Protocol of the LATFIA trial (Laser Assisted Treatment of Fistula in Ano): a multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC™) with rectal advancement flap for high trans-sphincteric fistulas.

AIM: Anal fistula is one of the most common anal diseases, affecting between 1 and 3 per 10 000 people per year. Symptoms have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, aiming to cure the fistula and preserve anal sphincter function. Rectal advancement flap (RAF) is currently the gold standard treatment but has recurrence rates varying between 20% and 50% and might lead to disturbance of continence. The aim of the trial described in this work is to discover if the minimally invasive fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) technique could achieve higher healing rates and a better functional outcome than RAF. METHOD: We will perform a randomized prospective multicentre noninferiority study of the treatment of high trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas, comparing FiLaC™ with RAF in terms of fistula healing, recurrence rate, functional outcome and quality of life. Primary and secondary fistula healing will be evaluated at 26 and 52 weeks' follow-up. Quality of life will be evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire, the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale questionnaire and the Vaizey score at 3, 6, 12 and 26 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: High trans-sphincteric fistulas have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Classical treatment with RAF is a time-consuming invasive procedure. The LATFIA trial aims to compare FiLaC™ with the gold standard treatment with RAF. In case of noninferiority, FiLaC™ treatment could be standardized as a first line treatment for high trans-sphincteric fistulas. Better conservation of the patient's anal sphincter function could possibly be obtained. Likewise, we will report on the postoperative quality of life when applying these two techniques.

Pediatric fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: A 13-year-old boy presented with acute abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant without previous trauma. Abdominal ultrasound (US) revealed a mass in the right liver lobe with free intraperitoneal fluid, suggestive for hemoperitoneum. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a subcapsular lesion (5.7 × 4.6 × 4.1 cm), suggestive for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed mild to moderate fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity, with no other FDG avid lesions. Hepatic tumor markers were negative. CASE REPORT: An elective right hepatectomy with cholecystectomy and hilar lymph node resection was performed. RESULTS: Histology showed a central fibrous scar and confirmed a FL-HCC (pT1bN0M0). The resected lymph nodes were tumor-free. Treatment of FL-HCC should consist of complete tumor resection with concurrent lymph node resection +/- orthotopic liver transplantation. Long-term follow-up is advised. A follow-up interval of 3-4 months in the first 2 years after surgical resection can be justified as FL-HCC have a high recurrence rate of more than 50% within 10-33 months. CONCLUSIONS: Malignancy can be a rare cause of abdominal pain in pediatric patients. An abdominal US is essential to prevent misdiagnosis. Treatment of FL-HCC should consist of R0 tumor resection with concurrent lymphadenectomy +/- orthotopic liver transplantation.

Enhanced Recovery After Revisional Bariatric Surgery: a Retrospective Study of 321 Patients with Laparoscopic Conversion of Failed Gastric Banding or Failed Mason Gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PURPOSE: With the rising incidence of failed bariatric procedures, the importance of revisional surgery has been increasing. These revisional procedures come with a higher risk of complications leading to longer hospital stays. We believe though that enhanced recovery after revisional bariatric surgery is possible and needs to be advocated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our laparoscopic conversions of failed gastric banding and failed Mason gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A total of 321 patients was included in the study, from February 2010 until December 2019. The primary endpoints were length of stay (LoS), in-hospital complication rate, and early readmission rate (< 30 days). Logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of several independent variables on complication and readmission rates. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were male and 267 female. The mean age was 44.2 years and mean BMI at the time of conversion was 37.9 kg/m2. We converted 273 failed adjustable gastric bandings (85,0%) and 48 failed Mason gastroplasties (15.0%). The main reason for conversion was the recurrence of obesity. A mean LoS of 2.10 days was calculated. We had an overall in-hospital complication rate of 3.73% and the overall early readmission rate was 3.43%. The odds ratio for LoS on early readmission is 1.52 (p=0.0079; CI 95% [1.12-2.07]). CONCLUSION: The above data imply that the implementation of advanced ERAS principles for revisional surgery in our center is safe and does not lead to a higher risk of early readmission.

Endoscopic Gastric Plication for Morbid Obesity: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Published Data over Time.

Endoscopic gastric plication or gastroplasty for morbid obesity is gaining worldwide recognition. Data concerning safety and efficacy are rather scarce. Furthermore, clear guidelines are yet to be established. The objective of this meta-analysis is to update the data and investigate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. An online comprehensive search using Cochrane, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase on endoscopic gastric plication was completed. The primary outcome was defined as weight loss at 6 months or more after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were defined as the occurrence of adverse events or complications including insufficient weight loss or regain. I2 statistic was used to define the heterogeneity across studies. Twenty-two cohort studies on 7 different devices met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 2475 patients. The mean baseline BMI was 37.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2 (median 37.9; range 28.0-60.2). Either a transoral endoluminal stapling or (suction based) (full-thickness) stitching and/or anchor device was used to obtain gastric volume reduction and/or alter gastric outlet. The mean follow-up was 13 months (median 12; range 6-24) for the specified outcomes of each study. Two active, FDA-approved devices were taken into account for meta-analysis: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and the primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE™). Average pooled %EWL at 6 months (p = 0.02) and 12 months (p = 0.04) in favor of ESG was 57.9 ± 3.8% (50.5-65.5, I2 = 0.0), 44.4 ± 2.1% (40.2-48.5, I2 = 0.0), and 68.3 ± 3.8% (60.9-75.7, I2 = 5.8), 44.9 ± 2.1% (40.9-49.0, I2 = N/A) for ESG and POSE respectively. Major adverse events without mortality were described in 25 patients (9 studies, p = 0.63). ESG and POSE are both safe and feasible procedures with good short-term weight loss. ESG seems to be superior in terms of weight loss at this point. Few major adverse events are reported and long-term results are awaited.

Heterogeneity in the Definition and Clinical Characteristics of Dumping Syndrome: a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: No real consensus regarding the definition of dumping syndrome (DS) seems to exist and few subtyping is used in clinical practice. Knowledge is needed for correct design of trials and establishment of uniform treatment strategies. The aim of this study is to explore the distribution of clinical characteristics related to the subtypes of DS. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed in Cochrane, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate. Data were collected on the definition and diagnostics of DS used in each study. RESULTS: Twenty-seven clinical trials were included. Seventeen articles clearly provided a definition of DS and ten of these differentiated between early and late DS. Diagnose of DS was based on clinical symptoms (24 articles), hemodynamic parameters (e.g., tachycardia, hypotension; 9 articles), and biochemical analysis (e.g., blood sugar level; 12 articles). Questionnaires were used in 13 articles. A total of 67 different symptoms were correlated with dumping syndrome. Two symptoms were exclusively correlated with early and nine with late DS. Nine articles differentiated between early and late dumping based on timing since the last meal. Hypoglycemia was correlated with late DS in ten articles. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals a vast heterogeneity in the definition and clinical characteristics of DS after RYGB. We feel that a standardized definition is required to provide a firm parameter in the evaluation and setup of clinical trials. A better understanding and description of the definition and diagnostic criteria of DS after RYGB is crucial to improve scientific reporting.

Postoperative continuation of antidepressant therapy is associated with reduced short-term weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery candidates are frequently treated with antidepressants. Several of these drugs have been associated with weight gain and could potentially interfere with weight loss after bariatric surgery. This cohort study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of antidepressants on weight loss during the first 24 months after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. METHODS: Patients with a fully documented antidepressant treatment status for at least 12 months were retrospectively included. Weight loss was expressed as the percentage excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) or percentage total weight loss (%TWL). A mixed linear effects model was used to determine the impact of continued and discontinued treatment with antidepressants on weight loss. RESULTS: A total of 751 patients were included in this study. At 24 months, patients had lost 77.38 ± 30.10 %EBMIL (30.63 ± 13.12 %TWL). In patients treated with antidepressants (n = 125), the %EBMIL and %TWL was reduced with - 2.81% (p = 0.025) and - 1.36% (p = 0.002) respectively, and with - 5.52 %EBMIL (p < 0.001; - 1.05 %TWL, p = 0.012) after multivariate adjustment. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (- 12.47 %EBMIL, p < 0.001) and tricyclic antidepressants (- 11.01 %EBMIL, p = 0.042) were predominantly responsible for worse outcomes. Beyond 24 months, at 36 months (- 4.83%, p < 0.001) and 48 months (- 3.54%, p = 0.006), the %EBMIL was still reduced. No significant effects of antidepressants on metabolic outcomes after surgery were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with antidepressants was associated with reduced weight loss after gastric bypass surgery, but only if treatment was continued for at least 1 year postoperatively. Mainly tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors were responsible for this reduction in weight loss.

Simultaneous laparoscopic proctocolectomy (TaTME) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We would like to present a patient with a history of ulcerative colitis suffering from a synchronous rectal and prostate cancer treated with a laparoscopic total proctocolectomy (with TaTME) and Retzius sparing RARP simultaneously. METHODS: Retzius sparing RARP with bilateral lymph node harvesting was performed first. Afterwards, TaTME was commenced with the placement of a Lonestar® retractor and GelPort®. Anterior dissection was troubled unexpectedly by outspoken fibrosis. For that reason, it was completed laparoscopically. We then continued with the laparoscopic total proctocolectomy. Last, a transanal circular stapled ileoanal anastomosis was created and a derivating ileostomy was installed. RESULTS: Postoperative proctoscopy showed a patent ileoanal anastomosis. After removal of the Foley catheter on day 21, the patient was immediately continent. Prostate specimen revealed a pT2cN1M0 transmural invasive adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 7 (3 + 4). Pathology analysis of the rectum revealed a stage IIIc transmural invasive moderately differentiated rectal adenocarcinoma (pT3N2bM0) with free margins. He was referred for adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, the combination of TaTME and Retzius sparing RARP for synchronous rectal and prostate cancer was feasible and safe. We suggest performing the anterior TaTME dissection last, due to disturbing blood flow into the operating field after prostatectomy.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome causing pouch outlet obstruction 5 years after roux-en-y gastric bypass.

OBJECTIVE: We present the case of a 57-year-old man with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and colonic polyps who presented with an upper gastrointestinal obstruction based on massive stomach polyposis in the pouch. METHODS: Two months prior to this acute admission, he had undergone resection of the gastric remnant due to massive refractory intraluminal bleeding from a polypoid mass. Ten years earlier, right colectomy was performed due to hypertrophic polyposis unsuitable for endoscopic polypectomy. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a polypoid mass in the pouch causing obstruction. Benign biopsies were obtained. A resection of the stomach pouch with esophagojejunostomy was performed. Macroscopic evaluation of the pouch lumen showed massive polyposis with a sharp demarcation near the Z-line and at the gastrojejunostomy. On clinical examination, the presence of atrophic nail changes, alopecia, and palmar hyperpigmentation was noticed. RESULTS: Postoperative course was uneventful and feeding was restarted successfully. Histological analysis revealed hyperplastic polypoid tissue, which resembled the polyps in the stomach remnant and colon. Together with the ectodermal changes, the diagnose of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome was established. CONCLUSION: Diffuse polyposis in Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is a rare cause for pouch obstruction after RYGB. Clinical examination should focus on dermatologic findings.

Internal herniation through the falciform ligament of the liver: a case report.

Background: An internal abdominal hernia is defined as the protrusion of a viscus through a mesenteric or peritoneal aperture within the peritoneal cavity. A less common type of internal herniation is a small bowel herniation through a defect in the falciform ligament of the liver. This defect can be congenital or iatrogenic after penetration of the falciform ligament with a trocar during laparoscopic surgery. Methods: We present a case report illustrating an internal herniation through an iatrogenic defect in the falciform ligament of the liver. Results: A 78-year-old man comes to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain for several hours. Laparoscopic exploration shows a small bowel herniation through an iatrogenic defect of the falciform ligament after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Reduction of the internal herniation is performed. Due to subsequently small bowel necrosis, a small bowel resection with primary anastomosis has to be performed too. Conclusion: Small bowel herniation through an iatrogenic defect in the falciform ligament is very rare. However, it can lead to severe complications such as small bowel necrosis. To prevent internal herniation, we strongly suggest immediate repair or division of the falciform ligament when an iatrogenic defect is created during laparoscopic procedures.

Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™) for complex urethroperineal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Fistula formation in hidradenitis suppurativa follows an uncontrolled infection with subcutaneous tracts leading to 'watering-can' or 'pus-pot' perineum. Closure of this type of fistula implies major surgery and is bound to fail in refractory inflammatory environment. Minimally invasive techniques have become the first line of choice in every type of surgery. METHODS: Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™, Biolitec, Germany) is a novel technique already reported to have been used in the treatment of fistula-in-ano and pilonidal sinus. It consists of blind cauterization and obliteration of the fistula tract from the inside by means of a radial-emitting laser probe. We present two patients who underwent surgery for urethroperineal fistula using this technique. RESULTS: In both cases, the fistula tracts were completely closed after 3 months of follow-up. The wounds had healed smoothly and complete resolution of symptoms was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The use of FiLaC™ for the treatment of urethroperineal fistula is feasible and safe. The minimally invasive nature of the technique and limited postoperative pain permit daycare surgery.

Laparoscopic Linear Stapled Running Enterotomy Closure in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Using Absorbable Unidirectional Barbed Suture (Stratafix® 2/0).

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic running enterotomy closure for linear stapled Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may be enhanced by using unidirectional barbed sutures (Stratafix™ 2/0, Ethicon) as it eliminates the need for knot tying and assistance from a third hand. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is to present our technique using unidirectional barbed sutures (Stratafix™ 2/0, Ethicon). METHODS: After stapling the gastrojejunostomy, we start the closure of the residual enterotomy unidirectional from left to right (single, full-thickness layer) which is cut without a knot. For the jejunojejunostomy, the residual enterotomy is closed perpendicular from top to bottom in order to avoid iatrogenic stricture formation (single, full-thickness layer). No backstitches are performed. CONCLUSIONS: We feel strongly that this technique might enhance running enterotomy closure for linear stapled RYGB.

The Use of Unidirectional Knotless Barbed Suture for Enterotomy Closure in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Randomized Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: In this study, we assessed feasibility, safety, and time efficiency of laparoscopic running enterotomy closure for linear stapled Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) using unidirectional barbed sutures (Stratafix™ 2/0- Ethicon). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB were prospectively randomized regarding running enterotomy closure of the linear stapled gastrojejunal (GJA) and jejunojejunal anastomosis (JJA). Two groups were created: V-group (Vicryl® 2/0-Ethicon) and S-group (Stratafix™ 2/0-Ethicon). Time spent on closing the enterotomies was measured from first needle in until knot and cut (V-group) or last stitch and cut (S-group). If needed, a nonabsorbable "correction" ("c"; in order to close a small hiatus at the anastomosis) or hemostatic ("h") stitch was made (using a single Prolene® 2/0-Ethicon). RESULTS: Average total procedure time was similar (S-group 1:01:22, V-group 1:00:44, P = 0.340). Closure of the enterotomy (GJA) was significantly shorter in the S-group (07:41 min versus 08:13 min in the V-group, P = 0.005). Extra stitches (GJA) were performed in 33 patients (16.5%): 3 (h) and 20 (c) in the V-group and 1 (h) and 9 (c) in the S-group. Four patients in the V-group suffered from postoperative intraluminal bleeding (3 self-limiting, 1 underwent endoscopic clipping). In the S-group, 1 patient suffered from leakage at the vertical transected staple line of the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: The use of unidirectional barbed sutures for running enterotomy closure after linear stapled RYGB is feasible and safe. Significant time benefit was seen regarding the closure of the GJA. Fewer additional stitches were necessary and postoperative intraluminal bleeding was less encountered.

Linitis plastica of the bypassed stomach 7 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a case report.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is currently the preferred surgical procedure to treat morbid obesity. It has proven its effects on excess weight loss and its positive effect on comorbidities. One of the main issues, however, is the post-operative evaluation of the bypassed gastric remnant. In literature, cancer of the excluded stomach after RYGB is rare. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman with gastric linitis plastica in the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, diagnosed by means of laparoscopy and Single-Balloon enteroscopy, and it is clinical importance. Linitis plastica of the excluded stomach after RYGB is a very rare entity. This case report shows the importance of long-term post-operative follow-up, and the importance of single-balloon enteroscopy for visualization of the bypassed stomach remnant, when other investigations remain without results. This case report is only the second report of a linitis plastica in the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity after Belsey-Mark IV for large hiatus hernia and intrathoracic stomach, in combination with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide; patients who remain obese after non-surgical interventions are potential candidates for surgical intervention. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has proven its effects on excess weight loss and its positive effect on comorbidities and also, on reflux correction. CASE REPORT: Our patient, a 53-year-old male, with a BMI of 45 kg/m2 and type 2 diabetes, underwent a Belsey-Mark IV procedure in another center because of a large hiatus hernia and intrathoracic stomach, in combination with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). He consulted at our center concerning his morbid obesity. After a positive preoperative evaluation a RYGB was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSION: RYGB is a safe and feasible procedure to perform after a Belsey-Mark IV procedure. To our knowledge, this is the first and only report of a RYGB after a Belsey-Mark IV procedure. There were no intra-operative complications and 18 months follow-up was unremarkable, with a 78.10% excess weight loss (EWL), at 86 kg, and no remaining symptoms of GERD. We also mention resolution of the patient's diabetes mellitus type 2 measured by the cessation of the glucophage, which is an added health benefit.

Adult suprapatellar pleiomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma with jejunal metastasis causing intussusception: a case report.

Jejuno-jejunal intussusception is rarely encountered in adults. Management depends on the viability of the involved bowel. Exploration is favored because in adults generally an underlying 'lead point' is found to be present. Pleimorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (pRMS) arises from striated muscle cells. They are usually diagnosed during childhood and can occur virtually all over the body, controversially in places were few striated cells are found. In adults, these tumors are rare and are mostly encountered in the head-and-neck region. We present the case of a 48-year-old woman with a jejunal metastasis from a suprapatellar pRMS diagnosed 2.5 years earlier resulting in a jejuno-jejunal intussusception.