Laparoscopic Gastrectomy with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol: Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND Surgery remains the mainstay of gastric cancer treatment. It is, however, associated with a relatively high risk of perioperative complications. The use of laparoscopy and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol allows clinicians to limit surgically induced trauma, thus improving recovery and reducing the number of complications. The aim of the study is to present clinical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy combined with the ERAS protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-three (21 female/32 male) patients who underwent elective laparoscopic total gastrectomy due to cancer were prospectively analyzed. Demographic and surgical parameters were assessed, as well as the compliance with ERAS protocol elements, length of hospital stay, number of complications, and readmissions. RESULTS Mean operative time was 296.4±98.9 min, and mean blood loss was 293.3±213.8 mL. In 3 (5.7%) cases, conversion was required. Median length of hospital stay was 5 days. Compliance with ERAS protocol was 79.6±14.5%. Thirty (56.6%) patients tolerated an early oral diet well within 24 h postoperatively; in 48 (90.6%) patients, mobilization in the first 24 hours was successful. In 17 (32.1%) patients, postoperative complications occurred, with 7 of them (13.2%) being serious (Clavien-Dindo 3-5). The 30-day readmission rate was 9.4%. CONCLUSIONS The combination of laparoscopy and the ERAS protocol in patients with gastric cancer is feasible and allows achieving good clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Lateral Adrenalectomy for Large Adrenal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the gold standard for treatment of benign adrenal lesions. Tumor size is a factor that might influence decision-making concerning the use of laparoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of adrenalectomy for tumors ≥6 cm in diameter. METHODS: Two groups of patients were analyzed: first group comprised 441 patients with tumors <6 cm in diameter and second group consisted of 89 patients with tumors ≥6 cm. Both groups were compared with regard to the duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, conversion and complications rate. RESULTS: Median duration of surgery in groups 1 and 2 amounted to 86.6 and 111.9 min (p < 0.0001), respectively. Median intraoperative blood loss in groups 1 and 2 was 56.5 and 172.8 ml (p < 0.0001), respectively. There was a linear relationship between tumor size and the duration of surgery, and between tumor size and intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.0001). There were 2 (0.5%) and 6 (6.7%) conversions in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were 41 (9.3%) and 14 (15.7%) complications in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.0692), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy of tumors ≥6 cm is more difficult, but it can be regarded safe and beneficial for patients.

Foxp3+ lymphocyte count in Barrett's esophagus tissue is higher than in in amed esophageal tissue.

INTRODUCTION: The number of Foxp3+ lymphocytes is increased in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Little is known about Foxp3+ cells count in Barret's esophagus, which is a precancerous state for esophageal cancer. A i m: To count the number of Foxp3+ lymphocytes in tissue samples from patients with Barrett's and compare it with samples from individuals with esophagitis and esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 43 patients were enrolled to the study: 14 with esophageal carcinoma, 15 with Barrett's esophagus and 14 with non-metaplastic esophagitis. Every patient undergone gastroscopy during which a tissue sample was taken. Foxp3+ lymphocytes and CD4+ lymphocytes were detected by using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Mean density of Foxp3+ cells in patients with esophagitis was 7.37/10HPF (range: 1-9), 18.5/10HPF (range: 5-29) and 26.8/10HPF (range: 16-40) in patients with dysplastic and non-dysplastic BE, respectively and 47.92/10HPF in individuals with esophageal a carcinoma. These intergroup differences turned out to be statistically significant (p = 0.000; Fig. 3). Patients, either with dysplasia or without, presented with significantly higher Foxp3+ cell counts than the subjects with esophagitis (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Also the number of Foxp3+ lymphocytes in esophageal adenocarcinoma specimens turned out to be significantly higher than in esophagitis (p = 0.0001), non-dysplastic and dysplastic BE tissue (p = 0.016 and p = 0.00047, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Barrett's metaplasia, either with dysplasia or without, is associated with an evident increase in the number of Foxp3 lymphocytes within the esophagogastric junction mucosa. Restoration of lymphocyte balance in esophageal tissue might prevent malignant transformation of Barrett's metaplasia.

[Coagulation profile in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery]. / Aktywacja ukladu krzepniecia u chorych operowanych z dostepu laparoskopowego w trybie planowym.

INTRODUCTION: Insuflation abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide during laparoscopic surgery increases abdominal pressure, which may cause stasis of the blood flow in inferior vena cava and common iliac veins. Moreover, reverse Trendelenburg position, in which laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed, decreases venous return. All of this factors makes episode of venous thromboembilism (VTE), an asymptomatic state that could cause serious complications, more probable. AIM: The aim of the study was to asses influence of pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic procedures on coagulation state and to asses relation between body mass index (BMI), age of patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures and coagulation profile in the postoperative period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 35 patients (F:M = 28:7, mean age 48.3 ± 14.6, mean BMI 26 ± 4.5 kg/m2), without VTE risk factors, not undergoing anticoagulant therapy and without abnormal platelet count. Subjects underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Alteration in coagulation profile was assesed on the basis of aPTT, PT and TT results. Blood samples were taken twice: in the day of admission (samle A) and 5 hours after surgery (sample B). Statistical analysys was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Spearman correlation. RESULTS: Mean aPTT, PT and TT value of the A sample was 34.54 ± 6.32s, 1.11± 0.14 INR; 16.35 ± 1.93s respectively. Mean aPPT, PT and TT value of the B sample was 34.4 ± 7.13s; 1.17 ± 0.11 INR; 16.41 ± 1.88s, respectively. Change of PT value pre- and postoperatively was statistical significant (p = 0.0009). There was statistical significant correlation between duration of the surgery and sample B PT and TT values (p = 0.0115 and 0.0218 respectively). No other correlation between BMI, age and sample B values was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Creation of pneumoperitoneum has no influence on shortening of clotting times. Because of early mobilisation, fast discharge and recovery that makes natural anticoaculant prevention available short after surgery, clinical risk of DVT is not high.

A longer pelvis is associated with longer operative time in transanal total mesorectal excision (TME) but not in laparoscopic TME. Results from a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: A narrow pelvis, obesity, and bulky low rectal tumor are perceived as risk factors for intraoperative difficulties during total mesorectal excision (TME), particularly in the laparoscopic approach. A transanal approach has been developed to overcome the difficulties encountered during laparoscopic TME. There is no clear definition of a narrow pelvis that would guide preoperative surgical planning. Aim: To evaluate different MRI-based pelvic measurements in patients undergoing TME to identify factors predictive of intraoperative difficulties in transabdominal compared to the transanal approach. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 48 patients treated with laparoscopic TME and 62 with transanal TME for rectal tumors was performed. Multiple logistic regressions analyzed demographic, tumor, and pelvimetry factors that correlate with intraoperative difficulties measured as intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and perioperative complications in both surgical approaches. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that age was associated with higher blood loss (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18, p = 0.038), male gender (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-0.86, p = 0.029) and body mass index with longer operating time (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.64, p = 0.010) in the LAR group. Multivariate analysis showed that age increased the odds of intraoperative blood loss > 100 ml (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15, p = 0.013), and pelvic length > 119 mm increased operating time (OR = 5.76, 95% CI: 1.33-25.01, p = 0.016) in the TaTME group. Conclusions: Pelvic measurements are not associated with intraoperative difficulties in LAR. Longer pelvis was associated with longer operative time in TaTME.

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor modulates FcεRI-dependent but not Mrgprb2-dependent mastocyte function in psoriasis.

Psoriasis, which involves mast cells, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder whose pathophysiology is still not fully understood. We investigated the role of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a potential inhibitor of mastocyte serine proteases, on mast cell-dependent processes of relevance to the skin barrier defense in psoriasis. Here, we demonstrate that the dermal mast cells of patients with psoriasis express SLPI but not those of healthy donors. Moreover, SLPI transcripts were found to be markedly upregulated in murine mast cells by mediators derived from psoriasis skin explant cultures. Using mast cells from SLPI-deficient mice and their SLPI+ wild-type controls, we show that SLPI inhibits the activity of serine protease chymase in mastocytes. SLPI was also found to enhance the degranulation of mast cells activated via anti-IgE Abs but not Mrgprb2 ligands. Finally, we demonstrate that the expression and function of Mrgprb2 in mast cells are suppressed by a normal and, to a larger extent, psoriatic skin environment. Together, these findings reveal mechanisms underlying FcεRI- and Mrgprb2-dependent mast cell function that have not been described previously.

Multispectral Imaging Using Fluorescent Properties of Indocyanine Green and Methylene Blue in Colorectal Surgery-Initial Experience.

Introduction: Image-guided surgery is becoming a new tool in colorectal surgery. Intraoperative visualisation of different structures using fluorophores helps during various steps of operations. In our report, we used two fluorophores-indocyanine green (ICG), and methylene blue (MB)-during different steps of colorectal surgery, using one camera system for two separate near-infrared wavelengths. Material and methods: Twelve patients who underwent complex open or laparoscopic colorectal surgeries were enrolled. Intravenous injections of MB and ICG at different time points were administered. Visualisation of intraoperative ureter position and fluorescent angiography for optimal anastomosis was performed. A retrospective analysis of patients treated in our departments during 2020 was performed, and data about ureter injury and anastomotic site complications were collected. Results: Intraoperative localisation of ureters with MB under fluorescent light was possible in 11 patients. The mean signal-to-background ratio was 1.58 ± 0.71. Fluorescent angiography before performing anastomosis using ICG was successful in all 12 patients, and none required a change in position of the planned colon resection for anastomosis. The median signal-to-background ratios was 1.25 (IQR: 1.22-1.89). Across both centres, iatrogenic injury of the ureter was found in 0.4% of cases, and complications associated with anastomosis was found in 5.5% of cases. Conclusions: Our study showed a substantial opportunity for using two different fluorophores in colorectal surgery, whereby the visualisation of one will not change the possible quantification analysis of the other. Using two separate dyes during one procedure may help in optimisation of the fluorescent properties of both dyes when using them for different applications. Visualisation of different structures by different fluorophores seems to be the future of image-guided surgery, and shows progress in optical technologies used in image-guided surgery.

The prevalence of, and risk factors for, Barrett's oesophagus after sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Sleeve gastrectomy has become one of the most performed bariatric procedures. There is increasing evidence that sleeve gastrectomy patients suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease and its sequelae such as erosive oesophagitis (EO) or Barret's oesophagus (BO). AIM: To evaluate the incidence of EO and BO among patients with normal preoperative oesophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and investigate factors that may contribute to the development of EO and BO after the surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a single-centre longitudinal study that included patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and completed 5 years of follow-up. Gastroscopies were performed in all patients at the end of the follow-up period. Patient- and treatment-related factors were used to search for risk factors of BO. RESULTS: From a total of 30 patients, symptomatic reflux was reported by 17 (56.7%) during the follow-up period. At EGD EO was found in 9 of those patients (30%), whereas BE was diagnosed in 8 (27%) patients. The median BMI at the end of the follow-up period was significantly higher among patients with BE than in the groups with EO and with no endoscopic changes: 40.91 ±6.32, 32.42 ±5.53, and 33.25 ±4.41, respectively (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of BO in SG patients is considerable. The risk of BE increases in patients with poor bariatric outcome. Endoscopic surveillance should be considered as part of the follow-up, especially in patients with higher overall risk of BE.

Defunctioning ileostomy reduces leakage rate in rectal cancer surgery - systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The role of a defunctioning ileostomy in every anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to review the current literature to determine the impact of ileostomy creation on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing anterior rectal resection with TME. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies. We analyzed data up to October 2017. Eligible studies had to compare patients with vs. without a defunctioning ileostomy in rectal cancer surgery and comprise data on anastomotic leakage in both groups. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage. Secondary outcomes included the complication rate, mortality, reoperation rate, length of hospital stay and 30-day readmission. RESULTS: Initial search yielded 1,966 articles. Thorough evaluation resulted in 13 eligible articles which were analyzed. Leakage rate (RR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.28-0.67) and the number of reoperations (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.94) were significantly lower in the defunctioning stoma group. Morbidity was significantly higher in the stoma group (RR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.05-1.65). Analysis of mortality, length of hospital stay and readmission rate did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSION: A defunctioning ileostomy may decrease the anastomotic leakage rate, additionally significantly reducing the risk of reoperations but it may also increase the overall complication rate. The presence of the protective stoma has no effect on mortality, length of hospital stay and readmission rate.

More stapler firings increase the risk of perioperative morbidity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Staple-line bleeding and leakage are the most common serious complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The relationship between multiple stapler firings and higher risk of postoperative complications is well defined in colorectal surgery but has not been addressed in bariatric procedures so far. Identification of new factors such as "the numbers of stapler firings used during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)" as a predictor for complications can lead to optimization of the patient care at bariatric centers. AIM: To determine the association between perioperative morbidity and the number of stapler firings during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational study was based on retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in patients operated on for morbid obesity in a teaching hospital/tertiary referral center for general surgery. The patients who underwent LSG were analyzed in terms of the number of stapler firings used as a new potential risk predictor for postoperative complications after surgery, adjusting for other patient- and treatment-related factors. The study included 333 patients (209 women, 124 men, mean age: 40 ±11). RESULTS: During the first 30 days after surgery, complications were observed in 18 (5.41%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that prolonging operative time increased morbidity (every minute, OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02) and the complication rate increased with the number of stapler firings (every firing, OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.09-3.33; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Additional stapler firings above the usual number and a prolonged operation should alert a surgeon and the whole team about increased risk of postoperative complications.

Are we ready for the ERAS protocol in colorectal surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Modern perioperative care principles in elective colorectal surgery have already been established by international surgical authorities. Nevertheless, barriers to the introduction of routine evidence-based clinical care and changing dogmas still exist. One of the factors is the surgeon. AIM: To assess perioperative care trends in elective colorectal surgery among general surgery consultants in surgical departments in Malopolska Voivodeship, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous standardized 20-question questionnaire was developed based on ERAS principles and sent out to Malopolska Voivodeship general surgery departments. Answers of general surgery consultants showed the level of acceptance of elements of perioperative care. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 66%. Several elements (antibiotic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, postoperative oxygen therapy, no nasogastric tubes) had quite a high acceptance rate. On the other hand, most crucial surgical perioperative elements (lack of mechanical bowel preparation, preoperative oral carbohydrate loading, use of laparoscopy and lack of drains, early fluid and oral diet intake, early mobilization) were not followed according to evidence-based ERAS protocol recommendations. Surgeons were not willing to change their practice, but were supportive of changes in anesthesiologist-dependent elements of perioperative care, such as restrictive fluid therapy, use of transversus abdominis plane blocks, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Many elements of perioperative care in elective colorectal surgery in Malopolska Voivodeship are still dictated by dogma and are not evidence-based. The level of acceptance of many important ERAS protocol elements is low. Surgeons are ready to accept only changes that do not interfere with their practice.

[Gastric Crohn's disease as a cause of gastrointestinal bleeding after gastroscopy--diagnostic difficulties]. / Choroba Lesniowskiego-Crohna zoladka jako przyczyna krwawienia po gastroskopii--trudnosci diagnostyczne.

Crohn's disease is a chronic, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease localized most commonly in the terminal ileum, but it may involve any site of the gastrointestinal tract. Stomach location is extremely rare. Usually this process is confused by the presence of fistulas and intraabdominal abscesses in the typical emplacement, which are the consequences of penetration of the inflammatory process through the whole thickness of the large intestine's wall. In the case of ithe upper part of the gastro-intestinal tract location (commonly distal part of stomach or proximal of duodenum) bleeding is the most dangerous complication. In the diagnostics of this disease the combination of endoscopy and immunobiochemical tests of taking fragments has the basic importance. Pharmacological immunosupression with protection of the stomach mucosa is still the treatment's method of choice. We report the case of isolated gastroduodenal Crohn's disease of the stomach complicated with bleeding.

Can the Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score predict postoperative complications other than mortality?

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are bariatric procedures with acceptable risk of postoperative morbidities and mortalities, but identification of high-risk patients is an ongoing issue. DeMaria et al. introduced the Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score (OS-MRS), which was designed for mortality risk assessment but not perioperative morbidity risk. AIM: To assess the possibility to use the OS-MRS to predict the risk of perioperative complications related to LSG and LRYGB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients operated on for morbid obesity was performed. Patients were evaluated before and after surgery. We included 408 patients (233 LSG, 175 LRYGB). Perioperative complications were defined as adverse effects in the 30-day period. The Clavien-Dindo scale was used for description of complications. Patients were assigned to five grades and three classes according to the OS-MRS results, then risk of morbidity was analyzed. RESULTS: Complications were observed in 30 (7.35%) patients. Similar morbidity was related to both procedures (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.53-2.44, p = 0.744). The reoperation and mortality rates were 1.23% and 0.49% respectively. There were no significant differences in median OS-MRS value between the group without and the group with perioperative complications. There were no significant differences in OS-MRS between groups (p = 0.091). Obesity Surgery Mortality Risk Score was not related to Clavien-Dindo grades (p = 0.800). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that OS-MRS is not useful in predicting risk of perioperative morbidity after bariatric procedures.

The number of regulatory Foxp3+ T-cells in different stages of malignant transformation of large intestinal polyps.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the number of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) at various stages of malignant transformation of large intestinal polyps. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study included tissue specimens from individuals subjected to complete colonoscopy with polypectomy and from patients who underwent surgical resection of colorectal tumors. This group included 27 individuals, among them 10 women (37%). Median age of the patients was 64 years (range 37-82 years). Surgical specimens included hyperplastic polyps (n=4), adenomatous polyps with low- (n=5) and high-grade dysplasia (n=8) and invasive colorectal cancers (n=10). Tregs were identified immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Mean number of Foxp3+ T-cells per 10 high-power fields (HPFs) increased in line with malignant transformation, from 12.5 for hyperplastic polyps, 29.4 and 36.5 for adenomatous polyps with low- and high-grade dysplasia, respectively, to 56.3 for invasive colorectal cancers (p=0.00). An increase in the mean number of CD4+ T-cells was also observed, from 45.75, 57.8, 84.125, to 110.6 per 10 HPFs, respectively, however this change did not prove to be statistically significant (p=0.13). Mean Foxp3+/CD4+ T-cell ratio increased in line with malignant transformation (from 0.27, 0.3, 0.43, to 0.5), although a statistically significant change of this parameter was only observed in the case of invasive colorectal cancers (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the number of Tregs in the lymphocytic infiltrate of large intestinal polyps is interestingly already observed at early stages of carcinogenesis. Proportions of various T-cell subpopulations in the infiltrate vary considerably depending on the degree of dysplasia, especially in the case of invasive colorectal cancer.

The usefulness of the Mannheim Peritonitis Index score in assessing the condition of patients treated for peritonitis.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to verify the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) suitability to determine the probability of death among patients in Polish population operated due to peritonitis and to assess the possibility of using the Index to determine the risk of postoperative complications, relaparotomy and need for postoperative hospitalization in intensive care unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis covered 168 patients (M: F = 83: 85, mean age = 48.45 years, SD ± 22.2) treated for peritonitis. The MPI score was calculated for each patient. According to MPI results, patients were divided to the appropriate groups (<21, 21-29, > 29) and within analyzed. The statistical analysis used Chi-square, Mann Withney U and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The best cut-off point for MPI was calculated on the basis of ROC analisys. RESULTS: Mortality in the study group was 13.1%. In groups <21, 21-29 and > 29 points according to MPI mortality was 1.75%, 28.13% and 50% respectively, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0124). Significant differences were observed in mortality depending on the diagnosis. Based on the ROC curve the cut-off point was identified as 32 with an accuracy of 85.9% and AUC = 81%. There has been a significant correlation between the MPI count and and the occurrence of: cardio-respiratory failure, acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, surgical wound complications, the need for treatment in the intensive care unit after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The MPI is a simple and effective predictor of death among patients operated due to peritonitis. It can also provide assistance in assessing the risk of postoperative complications and the need for treatment in the intensive care unit.

Preoperative pancreatic duct stenting in patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreatic surgery ­ a preliminary report.

UNLABELLED: Laparoscopic surgery is becoming an approved technique in pancreatic surgery. It offers some advantages over an open approach due to shorter hospital stay and decreased complication rate. Regardless the technique the most significant problem of pancreatic surgery is postoperative pancreatic fistula. There are numerous methods attempted at reduction of its incidence. One of the possibilities is preoperative pancreatic duct stenting. It aims at decreasing the pressure in the pancreatic duct, which is supposed to facilitate pancreatic juice flow to the duodenum. The aim of the study was to determine the role of preoperative pancreatic duct stenting in pancreatic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreatic resection were enrolled into the study. Prior to the surgery, all of the patients were submitted for the Endoscopic Retrograde Choleangiopancreatography (ERCP) with pancreatic duct stenting. Following the subsequent laparoscopic pancreatic resection, all patients were monitored to detect the pancreatic fistula appearance. The pancreatic stent was removed 6-8 weeks after the surgery. RESULTS: With an exception of two patients, all other patients underwent successful ERCP with pancreatic duct stenting before the surgery. In one case the placement of the prosthesis failed due to a tortuous pancreatic duct. Five patients had an episode of acute pancreatitis including two severe courses as a complication of preoperative ERCP. One of the patient died due to severe GI bleeding 2 weeks after stenting. Among the procedures there were 15 distal pancreatectomies, two enucleations of the tumor localized in the uncinate process and in the body of the pancreas and one central pancreatectomy. The median time of surgery duration was 186 minutes (90-300; ±56). No conversions to an open approach were necessary. Likewise, there was neither any major complications reported in a postoperative course nor incidence of pancreatic fistula in any of the patients undergoing surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pancreatic duct stenting can decrease the incidence of pancreatic fistula. However, a number of serious complications exceed the potential benefit of this method.

Changing patterns in the surgical treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer - single centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: Although the surgical treatment of patients with perforated duodenal ulcer is the method of choice, the introduction of effective pharmacotherapy has changed the surgical strategy. Nowadays less extensive procedures are chosen more frequently. The introduction of laparoscopic procedures had a significant impact on treatment results. AIM: To present our experience in the treatment of perforated duodenal ulcer in two periods, by comparing open radical anti-ulcer procedures with laparoscopic ulcer repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis covered patients operated on for perforated duodenal ulcer. Two groups of patients were compared. Group 1 included 245 patients operated on in the period 1980-1994 with a traditional method (pyloroplasty + vagotomy) before introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Group 2 included 106 patients treated in the period 2000-2014 with the laparoscopic technique supplemented with PPI therapy. Groups were compared in terms of patients' demographic structure, operative time, complication rate and mortality. RESULTS: The mean operative time in group 1 was shorter than in group 2 (p < 0.0001). Complications were noted in 57 (23.3%) patients in group 1 and 14 (13.5%) patients in group 2 (p = 0.0312). Reoperation was necessary in 13 (5.3%) cases in group 1 and in 5 cases in group 2 (p = 0.8179). The mortality rate in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (10.2% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.0192). In group 1, median length of hospital stay was 9 days and differed significantly from group 2 (6 days, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the last 30 years, significant changes in treatment of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) have occurred, mainly related to abandoning routine radical anti-ulcer procedures and replacing the open technique with minimally invasive surgery. Thus it was possible to improve treatment results by reducing complication and mortality rates, and shortening the length of hospital stay. Although the laparoscopic operation is longer, it improves outcomes. In the authors' opinion, in each patient with suspected peptic ulcer perforation, laparoscopy should be the method of choice.

Changes in levels of selected incretins and appetite-controlling hormones following surgical treatment for morbid obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The hormonal brain-gut axis is a crucial element in appetite control and the response to surgical treatment for super obesity. However, mechanisms underlying the metabolic response to surgical treatment for morbid obesity are still not clearly specified. AIM: To evaluate and compare the effects of surgical treatment for super obesity by laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on selected incretins and appetite-controlling hormones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled in a prospective study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed in 45.8% of patients, and LRYGB in the remaining 54.2% of patients. Before the procedure fasting blood serum was collected from patients and preserved, to determine levels of selected incretins and brain-gut hormones: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), leptin, and ghrelin. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients came to a follow-up visit 12 months after the surgery. In these patients selected parameters were determined again. The percentage weight loss was 58.8%. The ghrelin levels had decreased, and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two procedures. After both surgical procedures a statistically significant reduction in the leptin level was also observed. Peptide YY levels statistically significantly increased in the whole studied group. The GLP-1 level increased after the surgical procedure. However, the observed change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment methods result in modification of secretion patterns for selected gastrointestinal hormones, and this was considered to be a beneficial effect of bariatric treatment. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, being a procedure resulting in a metabolic response, seems to be an equally effective method for treatment of super obesity and comorbidities as the laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy--Is It Safe In The Hands Of Residents During Training?

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess safety of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed by residents that are undergoing training in general surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 330 patients operated electively due to cholelithiasis. Patients with acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, undergoing cholecystectomy as a part of more extensive operation and patients with gall-bladder cancer were excluded. Group 1 included patients operated by resident, group 2--by specialist. Duration of operation, mean blood loss, number of major complications, number of conversions to the open technique and conversions of the operator, reoperations and length of hospital stay were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean operative time overall was 81 min (25 - 170, SD ± 28.6) and 71 min (30-210, SD ± 29.1) in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.00009). Mean blood loss in group 1 was 45 ± 68.2 ml and in group 2 - 41 ± 73.4 ml (p=0.23). Six major complications has occurred (1.81%) - 2 (2%) in group 1 and 4 (1.7%) in group 2. 18 cases (15.5%) of conversion of the operator occurred in group 1, and 6 cases (2.6%) of conversion of the operator happened in group 2. Average LOS was 1.9 days in group 1 and 2.3 days in group 2 (p=0.03979). CONCLUSIONS: Elective LC performed by a supervised resident is a safe procedure. Tactics of "conversion of operator" allowed to prevent major complications. Longer LC by residents is natural during the learning curve. Modifications of residency program in the field of laparoscopy may increase its accessibility.

Single center outcomes of laparoscopic transperitoneal lateral adrenalectomy--Lessons learned after 500 cases: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered relatively safe, the results of treatment vary depending on the profile of the hospital. We would like to present our experience with laparoscopic surgery of the adrenals. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients operated for adrenal tumours in the years 2003-2014. The study group included 175 (35%) men and 325 (65%) women. The entire group was divided into 4 cohorts of 125 consecutively operated patients. Primary outcomes were operative measures (operative time, its correlation with tumour size, blood loss, conversion rate, use of peritoneal drainage). Secondary outcomes were the intra- and postoperative complications (using the Clavien-Dindo classification), histological type of the tumours and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups in terms of the size and location of the tumour. The mean operative time in each group was 85.7; 83.7; 89.6; 104.6 min (p < 0.001). The operative time correlated to the size of the tumour. There were no differences in the conversion rates as well as in the blood loss. However, it was observed that the complication rate was declining in subsequent subgroups (14.4%, 11.2%, 8% and 5.6%, respectively, p = 0.013). Length of hospital stay was 4.9 days, 3.9 days, 2.9 days, 2.4 days, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy depend not only on the experience of the single surgeon, but on the whole team involved in perioperative care. In high volume centers with extensive experience in surgery of adrenals, this technique may provide an alternative to open surgery, also in selected cases of malignant tumours.