Observational study on preservation of the superior rectal artery in sigmoid resection for diverticular disease.

AIM: Recent investigations have shown improved patient reported outcome after preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. We report on our experience with preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA). METHODS: This is an observational single center study in a high-volume, level II inner city hospital from 2006 to 2008. Inclusion criteria were all patients with diverticular disease. Exclusion criteria were stoma formation, cancer, and iatrogenic perforation. Patients were investigated in group A with preservation of the SRA, and group B ligation of the SRA. Outcomes assessed, included incidence of anastomotic breakdown, intraoperative complications, hospital stay, and risk factors. RESULTS: The patient population included 259 patients, 46 patients were excluded, leaving 100 patients in group A and 113 patients in group B. Patients in both groups were comparable regarding age, gender, co-morbidities and stage of disease. Anastomotic breakdown occurred in one patient in group A and in eight patients in group B (p = 0.038). Incidence of intraoperative bleeding, wound dehiscence, and length of stay was increased in group B (p < 0.03; p < 0.04; p = 0.05). Obesity was an independent risk factor for anastomotic dehiscence in group B (p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our data comprise the largest patient population reported so far on vascular preservation in surgery for diverticular disease. The results of this study support the establishment of evidence based recommendations on the level of dissection in diverticular disease. Specifically obese patients are at risk of anastomotic breakdown with ligation of the SRA.

[Transvaginal cholecystectomy: results of a randomized study]. / Transvaginale Cholezystektomie: Ergebnisse einer randomisierten Studie.

BACKGROUND: Transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) is regarded as a model operation in the newly developed field of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Randomized, controlled trials to assess TVC as a surgical strategy are largely missing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a double blind, randomized, controlled, single center trial in female patients > 18 years with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) and TVC. The study investigated pain reduction of ≥ 1 point on a visual-numeric rating scale with a follow-up after 7 days. Secondary endpoints were complications and patient reported outcome. Groups were established using computer-generated randomization and sealed envelopes in the operating theatre. At the end of the surgical procedure all patients received a standard 4-trocar dressing as for CLC and a vaginal tamponade. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients were asked to participate, of which 97 were randomized, 51 in the CLC, 41 in the TVC groups and 5 were excluded from the study. Patients were comparable regarding age, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Surgical and anesthesia times were significantly different. There was no difference in postoperative pain. The majority of patients were satisfied with both procedures and TVC was recommended to other patients by 93 % of patients in the TVC group. CONCLUSION: The results did not show superiority of TVC over CLC with regards to postoperative pain. With no differences in postoperative pain and high patient satisfaction, TVC can be recommended to future patients as an alternative method. For confirmation of this evaluation of TVC further randomized trials are needed.

[Minimal invasive transvaginal right hemicolectomy: report of the first complex NOS (natural orifice surgery) bowels operation using a hybrid approach]. / Minimalinvasive transvaginale Hemikolektomie rechts: Bericht über die erste komplexe NOS (Natural Orifice Surgery)Darmoperation in Hybridtechnik.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has dramatically changed abdominal surgery by reducing the risk of wound infections, incisional hernias and adhesions. The surgical concept using natural orifices (NOS) may be even less traumatic and so less invasive. PATIENT AND METHODS: This operation was performed in a 66-year-old woman with an adenoma in the ascending colon. Through a 5 mm incision at the umbilicus a pneumoperitoneum was created and a trocar inserted. For the operation a 12 mm trocar and a curved grasper have been inserted in the posterior fornix of the vagina. Because of adhesions an additional 5 mm trocar was necessary. Through this incision the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an intracorporal anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: The histology showed an adenoma with 21 lymph nodes. The removal of the specimen through the vagina was without any difficulties. The postoperative course was regular. CONCLUSIONS: This operation is to our knowledge the first right hemicolectomy as a NOS/NOTES-operation in a human patient. It shows that with rigid instruments even complex procedures through natural orifices are feasible.