Endoscopic management of obesity: Impact of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty on weight loss and co-morbidities at six months and one year.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is one of the new minimally invasive endoscopic treatments aimed at inducing weight loss. Its effectiveness in terms of weight loss is proven. Gastric volume reduction and delayed gastric emptying are the mechanisms that drive weight loss. However, potential benefits for co-morbidities in relation to weight loss after ESG are still being investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ESG procedures on major obesity-associated co-morbidities, and on some biological parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a series of consecutive cases from a prospective observational study carried out in a specialized center that follows a standardized care pathway for the multimodal management of obesity. Patients who have undergone ESG with endoscopic and laboratory follow-up at six and twelve months after this intervention were included in the study. Prospectively recorded data on weight loss, co-morbidities and laboratory parameters at six and twelve months after surgery was analyzed retrospectively. Changes in body mass index (BMI), absolute weight loss (AWL), percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) were assessed at six and twelve months. Reduction in various obesity-related co-morbidities (arterial hypertension [AHT], type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], obstructive sleep apnea syndrome [OSAS] and dyslipidemia was also evaluated at six and twelve months. Changes in blood glucose, liver function tests and lipid blood tests were also analyzed at six and twelve months. RESULTS: From October 2016 to July 2021, 99 of the 227 patients who underwent ESG in our unit (43.6%) subsequently underwent a complete endoscopic and laboratory follow-up at six and twelve months. The initial BMI was 42.7±7.8kg/m2 and age was 45±12.7 years. Seventy-four patients (74.8%) were female. Total weight loss (%TWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL) were 16.6±7.4% and 43.3±21.2%, respectively, at six months, 16.6±9.6% and 42.9±25.6%, respectively, at one year. At six and twelve month follow-up, a statistically significant reduction was observed for the rates of T2DM (30.8 and 32.7%), hypertension (18.4 and 22.1%), GERD (28 and 25.7%), OSAS (15.8 and 25.5%) and dyslipidemia (69.2 and 77.2%) (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found in the reduction in blood glucose between the pre-operative period and six months post-operatively (P<0.01) and between the pre-operative period and twelve months post-operatively (P<0.01). The reduction in triglycerides and total cholesterol between the pre-operative values and at six months was statistically significant (P<0.01) as was the reduction at twelve months (P<0.01) (P=0.017). For liver function tests, the reduction in AST was statistically significant at six and twelve months after ESG (P=0.048) (P=0.048) as was ALT (P<0.01) (P<0.01) respectively. From October 2016 to July 2021, of the 227 patients who underwent ESG, 99 (43.6%) had follow-up gastro-duodenoscopy at 6 and 12 months. %TWL and %EWL were respectively 16.6±7.4% and 43.3%±21.2 at 6 months, 16.6±9.6% and 42.9±25.6% at one year. Statistically significant reduction rates at 6 and 12 months were observed in T2DM (30.8 and 32.7%), AHT (18.4 and 22.1%), GERD (28 and 25.7%), OSAS (15.8 and 25.5%) and dyslipidemia (69.2 and 77.2%) (P<0.001). Moreover, glycemic levels were statistically significantly reduced between the pre-operative period and 6 months post-operative (1.11±0.22mg/L vs. 1.01±0.17mg/L, P<0.01), and between the pre-operative period and 12 months post-operative (1.11±0.22mg/L vs. 1.06±0.32mg/L, P<0.01). A statistically significant reduction was also observed in triglycerides and total cholesterol levels at 6 months (1.52±0.74mmol/L vs. 1.14±0.52mmol/L, P<0.01) (1.94±0.4mmol/L vs. 1.85±0.36mmol/L, P<0.01) and at 12 months (1.52±0.74mmol/L vs. 1.18±0.67mmol/L, P<0.01) (1.94±0.4mmol/L vs. 1.82±0.39mmol/L, P=0.017) and in AST (27.2±11.7 IU/L vs. 23.7 IU/L; P=0.048) (27.2±11.7 IU/L vs. 24.7±14.65 IU/L, P=0.048) and ALAT levels (34±21.32 IU/L vs. 22.3±10.4 IU/L, P<0.01 and 34±21.32 IU/L vs. 27.07±25 IU/L, P<0.01) at 6 and 12 months after ESG, respectively. CONCLUSION: ESG is a well-tolerated and safe surgical procedure that is effective in terms of weight loss and reduction of obesity-related co-morbidities at six months and one year. This procedure could thus be adopted on a broader clinical scale and be more widely promoted as an effective treatment for morbid obesity.

Automatic surgical phase recognition in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with artificial intelligence.

BACKGROUND: Because of the complexity of the intra-abdominal anatomy in the posterior approach, a longer learning curve has been observed in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. Consequently, automatic tools using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor TAPP procedures and assess learning curves are required. The primary objective of this study was to establish a deep learning-based automated surgical phase recognition system for TAPP. A secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between surgical skills and phase duration. METHODS: This study enrolled 119 patients who underwent the TAPP procedure. The surgical videos were annotated (delineated in time) and split into seven surgical phases (preparation, peritoneal flap incision, peritoneal flap dissection, hernia dissection, mesh deployment, mesh fixation, peritoneal flap closure, and additional closure). An AI model was trained to automatically recognize surgical phases from videos. The relationship between phase duration and surgical skills were also evaluated. RESULTS: A fourfold cross-validation was used to assess the performance of the AI model. The accuracy was 88.81 and 85.82%, in unilateral and bilateral cases, respectively. In unilateral hernia cases, the duration of peritoneal incision (p = 0.003) and hernia dissection (p = 0.014) detected via AI were significantly shorter for experts than for trainees. CONCLUSION: An automated surgical phase recognition system was established for TAPP using deep learning with a high accuracy. Our AI-based system can be useful for the automatic monitoring of surgery progress, improving OR efficiency, evaluating surgical skills and video-based surgical education. Specific phase durations detected via the AI model were significantly associated with the surgeons' learning curve.

Quarantine and Mental Health Challenges for Occupational Medicine: The Case Report of a Nurse Infected With SARS-CoV-2.

This case study draws attention to the psychosocial difficulties that emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in relation to the remote management of subjects with psychiatric vulnerabilities following exposure to prolonged quarantine. The case involves a 56-year-old hospital nurse, followed by the Occupational Health Department of a major university hospital in central Italy for mood instability in the context of a cyclothymic temperament. She was quarantined for occupationally acquired COVID-19 and remained positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via swab test for more than 2 months between March and May 2020. In this case study, we discuss the challenges presented by the risk of a prolonged quarantine in a psychologically vulnerable employee, the need for occupational medicine to provide adequate health surveillance of all health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of telepsychiatry, and the difficulties in formulating a proper treatment strategy.

Nanocomposite hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel for the treatment of esophageal fistulas.

Fistulas are abnormal connections between two body parts that can impair the quality of life. The use of biological glues represents the least invasive procedure to fill the fistula; however, it is limited by the need of multiple injections, the persistence of infection and the failure in the treatment of high-output fistulas. We describe herein the use of an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel that is able to form in situ a tissue-mimicking matrix as an innovative material for the treatment of esophageal fistulas. Injectable hydrogels that have the dual advantage of being implantable with a minimally invasive approach and of adapting their shape to the target cavity, while the introduction of mesoporous silica nanoparticles opens the possibility of drug/biomolecules delivery. The hydrogel is based on hyaluronic acid (HA), the crosslinking process occurs at physiological conditions leading to a hydrogel made of >96% by water and with a large-pore micro-architecture. The kinetic profile of the hydrogel formation is studied as a function of HA molecular weight and concentration with the aim of designing a material that is easily injectable with an endoscopic needle, is formed in a time compatible with the surgical procedure and has final mechanical properties suitable for cell proliferation. The in vivo experiments (porcine model) on esophageal-cutaneous fistulas, showed improved healing in the animals treated with the hydrogel compared with the control group.

The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines.

Achalasia is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disorder, characterized by absence of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter and of peristalsis along the esophageal body. As a result, patients typically present with dysphagia, regurgitation and occasionally chest pain, pulmonary complication and malnutrition. New diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic techniques have been recently added to the armamentarium for treating achalasia. With the aim to offer clinicians and patients an up-to-date framework for making informed decisions on the management of this disease, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus Guidelines proposed and endorsed the Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines (I-GOAL). The guidelines were prepared according the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-REX) tool, accredited for guideline production by NICE UK. A systematic literature search was performed and the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Given the relative rarity of this disease and the paucity of high-level evidence in the literature, this process was integrated with a three-step process of anonymous voting on each statement (DELPHI). Only statements with an approval rate >80% were accepted in the guidelines. Fifty-one experts from 11 countries and 3 representatives from patient support associations participated to the preparations of the guidelines. These guidelines deal specifically with the following achalasia issues: Diagnostic workup, Definition of the disease, Severity of presentation, Medical treatment, Botulinum Toxin injection, Pneumatic dilatation, POEM, Other endoscopic treatments, Laparoscopic myotomy, Definition of recurrence, Follow up and risk of cancer, Management of end stage achalasia, Treatment options for failure, Achalasia in children, Achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease.

The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines

Achalasia is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disorder, characterized by absence of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter and of peristalsis along the esophageal body. As a result, patients typically present with dysphagia, regurgitation and occasionally chest pain, pulmonary complication and malnutrition. New diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic techniques have been recently added to the armamentarium for treating achalasia. With the aim to offer clinicians and patients an up-to-date framework for making informed decisions on the management of this disease, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus Guidelines proposed and endorsed the Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines (I-GOAL). The guidelines were prepared according the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-REX) tool, accredited for guideline production by NICE UK. A systematic literature search was performed and the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Given the relative rarity of this disease and the paucity of high-level evidence in the literature, this process was integrated with a three-step process of anonymous voting on each statement (DELPHI). Only statements with an approval rate >80% were accepted in the guidelines. Fifty-one experts from 11 countries and 3 representatives from patient support associations participated to the preparations of the guidelines. These guidelines deal specifically with the following achalasia issues: Diagnostic workup, Definition of the disease, Severity of presentation, Medical treatment, Botulinum Toxin injection, Pneumatic dilatation, POEM, Other endoscopic treatments, Laparoscopic myotomy, Definition of recurrence, Follow up and risk of cancer, Management of end stage achalasia, Treatment options for failure, Achalasia in children, Achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease.

Treatment of giant paraesophageal hernia: pro laparoscopic approach.

PURPOSE: Giant paraesophageal hernias (GPEH) are relatively uncommon and account for less than 5% of all primary hiatal hernias. Giant Secondary GPEH can be observed after surgery involving hiatal orifice opening, such as esophagectomy, antireflux surgery, and hiatal hernia repair. Surgical treatment is challenging, and there are still residual controversies regarding the laparoscopic approach, even though a reduced morbidity and mortality, as well as a shorter hospital stay have been demonstrated. METHODS: A Pubmed electronic search of the literature including articles published between 1992 and 2016 was conducted using the following key words: hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernias, mesh, laparoscopy, intrathoracic stomach, gastric volvulus, diaphragmatic hernia. RESULTS: Given the risks of non-operative management, GPEH surgical repair is indicated in symptomatic patients. Technical steps for primary hernia repair include hernia reduction and sac excision, correct repositioning of the gastroesophageal junction, crural repair, and fundoplication. For secondary hernias, the surgical technique varies according to hernia type and components and according to the approach used during the first surgery. There is an ongoing debate regarding the best and safest method to close the hiatal orifice. The laparoscopic approach has demonstrated a lower postoperative morbidity and mortality, and a shorter hospital stay as compared to the open approach. A high recurrence rate has been reported for primary GPEH repair. However, recent studies suggest that recurrence does not reduce symptomatic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic treatment of primary and secondary GPEH is safe and feasible in elective and emergency settings, especially in high-volume centers. The procedure is still challenging. The main steps are well defined. However, there is still room for improvement to lower the recurrence rate.

Randomized trial of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy in achieving excess weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Robust data on quality of life (QoL) after different techniques of bariatric surgery are sparse. This RCT compared excess weight loss (EWL) and QoL after sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: Obese patients were assigned randomly to RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy. The primary outcome measure was EWL. Secondary outcomes included QoL, co-morbidity, adverse events, vitamin and glycolipid status. QoL was assessed before and annually after surgery, using the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II (M-A-QoLQII) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled, 45 in the RYGB group and 55 in the sleeve gastrectomy group. Mean postoperative EWL at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years was 80·4, 79·8, 83·0 and 74·8 per cent respectively after RYGB, and 83·0, 77·8, 66·3 and 65·1 per cent after sleeve gastrectomy (P = 0·017). Mean M-A-QoLQII score before surgery and at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years after operation was 0·5, 1·6, 1·7, 2·1 and 1·4 respectively after RYGB, and 0·3, 1·7, 1·5, 1·5 and 1·2 after sleeve gastrectomy. Mean GIQLI score before and at 1, 2, 3, 5 years after RYGB was 96·4, 113·8, 113·3, 113·4, 111·7, compared with 90·7, 113·9, 114·5, 113·1 and 113·0 for sleeve gastrectomy. The improvement was significant compared with preoperative values (P < 0·001 for M-A-QoLQII and GIQLI), with no difference between groups (P = 0·418 and P = 0·323 respectively). RYGB resulted in higher readmission rates (P = 0·002) and length of hospital stay (P = 0·006) than sleeve gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy resulted in equivalent, long-standing QoL improvement. RYGB resulted in more stable weight loss but was associated with higher readmission rates. Registration number: NCT02475590.

The Business Engineering Surgical Technologies (BEST) teaching method: incubating talents for surgical innovation.

INTRODUCTION: Technological innovation in surgical science and healthcare is vital and calls for close collaboration between engineering and surgery. To meet this objective, BEST was designed as a free sustainable innovative teaching method for young professionals, combining surgery, engineering, and business in a multidisciplinary, high-quality, low-cost, and learning-by-doing philosophy. AIMS: This paper reviews the initial outcomes of the program and discusses lessons learned and future directions of this innovative educational method. METHODS: BEST educational method is delivered in two parts: the first component consisting of live streaming or pre-recorded online lectures, with an interdisciplinary profile focused on surgery, engineering, and business. The second component is an annual 5-day on-site course, organized at IRCAD-IHU, France. The program includes workshops in engineering, entrepreneurship team projects, and in-depth hands-on experience in laparoscopy, robotic surgery, interventional radiology, and flexible endoscopy with special emphasis on the interdisciplinary aspect of the training. A panel of surgeons, engineers, well-established entrepreneurs, and scientists assessed the team projects for potential patent application. RESULTS: From November 2011 till September 2013, 803 individual and institutional users from 79 different countries attended the online course. In total, 134 young professionals from 32 different countries applied to the onsite course. Sixty participants were selected each year for the onsite course. In addition, five participants were selected for a web-based team. Thirteen provisional patents were filed for the most promising projects. CONCLUSION: BEST proved to be a global talent incubator connecting students to high-quality education despite institutional and economical boundaries. Viable and innovative ideas arose from this revolutionary approach which is likely to spin-off significant technology transfer and lead the way for future interdisciplinary hybrid surgical education programs and career paths.

Innovations in minimally invasive surgery: lessons learned from translational animal models.

PURPOSE: Animal models are key elements of surgical research and promotion of new techniques. Inanimate models, anatomical specimens, and living animals are all necessary to solve the various problems encountered by the advent of a new surgical technique. The development of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) procedures is a representative model. METHODS: Over 400 experimental procedures were performed in inanimate models, ex vivo tissues and animals to solve all problems faced by the development of NOTES surgery: peritoneal access, gastrotomy closure, exposure, retraction, dissection as well as education to start this new procedure. RESULTS: The successive use of all models allows to identify the ideal solution for each problem and to precisely define the safest and most reliable option to apply the new technique in patients. It allowed to perform the first transvaginal and transgastric cholecystectomy in patients in a safe way. CONCLUSION: Animal experimentation remains necessary as even sophisticated computer-based solutions are unable to model all interactions between molecules, cells, tissues, organisms, and their environment. Animal research is required in many areas to validate new technologies, develop training, let alone its major goal (namely to avoid using patients for experimentation) which is to be the first "model" for the surgeon.

Video. Repeated transvaginal notes: is it possible?

PURPOSE: Transvaginal surgery has been performed by gynecologists for decades with abundant literature supporting its efficacy and safety. Recently, several groups reported on the NOTES transvaginal (TV) approach for extrapelvic disease. Nevertheless, repeated TV access for NOTES has never been reported to date. Two cases of "repeated" TV access for NOTES cholecystectomy after TV hybrid sleeve gastrectomy are described. METHODS: Two women, aged 57 and 32 years, developed symptomatic cholelithiasis respectively 6 and 8 months after TV sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy: a 2-cm posterior colpotomy was performed under laparoscopic control between the uterosacral ligaments. A double-channel endoscope and a 60-cm-long laparoscopic grasper were introduced transvaginally. Two abdominal ports were placed to allow the introduction of the stapling device and to assist during the procedure. An intragastric endoscope served to expose the stomach and to calibrate the gastric sleeve, which was performed in the standard fashion. Colpotomy was closed by separate 3/0 Vicryl stitches. At cholecystectomy, an exploratory laparoscopy ascertained the feasibility of a NOTES cholecystectomy. The posterior vaginal vault was carefully examined before regaining peritoneal access with the technique described above. Cholecystectomy was performed by using a double-channel endoscope introduced TV and a 5-mm transabdominal port. Follow-up consisted of 3 and 6 months pelvic examination and interview, which included sexual function assessment by sexual function questionnaire (SFQ31). RESULTS: Both operations were performed successfully with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. At cholecystectomy, minimal pelvic adhesions were found with no vaginal scarring at the colpotomy site. No bleeding, pain, or vaginal infection occurred after both procedures. Patients resumed sexual activity 5.2 weeks postoperatively with a consistently normal SFQ31. CONCLUSIONS: This report suggests that, in experienced hands, repeated TV access for extrapelvic surgery is possible and safe, putting forward the intriguing promises of less adhesions formation.

Multimedia manuscript. Thoracoscopic management of chylothorax after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Chylothorax after esophagectomy is a potentially life-threatening complication, with a reported incidence rate of 1-4%. Two cases of postoperative chylothorax successfully managed thoracoscopically are reported. METHODS: In case 1, a 61-year-old man presenting with an adenocarcinoma of the lower esophagus underwent laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The thoracic duct was identified, and no obvious leaks were detected. The thoracic drain was removed on postoperative day (POD) 6, and chest X-rays were normal. The patient was discharged on POD 10. On POD 20, he was readmitted for acute cardiopulmonary distress. Computed tomography scan showed a massive right collection. After insertion of a chest tube, 8 l of chylous fluid were drained. Once hemodynamic stabilization had been established, the patient was scheduled for surgery. In case 2, a 54-year-old woman presenting with esophageal stenosis after caustic injury refractory to balloon dilation and stenting underwent esophagectomy. Mediastinal dissection was difficult due to fibrotic reaction. On POD 2, the patient presented with a massive chylothorax. In both cases, three trocars were inserted in the right pleural cavity. An incomplete lateral injury of the thoracic duct was found in case 1, and a complete transection proximal to the cervical anastomosis next to the left subclavian was found in case 2. Clips and sutures were used first to seal the duct. Fibrin glue was applied to reinforce the closure. A chest tube was left in place. RESULTS: The operative time was 60 min in case 1 and 55 min in case 2. The chylothorax did not recur, although the postoperative course was longer in case 2 due to associate comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The thoracic duct is exposed to injuries during esophagectomies, especially in cases of cancer and postcaustic injuries, leading to fibrotic reaction of the surrounding tissue. Early and delayed chylothorax can be managed efficiently by a thoracoscopic approach replicating the sealing techniques used in thoracotomy.

Long-term results after laparoscopic reoperation for failed antireflux procedures.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for failed antireflux procedures is technically more demanding than primary fundoplication. The success rate does not equal that of the primary procedures. This retrospective analysis aimed to assess long-term subjective and objective outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for fundoplication failure. METHODS: Objective and subjective outcomes were assessed by radiological and endoscopic methods, symptom questionnaire and quality-of-life index at a minimum follow-up of 12 (mean 75·8) months. RESULTS: The study included 129 consecutive patients who had laparoscopic redo surgery after fundoplication had failed. The most frequent patterns of failure were hiatal herniation (50 patients) and slippage (45). Resolution of the symptoms that led to redo surgery was achieved in 27 of 37 and 11 of 16 patients operated for recurrence and for dysphagia respectively. Objective failure was demonstrated in 16 of 39 patients with herniation and six of 22 with slippage. Seven patients underwent an additional surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Long-term assessment of objective and subjective results after laparoscopic repair for failed fundoplication revealed a high failure rate that increased with the length of follow-up. Unexpected and untreated oesophageal shortening may be responsible for this failure rate.

Transvaginal specimen extraction in colorectal surgery: current state of the art.

BACKGROUND: The expected benefit of transvaginal specimen extraction is reduced incision-related morbidity. OBJECTIVES: A systematic review of transvaginal specimen extraction in colorectal surgery was carried out to assess this expectation. SEARCH STRATEGY: The following keywords, in various combinations, were searched: NOSE (natural orifices specimen extraction), colorectal, colon surgery, transvaginal, right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, sigmoidectomy, ileocaecal resection, proctocolectomy, colon cancer, sigmoid diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel diseases. SELECTION CRITERIA: SELECTION CRITERIA included large bowel resection with transvaginal specimen extraction, laparoscopic approach, human studies and English language. Exclusion criteria were experimental studies and laparotomic approach or local excision. All articles published up to February 2011 were included. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles (including a total of 130 patients) fulfilled the search criteria. The primary diagnosis was colorectal cancer in 51% (67) of patients, endometriosis in 46% (60) of patients and other conditions in the remaining patients. A concurrent gynaecological procedure was performed in 17% (22) of patients. One case of conversion to laparotomy was reported. In two patients, transvaginal extraction failed. In left- and right-sided resections, the rate of severe complications was 3.7% and 2%, respectively. Two significant complications, one of pelvic seroma and one of rectovaginal fistula, were likely to have been related to transvaginal extraction. The degree of follow up was specified in only one study. Harvested nodes and negative margins were adequate and reported in 70% of oncological cases. CONCLUSION: Vaginal extraction of a colorectal surgery specimen shows potential benefit, particularly when associated with a gynaecological procedure. Data from prospective randomized trials are needed to support the routine use of this technique.

Transgastric hybrid cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Clinical application of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is under investigation. Preliminary results of transvaginal cholecystectomy in women and associated technical issues have been described. The technique and initial results of hybrid transgastric cholecystectomy are now reported. METHODS: Five patients aged 18-60 years with uncomplicated cholelithiasis underwent transgastric cholecystectomy in a prospective intention-to-treat study that included the option of transparietal assistance (hybrid technique) if needed. The gastrotomy was created under laparoscopic guidance through a 5-mm umbilical trocar, which also served to expose the gallbladder, clip the cystic pedicle and close the gastrotomy. Cholecystectomy was carried out using flexible instruments through the endoscope, alone or in combination with laparoscopic instruments. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all patients with a median operating time of 150 (range 120-180) min. Transparietal assistance was necessary in all patients. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Until technical issues have been resolved, a hybrid procedure with liberal use of transparietal assistance is the safest and most efficient approach for transgastric cholecystectomy. Further studies are essential to evaluate the role of this new approach.

Multimedia article. Combined sentinel node biopsy and localized sigmoid resection entirely by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: a new challenge to the old paradigm.

INTRODUCTION: We demonstrate localized sigmoidectomy with sentinel node biopsy performed entirely via natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in a porcine model (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/A1170). METHODS: To perform transluminal endoscopic sentinel node biopsy in the sigmoid mesocolon, a conventional double-channel gastroscope created both the gastrotomy and pneumoperitoneum enabling peritoneoscopy. The sigmoid colon was exposed by an intracolonic magnet under extracorporeal control while intraluminal colonoscopy performed lymphatic mapping via submucosal injection of methylene blue dye. After searching the mesocolon for blue-stained lymph channels, the sentinel nodes were resected and retrieved by the intraperitoneal fiberscope. Immediate thereafter localized sigmoidectomy was performed via an additional transcolonic access just above the rectosigmoid junction. With the circular stapler anvil placed early into the proximal colon, mesenteric dissection and proximal transection were performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments worked through a long standard trocar passed transanally through the colotomy. The specimen was delivered per ano (pull-through technique) and the distal margin cross-stapled extracorporeally, including the colotomy within the specimen. Stapled intestinal anastomosis was fashioned by passing a circular stapler transanally (thus returning the rectal stump to its anatomic position) and mating it with the in situ anvil. The gastrotomy was closed as previously described. RESULTS: The operative duration was 31.4 minutes and technical success was readily achieved. Patency and integrity of the anastomosis was confirmed by sigmoidoscopy. CONCLUSION: Oncologically propitious surgery for germinal colonic neoplasia may be encompassed by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. This provocative proposal challenges the conventional treatment paradigm for early stage colonic neoplasia although much further validation of the concepts involved is required.

Surgical access to the adrenal gland: the quest for a "no visible scar" approach.

Surgery of the adrenal glands has various approaches and remains technically challenging. Many different techniques have been used to decrease morbidity. The most important one is probably laparoscopy which has already quite dramatically improved clinical outcome. The second one is the introduction of posterior endoscopic approach (retroperitoneoscopy), which entirely preserves peritoneal integrity. This concept seems to us to be a fundamental in surgery of the retroperitoneum. Recently, new developments have emerged in the field of abdominal surgery. The most radical concept, known as Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), consists of the introduction of both endoscope and working instruments through natural orifices in order to eliminate skin incisions and their associated morbidities. Although transperitoneal adrenalectomy has previously been reported in a porcine model, here we report our initial experiences of extra-peritoneal transvaginal NOTES approach of the retroperitoneum, focused on the field of adrenal surgery in both porcine and cadaver models. Whether clinical applications will ultimately be derived of this concept is still not clear certainly it raises new possibilities for interesting developments.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (N.O.T.E.S.) for neoplasia of the chest and mediastinum.

Indications for Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery or NOTES have so far mainly concerned intra-abdominal surgery. The next question to be addressed was whether this access can be extended into other body cavities and, in particular, whether there is a significant role for NOTES above the diaphragm? Using the esophagus, one of the mediastinal organs, as a direct carrier to access the mediastinum and the pleural cavity would eliminate the dissection of the pretracheal fascia required by mediastinoscopy and would give access to the inner part of lung parenchyma. Alternatively, transgastric (or even transvaginal) transhiatal approaches could supplement standard operative techniques in order to minimize abdominal wall ingression. Furthermore, conventional techniques seem disproportionate measures for relatively simple procedures such as evaluating the outcome of chemotherapy and restaging of medically treated mediastinal lesions. As a truly minimal access technique, NOTES could therefore find new indications for intervention. The obvious limiting factor in all of this is assurance of 'leak proof' mural closure. However, if safety of access-site sealing can be established in clinical studies, we could have found an easier, reproducible alternative to the access to mediastinum. This review examines the rationale and evidence for proposing such a venture and deliberates its likely clinical applicability and thereby its potential to become a reality.

Gastric lymphatic mapping for sentinel node biopsy by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).

BACKGROUND: Sentinel node biopsy is proposed as sufficiently reliable in determining the lymph node status of early gastric cancer to justify curtailed resection margins if negative. Its performance by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) could therefore expand the patient cohort able to undergo solely endoscopic resection of their primary. METHODS: A transvaginal NOTES technique was utilized in six pigs (mean weight 30 kg). The posterior colpotomy and pneumoperitoneum was created by a standard double-channel flexible videoendoscope which was then used to perform peritoneoscopy. Concomitant gastroscopy allowed selection of a site along the greater curvature for lymphatic mapping by submucosal injection of methylene blue (3 ml). Furthermore, torque upon this endoscope allowed the posterior surface of the stomach and retrogastric space to become accessible to the transvaginal endoscope. In surveying the mapping in vivo, the intraperitoneal scope could follow blue-stained efferent lymphatic channels to their first-order draining nodes (i.e., sentinel nodes). Conventional instruments worked down the scope's channels were then used to perform the excisional biopsy. At procedure end, the animals underwent immediate laparotomy to ensure the safety and adequacy of the procedure. RESULTS: Each procedure was technically successful. Colpotomy, pneumoperitoneum, and peritoneoscopy were promptly achieved (mean 8 min). Post injection, blue efferent lymphatic channels were immediately appreciable in every animal. Five animals had sentinel nodes in their retropyloric region while the last mapped cephalad towards the esophagogastric junction. Two animals had alternative drainage channels identifying additional sentinel nodes. All blue nodes were dissected cleanly by the intraperitoneal scope and retrieved intact per vaginam. Mean lymphadenectomy time was 19 min. At laparotomy, there was no hematoma, ongoing hemorrhage, or visceral injury in any pig. There were no residual, missed stained nodes or channels. CONCLUSION: NOTES sentinel node biopsy for the stomach is technically accomplishable in this experimental model. This proof of concept should encourage serious consideration of its applicability to clinical practice.