Minimally invasive and endoscopic versus open necrosectomy for necrotising pancreatitis: a pooled analysis of individual data for 1980 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive surgical necrosectomy and endoscopic necrosectomy, compared with open necrosectomy, might improve outcomes in necrotising pancreatitis, especially in critically ill patients. Evidence from large comparative studies is lacking. DESIGN: We combined original and newly collected data from 15 published and unpublished patient cohorts (51 hospitals; 8 countries) on pancreatic necrosectomy for necrotising pancreatitis. Death rates were compared in patients undergoing open necrosectomy versus minimally invasive surgical or endoscopic necrosectomy. To adjust for confounding and to study effect modification by clinical severity, we performed two types of analyses: logistic multivariable regression and propensity score matching with stratification according to predicted risk of death at baseline (low: <5%; intermediate: ≥5% to <15%; high: ≥15% to <35%; and very high: ≥35%). RESULTS: Among 1980 patients with necrotising pancreatitis, 1167 underwent open necrosectomy and 813 underwent minimally invasive surgical (n=467) or endoscopic (n=346) necrosectomy. There was a lower risk of death for minimally invasive surgical necrosectomy (OR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.84; p=0.006) and endoscopic necrosectomy (OR, 0.20; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.63; p=0.006). After propensity score matching with risk stratification, minimally invasive surgical necrosectomy remained associated with a lower risk of death than open necrosectomy in the very high-risk group (42/111 vs 59/111; risk ratio, 0.70; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.95; p=0.02). Endoscopic necrosectomy was associated with a lower risk of death than open necrosectomy in the high-risk group (3/40 vs 12/40; risk ratio, 0.27; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.88; p=0.03) and in the very high-risk group (12/57 vs 28/57; risk ratio, 0.43; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.77; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: In high-risk patients with necrotising pancreatitis, minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic necrosectomy are associated with reduced death rates compared with open necrosectomy.

Ex vivo and simulator models teaching therapeutic ERCP and EUS: description of SOBED's first course.

Teaching models in endoscopy are important tools to minimize risks derived from endoscopic procedures, taking into account that therapeutic endoscopy, also known as surgical endoscopy, has greatly developed during the last decade. This results from the fact that minimally invasive procedures present relevant contributions and promote more comfort to patients. In this context, ex vivo teaching models and virtual simulators are important tools to the safe acquisition of abilities. In this article, the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy presents and describes its first course of therapeutic ERCP and EUS in models of laboratory teaching.

"Down-to-Up" transanal NOTES Total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: Preliminary series of 9 patients.

BACKGROUND: Applications for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to access the abdominal cavity have increased in recent years. Despite potential advantages of transanal and transcolonic NOTES for colorectal pathology, it has not been widely applied in the clinical setting. This study describes a series of nine patients for whom we performed transanal retrograde ("Down-to-Up") total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under IRB approval, informed consent was obtained from each patient with rectal adenocarcinoma. Rectosigmoidectomy with total mesorectal excision was performed using low rectal translumenal access to the mesorectal fascia and subsequent dissection in a retrograde fashion. This was achieved using either a single port device or flexible colonoscope with endoscopic instrumentation and laparoscopic assistance. This was followed by transanal extraction of the specimen and hand-sewn anastomosis. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 311 min. Mean hospital stay was 7.56 days. Complications occurred in two patients, and consisted of one anastomotic leakage with reoperation and one intraoperative conversion to open surgery because of impossibility to dissect the specimen. TME specimen integrity was adequate in six patients. CONCLUSION: This series suggests that a retrograde mesorectal dissection via a NOTES technique is feasible in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. This technique may act as a complimentary part of operative treatment for rectal cancer alongside other minimally invasive strategies. Long-term follow up will be needed to assess oncological results.

Perirectal NOTES access: "down-to-up" total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied for abdominal surgery in recent years, mostly by vaginal and oral access. The study describes preliminary successful human applications of transcolonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), using a new transrectal total mesorectal excision procedure for rectal cancer. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for the study. In 2 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma, total mesorectal resection and rectosigmoidectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed using a low NOTES transcolonic access. "Down-to-up" mesorectal dissection was achieved either using a flexible scope or a transrectal single port device. The specimens were extracted transanally, and transorificial low anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: Operative time was 350 and 360 minutes, respectively; no complications occurred and patients were discharged after 6 days. CONCLUSION: Successful human reports on transcolonic NOTES suggest potential applications. The treatment of colorectal diseases through transorificial single port or flexible perirectal NOTES access are promising new approaches besides current methods to improve patient care.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and endoscopic treatment of post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery is the treatment of choice for traumatic pseudocyst. Minimally invasive management of these collections has been used. The aim was to analyze the outcome after endoscopic treatment and the integrity of the main pancreatic duct caused by abdominal trauma. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with traumatic pseudocyst who underwent endoscopic therapy were studied. All were symptomatic with a persistent collection for more than 6 weeks. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography allowed characterization according to Takishima classification (1, 2, and 3), in which guided therapy was divided into transpapillary drainage (Takishima 2 and 3 without bulging), transmural (type 1), or combined (type 2 or 3 with bulging). RESULTS: Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography was obtained in 47 (90%) of 51 patients. Drainage was transmural in 13, combined in 24, and transpapillary in 10. The success and recurrence rates of endoscopic treatment were 94% and 8%, respectively. There were 9 complications but no procedure-related deaths. Patients with penetrating trauma had more recurrences (P = 0.01) and risk for development of infection (P = 0.045) than those with blunt trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of traumatic pancreatic collection is safe and effective and can be considered a first-choice alternative to surgical treatment. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and Takishima classification are useful in determining the best endoscopic approach.

Different clinical aspects of Wirsungocele: case series of three patients and review of literature.

The association of Santorinicele with pancreas divisum has been described. This anatomic condition creates ideal conditions for acute pancreatitis episodes and chronic abdominal pain. Saccular dilation of main pancreatic duct has also been described as incidental finding and causing episodes of acute pancreatitis. However, there is no description of associated chronic abdominal pain. Three detailed cases of Wirsungocele demonstrated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography are presented. Two of them had episodes of acute pancreatitis and one had chronic abdominal pain. All patients were treated by endoscopic biliopancreatic sphincterotomy. After a follow-up for more than two years, none presents clinical recurrence. Endoscopic biliopancreatic sphincterotomy for symptomatic patients with this anatomic condition seems safe and effective.

Cirurgia por orifícios naturais transcolônica: acesso NOTES peri-retal (PNA) para excisão mesoretal total / Transcolonic natural orifice surgery: peri-rectal NOTES access (PNA) for total mesorectal excision

OBJETIVOS: Cirurgia por orifícios naturais tem sido recentemente aplicada em series clínicas para cirurgia abdominal. Apesar de potenciais vantagens do acesso NOTES transcolônico para doenças colorretais, este ainda não havia sido utilizado clinicamente. O presente trabalho descreve a primeira aplicação bem-sucedida de NOTES transcolônico da literatura, em uma nova abordagem de excisão mesoretal total (TME) para cancer de reto. MÉTODOS: Foi obtida aprovação de Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa para cirurgias por orifícios naturais, e o paciente assinou termo de consentimento informado. Em um paciente de 54 anos portador de adenocarcinoma de reto, o procedimento de retossigmoidectomia e linfadenectomia, com excisão mesoretal total foi realizada utilizando um acesso posterior transcolônico pouco acima da borda anal. A dissecção mesorretal foi conseguida utilizando um colonoscópio flexível e instrumentos endoscópicos, com assistência laparoscópica. O espécime foi retirado via transanal, e anastomose foi transorificial, com estoma proximal de proteção. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório foi de 350 min, não ocorrendo complicações operatórias. A evolução pós-operatória foi favorável, e o paciente recebeu alta no sexto dia de pós-operatório com dieta plena. CONCLUSÃO: Este primeiro relato bem sucedido de cirurgia NOTES transcolônica traz potencialmente novas fronteiras de aplicações clínicas na cirurgia minimamente invasiva. O tratamento de doenças colorretais utilizando o novo acesso flexível PNA (Perirectal NOTES Access) é uma promissora nova abordagem, paralelamente à laparoscopia e cirurgia aberta, para melhoria do tratamento dos pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied for abdominal surgery in recent years. Despite potential advantages of transcolonic NOTES for colorectal diseases, it was since now not yet clinically applied. The study describes the first successful human application of transcolonic NOTES in the literature, in a new transrectal TME procedure for rectal cancer. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained at the institution for the study, and the patient signed informed consent. In a 54yrs-old male patient with a rectal adenocarcinoma, total mesorectal resection and rectosigmoidectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed using a posterior transcolonic access 3cm from the anal verge. Mesorectal dissection was achieved using a flexible colonoscope and endoscopic instrumentation and laparoscopic assistance. The specimen was extracted transanally, and transorificial anastomosis was performed, with proximal stoma. RESULTS: Operative time was 350 min, no intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative course was uneventful, patient was discharged after 6 days. CONCLUSION: Successful first human report on Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new fronteers and applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal diseases through a flexible Perirectal NOTES Access (PNA) is a promising new approach besides existing laparoscopic and open surgery to improve patient care.

Cholecystectomy by single trocar access (SITRACC): the first multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The advent of endoscopic surgery has radically changed surgery worldwide.The concept of minimally invasive procedures has spread quickly, allowing less pain and more rapid recovery for patients. The authors have developed a device for a new surgical approach, the so-called single trocar access (SITRACC). This study report the first multicenter study of cholecystectomies performed with SITRACC. METHODS: Between December 2008 and June 2009, 81 single trocar cholecystectomies were performed in 9 Brazilian surgery centers. RESULTS: The average operative time was 68 minutes. In all, 10 surgeries required 1 additional trocar because of technical problems, and 3 cholecystectomies were converted to standard video laparoscopies. CONCLUSION: A cholecystectomy using the SITRACC method is feasible and safe.

Pancreatite aguda sem etiologia aparente: a microlitíase deve ser pesquisada? [revisão] / Unexplained acute pancreatitis: the microlithiasis must be searched? [review]

In a large number of patients, with episodes of acute pancreatitis the etiology is not identified, even after initial clinical history, detailed physical examination, laboratory tests and biochemical exams and an transabdominal ultrasound. This patient are considered with a unexplained acute pancreatitis. In this cases the treatment is restricted to improvement of symptoms. These patients after treated tend to have new episodes with the risk of raising the rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the identification of a cause and its prompt treatment prevent at recurrent episodes of pancreatitis. This review aims to draw attention to how best diagnostic approach when the light of evidence-based medicine, to search for causes of difficult identification with microlithiasis, occult stones, the anatomical variations of biliary and pancreatic duct and in addition to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration using helical computerized tomography for TN staging and vascular injury in operable pancreatic carcinoma.

CONTEXT: EUS-FNA is increasingly being used in operable pancreatic carcinoma cases identified by CT. OBJECTIVES: Determine the safety, accuracy and clinical utility of EUS-FNA for T, N and TN staging and vascular injury assessment in proven ductal pancreatic carcinoma. PATIENTS: Fifty-two consecutive patients (29 women and 23 men) with histologically ductal pancreatic carcinoma, with an excellent possibility of mass resection assessed by helical computerized tomography, were studied. Mean age was 62.4 years (range: 27-82 years). Tumor locations were in the head (43 cases), body (5 cases) and tail (4 cases) of the pancreas. Mean tumor size from EUS was 3.7 cm (range: 0.8-6.2 cm). METHODS: We reviewed medical records and abdominal ultrasound, CT, EUS-FNA and the results were compared to surgical and histological findings. RESULTS: Ultrasound identified pancreatic abnormalities in 38 out of 52 patients (73.1%): pancreatic mass (25 cases), pancreatic head enlargement (8 cases), dilation of main pancreatic duct (3 cases), pancreatic cyst (1 case) and pancreatic calcification (1 case). CT showed a pancreatic mass (30 cases), pancreatic enlargement (17 cases), pancreatic cystic lesion (2 cases) and pancreatic calcification (1 case) in 50 out of 52 patients (96.2%). EUS-FNA found a clear pancreatic tumor image in all patients (100%). The accuracy of EUS for evaluating portal blood vessels, superior mesenteric artery, T alone, N alone and combined TN staging was 86.5%, 94.2%, 84.7%, 67.3% and 55.8%, respectively. In addition to cytological material from 50 patients, microfragments from 43 patients were sent for histological analysis. Two patients (3.8%) showed minor complications: self-limited bleeding and acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA is safe, and can help gastroenterologists and surgeons make surgical decisions regarding pancreatic carcinoma patients.

Colecistectomia videolaparoscópica por trocarte único (SITRACC®): uma nova opção / Laparoscopic cholecystectomy by single trocar access(SITRACC®): a new option

OBJETIVO: Apresentar uma nova abordagem cirúrgica para realização de colecistectomia videolaparoscópica. MÉTODO: Em outubro de 2008 realizamos a primeira colecistectomia videocirúrgica por acesso transumbilical único, em humano, com a utilização do equipamento denominado SITRACC® - Single Trocar Access. A operação foi realizada em paciente do sexo feminino e constituiu dos passos clássicos da colecistectomia videolaparoscópica, com a utilização de instrumental flexível especial. RESULTADOS: O tempo operatório foi de 64 minutos, não sendo necessária a introdução de trocárteres adicionais. A evolução pós-operatória ocorreu de maneira satisfatória, sem nenhuma intercorrência. CONCLUSÃO: A colecistectomia por acesso umbilical único, com uso do SITRACC, mostro-se plenamente viável em humanos. Com o avançar tecnológico do instrumental, novas cirurgias poderão ser realizadas por esse método.

BACKGROUND: To present a new device for the execution of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. METHODS: In October 2008 was performed the first human Single Trocar Acess - Sitracc Cholecystectomy, in a female patient. The operation consisted in the classical steps of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, using special flexible instruments and a 5 mm optical device. RESULTS: The operative time was 64 minutes. There were no important complications at the post-operative phase. CONCLUSION: The cholecistectomy by the Single Trocar Access method is feasible in humans. With the improvement of the instruments and the multichannel trocar, new surgeries could be perform by this method, adding a new weapon in a continuous fight to benefit our patients.

[Unexplained acute pancreatitis: the microlithiasis must be searched?]. / Pancreatite aguda sem etiologia aparente: a microlitíase deve ser pesquisada?

In a large number of patients, with episodes of acute pancreatitis the etiology is not identified, even after initial clinical history, detailed physical examination, laboratory tests and biochemical exams and an transabdominal ultrasound. This patient are considered with a unexplained acute pancreatitis. In this cases the treatment is restricted to improvement of symptoms. These patients after treated tend to have new episodes with the risk of raising the rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the identification of a cause and its prompt treatment prevent at recurrent episodes of pancreatitis. This review aims to draw attention to how best diagnostic approach when the light of evidence-based medicine, to search for causes of difficult identification with microlithiasis, occult stones, the anatomical variations of biliary and pancreatic duct and in addition to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy by single trocar access(SITRACC) - a new option]. / Colecistectomia videolaparoscópica por trocarte único (SITRACC) - úma nova opção.

BACKGROUND: To present a new device for the execution of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. METHODS: In October 2008 was performed the first human Single Trocar Acess - Sitracc Cholecystectomy, in a female patient. The operation consisted in the classical steps of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, using special flexible instruments and a 5 mm optical device. RESULTS: The operative time was 64 minutes. There were no important complications at the post-operative phase. CONCLUSION: The cholecistectomy by the Single Trocar Access method is feasible in humans. With the improvement of the instruments and the multichannel trocar, new surgeries could be perform by this method, adding a new weapon in a continuous fight to benefit our patients.

Single-step EUS-guided endoscopic treatment for sterile pancreatic collections: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful for the treatment of sterile pancreatic fluid collections (PFC), either by means of transmural drainage or by complete aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-step EUS-guided endoscopic approaches for treatment of sterile PFC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 3-year period, 77 consecutive patients with symptomatic, persistent sterile PFC were evaluated and treated with the linear EUS. We excluded patients with grossly purulent collections, chronic pseudocyst and those whose cytology diagnostic was neoplastic cyst of pancreas. 44 patients received a single 10-Fr plastic straight stent under EUS or fluoroscopic control (group I) and 33 of these underwent a single-step complete aspiration with a 19-gauge needle (group II). RESULTS: The mean size of the sterile PFC was 48 mm in group I and 28 mm in group II (p < 0.001). Overall, endoscopic treatment was successful in 70 (90.9%) patients. The mean volume aspirated was 25 (18-65) ml. The total number of procedures was 50 in group I and 41 punctures in group II. After a mean follow-up of 64 +/- 15.6 weeks there were 6 complications (13.6%): 2 recurrences (referred to surgery), 2 developing abscesses (submitted a new EUS-guided endoscopic drainage with success), 1 perforation that died (2.2%), and 1 case of bleeding (sent to surgery) in group I. In group II there were only 6 (18.1%) recurrences (submitted a new EUS-guided aspiration). None of the patients undergoing single-step aspiration developed infections, perforation or hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The recurrence of pancreatic pseudocysts after endoscopic treatment was similar, either by means of plastic stents or by complete single-step aspiration.