Predictive model of resection in endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary adenomas based on anatomical limits / Modelo predictivo de resección en abordaje endoscópico endonasal de adenomas hipofisarios basado en límites anatómicos

Introduction The aim of this project is to study several anatomical-radiological features of pituitary adenomas obtained from preoperative radiological images and to analyze their relationship with the extent of resection achieved through the endoscopic endonasal approach. The second objective was to create a prediction model of the extent of resection. Material and methods We retrospectively evaluated 105 patients. Tumor volume, Knosp grade, suprasellar-diaphragm coefficient and invasion of the posterior compartment have been analyzed. The extent of resection was assessed by analyzing the postoperative magnetic resonance. We created the predictive scale using statistically independent variables. Results When each of the variables has been studied individually, a statistically significant value of all of them is appreciated to obtain a complete resection. However, only the Knosp grade and the suprasellar-diaphragm coefficient had a statistically significant value as independent variables. The sum of the Odds Ratio obtained from the Knosp scale, and the suprasellar-diaphragm coefficient gives the probability of complete resection. A new set of cases was employed to validate the scale. Conclusions The cavernous sinus invasion and the newly designed suprasellar diaphragm coefficient are directly related to the extent of resection in pituitary adenoma surgery performed by a transellar endoscopic approach. Moreover, based on both radiologic factors, a predictive scale may predict the probability of complete resection in a series of patients (AU)

Introducción El objetivo principal de este proyecto es estudiar diversas variables anatomo-radiológicas de los adenomas hipofisarios obtenidas a partir de imágenes radiológicas preoperatorias y analizar su relación con el grado de resección logrado mediante el abordaje endoscopio endonasal. El segundo objetivo ha sido crear un modelo de predicción del grado de resección tumoral. Material y métodos Se ha evaluado retrospectivamente a 105 pacientes, analizando el volumen tumoral, el grado de Knosp, el coeficiente supraselar-diafragma y la invasión del compartimento posterior. El grado de resección se ha evaluado mediante el análisis de la resonancia magnética postoperatoria. Se ha creado la escala predictiva empleando variables estadísticamente independientes. Resultados Al estudiar cada una de las variables de forma individual, se aprecia un valor estadísticamente significativo en cada una de ellas para obtener una resección completa. Sin embargo, tan solo el grado de Knosp y el coeficiente supraselar-diafragma tuvieron un valor estadísticamente significativo como variables independientes. Empleando la suma de la odds ratio obtenida de la escala Knosp y el coeficiente supraselar-diafragma, se ha obtenido la probabilidad de resección completa. Se ha empleado un nuevo conjunto de casos para validar la escala. Conclusiones La invasión del seno cavernoso y el coeficiente supraselar-diafragma son variables que están directamente relacionadas con el grado de resección en la cirugía de adenoma hipofisario realizada mediante un abordaje endoscópico transellar. Además, basándose en ambos factores radiológicos, se ha creado una escala predictiva que permite predecir la probabilidad de resección completa en una serie de pacientes (AU)

Repeat peroral endoscopic myotomy with simultaneous submucosal and muscle dissection as a salvage option for recurrent achalasia.

BACKGROUND: For recurrent achalasia after initial peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) failure, repeat POEM (Re-POEM) has been reported as a treatment option. However, severe esophageal interlayer adhesions caused by previous procedures impede the successful establishment of a submucosal tunnel and lead to aborted Re-POEM procedures. Our team previously described POEM with simultaneous submucosal and muscle dissection (POEM-SSMD) as a feasible solution for achalasia with severe interlayer adhesions. AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Re-POEM with simultaneous submucosal and muscle dissection (Re-POEM-SSMD). METHODS: A total of 1049 patients with achalasia who underwent successful endoscopic myotomy at the Digestive Endoscopic Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from December 2014 to May 2022 were reviewed. Patients with recurrent achalasia who experienced initial POEM clinical failure were retrospectively included in this study. The primary endpoint was retreatment clinical success, defined as an Eckardt score ≤ 3 during the postretreatment follow-up and no need for additional treatment. Procedure-related adverse events, changes in manometric lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and reflux complications, as well as procedure-related parameters, were recorded. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent Re-POEM (9 patients) or Re-POEM-SSMD (7 patients) successfully at a median of 45.5 mo (range, 4-95 mo) after initial POEM. During a median follow-up period of 31 mo (range, 7-96 mo), clinical success (Eckardt score ≤ 3) was achieved in 8 (88.9%) and 6 (85.7%) patients after Re-POEM and Re-POEM-SSMD, respectively (P = 0.849). The median Eckardt score dropped from 4 (range, 3-8) at preretreatment to 1 (range, 0-5) at postretreatment in the Re-POEM group (P = 0.025) and from 5 (range, 2-8) to 2 (range, 0-4) in the Re-POEM-SSMD group (P < 0.001). The mean manometric LES pressure decreased from 23.78 ± 9.04 mmHg to 11.45 ± 5.37 mmHg after Re-POEM (P < 0.001) and from 26.80 ± 7.48 mmHg to 11.05 ± 4.38 mmHg after Re-POEM-SSMD (P < 0.001). No serious adverse events were recorded in both groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Re-POEM-SSMD appears to be a safe and effective salvage therapy for recurrent achalasia with severe interlayer adhesions.

Posterior rectus fascia prolapse (PREFAP) repair: a new native tissue approach to pelvic organ prolapse via vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in women. During lifetime, up to 40% of all women will develop (POP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June and December 2021, five patients were successfully treated via vNOTES Posterior Rectus Fascia Prolapse ( PREFAP) repair. No intra-operative complications or conversions occurred. CONCLUSION: In this study we demonstrated a new technique for prolapse repair, harvesting the autologous posterior rectus fascia sheath via vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) as an alternative for a synthetic mesh.

Achalasia: Surgery Versus Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy.

Approaches to achalasia include non-operative and operative techniques with Heller Myotomy and Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) at the forefront of palliative strategies. Given the diverse subtypes and the time-dependent failure pattern for achalasia, there is no standard approach. We elect for a POEM for type III achalasia, poor functional status, hostile abdomen, and salvage after the previous myotomy. A Heller myotomy is elected over a POEM for type II achalasia, presence of diverticulum, and hiatal hernia. As long-term outcomes become available, an optimal customized strategy will become clearer.

The Efficacy of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy vs Pneumatic Dilation as Treatment for Patients With Achalasia Suffering From Persistent or Recurrent Symptoms After Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: For patients with achalasia experiencing persistent or recurrent symptoms after laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), pneumatic dilation (PD) is the most frequently used treatment. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is increasingly being investigated as rescue therapy. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of POEM vs PD for patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after LHM. METHODS: This randomized multicenter controlled trial included patients after LHM with an Eckardt score >3 and substantial stasis (≥2 cm) on timed barium esophagogram and randomized to POEM or PD. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤3 and without unscheduled re-treatment. Secondary outcomes included the presence of reflux esophagitis, high-resolution manometry, and timed barium esophagogram findings. Follow-up duration was 1 year after initial treatment. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included. POEM had a higher success rate (28 of 45 patients [62.2%]) than PD (12 of 45 patients [26.7%]; absolute difference, 35.6%; 95% CI, 16.4%-54.7%; P = .001; odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09-0.54; relative risk for success, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.37-3.99). Reflux esophagitis was not significantly different between POEM (12 of 35 [34.3%]) and PD (6 of 40 [15%]). Basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and integrated relaxation pressure (IRP-4) were significantly lower in the POEM group (P = .034; P = .002). Barium column height after 2 and 5 minutes was significantly less in patients treated with POEM (P = .005; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with achalasia experiencing persistent or recurrent symptoms after LHM, POEM resulted in a significantly higher success rate than PD, with a numerically higher incidence of grade A-B reflux esophagitis. NETHERLANDS TRIAL REGISTRY: NL4361 (NTR4501), https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID = NTR4501.

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of natural orifice specimen extraction and conventional laparoscopic surgery in patients with sigmoid colon/high rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) compared to conventional laparoscopic radical resection in the treatment of patients with sigmoid colon/high rectal cancer. METHODS: The control group (n = 62) underwent traditional laparoscopic radical resection, and the observation group (n = 62) underwent transanal NOSES laparoscopic radical resection. The operation length; amount of bleeding; number of lymph node dissections and days of hospitalization after surgery; visual pain scores on the first and third days after surgery; first leaving bed, anal exhaust, eating a liquid diet, and effective sleep times; and the postoperative complications (abdominal or incision infection or anastomotic fistula) of the two groups of patients were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The effective sleep time of the observation group on the first day after the operation was 12.3 ± 2.9 h, which was longer than that of the control group (10.6 ± 3.2 h), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The pain degree of the two groups on the third day after the operation was lower than that on the first day, and the pain score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (2.0 ± 1.0 vs. 3.2 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). The postoperative hospital stay in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (9.7 ± 2.3 vs. 11.2 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (3.2% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.048). In addition, it was found that the first leaving bed, anal exhaust and liquid diet times in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical resection NOSES in patients with sigmoid colon cancer or high rectal cancer leads to lower postoperative pain and longer sleep time than in patients who undergo traditional laparoscopic radical surgery. The complication rate of this procedure is low, and the curative effect is safe and positive.

Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders: What Role Does Endoscopy Play?

Although pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility (PNGM) disorders are prevalent, often debilitating, and remain challenging to diagnose and treat, this field has made remarkable progress in the last decade. Diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy emerged as a valuable tool in the management of PNGM disorders. Novel modalities such as functional lumen imaging probe, per-oral endoscopic myotomy, gastric-POEM, and electrocautery incisional therapy have changed the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of PNGM. In this review, the authors highlight the emerging role of therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy in esophageal, gastric, small bowel, colonic, and anorectal disorders and disorders of gut and brain axis interaction.

Z-POEM: ¿Procedimiento ideal para el tratamiento del divertículo de Zenker? / Z-POEM: Ideal procedure for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum?

Introducción. El divertículo de Zenker es una patología poco frecuente, caracterizada por la presencia de disfagia, halitosis, tos y pérdida de peso, que afectan la calidad de vida de los pacientes. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y las técnicas han evolucionado de forma permanente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la mejoría de la disfagia en pacientes a quienes se les realizó la técnica de miotomía endoscópica peroral (Z-POEM). Métodos. Estudio descriptivo de una serie de 23 pacientes con divertículo de Zenker diagnosticado por endoscopia y esofagograma, tratados entre mayo de 2018 y noviembre de 2021 en diferentes instituciones de la ciudad de Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, mediante una miotomía endoscópica del cricofaríngeo con la técnica de Z-POEM. Resultados. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron adultos mayores, de sexo masculino. Los síntomas más frecuentes correspondieron a disfagia y regurgitación. El tamaño promedio del divertículo fue de tres centímetros. La estancia hospitalaria fue de un día. Un paciente presentó disfagia postoperatoria en relación con los clips y otro presentó un absceso mediastinal, el cual fue resuelto de manera endoscópica. Actualmente, todos los pacientes se encuentran asintomáticos y no han presentado recurrencia. Conclusiones. El tratamiento endoscópico mínimamente invasivo mediante la miotomía endoscópica peroral (Z-POEM) en el paciente con divertículo de Zenker es una alternativa segura y eficaz, con buenos resultados y poca morbilidad

Introduction. Zenker's diverticulum is a rare pathology characterized by the presence of dysphagia, halitosis, cough, and weight loss, which affect the patients' quality of life. The treatment is surgical and the techniques have evolved permanently. The objective of this study was to evaluate the improvement of dysphagia in patients who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy technique (Z-POEM). Methods. Descriptive study of a series of 23 patients with Zenker's diverticulum diagnosed by endoscopy and esophagram, treated between May 2018 and November 2021 at different institutions in Bogotá, Colombia, by means of an endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy with the Z-POEM technique. Results. Most of patients were older males. The most frequent symptoms corresponded to dysphagia and regurgitation. The average size of the diverticulum was three centimeters. The hospital stay was one day. One patient presented postoperative dysphagia related to the clips and another presented a mediastinal abscess which was resolved endoscopically. Currently, all patients are asymptomatic and have not presented recurrence. Conclusions. Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment by peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM) in patients with Zenker's diverticulum is a safe and effective alternative, with good results and low morbidity

Transoral Thyroidectomy: Initial Results of the European TOETVA Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate a new surgical technique by the European Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) Study Group. METHODS: This study included 391 patients (47 [(12%]) male and 344 [(88%)] female) who had undergone endoscopic thyroid or parathyroid surgery via the vestibular approach between February 2016 and May 2022 at nine centers. The data were analyzed with regard to complications, surgery time and specimen retrieval. RESULTS: Overall, 376 (96.2%) TOETVA and 15 (3.8%) transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach interventions were performed with an average surgery time of 145 (± 61.2) minutes and 509 nerves at risk. The specimens were retrieved via a transoral vestibular and retroauricular approach in 66 (16.9%) patients and via a transaxillary approach in 8 (2%). Benign histology including Grave's disease was identified in 272 (69.6%) patients, 1 (0.3%) presented noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features, and 103 (26.3%) showed differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Solitary parathyroid adenoma were removed in 15 (3.8%) patients. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 13 (3.3%) and revision had to be performed in 2 (0.5%) patients. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) was present in 18 (4.6%) and permanent RLNP in 2 (0.5%) patients. Fifteen (3.8%) patients experienced transient hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy. No case of permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed. Postoperative surgical site infection occurred in 1 (0.3%) patient. Despite a higher rate of sensory and motor disorders and skin discoloration at discharge, permanent disorders were present in only 3 (0.8%) and 16 (4.1%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results show that transoral endoscopic surgery, performed by experienced endocrine surgeons, is a safe alternative to conventional thyroid surgery.

Retroauricular Single-Site Endoscopic Thyroidectomy-A Balanced Endoscopic Approach for Thyroid Excision.

This article discusses how retroauricular single-site endoscopic thyroidectomy is performed and compares it with transaxillary, transareolar, retroauricular hairline, and transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approaches.

Successful Design and Implementation of a POEM Program for Achalasia in an Integrated Healthcare System.

BACKGROUND: Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive treatment for achalasia with results comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Studies have described the development of proficiency for endoscopists learning to perform POEM, and societies have defined educational and technical objectives for advanced endoscopy fellows in training. However, there is limited guidance on the organizational strategy and educational plan necessary to develop an achalasia service with POEM expertise. AIMS: We aim to outline the steps for design and implementation of a successful POEM program. METHODS: We reported our experience developing a multi-disciplinary clinical program for POEM and the steps taken to achieve procedural proficiency. We also reported our technical success (successful tunneling into the gastric cardia and myotomy of LES muscle fibers) and clinical success (post-procedure Eckardt score ≤ 3) at 3-6 months and 12 months post-procedure. Adverse events were classified per the ASGE lexicon for endoscopic adverse events. RESULTS: After creating a multi-disciplinary clinical program for achalasia and completing procedural proficiency for POEM, our technical success rate was 100% and clinical success rate 90% for the first 41 patients. One adverse event (2.4%) occurred, moderate in severity per the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) lexicon for adverse endoscopic events. CONCLUSION: In this study, we outlined the steps involved to establish a POEM service in a large integrated healthcare system. Prior competency in interventional endoscopy, procedural training models, POEM observation and education, proctorship, and interdisciplinary patient care are recommended.

The ambulatory transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach is safe and economical for patients with thyroid nodules.

Background: Ambulatory thyroid surgery has been increasingly performed in recent years. However, the feasibility of the ambulatory transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has not been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the safety, economy, and mental health outcomes of ambulatory TOETVA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients who underwent TOETVA between March 2019 and August 2022. The procedure was performed by a skilled surgical team from the Department of Thyroid Surgery of the affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University. Patients were enrolled in the ambulatory (n=166) and conventional (n=290) groups, based on their chosen procedure. We analyzed patients' clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores, and hospitalization costs. Results: Of 456 patients, 166 underwent ambulatory TOETVA and 290 underwent conventional TOETVA. No significant differences were found in clinical and surgical characteristics between the groups, including sex (P=0.363), age (P=0.077), body mass index (P=0.351), presence of internal diseases (P=0.613), presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (P=0.429), pathology (P=0.362), maximum tumor diameter (P=0.520), scope of surgery (P=0.850), or operative time (P=0.351). There were no significant differences in maximum tumor diameter (P=0.349), extrathyroidal tissue invasion (P=0.516), number of retrieved central lymph nodes (P=0.069), or metastatic central lymph nodes (P=0.897) between the groups. No significant differences were found in complications, including transient hypoparathyroidism (P=0.438), transient vocal cord palsy (P=0.876), transient mental nerve injury (P=0.749), permanent mental nerve injury (P=0.926), and other complications (P=1.000). Ambulatory patients had shorter hospital stays (P<0.001) and reduced hospitalization costs (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in HAM-A scores between the groups (P=0.056). Conclusions: Ambulatory TOETVA is a safe, feasible, and cost-effective procedure for selected patients. This procedure resulted in shorter hospital stays, decreased medical costs, and did not increase patient anxiety. To ensure patient safety, surgical teams must inform patients of the indications, when to seek help, and how to receive the fastest medical attention.

A Feasible Technique for Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Through Vestibular Access Using a Single-port Technique: A Video Vignette in Cadaver Dissection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a single-port system for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with vestibular access (TOETVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two embalmed human cadavers were used to test the single-port technique. After positioning, a median vestibular incision was made. Adipose tissue was dissected through the mentum with a Kelly clamp to reach the subplatysmal level. The Keyport Single Port System (Richard Wolf) was then inserted. After port placement, flexible endoscopic dissectors and a 5-mm endoscope were advanced. After removing the dissectors, we inserted the ArtiSential laparoscopic instruments. We also used a 3-port TOETVA on another human cadaver to compare the results with those of the single-port surgery. RESULTS: In the first cadaver, skin tension was observed during trocar insertion and dissection. Trocar insertion resulted in skin perforation in the submental area. In the second cadaver, the single-port trocar was successfully inserted despite the significant skin tension. However, the trocar did not allow the necessary surgical maneuvers to proceed with subsequent surgical steps and create a working space. Postprocedural anatomic dissection revealed that the distal branches of the mental nerve were related to the trocar passage. CONCLUSIONS: Our cadaver study demonstrated that single-port TOETVA is unsafe and not feasible with the current technology of the Keyport single-port system. This approach needs to be improved to perform this technique without injury to distal branches of the mental nerve, skin perforation, and other complications.