Hemidouble Stapling Technique versus Ghosting Double Stapling Technique for Esophagojejunostomy after Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy.

The hemidouble stapler technique (HDST) in laparoscopic intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy has aspects that pose risks to the safety of the anastomosis. We developed a new esophagojejunostomy technique that converts a double-stapled anastomosis to a single-stapled anastomosis in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). The aim of this study is to compare the results of two techniques. Patients who underwent LTG for gastric cancer in our hospital between October 2016 and May 2022 were included in the study. Patients were retrospectively reviewed in two groups: those who underwent HDST and the ghosting double stapling technique (GDST). Both groups were analysed in terms of demographics, perioperative findings, and postoperative outcomes. The GDST was used in 14 patients. The HDST was used on 16 patients. Two patients in the HDST group whose esophagojejunal anastomosis was not assessed on endoscopic imaging were excluded. The mean total operative times were 292.6 ± 43.7 and 224.3 ± 36.1 min (p < 0.001). The mean times for esophagojejunostomy were 38.6 ± 4.3 and 26.8 ± 6.4 min (p < 0.001). One case of anastomotic stenosis was observed in the HDST group. Anastomotic leakage was not observed in both groups. However, there was no significant difference in overall morbidity between the groups (p > 0.05). Both HDST and GDST can be safely performed in the esophagojejunostomy for LTG.

One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Randomized Prospective Trial.

Background and Objectives: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgeries are effective methods used in bariatric surgery. There are limited randomized studies comparing these procedures over more than 2 years. Here, we aimed to compare the 3-year results of two bariatric procedures. Materials and Methods: Patients included in this randomized prospective study were compared in OAGB and RYGB groups. A total of 55 patients, aged between 18 and 65, were eligible for the study. Thirteen patients who did not accept randomization were excluded. Patients were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. Results: Three patients were excluded from the study due to loss of communication during the clinical follow-up and one due to death by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which started in the eighth month after surgery. The study was completed with a total of 38 patients (OAGB; n = 20, RYGB; n = 18). Patients in the two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and obesity-related comorbidities. At the end of 3-year follow-up, BMI in the OAGB and RYGB groups was 28.80 ± 4.53 kg/m2 and 29.17 ± 5.36 kg/m2, respectively (p = 0.822). Percentage total weight loss (TWL%) was similar. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding percentage excess weight loss (EWL%). Remission of comorbidities was similar. De novo refluxes developed in four OAGB patients; there were no occurrences of these in RYGB patients (p = 0.066). Conclusions: Both OAGB and RYGB are effective in the treatment of morbid obesity. The two procedures are similarly successful in terms of obesity-related comorbidities.

Comparison of stapled versus stapleless sleeve gastrectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE).

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is a stapler dependent bariatric procedure. A stapleless sleeve gastrectomy can be necessary for certain circumstances. AIMS: Here, we aimed to show whether laparoscopic stapleless sleeve gastrectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) can be an alternative procedure to stapled sleeve gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the stapleless group (n = 6), no staplers were used and after vertical resection of the stomach by energy devices, the stomach remnant was closed by two rows of intracorporeal sutures. The resected specimen was removed through the mouth using an endoscopic snare. In the stapler group (n = 7), sleeve gastrectomy was carried out with linear stapler under the guidance of 36 Fr bougie. The specimens were extracted from the left upper quadrant trocar site. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were compared (stapleless = 6 and stapled group = 7). All the sleeve gastrectomies were completed laparoscopically. The operative time was longer at 200 minutes (range 120-300) versus 120 minutes, (range 90-200) p = 0.07) and the amount of bleeding was higher at 100 ml (range 50-200) versus 30 ml (range 10-50) (p = 0.004) in the stapleless group. Leakage and gastrointestinal bleeding were seen in the stapleless group but no complications were found in the stapler group. No statistically significant difference was found between the metabolic outcomes of the two groups after the operation (p > 0.05). Decrease in BMI at similar rates was observed in 5 postoperative year (stapleless group: 35 kg/m2 (range 31-39) versus stapled group: 36.5 kg/m2 (range 31-39), p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic stapleless sleeve gastrectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction has longer procedure time, more blood loss and complications.

Repeated stretched or non-stretched small bowel length measurements in healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to contribute to the establishment of a standard method of small bowel measurement by comparing repeated small bowel length measurements with and without stretching in healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Small bowel measurement was randomly performed in 24 healthy liver donors. Three repetitive measurements were performed with complete stretching in 12 cases; whereas, 3 consecutive measurements were made without any stretching in the other 12 patients. Living donor hepatectomy continued uneventfully in all cases. RESULTS: In the non-stretched group, the second measurement was 199 cm shorter than the first measurement (p <0.001). In the third measurement, this shortening had increased further, and the difference from the first measurement was 234 cm on average (p <0.001). In the stretched group, a shortening of approximately 135 cm between the first and second measurements was noted. In the third measurement, an improvement of 4% was observed in contrast to the non-stretched method, with a mean reduction of 105 cm in the small bowel length compared with the first measurement (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Stretching technique can reduce error rate in repeated small bowel measurements.

Repeated stretched or non-stretched small bowel length measurements in healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to contribute to the establishment of a standard method of small bowel measurement by comparing repeated small bowel length measurements with and without stretching in healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Small bowel measurement was randomly performed in 24 healthy liver donors. Three repetitive measurements were performed with complete stretching in 12 cases, whereas, 3 consecutive measurements were made without any stretching in the other 12 patients. Living donor hepatectomy continued uneventfully in all cases. RESULTS: In the non-stretched group, the second measurement was 199 cm shorter than the first measurement (p<0.001). In the third measurement, this shortening had increased further, and the difference from the first measurement was 234 cm on average (p<0.001). In the stretched group, a shortening of approximately 135 cm between the first and second measurements was noted. In the third measurement, an improvement of 4% was observed in contrast to the non-stretched method, with a mean reduction of 105 cm in the small bowel length compared with the first measurement (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The stretching technique can reduce the error rate in repeated small bowel measurements.

Extramucosal pancreaticojejunostomy at laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

While the 'best pancreatic anastomosis technique' debate is going during Whipple procedure, the laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy lately began to appear more and more often in the medical literature. All the popular anastomosis techniques used in open pancreas surgery are being experienced in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, when they were adapted to laparoscopy, their implementation was not technically easy, and assistance of robotic surgery was sometimes required at the pancreatic anastomosis stage of the procedure. Feasibility and simplicity of a new technique have a vital role in its adaptation to laparoscopic surgery. We frequently use the extra-mucosal single row handsewn anastomosis method in open and laparoscopic surgery of the stomach, small and large bowel and we found it easy and reliable. Here, we defined the adaptation of this technique to the laparoscopic pancreas anastomosis. The outcomes were not inferior to the other previously described techniques and it has the advantage of simplicity.

Colorectal Stenting for Obstruction due to Retrorectal Tumor in a Patient Unsuitable for Surgery.

Fund of knowledge on palliative treatment of unresectable retrorectal tumors is scare. Here, we reported a non-surgical treatment of a huge retrorectal malignant tumor in an aged and debilitated patient complicated with colorectal obstruction. An 86-year-old male with severe comorbidities was admitted with acute colorectal obstruction owing to an untreated retrorectal malign epithelial tumor. There was a lobulated retrorectal mass, 20 cm × 15 cm at largest size, extending to the superior iliac bifurcation level, caused an obstruction of the rectal lumen. He was not suitable for surgical excision because of the severe comorbidities. Rectal obstruction was palliated by two self-expandable metallic stents. He tolerated the procedures well and post-procedural course was uneventful. After four months, stents were patent and the patient was continent. Stenting for colorectal obstruction owing to a retrorectal tumor can be feasible in patients who are not suitable for surgery (aged, debilitated, advanced tumor). It avoided the surgical trauma to a high-risk patient and ensured the continuity of continence. As far as we know, this was the first report on colorectal stenting for a retrorectal tumor.

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.

Comparison of Harmonic scalpel and Ligasure devices in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is one of the most preferred bariatric procedures in the world for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. The Harmonic scalpel (HS) and LigaSure (LS) are the most commonly used devices in laparoscopic surgery. As far as we know, there is no comparative study of the two energy devices in LRYGB for morbid obesity. AIM: To compare the intraoperative performances of the two energy devices in LRYGB for morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The HS and LS were used in 43 and 42 cases, respectively. The patient demographics of both groups were comparable. The duration of the procedures (gastric pouch creation time and total operation time), quantity of bleeding (during gastric pouch creation and total quantities of bleeding) and the number of pneumoperitoneum desufflations due to smoking that impaired sight fields were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Gastric pouch creation time (HS: 22.5 ±9.5 vs. LS: 19.5 ±9.7 min, p = 0.15), bleeding during gastric pouch preparation (HS: 15.3 ±30.5 vs. LS: 17.5 ±31.3 ml, p = 0.74), total operation time (HS: 183.2 ±47 vs. LS: 165.3 ±37.1 min, p = 0.06) and total bleeding (HS: 110 ±195.5 vs. LS: 102.5 ±70 ml, p = 0.81) were similar in the two groups. Only the mean number of pneumoperitoneum desufflations due to smoking was lower in the HS group (HS: 0.28 ±0.49 vs. LS: 0.57 ±0.78, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The HS and LS performed similarly in LRYGB, with fewer desufflations from smoking in the HS group.

Transvaginal extraction of laparoscopic liver resection specimen.

The application of laparoscopic surgery via the vagina has been introduced at the beginning of this millennium. Here, we report a case of transvaginal extraction of a laparoscopic hepatectomy specimen. An exophytic liver mass originated from segment VI in a 24-year-old female was excised with laparoscopic technique using four trocars (0.5-1.2 cm sizes). The specimen (11 × 8.5 cm) was removed transvaginally instead of an abdominal incision. To the best of our knowledge, only six similar cases have been previously reported, with a patient age range of 32-74 years. Our case, due to younger age, had high cosmetic expectations. Specific to this case, we aimed a better aesthetic outcomes and better convalescence period and, we achieved these objectives. We believe that patient selection and experience on natural orifice specimen extraction were the keys to the success of the operation. We shared this technique with a video presentation.

Influence of repeated measurements on small bowel length.

PURPOSE: Measurement of small bowel length (SBL) is a common procedure in gastrointestinal surgery. When required, repeated SBL measurements can be done during surgery. Our aim was to evaluate whether these repeated measurements differ in SBL results. METHODS: Small bowel length was measured during laparotomy in 28 patients between ligament of Treitz and caecum, using a standard measure, two times in each patient consecutively by two different surgeons from the anti-mesenteric border of the bowel. RESULTS: The median age was 33 (19-67) including 18 male. There were 16 healthy donors for living related liver transplantations. Second measurements, performed immediately after the first measurements, significantly shortened the measured SBLs in the same patients (580 ± 103 vs. 485 ± 78 cm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During surgery, repeated length measurements caused contractions in the small bowel and this resulted to a significant decrease in the SBL. This should be keep in mind to prevent mismeasurements.

Laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Congenital choledochal cysts are rare in adults. Due to the risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma, the current standard of care is complete excision of the cyst and reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy. So far, more than 200 laparoscopic resections have been reported in adults, the majority being from Far Eastern countries over the last five years. Herein, the technique of laparoscopic type I choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy is presented in a 37-year-old male with an accompanying video. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery are applicable for choledochal cyst excision as well. We believe that teamwork, expertise on intracorporeal suturing and hepatobiliary surgery are central issues for this operation.

Portosystemic Shunt Surgery in Patients with Idiopathic Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension.

BACKGROUND Idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH) is a rare disease characterized by increased portal venous pressure in the absence of cirrhosis and other causes of liver diseases. The aim of the present study was to present our results in using portosystemic shunt surgery in patients with INCPH. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients who had been referred to our Liver Transplantation Institute for liver transplantation and who had undergone surgery from January 2010 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with INCPH who had undergone portosystemic shunt procedure were included in the study. Age, sex, symptoms and findings, type of portosystemic shunt, and postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS A total of 1307 patients underwent liver transplantation from January 2010 to December 2015. Eleven patients with INCPH who did not require liver transplantation were successfully operated on with a portosystemic shunt procedure. The mean follow-up was 30.1±19 months (range 7-69 months). There was no mortality in the perioperative period or during the follow-up. Two patients underwent surgery again due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage; one had bleeding from the surgical site except the portacaval anastomosis and the other had bleeding from the h-graft anastomosis. No patient developed encephalopathy and no patient presented with esophageal variceal bleeding after portosystemic shunt surgery. Shunt thrombosis occurred in 1 patient (9.9%). Only 1 patient developed ascites, which was controlled medically. CONCLUSIONS Portosystemic shunt surgery is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of patients with INCPH.

Reresection of Colorectal Liver Metastasis with Vena Cava Resection.

The best known treatment of the colorectal liver metastasis is the complete surgical excision with clean surgical margins. However, liver resections sometimes cannot appear technically feasible due to the high number of metastases in the liver, in cases of recurrent resections or invasion of the tumors to the major vascular structures or neighboring organs. Here, we presented a colorectal recurrent liver metastasis invading the retrohepatic vena cava, right adrenal gland, and right diaphragm. En masse resection of the tumor with caudate hepatectomy combined with vena cava resection and surrounding adrenal and diaphragm resections was accomplished. Caval reconstruction was done by a 5 cm in length cryopreserved vena cava homograft under isolated caval clamping. Postoperative period was uneventful and she was discharged on day 11. As a conclusion, combined liver and vena cava resection for a recurrent colorectal liver metastasis is a feasible procedure even with additional neighboring organ resections. Isolated vena cava occlusion with the preservation of the hepatic blood flow may decrease the risk of liver injury in case of previous chemotherapy for liver metastasis.

Gastric bezoar after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to present a patient with gastric pouch bezoar after having a bariatric surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Sixty-three years old morbid obese female had a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery 14 months ago. She has lost 88% of her excess body mass index; but started to suffer from nausea, abdominal distention and vomiting lately, especially for the last two months. The initial evaluation by endoscopy, computed tomography (CT) and an upper gastrointestinal contrast series overlooked the pathology in the gastric pouch and did not display any abnormality. However, a second endoscopy revealed a 5cm in diameter phytobezoar in the gastric pouch which was later endoscopically removed. After the bezoar removal, her complaints relieved completely. DISCUSSION: The gastric bezoars may be confused with the other pathologies because of the dyspeptic complaints of these patients. The patients that had a bariatric surgery; are more prone to bezoar formation due to their potential eating disorders and because of the gastro-enterostomy made to a small gastric pouch after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. CONCLUSION: Possibility of a bezoar formation should be kept in mind in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients who has nausea and vomiting complaints. Removal of the bezoar provides a dramatic improvement in the complaints of these patients.

Laparoscopic Gastrectomy and Transvaginal Specimen Extraction in a Morbidly Obese Patient with Gastric Cancer.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer has some significant postoperative benefits over open surgery with similar oncologic outcomes. This procedure is more popular in the Far East countries where obesity is not a serious public health problem. In the Western countries, laparoscopic gastrectomy for cancer is not a common procedure, yet obesity is more common. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in a morbidly obese patient. Additionally, we used natural orifice specimen extraction as an option to decrease wound-related complications, which are more prevalent in morbidly obese patients. In this case, we performed a fully laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy with the specimen extracted through the vagina. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report of a natural orifice surgery in a morbidly obese patient with gastric cancer.

Case report of non-traumatic spontaneous intrahepatic bile duct rupture in an adult.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous rupture of the biliary duct, a rare condition in adults, is difficult to diagnose preoperatively and presents with acute abdominal symptoms. The treatment of this rare condition should be based on the individual's clinical status. We present peripheric biliary duct rupture (segment three) treated with external segment III drainage and postoperative endoscopic removal of the stones. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 82-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain and fever. An ultrasound (US) revealed a solid gall stone lesion, 3cm in diameter, in liver segments three and four with additional intra-abdominal fluid accumulation without coexisting free air. A diagnostic laparotomy was then performed because the patient had signs of peritonitis. Exploration revealed a biliary leakage from the posterior surface of segment three. An external biliary drainage catheter was inserted to the perforated segment III duct via a 6 French (6F) feeding catheter. He was discharged after 10 days and his intracholedocal stent was removed postoperative after three months. The patient continues to be monitored. DISCUSSION: Spontaneous rupture of the intrahepatic biliary duct is a rare condition. Although occurrence is frequently reported as spontaneous, the majority of cases are related to choledocholithiasis. The role of surgical treatment in cases of spontaneous bile duct rupture is unclear. When biliary peritonitis is present, drainage of contaminated biliary fluid, T-tube drainage, closure of the biliary duct, as well as primary disease conditions, should be reviewed prior to treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of spontaneous biliary duct rupture should be indicated only after careful consideration of the patient's clinical and comorbidity status.

Retroperitoneal mass presenting as recurrent inguinal hernia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal masses presenting as an inguinal hernia are rare conditions. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53 year old male admitted with the symptoms of weight loss, abdominal discomfort and left sided recurrent inguinal hernia. Physical examination demonstrated an abdominal mass in the left flank and an irreducible, painless scrotal mass. He had a history of left sided inguinal hernia surgery six years ago. Computed tomography revealed a large enhancing left sided retroperitoneal mass invading the colon, pancreas and kidney and it was going down towards the left scrotum. Unblock tumor resection including the neighboring organs (left kidney, left colon, distal pancreas with spleen) was performed. Scrotal extension of the tumor was also excised and the inguinal canal was repaired primarily. Histopathology of the mass was myxoid-liposarcoma. The patient has disease free, without hernia recurrence but poor in renal function after twenty months follow-up. DISCUSSION: Large retroperitoneal tumors may grow towards the inguinal region and they can mimic an inguinal hernia. An irreducible, painless and hard scrotal mass should be considered from this perspective.