Ambulatory colectomy for cancer: Results from a prospective bicentric study of 177 patients.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme after colectomy reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens the length of hospital stay. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short and midterm outcomes of ambulatory colectomy for cancer. METHODS: This was a two-centre, observational study of a database maintained prospectively between 2013 and 2021. Short-term outcome measures were complications, admissions, unplanned consultations and readmission rates. Midterm outcome measures were the delay between surgery and initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, length of disease-free survival and 2-year disease-free survival rate. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were included. The overall morbidity rate was 15% and the mortality rate was 0%. The admission rate was 13% and 11% patients left hospital within 24 h of surgery. The readmission rate was 9% and all readmissions occurred before postoperative Day 4. Eight patients underwent repeat surgery because of anastomotic fistula (n = 7) or anastomotic ileocolic bleeding (n = 1). These patients had an uneventful recovery. Sixty-one patients required adjuvant chemotherapy with a median delay between surgery and chemotherapy initiation of 35 days. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory colectomy for cancer is feasible and safe. Adjuvant chemotherapy could be initiated before 6 weeks postsurgery. The ambulatory approach may be a step forward to further improve morbidity and oncologic prognosis.

Right Colectomy with Absorbable Mesh Repair as a Salvage Solution for the Management of Giant Incisional Hernia with Loss of Domain: Results of a Bicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia (IH) may occur in 20% of patients after laparotomy. The hernia sac volume may be of significance, with reintegration of visceral contents potentially leading to repair failure or abdominal compartment syndrome. The present study aimed to evaluate a two-step surgical strategy comprising right colectomy for hernia reduction with synchronous absorbable mesh repair followed by definitive non-absorbable mesh repair in recurrence. METHODS: Patients operated between 2012 and 2017 at two university centers were retrospectively included. Volumetric evaluation of the IH was performed by CT imaging. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included. The mean BMI was 43 kg/m2 (23-52 kg/m2). Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum was performed in 82% of patients, with complications in 22%. The mean volumetric ratio of the volume of the hernia to the volume of the abdominal cavity was 70% (48-100%). The first parietal repair was performed using an synthetic absorbable mesh (36%), a biologic mesh (27%), or a slowly absorbable mesh (36%). No patients died as a result of the procedure. Seven (64%) patients developed grade III-IV complications, including one case of an anastomotic fistula. Recurrence occurred in eight (73%) patients after the first repair. Of these, four (50%) patients were reoperated using a non-absorbable mesh, leading to solid repair in 75% of cases. After 27 ± 18 months of follow-up, the residual IH rate was 46%. CONCLUSIONS: Right colectomy for volume reduction in IH with loss of domain potentially represents an appropriate salvage option, supporting bowel reintegration and temporary hernia repair with absorbable material.

Short-term Outcomes of Ambulatory Colectomy for 157 Consecutive Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy for selected consecutive patients in an ambulatory setting at two institutions. BACKGROUND: Several studies showed that an enhanced recovery protocol for colorectal surgery reduces postoperative morbidity and mortality, and shortens the length of hospital stay. The development of such a program has allowed us to gradually reduce the length of stay for colorectal surgery, until ambulatory management. METHODS: Between February, 2013 and December, 2016, all patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colectomy and meeting rigorous criteria for ambulatory surgery were included. Outcome was prospectively studied. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients (70 women) with a median age of 61 years (range 25-82 years) were included. The ambulatory rate for colectomy was 30.5%. Median operative time and length of in-hospital stay were 95 minutes (range 45-232 minutes) and 10.0 hours (range 7-14.7 hours), respectively. The admission rate was 7.0% due to operative difficulties (4 patients), medical reasons (4 patients), and social reasons (3 patients). Outcomes for these patients were uneventful and the median length of hospital stay was 3.1 days (range 1-14 days). An unscheduled consultation was necessary for 30 patients (20.5%). Nine patients required readmission (6.1%), of whom 6 required reoperation (3.8%). The overall 30-day morbidity rate was 24.8%. The mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of consecutive patients undergoing ambulatory colectomy for malignant or benign disease. We demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and reproducibility of outpatient colectomy for selected patients. In our experience, 30% of patients scheduled for elective colectomy can be managed in an ambulatory setting.

Connected Surveillance for Detection of Complications After Early Discharge from Bariatric Surgery.

As part of a bariatric enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program, at-home follow-up using a novel Internet application was used to detect early complications. The study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this "connected surveillance" protocol over a 10-day follow-up. Patients were monitored 24/7 by a trained nursing team with daily surgeon review of patient self-reports. Morbidly obese patients (n = 281) underwent OAGB (126, 47.70%) or sleeve gastrectomy (138, 52.3%). Of 264 who completed the study (mean age 40 years [20-66]), 3 (1.1%) underwent revision for early complications; there were 6 (2.1%) readmissions and 22 (8.3%) consultations. In a bariatric surgery ERAS program, "Internet-connected surveillance" proved safe and effective in detecting 100% of early complications, and most patients were satisfied with their care.

Long-Term Outcomes After One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) in Morbidly Obese Patients.

BACKGROUND: One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has gradually gained in popularity. Evidence of the validity of the technique and the quality of life in the longer term is scarce. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the longitudinal (≥ 5 years) safety, weight-loss efficacy, comorbid disease improvement, and quality of life of patients following OAGB. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent OAGB from January 2009 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative clinical characteristics and data through 8 years were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients completed 5 to 8 years of follow-up with a mean age of 41 ± 11.4 years (22-65). Ninety-four patients (57.6%) had undergone prior bariatric surgery (gastric band). Mean body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) at the time of OAGB was 41.2 ± 6.5 (range 30.1-50.6). Twenty-one patients (13.0%) suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 59 (36.2%) hypertension, 31 osteoarthritis (19.0%), and 24 had obstructive sleep apnea (14.7%). At 5, 6, 7, and 8 years of follow-up, respective mean BMI reduction was 12.6 (n = 163), 11.8 (n = 100), 10.7 (n = 82), and 8.8 (n = 40). Respective mean excess weight loss was 81.8 ± 23.6%, 75.9 ± 20.8%, 69.1 ± 20.4%, and 62.3 ± 23.4%. All obesity-related comorbidities decreased significantly at follow-up time points. Five patients (3%) underwent laparoscopic reoperation within 90 days after surgery. Incidence of recurrent reflux was 14.0%. At a mean follow-up of 92 months (76-111), improved or greatly improved quality of life was reported by 86.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: OAGB provided very good weight loss, comorbidity improvement, and quality of life at follow-up of ≥ 5 years.

Implementation of enhanced recovery programs for bariatric surgery. Results from the Francophone large-scale database.

BACKGROUND: The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of programs for enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) are now well established. However, data concerning their large-scale implementation remain insufficient. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to review the multicenter implementation of ERABS SETTING: This retrospective analysis of a prospective database was conducted in 15 Groupe francophone de Rehabilitation Améliorée après ChirurgiE centers from data from March 2014 to January 2017. METHODS: The Francophone working Group for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (Groupe francophone de Rehabilitation Améliorée après ChirurgiE) edited and released protocols of ERABS for its members. Compliance with ERABS, lengths of hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity were obtained from the Groupe francophone de Rehabilitation Améliorée après ChirurgiE-audit database. RESULTS: In this study, 1667 patients were included. Procedures were sleeve gastrectomy (n = 1011), gastric bypass (n = 300), or mini-bypass (n = 356). Mean body mass index was 41.8 ± 8.3 kg/m2. Global morbidity was 2.57%, and surgery-related morbidity was 1.67% (mostly anastomotic leakages and hemorrhage). Mean length of hospital stay was 2.4 ± 3.6 days. Overall compliance was 79.6%. Among the 23 elements of the ERABS program, 14 were applied in>70% of instances, 6 in between 50% and 70%, and 3 in<50%. The elements least often applied were limb intermittent pneumatic compression during surgery (23.3%), multimodal analgesia (49.5%), and optimal perioperative fluid management (43.8%). CONCLUSION: This study shows that even if the overall compliance was good, the large-scale implementation of ERABS can still be improved, as several elements remain insufficiently applied. This finding highlights the importance of thorough, continuous training in addition to the need for repeated audits by centers involved in ERABS programs.

Medium- to Long-Term Outcomes of Gastric Banding in Adolescents: a Single-Center Study of 97 Consecutive Patients.

Morbid obesity in adolescents has been treated effectively with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). We prospectively studied 97 consecutive obese adolescents undergoing LAGB over the course of 10 years. The average patient age at surgery was 17.2 ± 0.7 years; mean body mass index, 44.9 ± 6.1 kg/m2. Excluding those lost to follow-up (n = 21), respective mean total weight loss and excess weight loss were 20.0 ± 16.6 and 46.6 ± 39.5% (n = 76, 78.4%). An ascending trend line showed a significant positive correlation between excess weight loss and follow-up duration (mean 56.0 ± 22.0 months). There was no mortality or morbidity. Nineteen patients (25.0%) underwent band removal at a mean 43.0 ± 28.0 months. LAGB proved safe and effective over the mid- and longer term; it should be strongly considered as a procedure of first intention for obese adolescents.

Should ambulatory appendectomy become the standard treatment for acute appendicitis?

Background: Appendectomy is increasingly performed as a 'short stay' or 'ambulatory' procedure, yet there is no consensus for selection of patients with acute appendicitis for ambulatory surgery (AS). We aimed to compare characteristics and outcomes of complicated and uncomplicated appendectomies performed in ambulatory vs. conventional settings, and to determine factors associated with unexpected re-consultations and re-hospitalizations. Methods: The authors reviewed a consecutive series of 185 laparoscopic appendectomies. Whenever possible, patients were offered AS, defined as 'discharge on the same working day.' Multivariable regressions were performed to determine associations of unexpected re-consultations and re-hospitalizations with surgery type (ambulatory or conventional) and patient characteristics (age, gender, obesity, symptoms, appendicolith, perforations, appendix diameter, serologic results, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Saint-Antoine score). Results: From the initial cohort, 117 patients (63.2%) were eligible for AS, of which 8 had peri- or post-operative contraindications. Therefore, 109 patients (58.9%) were operated by AS, with median length of stay 8.5 h (range, 3.3-20.5). Ambulatory cases had a lower incidence of complications (11.9%) than conventional cases (25.0%) (p = 0.029). Uni- and multi-variable regressions revealed that unexpected re-consultations were not significantly associated with any of the pre- or peri-operative variables but that unexpected re-hospitalizations were 4 times more likely for patients with appendicolith (OR, 4.32; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Ambulatory surgery could be considered as a standard procedure for both complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Appendicolith was found to be an independent risk factor for unexpected re-hospitalization and should therefore trigger closer monitoring.

Four-Year Evolution of a Thrombophylaxis Protocol in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program: Recent Results in 485 Patients.

"Enhanced recovery after surgery" (ERAS) protocols may reduce morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS), and costs. During the 4-year evolution of a bariatric ERAS protocol, we found that administration of thrombophylaxis selectively to high-risk morbidly obese patients (assessed postoperatively by Caprini score ≥ 3) undergoing omega loop gastric bypass ("mini" gastric bypass) or sleeve gastrectomy resulted in safe outcomes. Both procedures proved equally effective with this protocol. The vast majority of rapidly mobilized, low-risk patients did not appear to require antithrombotic heparin. Similar to other reported ERAS outcomes, our recent year's results in 485 patients included a mean LOS of 1.08 ± 0.64 days (range 1-14), with 460 (95.0%) discharged on day 1 and 99.6% by day 2. There were 13 30-day complications (2.7%), two reinterventions (0.4%), and no hemorrhages.

Experience with an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program for Bariatric Surgery: Comparison of MGB and LSG in 374 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Strategic multidisciplinary protocols for "enhanced recovery after surgery" (ERAS) have demonstrated reductions in length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity, and costs in conjunction with bariatric procedures. METHODS: We prospectively investigated the effectiveness and safety of an ERAS protocol with laparoscopic omega loop gastric bypass ("mini" gastric bypass, MGB) and LSG in morbidly obese patients. RESULTS: Average LOS was 1.24 days (range 1-14); 86.1% discharged on day 1; 96.9% by day 2, a value comparable or better than that of other ERAS studies vs standard care according to meta-analysis. Complications 2.9%; readmission 2.1%; reintervention 1.3%. CONCLUSION: The program was equally safe with both procedures. Postoperative antithrombotic heparin does not appear necessary in low-risk patients. Bariatric surgical ERAS programs are evolving and not yet standardized.

Liver function during extracorporeal whole liver perfusion in a pig model of acute ischemic liver failure.

The shortage of livers for transplant has renewed interest in the potential of temporary liver support such as extra corporeal whole liver perfusion. In an ischemic induced liver failure model we perfused an extra corporeal liver through only a portal vein and assessed the function of this ex vivo liver by using hepatic tests to estimate elimination as well as synthesis capacities. Acute liver failure was performed in five control pigs by a hepatic devascularization associated to an end to side portocaval shunt. In a treated group, 5 to 6 h after this hepatic devascularization, animals were connected to an extra corporeal liver perfused via the portal vein with blood withdrawn from the ischemic liver animal from its portal vein. Devascularization of the liver induced an increase in liver enzymes and ammonia, a drop in the ratio of branched chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids, and a decrease in blood urea and indocyanine green and galactose clearances. In treated animals, urea, amino acid ratio, and clearances increased after the ex vivo liver perfusion. In this group, mean bile production and mean liver oxygen consumption were 13.7 +/- 3.6 ml/h and 16.1 +/- 7.7 ml/min, respectively. In an acute ischemic liver failure pig model, an extra corporeal whole liver perfusion demonstrated detoxification properties as well as synthesis capacities.

[Liver transplantation for secondary sclerosing cholangitis following biliary surgery]. / Transplantation hépatique pour cholangite sclérosante secondaire à une chirurgie biliaire.

The authors report their experience in five patients who underwent liver transplantation for secondary sclerosing cholangitis after undergoing biliary surgery. Liver transplantation was indicated because radiological and endoscopic manoeuvres failed to control icterus. Histological findings were diffuse destruction of the biliary tree associated with cholangitis in all cases and a secondary biliary cirrhosis in 2 cases. There was no cholangiocarcinoma. All patients are alive and well without recurrence of cholangitis after a median follow-up of 39 Months (range 25 to 117). These results suggest that liver transplantation can be considered the most appropriated treatment for advance secondary sclerosing cholangitis.

Prospective, multicenter, 3-year trial of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the MIDBAND™.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a popular metabolic/bariatric procedure, few prospective studies have assessed its outcomes. This study aimed to prospectively assess LAGB safety and effectiveness outcomes using the MIDBAND™ (MID, Dardilly, France). METHODS: Between May 2005 and September 2006, 262 morbidly obese patients underwent primary gastric banding with pars flaccida technique in 13 French medical centers. Excess weight loss and change in body mass index (BMI, kilogram per square meter), percentage of patients with comorbidities, and obesity-related complications were recorded. Patients were followed at 6-month intervals for 3 years. A multivariable individual growth model was used to analyze weight change over time and determine potential predictors of weight loss. RESULTS: The majority of patients were female (n = 233, 89%), with mean age of 36.4 ± 9.7 years. At 3 years, LAGB with MIDBAND resulted in significant decrease in mean BMI from 41.8 ± 4.2 to 30.7 ± 5.8 (p < 0.0001). Median excess weight loss and excess BMI loss were 61% and 68%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities had significantly decreased from 71% to 15% (p < 0.0001). Complications were observed in 26 patients (10%); device-related complications occurred in 20 patients (8.2%), requiring band removal in 8 (3.3%), and port revision in 8 (3.3%). Individual growth analysis identified significant predictors of weight loss including the number of follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Prospective outcomes demonstrate the safety and efficacy of gastric banding over time using the MIDBAND. Individual growth modeling demonstrated that postoperative weight loss is strongly related to the frequency and consistency of follow-up visits.

3D gastric computed tomography as a new imaging in patients with failure or complication after bariatric surgery.

The number of bariatric operations performed each year is increasing. As a result, a rising number of patients in possible need for revisional surgery are referred to bariatric surgeons. But the standard methods of evaluation are often insufficient, and the best strategy remains difficult to choose. In our centre, we have developed 3D gastric computed tomography with air (3D-GCT). The aim of this pilot study was to assess the usefulness of this new image modality as an aid in the decision-making process in patients with failure or complications after bariatric surgery. Twenty patients referred for failure or complications after various bariatric procedures were included in the study. 3D-GCT was performed on a multidetector CT scanner after absorption of effervescent salt diluted in 10 ml of water and IV injection of butylscopolamine. Thin-slice data were transferred to a dedicated 3D workstation creating three-dimensional volume-rendering images of the oesophagus, gastric cavities and anastomoses. The volume of the gastric pouches and the diameter of stoma or anastomoses were measured. No failure or complications were observed. In all patients, 3D-GCT resulted in very impressive precise 3D images of post-surgical anatomy of the stomach. Imaging findings allowed us to identify or to eliminate the common complications of each procedure with a good accuracy, resulting in an aid to choose the best strategy in each patient. In conclusion, our pilot study suggests that 3D-GCT is useful as a decision-making aid in patients with failure or complications after bariatric surgery.

Eversion thrombectomy for portal vein thrombosis during liver transplantation.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been seen as an obstacle to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), but recent data suggest that favorable results may be achieved in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, management, and survival of patients with PVT undergoing primary OLT with thrombectomy. Between October 1990 and August 2000, 468 liver transplantations were performed in our center and portal vein thrombosis was present in 38 patients (8.1%). Preoperative diagnosis, extension, intraoperative management, postoperative recurrence of portal vein thrombosis, and 1-year actuarial survival rates were retrospectively studied. Preoperative diagnosis was made in 17 cases (44.7%). In all patients, portal flow was restored after portal vein thrombectomy, followed by usual end-to-end portal anastomosis. All patients received preventive low-weight heparin from day 2 to hospital discharge, and then aspirin. Rethrombosis was observed in one patient with extended splanchnic thrombus. The 1-year actuarial patient survival rate was 83.7%, and did not significantly differ from the patients without portal vein thrombosis (86.7%). Our results suggest that portal vein thrombosis is often partial and thus difficult to diagnose preoperatively: it can be managed successfully during surgery by thrombectomy, except when there is complete splanchnic veins thrombosis; and it did not affect 1-year survival.

Leiomioma do esôfago removido por videolaparoscopia / Leiomyoma of the lower esophagus treated by videolaparoscopy

This report describes a leiomyoma of the inferior third section of the esophagus removed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient is a woman 55-years-age, carrying esophageal myoma of 40 mm in diameter wide, situated in the posterior wall of the lower esophagus. Indications for surgery were based mainly on the growth of the mass (6 mm when discovered 7 years previously, increased to 40 mm). Recently the patient returned suffering from pain, which could be attributed to his litiasic cholecystopaty. A small degree of low disphagia could also be observed. Radiologic imaging, direct endoscopic examination and endoscopic ultrasound showed that the mioma protruded on to the oesophagic lumen, discreetly diminishing there. A laparoscopic esophageal myomectomy was indicated at the same session of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Once the pneumoperitoneum was installed, five ports were placed as if for a hiatus hernia surgery. The cholecystectomy was uneventful. Next, an esophagoscopy was performed so as to determine the precise area covering the base of the tumour, at the right-lateral site. Longitudinal and circular fibres of the esophagus was severed over the lesion and the enucleation of the tumour was performed alternating the monopolar dissection, bipolar and hidrodisection. Control-endoscopy was carried out to verify mucosa integrity. Four suture points with poliglactine 3-0 string so as to close the musculature followed this. One suture was placed in for diminution of the size of the esophagean hiatus. Total time of intervention: two hours (30m for the cholecystectomy and one hour and thirty minutes for the myomectomy). Postoperative period: uneventful. Disappearance of the disphagia was observed. Radiologic transit control with water-soluble contrast at 4th post-operative day: good passage. Diagnosis from laboratory of pathology: conjunctive tumour formed by muscle non-striated cells: leiomyoma. The patient was re-examined on the two-month postoperative follow-up. General conditions were good and there were no complain of dysphagia. Neither there were any symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux