Trocar Site Location in Laparoscopic Appendectomy-A Prospective Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic appendectomy has been used in the treatment of appendicitis, which is among the most common emergency pathologies worldwide. There is no consensus on the best trocar entry sites. The purpose of the present study was to compare various trocar entry sites in the literature and to find the localization with the optimal usage area. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between 2021 and 2022 were randomized into 4 groups and included in the study. The demographic data, perioperative, and postoperative findings of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients participated in the study and 73% were male. No differences were detected between the groups in terms of demographic data, preoperative findings, length of stay, and complications of the patients. However, when the mean surgery times of the groups were examined (47.2±26.9, 58.4±23.1, 54.5±18.3, 55.8±18.6 min), it was observed that this period was less in Group 1 ( P =0.02). When the postoperative Visual Analogue Scale values were analyzed (4.8±2.2, 6.2±1.7, 5.5±2.0, and 5.8±1.9), Group 1 was found to be less painful ( P =0.00001). CONCLUSION: When the surgical procedure is optimized and environmental factors are homogenized, Group 1 trocar entry sites seem advantageous for the procedure in terms of postoperative patient pain scale and operation times.

Total 102 natural orifice specimen extraction following laparoscopic colorectal resections.

Natural orifice surgery has been used with increasing frequency in colon surgeries since the early 2000's. Our aim was to examine the patients retrospectively who underwent Natural Orifice Specimen Excision (NOSE) following laparoscopic colorectal resection. A total of 102 patients 2013 and 2018 were evaluated. The demographic characteristics, intra-operative and post-operative findings, pathology results, pain, incontinence, sexual dysfunction and cosmetic scores were examined. Mean age was 57.0 ± 14 and 52 of them (51%) were female. Specimen extraction was transanal in 72 (70%) (eventration technique in 10 patients) and transvaginal in the remaining 30 patients. The mean operating time was 272 ± 108 (median 240, range 120-540) minutes, and the mean blood loss was 92 ± 87 ml (median 54, range 5-400). The mean hospital stay was 7.0 ± 4.7 days (median 6, range 3-30). The main pain scores (visual analog score) on days 1-2-3 were 3.9 ± 2.0 (median 4, range 1-9), 3.1 ± 1.7 (median 3, range 0-8), 1.9 ± 1.5 (median 1.5, range 0-7), respectively. The mean cosmetic scores were 9.1 ± 1.5 (median 10, range 3-10). The median Wexner Incontinence score was 0 (0-9). Hospital mortality was 1% and unrelated with the NOSE. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates for cancer patients were 77.2-63.3%, respectively. NOSE has advantages in laparoscopic colorectal resections. It increases patient comfort and decreases incision related complications. CLINICAL TRIALS: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04394988).

The impact of splenectomy on human lipid metabolism.

Background: Splenectomy impacts hematological, immunological, and metabolic functions of the patient. Since our understanding of its metabolic effects, in particular effects on lipid metabolism, is limited, this study aims to investigate the effects of splenectomy on lipid metabolism. Methods: The data from 316 patients undergoing splenectomy between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight patients whose serum lipid values were measured both preoperatively and 1 year after surgery were included in this study. Results: Significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) lipid profile were found in the postsplenectomy measurements. However, no significant differences were recorded in levels of triglyceride, HDL, or very-LDL. Conclusion: We determined that splenectomy does impact lipid metabolism, and that the metabolic effects of splenectomy should further be investigated.

Percutaneous Drainage of a Splenic Abscess via Laparoscopic Trocar in a Kidney Transplant Patient.

Spleen abscess is a life-threatening disease. Treatment can be done by medical, radiological, or surgical methods. Here, we offer an innovative method of laparoscopic trocar-assisted percutaneous abscess drainage in the treatment of splenic abscess. Our patient, a 48-year-old male who had a kidney transplant 3 years previously, was admitted due to abdominal pain and fever. A-25-cm splenic abscess was detected, and ultrasonography-guided percu-taneous catheter 10F drainage was attempted. However, this attempt was not successful due to the high viscosity of the abscess content. Under general anesthesia, we then attempted abscess drainage percutaneously via a 12-mm laparoscopic trocar, and a large-bore drain of 28F was inserted into the abscess cavity. The drainage was successful (5300 mL high viscosity content) without any complications. The patient was discharged on day 8 and remained well at 9-month follow-up. Percutaneous drainage instead of splenectomy is preferred in the treatment of spleen abscess by preserving the immunologic functions of the spleen, particularly in immunocompromised patients. When percutaneous catheter drainage therapy fails, percutaneous treatment with a laparoscopic trocar is an innovative and reliable alternative.

Transvaginal Specimen Extraction After Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Tumors.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic gastrectomy for tumors. METHOD: Inclusion criteria were females not planning to deliver a child and an accessible vaginal entry. Exclusion criteria were benign gastric pathologies and emergency cases. RESULTS: There were 24 females with a mean age of 54.5±12.0. Subtotal, total, central, and vertical gastrectomies were implemented in 17, 4, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. There was no conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. Specimens were removed from the vagina in all cases successfully. Histopathologies were adenocarcinoma in 20, gastrointestinal stromal in 3, neuroendocrine tumors in 2 and high-grade dysplasia in the rest. Mean blood loss and duration of surgery were 122.5±163.4 (range: 10 to 800) ml. and 287.7±95.9 (range: 120 to 440) minutes, respectively. No patient required intraoperative blood transfusions. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range: 3 to 22). The mean tumor size was 7.8±6.5 (range: 0.5 to 24) cm. Fourteen of 24 cases were advanced gastric cancers. Mean dissected lymph node numbers in the patients with radical gastrectomy was 35.3±12.9 (range: 18 to 62). There were no early or late complications related to the specimen extraction and no wound-related problems were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In the selected cases, transvaginal specimen extraction was feasible after laparoscopic gastric resections in patients with stomach tumors. As far as we know, this was the largest study on the transvaginal extraction of gastric tumors.

Natural orifice specimen extraction versus transabdominal extraction in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La extracción de muestras de orificio natural (NOSE) para resecciones colorrectales, que mejoran aún más las ventajas de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, se utilizan cada vez con mayor frecuencia. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue comparar los métodos de extracción de muestras de nariz y transabdominales en casos de resecciones de colon derecho totalmente laparoscópicas. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron datos de 52 pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía laparoscópica de colon derecho entre 2013 y 2019. La extracción de muestras transabdominales se realizó en 35 pacientes, mientras que 17 pacientes fueron sometidos a NOSE. Se compararon datos demográficos, hallazgos operativos, resultados patológicos y datos de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Las mujeres (94% frente a 28%, p = 0,0001), comórbidas (76% frente a 40%, p = 0,01) y antecedentes de cirugía abdominal previa (75% frente a 23%, p = 0,001) fueron más altas en el grupo NOSE . Todas las otras características preoperatorias de los grupos fueron comparables. La pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria, el tiempo de operación y las tasas de complicaciones fueron similares en ambos grupos. La escala VAS postoperatoria (2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 4.5 ± 2.4, p = 0.001) y los puntajes cosméticos fueron mejores en el grupo NOSE (10 vs. 7, p = 0.0001). Los resultados oncológicos fueron similares después de un seguimiento medio de 27.4 ± 20.5 (1-77) meses. CONCLUSIÓN: El método NOSE después de la resección laparoscópica del colon derecho fue un método más ventajoso en términos de cosméticos y dolor postoperatorio que la extracción de muestras transabdominales. INTRODUCTION: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) for colorectal resections, which further enhance the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, are being used increasingly more often. In this study, we aimed to compare NOSE and transabdominal specimen extraction methods in cases of totally laparoscopic right colon resections. METHODS: Data of 52 patients who underwent laparoscopic right colon surgery between 2013 and 2019 were included in the study. Transabdominal specimen removal was done in 35 patients, while 17 patients underwent NOSE. Demographic data, operative findings, pathological results, and follow-up data were compared. RESULTS: Female (94% vs. 28%, p = 0.0001), co-morbid (76% vs. 40%, p = 0.01), and previous abdominal surgery history (75% vs. 23%, p = 0.001) were higher in the NOSE group. All the other pre-operative features of the groups were comparable. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and complication rates were similar in both groups. Post-operative visual analog scale (2.8 ± 1.2 vs. 4.5 ± 2.4, p = 0.001) and cosmetic scores were better in the NOSE group (10 vs. 7, p = 0.0001). Oncologic results were similar after a mean follow-up of 27.4 ± 20.5 (1-77) months. CONCLUSION: The NOSE method following laparoscopic right colon resection was a more advantageous method in terms of cosmetics and post-operative pain than transabdominal specimen extraction.

Transanal specimen extraction following combined laparoscopic colectomy and liver resection.

A 47-year-old woman admitted with constipation and a sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma and liver metastasis was diagnosed. Synchronous laparoscopic anterior resection and liver metastasectomy were done and transanal specimen extractions were performed for both resection materials. No recurrence or procedure-related problem was found in the follow-up of the 14th months, and her esthetic score was determined as 9/10. Transanal specimen extraction can be a viable method for patients with left-sided colon cancer with liver metastasis. It avoids additional abdominal incision, and as far as we know, this is the first liver specimen removed through the anus.

Una mujer de 47 años ingresó con estreñimiento y fue diagnosticada de adenocarcinoma de colon sigmoide y metástasis hepáticas. Se realizaron resección anterior laparoscópica sincrónica y metastasectomía hepática, y se extrajeron muestras transanales de ambos materiales de resección. No se encontró ningún problema relacionado con la recidiva o el procedimiento en el seguimiento a los 14 meses, y su puntaje estético se determinó como 9/10. La extracción transanal de muestras puede ser un método viable para pacientes con cáncer de colon izquierdo con metástasis hepáticas. Esta técnica previene la incisión abdominal adicional. Hasta donde sabemos, esta es la primera muestra de hígado extraída a través del ano.

Dieulafoy lesion in a Hartmann stump.

A 70-year-old man underwent laparoscopic anterior resection for sigmoid carcinoma, and on postoperative day 4, he required an emergency Hartmann procedure for bowel ischemia and anastomotic leakage. Five days after the emergency procedure, there was a massive hemorrhage through the anus that appeared in the abdominal drain. During exploration, the origin of the bleeding could not be found, and the rectal stump was closed over a urinary Foley catheter (with an inflated balloon) with the help of a purse-string suture. In the intensive care unit, massive hematochezia continued. Emergency transanal colonoscopy to the Hartmann stump found the rectum full of clotted blood. Active pulsatile arterial bleeding of a rectal Dieulafoy lesion was detected. After endoscopic hemostasis efforts failed, bleeding was stopped successfully by transanal suturing. The patient was discharged without any other problems, and no recurrent bleeding occurred during the 18-month follow-up. Here, we report a rectal Dieulafoy lesion in a Hartmann stump for the first time.

A case of vaginal recurrence following laparoscopic left-sided colon cancer resection combined with transvaginal specimen extraction.

Here, we presented a case of laparoscopic colon cancer resection who developed vaginal recurrence after transvaginal specimen extraction. To our knowledge, this is the first case report on natural orifice specimen extraction-site cancer recurrence. A 59-year-old female underwent laparoscopic left hemicolectomy due to left-sided colon adenocarcinoma, and the specimen was removed through the vagina. She was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of vaginal discharge after 1 year. Tumoural infiltration on the posterior vaginal wall was diagnosed, and biopsy was reported as adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooferectomy and en bloc resection of the posterior vaginal wall due to the local recurrence of colon cancer. She had no recurrence or metastasis within the 3rd year after primary tumour surgery. Recurrence at the specimen extraction site after natural orifice surgery should be considered among the complications. For this reason, incision-preserving methods should not be neglected.

Transverse colon stenosis following laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric remnant carcinoma.

Laparoscopic surgery for remnant gastric cancer has been reported in a limited number of cases, and data on post-operative complications are lacking. A 58-year-old male was admitted with remnant gastric cancer. He had undergone open subtotal gastrectomy 9 years ago for gastric cancer. Laparoscopic total gastrectomy was performed, and he was discharged on the 10th day uneventfully. The patient had complained of nausea and vomiting in the 2nd post-operative month. He clinically and radiologically diagnosed as ileus and required open emergency surgery. There was a transverse colon stenosis near the splenic flexure. Hartmann's procedure was done, and he was discharged on day 17. We have limited knowledge about colonic complications after laparoscopic gastric surgery. The development of stenosis in the transverse colon is one of these complications that should be kept in mind. As far as we know, such a complication has never been reported before.

Laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts in adults: a series from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Choledochal cyst is a congenital disease in which surgical treatment is preliminary because of the potential for malignancy. In recent years, increase in technological developments and laparoscopic experience have popularised the use of laparoscopy in adult choledochal cyst surgery. This study aimed to present the results of eight adult patients undergoing laparoscopic choledochal excision surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and hepatico-jejunostomy anastomoses between the years 2013 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative findings, pathological results and final condition of the patients were examined. RESULTS: Of the eight patients, three were males and five were females. Median age was 41.5 years (22-49). One of the patients had Type IVa and the rest had Type I choledochal cysts. Laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision, cholecystectomy, and hepatico-jejunostomy anastomoses were performed on all of the patients. One patient was converted to open surgery. Three patients had postoperative biliary leakage. Duration of the operations was determined as median 330 (240-480) minutes and blood loss was 50 (10-100) mL. Hospitalization of the patients was median 6 (4-23) days and follow-up time was median 20 (2-65) months. In the late period, cholangitis occured in a patient who was treated with medical therapy and there was no mortality in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: We suggest that laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in adults may be an alternative to open surgery due to the satisfactory results in the late period in spite of early problems like self-limiting bile leakage.

A Comparison of Natural Orifice Versus Transabdominal Specimen Extraction Following Laparoscopic Total Colectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Natural orifice surgery has been increasingly used in colon surgery since the early 2000s. However, it is rarely used for total colectomy. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively compare natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) with transabdominal specimen extraction in patients undergoing laparoscopic total colectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients who underwent laparoscopic total colectomy between 2013 and 2017 were enrolled and the patients were divided into two groups: NOSE (n = 13) and transabdominal group (n = 13). The patients' demographic characteristics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, pathology results, visual analog scale scores, and cosmetic scores were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics as well as perioperative and postoperative outcomes, including complications. Benign pathologies were more common in the NOSE group (85% versus 15%, P = .001). The pain scores of the postoperative first, second, and third days were significantly lower in the NOSE group 4.1 ± 2.1 versus 7.1 ± 1.3 (P = .005), 3.7 ± 2.2 versus 6.0 ± 1.5 (P = .003), and 2.2 ± 2.0 versus 4.1 ± 0.9 (P = .03), respectively. As expected, the mean cosmetic score was significantly better in the NOSE group (8.3 ± 1.5 versus 6.7 ± 1.8, P = .02). CONCLUSION: NOSE combined with laparoscopic total colectomy provided better patient comfort in benign diseases and small-sized malignant diseases.

Randomized controlled trial of monopolar cautery versus clips for staple line bleeding control in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding from the staple line is a rare but serious problem following bariatric surgery. Staple line bleeding control (SLBC) can be achieved in different ways such as the application of sutures, clips, glue or buttressing materials over the staple line. Cauterization alone is generally not preferred due to concerns about debilitating the staple line. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the clip and monopolar cauterization methods for SLBC in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. SETTING: University hospital. METHODS: A total of 70 morbidly obese patients were randomized into two groups. Patients with previous upper gastrointestinal surgery, re-do procedures and open surgeries were excluded. Their demographic characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were examined. RESULTS: A total of 489 SLBC interventions (274 clips and 215 cauterizations) were performed after 280 stapling applications. SLBC intervention number and location, additional trocar requirement, blood loss and operation time were not different between the groups. In the clip group, two patients required monopolar cauterization when clipping failed. No intraabdominal bleeding or gastrointestinal leakage was seen in any group. Postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage was seen in three patients, two in the clip group and one in the cautery group. There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pain score, abdominal drainage amount, hemoglobin level alteration, morbidity or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: In laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, monopolar cauterization for SLBC can be used instead of clipping. It appears that monopolar cautery is a safe and effective approach for SLBC in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Influence of Drain Placement on Postoperative Pain Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no evidence to support the routine use of an abdominal drain following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Our aim was to investigate drain use in laparoscopic RYGB and its effects on postoperative pain. METHODS: Sixty-six patients were randomly divided into two groups as no-drain (n = 36) and with-drain (n = 30). Intraoperative (time, blood loss, complications) and postoperative outcomes (morbidities, pain scores, hospital stay) were compared. RESULTS: Demographics of both groups were comparable. Three patients in the no-drain group required a drain (8.3%). Median visual analog scale scores for days 1-3 for with-drain and no-drain groups were 4.5 (2-9) vs. 3 (0-8) (p = 0.02), 3 (0-7) vs. 2 (0-7) (p = 0.10), and 2 (0-7) vs. 0 (0-4) (p = 0.0004), respectively. There was no difference between the groups in terms of complications and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Drain use increased the postoperative pain following laparoscopic RYGB. Drain placement following laparoscopic RYGB should be selective instead of a routine application.

Two cases of laparoscopic total colectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction and review of the literature.

We present two cases of natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) after laparoscopic total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA), and we also review all of the previously reported cases. Our aim was to focus on patient selection for NOSE after TC-IRA. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were scanned. Demographic features, surgical indications, and techniques were analyzed. Basic calculations were used for statistical analysis. A total of 13 cases were detected in addition to our 2 cases. All of the specimens were removed through the natural orifices successfully. No case required a diverting ileostomy. No patients were converted to open surgery or to conventional laparoscopy. Complications were reported in three patients. Transanal extractions were performed in 12 cases (10 colonic inertia, 2 polyposis), and transvaginal extractions were performed in 3 cases (2 malignancy, 1 colonic inertia). Both transanal and transvaginal specimen extractions after laparoscopic TC-IRA can be preferred. However, transanal extraction seems to be feasible in cases of TC for benign disease with a limited mesenteric-omental resection. If the indication is a malignancy requiring a mesenteric-omental resection, a transvaginal route should be preferred for a voluminous specimen.

J-pouch vs. side-to-end anastomosis after hand-assisted laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer: A prospective randomized trial on short and long term outcomes including life quality and functional results.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes of j-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis in rectal cancer patients treated with laparoscopic hand-assisted low anterior resection. METHODS: Prospective trial on cases randomized to have a colonic j-pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis after low anterior resection. Demographics, characteristics of disease and treatment, perioperative results, and functional outcomes and life quality were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Seventy four patients were randomized. Reservoir creation was withdrawn in 17 (23%) patients, mostly related to reach problem (n = 11, 64.7%). Anastomotic leakage rate was significantly higher in j-pouch group (8 [27.6%] vs. 0, p = 0.004). Stoma closure could not be achieved in 16 (28.1%) patients. Life quality and functional outcomes, measured 4, 8 and 12 months after the stoma reversal, were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic j-pouch and side-to-end anastomosis are similar regarding perioperative measures including operation time, rates of postoperative complications, reoperation and 30-day mortality, and hospitalization period except anastomotic leak rate, which is higher in j-pouch group. Postoperative aspects are not different in patients receiving either technique including functional outcomes and life quality for the first year after stoma closure. In our opinion, both techniques may be preferred during the daily practice while performing laparoscopic surgery; but surgeons may be aware of a possibly higher anastomotic leak rate in case of a j-pouch.

Management of Acute Sleeve Gastrectomy Leaks by Conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Small Case Series.

Management of early sleeve gastrectomy leak remains challenging. The recommended approach is endoscopic stenting and abdominal drainage. Conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a common procedure used for late fistulas with distal obstruction. Here, we have presented three cases of early staple line leaks treated by conversion to RYGB. These patients had uncontrolled abdominal infections despite intensive medical treatments, and surgery was elected for abdominal drainage as well as to control the source of sepsis. All the patients were discharged without problems, and successful weight loss processes continued. Conversion to RYGB of a sleeve gastrectomy leak in an acute setting can be a feasible method in the case of inevitable surgical drainage for abdominal sepsis.