Effect of incremental PEEP titration on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy: a randomized controlled trial.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) has a significant negative impact and are associated with increased length of hospital stay and cost of care. Emergency surgery is a well-established risk factor for PPC. Previous studies reported that personalized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) might reduce postoperative atelectasis and postoperative pulmonary complications. N = 168 adult patients undergoing major emergency laparotomy under general anesthesia were recruited in this study. A minimum driving pressure based incremental PEEP titration was compared to a fixed PEEP of 5 cmH2O. The primary outcome was PPC up to postoperative day 7. The mean (standard deviation) of the recruited patients was 41.7(16.1)y, and 48.8% (82 of 168 patients) were female. The risk of PPC at postoperative day 7 was similar in both the study groups [Relative risk (RR) (95% Confidence interval, CI) 0.81 (0.58, 1.13); p = 0.25]. In addition, the incidence of intraoperative hypotension [p = 0.75], oxygen-free days at day 28 [p = 0.27], duration of postoperative hospital stay [p = 0.50], length of postoperative intensive care unit stay [p = 0.28], and in-hospital mortality [p = 0.38] were similar in two groups. Incidence of PPC was not reduced with the use of an individualized PEEP strategy based on lowest driving pressure. However, the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was also not increased with titrated PEEP.Trial Registration: www.ctri.nic.in ; CTRI/2020/12/029765.

Ultrasonographic assessment of brachial artery reactivity as a predictor of adverse outcome in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforated peritonitis - Prospective observational study.

Background and Aims: This study aimed to assess if pre- and postoperative parameters of brachial artery reactivity (BAR), like flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and hyperaemic velocity (HV), could predict in-hospital mortality in perforation peritonitis patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods: In this prospective observational study, adult patients with perforation peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy were recruited. FMD and HV were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at 24 and 48 h post-surgery. Adult patients undergoing elective laparotomy served as the control group. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Baseline and BAR parameters were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Risk factors for mortality were identified by univariate analysis. Prognostic performances of BAR parameters were assessed by different models using logistic regression. All statistical analyses were performed on STATA version 13 for Mac OS. Results: Seventy-six emergency laparotomy patients were recruited, and 26 died during the hospital stay. FMD and HV were comparable at all time points between survivors and non-survivors, except that HV was higher in survivors at 48 h post-surgery (median [interquartile range] 1.28 [1.16-1.49] vs. 1.16 [0.86-1.35], P = 0.010]. HV at 48 h predicted mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval] 21.05 [1.04-422.43], P = 0.046), and a model consisting of age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score and HV at 48 h was the best predictor of mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve 0.82). Conclusion: HV, as measured by ultrasonography of the brachial artery at 48 h postoperatively, is a good predictor of mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis.

NOTTO Guidelines for Vaccine Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia in Organ Donation and Transplantation.

From the context of organ donation, COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is important as there is an ethical dilemma in utilizing versus discarding organs from potential donors succumbing to VITT. This consensus statement is an attempt by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) apex technical committees India to formulate the guidelines for deceased organ donation and transplantation in relation to VITT to help in appropriate decision making. VITT is a rare entity, but a meticulous approach should be taken by the Organ Procurement Organization's (OPO) team in screening such cases. All such cases must be strictly notified to the national authorities like NOTTO, as a resource for data collection and ensuring compliance withprotocols in the management of adverse events following immunization. Organs from any patient who developed thrombotic events up to 4 weeks after adenoviral vector-based vaccination should be linked to VITT and investigated appropriately. The viability of the organs must be thoroughly checked by the OPO, and the final decision in relation to organ use should be decided by the expert committee of the OPO team consisting of a virologist, a hematologist, and atreating team. Considering the organ shortage, in case of suspected/confirmed VITT, both clinicians and patients should consider the risk-benefit equationbased on available experience, and an appropriate written informed consent of potential recipients and family members should be obtained before transplantation of organs from suspected or proven VITT donors.

Use of Critical View of Safety and Proctored Preceptorship in Preventing Bile Duct Injury During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy-Experience of 3726 Cases From a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injury (BDI) continues to occur despite technological advances and improvements in surgical training over the past 2 decades. This study was conducted to audit our data on laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed over the past 2 decades to determine the role of Critical View of Safety (CVS) and proctored preceptorship in preventing BDI and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database from January 2004 to December 2019. Proctored preceptorship was used in all cases. Intraoperative details included the number of patients where CVS was defined, number of BDI and conversions. Postoperative outcomes, including hospital stay, morbidity, and bile duct stricture, were noted. RESULTS: Three thousand seven hundred twenty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Trainee surgeons performed 31.6% of surgeries and 9.5% of these surgeries were taken over by the senior surgeon. A CVS could be delineated in 96.6% of patients. The major BDI rate was only 0.05%. CONCLUSION: This study reiterates the fact that following the basic tenets of safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy, defining and confirming CVS, and following proctored preceptorship are critical in preventing major BDI.

Laparoscopic bile duct exploration during pregnancy: a multi-center case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The physiological changes of pregnancy increase the risk of gallstone formation and choledocholithiasis. Traditionally, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the main approach for managing choledocholithiasis during pregnancy, but recent progress in laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) has demonstrated this technique as a safe and effective alternative option. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of all patients who underwent LBDE during pregnancy from five centers with proven experience in LBDE between January 2010 and June 2020 was performed. The primary endpoint was to analyze the role of LBDE during pregnancy and to further characterize its position as a safe and effective alternative for the management of choledocholithiasis. A systematic review of the published literature relating to LBDE during pregnancy until February 2022 was also performed. RESULTS: Five institutions reported performing LBDE during pregnancy in 8 patients. Median surgical time was 75 min (range: 60-140 min). The bile duct was cleared successfully in all patients, and the median hospital stay was 2 days (range: 1-3 days). The literature review identified a total of 7 patients with a successful CBD clearance rate of 86%. There were no major maternal, fetal, or pregnancy-related complications in any of the total 15 patients included. The symptomatic common bile duct lithiasis with deranged liver function tests was the most frequent indication (n=7). CONCLUSION: LBDE during pregnancy appears to be safe and effective. More evidence reporting outcomes of LBDE during pregnancy is needed before any strong recommendations can be made.

A comparative analysis of trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair in uncomplicated vs complicated inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair is one of the standard techniques for laparoscopic repair of groin hernias. Literature has shown that both total extraperitoneal (TEP) and TAPP are equally effective with similar outcomes but TAPP has an advantage over TEP as there is more working space, and it provides access to the opposite side for repair of occult hernias. We reviewed our experience of TAPP repair in complicated groin hernias and compared the outcomes with uncomplicated groin hernia. METHODS: Patients undergoing TAPP repair from January 2004 to December 2019 were analyzed, and divided into two groups-I uncomplicated and II complicated groin hernia. RESULTS: TAPP repair was performed in 820 patients, of which 70.3% had uncomplicated and 29.7% patients had complicated hernias. Occult hernia was detected in 61 patients. The intra-operative complications (16.8% vs 1.3%) and conversions (2.4%) were higher in complicated hernias. Laparoscopic assisted repair was used in 16.8% patients with complicated hernias. The incidence of post-operative complications (62.1% vs 17.3%; P value <.01) were significantly higher in complicated groin hernia patients. The median follow-up was 15 months; only three patients in the uncomplicated hernia group developed recurrence, and chronic groin pain was higher in the complicated hernia repair patients (P > .05) at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Although operative time, incidence of intra-operative and post-operative complications (albeit minor in nature), and conversions to open are higher after TAPP repair for complicated groin hernias, the short-term outcomes (hematoma, mesh infection) as well as long-term outcomes (chronic groin pain, port site hernia and recurrence) are not different when compared with uncomplicated hernias. TAPP repair can be used in both complicated and uncomplicated groin hernias with similar short-term and long-term outcomes, albeit with a slightly higher incidence of minor complications in complicated hernias. This can be taken into consideration while operating on patients with complicated hernias and taking informed consent.

Does Laparoscopic Omentectomy Reduce CAPD Catheter Malfunction: A Three-arm Pilot Randomized Trial.

Introduction: Catheter malfunction secondary to omental wrapping is a frequent complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Of the various methods of peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion (PDCI), open surgical insertion under local anesthesia is most widely practiced. Laparoscopic omentectomy is often undertaken as a salvage procedure in case of malfunctioning catheters. However, there is no randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the role of prophylactic laparoscopic omentectomy on catheter function. This pilot RCT was undertaken to evaluate the impact of laparoscopic omentectomy on the incidence of catheter malfunction. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients were randomized into three groups: laparoscopic PDCI with omentectomy (Group A), laparoscopic PDCI without omentectomy (Group B) and open surgical PDCI (Group C). The primary outcome was the incidence of catheter malfunction at 6 weeks and 3 months. Results: Forty-one patients completed follow-up, with 16, 11, and 14 patients in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. Incidence of catheter malfunction was 6.2%, 27.3%, and 14.3% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively, at 6 weeks and 6.2%, 36.4%, and 21.4% at 3 months, respectively. In patients with previously failed catheter insertion (n = 23), malfunction at 3 months was 8.3% (1/12) in patients who had omentectomy, compared with 45.5% (5/11) in those who did not (P = 0.069). Operating time was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in Group A. Conclusions: Laparoscopic omentectomy may be associated with a lower incidence of catheter malfunction, especially in patients with previously failed peritoneal dialysis catheter. Data from this pilot RCT can be used to design a large trial with an adequate number of patients.

Alterations in Autophagy and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathways Mediate Sarcopenia in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Background and aims: The pathophysiology of sarcopenia in cirrhosis is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the histological alterations in the muscle tissue of patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia, and identify the regulators of muscle homeostasis. Methods: Computed tomography images at third lumbar vertebral level were used to assess skeletal muscle index (SMI) in 180 patients. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the SMI cut-offs from a population of similar ethnicity. Muscle biopsy was obtained from the vastus lateralis in 10 sarcopenic patients with cirrhosis, and the external oblique in five controls (voluntary kidney donors during nephrectomy). Histological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for phospho-FOXO3, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, and apoptosis markers (annexin V and caspase 3). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions for MSTN, FoxO3, markers of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (FBXO32, TRIM63), and markers of autophagy (Beclin-1 and LC3) were also quantified. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 14.4%. Muscle histology in sarcopenics showed atrophic angulated fibers (P = 0.002) compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry showed a significant loss of expression of phospho-mTOR (P = 0.026) and an unaltered phospho-AKT (P = 0.089) in sarcopenic patients. There were no differences in the immunostaining for annexin-V, caspase-3, and phospho-FoxO3 between the two groups. The mRNA expressions of MSTN and Beclin-1 were higher in sarcopenics (P = 0.04 and P = 0.04, respectively). The two groups did not differ in the mRNA levels for TRIM63, FBXO32, and LC3. Conclusions: Significant muscle atrophy, increase in autophagy, MSTN gene expression, and an impaired mTOR signaling were seen in patients with sarcopenia and cirrhosis.

Multi-institutional expert update on the use of laparoscopic bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis: Lesson learned from 3950 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a growing interest in the laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones with gallbladder in situ (LBDE), which is favoring the expansion of this technique. Our study identified the standardization factors of LBDE and its implementation in the single-stage management of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional study among 17 centers with proven experience in LBDE was performed. A cross-sectional survey consisting of a semi-structured pretested questionnaire was distributed covering the main aspects on the use of LBDE in the management of choledocholithiasis. RESULTS: A total of 3950 LBDEs were analyzed. The most frequent indication was jaundice (58.8%). LBDEs were performed after failed ERCP in 15.2%. The most common approach used was the transcystic (63.11%). The overall series failure rate of LBDE was 4% and the median rate for each center was 6% (IQR, 4.5-12.5). Median operative time ranged between 60-120 min (70.6%). Overall morbidity rate was 14.6%, with a postoperative bile leak and complications ≥3a rate of 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The operative time decreased with experience (P = .03) and length of hospital stay was longer in the presence of a biliary leak (P = .04). Current training of LBDE was defined as poor or very poor by 82.4%. CONCLUSION: Based on this multicenter survey, LBDE is a safe and effective approach when performed by experienced teams. The generalization of LBDE will be based on developing training programs.

Effect of Short-term-focused Training on a Phantom Model in Improving Operative Room Performance Among Surgical Residents: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analysis has shown the effectiveness of various training methods for the acquisition of laparoscopic skills in surgical training. However, there is very limited literature focusing on the translation of skill acquisition on training models into improved operating room (OR) performance. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Tuebingen trainer with integrated Porcine tissue in improving OR the performance of surgical trainees using standard assessment tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a single-blinded double-armed randomized control study conducted between July 2016 and March 2018. Eighteen, fourth, and fifth semesters of surgery residents were included in the study. The baseline performance was assessed in OR by performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy using validated scores, that is, Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS), Additional Five Criteria, Task-specific Checklist, Error Checklist, Visual Analogue Scale. The residents were then randomized into trainee and nontrainee groups. The training group received 5 days of short-term-focused training on the Tuebingen trainer, and the improvement was reassessed in OR. RESULTS: The demographic profile of residents was similar. The baseline scores were comparable. The training group showed statistically significant improvement in GOALS (9.88±1.76 to 12±0.66, P=0.05 vs. 10.33±1.5 to 11.4±2.24, P=0.28), task-specific checklist (42.22±10.92 to 53.33±14.14, P=0.027 vs. 45.55±10.13 to 50±17.32, P=0.51), and error checklist. The operating time significantly reduced (36.0±4.03 vs. 50.44±11.39, P=0.0025) following training. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concludes that the training on the Tuebingen trainer with integrated porcine organs results in a statistically significant improvement in the OR performance of surgical residents as compared with the nontrained residents, thereby indicating a transfer of skills from training to OR.

Quality of Life Outcomes Following Single-stage Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Versus 2-stage Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Followed by Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Management of Cholelithiasis With Choledocholithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: With various studies in the literature showing laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration to have equal or similar results when compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) clearance, decision-making in regard to the treatment modality to be used may become debatable. Thus, quality of life (QoL) data may assist both the patient and the clinician in deciding the management of the disease. The present prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare QoL of patients undergoing treatment with these 2 approaches. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted March 1, 2013, to September 31, 2016. Consecutive patients with CBD stones were randomized to either laparoscopic CBD exploration with cholecystectomy (group I) and EST followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group II). Diagnosis was confirmed preoperatively using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and/or endoscopic ultrasound. QoL scores were assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with concomitant gallstones and CBD stones were finally recruited (38 patients in group I and 39 patients in group II). The demographic and clinical profiles were similar in both the groups. On EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, there was significant improvement in physical, emotional, and role functioning in both the groups (P<0.01) with no intergroup variation preprocedure or postprocedure. Patients in both the groups reported similar WHOQOL scores with significant improvement postprocedure and minimal intergroup variation. Both the depression and anxiety scores on HADS were comparable between the 2 groups preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Single-stage management of patients with gallbladder and CBD stones and EST followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were similar in terms of improvement in QoL.

Long-term Outcomes Following Primary Closure of Common Bile Duct Following Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct (CBD) Exploration: Experience of 355 Cases at a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Primary closure of common bile duct (CBD) after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is now becoming the preferred technique for closure of choledochotomy. Primary CBD closure not only circumvents the disadvantages of an external biliary drainage but also adds to the advantage of LCBDE. Here, we describe our experience of primary CBD closure following 355 cases of LCBDE in a single surgical unit at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing LCBDE in a single surgical unit were included in the study. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters including the technique of CBD closure were recorded prospectively. The postoperative recovery, complications, hospital stay, antibiotic usage, and postoperative intervention, if any, were also recorded. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-five LCBDEs were performed from April 2007 to December 2018, and 143 were post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failures. The overall success rate was 91.8%. The mean operative time was 98±26.8 minutes (range, 70 to 250 min). Transient bile leak was seen in 10% of patients and retained stones in 3 patients. Two patients required re-exploration and 2 patients died in the postoperative period. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 10 years, with a median follow-up of 72 months. No long-term complications such as CBD stricture or recurrent stones were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure of CBD after LCBDE is safe and associated with minimal complications and no long-term problems. The routine use of primary CBD closure after LCBDE is recommended based on our experience.

Totally Extraperitoneal Repair in Inguinal Hernia: More Than a Decade's Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: There are 2 standard techniques of laparoscopic groin hernia repair, totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP). TEP has the advantage that the peritoneal cavity is not breached but is, however, considered to be more difficult to master when compared with TAPP. We describe herein our experience of TEP repair of inguinal hernia over the last 14 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients with groin hernia who underwent TEP repair in a single surgical unit between January 2004 and January 2018. Patients' demographic profile and hernia characteristics (duration, side, extent, content, and reducibility) were noted in the prestructured proforma. Clinical outcomes included the operation time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay, hernia recurrence, chronic pain, recurrence, seroma, and wound infections. Long-term follow-up was carried out in the outpatient department. RESULTS: Over the last 14 years, TEP repair was performed in 841 patients and a total of 1249 hernias were repaired. The mean age of patients was 50.7 years. There were 748 primary and 345 unilateral hernias. The majority were direct (61%) inguinal hernias. Telescopic dissection was the commonest method of space creation. The average operating time was 54.8 and 77.9 minutes for unilateral and bilateral hernias, respectively. With 81 conversions, the success rate for TEP was 93.5%. Seroma was the most common postoperative complication seen in 81 patients. The incidence of chronic groin pain was 1.4%. The follow-up ranged from 3 months to 10 years, and there were only 3 recurrences (<1%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, TEP repair is an excellent technique of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with acceptable complications after long-term follow-up.

Comparison of Absorbable Versus Nonabsorbable Tackers in Terms of Long-term Outcomes, Chronic Pain, and Quality of Life After Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair: A Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) has been associated with a high incidence acute and chronic pain due to use of nonabsorbable tackers. Several absorbable tackers have been introduced to overcome these complications. This randomized study was done to compare 2 techniques of mesh fixation, that is, nonabsorbable versus absorbable tackers for LIVHR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients admitted for LIVHR repair (defect size <15 cm) were randomized into 2 groups: nonabsorbable tacker fixation (NAT group, 45 patients) and absorbable tacker fixation (AT group, 45 patients). Intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in both the groups were comparable in terms of demographic profile and hernia characteristics. Mesh fixation time and operation time were also comparable. There was no significant difference in the incidence of immediate postoperative and chronic pain over a mean follow-up of 8.8 months. However, cost of the procedure was significantly higher in AT group (P<0.01) and NAT fixation was more cost effective as compared with AT. Postoperative quality of life outcomes and patient satisfaction scores were also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: NAT is a cost-effective method of mesh fixation in patients undergoing LIVHR with comparable early and late postoperative outcomes in terms of pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction scores.

Factors Affecting Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes After Bilioenteric Reconstruction for Post-cholecystectomy Bile Duct Injury: Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre.

Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy is an iatrogenic catastrophe associated with significant perioperative morbidity, reduced long-term survival and quality of life. There has been little literature on the long-term outcomes after surgical reconstruction and factors affecting it. The aim of this study was to study factors affecting long-term outcomes following surgical repair of iatrogenic bile duct injury being referred to a tertiary care centre. Between January 2005 to December 2011, 138 patients with bile duct injury were treated in a single surgical unit in a tertiary care referral hospital. Preoperative details were recorded. After initial resuscitation, any intra-abdominal collection was drained and an imaging of biliary anatomy was done. Once the general condition of the patient improved, patients were taken up for a side-to-side extended left duct hepaticojejunostomy. The post-operative outcomes were recorded and a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan and liver function tests were done, and then the patients were followed up at regular intervals. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to clinical grades described by Terblanche and Worthley (Surgery 108:828-834, 1990). The variables were compared using chi-square, unpaired Student's t test and Fisher's exact test. A two-tailed p value of <0.05 was considered significant. One hundred thirty-eight patients, 106 (76.8 %) females and 32 (23.2 %) males with an age range of 20-63 years (median 40.8 ± SD) with bile duct injury following open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were operated during this period. Majority of the patients [83 (60.1 %)] had a delayed presentation of more than 3 months. Based on imaging, Strasburg type E1 was seen in 17 (12.5 %), type E2 in 30 (21.7 %), type E3 in 85 (61.5 %) and type E4 in 6 (4.3 %). On multivariate analysis, only level of injury, longer duration of referral and associated vascular injury were independently associated with an overall poor long-term outcome. This study demonstrates level of injury at or above the confluence; associated vascular injury and delay in referral were associated with poorer outcomes in long-term follow-up; however, almost all patients had excellent outcome in long-term follow-up.

Outcomes of renal transplant in patients with anti-complement factor H antibody-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Atypical HUS associated with anti-CFH autoantibodies is an uncommon illness associated with high risk of progression to end-stage renal disease. Disease relapses after transplantation, observed in one-third cases, often lead to graft loss. We report four patients with anti-CFH antibody-associated HUS who underwent renal transplantation 16-62 months from initial presentation. Two patients each received organs from deceased and living-related donors. Anti-CFH antibody titers were monitored during the illness and following transplantation. All patients received two doses of IV rituximab before or after transplantation; three patient each received 1-2 g/kg of IV immunoglobulin or underwent 2-5 sessions of plasma exchanges. The use of therapeutic plasma exchange, IV immunoglobulin, and rituximab in two cases enabled two-third reduction in anti-CFH antibody titers before transplantation. At 5- to 26-month follow-up, all patients showed satisfactory graft function without recurrence of HUS. This is the first report of patients with anti-CFH antibody-associated HUS who underwent living-related renal transplantation. Clearance of anti-CFH antibody by therapeutic plasma exchange and adjuvant immunosuppression aimed at decreasing antibody levels may enable successful transplantation and recurrence-free survival.

A prospective randomized controlled blinded study to evaluate the effect of short-term focused training program in laparoscopy on operating room performance of surgery residents (CTRI /2012/11/003113).

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery requires certain specific skills. There have been several attempts to minimize the learning curve with training outside the operation room. Although simulators have been well validated as tools to teach technical skills, their integration into comprehensive curricula is lacking. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that the technical skills learned on these simulators transfer to the operating room. Currently, however, the integration of these simulated models into formal residency training curricula is lacking. In our institute, we have adopted the Tuebingen Trainer devised by Professor GF Buess from Germany. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training of surgical residents on an ex vivo phantom model for basic laparoscopic skill acquisition and its transferability to the OR performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen general surgery residents were randomized into 2 groups: Laparoscopic Training Group (n = 9, Group A) and Standard Training Group (n = 8, Group B). Group A underwent training in the Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Centre on the porcine phantom model and did 10 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, whereas Group B did not undergo training in the Minimally Invasive Surgery Training Centre. All the participants performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the operation theater in the presence of a consultant who was blinded to the training status of the participants. The performance of the residents in both groups in the operation theater was assessed using GOALS criteria, surgical performance assessment parameters, task-specific checklists, and visual analog scale for gallbladder perforation difficulty and overall competence. RESULTS: The Laparoscopic Training Group had better performance than the Standard Training Group regarding operation time, GOALS criteria, and Task-specific checklists. Although the surgical performance assessments, i.e. cystic duct and artery identification scores, gallbladder perforation scores, and liver injury scores, were better in the Laparoscopic Training Groups, they were not statistically significant. The overall difficulty of the surgery was comparable in both the groups. The Laparoscopic Training Group exhibited significant overall competence on visual analog scale scores. CONCLUSION: Our study has clearly shown that training on the Tuebingen Trainer with integrated porcine organs results in a statistically significant improvement in the operating room performance of surgical residents as compared with the nontrained residents, thereby indicating a transfer of skills from training to the operating room.

Duodenal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma.

Duodenal perforation following blunt abdominal trauma is an extremely rare and often overlooked injury leading to increased mortality and morbidity. We report two cases of isolated duodenal injury following blunt abdominal trauma and highlight the challenges associated with their management. In both these patients, the diagnosis of the duodenal injuries was delayed, leading to prolonged hospital stay. The first patient had two perforations, one on the anterior and the other on the posterior wall of the duodenum, of which the posterior perforation was missed at initial laparotomy. In the other patient, the duodenal injury was missed during the initial assessment in the emergency department. He returned to the emergency department 24 hours after discharge with abdominal pain and vomiting. During trauma related laparotomy, complete kocherization (mobilization) of the duodenum must be mandatory, even in the presence of obvious injury on its anterior wall. We emphasize on keeping the management protocol simple by a "triple tube decompression", i.e. duodenorrhaphy (simple closure), tube gastrostomy, reverse tube duodenostomy and a feeding jejunostomy.

Single-port surgery and NOTES: from transanal endoscopic microsurgery and transvaginal laparoscopic cholecystectomy to transanal rectosigmoid resection.

Two different ways have been developed to perform endoscopic surgery. The standard way is multiport laparoscopic surgery. When entering through a natural orifice, we use single-port surgery for transanal work (transanal endoscopic microsurgery). In clinical routine, we moved from intralumenal surgery toward surgery in the perirectal area and finally the free abdomen. In the context of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery, we have modified the length and diameter of optics and tube and developed new mechanisms for steering long curved instruments. This technology is then used for transvaginal cholecystectomy and transanal rectosigmoid resection. Global clinical application of transanal endoscopic microsurgery has proven superiority in preciseness and clinical results for adenomas and early cancer. The initial clinical study for transvaginal cholecystectomy is successfully performed in 6 female patients with an average operation time of 80 minutes and without major complication. Feasibility of transanal rectosigmoid resection is demonstrated in an ex vivo experimental model.

A prospective randomized trial comparing two-stage versus single-stage management of patients with gallstone disease and common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of patients with concomitant common bile duct stones and gallstones is still evolving. With the introduction of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, many centers prefer single-stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration over preoperative endoscopic bile duct clearance followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The present study was done to compare these two management options. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 patients with symptomatic gallstones and common bile duct stones were randomized to either treatment option. Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and/or magnetic resonance pancreaticography (MRCP) was done in all patients to confirm the diagnosis. In group I, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration was done at the same sitting; in group II, endoscopic stone clearance was followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy 4-6 weeks later. Success was defined as successful treatment by the intended modality. RESULTS: 15 patients were randomized to each group and the two groups had comparable demographic and clinical profile. In group I there was a success rate of 93.5% in comparison with 86.7% in group II (p = 0.32, Fisher's exact test). The complications were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed equivalent success rate in terms of morbidity and hospital stay. Laparoscopic approach seems to be favorable because of the smaller number of procedures and hospital visits.