A New Technique to Repair Vesicorectal Fistula: Overlapping Rectal Muscle Plasty by Transanal Endoscopic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical results of a novel surgical technique, we developed to repair vesicorectal fistula (VRF) occurring after prostatectomy, hospital records of the patients, who underwent the new surgical treatment, were assessed. METHODS: The novel surgical technique is called "overlapping rectal muscle plasty," which is performed under transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). During the new procedure, a complete fistulectomy was first performed, and then the proper muscle layer of the rectum was folded, overlapped, and sutured to create a thick wall between the rectum and urinary bladder. This operation was carried out in 15 patients with VRF following radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: The operation was safely performed in all patients with an average time of 127.2 min. Fistula was corrected in 13 patients (86.7%), who were then freed from both urinary and intestinal diversions. CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping rectal muscle plasty by TEM is a safe procedure. The success rate seems to be acceptable in selected patients. This new repair method may be considered as a minimally invasive option in the surgical treatment of VRF after prostatectomy.

CLEAN-NET: a modified laparoendoscopic wedge resection of the stomach to minimize the sacrifice of innocent gastric wall.

BACKGROUND: To avoid excessive sacrifice of the tissue surrounding the submucosal tumor in gastric wedge resection with a stapling device, we perform a "combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach for neoplasia with a nonexposure technique" (CLEAN-NET). Herein the operative technique of CLEAN-NET is described and its short-term outcomes in 50 patients are evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2015 and July 2017 CLEAN-NET was performed in 50 patients with gastric submucosal tumors. During the operation, the seromuscular layer above the tumor is dissected, while the mucosa is kept unbroken. When seromuscular layer is dissected all around the tumor, the full layer is lifted, and the mucosa is stretched. The mucosa is then transected with a stapling device to execute full-thickness resection of the specimen. Finally, the seromuscular defect is repaired by hand-sewn suture. The hospital records of the 50 patients were reviewed to assess the outcomes. The margin width was compared with those measured in another group with 19 patients, who underwent conventional wedge resection with a stapling device. RESULTS: The operation was completed as CLEAN-NET and the tumor was resected en-bloc without rupture in all patients. The average operation time ranged from 50 to 220 min with an average of 105.4 min. The post-operative course was uneventful. Microscopically the surgical margin was tumor-negative (R0 resection) in all cases. The margin width in the CLEAN-NET group was smaller than that in the wedge resection group (5.4 mm ± 2.5 vs. 33.1 mm ± 14.7). CONCLUSIONS: CLEAN-NET can be performed safely with an acceptable operation time. CLEAN-NET can be a useful option in the laparoscopic surgical treatment of gastric submucosal tumors, when excessive sacrifice of the healthy gastric wall surrounding the endophytic tumor should be avoided.

Long-term outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic intragastric surgery in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors at the esophagogastric junction.

BACKGROUND: The treatment options for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GITSs) at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) are controversial. There have been reports on enucleation for EGJ GISTs in order to avoid gastrectomy. But the number of patients is too small, or the follow-up period is too short to evaluate it. The purpose of this study was to review our experience of 59 patients with EGJ GISTs treated by enucleation by percutaneous endoscopic intragastric surgery (PEIGS) and assess the clinical outcomes. METHODS: PEIGS is performed as described below. Access ports are placed through the abdominal wall and the anterior wall of the stomach. Through the access ports, an endoscope and surgical instruments are inserted into the gastric lumen and tumor enucleation and closure of the defect are carried out. In this study, 59 patients with EGJ GISTs treated by PEIGS between 2005 and 2013 were enrolled. Their hospital records were reviewed, and follow-up data for 8 years were collected to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: En-bloc enucleation was achieved without tumor rupture in all. Average operation time was 172.3 min. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 (one localized peritonitis, one bleeding, and one surgical site infection). Average tumor size was 35.6 mm. Pathological findings confirmed negative margin in all specimens. The maximum follow-up period was 101 months. Multiple liver metastases were detected in two patients (at 12 and 29 months). The survival rate was 100 %. The disease-free rate was 98.3 % at 12 months and 96.6 % at 29 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As far as the short- and long-term outcomes of our experience are reviewed, PEIGS seems as curative as other aggressive resection methods such as proximal gastrectomy. Tumor enucleation by PEIGS, offering a chance to preserve the stomach, can be a preferable option in carefully selected patients with EGJ GISTs, when performed by a skilled surgeon.

Development of scar-less laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP-252) facilitated by new 2mm instruments.

INTRODUCTION: To minimize the invasiveness of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) for the treatment of adult inguinal hernia, we developed a new operative technique with the use of only one 5 mm port and two 2 mm punctures (TAPP-252). MATERIAL AND METHODS: To facilitate TAPP-252, we developed seven kinds of new 2 mm instruments, including grasping forceps, hook shaped electrode, mesh pusher, needle driver, scissors, laparoscope and port. RESULTS: TAPP-252 was stably performed in 35 patients with minimal abdominal wall destruction and excellent cosmetic result without any recurrence or morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed 2 mm devices showed sufficient performance and durability in TAPP-252. Further investigation is necessary to assess durability and long-term outcomes.

Needlescopic intragastric surgery facilitated by newly developed 2mm instruments.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric surgery is a percutaneous endoluminal surgery in the stomach aimed at resection of tumors located at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). We developed needlescopic intragastric surgery performed via 2 mm, 2 mm, and 5 mm ports (PEIGS-225). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In cooperation with Niti-On Co., Ltd. we developed a series of 2 mm instruments including grasping forceps, a cannula, a laparoscope, an electrocautery, scissors, and a needle holder. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUE: Two 2 mm trocars and a 5 mm one are inserted into the gastric lumen percutaneously. Intragastric procedures are performed by the instruments brought through those three ports. The specimen is extracted via the esophageal-oral route. The defect in the gastroesophageal wall is closed by hand-suture. After the intragastric procedure, the 5 mm stab wound on the gastric wall is closed by hand-suture, while the 2 mm wounds are left untreated. PATIENTS: Between March and August 2015 PEIGS-225 was performed in five patients. RESULTS: There was no operative conversion. The mean operation time was 96 minutes. There were no perioperative complications. Pathological findings indicated that the margin was negative in all cases. CONCLUSION: Needlescopic intragasric surgery performed via the smallest access (2 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm) is enabled by the 2 mm instruments developed by us.

Evaluation of hands-on seminar for reduced port surgery using fresh porcine cadaver model.

BACKGROUND: The use of various biological and non-biological simulators is playing an important role in training modern surgeons with laparoscopic skills. However, there have been few reports of the use of a fresh porcine cadaver model for training in laparoscopic surgical skills. The purpose of this study was to report on a surgical training seminar on reduced port surgery using a fresh cadaver porcine model and to assess its feasibility and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hands-on seminar had 10 fresh porcine cadaver models and two dry boxes. Each table was provided with a unique access port and devices used in reduced port surgery. Each group of 2 surgeons spent 30 min at each station, performing different tasks assisted by the instructor. The questionnaire survey was done immediately after the seminar and 8 months after the seminar. RESULTS: All the tasks were completed as planned. Both instructors and participants were highly satisfied with the seminar. There was a concern about the time allocated for the seminar. In the post-seminar survey, the participants felt that the number of reduced port surgeries performed by them had increased. CONCLUSION: The fresh cadaver porcine model requires no special animal facility and can be used for training in laparoscopic procedures.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for surgical repair of rectovesical fistula following radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Rectovesical fistula is a rare complication following prostatectomy, associated with significant symptoms such as urinary drainage from anus or faecaluria. While several surgical procedures have been described to treat this condition, none of them has been accepted as the universal standard. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a well-established endoluminal procedure for local excision of rectal tumors. But its application to the repair of rectovesical fistula has been almost unknown. METHODS: We performed TEM as a surgical repair for refractory rectovesical fistula developing after radical prostatectomy in 10 patients. Under the magnified three-dimensional view, through the stereoscope, the fistula and the surrounding rectal mucosa were precisely resected. The defect and the muscle layer of the rectum were closed by hand-sew technique in four layers. RESULTS: Fistula was completely closed in 7 patients, who eventually underwent enterostomy closure, while in the other 3 patients the fistula recurred. In the three recurrent cases, the fistula was associated with wide, tough scar tissue due to previous irradiation, HIFU, or repeated surgical repair attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Rectovesical fistulas associated with wide, tough scar tissue due to multi-time attempt of surgical repair or any type of energy ablation should not be indicated for repair by TEM. However, for simple fistulas without tough, fibrotic surroundings, TEM can be indicated as a minimally invasive surgical option with very low morbidity, without any incision in healthy tissue for approach.

A single surgeon's experience with transanal endoscopic microsurgery over 20 years with 153 early cancer cases.

BACKGROUND: The first author performed transanal endoscopic surgery (TEM) in 302 patients in Japan for the last 20 years, 153 of which were early rectal cancer cases. The short- and long-term outcomes of the early rectal cancer cases are herein reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The original technique of TEM developed by Gerhard Buess was performed in all cases. The hospital records were reviewed to assess the clinical outcomes. A questionnaire was sent to the patients to analyze the long-term outcomes. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty-three early cancer cases included 115 T0 and 38 T1 lesions. Full-thickness resection was performed in 36 patients, while 117 underwent submucosal dissection. Conversion to laparoscopic low anterior resection occurred in one case. Mortality was nil. Major operative complication was noted in only one patient, who developed stenosis. Seven patients underwent immediate salvage surgery. Six patients died of recurrence of rectal cancer. Disease-free survival rate at year 5 was 93.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, one of the largest series in the world, confirms that TEM is a preferable option in the surgical treatment of T0 and T1a rectal carcinoma. As long as early cancer cases are treated, submucosal resection seems to be sufficient. When risk of recurrence is found by pathological examination, immediate salvage operation is mandatory to improve the prognosis.

25 years of SMIT: the past, the present, and the future of minimally invasive therapy.

A quarter of a century has passed since the Society of Minimally Invasive Therapy (SMIT) was founded in 1989 with the aim to provide a platform to promote the development of minimally invasive therapy and the new instruments and devices needed to carry out the new surgical techniques. Both the founder of the society, British urologist John EA Wickham, and the German surgeon Gerhard F Buess, who was one of the leading members from the beginning, conceived SMIT as an interdisciplinary forum to promote the cooperation between physicians from various surgical specialties, but also medical engineers, resp. medical device manufacturers, whose expertise was needed to build the instruments that had to be developed to carry out the new concept of surgery. In this paper we outline the history of SMIT over the past 25 years in order to highlight both the ideas behind the society and the dedication of the people who shaped it.

Development of a novel multichannel port (x-Gate(®)) for reduced port surgery and its initial clinical results.

BACKGROUND: In order to reduce clashing between the instruments during single-incision endoscopic surgery or reduced port surgery we have developed a new multichannel port with wider distance between the channels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used the newly developed multichannel port (x-Gate®) in 34 patients undergoing a variety of reduced port surgery procedures. The operation records of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall performance of x-Gate® was sufficient in the clinical experience. There have been no complications attributed to x-Gate®. We found that with the x-Gate® the conflicts among the forceps have been drastically improved compared with other multi-channel ports we had used before, which had a shorter distance between the channels.

Laparoscopic gastrectomies for cancer: The ACOI-IHTSC national guidelines.

Guidelines for laparoscopy and cancer of stomach have been outlined by several scientific societies: The main recommendation being that laparoscopy should be used only by surgeons already highly skilled in gastric surgery. The laparoscopic approach to gastric cancer surgery has become more and more frequent in most Italian centers. On behalf of the Guideline Committee of the Italian Society of Hospital Surgeons and the Italian Hi-Tech Surgical Club, a panel of experts analyzed the highest evidence of all scientific papers focusing on laparoscopic gastrectomies for cancer and published from 2003 to 2011, and drew these national guidelines. Laparoscopic gastrectomy may be considered as a safe procedure with better short-term and comparable long-term results. compared to open gastrectomy (Grade A). There is a general agreement that a laparoscopic approach to the treatment of gastric cancer should be chosen only by surgeons already highly skilled in gastric surgery and other advanced laparoscopic interventions. Furthermore, the first procedures should be carried out during a tutoring program. Diagnostic laparoscopy is strongly recommended as the first step of laparoscopic as well as laparotomic gastrectomies (Grade B). Additional randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compare and investigate the long-term oncological outcomes of laparoscopic assisted gastrectomy are required.

Effectiveness of a team participation training course for laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for stomach cancer is increasingly performed in Japan and Korea. However, the procedure still is considered to be complicated, and the optimal education system for trainees has not been established to date. METHODS: The authors organized a 1-day professional training course termed the LADG Basic Lab Course for LADG beginners. The participants were required to apply as a team of two surgeons and two operating nurses. The training course consisted of lectures and a live porcine lab emphasizing use of the ultrasonically activated device and the flexible laparoscope as well as team cooperation. The quality and effectiveness of the course were evaluated 6-10 months (mean, 8.2 +/- 2.2 months) after the course using a survey form sent to a representative surgeon of each institution. RESULTS: From May 2007 to July 2008, a total of 80 colleagues (47 surgeons and 33 nurses) from 20 different centers in Japan participated in the training course. These surgeons represented 12.4 +/- 6.2 postgraduate years of education and had performed 2.7 +/- 4.9 LADGs before taking the course. In the follow-up evaluation, 12 institutions (60%) completed the survey forms. The mean operation time was reduced for eight respondents (66.7%). The number of LADGs performed per month increased in 50% of the respondents' institutions. The degree of lymph node dissection in LADG was extended for 66.7% of the respondents. The respondents answered that 100% of the first operators showed improvement in skills, as did 59.5% of the scope operators and 59.5% of the nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The training course was an effective means of introducing LADG to each institution. Training courses emphasizing explanations of key devices and teamwork may be effective for the introduction of advanced laparoscopic surgeries.

Prevalence of reflux esophagitis in obese Japanese undergoing bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the data on the relationship between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asian populations are scarce. METHODS: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) among obese Japanese patients in each body mass index (BMI) range group. In addition, we aim to investigate the risk factors for RE in obese Japanese patients. The present retrospective cohort study included 674 obese Japanese patients who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2003 and April 2016. The patients were stratified into five groups based on BMI range. RESULTS: The mean BMI was 42.7 ± 9.24 kg/m2. The prevalence of RE among each of the groups was as follows: Group 1 (BMI 30-34.9) = 20.7%; Group 2 (BMI 35-39.9) = 24.0%; Group 3 (BMI 40-44.9) = 25.2%; Group 4 (BMI 45-49.9) = 26.7%; and Group 5 (BMI ≥50) = 24.8%. Overall, the prevalence of RE was 24.2% in our study. Furthermore, no significant difference in BMI was noted between the RE and non-RE groups (43.4 ± 9.3 kg/m2 and 42.5 ± 10.2 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.24). According to the multivariate logistic regression model, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection status, GERD-related symptoms, and hiatal hernia were significantly correlated with RE. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the prevalence of RE in severely obese Japanese patients was significantly higher than the average prevalence of RE in Japan. However, the prevalence of RE did not increase with BMI in our cohort.

Stabilization of Single-incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy by Needle Puncture and Bendable Retractor.

BACKGROUND: A recent meta-analysis and systematic review suggested that single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) had a higher procedure failure rate with more blood loss and that it required a longer surgical time than conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Herein, we introduce our experience with the needlescopic grasper-assisted and bendable retractor-assisted SILC technique and evaluate its safety and sustainability. METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study included 407 Japanese patients who underwent needlescopic grasper-assisted and bendable retractor-assisted SILC between January 2012 and April 2017 at our institution. RESULTS: In the present study, all patients successfully underwent needlescopic grasper-assisted and bendable retractor-assisted SILC without conversion to open surgery. Regarding surgical outcomes, mean surgical time was 58.2±23.2 minutes, and additional ports were required in 9 patients (2.2%). Postoperative morbidity developed in only 6 patients (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical approaches defined herein were safe and sustainable with favorable surgical outcomes. Compared with conventional SILC, needlescopic grasper-assisted and bendable retractor-assisted SILC might become a mainstream procedure for minimally invasive surgery from the viewpoint of surgical difficulty.

Evaluation of the excluded stomach by double-balloon endoscopy after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity has become a serious health problem. We have been performing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) for morbid obesity since February 2002. Although LRYGBP ameliorates complications of morbid obesity, postoperative investigation of the excluded stomach is difficult. In patients with a family history of gastric cancer, resection of the bypassed stomach is sometimes added, but this requires longer operating time. There are two problems associated with LRYGBP: the high rate of gastric cancer in Japan, and how to investigate the excluded stomach. METHODS: To resolve these problems, we introduced double-balloon intestinal endoscopy. We report double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) in 4 patients. RESULTS: No problems with advancing the endoscope were encountered during observation. We used an overtube to insert the scope further in order to avoid forming redundant loops in the small intestine, and two balloons to grip the intestinal wall. Although performing DBE involves a learning curve, there were no major obstacles to passage of the scope into the esophagus, small gastric pouch, lifted jejunum, the jejunojejunal anastomosis, Y-loop, duodenum and excluded stomach. CONCLUSION: Use of the double-balloon technique makes it possible to observe the GI tract after laparoscopic LRYGBP irrespective of the length between the gastrojejunostomy and the jejunojejunostomy.

Minimally Invasive, Organ-preserving Surgery for Large Submucosal Tumors in the Abdominal Esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection of submucosal tumors (SMTs) in the abdominal esophagus is not standardized. Enucleation may be a minimally invasive option, whereas its oncological validity is not very clear. Moreover, how to treat the esophageal wall defect after enucleation and necessity of additional antireflux procedure are also undetermined. METHODS: In 13 patients with a SMT originating the abdominal esophagus laparoscopic enucleation was performed with preserving the integrity of submucosa. When the muscular layer defect was <4 cm it was directly closed by suturing, whereas it was left open in case the defect was larger. Fundoplication was added when the esophagus was dissected posteriorly or the myotomy was not closed. RESULTS: Tumors were resected en-bloc without rupture in all cases. In 5 patients myotomy was closed, whereas in the remaining 8 it was left open. In 11 patients fundoplication was added (Toupet in 5 and Dor in 6). The patients developed neither regurgitation nor stenosis postoperatively. The histopathologic findings revealed leiomyoma in 9 patients, whereas the other 4 were miscellaneous. The average tumor size was 5.5 cm (range, 2.8 to 8.8). Microscopically surgical margin was negative in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic enucleation of SMTs in the abdominal esophagus seems to be safe, reproducible operation enabling preservation of function of the lower esophagus and esophagogastric junction. Even when the muscular defect is not approximated additional fundoplication can minimize the risk of postoperative reflux disease.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Large Gastric Submucosal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: In general, laparoscopic resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) >5 cm is not recommended. However, there is a lack of evidence to support this recommendation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 108 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for gastric GISTs. Of the 108 patients, 23 had GISTs>5 cm. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery for large gastric GISTs. In addition, we performed a rapid systematic review of laparoscopic surgery for large gastric GISTs. RESULTS: In our cases, all patients were performed R0 resection without capsular rupture and surgical margins were negative on pathologic examination. In all studies, en bloc resection was achieved without capsular rupture in all patients. The average positive surgical margins rate was 1.6% in total reports. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach for large gastric GISTs>5 cm has been proposed as safe when performed by experienced surgeons.