Chronic Pain and Discomfort in Primary Uncomplicated Groin Hernia: A Prospective Study Comparing Trans-Abdominal Pre-Peritoneal (TAPP) to Open Repair Surgery With a 3-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain still occurs in 10-12% of patients who undergo surgical groin hernia repair. Considering the high prevalence of this pathology, we performed a single-center prospective study comparing the laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) approach to the standard surgical open technique for primary uncomplicated hernia repair. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 278 patients was extracted from our dataset: 121 received a laparoscopic TAPP approach, and 157 were treated by the Lichtenstein technique in case of inguinal hernia or by the deployment of a polypropylene plug in case of femoral hernia. Both groups were followed-up for 3 years. RESULTS: A significant difference in haematoma/seroma collection was found (P=0.001) among the groups. Wound infection (P=0.001) and pain perception in the perioperative and early post-operative period were significantly reduced in the TAPP group (P=0.0023 and P<0.0021, respectively). Chronic discomfort at 3-year follow-up was higher in the open approach (P=0.0044), while operative time was marginally shorter compared to TAPP (P =0.002). CONCLUSION: The incidence of chronic pain and the overall complication rate were significantly lower with the TAPP approach. Based on our findings, the TAPP approach deserves to be considered as the treatment of choice for uncomplicated single-site primary hernia surgery. Further studies with a larger sample will be needed to confirm these preliminary data.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: How Should we Deal with the Appendicular Stump?

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic appendectomy approach (LAA) for acute appendicitis has fewer intra- and post-operative complications, less pain, and smaller scars compared to the traditional open appendectomy approach (OAA), but a higher frequency of intra-abdominal abscess (IAA). The relationship between this higher frequency of IAA and the omission of appendicular stump invagination is difficult to explain, even though such invagination of the appendicular stump is the only difference between standard LAA and OAA.

Conservative Management of Chronic Anal Fissure. Results of a Case Series at 2-years Follow-up and Proposition of a New Classification.

BACKGROUND: Anal fissure is a common proctological condition that is usually defined as an anodermal ulcerative process starting from the posterior commissure to the dentate line. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resolution rate of anal fissure through the use of conservative management in patients grouped according to our newly proposed classification. A secondary purpose was to quantify the recurrence rates at 2-years follow-up in each group. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients in our general database. Diagnosis was based on symptoms, clinical observation, anal manometry and transanal ultrasounds. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were assigned to different groups. Follow-up was carried out at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients (54 female and 82 male) were included in the statistical analysis. At the end of the treatment period, all patients in groups 1 and 2 had a complete resolution of illness and a normal basal sphincterial tone, while those in groups 3 and 4 had a higher rate of recurrence at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Based on our series, we propose a definitive non-surgical management for all group 1 and 2 anal fissures according to our protocol. For groups 3 and 4, we recommend a primary non-surgical approach with follow-up. This was a retrospective study and further randomized controlled studies will be necessary to confirm our results.

Surgical Skills Improvement Using a Low-Cost Laparoscopic Simulator for Ventral Incisional Hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Ventral incisional hernia is one of the most common procedures in laparoscopic surgery, however, it requires proper training before doing it in the operating room. We propose a low-cost mechanical simulator with a new optical system to learn the basic steps of the procedure and improve surgical laparoscopic skill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 3, 2014 to January 4, 2015, five residents and five surgeons with no prior laparoscopic experience, as well as two laparoscopic expert surgeons, participated in our study. They repeated the procedure three times per day for seven days. From January 10, 2015 to April 21, 2015, the five trained and five non-trained residents performed (each) five real laparoscopic ventral or median incisional hernia repairs under senior supervision. Operative time, decision making capabilities, number of errors, laparoscopic skill, and depth perception were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A multiple regression (R) model was calculated and F-test showed a significant relation between operative time and numbers of procedures with the laparoscopic simulator (p<0.001) for the resident and non-laparoscopic surgeons groups and a multiple R-squared = 0.9974 (highly significant) of the model. No statistical difference was found between residents and non-laparoscopic surgeons (p<0.001), but both groups reached the same level as the expert surgeons after intensive training. Kruskal-Wallis was used to show an increased operative time for non-trained group. Pearson test and t-test showed a lower number of errors and failure in the trained group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that this new model of simulator could shorten the learning curve of surgical trainees for laparoscopic incisional hernia.

Three-Port Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB): Surgical Technique and Three Years Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB) is an effective and reversible bariatric procedure, which is usually performed using a mini-invasive laparoscopic approach. The majority of surgeons use a five-trocar technique, while AGB can be safely carried out with only three trocars. The aim of our study was to compare the outcomes of three-trocar laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) to the results obtained with the conventional technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our database was carried out to assess the number of LAGB performed with the conventional five-port technique and the number of LAGB performed with the three-port approach. The complication rate and the weight loss of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: From May 2006 to February 2012, 395 patients underwent LAGB under our care. The conventional technique was performed in 198 patients, while the three ports approach was used in 197 subjects. Complications rate was similar in the two groups and no death was recorded. There was no statistical difference in operative time and weight loss between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: LAGB can be safely performed with a three-port approach. This technique reduces the number of scars and the surgical trauma without differences in weight loss or complication rate.

Bariatric Surgery and Infertility: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide disease affecting 13% of the world's adult female population. The reasons and the fetal risk are still unclear. The effect of weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery seems to induce an improvement in fertility in obese women. The main purpose of this prospective study is to demonstrate if there is an association between bariatric surgery-induced weight loss and an improvement in the fertility of women at reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2013 to April 2016, all bariatric female patients from our institutes were prospectively evaluated for suitability in this study. A pool of 52 eligible patients was extracted from our database in the recruitment period. Of these, 28 underwent bariatric surgery and 24 did not. Both groups were observed for two-year follow-up. During follow-up, anthropometrics parameters, blood analysis, and comorbidities were checked and a gynaecological consultation was prescribed. RESULTS: Fifty participants were studied. Twenty-seven successfully underwent bariatric surgery with a percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) >70% at 24 months, while 23 accepted the observation and control for 24 months as an integral part of the pre-surgical bariatric program. The contingency table analysis showed an extremely significant association (P<0.0001) between exposition (bariatric surgery) and event (pregnancy), with a relative risk (RR) = 15.33 and confidence interval (CI) 95%=2.213 to 106.26. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery improves fertility in obese women at two years' postoperative. Every obese woman with difficulties becoming pregnant should undergo a bariatric surgery consultation. Further studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization With Doppler Arterial Identification Versus Classic Hemorrhoidectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 270 Patients.

PURPOSE: Despite the minimally invasive nature of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) with Doppler arterial identification procedures, hemorrhoidectomy is still considered the gold standard procedure for hemorrhoidal disease. However, the classical techniques of hemorrhoidectomy have a high rate of postoperative complications. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy and complications of these techniques used for grades II and III hemorrhoids. METHODS: A retrospective (case-control) study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2014, and all patients undergoing surgical procedures for hemorrhoidal disease in two French clinics were considered. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 270 eligible patients (163 undergoing Doppler THD and 107 treated with Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy). Statistical analysis was calculated considering immediate postoperative complications, functional results, chronic complications, and recurrences. RESULTS: Analysis of primary outcomes showed a significant difference between the 2 groups concerning postoperative pain, which had a lower rate in THD (P = 0.0001) and in postoperative bleeding (P = 0.02) than hemorrhoidectomy. However, long-term follow-up at three years showed a superior rate of recurrence in the THD group (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The THD technique is a safe and effective procedure for grades II and III hemorrhoids, has lower rates of post-operative pain and bleeding, and allows faster hospital discharge; however, it also shows a higher rate of recurrence at three years of follow-up.

Management of Small Bowel Perforation by a Bizarre Foreign Body in a 55-Year-Old Woman.

INTRODUCTION: Ingestion of foreign bodies including dentures, fishbone, screw, and/or surgical devices can be a cause of morbidity, and it rarely could be fatal. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the first hitherto reported case of mussel shell ingestion, which caused acute abdominal pain in a 55-year-old woman. The shell pierced ileal loops, and it was found in the abdominal cavity. DISCUSSION: The accidental or voluntary ingestion of a foreign body is an uncommon event compared to the other causes of bowel perforation. It is fundamental to immediately remove the intestinal fluid, repair the tear, and prevent sepsis, because each delay in diagnosis can lead to a worst outcome. CONCLUSION: In case of bowel perforation, it important for surgeons, who are dealing with these acute care patients, to be aware of different designs and constructions of possible foreign bodies, in order to be prepared to deal with different possible scenarios and be able to manage them properly.

ABSI (A Body Shape Index) and ARI (Anthropometric Risk Indicator) in Bariatric Surgery. First Application on a Bariatric Cohort and Possible Clinical Use.

BACKGROUND: BMI (body mass index) is used to identify candidates for bariatric surgery, with a criterion of BMI ≥ 40. For lesser degrees of obesity, BMI 35-39.9, comorbidities are also considered. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) was derived to correct WC (waist circumference) for BMI and height. ABSI has been shown to be a linear predictor of long-term mortality across the range of BMI. Anthropometric risk indicator (ARI) combines the complementary contributions of BMI and ABSI and further improves mortality hazard prediction. We report for the first time ABSI and ARI for a bariatric surgical cohort at baseline and with 3-year follow-up. METHODS: ABSI and BMI were calculated for 101 subjects from our bariatric surgery center database at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up. Raw values for BMI and ABSI were converted to Z scores and ARI values based on sex- and age-specific normals and risk associations from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III sample of the US general population. RESULTS: Baseline scores for the anthropometric variables BMI and ABSI and the corresponding ARI were all higher than for the NHANES population sample. At 3-year post surgery, all three measures decreased significantly. While baseline BMI did not predict the change in mortality risk by ARI, baseline ABSI did (r = - 0.73), as did baseline ARI (r = - 0.94). CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy lowers ABSI and the associated mortality risk estimated from population studies after 3 years of follow-up. Considering our results, bariatric surgical candidates with BMI in the range of 35 to 39.9 with an increased ABSI-related mortality risk may have considerable survival benefit from bariatric surgery, even in the absence of qualifying comorbidities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2814.

Three-Trocar Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Standard Five-Trocar Technique: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery is a treatment for morbid obesity. Different surgical procedures have been described in order to obtain excess weight loss (EWL), but currently laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed procedure throughout the world. Reducing abdominal wall trauma and increasing the aesthetic result are important goals for all bariatric surgeons. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial in order to assess if the three-trocar sleeve gastrectomy can be safely carried out or should be abandoned. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2016 to February 2017, 90 patients were enrolled in our trial. Each patients was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team before surgery. Two groups were created after application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary endpoint was to define the features of early post-operative complications of patients in group 1 (the three-trocar technique-the experimental group) compared to group 2 (five-trocar technique-the control group). The secondary endpoints were to evaluate any differences between the two groups concerning post-operative pain and patients' satisfaction with the aesthetic results. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups concerning age, sex distribution, weight, and BMI. The rate of co-morbidities was similar in both groups. Operative time was inferior in the control group, but patient satisfaction was better in the three-trocar sleeve gastrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: The three-trocar sleeve gastrectomy can be safely carried out with a modest increase in operative time, without additional early surgical complications and with a greater patient aesthetic satisfaction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: researchregistry2386.

Follicular adenoma in ectopic thyroid. A case-report.

INTRODUCTION: The term ectopic thyroid refers to the presence of thyroid tissue located far from its usual anatomic placement and with no vascular connection to the main gland. The presence of swelling in atypical locations is diagnostically differentiated from other pathologies like pleomorphic adenoma or carcinoma, inflammatory lesions like sialadenitis, neurogenic tumors, paraganglioma, fibrolipoma and lymphadenopaties of diverse etiologies. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here we present the case of a submandibular ectopic thyroid in a 67year old woman. She came to our attention for a left submandibular swelling. The anamnesis did not show related pathologies, as well as blood tests. Diagnostic image studies and a FNAC were performed. The mass was surgically removed and histopatology showed a follicular adenoma in the contest of the capsulated lesion. DISCUSSION: It is important to not underestimate these types of lesions and procede with hematochemical, instrumental tests and above all surgery that can eliminate any diagnostic uncertainty and on the whole be therapeutic. CONCLUSION: It should not be forgotten that ectopic thyroid tissue can be a site for adenoma or papillary carcinoma and thus any watch and wait strategy should be avoided.