Cholangioscopy under direct visualization: skill progress during a dedicated Image-Guided Surgery Course.

AIMS: Training programs are essential to introduce new methods for bile duct clearance. Visual examination via cholangioscopy is ideal to diagnose and treat biliary tract diseases such as cancer and choledocholithiasis. However, surgeons rarely use cholangioscopes. Specific training is required to master laparoscopic and percutaneous cholangioscopy. This study aims to assess skill acquisition and retention during cholangioscopy training in the Image-Guided Therapies Masterclass. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 17 physicians undergoing training in interventional treatments of biliary diseases. A novel disposable cholangioscope and access kit were used with a biliary tract model including two simulated common bile duct (CBD) stones. The curriculum required visualization of all critical structures before removal of one stone with a Dormia basket. After informed consent, demographic data and time to exercise completion were recorded on each of two subsequent training days. Task-specific questions were measured at the completion of training using a Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree, 1-5 points). RESULTS: All participants successfully completed the task (6F/11 M, age 36 ± 5 years; 13 surgeons, 4 interventional radiologists; median experience with percutaneous procedures 2 years, range 0-20). Significant improvement in mean task completion time was observed (day 1: 172 ± 59 s, day 2: 89 ± 45 s; P < 0.0001). All task-specific questions were answered with a median rating of 5/5: "The platform facilitates cholangioscopy" and "This training method accelerates gain in proficiency and is useful for residents/fellows" (IQR 5-5), "This platform is useful to measure the proficiency level" and "There is an application for simulation in percutaneous surgery training" (IQR 4.5-5), "The platform is user-friendly" and "The model quality recreates realistic scenarios" (IQR 4-5). CONCLUSION: Cholangioscopic bile duct exploration and stone retrieval were achieved by all participants using a dedicated training program and physical simulator. Significant skill progress was observed during 2 days of dedicated training.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: results from the CLIMHET study group.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRHC) is increasingly performed for the treatment of right colon disease. Nevertheless, standardization of the surgical technique regarding the performance of intracorporeal (IC) or extracorporeal (EC) anastomosis is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term postoperative outcomes in patients who had laparoscopic right colectomy either with IC or EC. METHODS: This was a retrospective, non-randomized and multicenter study conducted from January 2005 to December 2015 on the CLIMHET study group cohort from five tertiary centers in France. Data were collected for all patients with LRHC to compare patient characteristics, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes in terms of medical and surgical complications, duration of hospitalization and mortality. A multivariate analysis was performed to compare the results in the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 597 patients undergoing LRHC, 150 had IC and 447 had EC. The incidence of medical complications (cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary complications) was lower in the IC group than in the EC group (13 vs 20%, p = 0.049). This difference remained significant in multivariate analysis after adjusting to field characteristics and patient histories (p = 0.009). Additionally, a shorter hospital stay (7 vs 8 days, p = 0.003) was observed in the IC group as compared to the EC group. This difference remained significant in favor of the IC group in multivariate analysis (p = 0.029). There was no difference between the groups as regards: surgical complications (p = 0.76), time of mobilization (p = 0.93), reintervention rate (p = 1) and 90-day mortality (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that IC anastomosis in LRHC is associated with fewer medical complications and shorter hospital stays compared to EC anastomosis.

A step towards stereotactic navigation during pelvic surgery: 3D nerve topography.

BACKGROUND: Long-term morbidity after multimodal treatment for rectal cancer is suggested to be mainly made up by nerve-injury-related dysfunctions. Stereotactic navigation for rectal surgery was shown to be feasible and will be facilitated by highlighting structures at risk of iatrogenic damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability to make a 3D map of the pelvic nerves with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify a main positional reference for each pelvic nerve and plexus. The nerves were manually delineated in 20 volunteers who were scanned with a 3-T MRI. The nerve identifiability rate and the likelihood of nerve identification correctness were determined. RESULTS: The analysis included 61 studies on pelvic nerve anatomy. A main positional reference was defined for each nerve. On MRI, the sacral nerves, the lumbosacral plexus, and the obturator nerve could be identified bilaterally in all volunteers. The sympathetic trunk could be identified in 19 of 20 volunteers bilaterally (95%). The superior hypogastric plexus, the hypogastric nerve, and the inferior hypogastric plexus could be identified bilaterally in 14 (70%), 16 (80%), and 14 (70%) of the 20 volunteers, respectively. The pudendal nerve could be identified in 17 (85%) volunteers on the right side and in 13 (65%) volunteers on the left side. The levator ani nerve could be identified in only a few volunteers. Except for the levator ani nerve, the radiologist and the anatomist agreed that the delineated nerve depicted the correct nerve in 100% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Pelvic nerves at risk of injury are usually visible on high-resolution MRI with dedicated scanning protocols. A specific knowledge of their course and its application in stereotactic navigation is suggested to improve quality of life by decreasing the likelihood of nerve injury.

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.

Robotic Lymphadenectomy During Pancreatoduodenectomy with First Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection.

BACKGROUND: An expert consensus meeting had defined the standard lymphadenectomy during pancreatoduodenectomy for an adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas. There is a controversy regarding the possibility to perform this optimal lymphadenectomy by minimally invasive approach. PATIENTS: The patient was a 68-year-old man with the diagnosis of an adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas. The 3D reconstructions evidenced the existence of a right hepatic artery. TECHNIQUE: The patient was positioned in the French position with the assistant between the legs and the robot at the head. Five trocars were used; the camera was introduced through the umbilicus trocar. The operation began with a peritoneal and liver exploration, and with an inter-aortico-caval picking. Because lymph nodes were noninvaded, pancreatoduodenectomy was decided with the first dissection of the superior mesenteric artery helped with a hanging maneuver. The right hepatic artery was dissected. Each structure of the hepatic pedicle was skeletonized. The camera was switched to the right side. The first jejunal loop was divided with a stapler. The specimen was totally mobilized en bloc, freed from the portal vascular axis with a dissection of the right border of the coeliac trunk. The pancreas was divided. At the end of the dissection, the different arterial and venous structures were skeletonized with a resection of the lymph node group 5-6-8a-12a,b,c-13a,b-14a,b-17a,b. Pathology confirmed R0 resection for a well-differentiated pancreatic adenocarcinoma graded pT3N1 (5/20). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy could be performed with an optimal standard lymphadenectomy as recommended by the expert consensus.

Laparoscopic treatment of incisional and primary ventral hernia in morbidly obese patients with a BMI over 35.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional and ventral hernias are common surgical indications. Their management is associated with significant complications and recurrences in open surgery (15-25%). Since laparoscopy has become a standard in bariatric surgery, there has been a natural trend to treat obese patients with parietal wall defects laparoscopically. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and the results of the laparoscopic management of parietal wall defects in patients with a BMI >35. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 79 patients were included. Data were acquired prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. The surgical procedure was standardized: 3 ports, mesh type (Parietex™ Composite mesh, Covidien, France), fixation with non-absorbable transfascial sutures, and tackers. Complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 79 patients (29 men, 50 women), 43 had umbilical and 36 had ventral hernias. Mean age was 52.4 years, and mean BMI was 40.83 kg/m(2). Mean postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. Postoperative pain evaluated by visual analog scale was 2.86. No intraoperative complications or deaths occurred. Seven postoperative complications occurred (8.86%): two parietal wall hematomas treated by radiological embolization, two significant cases of postoperative pain, one postoperative obstruction, one spontaneously resolved respiratory failure, and one early (day 1) parietal wall defect with immediate reoperation. Postoperative seroma rate was 26.58% (21 patients, all of whom were treated conservatively). Postoperative follow-up was 18.10 months (1-84 months), and recurrence rate was 3.8% (3 patients). DISCUSSION: This study confirms the feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic approach for ventral hernias in morbidly obese patients. Recurrence rates (3.8%) appeared lower than the ones observed in the literature (15-25%). Postoperative hemorrhage and port-site hernia are specific complications of this approach. Postoperative hospital stay is low (2 days) as compared to open surgery. Laparoscopic management of parietal wall defects should be considered a standard option in morbidly obese patients.

Appendicitis/diverticulitis: minimally invasive surgery.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections such as acute appendicitis and complicated diverticulitis represent both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Both diseases, although different in many ways, are caused by the obstruction of a blind pouch leading to inflammation, abscesses, and perforation of surrounding tissues. For many decades, acute appendicitis was managed through a conventional surgical incision in the right iliac fossa. As for other diseases, there is a significant tendency to propose less invasive treatments. For many teams, laparoscopy, which leads to less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery, represents the standard of care for appendectomy. For selected cases, a medical approach can be proposed with satisfactory outcomes. Additionally, the management of complicated diverticulitis is also quickly moving towards less invasive procedures than the deleterious '3-phase surgery', which is Hartmann's procedure, followed by reversal protected with a stoma, and finally stoma closure. Benefiting from the evolution of antimicrobial therapy and interventional radiology, many complicated cases classified as Hinchey stage I and Hinchey stage II complicated diverticulitis are now treated medically. CT images allow the identification of patients requiring radiological drainage of localized abscesses or collections over 5 cm in size. Patients with Hinchey stage III sigmoiditis may benefit from an initial laparoscopic exploration allowing, in some cases, a conservative nonresective approach that will prevent laparotomy and stoma. Major resection leading to temporary or definitive stoma is usually indicated for stage IV complications and is required only in exceptional cases. Although a surgical intervention can be the definitive treatment for complicated intra-abdominal infections, multidisciplinary management including radiology, medical treatment, and laparoscopic surgery may limit the severe consequences of an acute surgical approach in patients suffering from complicated appendicitis and diverticulitis. Today, the ultimate goal of acutely infected abdomen management is to reduce hospital stay, disability, and numerous operations for these patients.

Small bowel exploration and resection using single-port surgery: a safe and feasible approach.

AIM: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of wireless capsule endoscopy for preoperative identification of bleeding sources and/or small bowel tumours in surgical patients and to evaluate the feasibility of single-port surgery in the treatment of such pathologies. METHOD: Five patients presenting with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or/and mild small bowel obstruction were investigated to diagnose and localize the bleeding source or tumour using capsule endoscopy imaging, and, if necessary, with other investigative modalities. All patients were operated on using single-port surgery for small bowel exploration, lesion confirmation, small bowel resection and anastomosis. RESULTS: Small bowel pathology was successfully detected by video capsule endoscopy in three of four patients, and was further substantiated by contrast CT, double-balloon endoscopy or enteroclysis. Complete small bowel exploration, intra-operative identification and oncological resection of the involved segment and anastomosis (intracorporeal and extracorporeal) was successfully performed in all five patients using single-port access without any complication, morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of single-port small bowel resection performed after a high-quality preoperative localization of the tumour.

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.

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.

Duodenal duplication cyst: a potentially malignant disease.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal duplication cysts constitute a rare congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. A recent meta-analysis of the literature between 1999 and 2009 reported a total of 47 cases of duodenal duplication cysts.1 These abnormalities are mostly diagnosed in infancy and childhood. In rare cases, they can remain asymptomatic until adulthood, and 38 % of patients are diagnosed after age 20 years.1 (,) 2 Duodenal duplication cysts are generally benign lesions; nevertheless, three cases of malignant tumours arising inside have been reported.3 (-) 5 METHODS: In this multimedia article, we illustrated the case of an 18 year-old female patient presenting with recurrent episodes of mild pancreatitis. MRI revealed a cystic structure measuring 2.5 cm in diameter located in the duodenal wall next to the papilla of Vater. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a cystic lesion cephalad to the papilla, protruding into the duodenal lumen. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was not feasible due to the dislocation of the papilla, whose macroscopic aspect was normal. To further elucidate the anatomical relations, 3D reconstruction of the MRI images was performed. There was neither dilatation of the biliary tract nor a visible communication between the common bile duct and the cystic structure. The pancreatic duct also was at distance. Those findings were suggestive of a duodenal duplication. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis6 of a choledochocele (Todani III) could not be formally excluded. Indication for surgical resection was symptomatic disease in a context of potential malignancy. RESULTS: By right subcostal incision (video), surgical exploration revealed a soft tissue mass palpable at the second portion of the duodenum. Following duodenotomy, the mucosa was incised cephalad to the papilla of Vater, which could previously be localized by methylene blue injection by a catheter inserted into the cystic duct. The cystic structure was dissected and no communication between the cyst and the biliary tract was individualized. The final diagnosis was made by histological examination showing duodenal duplication. There was neither heterotopic gastric mucosa nor excreto-biliary epithelial layer. There were no signs of malignancy. The postoperative course was marked by hematemesis externalised by the nasogastric tube. We reintervened at postoperative day 2 to ensure hemostasis. A clot was removed from the area of duodenal mucosa without any visible active bleeding. Further recovery was uneventful; the patient was discharged at postoperative day 10 and is actually asymptomatic. DISCUSSION: The ideal treatment of duodenal duplication cysts is complete surgical resection.7 Due to proximity to the bilio-pancreatic duct, total resection sometimes requires pancreaticoduodenectomy. This major surgical procedure entails the disadvantages of high morbidity and mortality with poor quality of life. In our opinion, this procedure should remain an ultimate option. Less invasive approaches have been proposed, including partial resection or internal derivation.7 Marsupialization is a surgical approach that has been accomplished even endoscopically.1 Nevertheless, these techniques do not provide total resection and leave the risk of degenerescence. As cases of malignancy are reported, we decided to realize a complete surgical excision of the lesion. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the biliary anatomy is an innovative procedure, which allowed us to show the absence of any communication between the cyst and either the common bile duct or the pancreatic duct.8 So, the surgical approach could be specified preoperatively ensuring the integrity of the common bile duct. Duplication cysts could be connected to the pancreaticobiliary ducts in about 29 %.1 Subsequent realization of a total surgical excision combined the advantages of complete resection with minimal invasiveness. CONCLUSIONS: For relieving symptoms and preventing further complications, such as pancreatitis or malignant transformation, surgical resection of duodenal duplication cysts is indicated. In cases of difficulties to individualize the neighboring anatomical structures preoperatively, 3D reconstruction is a helpful approach to determine the surgical strategy. Enucleation allows a total excision while minimizing the adverse effects and therefore it is our treatment of choice for duodenal duplication cysts without communication.

Prospective experimental study of transrectal viscerotomy closure using transanal endoscopic suture vs. circular stapler: a step toward NOTES.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Endoluminal full-thickness closure of the rectal wall is critical in emerging procedures including endoscopic submucosal dissection and transrectal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). This study aimed to compare manual suture using the transanal endoscopic operation platform (TEO; Karl Storz, Tüttlingen, Germany) with the end-to-end anastomosis hemorrhoid circular stapler (EEA; Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) for closure of the rectal viscerotomy during transrectal NOTES segmental colectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 swine underwent transrectal hybrid NOTES partial colectomies. Animals were divided into two groups according to the viscerotomy closure technique: 1) TEO manual suture; 2) EEA circular stapler closure. RESULTS: Mean (± SD) viscerotomy closure time was 67.5 ± 59.5 minutes and 31.5 ± 19.6 minutes for TEO and EEA, respectively. There was one conversion to laparoscopy in the TEO group and a misfiring in the EEA group that required a TEO salvage suture. There was one positive air-leak test in each group. Peritoneal fluid collected at the end of the procedure tested positive for bacterial contamination in all cases. A mild stenosis was present in 4 /6 viscerotomies (67 %) in the TEO group and in 1/6 (17 %) in the EEA group on endoscopic control. Inflammatory changes were mild in 3/5 (60 %) and 4/5 (80 %) viscerotomies in the TEO and EEA groups, respectively, whereas severe inflammation was found in 2/5 (TEO) and 1 /5 (EEA). CONCLUSION: Transrectal viscerotomy closure using the EEA circular stapler technique is feasible, easy to perform, and histologically comparable to suture closure through a TEO platform. It may offer an attractive alternative for NOTES segmental colectomies and endoscopic resections.

Minimally invasive surgical treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis.

INTRODUCTION: Diverticular disease is very common in Western societies. However, there is a trend towards reducing indications for the surgical management of diverticulitis. Minimally invasive surgery offers many potential advantages to patients in the treatment of diverticulitis and may optimise surgical indications. METHODS: A systematic literature review of minimally invasive techniques was carried out for the treatment of diverticulitis. The following techniques were reviewed: laparoscopic, single-port, natural orifice specimen extraction, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and laparoscopic lavage for the treatment of diverticulitis. RESULTS: In total, 2,050 minimally invasive cases were reviewed. Of all the different minimally invasive techniques published regarding the management of diverticular disease, laparoscopic surgery is the only technique that has undergone the rigours of randomised controlled trials. The documented benefits are less blood loss, less pain and analgesic requirements, a reduction in major complications, a reduction in the frequency of drain usage, a reduction in the duration of postoperative ileus and shorter hospital stay. However, operative time does appear to be longer. It has also been demonstrated that elective laparoscopic surgery results in improved quality of life and social functioning. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of diverticular disease appears feasible and safe. The result of future randomised trials will more clearly define the role each minimally invasive technique will play in the future.

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.

Laparoscopic resection with transanal specimen extraction for sigmoid diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study evaluated the technical aspects and microbiological consequences of laparoscopic resection with transanal specimen extraction and per ano transcolonic stapler anvil insertion in patients requiring elective operation for previous diverticulitis. METHODS: Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy was performed with three ports, and specimen extraction carried out transanally through a complete opening of the rectal stump. A triple-stapled anastomosis restored colonic continuity. Systematic intraoperative bacteriological sampling was performed. Intraoperative data as well as microbiological and postoperative outcomes were evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: Sixteen consecutive patients were studied over a 6-month period. All procedures were technically satisfactory, with a mean(s.d.) operating time of 120·9(41·9) min. No conversion or additional access was required. Four of the 16 patients developed complications, but none required intervention. Although polybacterial growth was present in all peritoneal culture samples, no infection-related complications were observed. Two patients had an extended course of perioperative antibiotic cover owing to overt peritoneal cavity contamination during surgery, and in two further patients antibiotics were instituted empirically following the development of postoperative fever alone. CONCLUSION: Transanal specimen extraction in addition to per ano transcolonic stapler anvil insertion allows laparoscopic sigmoid resection to be performed with just three ports. Although intraperitoneal bacterial contamination occurs, this does not appear to translate into infectious morbidity.

Technical aspects and outcome of a standardized full laparoscopic approach to the reversal of Hartmann's procedure in a teaching centre.

AIM: Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure is technically demanding. We evaluated the technical aspects and outcome of a standardized approach in a single centre and examined the feasibility of including this into training curricula. METHOD: The procedure entails a laparoscopy for adhesiolysis and identification and mobilization of the rectal stump. Mobilization of the splenic flexure is performed if necessary, and a colorectal anastomosis is fashioned after introduction of the stapler anvil via the colostomy with intra-abdominal positioning and delivery into the proximal colonic segment to be anastomosed. The stoma is excised as the last step in the operation. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent the procedure over an 8-year period with either an expert (n=21) or trainee under expert mentorship (n=21) as first operator. Intra-operative data and postoperative outcomes were evaluated by retrospective review of clinical charts and theatre records. There was a 9.5% conversion rate and 0% mortality. One patient suffered a ureteric injury, while postoperative surgical complications occurred in 7 patients (including one clinical anastomotic leakage). The mean operative time was 117 min. There was no significant difference in intra operative technical parameters or postoperative clinical consequences between procedures performed by a trained surgeon or by a trainee under mentorship. CONCLUSION: Adherence to a standardized operative protocol and expert mentorship allows this technically demanding operation to be associated with low conversion and complication rates. The absence of any difference between procedures performed by a trainee or trained surgeon suggests that the operation can be included in training programmes for laparoscopic surgery.

3D virtual reality and selective vascular control for laparoscopic left hepatic lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Careful control of haemostasis is particularly important in laparoscopic hepatic surgery, since a bloodless operative field results in safer and smoother procedures. A selective vascular control for a left lateral segmentectomy may be facilitated by the use of three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 67-year-old male patient presenting with a 3.5-cm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located between segment II and III of the liver was referred for hepatic resection. Transplant was contraindicated due to previous head and neck cancer surgery. Preoperative 3D reconstruction was used for preoperative planning and allowed a virtual resection to be done as well as peroperative simulation. RESULTS: Five ports were used. The first step was primary control of the hepatic pedicle. 3D virtual-reality reconstruction demonstrated the position of the tumor in the segment and regarding the vessels. The left hepatic artery and the portal vein were successively dissected and controlled. The real anatomy was compared to the virtual-reality reconstruction. Both demonstrated the same anatomy. Vascular section was completed and this resulted in a typical color change of the left lateral segment as well as a small decrease in size. The bisegmentectomy was performed using harmonic dissectors (Autosonix(R), Tyco Healthcare), bipolar cautery, clips, and application of Endo GIA vascular staples (Tyco Healthcare) on the portal pedicles. The procedure was completed following isolation and control of the left hepatic vein. After section, the specimen was placed in a bag and extracted following enlargement of the camera port. Follow-up was uneventful and there was no elevation of hepatic enzymes or postoperative ascites. The patient left the hospital on the fifth postoperative day. CONCLUSION: 3D reconstruction allowed the procedure to be simulated preoperatively. This facilitated the intraoperative identification of the vascular anatomy and the control of the left lateral segment arteries and veins, thus preventing intraoperative bleeding. The use of this approach in preoperative planning is recommended.

Laparoscopy-assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Preliminary experience and technique description.

INTRODUCTION: Common bile duct lithiasis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or upper gastrointestinal stenosis has become a challenging problem nowadays, especially as obesity surgery is increasing. In this study, we assess the feasibility and performance of laparoscopy-assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LAERCP) and describe its technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients undergoing a LAERCP between February 2014 and May 2015 was performed at a single institution. Indications were common bile duct lithiasis associated with acute or past episodes of cholangitis and pancreatitis. Endoscopic access to the gastric remnant was obtained laparoscopically. RESULTS: In total 5 cases were identified. Four of them had undergone a RYGB and one of them presented a benign esophageal peptic stenosis, not allowing peroral gastric access. Biliary cannulation using LAERCP associated with sphincterotomy and stone extraction was successfully achieved in all patients. Mean duration of the entire procedure was 134minutes (range: 66-200min). No early major complications were observed and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4 days (range: 2-5 days). CONCLUSIONS: LAERCP is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of common bile duct lithiasis when conventional biliary access is not feasible, notably after RYGB. Larger trials still need to be performed to evaluate efficacy, technical success, and complications related to this technique.

Surgical approach after failed enteryx injection for GERD.

OBJECTIVE: We report on 3 patients who underwent laparoscopic antireflux procedures for persistent symptoms of GERD after biopolymer injection. METHODS: Experienced laparoscopic surgeons completed all 3 procedures laparoscopically. In 2 patients, there was an extramural extravasation of the polymer outside and adherent to the esophageal wall. In these patients, a partial posterior fundoplication was used. The third patient, who had the polymer material deposits removed preoperatively by endoscopic mucosal resection, underwent a Nissen fundoplication. RESULTS: Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all cases. At follow-up of 6 to 12 months, all patients were symptom free, off medical therapy, and experiencing no dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Surgical therapy for patients after failed biopolymer injection is safe and effective. The choice of surgery may depend on whether the polymer mass can be removed preoperatively.