Intracorporeal anastomosis could be associated with a higher lymph node yield in right colon cancer surgery: Results of the ICA-LATAM study, a retrospective, multicentre, comparative analysis in Latin America.

AIM: The aim of this work was to compare lymph node (LN) yield in patients operated on for right colon cancer (RCC) using a laparoscopic approach between those receiving an intracorporeal (ICA) or extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA). METHOD: This is a retrospective multicentre study involving patients operated on for RCC in nine tertiary referral centres in Latin America during a 2-year period. The main comparative outcome between groups was the number of LNs harvested between groups. RESULTS: The study included 416 patients, 261 (62.7%) in the ECA group and 155 (37.3%) in the ICA group. Patients in the ECA group were elderly (66 vs. 61 years, p < 0.001). Patients receiving an ICA achieved a significantly higher LN yield than those receiving an ECA (24 vs. 18, p < 0.001). This group also had a lower percentage of patients achieving a substandard LN yield (<12 LNs) (10% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.001) and more patients achieving a high number of harvested LNs (>32 LNs) (15.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.039). In the multivariate analysis, ICA was independently related to the primary outcome (LN yield) (OR 3.28, p = 0.027, 95% CI 1.14-9.38). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, patients operated on for RCC who received an ICA achieved a higher LN yield. Further studies are needed to reconfirm these findings, and also to find an explanation for these results.

Síndrome pilórico en un body packer / Pyloric syndrome in a body packer

Introducción. El embalaje y transporte de estupefacientes dentro del organismo, o body packing, es una práctica frecuente en Centroamérica y el Caribe. Además del riesgo de muerte por la exposición a las sustancias tóxicas, existe el riesgo de complicaciones mecánicas con indicación de manejo quirúrgico. El Hospital de Engativá, por su cercanía al aeropuerto de Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, es el centro de referencia para el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Caso clínico. Un hombre de 65 años traído al hospital por un episodio emético con expulsión de cuatro cápsulas para el transporte de estupefacientes. Al examen físico se encontraron masas palpables en el hemiabdomen superior, sin abdomen agudo. La tomografía de abdomen informó un síndrome pilórico secundario a retención gástrica de cuerpos extraños. Fue llevado a laparotomía y gastrotomía logrando la extracción de 97 objetos cilíndricos de látex que contenían sustancias ilícitas. Discusión. En los body packer asintomáticos, la administración de soluciones laxantes es una estrategia terapéutica segura. Los casos reportados de obstrucción gastrointestinal son infrecuentes y se relacionan con la ingesta de un gran número de cápsulas, por lo que es necesario el tratamiento quirúrgico. Conclusión. El síndrome pilórico es una presentación infrecuente en un body packer. Se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha para garantizar un manejo oportuno

Introduction. Packaging and transportation of narcotic drugs inside a human body, or body packing, is a frequent practice in Central America and the Caribbean. In addition to the risk of death due to exposure to toxic substances, there is a risk of mechanical complications with an indication for surgical management. The Engativá Hospital, due to its proximity to the airport in Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, is the reference center for the treatment of these patients. Clinical case. A 65-year-old man brought to the hospital for an emetic episode with expulsion of four narcotic transport capsules. Physical examination revealed palpable masses in the upper abdomen, without an acute abdomen. Abdominal tomography revealed pyloric syndrome secondary to gastric retention of foreign bodies. He was taken to laparotomy and gastrotomy, achieving the extraction of 97 cylindrical latex objects that contained illicit substances. Discussion. In asymptomatic body packers, the administration of laxative solutions is a safe therapeutic strategy. Reported cases of gastrointestinal obstruction are infrequent and are related to the ingestion of a large number of capsules, for which surgical treatment is necessary. Conclusion. Pyloric syndrome is an uncommon presentation in body packers. A high index of suspicion is required to ensure timely management

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion for bladder cancer (Part 1). Review and detailed characterization of ileal conduit and modified Indiana pouch.

OBJECTIVE: To review the most used robot-assisted cutaneous urinary diversion (CUD) after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and create a unified compendium of the different alternatives, including new consistent images. METHODS: A non-systematic review of the literature with the keywords "bladder cancer", "cutaneous urinary diversion", and "radical cystectomy" was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies of intracorporeal ileal conduit (ICIC) and two of intracorporeal Indiana pouch (ICIP) were included in the analysis. Regarding ICIC, the patients' age ranged from 60 to 76 years. The operative time to perform a urinary diversion ranged from 60 to 133 min. The total estimated blood loss ranged from 200 to 1 117 mL. The rate of positive surgical margins ranged from 0% to 14.3%. Early minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 71.4% and from 0% to 53.4%, respectively. Late minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 66% and from 0% to 32%, respectively. Totally ICIP data are limited to one case report and one clinical series. CONCLUSION: The most frequent type of CUD is ICIC. Randomized studies comparing the performance of the different types of CUD, the performance in an intra- or extracorporeal manner, or the performance of a CUD versus orthotopic ileal neobladder are lacking in the literature. To this day, there are not enough quality data to determine the supremacy of one technique. This manuscript represents a compendium of the most used CUD with detailed descriptions of the technical aspects, operative and perioperative outcomes, and new consistent images for each technique.

Totally intracorporeal robot-assisted urinary diversion for bladder cancer (part 2). Review and detailed characterization of the existing intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder.

ABSTRACT: To review the most used intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder (ICONB) after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer and create a unified compendium of the different alternatives, including new consistent images. METHODS: We performed a non-systematic review of the literature with the keywords "bladder cancer", "urinary diversion", "radical cystectomy", and "neobladder". RESULTS: Forty studies were included in the analysis. The most frequent type of ICONB was the modified Studer "U" neobladder (70%) followed by the Hautmann "W" modified neobladder (7.5%), the "Y" neobladder (5%), and the Padua neobladder (5%). The operative time to perform a urinary diversion ranged from 124 to 553 min. The total estimated blood loss ranged from 200 to 900 mL. The rate of positive surgical margins ranged from 0% to 8.1%. Early minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 100% and from 0% to 33%, respectively. Late minor and major complication rates ranged from 0% to 70% and from 0% to 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The most frequent types of ICONB are Studer "U" neobladder, Hautmann "W" neobladder, "Y" neobladder, and the Padua neobladder. Randomized studies comparing the performance of the different types of ICONB, the performance in an intra or extracorporeal manner, or the performance of an ICONB versus ICIC are lacking in the literature. To this day, there are not sufficient quality data to determine the supremacy of one technique. This manuscript represents a compendium of the most used ICONB with detailed descriptions of the technical aspects, operative and perioperative outcomes, and new consistent images of each technique.

Implementation of intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy is safe and associated with a shorter hospital stay.

Reconstruction after laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) can be achieved by performing an intracorporeal (IA) or an extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). This study aims to assess the safety of implementing IA in LRC, and to compare its perioperative outcomes with EA during an institution's learning curve. Patients undergoing elective LRC with IA or EA in a teaching university hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. Demographic, clinical, perioperative and histopathological data were collated and outcomes investigated. One hundred and twenty-two patients were included; forty-three (35.2%) had an IA. The main indication for surgery was cancer in both groups (83.7% for IA and 79.8% for EA; p = 0.50). Operative time was longer for IA (180 [150-205] versus 150 [120-180] minutes; p < 0.001). A Pfannenstiel incision was used as extraction site in 97.7% of patients receiving an IA; while a midline incision was used in 97.5% of patients having an EA (p < 0.001). Hospital stay was significantly shorter for IA (3 [3, 4] versus 4 [3-6] days; p = 0.003). There were no differences in postoperative complications rates between groups. There was a 4.7% and 3.8% anastomotic leak rate in the IA and EA group, respectively (p = 1). Re-intervention and readmission rates were similar between groups, and there was no mortality during the study period. The implementation of IA in LRC is safe. Despite longer operative times, IA is associated with a shorter hospital stay when compared to EA in the setting of an institution's learning curve.

Abordaje laparoscópico colorrectal con anastomosis totalmente intracorpórea / Laparoscopic colorectal approach with intracorporeal anastomosis

Antecedentes: el abordaje laparoscópico en el tratamiento de las afecciones colorrectales ha demostrado numerosas ventajas en relación con la cirugía convencional; sin embargo, la necesidad frecuente de tener que emplear una incisión complementaria para la extracción de la pieza operatoria u otros gestos quirúrgicos genera efectos adversos vinculados con el dolor posoperatorio, íleo y las complicaciones propias de la herida. Objetivo: análisis de una serie de pacientes intervenidos por afecciones colorrectales mediante abordaje laparoscópico en quienes se realizó anastomosis intracorpórea comparada con otra de anastomosis extracorpórea. Material y métodos: entre abril de 2010 y mayo de 2013 fueron operados 85 pacientes con afecciones colorrectales, abordados por vía laparoscópica, los que se agruparon en dos lotes: Grupo 1, con anastomosis extracorpórea, 50 (58,8%) y Grupo 2, con variante intracorpórea, 35 (41,2 %). Resultados: no hubo diferencias entre ambos grupos (extracorpórea/intracorpórea), en cuanto a sexo (F/M:23/27, 22/13, respectivamente; p=0,052), edad promedio en años (63/60; p=0,222), índice de masa corporal (24,38 kg/m2/27,37 kg/m2; p=0,315), ASA (p=0,817), tpo de afección tratada (p= 0,312), sector resecado (p=0,282), longitud de la pieza operatoria (p=0,384) y cantidad de ganglios extrpados (p=0,537). Tampoco se hallaron diferencias en relación con la conversión, 7 (14%) versus 4 (11,4%), p= 0,379; tempo operatorio en minutos, (178,3 min/188,6 min), p= 0,257; complicaciones, 12 (24%/) versus 8 (22,8%), p= 0,493 y reoperaciones, 5 (10%) versus 4 (11,4%), p= 1. En ambos grupos no hubo mortalidad. Hubo diferencias en relación con el tamaño promedio en centmetros de la incisión empleada (7,7 cm/4,4 cm; p= 0,042) y el dolor posoperatorio inmediato (4,7/3,1; p=0,022). Conclusiones: la confección de anastomosis intracorpórea ofrece un menor dolor posoperatorio, con una menor herida quirúrgica y mejor estética, e iguales resultados posoperatorios inmediatos y alejados.

Background: the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of colorectal diseases has shown many ad-vantages over conventonal surgery. However, the frequent need of an additonal incision to extract the specimen or to perform further surgical techniques may cause adverse efectis related to postope-rative pain, ileus and complicatons of the wound. Objective: to compare a series of patentis undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease with intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis. Material and methods: between April 2010 and May 2013, 85 patentis who were operated on lapa-roscopically for colorectal disease, were divided in two groups. Group I, extracorporeal, 50 (58.8%) and Group II, intracoroporeal anastomosis, 35 (41.2%). Results: there was no diference between groups in terms of gender (F/M-23/27, 22/13, p=0.052), mean age (63/60 years, p=0.222), body mass index (24.38 vs. 27.37 kg/m2), p = 0.315, ASA (p = 0.817), type of disease (p=0.312), resected segment (p=0.282), specimen length (p=0,384) and number of removed lymph nodes (p=0,537). No diferences were found in relaton to conversion, 7 (14%) vs. 4 (11.4%) p=0.379, operative tme (178.3 vs. 188,6 min), p=0.257, complicatons 12 (24% /) vs. 8 (22.8%) p=0.493 and reoperatons, 5 (10%) vs. 4 (11.4%;), p=1. No mortality occurred in both groups. There were diferences in the average size of the incision (7.7 cm vs. 4.4 cm, p = 0.042) and immediate postoperative pain (4.7 vs. 3.1, p = 0.022). Conclusions: laparoscopic approach with intracorporeal anastomosis for colorectal disease ofers less postoperative pain, a smaller wound and beter cosmetic result, with equal postoperative outicome.

Dominant hand, non-dominant hand, or both? The effect of pre-training in hand-eye coordination upon the learning curve of laparoscopic intra-corporeal knot tying.

BACKGROUND: Training of basic laparoscopic psychomotor skills improves both acquisition and retention of more advanced laparoscopic tasks, such as laparoscopic intra-corporeal knot tying (LICK). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the effect of different pre-training programs in hand-eye coordination (HEC) upon the learning curve of LICK. RESULTS: The study was performed in a private center in Asunción, Paraguay, by 60 residents/specialists in gynaecology with no experience in laparoscopic surgery. Participants were allocated in three groups. In phase 1, a baseline test was performed (T1, three repetitions). In phase 2, participants underwent different training programs for HEC (60 repetitions): G1 with both the dominant hand (DH) and the non-dominant hand (NDH), G2 with the DH only, G3 none. In phase 3, a post HEC/pre LICK training test was performed (T2, three repetitions). In phase 4, participants underwent a standardized training program for LICK (60 repetitions). In phase 5, a final test was performed (T3, three repetitions). The score was based on the time taken for task completion system. The scores were plotted and non-linear regression models were used to fit the learning curves to one- and two-phase exponential decay models for each participant (individual curves) and for each group (group curves). For both HEC and LICK, the group learning curves fitted better to the two-phase exponential decay model. For HEC with the DH, G1 and G2 started from a similar point, but G1 reached a lower plateau at a higher speed. In G1, the DH curve started from a lower point than the NDH curve, but both curves reached a similar plateau at comparable speeds. For LICK, all groups started from a similar point, but immediately after HEC training and before LICK training, G1 scored better than the others. All groups reached a similar plateau but with a different decay, G1 reaching this plateau faster than the others groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that pre-training in HEC with both the DH and the NDH shortens the LICK learning curve.

A randomized control trial to evaluate the importance of pre-training basic laparoscopic psychomotor skills upon the learning curve of laparoscopic intra-corporeal knot tying.

BACKGROUND: Training of basic laparoscopic psychomotor skills improves the acquisition of more advanced laparoscopic tasks, such as laparoscopic intra-corporeal knot tying (LICK). This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate whether pre-training of basic skills, as laparoscopic camera navigation (LCN), hand-eye coordination (HEC), and bimanual coordination (BMC), and the combination of the three of them, has any beneficial effect upon the learning curve of LICK. The study was carried out in a private center in Asunción, Paraguay, by 80 medical students without any experience in surgery. Four laparoscopic tasks were performed in the ENCILAP model (LCN, HEC, BMC, and LICK). Participants were allocated to 5 groups (G1-G5). The study was structured in 5 phases. In phase 1, they underwent a base-line test (T1) for all tasks (1 repetition of each task in consecutive order). In phase 2, participants underwent different training programs (30 consecutive repetitions) for basic tasks according to the group they belong to (G1: none; G2: LCN; G3: HEC; G4: BMC; and G5: LCN, HEC, and BMC). In phase 3, they were tested again (T2) in the same manner than at T1. In phase 4, they underwent a standardized training program for LICK (30 consecutive repetitions). In phase 5, they were tested again (T3) in the same manner than at T1 and T2. At each repetition, scoring was based on the time taken for task completion system. RESULTS: The scores were plotted and non-linear regression models were used to fit the learning curves to one- and two-phase exponential decay models for each participant (individual curves) and for each group (group curves). The LICK group learning curves fitted better to the two-phase exponential decay model. From these curves, the starting points (Y0), the point after HEC training/before LICK training (Y1), the Plateau, and the rate constants (K) were calculated. All groups, except for G4, started from a similar point (Y0). At Y1, G5 scored already better than the others (G1 p = .004; G2 p = .04; G3 p < .0001; G4 NS). Although all groups reached a similar Plateau, G5 has a quicker learning than the others, demonstrated by a higher K (G1 p < 0.0001; G2 p < 0.0001; G3 p < 0.0001; and G4 p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirms that training improves laparoscopic skills and demonstrates that pre-training of all basic skills (i.e., LCN, HEC, and BMC) shortens the LICK learning curve.

[Making easier what is difficult: continuous suture in intracorporeal anastomosis]. / Haciendo fácil lo difícil: la sutura continua en la anastomosis intracorpora.

Bariatric surgery requires a high level of training and detailed knowledge of advanced laparoscopy, especially when carrying out intracorporeal anastomosis. The following presentation shows two examples used by our group, which consists of slipknots done at the beginning and the end of the thread that allows us to do the suture quickly and securely.

La práctica de la cirugía bariátrica requiere adiestramiento especial, con dominio de la laparoscopia avanzada, sobre todo en la realización de anastomosis intracorporales. Enseguida se exponen dos recursos utilizados por nuestro grupo que consisten en "lazos corredizos" que se realizan al inicio y al final del hilo y que permiten efectuar la sutura de forma rápida y segura.

Uso rutinario del dispositivo antimigratorio Accordion para prevenir la retropulsión de cálculos ureterales durante la litotripsia intracorpórea con laser Holmium: ¿se justifica su uso? / Routine use of Accordion® antimigratory device for preventing the retropulsion of ureteral stones during intracorporeal lithotripsy with holmium laser: is it justified?

Evaluar el impacto del dispositivo Accordion® (Percsys, Palo Alta, CA) en la prevención de la migración de cálculos ureterales. Materiales y Métodos: Un total de 68 pacientes con cálculos ureterales fueron evaluados en este estudio caso-control. 34 fueron destinados al grupo I (grupo Accordion®) y 34 al grupo II (grupo control). Como objetivo primarios se evaluó la diferencia en tiempo de fragmentación durante el procedimiento. Objetivos secundarios evaluados fueron el tiempo operatorio total, tasa de éxito en la fragmentación del cálculo, requerimiento de catéter ureteral posterior al procedimiento y complicaciones perioperatorias. Resultados: Ambos grupos de pacientes resultaron comparables en término de variables demográficas y características de la litiasis. El tiempo de fragmentación intraoperatoria fue similar entre los grupos (25 minutos en el grupo I vs 24 minutos en el grupo II; p=0,94). No fue encontrada ninguna diferencia estadísticamente significativa en tiempo operatorio total (45 minutos en el grupo I vs 50 minutos en el grupo II; p =0,67) o tasa de éxito en la fragmentación (100 por ciento grupo I vs 97 por ciento grupo II). El análisis multivariado demostró una disminución significativa en la necesidad de instalación de catéter doble J al término del procedimiento con el uso de Accordion durante la ureteroscopía (OR 0.24; CI 0,07-0,90; p=0.034).Conclusión: Ambos grupos en nuestro estudio se comportaron de manera similar con respecto a los resultados inmediatos de la ureteroscopía. La disminución en la necesidad de instalación de un catéter doble J y el costo asociado a éste constituyen un argumento a favor de utilizar el dispositivo Accordion®...

To evaluate the impact of Accordion® (Percsys, Palo Alto , CA) device in preventing stone migration. Methods: A total of 68 patients with ureteral stones were evaluated in this case control study, 34 in group I (Accordion group) and 34 in group II (control group) . As primary outcome we evaluated difference in fragmentation time during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were total operative time, stone free rates, postoperative ureteral catheter requirement and perioperative complications. Results: Both groups of patients were comparable in terms of demographics variables and stone characteristics. Intraoperative fragmentation time was similar between groups (25 minutes for group I vs 24 minutes for group II; p=0,94). No statistically significant difference were found in total operative time (45 minutes for group I vs 50 minutes for group II; p =0,67) or stone free rates (100 percent group I vs 97 percent group II). Multivariate model showed a significant decrease in the need to install a double J catheter at the end of the procedure with the use of Accordion during ureteroscopy (OR 0.24; CI 0,07 -0,90; p=0.034).Conclusions: Both groups in our study behaved similarly with respect to immediate outcome of ureteroscopy. The decrease in the installation of double J stent and the cost associated with it constitutes an argument in favor of the use of Accordion device...