Peroral endoscopic myotomy versus surgical myotomy for primary achalasia: single-center, retrospective analysis of 74 patients.

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative motility disorder of the esophagus; dysphagia, weight loss, chest pain, and regurgitation are its main symptoms. Surgical myotomy (HM) is considered the gold standard treatment. However, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) seems to be a safe and effective alternative option. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of these techniques. From March 2012 to June 2015, 74 patients with symptomatic primary achalasia underwent myotomy. The two groups were compared in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and Eckardt score at last follow-up. A morphofunctional comparison was also performed. Thirty-two myotomies were performed endoscopically (POEM group) and 42 were performed laparoscopically with a 180° anterior fundoplication (surgical myotomy [SM] group). Operative time was significantly shorter for the POEM group (63 [range: 32-114] vs. 76 minutes [54-152]; P = 0.0005). Myotomy was significantly longer for the POEM group (12 [range: 10-15] vs. 9 cm [range: 7-10]; P = 0.0001). Postoperative morbidity occurred in two patients (4.7%) in the SM group; no complications (P = not significant) were recorded for the POEM group. The median Eckardt score at last follow-up decreased for each group from 6 to 1 (P < 0.001). Morphological evaluation was performed for 20 patients and functional evaluation was performed in 18 patients of each group. Lower esophageal sphincter resting and relaxation pressures were significantly reduced in both groups (P < 0.001). Eight patients in the POEM group (40%) had esophagitis at endoscopy: 4 (20%) with Los Angeles (LA) grade A, 3 (15%) with LA grade B, and 1 patient with LA grade D (5%). Five patients in POEM group (28%) had a pathologic DeMeester score. In the SM group, one patient (5%) had esophagitis (P = 0.04; 95% CI) and 4 patients (22%) presented a pathological DeMeester score. Perioperative results for POEM and SM are similar. The absence of an antireflux wrap leads to an increased risk of reflux with consequent esophagitis. SM with an antireflux wrap could be a preferred choice when a long standing gastroesophageal reflux could potentially lead to a damage as, for example, in young patients.

Transoral treatment of Zenker diverticulum: flexible endoscopy versus endoscopic stapling. A retrospective comparison of outcomes.

Transoral stapled diverticulo-esophagostomy (TSDE) has gained increased popularity in surgical treatment of Zenker diverticulum (ZD). One of the advantages of this approach is early rehabilitation with significant decrease in patient morbidity and time to resumption of oral intake as compared with open treatment. The section of the septum between the diverticulum and the esophagus with a flexible endoscopic (ES) approach has also been proposed since mid-90s as an alternative for treatment of ZD. Both these approaches are a minimally invasive approach to treat ZD. We compared the TSDE management of ZD versus the ES treatment in a retrospective consecutive series of patients who were referred to either the ES or surgical unit of our Institute. Fifty-eight consecutive patients underwent treatment for ZD either by TSDE or ES. The two techniques were evaluated for length of hospital stay, diverticulum size, resumption of oral intake, resolution of dysphagia, and complications. Clinical outcome was evaluated throughout a symptom score from 0 to 3, calculated before and after the procedure. The two groups were compared on the various parameters using a Mann--Whitney test. Twenty-eight patients underwent ES and 30 TSDE for ZD. In both groups, a significant decrease in postoperative versus preoperative dysphagia was reported. The average length of hospital stay wasn't significantly different in the two groups (3.38 days for TSDE vs. 2.42 days for ES). The overall complication rate was similar in the two groups. There were two cases in the ES group and three cases in the TDSE group that required an ES revision to take down a residual diverticular wall that produced a mild but persistent dysphagia. Minimally invasive treatment of ZD both with ES and with TSDE is a valuable option for this disease: both techniques are safe and effective, with similar outcome in terms of hospital stay, symptom reduction, and complication rate. Long-term results have to be evaluated.

Long-term sequelae after 1,311 primary inguinal hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to analyze long-term sequelae, risk factors, and satisfaction after inguinal hernia primary repair. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was mailed to all patients operated between January 1997 and December 2004 for inguinal hernia repair. Patients who had a lump in the groin and patients who experienced chronic problems were invited for a physical examination. Patients who reported having chronic pain were asked to fill out the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). RESULTS: Chronic pain was present in 18.1% of cases. The strongest risk factors were presence of recurrence, use of heavyweight mesh, and age younger than 66 years. By means of the SF-MPQ, we found that the pain reported by most patients was sensory-discriminative in quality, with "tender" and "aching" being the most common descriptors used. About 71.3% of replies used descriptors typical of nociceptive pain, 8.9% of neuropathic pain, and 19.8% of nociceptive plus neuropathic. Chronic pain was severe in 2.1% of patients and interfered with normal activities, work, and exercise. The cumulative recurrence rate was 2.1%. There was a strong correlation between lump and recurrence. Patients declared themselves satisfied with the result of the operation in 93.1% of cases. Due to chronic pain, 6.5% of patients were unsatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the main problem after inguinal hernia repair remains chronic pain, which was the primary reason of dissatisfaction. The SF-MPQ is feasible and easy to administer to all patients and provides important information about qualitative features of the pain.

Persistent dysphagia after laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Persistent postoperative dysphagia is a potentially severe complication of fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze our experience of laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD in 276 consecutive patients, to determine the frequency of postoperative dysphagia and assess treatments and outcomes. There was no relation between preoperative dysphagia, present in 24 patients (8.7%), and postoperative DeMeester grade 2 or 3 dysphagia, present in 25 patients (9.1%). Ten (3.6%) patients had clinically significant postoperative dysphagia, eight (2.9%) underwent esophageal dilation, with symptom improvement in five. Four (1.4%) of our patients (two with failed dilation) and 11 patients receiving antireflux surgery elsewhere, underwent re-operation for persistent dysphagia 12 months (median) after the first operation. DeMeester grade 0 or 1 dysphagia was obtained in 10/13 evaluable patients. Our experience is fully consistent with that of the recent literature. Redo surgery is necessary in only a small fraction of operated patients with GERD with good probability of resolving the dysphagia. Best outcomes are obtained when an anatomical cause of the dysphagia is documented preoperatively.

Transoral surgical removal of a giant fibrolipoma of the esophagus: case report.

An esophageal mass of more than 20 cm in length was diagnosed in a patient who presented with persistent dysphagia. Diagnosis of an endo-esophageal tumour was made by barium swallow; esophagoscopy confirmed the presence of a capsulated pink endo-esophageal mass. MRI confirmed the presence of a large capsulated mass within the esophagus, that appeared to be adipose tissue; a small stalk originating at the level of the upper esophageal sphincter was described and the polyp extended down to the gastroesophageal junction. Demonstration of the site and length of the stalk allowed a transoral removal of the mass, performed through a Weerda diverticuloscope (Karl Storz Endoskopie Gmbh, Tuttlingen Germany), a technique that has never been described before. Histology confirmed the mass as a fibrolipoma. The authors discuss both the role of MRI in diagnosis and treatment planning and the technique of transoral excision.

Analysis of post-surgical pain after inguinal hernia repair: a prospective study of 1,440 operations.

BACKGROUND: Pain remains a significant clinical problem after inguinal hernia repair. We prospectively assessed post-surgical pain following herniorrhaphy in 1,440 operations with the aim of describing the characteristics and identifying predisposing factors for pain. METHODS: Pain quality was assessed with the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); pain character was estimated as either nociceptive or neuropathic in nature. RESULTS: A total of 38.3% of replies reported pain (acute or chronic), and 18.7% reported chronic pain. Independent risk factors for pain were young age, BMI >25, day surgery, and use of Radomesh. In patients with chronic pain, independent risk factors were young age, BMI >25 and use of Radomesh. Analysis of the SF-MPQ revealed that the pain reported by most patients was sensory-discriminative in quality. The most common descriptors were tender and aching. Patients with chronic pain reported more intense pain and used sensory descriptors of greater mean intensity than patients with acute pain. A total of 73.9% of replies used descriptors typical of nociceptive pain, 6.5% used descriptors typical of neuropathic pain and 19.6% used nociceptive plus neuropathic descriptors. Patients considered to have nociceptive pain used significantly more sensory descriptors than those considered to have neuropathic pain. By contrast patients with neuropathic pain used more affective descriptors than those with nociceptive pain. Neuropathic pain was reported as more difficult to treat with analgesics than nociceptive pain and neuropathic plus nociceptive pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that herniorrhaphy frequently produces chronic pain, which can reduce quality of life. The SF-MPQ is a useful instrument to administer to all patients and provides important information about qualitative properties of the pain.

Extended lymphadenectomy in elderly and/or highly co-morbid gastric cancer patients: A retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy is considered the gold standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer, with no age- or comorbidity-related limitations. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of curative gastrectomy with extended nodal dissection, verifying survival in elderly and highly co-morbid patients. METHODS: In a retrospective multicenter study, we examined 1322 non-metastatic gastric-cancer patients that underwent curative gastrectomy with D2 versus D1 lymphadenectomy from January 2000 to December 2009. Postoperative complications, overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) according to age and the Charlson Comorbidity Score were analyzed in relation to the extent of lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity was 30.4%. Complications were more frequent in highly co-morbid elderly patients, and, although general morbidity rates after D2 and D1 lymphadenectomy were similar (29.9% and 33.2%, respectively), they increased following D2 in highly co-morbid elderly patients (39.6%). D2-lymphadenectomy significantly improved 5-year OS and DSS (48.0% vs. 37.6% in D1, p < 0.001 and 72.6% vs. 58.1% in D1, p < 0.001, respectively) in all patients. In elderly patients, this benefit was present only in 5-year DSS. D2 nodal dissection induced better 5-year OS and DSS rates in elderly patients with positive nodes (29.7% vs. 21.2% in D1, p = 0.008 and 47.5% vs. 30.6% in D1, p = 0.001, respectively), although it was present only in DSS when highly co-morbid elderly patients were considered. CONCLUSION: Extended lymphadenectomy confirmed better survival rates in gastric cancer patients. Due to high postoperative complication rate and no significant improvement of the OS, D1 lymphadenectomy should be considered in elderly and/or highly co-morbid gastric cancer patients.

Laparoscopic approach to esophageal achalasia.

Certain technical details are considered important to ease the laparoscopic performance of a Heller myotomy combined with a Dor antireflux procedure for esophageal achalasia. A special emphasis is given to intraoperative esophagoscopy combined with a mild balloon distension of the esophagogastric junction. These maneuvers prove helpful in identifying the esophagogastric region, easing the myotomy, and controlling its completeness.

Clinical application of a new compression anastomotic device for colorectal surgery.

Fifty-six patients underwent large bowel anastomosis by the compression anastomotic device developed by the authors from May 1986 through December 1988. Operations performed were 40 left hemicolectomies or anterior resections of the sigmoid and rectum, 7 left colon resections, 7 right hemicolectomies, and 2 total colectomies. Twenty-one anastomoses were done on the extraperitoneal rectum, in 7 cases less than 4 cm from the anal verge and in 9 cases between 4.5 and 8 cm. Five intraoperative diverting colostomies were done (9%). The rings of the device were evacuated postoperatively after a mean of 11 days with little or no discomfort. Operative mortality was 1.8% (one patient died of myocardial infarction). Anastomotic complications were one (1.8%) clinical and one (1.8%) subclinical leak. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. This initial clinical experience shows that the anastomotic device is reliable.

Pre-operative endoscopic ultrasonography can optimise the management of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with abnormal liver function tests as the sole risk factor for choledocholithiasis: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative endosonography has been proposed as a cost-effective procedure in the management of patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy having an intermediate risk of common bile duct stones. We prospectively evaluated the impact of pre-operative endosonography on the management of patients facing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with abnormal liver function tests as the sole risk factor for choledocolithiasis. METHODS: Among 587 consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 47 (8%) patients having one or more abnormal liver function tests but a normal appearance of common bile duct at abdominal ultrasound, underwent pre-operative endosonography. In patients with endosonography-detected common bile duct stones, a pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed, or an intra-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was scheduled. In all endosonography-negative patients, an intra-operative trans-cystic cholangiography was performed. RESULTS: Endosonography detected common bile duct stones in nine patients (19%) but only in five of them stones were radiologically confirmed (PPV 0.55). Endosonography-detected stones were confirmed in four of four (100%) patients in whom cholangiography was performed within 1 week, but only in one of five (20%) patients in whom radiology was further delayed (P < 0.05). In three of four cases (75%), stones detected at endosonography but not confirmed at X-rays, were smaller than 2.0 mm. Among 38 patients with negative endosonography, common bile duct stones were found in two patients (NPV 0.95), whereas unplanned endoscopic stone extraction was needed only in one patient (NPV 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative endosonography can spare unnecessary pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography as well as inappropriate scheduling of intra-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with abnormal liver function tests. To maximise the impact of endosonography on the management of these patients, the procedure should be performed immediately before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic treatment of epiphrenic diverticula.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Epiphrenic diverticula are a rare disease probably caused by long-standing impairment of esophageal motor activity. Symptomatic disease, which may worsen clinically during follow-up even to severe symptoms, is usually considered an indication for surgical treatment. Surgery for epiphrenic diverticula consists of diverticulectomy, which traditionally is performed through a left thoracotomy; a myotomy and partial fundoplication are generally included in order to treat the underlying motor disorder and to prevent or correct reflux. The same principles of surgical treatment can be achieved through the laparoscopic transhiatal approach. The aim of this paper is to describe the technique and the results of laparoscopic diverticulectomy combined with esophageal myotomy and antireflux wrap to treat epiphrenic diverticula of the esophagus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1994 through May 2001, 11 patients underwent laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy, esophageal myotomy, and partial fundoplication at our institution. RESULTS: In all patients, the operation was completed through the minimally invasive access. The postoperative course was complicated in one patient (9%), who had a leak from the staple line, which was repaired through a thoracotomy. At follow-up, this patient had persistence of a small pouch at the diverticuletomy site. However, he was asymptomatic. All other patients were free of symptoms and without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy offers good access to the distal esophagus and the inferior mediastinum. Removal of the diverticulum, treatment of the motor disorder, and prevention of postoperative reflux can all be obtained through this approach. The immediate postoperative and long-term results are satisfactory.

Thoracoscopic dissection of the esophagus for cancer.

Eighteen patients affected by a resectable intramural tumor of the esophagus have undergone esophagectomy with thoracoscopic dissection of the esophagus in the last 4 years. All patients had a relative contraindication to transthoracic esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy. All esophagectomies were completed thoracoscopically and reconstruction of the digestive tract was performed in 17 cases through cervical gastroplasty and in 1 case through cervical coloplasty. One cirrhotic patient died in the postoperative period due to cervical anastomotic leak. Six other patients experienced a postoperative complication (mortality rate 5.5%; morbidity rate 33.3%). After a median follow up of 17 months, 14 patients are alive without evidence of disease. One patient, who had excision of a cutaneous metastasis at a trocar insertion site 6 months postoperatively, eventually died with locoregional recurrence 14 months postoperatively. Another patient died 20 months after surgery with mediastinal recurrence. One patient died 28 months postoperatively after massive hematemesis with a suspect abdominal recurrence. The results of the present series and those reported by other authors do not seem to indicate presently evident advantages from the minimally invasive procedure during resection of the esophagus for cancer. At the present time, no indication to this procedure exists for standard clinical use; wider randomized trials and longer follow-up to be performed only in selected centers are needed to further evaluate the procedure.

Laparoscopic treatment of functional diseases of the esophagus.

The possibilities of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of functional esophageal diseases (gastroesophageal reflux, achalasia and epiphrenic diverticula) are illustrated with special emphasis on the technical aspects, including intraoperative complications and postoperative care. Results are discussed on the ground of the following experience. Thirty-seven laparoscopic fundoplications were performed with 13% conversion rate, 2.7% postoperative morbidity (1 slipped Nissen requiring redo laparoscopic surgery). Median operative time was 140 min. One patient complained of dysphagia relieved by endoscopic dilation (2.7%). All patients are not asymptomatic after a median follow-up of 16 months although one has gastroesophageal reflux (GER) at 24-hrs pH monitoring. forty laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedures: 7% conversions, 5% postoperative morbidity. Median duration 120 min. One patient complained of persistent dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilation (2.5%) and asymptomatic GER was detected in 8% of patients. Finally, 2 patients underwent laparoscopic diverticulectomy, esophagomyotomy and Dor fundoplication without morbidity and excellent postoperative result. Laparoscopic treatment of functional diseases of the esophagus is safe and effective, provided it is performed by an experienced surgeon with respect for some important technical details. Further follow-up is needed to evaluate long-term results.

Anastomotic healing in dogs under cortisone treatment. A pilot study comparing compression and stapled anastomosis.

Colonic anastomoses made both by a new Compression Anastomotic Device (CAD) and by a traditional stapler (Autosuture CDEEA) were evaluated in impaired anastomotic healing induced by systemic cortisone in the dog. Twenty dogs were given daily i.m. hydrocortisone (25 mg/kg) starting one month before surgery and then until sacrifice. Eight untreated dogs served as controls. Surgery consisted of colonic transection and anastomosis done with CAD-25 in half the cases and with CDEEA-25 in the remaining half. The dogs were sacrificed six and 13 days after surgery. Macroscopic assessment, bursting pressure test, and histology were performed on the anastomosis. One dog died from peritonitis due to anastomotic dehiscence. No other clinical complications were observed. Although the number of observations was too small to attain statistical significance, CAD anastomoses appeared better than stapled ones as regards peri-anastomotic adhesions, anastomotic index, and histology. This preliminary study suggests that compression is as reliable as the stapler in the construction of colon anastomosis even in such situations of delayed anastomotic healing. Further experience is required to substantiate this conclusion.

[Thoracoscopic techniques in treatment of esophageal diseases]. / Thoracoskopische Techniken bei der Behandlung von Oesophaguserkrankungen.

Some malignant and benign diseases of the esophagus are generally treated through a thoracotomic approach. While this may be justified in the curative treatment of cancer, thoracotomy may be avoided for benign diseases if good functional results can be obtained through a minimally invasive approach. Long-term results with careful clinical and manometric monitoring of patients operated on for epiphrenic diverticula have to be considered to define the possible role of thoracoscopic approach to this disease since a laparoscopic approach, which includes transhiatal diverticulectomy, myotomy, and fundoplication, seems to have excellent results. As for leiomyomas thoracoscopy represents the first choice approach since it allows a complete removal of the benign tumor with a limited access. In case of malignant diseases, thoracoscopic esophagectomy has in our opinion few indications. Extent of lymphnodal dissection appears to be the major limiting factor of the technique. Moreover, high-risk patients need anyway a double-lumen intubation and a prolonged single-lung ventilation. Modifications of respiratory function after thoracoscopy have to be compared with those occurring after thoracotomy and after transhiatal esophagectomy. Studies on lymphadenectomy and on respiratory physiopathology will help in define a possible role of this approach.

[The surgical correction of anterior rectocele. Our experience]. / Correzione chirurgica del rettocele anteriore. Nostra esperienza.

Rectocele, or namely the protrusion of the anterior wall of the rectum into the vaginal lumen following the collapse of the rectovaginal septum, is the most common anatomic alteration observed in patients suffering from defecation disorders. The surgical treatment of this pathology is still controversial, particularly in the choice of the surgical approach. From 1992 to 1994 10 patients suffering from low type, symptomatic anterior rectocele associated with intrarectal intussusception underwent muscular plastic surgery of the rectocele and anterior mucosectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether surgical muscular plastic of the rectocele using a transanal approach associated with anterior mucosectomy represents in selected symptomatic patients, a rational and elective therapeutic option. In spite of the small number of patients and the short postoperative follow-up, the authors state that, on the basis of the results obtained, the surgical technique used in this clinical series significantly improves symptoms with a lower incidence of complications compared to the transvaginal approach.

[Right adrenal adenoma: laparoscopic exeresis]. / Adenoma surrenalico destro: exeresi per via laparoscopica.

The authors report the case of a non functioning adrenal adenoma, incidentally diagnosed and excised through a laparoscopic approach. Indications to adrenalectomy for such a pathological condition and surgical technique are reviewed and discussed. In consideration of the relatively rare disease and of the scant literature on minimally-invasive approach to right adrenalectomy, it seemed worth reporting this case and the technical skills performed to ease this operation through laparoscopy.

[Video laparoscopic surgery and rectal prolapse. Our experience in rectopexy]. / Chirurgia videolaparoscopica e prolasso rettale. Nostra esperienza in tema di rettopessia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is gaining an important role in the treatment of benign colorectal disorders. The aim of this study is the evaluation of clinical and functional results in 4 patients submitted to a laparoscopy rectopexy according to Wells. METHODS: Four females (22-76, mean 53.7 years) affected from a total rectal prolapse with fecal incontinence underwent this procedure from 1993 through 1995. Six months after surgery, at the end of a rehabilitation program consisting of kinesitherapy, bio-feedback and electrostimulations, all patients have been re-evaluated by means of a clinical exam, anorectal manometry, defecography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results seem satisfactory and may allow to prefer this approach instead of the traditional open one.

[Segmental splenectomy. Usefulness of linear surgical staplers]. / La splenectomia segmentaria. Utilità delle suturatrici meccaniche lineari.

As the high risk of sepsis after splenectomy is well recognized, reliable conservative surgical techniques in splenic surgery are widely advocated. Among these, segmental splenectomy carries specific and increasing indications. The use of linear staplers makes this operation quicker and safer. On the basis of a personal observation, Authors examine the anatomical features on which this operation is based, the surgical technique and the technical details to be followed using these devices. The advantages offered by staplers in this surgery allow to widen the indications to partial splenectomy, so as to yield a true primary prophylaxis of the post-splenectomy sepsis.

[Aneurysms in various segments of the hepatic artery. Treatment by resection]. / Anévrysmes de l'artère hépatique de sièges variés. Traitement par résection.

The authors report two cases of aneurysms of the hepatic artery, one of which, with a intrahepatic localisation, was complicated by rupture and infection. The etiology was atherosclerotic in the case involving the main trunk of the hepatic artery, and polyarteritis nodosa in the case with intrahepatic involvement. Both were resected; the extrahepatic aneurysm was excised and a venous graft inserted, whereas in the one with intrahepatic involvement, right lobectomy was performed. On the basis of these cases, the authors discuss the various etiologies and the problems related to the indications and surgical techniques for aneurysms of the main trunk of the hepatic artery and those of its intrahepatic branches.