Laparoscopy for Trauma and the Changes in its Use From 1990 to 2016: A Current Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of stable abdominal trauma patients is still a matter of serious debate and only incomplete data are available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature between January 1990 and August 2016. RESULTS: Overall, 9817 laparoscopies were performed for abdominal trauma; only 26.2% of the cases were converted to a laparotomy. The incidence of therapeutic laparotomies showed a reduction from 69% to 47.5%, whereas the incidence of therapeutic laparoscopies increased from 7.2% to 22.7%.The overall perioperative mortality rate was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group [odds ratio (M-H, random); 95% confidence interval, 0.35 (0.26-0.48)]. The same group showed shorter length of hospital stay [odds ratio (M-H, random); 95% confidence interval, -3.48 (-8.91 to 1.96)]. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review shows a significant decrease in the use of laparoscopy in trauma patients. Most likely the widespread use of imaging techniques allows a more accurate selection of patients for diagnostic laparoscopy. Infact, a reduction in incidence of nontherapeutic laparotomies is evident in these selected patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy. Moreover, the literature reported an increasing trend of therapeutic laparoscopy, demonstrating that it is safe and effective. The small number and poor quality of the studies identified, the retrospective observational nature of the studies (low level of evidence), the high risk of bias, and the high heterogeneity of some outcomes make the applicability of the results of this meta-analysis unclear.

Carbon footprint of robotically-assisted laparoscopy, laparoscopy and laparotomy: a comparison.

BACKGROUND: To date there have been no comprehensive, comparative assessments of the environmental impact of surgical modalities. Our study seeks to quantify and compare the total greenhouse gas emissions, or 'carbon footprint', attributable to three surgical modalities. METHODS: A review of 150 staging procedures, employing laparotomy (LAP), conventional laparoscopy (LSC) or robotically-assisted laparoscopy (RA-LSC), was performed. The solid waste generated (kg) and energy consumed (kWh) during each case were quantified and converted into their equivalent mass of carbon dioxide (kg CO(2) e) release into the environment. The carbon footprint is the sum of the waste production and energy consumption during each surgery (kg CO(2) e). RESULTS: The total carbon footprint of a RA-LSC procedure is 40.3 kg CO(2) e/patient (p < 0.01). This represents a 38% increase over that of LSC (29.2 kg CO(2) e/patient; p < 0.01) and a 77% increase over LAP (22.7 kg CO(2) e/patient; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide clinicians, administrators and policy-makers with knowledge of the environmental impact of their decisions to facilitate adoption of sustainable practices.

A new virtual-reality training module for laparoscopic surgical skills and equipment handling: can multitasking be trained? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: During laparoscopic surgery distractions often occur and multitasking between surgery and other tasks, such as technical equipment handling, is a necessary competence. In psychological research, reduction of adverse effects of distraction is demonstrated when specifically multitasking is trained. The aim of this study was to examine whether multitasking and more specifically task-switching can be trained in a virtual-reality (VR) laparoscopic skills simulator. DESIGN: After randomization, the control group trained separately with an insufflator simulation module and a laparoscopic skills exercise module on a VR simulator. In the intervention group, insufflator module and VR skills exercises were combined to develop a new integrated training in which multitasking was a required competence. At random moments, problems with the insufflator appeared and forced the trainee to multitask. During several repetitions of a different multitask VR skills exercise as posttest, performance parameters (laparoscopy time, insufflator time, and errors) were measured and compared between both the groups as well with a pretest exercise to establish the learning effect. A face-validity questionnaire was filled afterward. SETTING: University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Medical and PhD students (n = 42) from University Medical Centre Utrecht, without previous experience in laparoscopic simulation, were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 21) or control group (n = 21). RESULTS: All participants performed better in the posttest exercises without distraction of the insufflator compared with the exercises in which multitasking was necessary to solve the insufflator problems. After training, the intervention group was significantly quicker in solving the insufflator problems (mean = 1.60Log(s) vs 1.70Log(s), p = 0.02). No significant differences between both the groups were seen in laparoscopy time and errors. CONCLUSION: Multitasking has negative effects on the laparoscopic performance. This study suggests an additional learning effect of training multitasking in VR laparoscopy simulation, because the trainees are able to handle a secondary task (solving insufflator problems) quicker. These results may aid the development of laparoscopy VR training programs in approximating real-life laparoscopic surgery.

Validação do protocolo de limpeza manual dos instrumentais videolaparoscópios em hospital universitário / Validation of the manual cleansing protocol for videolaparoscopy instruments at a university hospital

Objetivo: Validar o protocolo de limpeza dos instrumentais utilizados em procedimentos videolaparosscópicos. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, realizado em um hospital universitário. Utilizaram-se o teste para detecção de proteínas e adenosina trifosfato a fim de se avaliar a limpeza. Adotou-se como parâmetro de limpeza a recuperação de até 200 unidades relativas de luz (RLU). Resultados: Obteve-se resultado negativo do resíduo de proteína para todos os itens. para o teste de detecção de adenosina trifosfato, a leitura de RLU foi inferior a 200 par os itens de menor complexidade. Enquanto que, para os de maior, ela foi acima do esperado em quatro itens, fato que evidenciou a necessidade de revisão do protocolo. Após isso, os testes de adenosina trifosfato foram repetidos, alcançando redução da leitura de RLU e validação do protocolo. Conclusão: O processamento do material de produtos para a saúde envolve análises crítica e reflexiva, além de conhecimento e poder de decisão...

Ecografía translaparoscópica con transductor endocavitario / Laparoscopic ultrasound with endocavitary probe

Se presenta la experiencia de utilizar el transductor endocavitario introducido por los tres sitios de incisión laparoscópica en cirugías programadas hepato-bilio-pancreáticas.(AU)

[Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in urology using reusable systems]. / Laparoendoskopische Single-site-Chirurgie in der Urologie durch Einsatz eines wieder verwendbaren Systems.

PURPOSE: Many disposable platforms have been available for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for a long time. Besides technical challenges cost remains the limiting factor for the widespread use of LESS. We present our experiences with the first completely reusable LESS platform. METHODS: We performed LESS procedures in 52 patients, including nephrectomy (n=18), adrenalectomy (2), partial nephrectomy (3), pyeloplasty (4), renal cyst ablation (4), pelvic lymphadenectomy (15) and lymphocele ablation (6). All procedures were carried out using a novel reusable single-port device (X-ConeR, Karl-Storz) with a simplified combination of standard and preformed instruments. Perioperative and demographic data including a visual analogue pain scale (VAS) were obtained. Complications were recorded using the Clavien classification. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.04 years. Conversion to standard laparoscopy was necessary in 3 cases and the additional use of a 3 mm needle instrument in 6 cases. There were no open conversions. Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 3 (Clavien II in 2 and III in 1) cases. Mean operating time was 110, 90, and 89 min and hospital stay was 4.9, 3.1 and 3.6 days for nephrectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and pyeloplasty, respectively. The mean VAS was 2.13, 1.07 and 1.5 while blood loss was 81.3 ml, 25.67 ml and 17.5 ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LESS technique with a completely reusable platform is applicable to various indications in urology yielding favorable functional and cosmetic results. This novel simplified combination of instruments facilitates handling and shortens the learning curve. Reusable materials may help to reduce cost leading to a wider acceptance of LESS.

Reevaluation of needlescopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has spread rapidly, most procedures employ additional needlescopic instruments to ensure safety and shorten the operation time. Therefore, on the basis of results obtained in our department, the present study was conducted to reevaluate the current state of needlescopic surgery (NS) to improve the cosmetic results and postoperative quality of life of patients and to reduce cost and degree of stress on surgeons. METHODS: Between May 1998 and February 2011, we performed NS in 202 patients. The diagnoses included gallbladder diseases in 151 patients, spontaneous pneumothorax in 11, thyroid tumor and axillary lymph node metastases in 10 patients each, splenic cyst and appendicitis in 4 patients each, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and postoperative abdominal wall hernia in 3 patients each, primary aldosteronism and hepatic cyst in 2 patients each, and adhesional bowel obstruction and gastric stromal tumor in 1 patient each. Under general anesthesia, one 12-mm and tow or three 2- or 3-mm ports were introduced into the operative field. The specimen was retrieved via the 12-mm wound using a plastic bag. RESULTS: The operations were completed in all patients without the need to convert to an open procedure. In 8 (5.3%) of the 151 cholecystectomies, a change to 5-mm instruments was required. There were no perioperative complications. Pertinent technical points included avoidance of direct organ mobilization to minimize injury, rotation of the operating table and utilization of organ gravity to create a better operative field, minimum use of needlescope to ensure safe maneuvering, and improvement of the bi-hand technique. CONCLUSIONS: NS is a safe and feasible procedure that allows experienced surgeons to achieve minimally invasive surgery with low morbidity, without the need to convert to a conventional or open procedure.

[Laparoscopic surgery in regions: problems and ways of development].

The modern state of laparoscopic surgery in northern regions (Komi republic, Murmansk, Arkhangelsk and Vologda regions) of Russian Federation was surveyed according to the reports of 1998-2007 and 2009 years. Thus, the investigation revealed, that not more than 30% of general surgeons are handle laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic procedures comprise about 20% of all abdominal operations in the surveyed regions. Statictically significant differences in the use of laparoscopic surgery were revealed between the regions (p<0,001). In 2009 laparoscopically treated were: 82-98,5% cases of chronic calculous cholecystitis; 37,5-70,3% cases of the acute calculous cholecystitis; 1,0-10,7% of the acute appendicitis and 0,5-7,8% of patients with perforated ulcer. Nevertheless, the increase of the laparoscopic share is statistically expected within 5 next years.

Cost-effective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: There is wide variation in costs, both theatre and ward, for the same operation performed in different hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the true costs for a large number of consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) cases using re-usable equipment with those from an adjacent trust in which the policy was to use disposable LC equipment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected prospectively between January 2001 and December 2007 inclusive for all consecutive patients undergoing LC by two upper gastrointestinal (UGI) consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Data were collected for all the instruments used, in particular any additional disposable instruments used at surgeons' preference. Sterilisation costs were calculated for all re-usable instruments. Costs were also obtained from an adjacent NHS trust which adopted a policy of using disposable ports and clip applicators. Disposable equipment such as drapes, insufflation tubing, and camera sheath were not considered as additional costs, since they are common to both trusts and not available in a re-usable form. RESULTS: Over 7 years, a total of 1803 LCs were performed consecutively by two UGI consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The grand total for 1803 LC cases for the re-usable group, including initial purchasing, was pound89,844.41 (an average of pound49.83 per LC case). The grand total for the disposable group, including sterilisation costs, was pound574,706.25 (an average of pound318.75 per LC case). Thus the saving for the trust using re-usable trocars, ports and clip applicators was pound268.92 per case, pound69,265.98 per annum and pound484,861.84 over 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that considerable savings occur with a policy of minimal use of disposable equipment for LC. Using a disposable set, the instrument costs per procedure is 6.4 times greater than the cost of using re-usable LC sets. It behoves surgeons to be cost-effective and to reduce unnecessary expenditure and wastage. There is no evidence to support use of once-only laparoscopic instruments on grounds of patient safety, ease of use or transmission of infection. If the savings identified in this study of two surgeons' work (savings of pound484,861.84 in a 7-year period) was extended not only across the hospital but across the NHS, large savings could be made for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Even greater savings would accrue if the results were extrapolated to cover all laparoscopic surgery of whatever discipline.

Impact of IQ, computer-gaming skills, general dexterity, and laparoscopic experience on performance with the da Vinci surgical system.

BACKGROUND: Due to improved ergonomics and dexterity, robotic surgery is promoted as being easily performed by surgeons with no special skills necessary. We tested this hypothesis by measuring IQ elements, computer gaming skills, general dexterity with chopsticks, and evaluating laparoscopic experience in correlation to performance ability with the da Vinci robot. METHODS: Thirty-four individuals were tested for robotic dexterity, IQ elements, computer-gaming skills and general dexterity. Eighteen surgically inexperienced and 16 laparoscopically trained surgeons were included. Each individual performed three different tasks with the da Vinci surgical system and their times were recorded. An IQ test (elements: logical thinking, 3D imagination and technical understanding) was completed by each participant. Computer skills were tested with a simple computer game (hand-eye coordination) and general dexterity was evaluated by the ability to use chopsticks. RESULTS: We found no correlation between logical thinking, 3D imagination and robotic skills. Both computer gaming and general dexterity showed a slight but non-significant improvement in performance with the da Vinci robot (p > 0.05). A significant correlation between robotic skills, technical understanding and laparoscopic experience was observed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data support the conclusion that there are no significant correlations between robotic performance and logical thinking, 3D understanding, computer gaming skills and general dexterity. A correlation between robotic skills and technical understanding may exist. Laparoscopic experience seems to be the strongest predictor of performance with the da Vinci surgical system. Generally, it appears difficult to determine non-surgical predictors for robotic surgery.

Primary access-related complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy via the closed technique: experience of a single surgical team over more than 15 years.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), a common laparoscopic procedure, is a relatively safe invasive procedure, but complications can occur at every step, starting from creation of the pneumoperitoneum. Several studies have investigated procedure-related complications, but the primary access- or trocar-related complications generally are underreported, and their true incidence may be higher than studies show. Major vascular or visceral injury resulting from blind access to the abdominal cavity, although rare, has been reported. Of the two methods for creating pneumoperitoneum, the open access technique is reported to have the lower incidence of these injuries. The authors report their experience with the closed method and show that if performed with proper technique, it can be as rapid and safe as other techniques. However, injuries still happen, and the search for the predisposing factors must be continued. METHODS: Between January 1992 and December 2007, a retrospective study examined 15,260 cases of LC performed for symptomatic gallstone disease in the authors' institution by a single team of surgeons. The primary access-related injuries in these cases were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In 15,260 cases of LC, 63 cases of primary access-related complications were identified, for an overall incidence of 0.41%. Major injuries in 11 cases included major vascular and visceral injuries, and minor injuries in 52 cases included omental and subcutaneous emphysema. For the closed method, the findings showed an overall incidence of 0.14% for primary access-related vascular injuries and 0.07% for visceral injuries. CONCLUSION: Primary access-related complications during LC are common and can prove to be fatal if not identified early. The incidence of these injuries with closed methods is no greater than with open methods. No evidence suggests abandonment of the closed-entry method in laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with three trocars: 10 years experience.

Since 1992 we have performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 3 trocars (10, 10 and 5 mm) while most surgeons use 4. In our 10 years of experience a total of 1,243 cholecystectomies have been performed with the 3-trocar technique. The overall conversion rate is 0.75%. In 5.7% of cases we used a fourth trocar in order to avoid anatomical difficulties or to perform intraoperative cholangiography. All interventions are technically feasible, even in sclerotic cholecystitis and in emergency operations. We describe this technique which can be considered an economic and cosmetically satisfying alternative, that is safe and effective for the patient and easy to perform for the surgeon.

Primary torsion of the greater omentum in children - a neglected cause of acute abdomen?

Over a two-year period, 54 laparoscopic explorations for acute abdominal pain in children have been performed. In two cases primary torsion of the greater omentum was the underlying cause. Both patients (one boy of 13 years of age, one girl aged 8 years) were obese. The clinical picture mimicked acute appendicitis, but laparoscopic exploration showed torsion of the greater omentum which was then excised. The authors believe that primary omental torsion was underestimated, because many cases were not recognised, even during laparotomy for appendicitis. Laparoscopy permits accurate diagnosis of this disease.

Trocar injuries in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Disposable trocars with safety shields are widely used for laparoscopic access. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors associated with injuries resulting from their use as reported to the Food and Drug Administration. STUDY DESIGN: Manufacturers are required to report medical device-related incidents to the Food and Drug Administration. We analyzed the 629 trocar injuries reported from 1993 through 1996. RESULTS: There were three types of injury: 408 injuries of major blood vessels, 182 other visceral injuries (mainly bowel injuries), and 30 abdominal wall hematomas. Of the 32 deaths, 26 (81%) resulted from vascular injuries and 6 (19%) resulted from bowel injuries. Eighty-seven percent of deaths from vascular injuries involved the use of disposable trocars with safety shields and 9% involved disposable trocars with a direct-viewing feature. The aorta (23%) and inferior vena cava (15%) were the vessels most commonly traumatized in the fatal vascular injuries. Ninety-one percent of bowel injuries involved trocars with safety shields and 7% involved direct-view trocars. The diagnosis of an enterotomy was delayed in 10% of cases, and the mortality rate in this group was 21%. In 41 cases (10%) the surgeon initially thought the trocar had malfunctioned, but in only 1 instance was malfunction subsequently found when the device was examined. The likelihood of injury was not related to any specific procedure or manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that safety shields and direct-view trocars cannot prevent serious injuries. Retroperitoneal vascular injuries should be largely avoidable by following safe techniques. Bowel injuries often went unrecognized, in which case they were highly lethal. Device malfunction was rarely a cause of trocar injuries.

[Laparoscopic single patient use instruments: expensive outsourcing of product quality?]. / Laparoskopische Einweg-Instrumente: Kostspieliges Outsourcing von Produktqualität?

The supply of medical goods is an important critical success factor in German hospitals. One major managerial area in the procurement concerns the decision between single patient use (SPU) and multiple patient use (MPU) products. Especially laparoscopic instruments which are generally expensive are a field of interest for decision makers. Due to a lack of quantifiable factors describing the two different forms of supply alternatives with their effects on effectivity and efficiency of the procurement process and the final use are often not taken into account. Since it is expected that in the future more and more laparoscopic instruments will be needed there is a necessity for finding a concept allowing the identification of the "right" product. The Center for Hospital Management (CKM) has the aim to develop a corresponding approach but needs the help of the reader.