Safe Cholecystectomy Multi-society Practice Guideline and State of the Art Consensus Conference on Prevention of Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: BDI is the most common serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To address this problem, a multi-society consensus conference was held to develop evidenced-based recommendations for safe cholecystectomy and prevention of BDI. METHODS: Literature reviews were conducted for 18 key questions across 6 broad topics around cholecystectomy directed by a steering group and subject experts from 5 surgical societies (Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and European Association for Endoscopic Surgery). Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation methodology. When evidence-based recommendations could not be made, expert opinion was documented. A number of recommendations for future research were also documented. Recommendations were presented at a consensus meeting in October 2018 and were voted on by an international panel of 25 experts with greater than 80% agreement considered consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 17 of 18 questions by the guideline development group and expert panel with high concordance from audience participation. Most recommendations were conditional due to low certainty of evidence. Strong recommendations were made for (1) use of intraoperative biliary imaging for uncertainty of anatomy or suspicion of biliary injury; and (2) referral of patients with confirmed or suspected BDI to an experienced surgeon/multispecialty hepatobiliary team. CONCLUSIONS: These consensus recommendations should provide guidance to surgeons, training programs, hospitals, and professional societies for strategies that have the potential to reduce BDIs and positively impact patient outcomes. Development of clinical and educational research initiatives based on these recommendations may drive further improvement in the quality of surgical care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Technique and audited outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy combining the clockwise approach, progressive stepwise compression technique, and staple line reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has proven advantages over its open counterpart and is becoming more frequently performed around the world. It still remains a difficult operation due to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas and limited experience and training with the procedure. In addition, complications such as bleeding or postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remain a problem. A standardized approach to LDP with stepwise graded compression technique for pancreatic transection has been utilized at a single center, and we sought to describe the technique and determine the outcomes. METHODS: A review of all patients undergoing LDP by a clockwise approach including the graded compression technique from August 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 was performed. An external audit was performed by the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group. RESULTS: Overall, 260 patients with a mean age and a BMI of 62.3 and 28, respectively, underwent LDP using this technique. Mean operative time and blood loss were 183 min and 248 mL, respectively,. Hand-assisted method and conversion to open were both 5%. Major morbidity and mortality were 9.2% and 0.4%, respectively,. POPF was noted in 8.1%. The technical steps include (1) mobilization of the splenic flexure of the colon and exposure of the pancreas, (2) dissection along the inferior edge of the pancreas and choosing the site for pancreatic division, (3) pancreatic parenchymal division using a progressive stepwise compression technique with staple line reinforcement, (4) ligation of the splenic vein and artery, (5) dissection along the superior edge of the pancreas and residual posterior attachments, and (6) mobilization of the spleen and specimen removal. CONCLUSION: LDP with a clockwise approach for dissection, combined with the progressive stepwise compression technique for pancreatic transection, resulted in excellent outcomes including a very low POPF rate.

Safe cholecystectomy multi-society practice guideline and state-of-the-art consensus conference on prevention of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI) is the most common serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To address this problem, a multi-society consensus conference was held to develop evidenced-based recommendations for safe cholecystectomy and prevention of BDI. METHODS: Literature reviews were conducted for 18 key questions across six broad topics around cholecystectomy directed by a steering group and subject experts from five surgical societies (SAGES, AHPBA IHPBA, SSAT, and EAES). Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology. When evidence-based recommendations could not be made, expert opinion was documented. A number of recommendations for future research were also documented. Recommendations were presented at a consensus meeting in October 2018 and were voted on by an international panel of 25 experts with greater than 80% agreement considered consensus. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 17 of 18 questions by the Guideline Development Group (GDG) and expert panel with high concordance from audience participation. Most recommendations were conditional due to low certainty of evidence. Strong recommendations were made for (1) use of intraoperative biliary imaging for uncertainty of anatomy or suspicion of biliary injury; and (2) referral of patients with confirmed or suspected BDI to an experienced surgeon/multispecialty hepatobiliary team. CONCLUSION: These consensus recommendations should provide guidance to surgeons, training programs, hospitals, and professional societies for strategies that have the potential to reduce BDIs and positively impact patient outcomes. Development of clinical and educational research initiatives based on these recommendations may drive further improvement in the quality of surgical care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Outcomes for Groove Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The operative management of groove pancreatitis (GP) is still a matter of controversy and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) can be a high-risk procedure for patients. The aim of this study was to report our 9-year experience of surgical resection for GP and to review relevant literature. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing pancreatectomy for GP from August 1, 2008, through May 31, 2017 was performed. Patients with clinical, radiologic, and final pathologic confirmation of GP were included. Literature on the current understanding of GP was reviewed. RESULTS: Eight patients from total 449 pancreatectomies met inclusion criteria. Four male and 4 female patients (mean age, 51.9 years; mean body mass index, 25.3) underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (3 by laparoscopy and 5 by open approach). Mean (range) operative time and blood loss was 343 (167-525) min and 218 (40-500) mL respectively. Pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying were noted in one patient each. No major complications occurred, but minor complications occurred in 5 (62%) patients. Mean hospital stay was 6.1 (range 3-14) days. At median follow-up of 18.15 (interquartile range 7.25-33.8) months, all patients experienced a resolution of pancreatitis and improvement in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: PD is a safe procedure for GP. Short-term surgical outcomes are acceptable and long-term outcomes are associated with improved symptom control.

Laparoscopic Duodenojejunostomy for the SMA Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) was first described by Rokitansky in 1842. Clinical symptoms include postprandial pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Duodenojejunostomy is the treatment of choice for patients with SMAS. We now present a case of a young female with SMAS who successfully underwent laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. INDICATIONS: The first line treatment for SMAS is medical management, which includes infusion therapy, bowel rest, parenteral nutrition and a nasojejunal feeding tube inserted into the jejunum past the obstruction. If medical therapy fails, surgery is recommended. PROCEDURE: A symptomatic patient with body mass index (BMI) of 19.4 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. The patient tolerated the procedure well. The post-operative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged after three days. On six month follow up, the patient had gained weight and her symptoms were completely resolved. CONCLUSION: SMAS is still a poorly recognised pathology. A high index of suspicion should be given for patients with unclear causes of postprandial nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, especially in young females. A laparoscopic approach seems to be safe and effective for patients with SMAS.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients with Previous Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Matched Case-Control Study.

Little has been reported regarding outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We performed a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing PD after RYGB from January 2012 through July 2017 at 2 institutions. Of the 380 patients who underwent PD, 12 (3.2%) had previous RYGB. They were matched (by age, sex, diagnosis, operative approach, and year of surgery) to 36 non-RYGB patients undergoing PD (1:3 ratio). No difference was found between groups in mean operative time, length of hospitalization, or postoperative morbidity. A history of RYGB in patients with pancreatic head pathology did not delay surgical intervention. Outcomes of PD were similar for patients who did or did not have prior RYGB.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy: minimizing the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy outcomes improve as surgeon experience increases. We analyzed the outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy for any improvements over time to assess the learning curve. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomy by a single surgeon at the beginning of practice was performed. Operative factors and 90-day outcomes were examined and trends over the course of the 4-year time period were analyzed. RESULTS: Between July 2011 and June 2015, 124 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (including total pancreatectomy, n=17) by open (n=93) or a laparoscopic (n=31) approach. The median operative time was 305 minutes which significantly improved over time. The median blood loss and length of stay were 250 mL and 6 days respectively which did not change over time. The pancreatic fistula rate, total morbidity, major morbidity, and mortality, and readmission rate was 7.5%, 41.1%, 14.5%, 1.6%, and 15.3% respectively and did not change over time. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed most commonly for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (51.6%) with a negative margin rate of 91.1% which significantly improved over time. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy improves as surgical experience is gained. However, a learning curve that impacts patient outcomes can be considerably diminished by appropriate training, high-volume practice/institution, proficient mentorship and experienced multidisciplinary team.

Subcostal Trocar Approach Using Four 5-mm with Exclusive Removal (STAUFFER): An Efficient and Useful Technique for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is commonly performed in patients who can pose technical challenges, such as obesity, prior surgery, and subsequent incisional hernias. A new technique, the subcostal trocar approach using four 5-mm with exclusive removal (STAUFFER) LC, was developed to diminish these impediments and is highly advantageous. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of medical records for 389 patients who underwent LC from June 2011 through December 2016. STAUFFER LC involves (1) steep patient positioning, (2) visualized 5-mm trocar entry in the right abdomen, (3) use of three additional right subcostal trocars, and (4) gallbladder extraction from the high right lateral trocar site. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: STAUFFER LC was used in 255 patients (65.6%), and standard four-trocar LC (SLC) was performed in 134 patients (34.4%). Overall indications for surgery included chronic cholecystitis (71.7%), acute cholecystitis (19.8%), polyp (2.3%), and other (5.9%). No significant differences were detected in comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification between the two patient groups. More patients in the STAUFFER LC group had previous midline abdominal surgery (P = .06) and significantly higher body mass index (P = .03), and they required less operative time (P < .001). No patient had an entry site injury. No significant difference was noted in morbidity. One patient required a second laparoscopic operation for bleeding. One patient with Crohn's disease and "hostile abdomen" had an enterocutaneous fistula that closed spontaneously. In the SLC group, trocar site hernia (TSH) developed in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: STAUFFER LC is widely applicable and effective, saving operative time and reducing the risk of TSH. It is especially advantageous for obese patients who have had previous surgery.

Postsplenectomy thrombosis of splenic, mesenteric, and portal vein (PST-SMPv): A single institutional series, comprehensive systematic review of a literature and suggested classification.

OBJECTIVES: No standard classification exists for post-splenectomy thrombosis of splenic, mesenteric, and portal vein (PST-SMPv). The goal of this study was to review our institution's experience with PST-SMPv and to perform a systematic literature review. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing splenectomy from 1995-2016 at our institution was performed. Additionally, six databases and four grey literature websites were systematically searched. Splenectomy for pediatric patients or for trauma or portal hypertension related reasons were excluded. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2016, 229 patients (113; 49.3% males) underwent splenectomy for spleen related diseases at our institution. From 1895 to 2016, 1645 unique literature citations were identified. Twenty citations met our inclusion criteria. Data on 1745 splenectomized patients was compiled; PST-SMPv occurred in 141 (8.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, PST-SMPv developed in 6.6% of patients and the incidence of PST-SMPv after splenectomy in the literature ranges from 0.8 - 53.0%. A call for standardized reporting through a proposed classification is made.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity in Patients After Orthotopic Liver Transplant: a Matched Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is frequently encountered in patients with orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). The role of bariatric surgery is still unclear for this specific population. The aim of this study was to review our experience with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) after OLT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing LSG after OLT from 2010 to 2016. OLT-LSG patients were matched by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and year to non-OLT patients undergoing LSG. Demographics, operative variables, postoperative events, and long-term weight loss with comorbidity resolution were collected and compared between cases and controls. RESULTS: Of 303 patients undergoing LSG, 12 (4%) had previous OLT. They were matched to 36 non-OLT patients. No difference was found between groups in the American Society of Anesthesiologists class, mean operative time, or postoperative morbidity. The non-OLT group, however, had a significantly shorter mean hospital stay than the OLT group (1.7 vs 3.1 days; P < .001). There were no conversions to open procedures. For patients with long-term follow-up, change in BMI after LSG was similar between the groups, but the non-OLT patients had significantly more excess body weight loss at 2 years (53.7 vs 45.2%; P < .001). Similar resolution of comorbid conditions was noted in both groups. LSG caused no changes in dosage of immunosuppressive medications, and no liver complications occurred. CONCLUSION: LSG after OLT in appropriately selected patients appears to have similar outcomes to LSG in non-OLT patients.

Bariatric Surgery Is Gaining Ground as Treatment of Obesity After Heart Transplantation: Report of Two Cases.

Experience with bariatric surgery in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is still limited. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent bariatric surgery after OHT from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016. Two post-OHT patients with BMI of 37.5 and 36.2 kg/m² underwent laparoscopic robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, respectively. Quality of life substantially improved for both patients. Bariatric surgery is safe and feasible in OHT patients, despite numerous risk factors. Careful selection of patients is required with proper preoperative management and overall care. Due to the complexity of treatment and perioperative care in this specific population, these operations should be done in high-volume centers with multidisciplinary teams composed of bariatric, cardiac transplant surgeons and critical care physicians. Bariatric surgery can be highly effective for treatment of obesity after OHT.

Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Massive Splenomegaly: Does Size Matter?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the most common approach for elective splenectomy, but use of LS for patients with massive splenomegaly (MS) remains controversial. By the 2008 European guidelines, LS for MS (spleen size >20 cm) is generally not recommended. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 229 consecutive patients undergoing LS, hand-assist (HALS), and open splenectomy (OS) at our institution from January 1, 1995 to December 2016. Eighty-six (38%) had MS. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 86 patients with MS, 27 (31%) underwent LS, 12 (14%) HALS, and 47 (55%) OS. No significant difference was revealed in patient demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and spleen size (24.2 cm vs. 23.7 cm vs. 26.6 cm, P = .06). Benign spleen diseases (23), malignancy (57%), and miscellaneous (20%) were indications for surgery. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss in LS, HALS, and OS were 153, 168, and 131 minutes (P = .17) and 100, 162, and 278 mL (P = .24), respectively. Three patients (11.1%) with LS and 1 (8.3%) with HALS required conversion to OS for different reasons (spleen size, technical difficulties, bleeding). Morbidity was similar in all three groups (P = .99). One mortality (1.1%) was noted after OS. Six (7%) patients in the LS group and three (3.5%) in the OS group developed postsplenectomy thrombosis of splenic, mesenteric, and portal veins. Length of stay was shorter in patients with LS and almost reached clinical significance (3.2 vs. 4.9 vs. 5.2 days; P = .06). CONCLUSION: LS is safe, feasible, and associated with shorter hospital stay than HALS and OS for MS.