Perioperative Cannabis Use in Bariatric Patients: A Review of Outcomes and Proposed Clinical Pathway for Management.

Legalization of marijuana has led to increased prevalence of medical and recreational cannabis use, underscoring the importance for anesthesiologists, surgeons, and perioperative physicians to understand the effects of this drug in patient care. Bariatric surgical patients represent a unique target population to understand peri-operative cannabis use and its effects as these patients undergo an extensive preoperative psychological and nutritional evaluation. Standardized guidelines on cannabis use in bariatric surgery are lacking and many clinicians remain uncertain on how to handle cannabis use in the peri-operative period. Here, we summarize the data on cannabis use in bariatric patients, specifically exploring anesthetic considerations, weight loss, complications, mortality, and psychiatric outcomes. We propose a clinical pathway to assist clinicians with perioperative decision making in bariatric patients who use marijuana.

Novel approach to rectal foreign body extraction.

INTRODUCTION: The impacted rectal foreign body often poses a management challenge. Ideally, such objects are removed in the emergency department utilizing a combination of local anesthesia, sedation, minimal instrumentation, and manual extraction. In some instances, simple manual extraction is unsuccessful and general anesthesia may be necessary. We describe a novel approach to retrieval and removal of a rectal foreign body utilizing a SILS port. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 31-y-old male presented to the emergency department approximately 12 h after transanal insertion of a plastic cigar case. Abdominal examination revealed no evidence of peritonitis. On rectal examination, the tip of the cigar case was palpable. The foreign body, however, was unable to be removed manually in the emergency department. In the operating room, with the patient under general anesthesia, multiple attempts to remove the object were unsuccessful. A SILS port was inserted transanally. The rectum was then insufflated manually by attaching the diaphragm of the rigid sigmoidoscope to the SILS insufflation port. A 5-mm 0-degree laparoscope was placed through the SILS port. An atraumatic laparoscopic grasper was then placed through the port and used to grasp the visible end of the cigar case. The rectal foreign body was removed expeditiously. Direct visualization of the rectum revealed no evidence of mucosal injury. The patient was discharged home shortly after the procedure. DISCUSSION: The SILS port allows minimally invasive extraction of rectal foreign bodies not amenable to simple manual extraction. It provides excellent visualization and eliminates the morbidity inherent in more invasive and traditional methods of retrieval.

Multiple Internal Hernias: A Complication of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Introduction: Internal hernias are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGBP) with four distinct types. Herein, we report the clinical course of a patient with two independent hernias at the Petersen's space and a rarer subtype at the jejunojejunal window. A high index of suspicion for less common subtypes of internal hernias and the possibility of multiple, simultaneous internal hernias is critical. Case Description: We describe the case of a 52-year-old female with a history of LRYGBP who presented with abdominal pain and emesis due to an internal hernia at Peterson's defect, requiring subsequent laparoscopic repair. On postoperative day three, the patient presented again with recurrent abdominal pain and emesis. Repeat exploratory laparoscopy found a separate internal hernia involving the jejunojejunal window with the previously repaired Petersen's defect intact. Discussion: This case illustrates a unique scenario of a patient post-LRYGBP with multiple internal hernias at the Peterson's space and the less common jejunojejunal window, which was missed during the index surgery. Failure to identify simultaneous hernias may result in additional invasive intervention and further morbidity. Conclusion: Multiple less-common variants of internal hernias may present simultaneously following LRYGBP.

Bariatric Surgery in the Elderly Population: A Multi-surgeon, Single-institution Retrospective Review.

Background: As the population continues to age, the number of elderly patients affected by obesity is rising. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) can benefit elderly patients seeking treatment for obesity and its related diseases. We aimed to quantify percent excess weight loss (%EWL) for elderly patients (≥ 65) undergoing MBS at a single institution and compare our results to %EWL previously reported for general and elderly populations. Additionally, we believe the safety and effectiveness of MBS is repeatable in our community setting. Methods: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed from November 1, 2011 - April 30, 2017 at a single institution was retrospectively reviewed. Weight loss was measured at 3, 6, and 12 month follow-up. A total of 103 patients met inclusion criteria, mean age was 67.75 years old and mean pre-operative body mass index was 45.95 kg/m2. Results: Mean %EWL was 31.9%, 43.7%, and 53.4% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. %EWL at one year was not statistically different to prior reports of elderly bariatric patients (p = 0.979). While statistically lower when compared to reports in the general population, %EWL in our elderly patients was clinically similar (p < 0.001). No 30-day mortality was observed. Conclusions: Elderly patients undergoing MBS were noted to have %EWL similar to previous reports in elderly and general populations. MBS is efficacious and well tolerated in the elderly population with repeatable results. Continued reporting on the safety and efficacy is important in ensuring wider coverage and availability of these important interventions in elderly populations.

Surgical treatment of retrograde peristalsis following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde Roux limb peristalsis following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a rare complication that can be difficult to identify. It may present as persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or even gastrointestinal bleeding related to an anastomotic ulcer. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series is an important diagnostic modality to identify this motility disorder; however, it may not be readily identifiable without specific delayed imaging. The etiology of this phenomenon is unclear, but attributing factors include the presence of ectopic pacemaker cells, variable lengths of the Roux limb and misconstructions. When this problem is identified, revisional surgery is indicated. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-y-old female with morbid obesity presented with persistent nausea and vomiting following a laparoscopic gastric bypass. A CT scan showed a dilated Roux limb. Reverse peristalsis from the jejunojejunostomy toward the gastric pouch was identified on a UGI. Two laparoscopic revisions of the jejunojunostomy were attempted to correct this dysfunction. DISCUSSION: An attempt at widening and relaxing the anastomosis was unsuccessful at providing relief of symptoms. A second revision with an anastomosis between the Roux limb and common channel provided long-term improvement. Identifying complications of gastric bypass surgery can be challenging. Imaging studies may be limited, and often diagnostic and revisional surgery is indicated.

De Garengeot Hernia: A Total Extraperitoneal Approach to a Femoral Hernia Repair.

Introduction: A de Garengeot's hernia is a femoral hernia containing the appendix and accounts for approximately 0.8% of all femoral hernias. Presentation of the Case: This paper describes a case of an 84-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, believed to have an incarcerated femoral hernia. Patient underwent a hernia repair and was found to have a femoral hernia involving the appendix, a de Garengeot's hernia. The femoral hernia was repaired using a total extraperitoneal (TEP) approach. Discussion: There are a variety of reported ways to repair a de Garengeot hernia. In this case, we discuss the successful use of the TEP approach to repairing a de Garengeot hernia. Conclusion: Although rare, a de Garengeot hernia must remain on the differential when evaluating a patient for an incarcerated femoral hernia. A TEP approach provides the surgeon the ability to perform a variety of hernia repairs, regardless of what is encountered during the operation.

Single-port-access (SPA) cholecystectomy: a multi-institutional report of the first 297 cases.

BACKGROUND: An important aspect of a new surgical technique is whether it can be performed by other surgeons in other institutions. The authors report the first 297 cases in a multi-institutional and multinational review of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed via a single portal of entry. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively for the initial patients undergoing single-port cholecystectomy by 13 surgeons who performed these procedures in their institutions after training by the authors. The review included operative time, blood loss, incision length, length of hospital stay (LOS), necessary additional trocars, and other parameters important to cholecystectomy. A database of all the single-port-access (SPA) surgeries performed by the surgeons included demographic and procedural details, LOS, complications, and initial follow-up data. RESULTS: To date, 297 single-port cholecystectomies have been performed for a variety of diagnoses, primarily cholelithiasis. The average operative time was 71 min, and the average LOS was 1-2 days. The average blood loss was minimal. The use of additional port sites outside the umbilicus occurred in 34 of the cases. Of the 35 intraoperative cholangiograms performed, 34 were successful. No significant complications occurred except for seromas and minor postoperative wound infections. These results are comparable with those for standard multiport cholecystectomy. In addition, no access site hernias (ASH) occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that SPA surgery is an alternative to multiport laparoscopy with fewer scars and better cosmesis. One factor affecting the rate for adoption of SPA surgery among other surgeons is the reproducibility of this new procedure. Although this study had insufficient data to determine fully the benefits of SPA surgery, the feasibility of this procedure with safe, acceptable results was demonstrated in this initial large series across multinational institutions.

Laparoscopic treatment of a postoperative small bowel obstruction.

We describe the case report of a 25-year-old female who presented with signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction status after laparoscopic treatment of an ectopic pregnancy performed 3 weeks earlier. The patient underwent laparoscopic lysis of adhesions and reduction of small bowel obstruction. This case report presents an atypical cause of postoperative bowel obstruction and reviews the current literature regarding laparoscopic surgery as an approach for treatment.

Laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the most common way of placing a feeding tube. Sometimes PEG cannot be used to safely place a feeding tube, most commonly secondary to an inability to transilluminate the abdominal wall. Whereas open gastrostomy was previously necessary in such cases, laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) is a viable option and is reviewed here. METHODS: All patients referred for surgical feeding tube placement after unsuccessful PEG were considered for LAPEG. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed to identify the reason for the failed PEG attempt. Additional ports were placed as needed for the retraction of organs and lysis of adhesions. The stomach was visualized, and the PEG was placed. RESULTS: Eight patients who underwent an unsuccessful PEG were taken to the operating room for LAPEG. All patients had successful LAPEG placement. No postoperative complications occurred. The most common reason identified for failed PEG attempt was adhesions followed by overlying organs. Average OR time was 32 minutes. CONCLUSION: When conventional PEG placement is not possible, LAPEG placement should be considered as a time efficient, minimally invasive alternative to open gastrostomy.

Laparoscopic-assisted primary repair of a complicated ventral incisional hernia.

Postoperative wound dehiscence is a difficult problem for the general surgeon. Often, patients are too sick, or the wound environment is too hostile, to undergo primary repair. When an eventual repair is performed, a variety of methods are available, but most are associated with unacceptably high morbidity rates, specifically high incidences of recurrences and poor cosmetic outcome. We present here a case of postoperative wound dehiscence following a colostomy takedown repaired in a previously undescribed way--a laparoscopically assisted ventral incisional hernia repair. The method of repair is described, and the current literature regarding alternatives is reviewed.

The weight is over: RN first assisting techniques for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Obesity-related laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a common yet technically challenging bariatric procedure that requires specialized surgical knowledge and training for OR personnel. Critical components of care include an effective preoperative assessment, positioning of the patient, and operation and maintenance of laparoscopic equipment and instrumentation. The purpose of this article is to explain the steps of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and illustrate principles and surgical techniques for the RN who is first assisting during the procedure. Also provided is a perioperative nursing care plan for the patient undergoing bariatric surgery, to aid perioperative nurses in understanding the sequence of events and special considerations for this patient population.

Laparoscopic varicocelectomy with lymphatic preservation using methylene blue dye.

A novel technique is described herein to perform a laparoscopic varicocelectomy using the high-ligation modified Palomo technique. The variation in this case is the preservation of lymphatic drainage by intraoperative identification of the lymphatics using intratesticular injection of methylene blue dye.

Application of Doppler technology as an aid in identifying vascular structures during laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative ultrasound has been used extensively during open surgery to assess bowel viability, to identify vascular structures, and to assess for congenital abnormalities. The extension of this technology in laparoscopic procedures has been hampered by the size of the equipment and the significant learning curve that accompanies its use. METHODS: Using a readily available Parks Inst. Co. Doppler Probe (8.1 MHz) and a 15-inch section of thick-walled, 9.5-mm OD Stainless Steel tubing, a Laparoscopic Doppler Probe was constructed. The parts were separately gas-sterilized, and a small segment of Penrose drain was used to create an airtight seal. The probe was passed through a 10-mm port, allowing assessment of vascular structures. RESULTS: Two Laparoscopic Doppler Probes were available for evaluation during a 1-month period at our hospital. Surgeons were then surveyed at the end of the 1-month period as to the utility of the devices. CONCLUSIONS: The Laparoscopic Doppler probe was used to identify the cystic artery during gallbladder dissection, to assess mesenteric blood vessels during laparoscopic colectomy, and to identify femoral vessels during laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia repair. It was found to be quick to construct, easy to use, and provided useful information to the operating surgeon.

Transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy of a large adrenal lipoma: A case report and review of literature.

The exponential increase in use of computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has lead to a significant increase in the detection of asymptomatic adrenal masses. The prevalence of adrenal "incidentalomas" is approximately 4-10%. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with a large right adrenal mass that was followed by serial computer tomography scans and multiple non-diagnostic core biopsies. Due to the large size of the mass and unknown pathology, the patient underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The patient's post-operative course was uneventful. Pathology revealed a very unusual finding, a large adrenal lipoma. Adrenal lipomas are rare, benign, non-functioning tumor like lesions that occur with a relative frequency of only 0-11%. Over the past decade approximately 10 cases have been reported in literature. We review the literature of the current diagnostic and surgical treatment of adrenal lipomas (Pubmed and Cochrane from 1992-current).