was narrowed by approximating IPT to conjoint tendon using 3-0 polypropylene continuous or interrupted suture.Results In total, 238 IPT repairs were done under general anesthesia in 190 children aged between 1 and 17 years. 7.9% of children had phimosis, and three children had hydrocele. Three patients had undescended testis and another three IPT repairs were done in cases who presented with appendicitis. Contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was detected at the time of laparoscopy in 18.3% of cases. Thus far, 166 children had been followed, and no recurrence was observed in any of these 96 of whom have completed more than 3 years after their surgery. However, two patients developed hernia on the contralateral side.Conclusions Laparoscopy is beneficial to pick up CPPV. Laparoscopic IPT repair for pediatric inguinal hernia is reproducible and safe with the least recurrence reported thus far. However, further follow-up is needed. Moreover, development of contralateral hernia needs to be investigated.

Background: The popularity of single-incision procedures is on the rise as wound cosmesis is increasingly being seen as an important body image-related outcome. In this study, we assess the potential benefits of single-incision multiport laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal (S-TEP) without using specialised ports or instruments and compare the same with the conventional laparoscopic TEP (C-TEP) surgery in terms of operative time, post-operative pain, complications, cost and cosmesis. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective case-matched study of the patients undergoing S-TEP versus C-TEP from June 2014 to December 2015. Results: Each group had 36 patients. The two groups were comparable in the clinical characteristics. The mean duration of surgery for a unilateral hernia in C-TEP and S-TEP was 45.13 ± 10.58 min and 72.63 ± 15.23 min, respectively. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain was significantly higher in S-TEP group at post-operative day (POD) 0 and 1. However, at POD 7, there was no significant difference between the groups. At 1st and 6-week post-surgery, the cosmetic results were significantly better in S-TEP group as compared to C-TEP, however, at 6 months, the scar was highly acceptable in both treatment groups. Conclusion: S-TEP, using conventional laparoscopic instruments, is safe and feasible even in resource challenged setting. However, there is a need to review the indications and advantages of single-incision laparoscopic surgery, as no difference in cosmetic outcome by VAS score in S-TEP versus conventional laparoscopic arm seen by the end of 1 month.

Background: Total extraperitoneal approach for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (L-TEP) allows for better dissection, lesser chance of bowel injury, and quicker operating time. However robotic groin hernia repair is currently performed only through transabdominal route as it allows for more mobility of the arms. This study is aimed at studying the feasibility and outcomes of robotic totally extraperitoneal (R-TEP). Methods: A prospective nonrandomized comparative study was conducted to compare R-TEP with L-TEP. Out of a total of 88 patients with inguinal hernia, 44 patients underwent R-TEP and other 44 patients underwent L-TEP over a period of 15 months. All R-TEP were performed with Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR) Versius. The outcomes were analyzed over a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Results: All patients were males with a mean age of 45.9 years. Average body mass index was 28.7. Mean docking time for R-TEP was 12.7 minutes. Overall time taken for R-TEP (mean 60.47 minutes) was significantly higher (P < .001) than L-TEP (mean 38.45 minutes). When the console time of R-TEP and overall time of L-TEP were compared, there was no significant difference (P = .053). A RCT (RIVAL Trial) conducted by Prabhu et al. showed their robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) time of median 75.5 (59.0–93.8) minutes. Kimberly et al. had their overall time of 77.5 minutes and Andre Luiz et al. had a console time of 58 minutes. When we compared the data, the overall time of R-TEP is lesser compared with R-TAPP. Postoperative pain on POD-1 showed that the robotic group had significantly lower pain. There were no recurrences noted in the study period. Conclusion: With our study, we have shown that R-TEP performed using the principle of laparoscopic triangulation technique with CMR Versius is feasible and reproducible. Although the overall time is significantly more in R-TEP when compared with L-TEP, console times of R-TEP and overall times of L-TEP were very similar. Console times of R-TEP are much lesser compared with other studies on R-TAPP. R-TEP can be a better alternative to R-TAPP and can be considered at par with L-TEP. A systematic RCT would provide a better picture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Senthil. Ganapathi, Rajapandian. Subbiah, Sathiyamoorthy. Rudramurthy, Harish. Kakkilaya, Parthasarathi. Ramakrishnan, Palanivelu. Chinnusamy Purpose: Laparoscopic rectal surgery has moved from being experimental to getting established as a mainstream procedure. We [...]

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed 'standalone' bariatric procedure in India. Staple line gastric leaks occur infrequently but cause significant and prolonged morbidity. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the management of patients with a gastric leak after LSG for morbid obesity at our institution. Patients and Methods: From February 2008 to 2014, 650 patients with different degrees of morbid obesity underwent LSG. Among these, all those diagnosed with a gastric leak were included in the study. Patients referred to our institution with gastric leak after LSG were also included. The time of presentation, site of leak, investigations performed, treatment given and time of closure of all leaks were analysed. Results: Among the 650 patients who underwent LSG, 3 (0.46%) developed a gastric leak. Two patients were referred after LSG was performed at another institution. The mean age was 45.60 ± 15.43 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 44.79 ± 5.35. Gastric leak was diagnosed 24 h to 7 months after surgery. One was early, two were intermediate and two were late leaks. Two were type I and three were type II gastric leaks. Endoscopic oesophageal stenting was used variably before or after re-surgery. Re-surgery was performed in all and included stapled fistula excision (re-sleeve), suture repair only or with conversion to roux-en-Y gastric bypass or fistula jujenostomy. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Leakage closure time may be shorter with intervention than expectant management. Sequence and choice of endoscopic oesophageal stenting and/or surgical re-intervention should be individualized according to clinical presentation.

Introduction: Safe, effective weight loss with resolution of comorbidities has been convincingly demonstrated with bariatric surgery in the aged obese. They, however, lose less weight than younger individuals. It is not known if degree of weight loss is influenced by the choice of bariatric procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the degree of weight loss between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients above the age of 50 years at 1 year after surgery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients more than 50 years of age who underwent LSG or LRYGB between February 2012 and July 2013 with at least 1 year of follow-up. Data evaluated at 1 year included age, sex, weight, body mass index (BMI), mean operative time, percentage of weight loss and excess weight loss, resolution/remission of diabetes, morbidity and mortality. Results: Of a total of 86 patients, 54 underwent LSG and 32 underwent LRYGB. The mean percentage of excess weight loss at the end of 1 year was 60.19 ± 17.45 % after LSG and 82.76 ± 34.26 % after LRYGB (P = 0.021). One patient developed a sleeve leak after LSG, and 2 developed iron deficiency anaemia after LRYGB. The remission/improvement in diabetes mellitus and biochemistry was similar. Conclusion: LRYGB may offer better results than LSG in terms of weight loss in patients over 50 years of age.

Background/Aims: It is well established that obesity is a strongly associated risk factor for post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Physical effects and pro-thrombotic, pro-inflammatory and hypofibrinolytic effects of severe obesity may predispose to idiopathic DVT (pre-operatively) because of which bariatric patients are routinely screened before surgery. The aim of this study was to audit the use of routine screening venous duplex ultrasound in morbidly obese patients before undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 180 patients who underwent bariatric surgery from August 2013 to August 2014 who had undergone pre-operative screening bilateral lower-extremity venous duplex ultrasound for DVT. Data were collected on patient's demographics, history of venous thromboembolism, prior surgeries and duplex ultrasound details of the status of the deep veins and superficial veins of the lower limbs. Results: No patients had symptoms or signs of DVT pre-operatively. No patient gave history of DVT. No patient was found to have iliac, femoral or popliteal vein thrombosis. Superficial venous disease was found in 17 (8%). One patient had a right lower limb venous ulcer. Conclusion: Thromboembolic problems in the morbidly obese before bariatric surgery are infrequent, and screening venous duplex ultrasound can be done in high-risk patients only.

Background: The main aspect of concern for upper GI procedures has been the retraction of the liver especially large left lobes as commonly encountered in Bariatric surgery. Not doing so would compromise the view of the hiatus, hence theoretically reducing the quality of the surgery and increasing the possibility of complications. The aim of this study was to review the various liver retraction techniques in single incision surgery being done at our institute and analyze them. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of the various techniques and a subsequent analysis was made based on advantages and disadvantages of each method. Objectively a quantitative measure of hiatal exposure was done using a scoring system based on the grade of exposure after reviewing the surgical videos. From January 2011 to January 2013 total 104 patients underwent single incision surgery with the various liver retraction techniques with following grades of exposure -liver suspension tube technique with naso gastric tubing (2.11) and with corrugated drain (2.09) needlescopic method (1.2), Umbilical tape sling (1.95), crural stitch method (2.5). Needeloscopic method has the best grade of exposure and is the easiest to start with. The average time to create the liver retraction was 2.8 to 8.6 min.There was no procedure related morbidity or mortality. Conclusions: The mentioned liver retraction techniques are cost effective and easy to learn. We recommend using these techniques to have a good exposure of hiatus, without compromising the safety of surgery in single incision surgery.

Introduction: Conventional pancreatic resections may be unnecessary for benign tumours or for tumours of low malignant potential located in the neck and body of pancreas. Such extensive resections can place the patient at increased risk of developing postoperative exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. Central pancreatectomy is a plausible surgical option for the management of tumours located in these locations. Laparoscopic approach seems appropriate for such small tumours situated deep in the retroperitoneum. Aims: To assess the technical feasibility, safety and long-term results of laparoscopic central pancreatectomy in patients with benign and low malignant potential tumours involving the neck and body of pancreas. Settings and Design: This study was an observational study which reports a single-centre experience with laparoscopic central pancreatectomy over a 9-year period. Materials and Methods: 14 patients underwent laparoscopic central pancreatectomy from October 2004 to September 2013. These included patients with tumours located in the neck and body of pancreas that were radiologically benign-looking tumours of less than 3 cm in size. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism software. Results: The mean age of patients was 48.93 years. The mean operative time was 239.7 min. Mean blood loss was 153.2 ml. Mean postoperative ICU stay was 1.2 days and overall mean hospital stay was 8.07 days. There were no mortalities and no major postoperative complications. Margins were negative in all cases and with a median follow-up of 44 months, there was no recurrence. Conclusions: Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy is a feasible procedure with acceptable morbidity. In the long term, there were no recurrences and pancreatic function was well preserved.

Epiphrenic divericula are uncommon disorders of the lower oesophagus, which are symptomatic in only 15-20% of cases. The optimum treatment modality for such cases remains an oesophageal diverticulectomy with long myotomy with or without an antireflux operation. Recently, this is increasingly being done through the laparoscopic approach. Here we describe the first reported case of oesophageal diverticulectomy through the laparoendoscopic single site approach. A 57-year-old man presented to us with 6 months history of dysphagia and regurgitation. Patient was investigated with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy, barium swallow, CECT chest and abdomen, oesophageal manometry and 24 hour pH study. He was diagnosed to have lower oesophageal diverticulum with mildly elevated pressure readings in manometric studies with normal peristalsis. Based on his symptoms, he was taken up for surgery. A laparoscopic transhiatal oesophageal diverticulectomy with myotomy was done through laparoendoscopic single site technique. The procedure lasted 160 min. There was no intraoperative complication. Gastrograffin study was done on postoperative day 2 following which he was started on liquids. He made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on fourth day. He remained asymptomatic on follow up. Oesophageal diverticulectomy is possible through laparoendoscopic single site approach if necessary expertise is available.

Background: A prospective case series of single incision multiport laparoscopic colorectal resections for malignancy using conventional laparoscopic trocars and instruments is described. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients (seven men and four women) with colonic or rectal pathology underwent single incision multiport laparoscopic colectomy/rectal resection from July till December 2010. Four trocars were placed in a single transumblical incision. The bowel was mobilized laparoscopically and vessels controlled intracorporeally with either intra or extracorporeal anastomosis. Results: Three patients had carcinoma in the caecum, one in the hepatic flexure, two in the rectosigmoid, one in the descending colon, two in the rectum and two had ulcerative pancolitis (one with high grade dysplasia and another with carcinoma rectum). There was no conversion to standard multiport laparoscopy or open surgery. The median age was 52 years (range 24-78 years). The average operating time was 130 min (range 90-210 min). The average incision length was 3.2 cm (2.5-4.0 cm). There were no postoperative complications. The average length of stay was 4.5 days (range 3-8 days). Histopathology showed adequate proximal and distal resection margins with an average lymph node yield of 25 nodes (range 16-30 nodes). Conclusion: Single incision multiport laparoscopic colorectal surgery for malignancy is feasible without extra cost or specialized ports/instrumentation. It does not compromise the oncological radicality of resection. Short-term results are encouraging. Long-term results are awaited.

Byline: Palanivelu. Chinnusamy, Sumanta. Dey, Bhushan. Chittawadagi, Srivatsan. Gurumurthy, Sandeep. Sabnis, Senthilnathan. Palanisamy Solid pseudopapillary tumour (SPT) is one of the uncommon benign cystic neoplasms of pancreas occurring predominantly in [...]