Laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy is advantageous over open Kasai portoenterostomy in subsequent liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Native liver survival after laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (Lap-PE) for biliary atresia (BA) is controversial. We examined whether a jaundice-free native liver survival rate is comparable between conventional Kasai portoenterostomy (Open-PE) and Lap-PE. Then, the impact of the two types of PE on subsequent living-donor liver transplantation (LTx) was addressed in this study. METHODS: The jaundice-free rate in 1- and 2-year-old patients who underwent Open-PE and Lap-PE from January 2006 to December 2017 was investigated. Additionally, perioperative data (duration from the start of surgery to the completion of hepatectomy and others) of patients aged 2 years or younger who underwent LTx after either Open-PE or Lap-PE from 2006 to 2017 were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-one (67%) out of 46 Open-PE patients and 23 (77%) out of 30 Lap-PE patients showed native liver survival with jaundice-free status at 1 year of age (p = 0.384); 29 (63%) out of 46 Open-PE patients and 19 (70%) out of 27 Lap-PE patients showed native liver survival with jaundice-free status at 2 years of age (p = 0.524); there were no significant differences. Additionally, there were 37 LTx cases after PE within 2 years of birth, including 29 Open-PE and 8 Lap-PE cases. The patients in the Lap-PE group had fewer adhesions and significantly shorter durations of surgery up to the completion of the recipient's hepatectomy and durations of post-LTx hospital stay compared to the Open-PE group. There were no differences in blood loss or duration of stay in intensive care unit between the Lap-PE and Open-PE groups. CONCLUSIONS: Jaundice-free native liver survival rate has been comparable between Open-PE and Lap-PE. Lap-PE resulted in fewer adhesions, contributing to better outcomes of subsequent LTx compared to Open-PE.

Biodegradable Surgical Staple Composed of Magnesium Alloy.

Currently, surgical staples are composed of non-biodegradable titanium (Ti) that can cause allergic reactions and interfere with imaging. This paper proposes a novel biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloy staple and discusses analyses conducted to evaluate its safety and feasibility. Specifically, finite element analysis revealed that the proposed staple has a suitable stress distribution while stapling and maintaining closure. Further, an immersion test using artificial intestinal juice produced satisfactory biodegradable behavior, mechanical durability, and biocompatibility in vitro. Hydrogen resulting from rapid corrosion of Mg was observed in small quantities only in the first week of immersion, and most staples maintained their shapes until at least the fourth week. Further, the tensile force was maintained for more than a week and was reduced to approximately one-half by the fourth week. In addition, the Mg concentration of the intestinal artificial juice was at a low cytotoxic level. In porcine intestinal anastomoses, the Mg alloy staples caused neither technical failure nor such complications as anastomotic leakage, hematoma, or adhesion. No necrosis or serious inflammation reaction was histopathologically recognized. Thus, the proposed Mg alloy staple offers a promising alternative to Ti alloy staples.

A Novel Laparoscopic Surgery Model with a Device to Expand the Abdominal Working Space in Rats: The Influence of Pneumoperitoneum and Skin Incision Length on Postoperative Inflammatory Cytokines.

PURPOSE: Experimental models of laparoscopic surgery generally use large animals owing to a sufficient abdominal working space. We developed a novel laparoscopic surgery model in rats. We performed intestinal anastomosis to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of this model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a device for rats that expanded the abdominal working space and allowed us to manipulate the intraperitoneal organs by hand under direct vision with pneumoperitoneum. We performed small bowel resection and intestinal anastomosis in rats using this model. To elucidate the effects of pneumoperitoneum and skin incision length, rats were randomly divided into four groups with differing surgical techniques: small incision group, large incision group, small incision + pneumoperitoneum group, and large incision + pneumoperitoneum group. Intraoperative abdominal pressure and postoperative cytokines were measured. RESULTS: One experimenter completed small bowel resection and hand-sewn anastomosis under direct vision without any difficulties or assistance. Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was maintained at 8-10 mmHg during surgery in both pneumoperitoneum groups. Necropsies revealed no evidence of anastomotic leakage at 24 h after surgery. The interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein concentrations were significantly greater in large incision group than in small incision group, but were not significantly different between small incision + pneumoperitoneum group and small incision group. These cytokines concentrations were the greatest in large incision + pneumoperitoneum group. CONCLUSIONS: Our laparoscopic surgery model in rats is a simple and reliable experimental model. The length of skin incision might be a more influential determinant of surgical invasiveness than pneumoperitoneum.

Multicenter, retrospective, comparative study of laparoscopic and open Kasai portoenterostomy in children with biliary atresia from Japanese high-volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Multicenter study was undertaken to analyze the results of laparoscopic and open Kasai portoenterostomy. METHODS: Subjects were infants with type III biliary atresia who underwent open operation (n = 106) or laparoscopic operation (n = 21) between January 2012 and December 2015. Clinical data were compared between open and laparoscopic operations (2016-0534). Propensity score matching was performed to reduce the effect of treatment selection bias. Multivariate analyses were used to estimate the effect of the surgical approach on the jaundice clearance rate and the native liver survival rate. RESULTS: The postoperative jaundice clearance rate and the 1-year native liver survival rate were not significantly different between open and laparoscopic operations. Rates of cholangitis and major complications of laparoscopic operation were comparable to those of open operation. Blood loss, time to resume oral intake, time to drain removal, and duration of analgesic usage of laparoscopic operation were significantly superior to those of open operation. Similar results were observed when analysis was adjusted based on propensity score. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that only age at operation was a poor prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy was associated with several favorable perioperative outcomes compared with open Kasai portoenterostomy. The difference of surgical approach was not a significant independent predictor.

A new laparoscopic triangle fixation technique for gastrostomy: a safe and effective procedure for reduction of the wound infection rate.

Gastrostomy is often performed with fundoplication in handicapped children. We devised a new laparoscopic triangle fixation technique for gastrostomy. In this study, 100 patients underwent gastrostomy with fundoplication between January 2008 and January 2016. We retrospectively reviewed the early postoperative results between the new laparoscopic procedure (NLP) group (n = 63) and conventional procedure (CP) group (n = 37). In the CP, the gastrostomy tube was inserted with a purse-string ligature at the gastric wall, and the gastric wall was sutured to the peritoneum under a small laparotomy. In NLP, three sutures were placed on the gastric wall, forming the three sides of a triangle, and the tube was inserted into the center of the triangle. The ends of each suture were pulled directly through the abdominal wall using a laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure needle to join the gastric wall and peritoneum. Both groups showed no significant differences in age, body weight, and external leakage rate. The wound infection rate was significantly lower in the NLP group. In conclusions, the NLP is straightforward and can achieve firm fixation between the stomach and abdominal wall by suturing in the form of a triangle. The NLP was associated with a lower complication rate, especially concerning infection.

Investigation of the feasibility and safety of single-stage anorectoplasty in neonates with anovestibular fistula.

PURPOSE: Anovestibular fistula (AVF) is the most common type of anorectal malformation in females. Delayed anorectoplasty with fistula dilatation is commonly performed during infancy; however, we have been actively performing anorectoplasty in neonates. We report the surgical complications and postoperative defecation function associated with single-stage anorectoplasty performed in neonates. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for AVF between 2007 and 2017 at two institutions were retrospectively studied. The operation time, amount of bleeding, time to start oral intake, perioperative complications, and Kelly's score were compared among patients who underwent surgery as neonates and those who underwent surgery as infants. RESULTS: Eighteen neonates and 17 infants underwent anterior sagittal anorectoplasty. The median operation time and time to start oral intake were significantly shorter in the neonatal group (72 min; 3 days, respectively) than in the infant group (110 min, p = 0.0002; 5 days, p = 0.0024, respectively). Postoperative wound disruption was significantly more frequent in the infant group. Of the ten patients each in the neonatal and infant groups, there was no significant difference in Kelly's score at age ≥ 4 years. CONCLUSION: Single-stage anorectoplasty in neonates with AVF can be feasibly performed and does not impair postoperative defecation function. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: III.

Introduction of resection of intrahepatic bile duct stenosis-causing membrane or septum into laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision.

PURPOSE: We previously showed that meticulous probing and resection of the intrahepatic bile duct stenosis (IHBDS)-causing membrane or septum was effective in preventing hepatolithiasis after choledochal cyst excisions in open surgeries. Then, we introduced this maneuver into laparoscopic choledochal cyst excisions in 2014 and performed routine resections since then. The aim of this study was to show the feasibility of this method in laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic choledochal cyst excisions at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. The patients who underwent surgical treatment for IHBDS-causing membrane or septum were compared with those who did not undergo the procedure. The outcomes of the patients with IHBDS were also compared between patients who were ≥ 3 years of age and those < 3 years at operation. RESULTS: Seventeen of 35 patients underwent laparoscopic resection of IHBDS-causing membrane or septum. There were no complications related to the procedure although the operative time and intraoperative bleeding amount increased in the patients with IHBDS who were ≥ 3 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous probing and excision of the IHBDS-causing membrane or septum is safe and feasible during laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision.

Usefulness of fetal magnetic resonance imaging for postnatal management of congenital lung cysts: prediction of probability for emergency surgery.

BACKGROUND: Emergency rescue lung resection is rarely performed to treat congenital lung cysts (CLCs) in neonates. Many reports have described fetal CLC treatment; however, prenatal predictors for postnatal respiratory failure have not been characterized. We hypothesized that fetal imaging findings are useful predictors of emergency surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with CLC who underwent lung surgery during the neonatal period in our hospital between January 2001 and December 2015. The demographic data, fetal imaging findings, and intra- and postoperative courses of patients who underwent emergency surgery (Em group) were compared with those of patients who received elective surgery, i.e., non-emergency surgery (Ne group). RESULTS: The Em group and Ne group included 7 and 11 patients, respectively. No significant difference was noted in gestational age, time at prenatal diagnosis, birth weight, and body weight at surgery. The volumes of contralateral lung per thoracic volume were significantly smaller in the Em group than in the Ne group (p = 0.0188). Mediastinal compression was more common in the Em group (7/7) than in the Ne group (4/11) (p = 0.0128). CONCLUSIONS: This is the report describing neonatal emergency lobectomy in patients with CLC evaluated by fetal MRI using the lung volume ratio and mediastinal shift. In patients with CLC, mediastinal shift and significant decreases in contralateral lung volumes during the fetal stages are good prenatal predictors of postnatal emergency lung resection.

Novel thoracoscopic navigation surgery for neonatal chylothorax using indocyanine-green fluorescent lymphography.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative chylothorax after surgery for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare but serious complication, especially in neonates. This study aimed to identify the thoracic duct and ligate chylous leakage sites, using thoracoscopic navigation of an indocyanine-green (ICG)-based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging system. METHODS: From November 2014 to April 2017, thoracoscopic intraoperative ICG-NIR imaging was performed in 10 newborns (11 surgeries) with first TEF operation or with persistent postoperative chylothorax after TEF operation. NIR imaging was performed 1h after an inter-toe injection of ICG. Thoracoscopic ligations against the NIR-detected leakage sites were performed with sutures. RESULTS: The thoracic duct or lymphatic leakage was directly visualized in each patient. In 8 surgeries with first thoracoscopic TEF operation, one case had suspected minor chylous leakage without postoperative chylothorax. Another case with no chylous leakage at the first operation resulted in chylothorax at postoperative day 11. In three neonates with postoperative chylothorax, leakage points were detected near the ablation site of the azygos vein during the first operation. These points were properly ligated, and postoperative chylous leakage ceased with no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic ICG-NIR imaging encourages the repair of refractory chylothorax and seems reliable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The efficacy of resection of intrahepatic bile duct stenosis-causing membrane or septum for preventing hepatolithiasis after choledochal cyst excision.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We previously found that many patients who developed hepatolithiasis after choledochal cyst excisions had intrahepatic bile duct stenosis (IHBDS). In 1992, we started resection of the membrane or septum which was found at the site of IHBDS during choledochal cyst excisions. Since intrahepatic stones usually take years to form, the efficacy of this procedure has not been proved. METHODS: The records of patients who had IHBDS-causing membrane or septum and underwent choledochal cyst excision with Roux-Y hepaticojejunostomy between January 1979 and December 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients who underwent surgical treatment for IHBDS-causing membrane or septum were compared with those who did not undergo the procedure. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients met the criteria, and seven patients who were followed up for less than 5years were excluded from the study. Thirty-three patients underwent surgical treatment for IHBDS, and three of them developed intrahepatic stones. Meanwhile, 10 of 29 patients who did not undergo the procedure developed intrahepatic stones. A statistically significant difference in intrahepatic stone formation was observed between the two groups in a log-rank test (P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous probing and excision of the IHBDS-causing membrane or septum are effective for preventing hepatolithiasis after choledochal cyst excisions. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Review of redo-Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia in the transition to the liver transplantation era.

Portoenterostomy (PE) is the standard therapy for biliary atresia (BA). PE offers the chance of survival to children with BA. PE was the ultimate therapeutic modality for BA before liver transplantation (LT) was available. Failure of biliary drainage with PE was almost invariably fatal in children with BA. In such cases, redo-PE was performed to salvage patients following PE failure. PE remains the standard first treatment for BA despite the availability of LT. Further, redo-PE is also performed in a limited number of cases despite the development of LT as an alternative means of PE. However, there is concern that redo-PE increases morbidity at the time of subsequent LT. Laparoscopic redo-PE has recently been described. Laparoscopic redo-PE is expected to reduce complications of LT by preventing abdominal adhesion associated with repetitive surgery. In the present article, the future utility of redo-PE and the history of its changing roles are reviewed.

Comparison of outcomes of thoracoscopic primary repair of gross type C esophageal atresia performed by qualified and non-qualified surgeons.

PURPOSE: Although thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia has become widespread, most studies are based on operations performed by expert surgeons. Therefore, the outcomes of operations performed by non-expert surgeons are not well known. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes based on operator skill level. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and outcomes of patients with Gross type C esophageal atresia, who underwent primary thoracoscopic repair at our hospital between January 2014 and August 2016. Outcomes of surgeries performed by qualified surgeons, as determined by the Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery were compared with those of non-qualified surgeons. All operations were performed by or under the supervision of one qualified surgeon. RESULTS: Nine operations were performed by qualified surgeons and six operations by non-qualified surgeons with >10 years of experience in surgery. None of the patients developed anastomotic leakage or recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. However, the operative time and rate of stricture formation at the beginning of the weaning period were significantly higher in the latter group (P = 0.008 and 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Although supervision of experts would improve results in thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia, the results indicate that good skill is necessary to avoid anastomotic stricture.

New Navigation Surgery for Resection of Lymphatic Malformations Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging.

BACKGROUND We used indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to completely resect lymphatic malformations (LMs). This is the first report of navigation surgery utilizing ICG fluorescence imaging for resection of LMs. CASE REPORT A 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with LMs in the abdominal wall. The extent of the tumor was determined by an ultrasound, and ICG (Diagnogreen®, Daiichi-Sankyo Pharma, Tokyo, Japan) was injected subcutaneously and intradermally into the core and 2 marginal regions of the tumor (3 injections in total), respectively. During surgery, the extent of the tumor was confirmed with a photodynamic eye, and the tumor was completely resected. A fluorescent portion macroscopically estimated as normal was additionally resected and no residual fluorescence or tumor were confirmed in the remaining tissue. Abnormal lymphatic vessels were histopathologically observed in the additionally resected tissue, indicating the invasion of LMs. The surgery had a good outcome with no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS We performed near-infrared fluorescence-guided imaging surgery for the resection of LMs in the abdominal wall. This is a single case study; therefore, assessment of more cases is warranted for further validation. This procedure could provide significant benefit to patients requiring resection of LMs.

Two-Stage Thoracoscopic Repair of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Using Internal Traction Is Safe and Feasible.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of long-gap esophageal atresia remains an issue for pediatric surgeons. Many techniques for treating long-gap esophageal atresia have been proposed, but the optimal method has not been established. The thoracoscopic esophageal elongation technique has recently been developed. We previously reported a case in which two-stage thoracoscopic repair was performed using internal esophageal traction without esophageal tearing, and we retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of this procedure in this study. METHODS: Five patients underwent thoracoscopic treatment involving internal esophageal traction for esophageal atresia involving a long gap or vascular ring over a 5-year period. RESULTS: Between November 2010 and November 2015, 5 patients were treated with thoracoscopic traction. All of these patients successfully underwent thoracoscopic-delayed primary anastomosis. Conversion to open thoracotomy was not required in any case. The postoperative complications experienced by the patients included minor anastomotic leakage in 2 cases, anastomotic stenosis in 1 case, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in 4 cases, and a hiatal hernia in 1 case. None of the patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia involving a long gap or vascular ring is a safe and feasible procedure; however, we must develop methods for treating minor anastomotic complications and GER due to esophageal traction in future.

Left thoracoscopic two-stage repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with a right aortic arch and a vascular ring.

A right aortic arch (RAA) is found in 5% of neonates with tracheoesophageal fistulae (TEF) and may be associated with vascular rings. Oesophageal repairs for TEF with an RAA via the right chest often pose surgical difficulties. We report for the first time in the world a successful two-stage repair by left-sided thoracoscope for TEF with an RAA and a vascular ring. We switched from right to left thoracoscopy after finding an RAA. A proximal oesophageal pouch was hemmed into the vascular ring; therefore, we selected a two-stage repair. The TEF was resected and simple internal traction was placed into the oesophagus at the first stage. Detailed examination showed the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) completing a vascular ring. The subsequent primary oesophago-oesophagostomy and dissection of PDA was performed by left-sided thoracoscope. Therefore, left thoracoscopic repair is safe and feasible for treating TEF with an RAA and a vascular ring.

Comparing surgical outcomes of complete thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital cystic lung disease between neonatal and infantile patients.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy has recently become a widely used surgical treatment for congenital cystic lung disease, but significant issues can arise in some cases, such as a limited working space in neonates, a limited view in cases involving large cystic lesions. We reviewed the treatment outcomes of neonates that underwent complete thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy and evaluated the operative difficulties. From January 2008 to October 2015, 38 patients under the age of 1 year underwent complete thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy for cystic lung disease at our institution. We compared the intra- and postoperative data of the neonate group (N group) with those of the infant group (I group). Fourteen and 24 patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy in the N group and I group, respectively. The operative time and amount of intraoperative blood loss did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=0.694 and p=0.878, respectively), but the duration of the postoperative hospitalization period was significantly longer (p<0.01) in the N group. The frequencies of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. The operative time of thoracoscopic lobectomy was significantly longer in cases involving incomplete lobar fissures than in those involving normal lobar fissures. Surgical outcomes of complete thoracoscopic lobectomy for neonatal cases are almost equivalent compared with infantile cases, and thoracoscopic lobectomy takes longer in cases involving incomplete lobar fissures.

Classification of biliary atresia in the laparoscopic era.

PURPOSE: According to Kasai's classification of biliary atresia (BA), type III is diagnosed when micro bile ducts (MBD) cannot be identified macroscopically on the surface of the biliary remnant transected at the porta hepatis. However, during laparoscopic Kasai (lapKasai), magnification produced by a 30° 10 mm scope at a focal length of 5 cm is ×38 and ×100 when zooming, enabling more MBD to be identified than with the naked eye rendering Kasai's original classification questionable in the laparoscopic era. METHODS: Intraoperative video recordings of 36 consecutive lapKasai cases (2009-2015) were reviewed to confirm MBD visibility. 85 consecutive open Kasai cases examined macroscopically served as controls. RESULTS: MBD were not visible under regular laparoscopic magnification during lapKasai in 6/36 (lapMBD-; 16.7 %) cases and visible in 30/36 (83.3 %). However, in open cases, MBD could not be identified macroscopically in 77/85 (macroMBD-; 90.6 %), a typical result reported internationally. For our lapKasai cases, jaundice clearance was lower in lapMBD-cases (4/6 = 66.7 % versus 26/30 = 86.7 %), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.26).  Conversely, survival with the native liver was significantly lower in lapMBD-cases (4/6 = 66.7 % versus 23/30 = 76.7 %) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BA classification may benefit from revision to include laparoscopic findings to categorize BA more comprehensively.

Long-term outcomes after revision of Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND: The indications for and efficacy of revision of portoenterostomy (PE) for biliary atresia (BA) needs to be reassessed in an era of liver transplantation. We therefore reviewed the long-term outcomes following revision of PE. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the medical records of patients with BA who underwent PE and revision of PE. We investigated the role of revision on outcomes of jaundice-free native liver survival (approval number: 2015-0094). RESULTS: Portoenterostomy was performed in 76 patients, among whom 22 underwent revision. Revision for recurrent jaundice was performed for four of 51 patients, who were transiently jaundice free after initial PE, but only one achieved native liver survival. Revision for repeated cholangitis in two patients achieved native liver survival over 10 years. Revision was performed in 16 of the 25 patients in whom initial PE failed; of these, four survived with their native liver (ages 3, 12, 12, and 14 years). The PE revision did not significantly affect liver transplantation duration and survival outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Revision of PE was suitable for repeated cholangitis. Revision for recurrent jaundice, regardless of whether the initial PE was successful, could have a limited but positive effect in preventing long-term progressive liver failure.

Steroid pulse therapy prevents restenosis following balloon dilatation for esophageal stricture.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous steroid pulse therapy following balloon dilatation for esophageal stenosis and stricture in children. METHODS: The study enrolled six children, including three with congenital esophageal stenosis and three with anastomotic strictures after surgery for esophageal atresia, all of whom were treated by balloon dilatation combined with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Methylprednisolone was injected intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 2 days, starting from the day of dilatation, followed by 10 mg/kg/day for 2 days, for a total of 4 days. RESULTS: Esophageal stricture recurred in all three patients with congenital esophageal stenosis despite repeated balloon dilatation without methylprednisolone. However, the symptoms of dysphagia improved and did not recur after systemic steroid pulse therapy following balloon dilatation. Symptoms also resolved in all three patients with anastomotic strictures following balloon dilatation with systemic steroid pulse therapy. All six patients remained asymptomatic after 6-21 months follow-up, with no complications. CONCLUSION: Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy following balloon dilatation is safe and effective for the treatment of esophageal stenosis and strictures in children.