Robotic complete mesocolic excision for transverse colon cancer can be performed with a morbidity profile similar to that of conventional laparoscopic colectomy.

BACKGROUND: In minimally invasive surgery, complete mesocolic excision (CME) for transverse colon cancer is challenging; thus, non-CME resections are commonly preferred when laparoscopy is used. Robotic technology has been developed to reduce the limitations of laparoscopy. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether robotic CME for transverse colon cancer can be performed with short-term outcomes similar to those of laparoscopic conventional colectomy (CC). METHODS: A retrospective review of 118 consecutive patients having robotic CME or laparoscopic CC for transverse colon cancer in two specialized centers between May 2011 and September 2018 was performed. Perioperative 30-day outcomes of the two procedures were compared. RESULTS: There were 38 and 80 patients in the robotic CME group and laparoscopic CC group, respectively. The groups were comparable regarding preoperative characteristics. Intraoperative results were similar, including blood loss (median 50 vs 25 ml), complications (5.3% vs 3.8%), and conversions (none vs 7.5%). The rate of intracorporeal anastomosis was significantly higher (86.8% vs 20.0%), mean operative time was longer (325.0 ± 123.2 vs 159.3 ± 56.1 min (p < 0.001), and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the robotic CME group (46.1 ± 22.2 vs 39.1 ± 17.8, p = 0.047). There were only minor differences in length of hospital stay (7.2 ± 3.1 vs 7.9 ± 4.0 days), anastomotic leak (none vs 2.6%), bleeding (none vs 1.3%), surgical site infections (10.5% vs 12.5%), and reoperations (2.6% vs 6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic CME can be performed with a similar morbidity profile as laparoscopic CC for transverse colon cancer along with a higher rate of intracorporeal anastomosis, and higher number of lymph nodes retrieved, but longer operative times.

The da Vinci Xi system for robotic total/subtotal colectomy vs. conventional laparoscopy: short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of robotic total/subtotal colectomy procedures with the Xi robot and to compare its short-term outcomes with those of conventional laparoscopy. METHODS: Between October 2010 and September 2018, consecutive patients with colonic neoplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis or colonic inertia who underwent elective robotic or laparoscopic total/subtotal abdominal colectomy at two specialized centers in Turkey were included. Data on perioperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared between the two approaches. RESULTS: There were a total of 82 patients: 26 and 56 patients in the robotic and laparoscopic group, respectively (54 men and 28 women, mean age 54.7 ± 17.4 years). The groups were comparable regarding preoperative characteristics. All the robotic procedures were completed with a single positioning of the robot. Estimated blood loss (median, 150 vs 200 ml), conversions (0% vs 14.3%), and complications (0% vs 7.1%) were similar but operative time was significantly longer in the robotic group (median, 350 vs 230 min, p < 0.001). No difference was detected in the length of hospital stay (7.9 ± 5.7 vs 9.5 ± 6.0 days, p = 0.08), anastomotic leak (3.8% vs 8.3%), ileus (15.4% vs 19.6%), septic complications, reoperations (7.7% vs 12.5%), and readmissions (19.2% vs 12.5%). The number of harvested lymph nodes in the subgroup of cancer patients was significantly higher in the robotic group (median, 66 vs 50, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In total/subtotal colectomy procedures, the robotic approach with the da Vinci Xi platform is feasible, safe, and associated with short-term outcomes similar to laparoscopy but longer operative times and a higher number of retrieved lymph nodes.

Do different abdominal incision techniques play a role in wound complications in patients operated on for gastrointestinal malignancies ? "Scalpel vs. electrocautery".

BACKGROUND: Despite the studies of animals that demonstrate better wound healing after abdominal incisions with the use of a scalpel rather than electocautery, clinical experience does not confirm these findings. The purpose of this study was to compare the early postoperative and late-term wound complication rates between the scalpel and electrocautery in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing midline abdominal incisions. METHODS: Patients undergoing midline abdominal incisions for gastrointestinal malignancies were randomly divided into two groups according to the method used to perform the incisions: scalpel or electrocautery. Complications were investigated, diagnosed and compared in the early postoperative and late-term follow-up periods. The independent samples, chi-square, and Student's t tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighteen patients were included to this study, of whom 97 (44.5%) were in the scalpel group and 121 (55.5%) in the electrocautery group. Both groups were similar with respect to their demographic, operative and postoperative characteristics. The analysis revealed no significant statistical differences in consideration of the incidences of either wound infection in the early postoperative period or incisional hernia in the late-term follow-up period between these two study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Scalpel and electrocautery are similar in terms of early postoperative and late-term wound complications when used to perform midline abdominal incisions. Therefore, the choice of method remains a matter of the surgeon's preference.

A surgical approach to anogenital Buschke Loewenstein tumours (giant condyloma acuminata).

BACKGROUND: Condyloma acuminata are anogenital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Neglected giant peri-anal condyloma acuminata (Buschke Loewenstein Tumours) require major surgical procedures. This report reflects our experience concerning the aggressive surgical approach to this rarely presented type of condyloma acuminata. METHODS: The medical records of five patients, who had been surgically treated following the diagnosis of giant perianal condyloma acuminata between April, 1996 and September, 2003 were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively. Full thickness tumour and skin excisions were performed followed by delayed split thickness skin graftings in all patients. RESULTS: Five patients (3 men, 2 women) who suffered from giant condyloma acuminata lesions obliterating the anal canal were evaluated. The mean age was 36.5 years (range: 24-52). All patients underwent total surgical excisions. The wounds were left open for secondary healing, and following a mean time period of 35 days, split thickness skin graftings were performed. The histopathologic examinations of the specimens of these five patients did not reveal any malignant transformations. No recurrences were detected at the end of a mean follow-up period of 22 months and all patients were considered to be disease-free at the end of their long-term 5-year follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-anal condyloma acuminatum is usually a benign disease, but may grow locally to an excessive extent, developing into a Buschke Loewenstein Tumour, and may cause serious peri-anal hygiene problems. Even though the incidence of malignant transformation is rare, there is always a risk of this complication occurring. Transmission of the disease to other sexual partners is another point of concern. Therefore, this disease must be treated aggressively with total surgical excision. The results of our surgical treatment methods are satisfactory.

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children and adolescents: experience in a single institution.

INTRODUCTION: Experience in the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the investigation and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disorders is relatively limited in children. This report reviews the experience in a single institution with pediatric ERCPs and documents the indications, success rate, diagnostic and therapeutic yields, complications, and the impact on patient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data of all consecutive patients aged < or = 18 years who underwent ERCP procedures between the years 1997 and 2007 were retrospectively identified through a computer database search. The database prospectively recorded the indications, findings, therapies, and complications. RESULTS: During the study period, 32 ERCP procedures were performed in 28 children with a median age of 13 (range 8 - 18) years. ERCPs were performed for biliary pathology in 21 (75 %) and for pancreatic pathology in 7 (25 %) patients. The most common biliary indications were suspected choledocholithiasis and postoperative bile leaks. Hydatid disease was the most common diagnosis that yielded bile leaks. The pancreatic indications were recurrent pancreatitis and traumatic pancreatic duct disruption. Cannulation of the desired duct was successful in all procedures. An endoscopic sphincterotomy, stone/sludge removal or a stent placement was performed in 20 (63 %) procedures. According to the long-term follow-up, avoidance from any further surgical interventions was achieved in 11 (65 %) children, in whom ERCP was undertaken as a therapeutic intervention. The complication rate was 6 % with the development of mild self-resolving pancreatitis in one patient and stent occlusion in another. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP in the pediatric population has a high success rate, both as a diagnostic tool and for therapeutic interventions, provided it is performed by experienced endoscopists. The delicate delineation of the anatomy by ERCP and its therapeutic potential make it absolutely superior to other less invasive tools such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

Massive lower gastro-intestinal bleeding due to small bowel diverticula. A report of two cases.

Gastro-intestinal bleeding from the small bowel is a rare entity. It is difficult to determine the source of bleeding because of the unavailability of routine small bowel endoscopy. The most common reasons for bleeding from the small bowel are tumours, arteriovenous malformations and inflammatory bowel diseases. Diverticula of the small bowel are very uncommon. We present two cases of gastro-intestinal bleeding due to small bowel diverticula. Both of them were diagnosed on laparotomy. One had a short segment of small bowel, with six diverticula, which was resected. The second case had a long segment of small bowel with multiple diverticula. This patient was treated by isolating and excising the bleeding diverticulum. Haemodynamically unstable lower gastro-intestinal bleeding mandates exploratory laparotomy. Mesenteric angiography and Tc 99 labelled erythrocyte scintigraphy can detect the bleeding site. Intra-operative endoscopy can be performed safely via an enterotomy and can localize the bleeding site.

A case of protrusion of an intraperitoneal chemotherapy catheter through rectum.

Bowel penetration of an intraperitoneal catheter occurred in a patient who had received a course of uncomplicated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for a persistent ovarian carcinoma. One month after the termination of chemotherapy, she presented with protrusion of a catheter through anus. At operation, the catheter was removed, the rectum was repaired primarily, and a cytoreductive surgery was performed.

Could honey have a place in colitis therapy? Effects of honey, prednisolone, and disulfiram on inflammation, nitric oxide, and free radical formation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic roles of honey, prednisolone and disulfiram in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease. Another aspect of the study was to find out whether these substances have any effect on nitric oxide (NO) and free radical production. METHODS: After the induction of colitis with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in 64 male rats, physiological saline, honey, prednisolone and disulfiram enemas were applied to the rats once daily for 3 days (acute treatment groups) or 7 days (chronic treatment groups). Control groups received only saline enemas. Rats were killed on the 4th or 8th days and their colonic mucosal damage was quantitated using a scoring system. Acute and chronic inflammatory responses were determined by a mucosal injury score, histological examination and measurement of the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of tissues. The content of malonylaldehyde (MDA) and NO metabolites in colon homogenates was also measured to assess the effects of these substances on NO and free oxygen radical production. RESULTS: Estimation of colonic damage by mucosal injury scoring was found to be strongly correlated with the histologic evaluation of colon specimens. On the other hand, mucosal injury scores were not correlated with MPO, MDA or NO values. There were significant differences between the MPO results of chronic-control and chronic-honey groups, as well as chronic-control and chronic-prednisolone groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.0007). The acute honey, prednisolone, and disulfiram groups had significantly lower MDA results compared to the acute control group (p = 0.04, p = 0.02, and p = 0.04). In terms of NO, there was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups. NO was found to have a strong relationship with MDA (p = 0.03) and MPO values (p = 0.001). On the other hand, MPO results were not found to be correlated with MDA values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MPO activity is not directly proportional to the severity of the inflammation, but it may only determine the amount of neutrophil in the tissues. Inflammatory cells are not the sole intensifying factor in colitis. Therefore, mucosal injury scores may not correlate well with MPO activities. In an inflammatory state NO and MPO levels have a strong relationship, since NO is released from the neutrophils. In an inflammatory model of colitis, intrarectal honey administration is as effective as prednisolone treatment. Honey may have some features in the treatment of colitis, but this issue requires further investigation. Honey, prednisolone and even disulfiram also have some value in preventing the formation of free radicals released from the inflamed tissues. Prednisolone may also have some possible benefits in the inhibition of NO production in colitis therapy.

Diagnostic value of unenhanced helical CT in adult patients with suspected acute appendicitis.

Clinical diagnosis of appendicitis is usually made on the basis of history, physical examination and laboratory studies. Approximately 30-45% of patients with suspected appendicitis present with atypical clinical and laboratory findings. Recently graded compression ultrasound and thin section unenhanced helical CT have been used to establish diagnosis for patients with suspected acute appendicitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of thin section unenhanced helical CT protocol in adult patients with suspected acute appendicitis. CT scans obtained when patients presented with right lower quadrant pain and the clinical impression was equivocal for appendicitis were evaluated. Of 296 patients referred for CT, 123 patients subsequently underwent surgery. Appendicitis had been correctly predicted in 104 of 108 patients surgically proven to have appendicitis. Unenhanced helical CT in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 98%, positive predictive value of 97% and negative predictive value of 98%. If no definite inflammatory changes are detected, on the basis of our experience we recommend that the patient be monitored clinically, and that thin section unenhanced helical CT is the optimal technique to detect acute appendicitis in adult patients.

Endoscopic diagnosis and management of complications following surgery for gallstones.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly being performed for therapeutic purposes. This report reviews our experience in an attempt to determine the role and efficacy of ERCP in the management of postoperative complications following surgery for gallstones. METHODS: This study analyzes ERCP records of 418 patients performed in a single referral center after a surgery for gallstones, in the period from December 1991 to June 2000. RESULTS: A total of 451 endoscopic procedures were performed for 418 patients. The primary operations which required ERCP and were included in the study were laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 161, 38.5%), choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (n = 157, 37.5%), open cholecystectomy (n = 82, 19.6%), choledochoduodenostomy (n = 14, 3.3%), and cholecystostomy (n = 4, 1%). Procedure was carried out successfully in 403 patients (96.4%), whereas a proper endoscopic diagnosis was not achieved in 15 (3.5%). Retained biliary stones (without any associated abnormality) were found in 163 (38.9%), ductal injuries in 44 (10.5%), biliary strictures in 21 (5.0%), papillary stenosis in 36 (8.6%), cystic stump leak (with or without retained stones) in 30 (7.1%), leak from T-tube tract (with/or without retained stones) in 20 (4.8%), and unsuspected malignancies in 18 (4.3%). A sole diagnostic cholangiography was obtained in 63 patients (15.0%). Patients were managed by debris or stone extraction in 169 (40.4%), endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 145 patients (34.6%), stent insertion in 19 (4.5%), or dilatation in 2 (0.4%). Overall successful stone removal rate was 97.4%. Thirty-nine patients with normal cholangiographic findings underwent ES for the relief of presenting signs and symptoms. ERCP-related morbidity was 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The need for ERCP is rising, especially for stones retained after cholecystectomies. Endoscopy offers safe and effective methods in the treatment of bile leaks, unless associated with major ductal injuries. ES is a reasonable method for treating papillary stenosis and some post-cholecystectomy pain or symptoms.

False aneurysm of the hepatic artery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: A rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is defined: iatrogenic injuries to hepatic artery system which may evolve to pseudoaneurysms in the late postoperative period. This rare phenomenon may be overlooked and pose a challenge to surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We will describe three cases with iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The onset of symptoms and the course of the disease was not uniform. Diagnosis was made after a considerable delay. In the first case, a small, uncomplicated extrahepatic pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with coil embolization. The second patient who had an intrahepatic pseudoaneurysm with multiple injuries to the common bile duct and portal vein, did not survive despite surgical and endovascular interventions. In the latter, surgical treatment for a large pseudoaneurysm that had ruptured into the liver parenchyma was successfully conducted. Review of the literature reveals fifty-four more cholecystectomy-related pseudoaneurysms. The site of injury was the right hepatic artery in 61% of the cases and the presenting symptom was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (haemobilia) in two-third of the patients. Embolization was performed in 82% of the cases, and surgery was undertaken in the remaining 18%. CONCLUSION: Pseudoaneurysm is an uncommon complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Prompt attention is necessary since the lesion has a high risk of rupture. Embolization is the first line of treatment and surgery is reserved for more complex injuries and cases with life-threatening rupture of the aneurysm.

The impact of various suture materials on experimental colorectal carcinogenesis.

Local tumor recurrence following restorative surgery for colorectal cancer may occasionally result from the promotion of a neoplastic lesion in a zone of proliferative instability adjacent to the anastomosis. This study was designed to determine the influence of various suture materials on experimental colorectal carcinogenesis. A total of 72 rats were divided into six groups, four of which were subjected to colotomy and repair using catgut, silk, polyglactin (PG), or stainless steel. The fifth group was given a sham procedure and the sixth group served as a control. Methylnitrosourea was administered rectally to all the animals, at a dose of 4 mg/kg/week for 20 weeks. The mean number of tumors per rat was significantly higher in the PG group than in the other groups. The mean tumor size was found to be significantly larger in each of the suture material groups than in the sham group. A tendency for tumor occurrence to develop at the anastomosis rather than at the other colon sites was seen in the PG group. These results indicate that PG has an adverse effect on local tumor occurrence in experimental colorectal carcinogenesis.

Increased lipoperoxide levels and antioxidant system in colorectal cancer.

In this study, lipid peroxide and glutathione (GSH) levels, GSH peroxidase, GSH S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were investigated in tumorous and nontumorous colorectal tissues obtained from ten patients diagnosed with colon and rectum cancer. Histopathological evaluations, including type, stage, necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration, were also performed for each patient. According to the results, lipid peroxide and GSH levels and the activities of GSH peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase were found to be increased, while GSH S-transferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities remained unchanged in tumors compared to adjacent normal tissues of subjects with colorectal cancer. However, the considerable interindividual variations were found in these parameters. A definite interrelation between histopathological results with lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system was not observed.

Effects of octreotide on healing of intestinal anastomosis following small bowel obstruction in rats.

PURPOSE: Octreotide is an analog of somatostatin, with the same biologic effects but a longer half-life than somatostatin. The purpose of this experimental study was to search the effects of octreotide on the healing of bowel anastomosis and to observe the anatomic and physiologic changes in the obstructed bowel. METHODS: Two groups of ten male Wistar albino rats (average weight, 250 grams) were used in this study. One group was the octreotide group, and the other was the control group. In both groups, the basal diameters of jejunum were measured before ligation of the bowel 20 cm from the duodenum. Octreotide was administered subcutaneously (7 micrograms/kg/day, in two equal doses) in the first group, and the same volume of saline was used in the control group. Diameters of the obstructed segments were measured, and sodium and potassium levels, obtained from the luminal fluid of the obstructed bowel, were recorded 48 hours following the first operation. Dilated segments were resected, and end-to-end intestinal anastomoses were performed. In rats sacrificed on the fourth and seventh days following the second operation, bursting pressures of the anastomotic and hydroxyproline levels in tissue samples taken from the anastomosis were measured. RESULTS: The diameter of the obstructed bowel increased significantly in the control group (P < 0.05). Sodium and potassium losses were significantly less in the octreotide group (P < 0.001 for sodium; P < 0.01 for potassium). In histopathologic examination, ischemic changes were more evident in the control group (P < 0.05). Anastomotic bursting pressure differences were not significant on the fourth postoperative day (P > 0.05), but differences were significant on the seventh postoperative day (P < 0.05). Anastomotic tissue hydroxproline synthesis on the fourth and seventh postoperative days of the octreotide and control groups did not show significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this experimental model, it appears that octreotide attenuates the ischemic changes and electrolyte losses in the obstructed bowel.

Laparoscopic treatment of duodenal ulcer by bilateral truncal vagotomy and endoscopic balloon dilatation.

The low morbidity and early recovery associated with laparoscopic procedures have shown a new direction for many types of surgery. We performed a laparoscopic bilateral truncal vagotomy (BTV) with pyloric dilatation (PD) in 20 patients (11 men, 9 women, ranging in age from 32 to 56 years, with a mean age of 42 years). All patients had chronic duodenal ulcer diagnosed endoscopically, with a mean duration of symptoms of 2.6 years (range 2-8 years). The mean length of surgery was 55 min (range 45-90 min). The mean follow-up period was 16 months (range 3-25 months). In 1 patient, esophageal perforation occurred during the dissection of the left vagus nerve and was sutured laparoscopically. Acid secretion tests under basal conditions and pentagastrin stimulation preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively showed a decrease in basal acid output (BAO) of 76% and maximal acid output (MAO) of 84.2%. Endoscopy at the second and sixth postoperative month showed healing of the ulcer in 19 of 20 patients (95%). One patient had partial pyloric stenosis due to chronic duodenal ulcer before BTV and PD and developed complete pyloric stenosis after the surgery. Despite repeated pyloric balloon dilatation, he required an open drainage procedure (gastroduodenostomy, Jaboulay). Three patients (15%) had postoperative diarrhea and responded very well to medical treatment. The preliminary results showed that laparoscopic BTV with PD is a simple and effective procedure for the treatment of chronic duodenal ulcer.

Villous tumors of the duodenum.

Two patients with villous adenomas in the duodenum are described. These lesions have a predilection for the ampullary region, and tend to present with obstructive jaundice, especially if malignancy is present. The first patient, with a villous adenoma located at the ampulla of Vater, presented with jaundice and underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at a second operation because of a high rate of false-negative biopsies. The second patient was admitted with partial mechanical obstruction symptoms and was treated by partial duodenectomy and antrectomy for a supraampullary villous adenoma, including in situ carcinoma.