Superior Mesenteric Artery First Approach for Minimally Invasive Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Step-By-Step Surgical Technique Video.

INTRODUCTION: In the past decade, minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy has been gaining interest. However, minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy remains technically challenging and is associated with a steep learning curve. Additionally, the operating surgeon should be cognizant of replicating the same oncological steps as observed in the typical open approach. In view of this, there exist various maneuvers that are designed to achieve negative margins and a safer mesopancreatic dissection. One of these techniques is the superior mesenteric artery first approach, which is garnering interest among pancreatic surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to existing literature, there are several superior mesenteric artery dissections approaches. We describes 5 different minimally invasive approaches. RESULTS: This multimedia manuscript provide, for the first time in literature, a comprehensive step-by-step overview of the superior mesenteric artery first approach for minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy by a team of expert surgeons from various international institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Through the tips and indications presented in this article, we aim to guide the choice of this approach according to tumor location, type of minimally invasive approach and the operating surgeon's experience and increase familiarity with such a complex procedure.

Open vs robotic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis on 1469 patients from the IMIGASTRIC prospective database.

BACKGROUND: Comparative data on D2-robotic gastrectomy (RG) vs D2-open gastrectomy (OG) are lacking in the Literature. Aim of this paper is to compare RG to OG with a focus on D2-lymphadenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Data of patients undergoing D2-OG or RG for gastric cancer were retrieved from the international IMIGASTRIC prospective database and compared. RESULTS: A total of 1469 patients were selected for inclusion in the study. After 1:1 propensity score matching, a total of 580 patients were matched and included in the final analysis, 290 in each group, RG vs OG. RG had longer operation time (210 vs 330 min, p < 0.0001), reduced intraoperative blood loss (155 vs 119.7 ml, p < 0.0001), time to liquid diet (4.4 vs 3 days, p < 0.0001) and to peristalsis (2.4 vs 2 days, p < 0.0001), and length of postoperative stay (11 vs 8 days, p < 0.0001). Morbidity rate was higher in OG (24.1% vs 16.2%, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: RG significantly expedites recovery and reduces the risk of complications compared to OG. However, long-term survival is similar.

Minimally Invasive Adrenalectomy: Technical Aspects of the Laparoscopic and the Robotic Approach.

Adrenalectomy is nowadays a procedure routinely performed by minimally invasive surgery. In this article we aim to describe in depth our technique for laparoscopic and robotic left and right adrenalectomies, by using four cases and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Rare anatomic variation of the hepatic arterial blood supply: case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to present a rare case of anatomic variation of the arterial blood supply to the liver because preoperative knowledge of hepatic vascular variations is mandatory in hepatic surgery and liver transplantation. METHODS: We present a case of unusual arterial blood supply to the liver, a right hepatic artery coming from the splenic artery, associated to a classical common hepatic artery and a left hepatic artery from the left gastric artery. Preoperative diagnosis was made using CT-scan and 3D reconstruction. RESULTS: The right hepatic artery was found behind the portal vein and its diameter showed its importance in the vascularisation of the liver. To our knowledge this type of variation has only twice been described before. The accuracy of the 3D reconstruction allowed us to adopt the best surgical strategy to avoid lesions of the two accessory arteries which proved important sources of blood supply. CONCLUSIONS: Precise preoperative evaluation of liver blood supply has great importance on surgical, transplantation strategy and outcome and rare anatomic variations have to be known to avoid lesions of potentially important arteries. New techniques of 3D reconstruction can ease the preoperative recognition of such difficult anatomic variations.

Totally laparoscopic 95% gastrectomy for cancer: technical considerations.

INTRODUCTION: Total gastrectomy is the standard treatment for tumours arising in the proximal stomach and for diffuse cancer according to the Lauren classification. Laparoscopic approach is progressively accepted and provides encouraging results. In order to reduce complications associated to the esophago-jejunal anastomosis, the concept of the 95 % open gastrectomy was developed in Japan, in the early 1980s. This procedure provides the spearing of a small remnant gastric stump of 2 cm and allows performing a gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Unlike the 7/8 gastrectomy, the 95 % gastrectomy allows the complete resection of the gastric fundus and an optimized pericardial lymph node dissection (group 1 and 2). We herein describe, step-by-step, our technique of full laparoscopic 95 % gastrectomy (G95 %), with D2 lymphadenectomy, including complete lymphadenectomy of the cardial nodes. DISCUSSION: When it is possible to respect the oncologic criteria regarding proximal resection margin, 95 % gastrectomy would offer best short-term results, such as lower anastomotic leak rate and a better quality of life, limiting the effect of disruption of the eso-gastric junction. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, laparoscopic G95 % is feasible and safe; it could be performed without any additional technical difficulties. Controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm the encouraging results of the cases series, recently reported in literature.

Scientific production on robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis on its current world status.

BACKGROUND:  Robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery (RMBS) has emerged as an innovative approach in the treatment of severe obesity by combining the ergonomic precision of robotic technology and instrumentation with the established benefits of weight loss surgery. This study employs a bibliometric approach to identify local research trends and worldwide patterns in RMBS. MATERIALS & METHODS:  The research methodology used "robotic" and "metabolic" or "bariatric surgery" to search Web of Science. Articles that were published prior to December 31st, 2023, were included. The analyses were developed using the Rayyan and Bibliometric, in R Studio. RESULTS:  265 articles from 51 different journals were included. Scientific production of RMBS experienced a significant annual growth rate of 21.96% from 2003 to 2023, resulting in an average of 12.6 papers published per year. A high correlation (R2 = 0.94) was found between the year and number of articles. The mean number of citations per document was 13.25. Approximately 90% of the journals were classified as zone 3, according to the Bradford categorization. International collaboration was identified in 10.57% of cases, with the University of California and the University of Illinois being the most common organizations. The countries with the highest number of corresponding authors, in descending order, were the United States of America, China, and Switzerland. CONCLUSION:  Scientific production in RMBS has experienced sustained growth since the first original publications in 2003. While it has not yet reached the volume, impact, and international collaboration seen in studies related to non-robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery, RBMS holds potential that remains to be explored.

30-day morbidity and mortality of revisional bariatric surgery - An international multi-centre collaborative (BROAD) study.

INTRODUCTION: Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) for insufficient weight loss/weight regain or metabolic relapse is increasing worldwide. There is currently no large multinational, prospective data on 30-day morbidity and mortality of RBS. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the 30-day morbidity and mortality of RBS at participating centres. METHODS: An international steering group was formed to oversee the study. The steering group members invited bariatric surgeons worldwide to participate in this study. Ethical approval was obtained at the lead centre. Data were collected prospectively on all consecutive RBS patients operated between 15th May 2021 to 31st December 2021. Revisions for complications were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 65 global centres submitted data on 750 patients. Sleeve gastrectomy (n = 369, 49.2 %) was the most common primary surgery for which revision was performed. Revisional procedures performed included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 41.1 % (n = 308) patients, One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in 19.3 % (n = 145), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in 16.7 % (n = 125) and other procedures in 22.9 % (n = 172) patients. Indications for revision included weight regain in 615(81.8 %) patients, inadequate weight loss in 127(16.9 %), inadequate diabetes control in 47(6.3 %) and diabetes relapse in 27(3.6 %). 30-day complications were seen in 80(10.7 %) patients. Forty-nine (6.5 %) complications were Clavien Dindo grade 3 or higher. Two patients (0.3 %) died within 30 days of RBS. CONCLUSION: RBS for insufficient weight loss/weight regain or metabolic relapse is associated with 10.7 % morbidity and 0.3 % mortality. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common primary procedure to undergo revisional bariatric surgery, while Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most commonly performed revision.

Laparoscopic gastrointestinal anastomoses using knotless barbed sutures are safe and reproducible: a single-center experience with 201 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal anastomosis is a complex procedure during laparoscopy, mainly due to the difficulties knotting the sutures. Unidirectional barbed sutures have been proposed to simplify wall and mesentery closure, but the results for intestinal anastomosis are not clear. This study aimed to establish the feasibility and the safety of laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis using barbed suture. METHODS: Between June 2011 and May 2012, 15-cm-long unidirectional absorbable barbed sutures (V-Loc; Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) were used for all laparoscopic intestinal anastomoses: one suture for closure of intestinal openings after mechanical anastomoses and two sutures for hand-sewn anastomoses. RESULTS: Over a 1-year period, 201 consecutive patients required 220 laparoscopic anastomoses for gastrojejunostomy (n = 177; 172 during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5 after gastrectomy), ileocolostomy (n = 15), colocolostomy (n = 1), esophagojejunostomy (n = 5), and jejunojejunostomy (n = 22; 4 after small bowel resection and 18 during gastric bypass or gastrectomy). Senior and training surgeons performed 209 closures of intestinal openings and 11 hand-sewn anastomoses. There was no conversion to usual sutures. One fistula occurred in an esophagojejunostomy and was managed conservatively. One self-limited anastomotic bleeding occurred, and no anastomotic stenosis occurred during 6 months of follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The use of knotless barbed suture for laparoscopic intestinal anastomosis is safe and reproducible.

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in moderate and severe diverticulitis: analysis of short-term outcomes in a continuous series of 121 patients.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic surgery has been shown to be safe, feasible, and equivalent to open surgery for moderate diverticulitis, but its role in severe disease is still being elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for moderate and severe diverticulitis. METHODS: All patients who had elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis between April 2003 and September 2011 at the University Hospital of Luxembourg were selected from a retrospective database. The patients were divided in two groups: moderate acute diverticulitis (MAD) included patients with an episode of left-lower-quadrant pain, elevated inflammatory markers, and radiologic evidence of diverticulitis, and severe acute diverticulitis (SAD) included patients with diverticula associated with abscess, phlegmon, perforation, fistula, obstruction, bleeding, or stricture. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients (81 MAD and 40 SAD) underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to demographic characteristics, except for sex ratio. In this series the overall morbidity rate at 30 postoperative days (POD) was 12.4 %, with no significant differences between MAD and SAD (16.0 vs. 5 %, respectively; P = 0.083). No significant differences were found with respect to mean length of hospital stay (6.7 vs. 7.7 days; P = 0.399) as well. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 2.5 % (3 patients), with no difference between the two groups. Conversion to laparotomy was associated with an increased morbidity rate (11.0 % for full laparoscopy vs. 66.6 % for conversion; P = 0.040) and a longer length of stay (6.8 vs. 16.7 days; P = 0.008). There were no deaths within 30 POD. CONCLUSIONS: Elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is safe and feasible for patients with moderate and severe acute diverticulitis and the outcomes are equivalent.

[Three-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: feasibility and short outcomes in 25 consecutives super-obese patients]. / Gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica a través de 3 puertos: viabilidad y resultados a corto plazo en en una serie de 25 pacientes con hiperobesidad.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper is to propose our technique, namely three-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (TPLSG), to define the feasibility and expose the short-outcomes, as an alternative between the standard laparoscopic approach and the single incision (SILSG) for such patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 25 patients: 12 male and 13 female, reporting a mean BMI of 53 kg/m² (range: 50-72) and a mean age of 38 years (range: 29-55). To evaluate the feasibility of our technique we have always respecting 3 pre-operatives conditions: BMI ≥ 50 kg/m². Preoperative abdominal US or CT to measure the liver and determine the hepato-splenic characteristics. "Intent to treat by 3 ports" (2 of 5 mm and one 12 mm in diameter). The short outcomes follow-up include: operative time, conversion, transfusions, fistula, reinterventions and parietal herniation at one and three months after surgery. RESULTS: Hepatomegaly was present in 19 (76%) patients, and it's greater on the left hepatic lobe in 9 (36%) patients. The mean operation time was 72 min (range: 50-110). No per-operative complications were observed. Conversion to four ports procedure was necessary in one patient. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-5). No mortality and 30th POD morbidity rate was reported. No patient developed an incisional hernia to date. CONCLUSION: The TPLSG reduces the ports in number and in size and subsequently the parietal trauma, it also an instrumental triangulation, making surgery safe and reproducible.

Minimally invasive pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy: multi-institutional step by step video description of the technique.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is attracting increased interest in the pancreatic surgical community with more and more teams reporting their experience worldwide. The pancreatic anastomosis (PA) is one of the key steps and challenging manoeuvre of this procedure. Since the introduction of the minimally invasive approach for PD, several PA types have been proposed, ranging from high to low complexity, but none of them have been proven unequivocally superior to the others. Therefore, definitive consensus has not been reached yet. In the present multimedia manuscript, we report the most commonly adopted minimally invasive PA and we propose a "complexity classification" to guide the choice accordingly to different characteristics of the pancreatic stump. We describe five possible different PA that might be tailored to each different case, depending mainly on texture of pancreatic stump (soft/hard, lean/fatty) and the size and visibility of main duct. This manuscript presents a step-by-step portfolio of the most commonly used mini-invasive PA. This technique requires experience in pancreatic surgery and advanced minimally invasive skills. Knowledge of and proficiency in different types of PA could help reducing the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Real robotic total mesopancreas excision (TMpE) assisted by hanging manoeuver (HM): Standardised technique.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is one of the most demanding interventions for digestive surgeons. R0 resection is a key point for the overall survival and disease-free survival. Total mesopancreas excision (TMpE) has been described by laparotomy but laparoscopy did not provide good results probably because of the technical difficulties of the approach. We propose a standardised total robotic approach. METHODS: In this step-by-step technical description, we propose as example, a case of a 53-year-old man with a pancreatic head adenocarcinoma with doubts about the invasion of the mesopancreas surrounding superior mesenteric artery. The mesopancreas hanging manoeuver allows us to perform a TMpE. RESULTS: The surgery performed was a robotic artery first pancreaticoduodenectomy with TMpE. The pathological result was pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma pT2, N1 (1/23), M0, V0, L0, Pn0, R0. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic approach is safe, effective and reproductible. Through a standardised technique, it may overcome some of the technical difficulties of laparoscopic PD.

Laparoscopic Compared with Open D2 Gastrectomy on Perioperative and Long-Term, Stage-Stratified Oncological Outcomes for Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the IMIGASTRIC Database.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach in gastric cancer surgery is being increasingly adopted worldwide. However, studies focusing specifically on laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy are still lacking in the literature. This retrospective study aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: The protocol-based, international IMIGASTRIC (International study group on Minimally Invasive surgery for Gastric Cancer) registry was queried to retrieve data on patients undergoing laparoscopic or open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer with curative intent from January 2000 to December 2014. Eleven predefined, demographical, clinical, and pathological variables were used to conduct a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to investigate intraoperative and recovery outcomes, complications, pathological findings, and survival data between the two groups. Predictive factors of long-term survival were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 3033 patients from 14 participating institutions were selected from the IMIGASTRIC database. After 1:1 PSM, a total of 1248 patients, 624 in the laparoscopic group and 624 in the open group, were matched and included in the final analysis. The total operative time (median 180 versus 240 min, p < 0.0001) and the length of the postoperative hospital stay (median 10 versus 14.8 days, p < 0.0001) were longer in the open group than in the laparoscopic group. The conversion to open rate was 1.9%. The proportion of patients with in-hospital complications was higher in the open group (21.3% versus 15.1%, p = 0.004). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the laparoscopic approach (median 32 versus 28, p < 0.0001), and the proportion of positive resection margins was higher (p = 0.021) in the open group (5.9%) than in the laparoscopic group (3.2%). There was no significant difference between the groups in five-year overall survival rates (77.4% laparoscopic versus 75.2% open, p = 0.229). CONCLUSION: The adoption of the laparoscopic approach for gastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy shortened the length of hospital stay and reduced postoperative complications with respect to the open approach. The five-year overall survival rate after laparoscopy was comparable to that for patients who underwent open D2 resection. The types of surgical approaches are not independent predictive factors for five-year overall survival.