Retroperitoneal Bronchogenic Cyst Mimicking a Pancreatic Cystic Lesion with Extremely High Level of Intralesional Fluid CA-19.9 Antigen: Benign in Disguise.

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital benign tumors resulting from abnormal budding of the primitive foregut. Usually presented on the posterior mediastinum, its presence on the retroperitoneum is extremely rare. We present an asymptomatic lady patient with a retroperitoneal cystic lesion that was submitted to endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsies and intracystic fluid aspiration with histology excluding malignance despite intracystic fluid biochemical analysis that disclosed extremely high carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Definite diagnosis of bronchogenic cyst was only possible after complete surgical resection of the lesion. Furthermore, we discuss the use of this antigen as a tumor marker in this situation and its relevance to the preoperative diagnosis of such lesions.

Long-term survival after surgical treatment followed by adjuvant systemic therapy for primary duodenal melanoma.

Primary mucosal malignant melanomas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare tumors associated to poor prognosis. Primary duodenal involvement by pigmented lesions is even more uncommon, and only a few reports exist in the literature. We report the case of a patient with large primary duodenal melanoma that presented with upper intestinal obstruction and bleeding that was submitted to urgent pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by adjuvant systemic therapy with an oral alkylating agent (temozolomide) plus intravenous cisplatin. The patient presents no signs of recurrence 3 years after the surgery. We consider that radical surgical resection followed by systemic therapy is a safe and effective treatment strategy option for primary mucosal gastrointestinal melanomas.

Anatomical basis for the intrahepatic glissonian approach during hepatectomies.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical liver resections are based on some basic technical principles such as vascular control, ischemic area delineation to be resected and maximum parenchymal preservation. These aspects are achieved by the intrahepatic glissonian approach, which consists in accessing the pedicles of hepatic segments within the hepatic parenchyma. Small incisions on well-defined anatomical landmarks are performed to approach the pedicles, making dissection of the hilar plate unnecessary. AIM: Analyze parameters in liver anatomy related to intrahepatic surgical technique to glissonians pedicles, to set the normal anatomy related to the procedure and thereby facilitate the attainment of this technique. METHODS: Anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach were studied in 37 cadavers. Measurements were performed with precision instruments. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender and liver weight and groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: Twenty-five cadavers were male and 12 female. No statistically significant difference was observed in virtually all parameters when groups were compared. This demonstrates the consistency of the anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study made possible major technical advances in the realization of open and laparoscopic hepatectomies with intrahepatic glissonian approach, and can help surgeons to perform liver resections by this method.

Anatomical basis for the intrahepatic glissonian approach during hepatectomies / Bases anatômicas para o acesso intra-hepático aos pedículos glissonianos durante hepatectomias

BACKGROUND: Anatomical liver resections are based on some basic technical principles such as vascular control, ischemic area delineation to be resected and maximum parenchymal preservation. These aspects are achieved by the intrahepatic glissonian approach, which consists in accessing the pedicles of hepatic segments within the hepatic parenchyma. Small incisions on well-defined anatomical landmarks are performed to approach the pedicles, making dissection of the hilar plate unnecessary. AIM: Analyze parameters in liver anatomy related to intrahepatic surgical technique to glissonians pedicles, to set the normal anatomy related to the procedure and thereby facilitate the attainment of this technique. METHODS: Anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach were studied in 37 cadavers. Measurements were performed with precision instruments. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender and liver weight and groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: Twenty-five cadavers were male and 12 female. No statistically significant difference was observed in virtually all parameters when groups were compared. This demonstrates the consistency of the anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study made possible major technical advances in the realization of open and laparoscopic hepatectomies with intrahepatic glissonian approach, and can help surgeons to perform liver resections by this method. .

RACIONAL: Ressecções hepáticas anatômicas são baseadas em alguns princípios técnicos básicos, como o controle vascular, delimitação de área isquêmica a ser ressecada e máxima preservação do parênquima. Isto pode ser obtido pelo acesso intra-hepático aos pedículos glissonianos, que consiste em controle dos pedículos dos segmentos dentro do parênquima hepático. Pequenas incisões ao redor da placa hilar, em marcos anatômicos bem definidos, são utilizadas para acesso aos pedículos, tornando desnecessária a dissecção do hilo hepático. OBJETIVO: Analisar parâmetros da anatomia do fígado relacionada com a técnica cirúrgica da abordagem intra-hepática aos pedículos glissonianos, para definir a anatomia normal relacionada ao procedimento e, assim, facilitar a realização desta técnica. MÉTODOS: Parâmetros anatômicos relacionados à abordagem intra-hepática aos pedículos glissonianos foram estudados em 37 cadáveres. As medições foram realizadas com instrumentos de precisão. Os dados foram expressos em média±desvio-padrão. Os indivíduos foram divididos em grupos de acordo com o sexo e peso do fígado e os grupos foram comparados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco cadáveres eram do sexo masculino e 12 do feminino. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em praticamente todos os parâmetros quando os grupos foram comparados. Isto demonstra a consistência dos parâmetros anatômicos relacionadas com a técnica intra-hepática de acesso glissoniano. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos neste estudo possibilitaram grandes avanços técnicos na realização de hepatectomias abertas e laparoscópicas com abordagem intra-hepática aos pedículos glissonianos, e pode ajudar cirurgiões a realizar procedimentos seguros e eficazes por este método. .

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection. From enucleation to pancreatoduodenectomy. 11-year experience.

CONTEXT: Our experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection began in 2001. During initial experience, laparoscopy was reserved for selected cases. With increasing experience more complex laparoscopic procedures such as central pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomies were performed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to review our personal experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection over 11-year period. METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic resection from 2001 through 2012 were reviewed. Preoperative data included age, gender, and indication for surgery. Intraoperative variables included operative time, bleeding, blood transfusion. Diagnosis, tumor size, margin status were determined from final pathology reports. RESULTS: Since 2001, 96 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Median age was 55 years old. 60 patients were female and 36 male. Of these, 88 (91.6%) were performed totally laparoscopic; 4 (4.2%) needed hand-assistance, 1 robotic assistance. Three patients were converted. Four patients needed blood transfusion. Operative time varied according type of operation. Mortality was nil but morbidity was high, mainly due to pancreatic fistula (28.1%). Sixty-one patients underwent distal pancreatectomy, 18 underwent pancreatic enucleation, 7 pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomies, 5 uncinate process resection, 3 central and 2 total pancreatectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of the pancreas is a reality. Pancreas sparing techniques, such as enucleation, resection of uncinate process and central pancreatectomy, should be used to avoid exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency that could be detrimental to the patient's quality of life. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a safe operation but should be performed in specialized centers by highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

[First single-port laparoscopic liver resection in Brazil]. / Hepatectomia laparoscópica com portal único: experiência pioneira no Brasil.

INTRODUCTION: Since the past decade, minimal access surgery is moving towards minimizing the surgical trauma by reducing numbers and size of the laparoscopic ports . A novel technique with a single-incision laparoscopic approach has been recently described. AIM: To describe the single-port technique for laparoscopic liver resection. TECHNIQUE: A transumbilical 3-cm skin incision is performed and a single-incision advanced access platform is introduced. Operation began with exploration of the abdominal cavity and ultrasound examination of the liver. Intrahepatic Glissonian access for retrieval of portal pedicles from segments 2 and 3 is performed. Vascular endoscopic stapler is used to divide segments 2 and 3 Glissonian pedicle. Liver is transected with harmonic scalpel and left hepatic vein is divided with stapler. Procedure is completed. Surgical specimen is retrieved through the single umbilical incision. No drains are left in place. CONCLUSION: Single port laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy is feasible and can be safely performed in specialized centers by skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

Laparoscopic paccreatic resection. from enucleaion to pancreatoduodenectomy. 111-year experience / Pancreatectomia laparoscopica. Da enucleacao a duodenopancreatectomia. 11 anos de experiencia

Context Our experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection began in 2001. During initial experience, laparoscopy was reserved for selected cases. With increasing experience more complex laparoscopic procedures such as central pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomies were performed. Objectives The aim of this paper is to review our personal experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection over 11-year period. Methods All patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic resection from 2001 through 2012 were reviewed. Preoperative data included age, gender, and indication for surgery. Intraoperative variables included operative time, bleeding, blood transfusion. Diagnosis, tumor size, margin status were determined from final pathology reports. Results Since 2001, 96 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Median age was 55 years old. 60 patients were female and 36 male. Of these, 88 (91.6%) were performed totally laparoscopic; 4 (4.2%) needed hand-assistance, 1 robotic assistance. Three patients were converted. Four patients needed blood transfusion. Operative time varied according type of operation. Mortality was nil but morbidity was high, mainly due to pancreatic fistula (28.1%). Sixty-one patients underwent distal pancreatectomy, 18 underwent pancreatic enucleation, 7 pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomies, 5 uncinate process resection, 3 central and 2 total pancreatectomies. Conclusions Laparoscopic resection of the pancreas is a reality. Pancreas sparing techniques, such as enucleation, resection of uncinate process and central pancreatectomy, should be used to avoid exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency that could be detrimental to the patient's quality of life. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a safe operation but should be performed in specialized centers by highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons. .

Contexto Nossa experiência com ressecção pancreática laparoscópica começou em 2001. No início, a laparoscopia esteve reservada para casos selecionados. Com o aumento da experiência, procedimentos mais complexos, como pancreatectomia central e pancreato duodenectomia, foram realizadas por laparoscopia. Objetivos O objetivo deste trabalho foi rever a experiência de 11 anos com ressecção pancreática laparoscópica. Métodos Foram analisados todos os pacientes submetidos à ressecção pancreática laparoscópica entre 2001 e 2012 e incluídos dados pré-operatórios como idade, sexo e indicação cirúrgica, bem como variáveis intra-operatórias como o tempo operatório, o sangramento e transfusão. O diagnóstico final, o tamanho e a margem foram determinados a partir dos laudos anatomopatológicos. Resultados Desde 2001, 96 pacientes foram submetidos à pancreatectomia laparoscópica. A média de idade foi de 55 anos. Foram 60 homens e 36 mulheres. Oitenta e oito (91,6%) operações foram realizadas por laparoscopia e quatro (4,2%) necessitaram de auxílio da mão e uma robótica. Três pacientes foram convertidos. Quatro necessitaram de transfusão de sangue. O tempo operatório variou de acordo com tipo de operação. A mortalidade foi nula, mas a morbidade foi alta, principalmente devido à fístulas pancreáticas (28,1%). Sessenta e um pacientes foram submetidos à pancreatectomia distal, 18 à enucleação do pâncreas, 7 à duodenopancreatectomia com preservação de piloro, 5 à ressecção do processo uncinado, 3 centrais e duas pancreatectomias totais. Conclusão Ressecção laparoscópica ...

Hepatectomia laparoscópica com portal único: experiência pioneira no Brasil / First single-port laparoscopic liver resection in Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Na última década, a cirurgia laparoscópica evoluiu e hoje produz menor trauma graças à redução do número e tamanho dos trocárteres. Recentemente nova técnica com uso de portal único foi descrita. OBJETIVO: Descrever os detalhes de uma segmentectomia lateral esquerda (segmentos 2 e 3) laparoscópica com portal único. TÉCNICA: Portal único com cobertura de gel é introduzido por meio de incisão de 3 cm periumbilical. O procedimento inicia-se com exploração da cavidade com laparoscópio e exame ultra-sonográfico do fígado. É realizado Acesso intra-hepático ao pedículo Glissoniano dos segmentos 2 e 3. O pedículo é seccionado com grampeador com carga vascular. O fígado é seccionado com bisturi harmônico e a veia hepática esquerda é dividida com grampeador. A peça é retirada pelo portal único. A cavidade é revista mas não é deixado dreno. CONCLUSÃO: Segmentectomia lateral esquerda laparoscópica com portal único é procedimento seguro desde que realizado em centros especializados e por equipes com experiência em cirurgia hepática e laparoscopia avançada.

INTRODUCTION: Since the past decade, minimal access surgery is moving towards minimizing the surgical trauma by reducing numbers and size of the laparoscopic ports . A novel technique with a single-incision laparoscopic approach has been recently described. AIM: To describe the single-port technique for laparoscopic liver resection. TECHNIQUE: A transumbilical 3-cm skin incision is performed and a single-incision advanced access platform is introduced. Operation began with exploration of the abdominal cavity and ultrasound examination of the liver. Intrahepatic Glissonian access for retrieval of portal pedicles from segments 2 and 3 is performed. Vascular endoscopic stapler is used to divide segments 2 and 3 Glissonian pedicle. Liver is transected with harmonic scalpel and left hepatic vein is divided with stapler. Procedure is completed. Surgical specimen is retrieved through the single umbilical incision. No drains are left in place. CONCLUSION: Single port laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy is feasible and can be safely performed in specialized centers by skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

First single-port laparoscopic pancreatectomy in Brazil.

CONTEXT: Pancreatic surgery is an extremely challenging field, and the management of pancreatic diseases continues to evolve. In the past decade, minimal access surgery is moving towards minimizing the surgical trauma by reducing numbers and size of the port. In the last few years, a novel technique with a single-incision laparoscopic approach has been described for several laparoscopic procedures. OBJECTIVES: We present a single-port laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first single-port pancreatic resection in Brazil and Latin America. METHODS: A 33-year-old woman with neuroendocrine tumor underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy via single-port approach. A single-incision advanced access platform with gelatin cap, self-retaining sleeve and wound protector was used. RESULTS: Operative time was 174 minutes. Blood loss was minimal, and the patient did not receive a transfusion. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy is feasible and can be safely performed in specialized centers by skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

Hepatectomia videolaparoscópica: experiência pessoal com 107 casos / Laparoscopic liver resection: personal experience with 107 cases

OBJETIVO: analisar nossa experiência após 107 hepatectomias videolaparoscópicas e discutir a evolução técnica da hepatectomia laparoscópica nos últimos cinco anos. MÉTODOS: entre abril de 2007 e abril de 2012 foram realizadas 107 hepatectomias laparoscópicas em 105 pacientes. A média de idade foi 53,9 anos (17 a 85). Cinquenta e três pacientes eram do sexo masculino. Todas as intervenções foram realizadas pelos autores do trabalho. RESULTADOS: do total de 107 operações, houve necessidade de conversão para a técnica aberta em três casos (2,8%). Dezesseis pacientes (14,9%) apresentaram complicações. Dois pacientes foram a óbito, mortalidade de 1,87%. Um óbito foi decorrente de infarto maciço do miocárdio, sem relação com a hepatectomia laparoscópica, que transcorreu sem intercorrências e não apresentou conversão nem sangramento. O outro óbito foi decorrente de falha do grampeador. Vinte pacientes (18,7%) necessitaram de transfusão sanguínea. O tipo de hepatectomia mais frequente foi a bissegmentectomia, segmentos 2-3, (33 casos), seguida de hepatectomia direita (22 casos). Setenta e duas cirurgias (67,3%) foram realizadas por meio da técnica de acesso Glissoniano. CONCLUSÃO: a divulgação dos resultados é de extrema importância. As dificuldades técnicas, complicações e mesmo mortalidade, inerentes a este complexo tipo de cirurgia, necessitam ser divulgados com clareza. Este procedimento deve ser realizado em centro especializado e por equipe capacitada. A técnica de acesso Glissoniano por via laparoscópica, descrita pela nossa equipe, facilita a realização de hepatectomias anatômicas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience after 107 laparoscopic hepatectomies and discuss the technical evolution of laparoscopic hepatectomy in the last five years. METHODS: Between April 2007 and April 2012 we performed 107 laparoscopic hepatectomies in 105 patients. The mean age was 53.9 years (17 to 85). Fifty-three patients were male. All interventions were performed by the authors. RESULTS: from the total of 107 operations, there was need for conversion to open technique in three cases (2.8%). Sixteen patients (14.9%) had complications. Two patients died, a mortality of 1.87%. One death was due to massive myocardial infarction, unrelated to the procedure, which was uneventful and showed no conversion or bleeding. The other death was due to failure of the stapler. Twenty patients (18.7%) required blood transfusion. The most frequent type of hepatectomy was bisegmentectomy of segments 2-3, (33 cases), followed by right hepatectomy (22 cases). Seventy-two procedures (67.3%) were performed by the technique of Glissonian access. CONCLUSION: The dissemination of results is of utmost importance. The technical difficulties, complications and even death, inherent in this complex type of surgery, need to be clearly disclosed. This procedure should be performed in a specialized center with knowledgeable staff. The technique of laparoscopic Glissonian access, described by our staff, facilitates the realization of anatomical hepatectomies.

Laparoscopic liver resection: personal experience with 107 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience after 107 laparoscopic hepatectomies and discuss the technical evolution of laparoscopic hepatectomy in the last five years. METHODS: Between April 2007 and April 2012 we performed 107 laparoscopic hepatectomies in 105 patients. The mean age was 53.9 years (17 to 85). Fifty-three patients were male. All interventions were performed by the authors. RESULTS: from the total of 107 operations, there was need for conversion to open technique in three cases (2.8%). Sixteen patients (14.9%) had complications. Two patients died, a mortality of 1.87%. One death was due to massive myocardial infarction, unrelated to the procedure, which was uneventful and showed no conversion or bleeding. The other death was due to failure of the stapler. Twenty patients (18.7%) required blood transfusion. The most frequent type of hepatectomy was bisegmentectomy of segments 2-3, (33 cases), followed by right hepatectomy (22 cases). Seventy-two procedures (67.3%) were performed by the technique of Glissonian access. CONCLUSION: The dissemination of results is of utmost importance. The technical difficulties, complications and even death, inherent in this complex type of surgery, need to be clearly disclosed. This procedure should be performed in a specialized center with knowledgeable staff. The technique of laparoscopic Glissonian access, described by our staff, facilitates the realization of anatomical hepatectomies.