A Minimally Invasive Approach for Laparoscopic-Perineal Sigmoid Colpoplasty: Case Report and Innovations.

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic-perineal neovagina construction by sigmoid colpoplasty is a popular therapeutic approach for patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. The conventional approach requires an auxiliary abdominal incision to exteriorize the descending colon to fix the anvil for end-to-end colorectal anastomosis. We modified the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) approach by exteriorizing the descending colon through the artificial neovaginal tunnel to replace the anvil extracorporeally, without requiring an auxiliary abdominal incision. It was a more minimally invasive technique. CASE REPORT We performed this modified laparoscopic-perineal sigmoid colpoplasty in a 26-year-old woman with MRKH syndrome. We cut off a segment of the sigmoid colon with a vascular pedicle to make a new vagina out of it, the same as in the traditional laparoscopic-perineal sigmoid colpoplasty. What is new about this technique is that it has no need for abdominal incision and is more minimally invasive. The operating time was 315 min. No postoperative complications occurred. The postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. The modified laparoscopic-perineal approach, free from an auxiliary abdominal incision, demonstrated advantages, including a shorter hospital stay, expedited recovery, and comparable anatomical outcomes, when compared with the traditional approach. This innovation improves the surgical experience for patients with MRKH syndrome, addressing the physical and psychological aspects of their condition. CONCLUSIONS This refined laparoscopic-perineal neovagina construction by sigmoid colpoplasty represents a feasible and minimally invasive technique. It is an attractive option for MRKH syndrome patients in need of vaginal reconstruction, offering a streamlined procedure with reduced postoperative recovery time and enhanced patient outcomes.

Non-TGFß profibrotic signaling in ulcerative colitis after in vivo experimental intestinal injury in humans.

Although impaired regeneration is important in many gastrointestinal diseases including ulcerative colitis (UC), the dynamics of mucosal regeneration in humans are poorly investigated. We have developed a model to study these processes in vivo in humans. Epithelial restitution (ER) and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation after an experimental injury of the sigmoid colonic mucosa was assessed by repeated high-resolution endoscopic imaging, histological assessment, RNA sequencing, deconvolution analysis, and 16S rDNA sequencing of the injury niche microbiome of 19 patients with UC in remission and 20 control subjects. Human ER had a 48-h lag before induction of regenerative epithelial cells [wound-associated epithelial (WAE) and transit amplifying (TA) cells] along with the increase of fibroblast-derived stem cell growth factor gremlin 1 mRNA (GREM1). However, UC deconvolution data showed rapid induction of inflammatory fibroblasts and upregulation of major structural ECM collagen mRNAs along with tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), suggesting increased profibrotic ECM deposition. No change was seen in transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) mRNA, whereas the profibrotic cytokines interleukin 13 (IL13) and IL11 were upregulated in UC, suggesting that human postinjury responses could be TGFß-independent. In conclusion, we found distinct regulatory layers of regeneration in the normal human colon and a potential targetable profibrotic dysregulation in UC that could lead to long-term end-organ failure, i.e., intestinal damage.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study reveals the regulatory dynamics of epithelial regeneration and extracellular matrix remodeling after experimental injury of the human colon in vivo and shows that human intestinal regeneration is different from data obtained from animals. A lag phase in epithelial restitution is associated with induction of stromal cell-derived epithelial growth factors. Postinjury regeneration is transforming growth factor ß-independent, and we find a profibrotic response in patients with ulcerative colitis despite being in remission.

Volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract.

Volvulus describes the twisting of the intestine or colon around its mesentery. Intestinal obstruction and/or ischaemia are the most common complications of volvulus. Within the gastrointestinal tract, there is a preponderance towards colonic volvulus. The sigmoid is the most commonly affected segment, followed by the caecum, small intestine and stomach. Distinguishing between the differing anatomical locations of gastrointestinal volvulus can be challenging, but is important for the management and prognosis. This article focuses on the main anatomical sites of gastrointestinal volvulus encountered in clinical practice. The aetiology, presentation, radiological features and management options for each are discussed to highlight the key differences.

Colorectal procedures with the novel Hugo™ RAS system: training process and case series report from a non-robotic surgical team.

BACKGROUND: The landscape of robotic surgery is evolving with the emergence of new platforms. However, reports on their applicability in different surgical fields are still limited and come from teams with robotics experience. This study aims to describe the training process for colorectal surgery with the Hugo™ RAS system of a robotics-inexperienced surgical team and present the initial patient series. METHODS: The training process is depicted, and data from the first 10 consecutive patients operated on for colorectal conditions with the Hugo™ RAS system by a surgical team with no prior experience in robotic surgery were prospectively recorded and analysed. RESULTS: The team received intensive training in robotic surgery and specifically in the Hugo™ RAS system previously to the first case. Between May 2023 and December 2023, 10 patients underwent colorectal procedures: 5 right colectomies, 3 sigmoid resections, 1 high rectal resection and 1 ventral mesh rectopexy. The first case was proctored by an expert. Median docking time was 14 min and median total operative time was 185 min. The only technical difficulty during the procedures was occasional clashing of robotic arms. None had to be converted, and no intraoperative or postoperative morbidity was recorded. Hospital stays ranged from 2 to 4 days. A median of 21 lymph nodes were yielded in the operations for malignant conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Common colorectal procedures can be safely performed using the Hugo™ RAS platform. Prior experience in robotic surgery is not a necessary requirement, but following a structured training program is essential.

Like a Rolling (Gall)Stone: Optimal Treatment of Gallstone Obstruction of the Sigmoid Colon.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, accounting for 1-4% of all cases of large-bowel obstruction. This is a highly morbid, and often fatal, condition due to its challenging diagnosis and late presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 90-year-old woman admitted to Emergency Department with abdominal pain and large-bowel obstruction due to a 6 cm gallstone lodged in a diverticulum of the proximal sigmoid colon as a consequence of a cholecysto-colonic fistula. Colonoscopy was deferred due to gallstone size carrying a high possibility of failure. The patient underwent urgent laparotomy with gallstone removal via colotomy. The cholecystocolonic fistula was left untreated. The post-operative course was uneventful; the patient was discharged on 6th post-operative day. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary discussion between endoscopists and surgeons is often needed to choose the best therapeutic option, especially in high-risk patients.

Transgastric drainage for subdiaphragmatic abscess secondary to perforation of the sigmoid colon after cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer.

Drainage of subdiaphragmatic abscesses is difficult due to its anatomical location and it can result in adverse events, including organ damage and the spread of infection. In recent years, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guided drainage for upper abdominal abscesses has become available. We report a case of successful infection control using this procedure for a subdiaphragmatic cyst secondary to perforation of the sigmoid colon after cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. A Japanese woman in her 60s underwent laparotomy for ovarian cancer, and then developed sigmoid colon perforation 6 days after surgery. The emergency reoperation was performed, and a cyst suspected to be an antibiotic-resistant fungal abscess appeared under the left diaphragm in the postoperative period. We adopted an EUS-guided route for diagnostic and therapeutic drainage method, which enabled shrinkage of the cyst and did not concur further adverse events. This procedure was effective as a minimally invasive drainage route for subdiaphragmatic cysts.

Restoration of intestinal continuity following emergency sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid volvulus: An American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis using coarsened exact matching.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data to guide decision-making between performing a primary anastomosis and fashioning an end colostomy following emergency sigmoid colectomy for patients with sigmoid volvulus. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of these two approaches. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2006 to 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Missing data were multiply imputed, and coarsened exact matching was performed to generate matched cohorts. Rates of major complications and other postoperative outcomes were evaluated among patients who had a primary anastomosis as compared with matched controls who had an end colostomy following emergency sigmoid colectomy. RESULTS: Overall, 4041 patients who had a primary anastomosis and 1240 who had an end colostomy met the inclusion criteria. After multiple imputation and coarsened exact matching, 895 patients who had a primary anastomosis had a matched control. The rate of major complications was lower in patients who had an end colostomy (33.2% vs. 36.7%), but this difference was not statistically significant (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70-1.05). Results were similar in subgroup analyses of higher-risk patients. There were no significant differences in overall complication rate, mortality, length of hospital stay, or readmission rate. Patients with a colostomy were more likely to be discharged to a care facility (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.67). CONCLUSION: Differences in rates of major complications and many other outcomes after primary anastomosis as compared with end colostomy were not statistically significant following emergency sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid volvulus.

Risk factors for severe morbidity and definitive stoma after elective surgery for sigmoid diverticulitis: a multicenter national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In the decision to perform elective surgery, it is of great interest to have data about the outcomes of surgery to individualize patients who could safely undergo sigmoid resection. The aim of this study was to provide information on the outcomes of elective sigmoid resection for sigmoid diverticular disease (SDD) at a national level. METHODS: All consecutive patients who had elective surgery for SDD (2010-2021) were included in this retrospective, multicenter, cohort study. Patients were identified from institutional review board-approved databases in French member centers of the French Surgical Association. The endpoints of the study were the early and the long-term postoperative outcomes and an evaluation of the risk factors for 90-day severe postoperative morbidity and a definitive stoma after an elective sigmoidectomy for SDD. RESULTS: In total, 4617 patients were included. The median [IQR] age was 61 [18.0;100] years, the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.8 ± 4 kg/m2, and 2310 (50%) were men. The indications for surgery were complicated diverticulitis in 50% and smoldering diverticulitis in 47.4%. The procedures were performed laparoscopically for 88% and with an anastomosis for 83.8%. The severe complication rate on postoperative day 90 was 11.7%, with a risk of anastomotic leakage of 4.7%. The independent risk factors in multivariate analysis were an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3, an open approach, and perioperative blood transfusion. Age, perioperative blood transfusion, and Hartmann's procedure were the three independent risk factors for a permanent stoma. CONCLUSIONS: This series provides a real-life picture of elective sigmoidectomy for SDD at a national level. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Comité National Information et Liberté (CNIL) (n°920361).

Long-term complications and outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty in children with neurogenic bladder.

Augmentation cystoplasty (AC) is an effective surgical procedure for patients with neurogenic bladder whenever conservative treatments have failed. The present study aimed to determine the risks of metabolic complications, malignancy, long-term outcomes and histopathologic changes of native bladder and the augmented intestine after AC in children with neurogenic bladder. Pediatric patients < 18 years who underwent AC between 2000 and 2020 were enrolled. Early postoperative complications, long-term outcomes and histopathologic changes in mucosal biopsies of native bladder and the augmented intestine after AC were reviewed. Twenty-two patients with a mean age of 7.6 ± 4.4 years were included. The ileum was used in 19 patients and the sigmoid colon in 3 patients. The length of hospital stay was 14.8 ± 6.8 days. Post-operatively, the urinary continence rate improved from 22.7 to 81.8% (p < 0.001). Hydronephrosis resolved in 17 of 19 patients. Vesicoureteral reflux resolved in 16 (64.0%) of the refluxing ureter units and was downgraded in 7 (28.0%). Grades of hydronephrosis and reflux significantly improved following AC (p < 0.001). The estimated glomerular filtration rate also significantly increased (p = 0.012). Formation of urinary tract stones was the most frequent late complication (in 8 patients, 36.4%). Life-threatening spontaneous bladder perforation occurred in 1 patient. After a mean follow-up of 13.4 ± 5.9 years, there were no cases of mortality, new-onset symptomatic metabolic acidosis, or changes in serum electrolytes. Of the 17 patients who were followed for > 10 years, no cases of malignancy or metaplastic changes were identified in the native bladder or augmented bowel epithelium. AC is a safe and effective procedure with low surgical and metabolic complication rates. In addition, AC provides a satisfactory continence rate and long-term protection of renal function, increases functional capacity, and regresses reflux and hydronephrosis. Individualized surveillance is recommended for the early identification of urolithiasis and metabolic disturbances.

Weekday Surgery Associated With Short-Term Outcomes in Patients With Colorectal Cancers.

INTRODUCTION: The "weekday effect" on elective surgery remains controversial. We aimed to examine the association between the day of surgery and short-term outcomes after elective surgery for stage I-III colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of 2574 patients who underwent primary colorectal resection for CRC between January 2017 and December 2019 at 15 institutions belonging to the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology. Patients were divided into two groups according to the day of surgery: Friday and non-Friday (Monday to Thursday). After propensity score matching (PSM), we compared 30-day mortality and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Out of the total, 368 patients underwent surgery on Fridays, and the remaining 2206 underwent surgery on non-Fridays. The overall mortality rate was 0.04% (n = 1). In 1685 patients with colon cancer, the proportion of American Society of Anesthesiologists scores was significantly lower in the Friday group than in the non-Friday group before PSM. After PSM of patient, tumor, and operative characteristics, operative time was slightly more prolonged and blood loss was slightly greater in the Friday group; however, these differences were not clinically meaningful. In the 889 patients with rectal cancer, the proportion of patients with abnormal respiratory patterns was significantly lower in the Friday group than in the non-Friday group before PSM. After PSM, the Friday group had a higher incidence of morbidity (≥ Clavien-Dindo 3a), higher incidence of digestive complications, and prolonged postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The results may be useful in determining the day of the week for CRC surgery, which requires more advanced techniques and higher skills.