Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer in Brazil: current status and perspectives-a report from the Brazilian Laparoscopic Oncologic Gastrectomy Group (BLOGG).

The minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer in Brazil has begun about two years after the first laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) performed by Kitano in Japan, in 1991. Although the report of first surgeries shows the year of 1993, there was no dissemination of the technique until the years 2010. At that time with the improvement of optical devices, laparoscopic instruments and with the publications coming from Asia, several Brazilian surgeons felt encouraged to go to Korea and Japan to learn the standardization of the LG. After that there was a significant increase in that type of surgery, especially after the IRCAD opened a branch in Brazil. The growing interest for the subject led some services to begin their own experience with the LG and, since the beginning, the results were similar with those found in the open surgery. Nevertheless, there were some differences with the papers published initially in Japan and Korea. In those countries, the surgeries were laparoscopic assisted, meaning that, in the majority of cases, the anastomoses were done through a mini-incision in the end of the procedure. In Brazil since the beginning it was performed completely through laparoscopic approach due to the skills acquired by Brazilian surgeons in bariatric surgeries. Another difference was the stage. While in the east the majority of cases were done in T1 patients, in Brazil, probably due to the lack of early cases, the surgeries were done also in advanced cases. The initial experience of Zilberstein et al. revealed low rates of morbidity without mortality. Comparing laparoscopic and open surgery, the group from Barretos/IRCAD showed shorter surgical time (216×255 minutes), earlier oral or enteral feeding and earlier hospital discharge, with a smaller number of harvested lymph nodes (28 in laparoscopic against 33 in open surgery). There was no significant difference regarding morbidity, mortality and reoperation rate. In the first efforts to publish a multicentric study the Brazilian Gastric Cancer Association (BGCA) collected data from three institutions analyzing 148 patients operated from 2006 to 2016. There were 98 subtotal, 48 total and 2 proximal gastrectomies. The anastomoses were totally laparoscopic in 105, laparoscopic assisted in 21, cervical in 2, and 20 open (after conversion). The reconstruction methods were: 142 Roux-en-Y, two Billroth I, and three other types. The conversion rate was 13.5% (20/148). The D2 dissection was performed in 139 patients. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 34.4. If we take only the D2 cases the mean number was 39.5. The morbidity rate was 22.3%. The mortality was 2.7%. The stages were: IA-59, IB-14, IIA-11, IIB-15, IIIA-9, IIIB-19, IIIC-11 and stage IV-three cases. Four patients died from the disease and 10 are alive with disease. The participating services have already begun the robotic gastrectomy with satisfactory results. The intention of this group is to begin now a prospective multicentric study to confirm the data already obtained with the retrospective studies.

Liver and peritoneal biopsy by laparoscopy or notes in pigs: comparison of operative parameters and postoperative evolution.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of NOTES compared to laparoscopic surgery, through the analysis of physiological parameters as well as surgical complications and postoperative outcome, for liver biopsy. METHODS: 12 female pigs were divided into two groups: laparoscopy group (GLap) and NOTES group (GNote). The animals underwent liver biopsy by peritoneal laparoscopy or transvaginal endoscopy. The respiratory rate, heart rate, O2 saturation and expiratory concentrations of CO2 were recorded every 10 minutes. In the seventh postoperative day, the animals underwent laparotomy for evaluation of intra-abdominal complications. RESULTS: Most of the animals showed weight loss after the procedure, however in no case more than 5%. There was no difference in percentage change in weight between the groups (p = 0.7535). Also, no differences were observed when comparing the averages of ETCO2 (p = 0.4762), and average heart rate (p = 0.6035). However, the GLap showed higher respiratory rate than the GNote (p = 0.0043), as well as the average O2 saturation (p = 0.0080). However, no animal showed SatO2 less than 87% and this difference was not considered clinically significant. Only one GNote animal presented with an operative complication. CONCLUSION: NOTES is associated with physiological parameters similar to those found in operative laparoscopy. Performing transvaginal peritonioscopy is not associated with increased postoperative complications when compared to laparoscopy.

Biópsia hepática e peritoneal por laparoscopia ou por notes em suínos: comparação de parâmetros operatórios e evolução pós-operatória / Liver and peritoneal biopsy by laparoscopy or notes in pigs: comparison of operative parameters and postoperative evolution

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto do NOTES, comparado à cirurgia laparoscópica, mediante análise de parâmetros fisiológicos além de complicações operatórias e evolução pós-operatória. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 12 suínos fêmeas, distribuídas em dois grupos: grupo laparoscopia (Glap) e grupo NOTES (GNotes). Os animais foram submetidos à biópsia hepática e peritoneal laparoscópica ou via endoscópica transvaginal. A cada 10 minutos foram anotadas a frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca, saturação de O2 e concentração expiratória de CO2. No 7° PO, os animais foram submetidos à laparotomia para avaliação de complicações intra-abdominais. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos animais apresentou perda ponderal após o procedimento, entretanto em nenhum caso superior a 5 por cento. Não houve diferença na variação percentual do peso entre os grupos (p=0,7535). Também não foram observadas diferenças ao se comparar as médias da ETCO2 (p=0,4762), e médias da FC (p=0,6035). Entretanto, o GLap apresentou médias de FR superiores ao GNotes (p=0,0043) assim como as médias da saturação de O2 (p=0,0080) foram superiores. Porém, nenhum animal apresentou satO2 inferior a 87 por cento e esta diferença não foi considerada clinicamente significante. Apenas um animal do GNotes apresentou complicação operatória. CONCLUSÃO: NOTES está associado a parâmetros fisiológicos operatórios semelhantes aos encontrados na cirurgia laparoscópica A realização de peritonioscopia transvaginal não está associada a aumento das complicações operatórias comparado à laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of NOTES compared to laparoscopic surgery, through the analysis of physiological parameters as well as surgical complications and postoperative outcome, for liver biopsy. METHODS: 12 female pigs were divided into two groups: laparoscopy group (GLap) and NOTES group (GNote). The animals underwent liver biopsy by peritoneal laparoscopy or transvaginal endoscopy. The respiratory rate, heart rate, O2 saturation and expiratory concentrations of CO2 were recorded every 10 minutes. In the seventh postoperative day, the animals underwent laparotomy for evaluation of intra-abdominal complications. RESULTS: Most of the animals showed weight loss after the procedure, however in no case more than 5 percent. There was no difference in percentage change in weight between the groups (p = 0.7535). Also, no differences were observed when comparing the averages of ETCO2 (p = 0.4762), and average heart rate (p = 0.6035). However, the GLap showed higher respiratory rate than the GNote (p = 0.0043), as well as the average O2 saturation (p = 0.0080). However, no animal showed SatO2 less than 87 percent and this difference was not considered clinically significant. Only one GNote animal presented with an operative complication. CONCLUSION: NOTES is associated with physiological parameters similar to those found in operative laparoscopy. Performing transvaginal peritonioscopy is not associated with increased postoperative complications when compared to laparoscopy.

Hernioplastia incisional laparoscópica: experiência de 45 casos / Laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty: experience of 45 cases

INTRODUÇÃO: Hérnia incisional é uma complicação freqüente da laparotomia. O reparo por sutura simples tem elevadas taxas de recorrência, e apesar do uso de prótese diminuir o risco de recidiva, ainda é elevado. Na década de 1990, o reparo laparoscópico da hérnia incisional ganhou popularidade. Os benefícios incluem redução no risco de complicações, menos dor e rápido retorno às atividades. Além disso, pode diminuir a taxa de recorrência. OBJETIVO: Apresentar experiência com o tratamento laparoscópico das hérnias incisionais. MÉTODO: Entre janeiro de 2007 e julho de 2010, 45 pacientes foram submetidos à reparo laparoscópico de hérnia incisional. Indicações incluíram espaço suficiente para posicionamento dos trocarteres e adequada sobreposição da prótese em relação ao defeito herniário. As contra-indicações foram: co-morbidades severas que limitavam o uso de pneumoperitônio e/ou anestesia geral, assim como histórico de peritonite difusa devido ao risco elevado de aderências intra-abdominais. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório médio foi de 76 minutos. Houve apenas uma (2,2 por cento) complicação intra-operatória. Não houve nenhuma conversão. O tempo de internamento hospitalar foi igual ou inferior a 24 horas em 38 pacientes (84,4 por cento). Quinze pacientes (33 por cento) apresentaram complicações. Entretanto, 14 foram complicações menores (11 seromas indolores e 3 dor prolongada) e apenas uma complicação maior (perfuração tardia de ceco). Houve apenas uma recidiva (2,2 por cento) após seguimento médio de 24,6 meses. CONCLUSÕES: O reparo laparoscópico das hérnias incisionais é alternativa segura, viável e eficaz. Parece estar associado a menores taxas de complicações perioperatórias e tempo de internamento quando comparado ao reparo aberto.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of laparotomy. Repair by simple suture has high relapse rates, and despite the use of prosthesis, risk of recurrence is still high. In the 1990s, laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia gained popularity. Benefits include reduced risk of complications, less pain and faster return to daily activities. Moreover, it can decrease the recurrence rate. AIM: To present our experience with laparoscopic treatment of incisional hernias. METHODS: Between January 2007 and July 2010, 45 patients underwent laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia. Indications included sufficient space for placement of trocars and adequate overlap of the prosthesis over the hernia defect. Contraindications were severe comorbidities that limited the use of pneumoperitoneum and/or general anesthesia, as well as history of diffuse peritonitis due to high risk of intra-abdominal adhesions. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 76 minutes. There was only one (2.2 percent) intraoperative complication. There was no conversion. Duration of hospitalization was equal to or less than 24 hours in 38 patients (84.4 percent). Fifteen patients (33 percent) had complications. However, 14 were minor complications (11 painless seromas and 3 prolonged pain) and only one major complication (late perforation of cecum). There was only one recurrence (2.2 percent) after a mean follow up of 24.6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia is safe, feasible and effective. Seems to be associated with lower rates of perioperative complications and length of stay compared to open repair.

Simpatectomia lombar retroperitoneal endoscópica / Retroperitoneal endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy

In the last few years, there has been an increase in the indication of lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidroses. There are few reports of the laparoscopic access for this operation, even when it seems to be a very apropriate method. A case of a left lumbar sympathectomy through the retroperitoneal endoscopic approach is presented. The total control of left plantar hiperhidroses was achieved, showing the effectiveness of this operation, completely feasible through extraperitoneal endoscopic route.