Journal of Minimal Access Surgery最新文献

Introduction: Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) can be carried out by the Kimura technique (KT) or Warshaw technique (WT). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term post-operative outcomes of the two minimally invasive SPDP methods under the 'Kimura-first' strategy with a particular focus on the haemodynamic changes in the splenogastric circulation.

Patients and methods: The electronic medical records and follow-up data of patients who underwent minimally invasive SPDP in our centre from March 2016 to July 2022 were reviewed. The haemodynamic changes in splenogastric circulation were monitored by post-operative computed tomography (CT) images, and the risks they caused were assessed by long-term follow-up.

Results: A total of 112 patients (KT = 93 and WT = 19) were included in the study. The tumour size in the WT group was significantly larger than that in the KT group ( P = 0.02). We also found less blood loss for patients who underwent KT ( P = 0.02). The occurrence of gastric varices was significantly higher in the WT group ( P = 0.022). There was no gastrointestinal bleeding in either group. There were two cases of splenic infarction in the WT group (11.1%), and the incidence was higher than that in the KT group ( P = 0.026). The infarct area gradually decreased during periodic CT examinations and disappeared completely at the last review. The two groups of patients had similar results across the 15 items in three areas of the quality of life questionnaire.

Conclusions: The 'Kimura-first' strategy, in which the WT is used as an alternative to the KT when the splenic vessels cannot be safely preserved, is feasible, and safe for minimally invasive SPDP.

Open, pure or hand-assisted laparoscopic, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgical (NOTES) and robotic approaches (Transperitoneal or retroperitoneal) are the described approaches for living donor nephrectomy. We describe the procedural steps of a robotic living donor nephrectomy (RLDN) retroperitoneal (RRLDN) technique using a da Vinci X surgical system and three robotic arms. This is the first reported case with the retroperitoneal robotic approach. The procedure in brief is as follows. First, with the patient placed in full flank position, the camera port is placed at the level of the Petit's triangle apex. Retroperitoneal space is created by turning the index finger in a 180° movement through this port and a gloves balloon. The second 8mm port was inserted, 8 cm far from the first port, The peritoneum is reflected medially and downward off of the transversus abdominis muscle laparoscopically, respectively along the anterior and posterior axillary line; 3-5 cm caudally to the last one, a 12 mm AirSeal® assistant port is placed in the same manner. Only then, the port is placed under direct vision. The robotic ports placement will result in a caudally convex arc. This technique, due to the extensive use of the surgeon index, implies fast access to the retroperitoneum, protects the underlying anatomical structures from damage, and, due to the trocar positioning along an arc, lowers the arm conflict risk.

Background: Laparoscopic redo inguinal hernia (LRIH) repairs are fraught with challenges as the pre-peritoneal space is violated due to previous surgery and the presence of mesh. The purpose of this study was to present the feasibility and safety of LRIH in a series of patients with recurrent inguinal hernia following previous endolaparoscopic repair and present technical experiences and clinical outcomes in this subset of patients.

Patients and methods: This was a retrospective study from a prospective database of 16 patients who underwent LRIH between March 2014 and December 2020. The decision to do a redo laparoscopic surgery was undertaken after a detailed discussion with the patient. The operative details, challenges faced and tips to overcome difficulties have been explained in detail.

Results: Out of 16 patients (mean age 49.5 years, all men), 15 underwent laparoscopic redo trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) mesh repair and 1 underwent laparoscopic enhanced-view totally extra-peritoneal (eTEP) mesh repair. The mean operating time was 68.5 min for unilateral, 115 min for bilateral TAPP and 90 min for eTEP. The main contributing factors for recurrences were mesh migration, insufficient size of the mesh and inadequate fixation. There was no conversion to open repair. The duration of stay was 1-2 days. There was no documented re-recurrence during the follow-up period of 2-9 years.

Conclusion: Based on our experience, redo laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair after previous endolaparoscopic repair is feasible, effective and safe in experienced hands.

Background: This study aimed to report the surgical outcomes and also evaluating the safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic pericardial window (PW) for recurrent pericardial effusion.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of eight cases of recurrent pericardial effusion, managed by thoracoscopic method in a tertiary-level thoracic surgery centre over 5 years. A detailed analysis of all perioperative variables, including complications, was carried out.

Results: A total of eight patients underwent thoracoscopic PW during the study period. Males (87.5%) were predominant in the cohort. The median age was 54 years (range: 28-78 years). The median duration of symptoms was 2 months (range: 1-3 months). Tuberculosis (50%), malignancy (37.5%) and chronic kidney disease (12.5%) were the causes of recurrent effusion. All patients underwent thoracoscopic procedure with no conversions. The median operative time was 45 min (range: 40-70 min). The median effusion volume drained was 500 ± 100 ml. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-4 days) with no post-procedural complications. All the patients had complete resolution of symptoms. No recurrence was noted in the median follow-up period of 28 months (range: 6-60 months).

Conclusions: Thoracoscopic PW is a safe and feasible minimally invasive option in the management of recurrent pericardial effusion in selected patients. Surgical fitness, haemodynamic status and estimated survival (in malignant effusion) should be considered before the procedure.

Background: Majority of adnexal masses are incidental findings during pregnancy and resolve spontaneously. They may complicate pregnancy due to haemorrhage, cyst rupture and ovarian torsion. Laparoscopy is the preferred surgical intervention owing to shorter operative time, quicker recovery and lower post-operative pain. However, safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery in the management of ovarian cysts in pregnant women is challenging especially at advanced gestational ages and in urgent situations.

Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 48 cases of urgent laparoscopic surgeries were evaluated in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy between March 2018 and March 2021 in Al-Zahra Hospital, Tabriz, Iran.

Results: The operations were ended in all patients successfully. The mean operation time was 45 min. There were no foetal maternal complications. All pregnancies had been terminated after 37 weeks of gestation. Oophorectomy had been performed in six patients and six other patients needed blood transfusion. Ovarian torsion was the most common reason for emergency surgery and mature teratoma was the most commonly reported pathology. Tocolytic therapy was required in six patients, and all of the patients were prescribed 50 mg of injectable progesterone twice daily for 10 days after surgery. The mean intra-abdominal pressure was equal to 15 mmHg and the mean end-expiratory carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) pressure was 36 mmHg. Intravenous paracetamol was used to relieve post-operative pain. The mean hospitalisation time was 1.63 days.

Conclusion: Most of the ovarian cysts can be managed laparoscopically with ensured safety and lower morbidity even in emergency situations at advanced gestational ages.

Aims and objectives: Although laparoscopic surgery for submucosal tumours (SMTs) may require multiple support threads, the traction direction of a single thread is only one option and cannot be freely changed. To solve this problem, we introduced a novel innovative technique for tumour handling, named 'the parachute method'.

Subjects and methods: Prior to suturing, the surrounding vessel was treated when the tumour was located near the lesser or greater curvature. A monofilament thread was ligated in the serous muscle layer along the peritumoural markings with approximately five stitches in a row, with moderate deflection. Next, the other monofilament thread was passed through the deflection and ligated; this resembled a parachute shape that could be pulled in any direction over the entire circumference with uniform tension.

Results: We performed this procedure in three patients with extramural growth-type gastrointestinal stromal tumours of approximately 2-3 cm. The median suturing time was 10 minutes. Laparoscopic local resection of the stomach was safely performed, and the patients were discharged without any complications.

Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate a novel, simple, inexpensive, useful and reasonable technique for handling SMTs, named 'the parachute method'. We believe that this technique will have additional applications in cooperative surgery with endoscopy.

Primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to ectopic parathyroid (in anterior mediastinum) is rare in children. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a history of multiple fractures, renal calculi and limb deformities. She was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism secondary to an intrathymic parathyroid adenoma. Sestamibi scan showed a lesion in the anterior mediastinum. A biochemical evaluation revealed hypercalcaemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and parathormone levels. The lesion was marked with radioisotope and confirmed intraoperatively using a gamma camera. The child underwent thoracoscopic left thymectomy with the adenoma. Immediate decrease in calcium and parathyroid hormone values were noted intraoperatively and serial monitoring showed a downward trend. On follow-up, the child is doing well. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma is very rare. CT with radioisotope scans is helpful in diagnosis. Thoracoscopic excision of ectopic adenoma is safe in children.

Background: Abdominopelvic tuberculosis (TB) is a variant of extrapulmonary TB causing significant morbidity, including infertility.

Materials and methods: Results of 87 cases of diagnostic laparoscopy in cases of abdominopelvic TB diagnosed on composite reference standard (CRS) for demonstration of new laparoscopic white cotton ball sign are presented.

Results: Mean age, parity and duration of infertility were 27.2 years, 0.21 and 3.1 years, respectively. Oligomenorrhoea and hypomenorrhea were seen in 35 (40.22%) and 32 (36.78%) cases, while infertility was seen in all 87 (100%) cases while abdominal mass was seen in 27 (31.03%) cases and pelvic mass in 37 (42.58%) cases. Positive acid fast bacilli on microscopy and culture of endometrial biopsy was seen in 3.34% and 6.89% cases while epithelioid granuloma was seen in 12.64% cases on endometrial biopsy and in 13.79% cases on peritoneal biopsy. Positive polymerase chain reaction was seen in all cases while definitive abdominal pelvic TB was seen in 35 (40.1%) cases and probable findings in 42 (48.27%) cases. A new laparoscopic white cotton ball sign (resembling a large white cotton ball) was observed in 5 (5.74%) cases and biopsy from 3 showed it to be epithelioid granulomas positive.

Conclusion: Demonstration of a new white cotton ball sign on laparoscopy seems to be a useful finding in abdominal pelvic TB.

Background: The role of a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) before cholecystectomy in obese patients is unclear. This study evaluated whether VLCD could be used as a risk mitigation strategy for this high-risk patient cohort.

Patients and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO ID CRD42022374610). The primary outcome was to determine the impact of pre-operative VLCD on the operative findings and ease of dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Results: Two studies were included with a total of 84 patients. VLCD was associated with a significantly easier Calot's dissection (MD: -0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] [ -1.03, -0.13], P = 0.01) and was associated with a significantly higher rate of pre-operative weight loss (MD; 2.92 (95% CI [2.23, 3.62], P = 0.00001).

Conclusions: The published evidence regarding VLCD before cholecystectomy in obese patients is limited. After acknowledging the limitations of the data, VLCD is associated with a significantly higher rate of weight loss preoperatively and directly impacts the ease of intraoperative dissection of Calot's triangle. Routine use of VLCD should be considered for all obese patients undergoing elective LC.

Introduction: Despite recent evidence on the surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), other patient centre outcomes, including quality of life (QOL), are lacking. This study aims to examine changes in QoL trajectories following RAS across different surgical specialities.

Patients and methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted for patients undergoing urologic, cardiothoracic, colorectal or benign gynaecological RAS, between June 2016 and January 2020 at a tertiary referral hospital in Australia. QoL was measured using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey at pre-operative, 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Physical and mental summary scores and utility index were primary outcomes, and sub-domains were secondary outcomes.

Statistical analysis used: Mixed-effects linear regressions were used to determine changes in QoL trajectories.

Results: Of the 254 patients undergoing RAS, 154 underwent urologic, 36 cardiothoracic, 24 colorectal and 40 benign gynaecological surgery. Overall, the average age was 58.8 years and most patients were male (75.1%). Physical summary scores significantly decreased from pre-operative to 6 weeks' post-operative in urologic and colorectal RAS; with all surgical specialities at least returning to pre-operative levels within 6 months postoperatively. Mental summary scores consistently increased from pre-operative to 6 months postoperatively for colorectal and gynaecological RAS.

Conclusions: RAS contributed to positive changes in QoL, with physical health returning to the pre-operative level and mental health improvements across specialities, in the short term. While degrees of post-operative changes varied amongst specialities, significant improvements demonstrate benefits in RAS.