Patients' opinions on enhanced recovery after surgery perioperative care principles: a questionnaire study.

INTRODUCTION: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol relies on patients' compliance and their awareness of its principles. Patients' views on ERAS implementation have never been evaluated in Poland before. AIM: To analyse patients' opinions about this protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic procedures in which ERAS was implemented were asked to join the study. Out of them, 120 fulfilled the trial criteria and were surveyed once before and twice after surgery. A 22-question survey about the patient's perception of ERAS principles was presented upon admission and on the day of discharge. A telephone follow-up was performed 2 weeks after discharge. RESULTS: Patients reported the need for being counselled by the anaesthetist/surgeon as the most important element of the protocol. Items such as being free of pain, being free of gastrointestinal symptoms, and being free of catheter were rated more highly preoperatively than on the day of discharge, whereas telephone check-up call, being able to drink and eat early after surgery, avoiding bowel preparation, avoiding preoperative fasting and reducing postoperative intravenous fluids were rated more highly on the day of discharge. Pain was still present in over half of patients two weeks after discharge. Only 4.76% of patients admitted in the telephone survey that they were afraid of early discharge. Shortening of the length of hospital stay thanks to ERAS was widely appreciated among all patients who did not find it necessary to spend a longer time in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Polish patients approve the ERAS protocol as modern perioperative care. Patients emphasize the need for preoperative counselling and painless recovery.

Is ITP really a desirable indication for teaching laparoscopic splenectomy? Cohort study.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) compared with operated for other indications. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent LS in 1998-2017. Group 1 consisted of 256 patients operated for ITP, and Group 2 of 231 operated for other indications. Primary outcome was procedure difficulty. Secondary was perioperative course (30 days of surgery). Results: Patients in Group 1 were younger (p < .001) with lower ASA (p < .001). The spleen was larger in Group 2 (p < .001). Operative time was longer in Group 2 [110 (80-150) vs. 90 (65-115) min; p < .001)]. Intraoperative blood loss was greater in Group 2 (p < .001). Conversions were higher in Group 2 (4.76 vs. 6.93%, p = .037), as were intraoperative complications (7.79 vs. 3.91%, p = .048). Morbidity, reoperations and mortality did not differ between groups (respectively, p = .899, .697, and .999). Median length of stay was similar (p = .211). Among the first 10 LSs performed by trainees, 63.66% were done for ITP. Later (after 11+ procedures) this dropped to 48.12% (p = .002). Conclusions: ITP may be a preferred indication for surgeons training for LS. Patients' characteristics and intraoperative factors allow an expectation for a relatively easy and hassle-free operation in those patients.

Quest for the optimal technique of laparoscopic splenectomy - vessels first or hilar transection?

INTRODUCTION: Throughout our 20 years of experience, we have used several different techniques for laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). However, two methods have been used most frequently: "vessels first" and "hilar transection". AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of LS performed with these two different approaches. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was an observational study based on retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing LS in a tertiary referral surgical center in the period 1998-2017. We excluded patients with splenic trauma, initially submitted to open surgery, stapled transection of splenic hilum, partial resections of the spleen and other spleen-preserving procedures. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 ("vessels first") with 188 patients, and group 2 ("hilar transection") with 287 patients. RESULTS: Mean operative time was shorter (p < 0.001) and blood loss was lower (p < 0.001) in group 2. The need for blood transfusions and the conversion rate were higher in group 1 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.003 respectively). There was no difference in intraoperative adverse events (p = 0.179). Overall postoperative morbidity did not differ between groups (p = 0.081) and we noted mortality of 0.21% (1 patient of group 2). The morbidity rate associated with accidental injury of the pancreatic parenchyma was significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.028). Median length of hospital stay was 4 days (range: 1-99) and did not differ between groups (p = 0.175). CONCLUSIONS: The "vessels first" technique is associated with longer operative time, higher blood loss and increased risk of conversion. "Hilar transection" is associated with lower incidence of local complications related most likely to accidental injury of the pancreatic tail. In the case of a large caliber of splenic vessels the "vessels first" approach remains the technique of choice.

Prediction of Technical Difficulties in Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Analysis of Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications in 468 Cases.

Prediction of intraoperative difficulties may be helpful in planning surgery; however, few studies explored this issue in laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). We performed retrospective analysis of consecutive 468 patients undergoing LS from 1998 to 2017 (295 women; median age 47 years). The patients were divided into difficult LS and control groups. The inclusion criteria for difficult LS were operative time ≥mean + 2SD; intraoperative blood loss ≥500 mL, intraoperative adverse events (IAE), conversion. Primary outcomes were risk factors for difficult splenectomy and secondary outcomes for perioperative morbidity. Fifty-six patients were included in the difficult LS group (12%). Spleens ≥19 cm and higher participation of younger surgeons in consecutive years were predictive for difficult splenectomy. Age ≥53 years and diagnosis other than idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were independent risk factors of spleen ≥19 cm. The perioperative morbidity was 8.33%; its OR was increased only by blood loss and IAEs. Only blood loss significantly increased serious morbidity. Male sex, spleens ≥19 cm, and IAEs were independent risk factors for intraoperative hemorrhage. Spleen length ≥19 cm was a risk factor for difficult LS and intraoperative hemorrhage. Diagnoses other than ITP in patients aged ≥53 years with ≥19 cm spleens are predictive for intraoperative difficulties and perioperative complications.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenia in patients with a very low platelet count.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is the gold standard in treating immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, there are still some problems in decision-making when considering LS in patients with a very low platelet count (PLT). AIM: To evaluate safety outcomes of LS in patients with severe ITP and very low PLT in comparison to those with higher PLT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent LS in a single institution between April 1998 and December 2017. Perioperative care was based on an algorithm developed at our department which takes into consideration the patient's PLT level. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the PLT level (cut-off point 50,000/mm3). RESULTS: The mean operative time in the low PLT group and high PLT group was 90 ±42.1 min and 95 ±45 min, respectively (p = 0.59). Intraoperative blood loss was 144 ±226.1 ml in the low PLT group and 83 ±161.24 ml in the high PLT group (p = 0.23). Complications occurred in 5 (9.09%) patients in the low PLT group and 16 (11.51%) in the high PLT group (p = 0.67). There were no conversions in the group with lower PLT, while 2 patients in the group with higher PLT had to be converted to open surgery (p = 0.38). Patients with low PLT preoperatively more often required perioperative platelet transfusions (13 vs. 1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic splenectomy is safe and feasible treatment in patients with ITP regardless of the PLT level. Still, patients with critical ITP and marginally low PLT require special awareness.

20 years' experience with laparoscopic splenectomy. Single center outcomes of a cohort study of 500 cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the gold standard in elective spleen surgery. Although it is considered relatively safe, treatment results vary depending on a hospital's profile and the experience of the surgeon and center. We would like to present experience of a high-volume referral center with minimally invasive operations of the spleen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy in tertiary referral surgical center in 1998-2017. The entire study population (500 patients) was grouped into 5 cohorts of 100 consecutively operated patients. The primary endpoints were short-term outcomes of LS and secondary - analysis of indications and operative technique. The study group consisted of 316 women and 184 men, 46 (28-59) years old on average. RESULTS: The most common indications for splenectomy were ITP (53%), lymphoma (21%) and spherocytosis (7%). Ratio of ITP versus other indications decreased significantly over time in favor of more difficult cases (<0.001). Average operative time of 100 (75-132.5) min and blood loss of 50 (20-150) ml were changing during study. Forty two patients required a blood transfusion with no difference among groups (p = 0.765). The use of postoperative drainage diminished from 100% to 7% (p < 0.001). The overall conversion rate (3%) and intraoperative complications (5%) did not differ among groups (p = 0.863 and 0.888). Perioperative morbidity was 8.6% and decreased significantly over time (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.62-0.98). We noted mortality of 0.4% (1 patient in 1st and 1 in 5th group). Median LOS was 4 (1-16) days. A significant change in the operative technique from vessels first to hilar transection was noted. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic splenectomy seems to be a safe method associated with a low risk of perioperative complications and mortality. A careful reproducible operative technique, along with a well-trained team and standardized modern postoperative care is critical to improving outcomes.

Laparoscopic gastric resections with per oral specimen extraction in treatment of intramural gastric tumors.

AIM: The goal of this work was to present our experiences and results of treatment of gastric tumors using the per oral specimen extraction (POSE) technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis a group of patients treated with laparoscopic stomach wedge resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). During that time 50 patients underwent laparoscopy due to the suspicion of GIST. In 12 patients resected material was removed endoscopically per os (POSE). In the remaining 38 subjects it was evacuated through minilaparotomy. Mean age of patients treated using POSE technique was 65.6 years (48-81 years). There were 9 women and 3 men in this group Results: Mean time of the POSE procedure was 92.5 min (40-160 min). Size of removed tumors ranged from 14 mm to 40 mm (mean: 25 mm). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.2 days (2 to 8 days) for patients treated with POSE. One patient (8.3%) required longer hospitalization (8 days) due to the presence of a fluid collection at the site of gastric suture. This patient was treated conservatively. One patient (8.3%) was diagnosed with surgical site infection (navel wound after an optical trocar). Histopathological examination confirmed radical excision in all of our patients (R0). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the POSE technique is the next stage of development of minimally invasive surgery and may constitute a link in evolution of natural orifice translumenal surgery techniques. Removal of excised material through oral cavity is an attractive, effective, and safe method despite its many limitations.

Early results of liver resection using laparoscopic technique.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to present early outcomes of liver resection using laparoscopic technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent liver resection using laparoscopic method was conducted. The analyzed group included 23 patients (11 women and 12 men). An average patient age was 61.3 years (37 - 83 years). Metastases of the colorectal cancer to the liver were the cause for qualification to the procedure of 15 patients, metastasis of breast cancer in 1 patient and primary liver malignancy in 5 patients. The other 2 patients were qualified to the liver resection to widen the surgical margins due to gall-bladder cancer diagnosed in the pathological assessment of the specimen resected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, initially performed for other than oncology indications. RESULTS: Hemihepatectomy was performed in 11 patients (9 right and 2 left), while the other 12 patients underwent minor resection procedures (5 metastasectomies, 4 nonanatomical liver resections, 1 bisegmentectomy, 2 resections of the gall-bladder fossa). An average duration of the surgical procedure was 275 minutes 65 - 600). An average size of the resected tumors was 28 mm (7 - 55 mm). In three cases conversion to laparotomy occurred, caused by excessive bleeding from the liver parenchyma. Postoperative complications were found in 4 patients (17.4%). Median hospitalization duration was 6 days (2 - 130 days). One patient (4.3%) was rehospitalized due to subhepatic abscess and required reoperation. Histopathology assessment confirmed radical resection (R0) in all patients in our group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resections seem to be an interesting alternative in the treatment of focal lesions in the liver.

Changes in levels of selected incretins and appetite-controlling hormones following surgical treatment for morbid obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The hormonal brain-gut axis is a crucial element in appetite control and the response to surgical treatment for super obesity. However, mechanisms underlying the metabolic response to surgical treatment for morbid obesity are still not clearly specified. AIM: To evaluate and compare the effects of surgical treatment for super obesity by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on selected incretins and appetite-controlling hormones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled in a prospective study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in 45.8% of patients, and LRYGB in the remaining 54.2% of patients. Before the procedure fasting blood serum was collected from patients and preserved, to determine levels of selected incretins and brain-gut hormones: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), leptin, and ghrelin. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients came to a follow-up visit 12 months after the surgery. In these patients selected parameters were determined again. The percentage weight loss was 58.8%. The ghrelin levels had decreased, and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two procedures. After both surgical procedures a statistically significant reduction in the leptin level was also observed. Peptide YY levels statistically significantly increased in the whole studied group. The GLP-1 level increased after the surgical procedure. However, the observed change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment methods result in modification of secretion patterns for selected gastrointestinal hormones, and this was considered to be a beneficial effect of bariatric treatment. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, being a procedure resulting in a metabolic response, seems to be an equally effective method for treatment of super obesity and comorbidities as the laparoscopic gastric bypass.

The first total laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in Poland.

We present a case of a 55-year-old female patient with pancreatic head cancer who was treated with total laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (TLPD) on 13.12.2013. The procedure as well as the postoperative course was uncomplicated. The patient was mobilized on the day of surgery; a liquid diet was introduced on day 1 and a full hospital diet on day 2 postoperatively. Drains were removed on the 3(rd) day after the procedure. Length of hospital stay was 6 days. The final pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of cancer. According to our knowledge this is the first report on total laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in Poland performed by an entirely Polish team of surgeons. In our opinion, TLPD is feasible and similarly to other laparoscopic operations may improve postoperative recovery.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy--can we afford that? Cost comparison of different surgical techniques.

UNLABELLED: One of the most commonly performed surgeries in general surgery wards with laparoscopic technique as a method of choice is gall-bladder excision. In addition to -the commonly used conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is getting more and more attention. Despite many works and studies comparing these methods, there is still a shortage of results assessing efficiency of this new surgical technique. The aim of the study was to evaluate cost-effectiveness of this method in Polish financial reality. We have analyzed costs of three different surgical techniques: conventional (multi- incision) laparoscopic cholecystectomy, SILC and 'no-port' SILC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study that compared three groups of patients who underwent treatment with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=20), SILC (n=20) and no-port SILC (n=20). These groups were matched by age, sex and BMI. Following parameters were analyzed: complication rate, operative time, operative costs, length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs. The SILC cases were performed with one of the three-trocar SILC ports available on the market. The 'no- port' SILC cases were performed by single skin incision in the umbilicus, insertion of one 10 mm trocar for the operating instrument, another instrument and scope were inserted directly thorough small incisions in the aponeurosis without a dedicated port RESULTS: The average operative cost was significantly higher in the SILC group comparing to the conventional laparoscopy group and the no-port SILC group. There was no significant difference in complication rate, operative time, length of hospital stay, or hospitalization costs between the three groups CONCLUSIONS: Currently the cost of the dedicated SILC port does not allow a regular use of this procedure in Polish financial reality. According to our experience improved cosmesis is the only advantage of the single incision laparoscopy, therefore we believe that it is reasonable to consider this technique in a a very selected group of patients.