Discharge protocol in acute pancreatitis: an international survey and cohort analysis.

There are several overlapping clinical practice guidelines in acute pancreatitis (AP), however, none of them contains suggestions on patient discharge. The Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group (HPSG) has recently developed a laboratory data and symptom-based discharge protocol which needs to be validated. (1) A survey was conducted involving all members of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) to understand the characteristics of international discharge protocols. (2) We investigated the safety and effectiveness of the HPSG-discharge protocol. According to our international survey, 87.5% (49/56) of the centres had no discharge protocol. Patients discharged based on protocols have a significantly shorter median length of hospitalization (LOH) (7 (5;10) days vs. 8 (5;12) days) p < 0.001), and a lower rate of readmission due to recurrent AP episodes (p = 0.005). There was no difference in median discharge CRP level among the international cohorts (p = 0.586). HPSG-protocol resulted in the shortest LOH (6 (5;9) days) and highest median CRP (35.40 (13.78; 68.40) mg/l). Safety was confirmed by the low rate of readmittance (n = 35; 5%). Discharge protocol is necessary in AP. The discharge protocol used in this study is the first clinically proven protocol. Developing and testifying further protocols are needed to better standardize patients' care.

Management and follow-up of gallbladder polyps: updated joint guidelines between the ESGAR, EAES, EFISDS and ESGE.

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Primary investigation of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder should be with abdominal ultrasound. Routine use of other imaging modalities is not recommended presently, but further research is needed. In centres with appropriate expertise and resources, alternative imaging modalities (such as contrast-enhanced and endoscopic ultrasound) may be useful to aid decision-making in difficult cases. Strong recommendation, low-moderate quality evidence. 2. Cholecystectomy is recommended in patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder measuring 10 mm or more, providing the patient is fit for, and accepts, surgery. Multidisciplinary discussion may be employed to assess perceived individual risk of malignancy. Strong recommendation, low-quality evidence. 3. Cholecystectomy is suggested for patients with a polypoid lesion and symptoms potentially attributable to the gallbladder if no alternative cause for the patient's symptoms is demonstrated and the patient is fit for, and accepts, surgery. The patient should be counselled regarding the benefit of cholecystectomy versus the risk of persistent symptoms. Strong recommendation, low-quality evidence. 4. If the patient has a 6-9 mm polypoid lesion of the gallbladder and one or more risk factors for malignancy, cholecystectomy is recommended if the patient is fit for, and accepts, surgery. These risk factors are as follows: age more than 60 years, history of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), Asian ethnicity, sessile polypoid lesion (including focal gallbladder wall thickening > 4 mm). Strong recommendation, low-moderate quality evidence. 5. If the patient has either no risk factors for malignancy and a gallbladder polypoid lesion of 6-9 mm, or risk factors for malignancy and a gallbladder polypoid lesion 5 mm or less, follow-up ultrasound of the gallbladder is recommended at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Follow-up should be discontinued after 2 years in the absence of growth. Moderate strength recommendation, moderate-quality evidence. 6. If the patient has no risk factors for malignancy, and a gallbladder polypoid lesion of 5 mm or less, follow-up is not required. Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence. 7. If during follow-up the gallbladder polypoid lesion grows to 10 mm, then cholecystectomy is advised. If the polypoid lesion grows by 2 mm or more within the 2-year follow-up period, then the current size of the polypoid lesion should be considered along with patient risk factors. Multidisciplinary discussion may be employed to decide whether continuation of monitoring, or cholecystectomy, is necessary. Moderate strength recommendation, moderate-quality evidence. 8. If during follow-up the gallbladder polypoid lesion disappears, then monitoring can be discontinued. Strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence. SOURCE AND SCOPE: These guidelines are an update of the 2017 recommendations developed between the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and other Interventional Techniques (EAES), International Society of Digestive Surgery-European Federation (EFISDS) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). A targeted literature search was performed to discover recent evidence concerning the management and follow-up of gallbladder polyps. The changes within these updated guidelines were formulated after consideration of the latest evidence by a group of international experts. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was adopted to define the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. KEY POINT: • These recommendations update the 2017 European guidelines regarding the management and follow-up of gallbladder polyps.

Development and validity evidence of an objective structured assessment of technical skills score for minimally invasive linear-stapled, hand-sewn intestinal anastomoses: the A-OSATS score.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to develop a reliable objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) score for linear-stapled, hand-sewn closure of enterotomy intestinal anastomoses (A-OSATS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Delphi methodology was used to create a traditional and weighted A-OSATS score highlighting the more important steps for patient outcomes according to an international expert consensus. Minimally invasive novices, intermediates, and experts were asked to perform a minimally invasive linear-stapled intestinal anastomosis with hand-sewn closure of the enterotomy in a live animal model either laparoscopically or robot-assisted. Video recordings were scored by two blinded raters assessing intrarater and interrater reliability and discriminative abilities between novices (n = 8), intermediates (n = 24), and experts (n = 8). RESULTS: The Delphi process included 18 international experts and was successfully completed after 4 rounds. A total of 4 relevant main steps as well as 15 substeps were identified and a definition of each substep was provided. A maximum of 75 points could be reached in the unweighted A-OSATS score and 170 points in the weighted A-OSATS score respectively. A total of 41 anastomoses were evaluated. Excellent intrarater (r = 0.807-0.988, p < 0.001) and interrater (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.923-0.924, p < 0.001) reliability was demonstrated. Both versions of the A-OSATS correlated well with the general OSATS and discriminated between novices, intermediates, and experts defined by their OSATS global rating scale. CONCLUSION: With the weighted and unweighted A-OSATS score, we propose a new reliable standard to assess the creation of minimally invasive linear-stapled, hand-sewn anastomoses based on an international expert consensus. Validity evidence in live animal models is provided in this study. Future research should focus on assessing whether the weighted A-OSATS exceeds the predictive capabilities of patient outcomes of the unweighted A-OSATS and provide further validity evidence on using the score on different anastomotic techniques in humans.

The impact of EAES Fellowship Programme: a five-year review and evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) fellowship programme was established in 2014, allowing nine surgeons annually to obtain experience and skills in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) from specialist centres across the Europe and United States. It aligns with the strategic focus of EAES Education and Training Committee on enabling Learning Mobility opportunities. To assess the impact of the programme, a survey was conducted aiming to evaluate the experience and impact of the programme and receive feedback for improvements. METHODS: A survey using a 5-point Likert scale was used to evaluate clinical, education and research experience. The impact on acquisition of new technical skills, change in clinical practice and ongoing collaboration with the host institute was assessed. The fellows selected between 2014 and 2018 were included. Ratings were analysed in percentage; thematic analysis was applied to the free-text feedbacks using qualitative analysis. RESULTS: All the fellows had good access to observing in operating theatres and 70.6% were able to assist. 91.2% participated in educational activities and 23.5% were able to contribute through teaching. 44.1% participated in research activities and 41.2% became an author/co-author of a publication from the host. 97.1% of fellows stated that their operative competency had increased, 94.3% gained new surgical skills and 85.7% was able to introduce new techniques in their hospitals. 74.29% agreed that the clinical experience led to a change in their practices. The most commonly suggested improvements were setting realistic target in clinical and research areas, increasing fellowship duration, and maximising theatre assisting opportunities. Nevertheless, 100% of fellows would recommend the fellowship to their peers. CONCLUSION: EAES fellowship programme has shown a positive impact on acquiring and adopting new MIS techniques. To further refine the programme, an individualised approach should be adopted to set achievable learning objectives in clinical skills, education and research.

Psoas density - an optimal sarcopaenic indicator associated with postoperative complications after colorectal resection for cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopaenia seems to be predictive factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality after colorectal resection for cancer. Nevertheless, an ideal sarcopaenic indicator is still to be identified. AIM: To evaluate computed tomography (CT) measured total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), total psoas muscle area (TPA), and psoas density (PD) - previously described sarcopaenia indicators - as possible risk factors for postoperative complications in patients after curative colon and rectal resections for colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients after elective curative colon or rectal resection for cancer at a single institution were divided into cohorts with uncomplicated postoperative course or complications Clavien-Dindo grade I-II (Cl-Di 0-II) and complications Clavien-Dindo grade III-V (Cl-Di III-V). Cohorts were statistically tested for significant differences in TAMA, TPA, and PD calculated from preoperative staging CT scans at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. RESULTS: Data of 112 patients were analysed from a prospectively run database; 65 underwent colon and 47 rectal resections. PD was significantly higher in the Cl-Di 0-II cohort compared to the Cl-Di III-V for both colon (42.67 ±6.52 vs. 40.11 ±7.57 HU, p = 0.002) and rectal resections (44.08 ±5.86 vs. 43.03 ±5.70HU, p = 0.016). TAMA and TPA failed to show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Psoas density is significantly decreased in patients with Clavien-Dindo grade III-V complications after curative resection for colon and rectal cancer. Due to the simplicity and affordability of its assessment from preoperative staging CT scan, it might be considered an optimal sarcopaenic indicator to be utilised in everyday practice.

EAES online educational resources: a survey of the membership of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

BACKGROUND: The European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) strives to be a leader in promoting the development and expansion of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Part of the association's mission statement is "to become an information hub for all practitioners of MIS". It is therefore important that the education segment of the association continues to be actively monitored and updated to ensure this mission statement is met. This project aimed to understand the trainees requirement in fulfilling this role, and to develop an practical action plan to ensure such requirements are adequately met. METHODS: Two sequential questionnaires were sent to all members of the EAES. The questionnaires sought to understand the demographics of the EAES membership, and their training requirements. This followed a Delphi methodology. The data collected included training status, level of competence in laparoscopic surgery and tools needed for improving laparoscopic skills. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-five responded to the first survey, and 209 responded to the second survey. There were 112 trainees (24.1%) in the first round. More than 50% of trainees were less than 8 years from graduation from medical school. Only 162 (34.8%) of respondents performed MIS in more than half their practice. Videos of common procedures were ranked the highest in terms of what trainees required to help improve their laparoscopic skills, followed by e-learning modules. CONCLUSION: There is a significant training gap identified amongst the trainee population of the EAES with regards to MIS training. Trainees were not performing MIS enough for them to feel confident with their skills. The EAES could fulfill this training requirement via expertly curated videos, and e-learning modules written by senior specialists.

The risk of sarcopenia 24 months after bariatric surgery - assessment by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA): a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric procedures lead to changes in body composition. Desired fat loss may be accompanied by decrease of muscle mass, thus raising the risk of sarcopenia. AIM: To detect the risk of sarcopenia in patients 24 months after different bariatric/metabolic (B/M) procedures by DEXA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients scheduled for a B/M procedure underwent DEXA scan and anthropometric assessment before and 24 months after surgery in a prospective manner. Obtained data were tested for significant differences (p < 0.05) to detect body composition changes and occurrence of sarcopenia. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was answered at 24 months to assess physical activity. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were enrolled, with no drop-off at follow-up. Body mass index dropped from 42.4 ±6.3 to 30.3 ±4.9 kg/m2, with excess weight loss of 72 ±25% and substantial improvement of all relevant anthropometric measurements (p < 0.001). Significant changes in DEXA parameters were observed: fat mass index (19.5 ±4.7 vs. 12.1 ±3.7 kg/m2), estimated visceral adipose area (235.8 ±70.0 vs. 126.5 ±50.4 cm2), lean mass index (22.1 ±2.4 vs. 18.1 ±2.3 kg/m2), appendage lean mass index (9.7 ±1.3 vs. 7.7 ±1.1 kg/m2), bone mineral content (1.22 ±0.1 vs. 1.12 ±0.1 kg), Z score (2.32 vs. 0.96) and T score (0.58 vs. -0.58). A low level of physical activity was recorded at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: B/M procedures lead to significant changes in body composition at 24 months after surgery. DEXA detects these changes effectively. Desired fat loss is associated with significant reduction of skeletal muscle and bone mineral mass. As such, patients after B/M surgery are at risk of sarcopenia. A low level of physical activity may also play a negative role.

Laparoscopic approach to pelvic organ prolapse - the way to go or a blind alley?

Pelvic organ prolapse represents a relatively frequent diagnosis that requires attention due to its detrimental effect on quality of life. Not surprisingly, it is one of the commonest indications for surgery in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, often requiring a complex multidisciplinary approach. Traditional vaginal procedures are being gradually replaced by laparoscopic techniques, offering anticipated benefits in reduced recurrence and complication rates, while respecting the trend towards uterus sparing if desirable. Recently, questions about the safety of alloplastic materials used in pelvic organ prolapse surgery were raised, leading to official restrictions in their use, particularly for transvaginal application. As a result, laparoscopic procedures might appear slightly favored but caution must be taken to assure proper technique of mesh placement while maintaining high awareness of possible long-term mesh-related complications that require close surveillance. Therefore, adequate education and training becomes even more important to achieve optimal results and to avoid possible serious medico-legal charges.

Management and follow-up of gallbladder polyps : Joint guidelines between the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and other Interventional Techniques (EAES), International Society of Digestive Surgery - European Federation (EFISDS) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).

OBJECTIVES: The management of incidentally detected gallbladder polyps on radiological examinations is contentious. The incidental radiological finding of a gallbladder polyp can therefore be problematic for the radiologist and the clinician who referred the patient for the radiological examination. To address this a joint guideline was created by the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and other Interventional Techniques (EAES), International Society of Digestive Surgery - European Federation (EFISDS) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). METHODS: A targeted literature search was performed and consensus guidelines were created using a series of Delphi questionnaires and a seven-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of three Delphi rounds were performed. Consensus regarding which patients should have cholecystectomy, which patients should have ultrasound follow-up and the nature and duration of that follow-up was established. The full recommendations as well as a summary algorithm are provided. CONCLUSIONS: These expert consensus recommendations can be used as guidance when a gallbladder polyp is encountered in clinical practice. KEY POINTS: • Management of gallbladder polyps is contentious • Cholecystectomy is recommended for gallbladder polyps >10 mm • Management of polyps <10 mm depends on patient and polyp characteristics • Further research is required to determine optimal management of gallbladder polyps.

Laparoscopic left and right adrenalectomy from an anterior approach - is there any difference? Outcomes in 176 consecutive patients.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally, in open surgery, right adrenalectomy is considered technically more demanding than its left-sided counterpart. This belief is supposed to be attributable mainly to different anatomic characteristics of the adrenal veins. Whether this opinion is also correct for laparoscopic adrenalectomy remains elusive. AIM: To compare the outcomes of left versus right laparoscopic adrenalectomy from an anterior approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective statistical analysis of a prospectively compiled database of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a single center with focus on potential differences in the left- versus right-sided procedure in terms of demographic parameters, tumor size, operating time, occurrence of serious intraoperative complications, conversion, length of hospital stay and re-operation rate. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six patients underwent elective laparoscopic adrenalectomy - 80 left-sided (45.45%) and 96 right-sided (54.55%). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age (54.09 ±11.2 vs. 56.27 ±11.6; p = 0.2), tumor size (3.39 ±1.86 vs. 3.26 ±1.66; p = 0.64), operating time (71.84 ±22.33 vs. 72.06 ±30.99; p = 0.95), occurrence of serious intraoperative complications (7.5% vs. 10.4%; p = 0.5), conversion (1.25% vs. 1.04%; p = 0.9), length of hospital stay (4.52 ±1.30 vs. 4.37 ±1.91; p = 0.55) or reoperation rate (5% vs. 1%; p = 0.11). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between the left and right laparoscopic adrenalectomy in terms of operating time, occurrence of serious intraoperative complications, conversion rate or postoperative outcome. Therefore, the opinion that the right-sided procedure is more difficult does not seem to be justified for laparoscopic adrenalectomy from the anterior approach.

Are There Specific Indications for Laparoscopic Appendectomy? A Review and Critical Appraisal of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has proven to be a feasible alternative to open appendectomy (OA). However, as some of the purported advantages of LA (versus OA) are marginal, evidence is accumulating that appendectomy may not be necessary for uncomplicated appendicitis and there is concern about using laparoscopy for all patients with suspected acute appendicitis. In spite of widespread popularity and use, the literature reporting the indications is sparse and sometimes misleading (i.e., containing distorted deductions or conclusions, also called "spin"). This study aimed to determine subsets of patients for whom LA may present real advantages over OA and to analyze the validity of specific indications for LA (instead of OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and critical analysis of the literature were conducted. RESULTS: We analyzed 90 retrospective reviews, prospective studies, meta-analyses, and cohort and prospective randomized studies, presenting a total of approximately 390,000 patients, concerning potentially specific advantages of LA in the elderly, the obese, during pregnancy, and complicated appendicitis, including diffuse peritonitis and ectopic appendices. Overall, LA was associated with (1) lower overall complication rates (and notably less decompensated comorbidities), mortality, and costs, as well as shorter duration of hospital stay, in the elderly, (2) decreased morbidity (notably parietal) in the obese, and (3) potential (diagnostic) advantages in pregnancy (even though LA is associated with a higher rate of fetal loss than in OA). In complicated or ectopic appendicitis, LA is feasible and safe and, if performed without conversion, should lead to less short- and long-term parietal morbidity. However, published data are very heterogeneous, there are few sound controlled trials, and conclusions found in the literature are often based on misleading deductions or a very low level of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: LA is a safe and effective method to treat acute appendicitis in specific settings such as the elderly and the obese, as well as in ectopic appendices, with potentially specific parietal advantages in these subsets of patients. Further randomized studies and robust meta-analyses are necessary before recommending LA for complicated appendicitis and peritonitis, as well as in pregnancy.

A risk score to predict the difficulty of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Several preoperative scoring systems have been proposed to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in order to optimize the results of surgical treatment by either selection of patients for the procedure or providing an adequately experienced surgical team for a given patient. Nevertheless, none of them has achieved significant penetration into everyday practice. AIM: To propose and validate a novel risk score based on the patient's history, physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The risk score was defined by the presence of the following risk factors: male sex, biliary colic within the last 3 weeks prior to surgery, history of acute cholecystitis treated conservatively, previous upper abdominal surgery, right upper quadrant pain, rigidity in right upper abdomen and ultrasonographic parameters - thickening of the gallbladder wall ≥ 4 mm, hydropic gallbladder (diameter exceeding 4.5 cm) and shrunken gallbladder. One point was allocated for each risk factor, except for previous upper abdominal surgery, which scored two. Difficulty of the surgery was assessed by operating time (OT) and the postoperative subjective evaluation score (PSES). RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in the prospective observational study. A significant linear correlation was observed between the risk score and measures of difficulty employed. Five levels of difficulty were defined (score 0, 1, 2, 3, ≥ 4) with significant differences in OT, PSES and conversion rates (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The suggested risk score is designed as a simple and reliable predictive model, possibly effective to overcome the negative effect of the individual proficiency gain curve and/or to select 'easy' cases for day surgery, single incision laparoscopic surgery or natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery procedures.

Laparoscopic Surgical Skills programme: preliminary evaluation of Grade I Level 1 courses by trainees.

INTRODUCTION: New training models are needed to maintain safety and quality of surgical performance. A simulated setting using virtual reality, synthetic, and/or organic models should precede traditional supervised training in the operating room. AIM: The aim of the paper is to describe the Laparoscopic Surgical Skills (LSS) programme and to provide information about preliminary evaluation of Grade I Level 1 courses, including overall quality, applicability of the course content in practice and the balance between theory and hands-on training modules, by participating trainees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 5 accredited LSS Grade I Level 1 courses held in Eindhoven (the Netherlands), Kosice (Slovak Republic), and Lisbon (Portugal) between April 2011 and January 2012, demographic data and pre-course surgical experience in laparoscopic surgery of the participants were recorded. The final course evaluation form was completed by each participant after the course (anonymous) to evaluate course progress, course materials, assessment, staff, location and overall impression of the course on a 1-10 scale to obtain feedback information. RESULTS: Forty-seven surgeons of 5 different nationalities were enrolled in an LSS Grade I Level 1 programme. Most participants were first or second year residents (n = 25), but also already established surgeons took part (n = 6). The mean age of the participants was 31.2 years (SD = 2.86), the male/female ratio was 32/15, and previous experience with laparoscopic surgery was limited. Overall impression of the course was rated with 8.7 points (SD = 0.78). The applicability of the course content in practice and the balance between theory and hands-on training were also rated very well - mean 8.8 (SD = 1.01) and 8.1 points (SD = 0.80) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Surgical Skills Grade I Level 1 courses are evaluated as well balanced, with content applicable in clinical practice, meeting the expectations of individual participants. International interest in the programme suggests that LSS might become the future European standard in surgical education in laparoscopic surgery. Further conclusions concerning success of the programme may be drawn after the completion of clinical assessment of enrolled participants.