Mini-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy During the Late Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MLC) reduces abdominal wall injury and has the advantage of not altering the surgical principles of conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our team recently decided to extend the indications for mini-laparoscopy to pregnant women requiring cholecystectomy in the late second and third trimesters when significant uterine height is a potential difficulty. METHODS: From January 2022, all patients who underwent MLC after five months of pregnancy were included in the analysis. Operative, postoperative, and perinatal outcomes were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent MLC between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation. The mean operative time was 73 ± 24 minutes. Only one minor intraoperative complication was observed. The mean postoperative pain, quality of life, and cosmetic satisfaction at the first postoperative visit were 1.8 ± 0.9, 9.1 ± 0.8, and 9.5 ± 0.8, respectively. Finally, all patients had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. No preterm delivery or fetal loss occurred. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that the mini-laparoscopy could be used safely in selected pregnant women requiring cholecystectomy even after five months of gestation. By preserving the abdominal wall as much as possible, MLC may be of particular interest in this particular case, when the patient's abdominal wall could potentially be subjected to severe secondary stress in the event of vaginal delivery.

Robotic versus Mini-Laparoscopic Colposacropexy to Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study and a Medicolegal Perspective.

Background: POP (pelvic organ prolapse) involves the descent of one or more pelvic organs downwards with or without protrusion from the vaginal opening, caused by the relaxation and weakening of ligaments, connective tissue, and pelvic muscles. Such an outcome negatively impacts the quality of life. The gold standard procedure for repairing apical compartment prolapse is colposacropexy (CS) to secure the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina to the anterior longitudinal sacral ligament, located anteriorly to the sacral promontory, using a mesh. Several surgical approaches are feasible. Laparotomic or minimally invasive methods, including laparoscopic or robotic ones, can restore the horizontal axis of the vagina and typically involve concomitant hysterectomy. Methods: This study is based on 80 patients who underwent CS at Palermo's Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-Cervello from 2019 to 2023. Women aged 35-85 at the time of surgery were divided into two groups: 40 patients underwent mini-laparoscopic surgery, and 40 patients underwent robotic surgery. The following parameters were accounted for: demographic data (initials of name and surname, age), preoperative clinical diagnosis, date of surgery, surgical procedure performed, estimated intraoperative blood loss, duration of surgical intervention, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain assessed at 24 h using the VAS scale, and any complications occurring in the postoperative period. Mini-laparoscopic CS (Minilap) and robotic CS (Rob) were then compared in terms of outcomes. Results: In the Minilap group, 11 patients out of 40 had a preoperative diagnosis of vaginal vault prolapse. The average age in this group was 61.6. Five of these patients had isolated cystocele, while the rest presented vaginal stump prolapse linked to cystocele, rectocele, or both. The remaining 29 patients in the Minilap group had a preoperative diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse, also associated with cystocele, rectocele, or both, or isolated in nine cases. In the Rob group (average age: 60.1), 13 patients were diagnosed with vaginal prolapse (isolated or associated with cystocele), while the remaining 27 had a diagnosis of uterovaginal prolapse. In the Minilap group, the average procedure duration was 123.3 min, shorter than the Rob group (160.1 min). Conclusions: The data collected throughout this prospective study point to the mini-laparoscopic approach as being preferable over the robotic one in terms of surgical procedure length, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, and aesthetic outcome. Hospital stay duration and post operative complication rates were similar for both groups. The innovative and ever-progressing nature of such procedures calls for novel standards prioritizing patient care as well as medicolegal viability.

Liver Stiffness Determined by Transient Elastography Is a Simple and Highly Accurate Predictor for Presence of Liver Cirrhosis in Clinical Routine.

INTRODUCTION: Early detection of patients with advanced chronic liver disease is critical for the prevention of complications and inclusion in surveillance programs for hepatocellular carcinoma. In daily clinical care, it remains challenging to differentiate early cirrhosis from lower fibrosis grades without performing a liver biopsy. The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of different non-invasive detection tools to differentiate cirrhosis from lower fibrosis grades. METHODS: Data of 116 patients (51 male, 65 female) with chronic liver disease of various origins undergoing liver biopsy was analyzed. Routine laboratory values, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography, and histological liver assessment were collected. RESULTS: Robust and significant correlations with the histological fibrosis stage were identified for LSM (r = 0.65), the FAST score (0.64), the FIB-4 (0.48), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration (0.41), NFS (0.33), international normalized ratio (INR; 0.30), methacetin breath test results (-0.40), and serum albumin concentration (-0.29) by spearman rank correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were built for these parameters to separate patients with cirrhosis from those with any other fibrosis stage. The highest AUC was achieved by LSM (0.9130), followed by the FAST score (0.8842), the FIB-4 (0.8644), the NFS (0.8227), INR (0.8142), serum albumin (0.7710), and serum AST (0.7620). The most promising clinical applicability would be an LSM value of 12.2 kPa, achieving 95.7% sensitivity and 75.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: LSM and FAST score seem to be robust non-invasive measurements for liver fibrosis. LSM and FAST scores may have the potential to reliably detect patients with liver cirrhosis in clinical routine settings.

A SAGES technology and value assessment and pediatric committee evaluation of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation.

BACKGROUND: The TAVAC and Pediatric Committees of SAGES evaluated the current use of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation to better understand the role this category of devices plays in the delivery of minimally invasive surgery today. METHODS: The role of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation, defined as minimally invasive instruments of between 1 and 4 mm in diameter, was assessed by an exhaustive review of the peer reviewed literature on the subject between 1990 and 2021. The instruments, their use, and their perceived value were tabulated and described. RESULTS: Several reported studies propose a value to using mini-laparoscopic instrumentation over the use of larger instruments or as minimally invasive additions to commonly performed procedures. Additionally, specifically developed smaller-diameter instruments appear to be beneficial additions to our minimally invasive toolbox. CONCLUSIONS: The development of small instrumentation for the effective performance of minimally invasive surgery, while perhaps best suited to pediatric populations, proves useful as adjuncts to a wide variety of adult surgical procedures. Mini-laparoscopic instrumentation thus proves valuable in selected cases.

A Clinical Study of Minilaparoscopy in the Treatment of Cryptorchidism with an Ipsilateral Inguinal Hernia.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of performing minilaparoscopy compared with standard laparoscopy in the treatment of cryptorchidism with an ipsilateral inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods: In total, 46 patients with cryptorchidism and an ipsilateral inguinal hernia were admitted to the Urology and Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery Departments of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital between October 2009 and July 2019. They were assigned to two groups: Group M and Group S. In Group M, 24 patients underwent herniorrhaphy and orchiopexy using minilaparoscopy, and in Group S, 22 patients underwent herniorrhaphy and orchiopexy using standard laparoscopy. Surgeons chose the procedure at random, and the patients were blinded to the selected procedure. Results: Postoperative painkiller demand (P = .043) and first postoperative day Numerical Rating Scale scores (P = .032) were lower in Group M than Group S, and the average hospital stay was shorter (P = .041) in Group M. Furthermore, 21 of the 24 procedures in Group M were successful, 3 procedures of Group M were converted from mini- to standard laparoscopy, and all 22 procedures in Group S were successful. The Observer Scar Assessment Scale questionnaire results of Group M were significantly higher than for patients in Group S (P = .038). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that treatment of cryptorchidism with ipsilateral inguinal hernia using minilaparoscopy is as safe and effective as standard laparoscopy.

Comparison between mini-laparoscopy, conventional laparoscopy and open approach for ureteropelvic junction obstruction treatment in children.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare 3 mm mini-laparoscopy (mini LP), standard 5 mm laparoscopy (LP) and open surgery for pediatric pyeloplasty in a single center. METHODS: Patients who underwent pyeloplasty from 1997 to 2017 at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu were prospectively collected. Demographic data, clinical, surgical and radiological variables were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify risks for surgical complications, urinary leak and need for redo-surgery. RESULTS: 340 pyeloplasties were performed in this period: 197 open, 30 LP and 113 mini LP. Independent risk factors for surgical complications in a multivariate logistic regression model were: LP (vs mini LP, OR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.13-13.8), higher differential renal function (each point more increases the risk 6%; 95% CI: 1-11%), older children (every year increases the risk 1.11 times; 95% CI: 1.002-1.225). Open surgery, pelvis diameter or the use of different stents were not risk factors. This model had an 80% PPV and a 92% NPV. LP (OR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.08-19.96) and longer surgical time (OR = 1.014; 95% CI: 1.003-1.025) were independent risk factors for urinary leak. Higher pelvis diameter (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-0.99) and the use of external stents were independent protective risk factors for urinary leak (OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.72). We have not found independent risk factors for redo-surgery in a multivariate logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: mini LP can be safely and effectively used to perform pyeloplasty in pediatric patients of all ages.

Senhance Robotic Platform System for Gynecological Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic hysterectomy provides patients and surgeons with benefits of less pain, quicker recovery, and better scar cosmesis. Previously, robotic surgical hysterectomy was reserved for patients with complicated disease issues. The objective of this case series was evaluating a new robotic surgical platform, Senhance Surgical System, as a surgical tool in common gynecological procedures. METHODS: The clinic routinely collects surgical and outcome data for all patients and procedures. Data on robotic surgery in hysterectomy, salpingectomy, endometriosis excision, and lysis of adhesions was evaluated. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients that underwent gynecological surgery using the Senhance System were assessed. Average age was 47.27 years (31 - 63 years). Ten procedures were robotic total laparoscopic hysterectomy and 14 of 15 procedures had at least one salpingectomy. Average blood loss was 52.7 mL (10 - 100 mL). Pain scores at discharge averaged 1.42 and 2.73 at two weeks post-surgery. Minimal pain medication was used. Patient satisfaction with the surgery was 98% and satisfaction with scarring was 100%. Return to normal activities and to work averaged 7.93 and 11.1 days respectively. The haptic feedback and the platform visualization of the procedure was useful. The system provided more surgeon control over both camera and tools compared to previously used robotic systems and traditional laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: This initial experience with Senhance Surgical System provided a stable, precise surgical technique with enhanced visualization within the confined space of the abdomen during gynecological surgery. The initial results suggest high patient satisfaction with gynecological surgery and resulting scars. Further study is needed to validate the findings.

Neovagina creation in congenital vaginal agenesis: New mini-laparoscopic approach applying intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence.

Background. There is still no standardized treatment for vaginal agenesis; surgical repair using a minimally invasive technique is a good option, as it offers rapid results along with a fast postoperative recovery. Objective. To describe a new modified Vecchietti procedure by a mini-laparoscopic approach with intraoperative use of indocyanine green fluorescence technology for the creation of a neovagina in the setting of congenital vaginal agenesis. Methods. Retrospective review of all cases of congenital vaginal agenesis submitted to a mini-laparoscopic modified Vecchietti procedure with intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence (between June and September 2019). Patient relevant medical history, surgical technique, postoperative care, outcomes, and complications are described. Results. Four patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (mean age: 19 years; mean preoperative vaginal length: 1.5 cm) were included in the study. The procedure was completed successfully and uneventfully in all patients. External traction device was removed 5-7 days after surgery and replaced by external vaginal silicone dilators. This technique was able to create 10-11 cm neovaginas in 1 week; six weeks after surgery all patients had an epithelized 10.5-12 cm length and 2.5-3 cm diameter neovagina. Complications consisted of one case of isolated fever at the ninth postoperative day, solved with empiric antibiotic treatment. Conclusion. The mini-laparoscopic modified Vecchietti approach, associated with ICG fluorescence imaging, is feasible and effective in the treatment of congenital vaginal agenesis, as it is a simple and safe procedure with promising outcomes.

A comparative study of mini- versus standard laparoscopy in the treatment of renal cysts.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of mini-laparoscopy for renal cyst unroofing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-six patients for treatment of renal cysts that met the selection criteria were included in this study. They were divided into two groups. Forty-five patients underwent cyst unroofing via mini-laparoscopy (Group M), and 43 patients underwent cyst unroofing via standard laparoscopy (Group S). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of sex, age, body mass index or clinical data. Data from the groups were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The average hospital stays were shorter (p = .039) and postoperative painkiller demand was lower (p = .031) in Group M than in Group S. Forty-one out of 45 procedures in Group M were successful, and all 43 cases in Group S were successfully. With a follow-up period of 0.5 to 5.5 years, there was no significant difference in recovery rate (p = .213). Questionnaires showed that patients in Group M were significantly more satisfied with their cosmetic results than were patients in Group S (p = .041). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that renal cyst decortications with mini-laparoscopic instruments are as safe and effective as procedures using standard laparoscopic instruments. Cosmetically, the results are better with mini-laparoscopy than with standard laparoscopic unroofing.

Mini-Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery Using Smaller Ports Minimizes Incisional Pain and Postoperative Scar Size: A Paired Sample Analysis.

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative incisional pain and cosmetic scores in mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgeries undertaken with different port sizes. Material and Method. In this prospective study, all women who underwent mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgery with 2.4-, 3-, and 5-mm lateral ports for benign gynecological conditions between March 2017 and April 2019 were included. The primary outcome was postoperative incisional pain at rest, walking, and after a provoked Valsalva maneuver assessed by numeric rating scale scores at 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days and 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included cosmetic scores of each port site (evaluated by using patient-observer scar assessment scale [POSAS]), operation time, and intra- and postoperative complications. Results. A total of 330 lateral port sites in 110 patients who underwent benign gynecological surgery via mini-laparoscopy were assessed for pain and cosmetic appearance. Pain scores at each time point were significantly lower for 2.4- and 3-mm ports than those for 5-mm ports; however, no significant difference was detected between 2.4-mm and 3-mm port sites (P = .6). The difference was more evident at 24 hours when routine analgesic drugs were stopped (P = .004). For POSAS scores, both 2.4-mm and 3-mm ports were superior to 5-mm port sites (P = .002); however, there was no significant difference between 2.4-mm and 3-mm port sites (P = .2). There were 2 port-related complications: one subcutaneous emphysema and one bleeding from a 5-mm trocar site 1 hour after surgery. Conclusion. Mini-laparoscopic gynecologic surgery using smaller ports resulted in decreased postoperative incisional pain and superior cosmetic appearance.

Transabdominal versus transvaginal specimen extraction in mini-laparoscopic surgery.

AIM: The objective of this study was to present our experiences of tissue extraction via the transvaginal (TV) route after a mini-laparoscopic gynecological surgery and compare them with our transabdominal (TA) specimen extraction experiences. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care center between July 2014 and February 2016. Fifty-eight women who were undergoing mini-laparoscopy for adnexal mass removal were randomized into two groups according to the surgical specimen removal by the TV route (n = 28) or the TA route (n = 30). The main outcome measures were the postoperative incisional pain, cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction rate. The secondary outcome measures were additional blood loss, additional operation duration and the need for morcellation. RESULTS: The TV group had significantly lower visual analog scale scores than the TA group at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. The morcellation needs were lower in the TV group than in the TA group. Three months after the surgery, the participants scored a higher rate of overall satisfaction in the cosmetic outcomes in the TV group than in the TA group. CONCLUSION: Tissue extraction through a posterior colpotomy after mini-laparoscopic surgery may be a feasible technique for improving cosmetic results, decreasing postoperative pain and decreasing the need for morcellation when compared to TA specimen retrieval.

Disturbed Interstitial Pregnancy: A First Case of Successful Treatment Using a Mini-Laparoscopic Approach.

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a life-threatening condition due to the risk of massive hemorrhage in the event of its disturbance. We present the case of a 27-year-old patient who was admitted with massive hemoperitoneum, caused by the rupture of an interstitial pregnancy in the area of the fallopian tube stump, which had been removed after a previous ectopic pregnancy. The condition was overcome using a mini-laparoscopic approach (2.6 mm, 30° optics), with one 3 mm port for micro-laparoscopic instruments and one 10 mm port. Such an approach has not yet been reported in the available literature, among the casuistically reported cases of pregnancy in the tubal stump. We consider that the technique is safe, completely in the interest of the patient, applicable by an experienced team, and in agreement with modern trends regarding the minimization of operative access.

Which Cholecystectomy do Medical Students Prefer?

INTRODUCTION: This study was undertaken to identify which minimally invasive technique medical students prefer for cholecystectomy and what factors determine their decision. METHODS: Brazilian medical students watched a video reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of six different surgical approaches to cholecystectomy: open surgery, conventional laparoscopy, mini-laparoscopy (MINI), single-incision laparoscopic surgery, natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. Respondents then answered questions about hypothetical situations in which the participants would be submitted to elective cholecystectomy. RESULTS: One hundred eleven medical students completed the survey, 60 females (54%) and 51 males (46%). Most students were 19-26 years old. When asked whether they would consider an open cholecystectomy if minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques were available, only 9% answered yes. Senior medical students were the least willing to consider open surgery (P = .036). When asked if they would prefer conventional laparoscopy, MINI, or robotic surgery for their cholecystectomy, 85% of the women and 63% of the men chose MINI (P = .025). When asked if they would consider a single-incision laparoscopic surgery or natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery approach, 94 respondents (84%) answered no. When asked to rank which factors they consider the most important when choosing a surgical technique, they ranked safety of the procedure first (58%) and surgeon experience second (30%). CONCLUSION: When Brazilian medical students were asked to select a surgical approach for cholecystectomy, most chose MINI. The preference for MINI was strongest amongst female medical students. Both female and male medical students ranked safety as the most important factor.

Mini-Laparoscopic Management of Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults and Children: A High-Volume Case Series.

Purpose: We retrospectively reviewed the perioperative outcomes of mini-laparoscopic procedure in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in children and adults. Methods: From August 2009 to March 2017, 229 patients referred to our center to repair UPJO by mini-laparoscopic operation. In 203 cases, dismembered pyeloplasty was accomplished, while in other 26 cases, crossing aberrant vein division and crossing artery upward transposition were performed. A follow-up renal ultrasound was done on the cases 3 and 6 months after surgery. During the follow up period, if the patients had persistent hydronephrosis or sustained clinical complaints, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DPTA) scan was done to rule out the stenosis. Results: Among 229 patients, 140 patients were younger than 18 years (Range: 2 months-18 years old, mean: 3.01 ± 1.2 year) and others were scheduled as Adult (Range: 18-57 years old, mean: 35.12 ± 7.54 year). Total clinical and radiological success rates were 99.5% (228/229) and 86.5% (198/229) respectively. Mean operative times were 127.4 ± 20.3 minutes in dismembered pyeloplasty and 110.6 ± 12.7 minutes in crossing vessel transposition surgery. Mean of hemoglobin decreasing in children and adults was 0.3 ± 0.1 mg/dL; P = .26, and 0.5 ± 1.5 mg/dL; P = .13, respectively. Length of hospital stay was 3.41 ± 0.6 days in dismembered pyeloplasty and 2.1 ± 0.6 days in patients with crossing vessel transposition surgery. We did not suture the skin incision in the entrance site of 3 mm ports and the surgical scar was hardly visible after 6 months. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that mini-laparoscopic pyeloplasty in adults and particularly in children is feasible, and it seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of UPJO. Furthermore, the patients tolerated the surgery well and they appreciated its outstanding cosmetic outcomes.

A new hybrid mini-laparoscopic technique for Spigelian hernia.

We describe the original technique used for the treatment of a patient who presented with pain and bulging in the abdomen, who was diagnosed with Spigelian hernia (SH) using ultrasound. In this case, the hernia occurred in the anterolateral abdominal wall with herniation of the distal ileum and mesentery, in addition to a large right inguinal hernia. A mini-laparoscopic approach was proposed; due to Child-A hepatic cirrhosis, it was done by a hybrid technique, using a harmonic scalpel. The primary closure of the hernia defects was performed, followed by the placement of a polypropylene mesh in the preperitoneal space. The mesh was fixed. In this case, the inguinal hernia was homolateral to the SH. Following the surgery, the patient had no further complications, being discharged the day after the procedure.

Early experience with the Senhance®-laparoscopic/robotic platform in the US.

The introduction of new robotic platforms will grow considerably in the near future as several manufacturers are in the developing stages of different innovative systems. One of the newest systems, the Senhance® platform (TransEnterix Surgical Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA) has been utilized in a variety of cases in Europe but only recently approved for limited clinical use in the United States. Here, we present our initial experience with this state-of-the-art system in patients requiring a variety of procedures.

Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the MiniLap® percutaneous surgical system: a series of 32 patients.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, mini-laparoscopic procedures are gaining the preference of most surgeons due to their potentially better surgical outcomes. The Mini Lap Percutaneous Surgical System with MiniGrip® Handle is currently the less invasive instrument and can be applied to a wide range of operations. The current paper presents its application on percutaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2017, 32 patients underwent percutaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the MiniLap® system. All operations were performed by the same surgical team. RESULTS: No conversions and no overall complications were reported. Drainage were not necessary. Mean surgical time was 35 minutes, while patients were released in <24 hours after the operation. CONCLUSION: The MiniLap system with the use of the mini grip handle seems to sustain the benefits of performing laparoscopically. However, further trials should be conducted so as to establish its safety on cholecystectomies.

Gallbladder to the left side of the falciform ligament in absence of Situs Inversus "Sinistroposition" - Case series of 2 patients with this anomaly who underwent mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladders located to the left of falciform ligament, without situs inversus, are denominated sinistroposition or true left-sided gallbladders; it is considered a rare anatomic anomaly with a prevalence in between 0.1% and 0.7%. Left-sided gallbladder usually occur as a component of situs inversus. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We report a case series of two patients of true left-sided gallbladder that were found at our institution from 2015 to 2017; the anatomic anomalies were discovered during the performance of mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis with cholelithiasis in both cases. Both patients underwent a successful surgery and there were no postsurgical complications. DISCUSSION: The reported prevalence of left-sided gallbladder is between 0.1% and 0.7%, thus considered a rare anatomic finding. Currently, with advances in diagnostic imaging modalities, the report of left-sided gallbladder has increased nowadays. It may be a more common anomaly than previously thought. CONCLUSION: True left-sided gallbladder can be an incidental finding; it is in part due to the fact that radiographic images do not typically detect this anomaly, therefore surgeons must be aware of this condition because it is associated with anomalies in the intrahepatic portal vein and biliary tree.

The protocol of low-impact laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the combination of mini-laparoscopy and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum.

Low-impact laparoscopic (LIL) cholecystectomy is an innovative surgical protocol that combines the use of mini-laparoscopic instruments (3-mm ports) under a low- and stable-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg), with the aim of minimizing the surgical invasiveness and the risks related to CO2 insufflation on the peritoneal environment. In day-surgery settings, LIL may contribute to increase the surgical success due to several potential benefits in terms of postoperative pain intensity and time to full recovery. In 14 consecutive patients requiring cholecystectomy for uncomplicated cholelithiasis, LIL was carried out uneventfully. No conversion, intra-operative or postoperative complications occurred. All patients were discharged the same day of surgery. Postoperative pain was well tolerated with no need of prolonged opioid therapy. Technical aspects and indications for LIL cholecystectomy are detailed.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic non-dismembered pyeloplasty for uretero-pelvic junction obstruction due to crossing vessels: A matched-paired analysis and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty (LAHP) and retroperitoneal laparoscopic YV-pyeloplasty (LRYVP) in ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ) in presence of a crossing vessels (CV). METHODS: Our database showed 380 UPJO-cases,who underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery during the last 2 decades including 206 non-dismembered LRYVP, 157 dismembered pyeloplasties LAHP, and 17 cases of laparoscopic ureterolysis. Among them 198 cases were suitable for a matched-pair (2:1) analysis comparing laparoscopic retroperitoneal non-dismembered LRYVP (Group 1, n = 131) and dismembered LAHP (Group 2, n = 67) in presence of a crossing vessel. Patients were matched according to age, gender, kidney functions, and obstruction grade. Complications were graded according to modified Clavien-classification. RESULTS: Comparative data were similar between both groups (LRYVP vs. LAHP) including mean operating time (112 min vs. 114 min), complication rates (4.2% vs. 7.3%) mainly Grade 1-2 according to Clavien classification, and success rates (90% vs. 89%). These results reflected in the reviewed literature indicate that LRYVP provides the advantage of minimal dissection in case of CV with similar outcome. However, redundant pelvis and anteriorly crossing vessels still require a dismembered pyeloplasty LAHP. CONCLUSION: LRYVP has achieved similar results compared with the previous golden standard of open surgery, especially in case of crossing vessels apart from presence of a redundant pelvis or anteriorly crossing vessel. This can be further improved when using the small access retroperitoneoscopic technique respectively mini-laparoscopy.