Management of Patients Receiving Antiplatelet Therapy During Gastroenterological Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study (GSATT).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuing preoperative aspirin monotherapy on surgical outcomes in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy (APT). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The effectiveness of continuing preoperative aspirin monotherapy in patients undergoing APT in preventing thromboembolic consequences is mostly unknown. METHODS: This prospective multicenter cohort study on the Safety and Feasibility of Gastroenterological Surgery in Patients Undergoing Antithrombotic Therapy (GSATT study) conducted at 14 clinical centers enrolled and screened patients between October 2019 and December 2021. The participants (n=1,170) were assigned to the continued APT group, discontinued APT group, or non-APT group, and the surgical outcomes of each group were compared. Propensity score matching was performed between the continued and discontinued APT groups to investigate the effect of continuing preoperative aspirin therapy on thromboembolic complications. RESULTS: The rate of thromboembolic complications in the continued APT group was substantially lower than that in the non-APT or discontinued APT groups (0.5% vs. 2.6% vs. 2.9%; P=0.027). Multivariate investigation of the entire cohort revealed that discontinuation of APT (P<0.001) and chronic anticoagulant use (P<0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative thromboembolism. The post-matching evaluation demonstrated that the rates of thromboembolic complications were significantly different between the continued and discontinued APT groups (0.6% vs. 3.3%; P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: APT discontinuation following elective gastroenterological surgery increases the risk of thromboembolic consequences, whereas continuing preoperative aspirin greatly reduces this risk. The continuation of preoperative aspirin therapy in APT-received patients is considered one of the best alternatives for preventing thromboembolism during elective gastroenterological surgery.

Impact of perioperative aspirin continuation on bleeding complications in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) for patients who receive antiplatelet therapy (APT), it remains unclear whether APT should be continued or temporarily withdrawn. We investigated the safety of perioperative aspirin continuation, specifically focused on bleeding complications. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis utilizing propensity score-matching (PSM). In total, 789 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria, and were divided into two groups. Patients in the continued aspirin monotherapy (cAPT) group continued treatment perioperatively with not more than 2 days of withdrawal (n = 140). Patients with more than 3 days withdrawal of aspirin or who did not receive APT at all were assigned to the non-cAPT group (n = 649). After 1:1 PSM, 105 patients were extracted from each group. Perioperative APT management was determined based on our institutional committee-approved guidelines for antithrombotic management. RESULTS: In PSM cohorts, all patient demographics were comparable between the groups. Regarding intraoperative outcomes, we found no significant difference in operation duration (p = 0.969), blood loss (p = 0.068), and blood transfusion (p = 0.517). Postoperative overall morbidity was 20.0% and 13.3% in the cAPT and non-cAPT groups, respectively (p = 0.195). The incidence of bleeding complications was also comparable between the groups (2.9% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.317). Assessing the 14 cases with bleeding complications overall in the full cohort, all 7 cases in the non-cAPT group had anastomotic bleeding, which was generally observed shortly after surgery [median postoperative day (POD) 1]. All 7 cases in the cAPT group received additional antithrombotics other than aspirin; bleeding occurred at various sites relatively later (median POD 7), mostly after reinstitution of additional antithrombotic agents. CONCLUSIONS: For patients receiving APT, perioperative continuation of aspirin monotherapy could be safe in laparoscopic CRC surgery; however, careful consideration is required at reinstitution of additional antithrombotics where multiple antithrombotic agents are used.

Optimal use of antiplatelet agents, especially aspirin, in the perioperative management of colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is considered superior to open surgery. However, efficacy and safety outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer (CRC) are unclear, particularly in patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy (APT). The aim of this study was to evaluate safety of antiplatelet agents, especially aspirin, in peri-operative management of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection for CRC. METHODS: A total of 578 radical laparoscopic colorectal surgeries in CRC patients performed between January 2005 and December 2015 at the Kokura Memorial Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups based on the risk for thromboembolism: a high-risk group receiving APT (APT-HR), a low-risk group receiving APT (APT-LR), and a low-risk group not receiving APT (non-APT). Bleeding complications (BC) and thromboembolic complications (TC) were assessed. Perioperative and outcome variables in groups receiving APT were compared with those in the non-APT group. RESULTS: APT-HR, APT-LR, and non-APT groups included 54 (9.3%), 114 (19.7%), and 410 (70.9%) patients, respectively. Blood loss during operation (p = 0.304), operative time (p = 0.956), hospitalisation after surgery (p = 0.307), and Clavien-Dindo classification of surgery-related complications (p = 0.467) were not significantly different in the three groups. Occurrence of intra-operative BC (blood loss ≥ 200 ml) (p = 0.864), post-operative BC (p = 0.630), and TC (p = 0.287) were also not significantly different in the three groups. Results of our analysis indicated that APT and non-interrupted APT were not associated with BC or TC. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of laparoscopic colorectal resection in CRC showed that APT was not a major factor for fatal BC or TC. In patients with high thromboembolic risk, continuing aspirin may inhibit the increase in TC without increasing BC in the peri-operative period.

[A Case of Extragastric-Developing Gastric Cancer with Hepatic and Pancreatic Invasion Suggesting Squamous Differentiation].

A 69-year-old man presented with left upper abdominal pain and weight loss. Contrast-enhanced CT showed a 9 cmsized extragastric tumor located between the left lateral liver section and the gastric lesser curvature. Gastroendoscopy showed a type 3 tumor located at the lesser curvature of the antrum. Biopsy confirmed that the tumor was an adenocarcinoma. With a diagnosis of extragastric-developing gastric cancer with hepatic and pancreatic invasion, the patient underwent a totalgastrectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, partiall iver resection, and pancreatic body tailexcision. The pathologicaldiagnosis was poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma suggesting squamous differentiation. Despite receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient died of recurrence 7 months later.

Effect of antiplatelet therapy on patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery: thromboembolic risks versus bleeding risks during its perioperative withdrawal.

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet agents given to prevent thromboembolic disease are frequently withdrawn prior to surgical procedures to reduce bleeding complications. This action may expose patients to increased thromboembolic morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A series of 2012 patients who had undergone gastroenterologic surgery between January 2005 and June 2010 at our institution were reviewed. Among this cohort, antiplatelet therapy (APT) was used in 519 patients (25.8 %). The perioperative management included interruption of APT 1 week before surgery and early postoperative reinstitution in patients at low thromboembolic risk, although APT was maintained until surgery in those at high thromboembolic risk. Bleeding and thromboembolic complications, as well as other outcome variables, were assessed in patients with and without APT. RESULTS: Among 519 patients with APT, 99 (19.1 %) underwent multidrug APT. Among them, 124 (23.9 %) required preoperative continuation of APT. None suffered from excessive bleeding intraoperatively. There were 19 thromboembolic events (0.9 %) in the whole cohort. Postoperative bleeding complications occurred in 37 patients (1.8 %). Multivariate analysis showed that increased postoperative bleeding complications were independently associated with multidrug APT [hazard ratio (HR) 4.3, p = 0.014], high-risk surgical procedures (HR 3.5, p = 0.003), and perioperative heparin bridging (HR 2.8, p = 0.029). High-risk surgery (HR 8.3, p < 0.001) and poor performance status (HR 4.9, p = 0.005)--but neither APT nor anticoagulation use--were significant prognostic factors for thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory outcomes were obtained during gastroenterologic surgery under rigorous perioperative management, including single-agent APT continuation in patients at high thromboembolic risk. Patients treated with multidrug APT still represent a challenging group, however, and need to be carefully managed to prevent perioperative complications.

[CURRENT STATUS OF PERIOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ANTITHROMBOTIC (ANTIPLATELET OR ANTICOAGULATION) THERAPY: RESULTS OF A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY].

In non-cardiac surgery patients receiving antithrombotic therapy (antiplatelet therapy (APT) and anticoagulation therapy (ACT)) for prevention of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular complications, perioperative antithrombotic management is challenging due to increased risks of both bleeding and thromboembolic complications. The effect of APT and/or ACT on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing general or gastroenterologic surgery is still unknown because of the limited evidence. We conducted a survey of 38 major surgical facilities at Kyoto University Related Hospital Surgical Group of Cancer Research on perioperative management in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy. In elective surgery, most facilities used heparin substitution during cessation of ACT or APT, while surgery was performed under continuation of APT in 22% of facilities. In emergent surgery, the effect of ACT was reversed before surgery, but surgery was performed without the reversal of APT effect. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in most facilities in spite of the use of ACT or APT. Severe bleeding complications requiring transfusion of fresh frozen plasma or platelet were experienced in over half of facilities. Conclusion : Variation of antithrombotic management has shown to be large between facilities. For safe surgical treatment, creation of the perioperative antithrombotic management guideline on the basis of the evidence from multicenter study is requisite.

[A case of adenocarcinoma occurring in the bladder mucosa after a surgical operation for colovesical fistula].

We report a case of adenocarcinoma occurring in the bladder mucosa 6 years after a surgical operation for colovesical fistula due to colonic diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. The patient was a 76-year-old woman who had undergone a sigmoidectomy and ligation of the colovesical fistula at the age of 70 years. She presented with a complaint of gross hematuria. Cystoscopy and computed tomography revealed bladder cancer at the site of the original colovesical fistula surgery. She underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. Histopathological findings revealed intestinal adenocarcinoma in the urinary bladder. A radical partial cystectomy was subsequently performed because of a positive and involved margin. This tumor may have originated from the bladder mucosa and then replaced by intestinal metaplastic cells that originated from the same initiating event.

Surgical Strategy in Bouveret's Syndrome: Report of a Case With One-Stage Surgery.

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare condition caused by a gallstone that impacts the duodenum via a cholecystoduodenal fistula and obstructs the gastric outlet. Despite its high mortality rate, the treatment strategy for Bouveret's syndrome is debatable and frequently challenging. The main issue is whether cholecystectomy and fistula repair following stone extraction should be performed concurrently with one-stage surgery. We present a case of Bouveret's syndrome that was treated with one-stage surgery using a bailout procedure.

Successful Multidisciplinary Treatment, Including Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Biological Therapy, for Multiple Hepatocellular Carcinomas Adjacent to Major Vessels: A Case Report.

Multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are currently being treated with multimodal therapy that includes liver resection and local therapy. Although the necessity of multimodal therapy for multiple HCCs is evident, treating them is extremely difficult due to the complex nature of multiple HCCs and the frequent occurrence of underlying liver damage. We encountered a case in which long-term tumor control was achieved through multidisciplinary treatment, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination biological therapy. As in the current case, less-invasive surgical resection combined with radiofrequency ablation after a combination of biological therapy may be one of the preferred options for the treatment of initially unresectable multiple HCCs.

Preventing an 8-mm Port Site Hernia in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery: Insights From Two Rare Cases and Future Preventive Measures.

Port-site incisional hernia (PIH) is an uncommon complication that can arise subsequent to a laparoscopic procedure, potentially leading to severe adverse effects such as intestinal obstruction. We currently present two cases of incarcerated hernia that occurred at an 8-mm trocar site after robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS). While occurrences of an 8-mm port-site incisional hernia are infrequent, it is imperative to note that most PIH cases are due to inadequate fascial closure of the port site. Therefore, surgeons must pay attention to closing the fascia of an 8-mm trocar site following RALS.

An Efficient Saline-Linked Cautery (SLiC) Method for Robotic Liver Parenchymal Transection Using Simultaneous Activation of Saline-Linked Cautery and Robotic Suctioning: Detailed Technical Aspects and Short-Term Outcomes.

Introduction While there are several advantages to utilizing robotics in liver surgery compared to traditional open and laparoscopic approaches, the most challenging part of robotic liver resection (RLR) remains the liver parenchymal transection. This is primarily due to the constraints of the existing robotic tools and the absence of a standard procedure. This study presents detailed technical aspects of our novel saline-linked cautery (SLiC) method for RLR and assesses the short-term outcomes for both non-anatomical and anatomical RLRs. Methods In this study, 82 cases that underwent RLR utilizing the SLiC method at our hospital from September 2021 to December 2023 were examined. A novel SLiC method is introduced in this study for robotically transecting the liver parenchyma utilizing bipolar cautery or monopolar scissors. The technique involves activating the SLiC and robotic suctioning simultaneously. The included patients were divided into two groups: patients undergoing robotic anatomical hepatectomy (n=39), and those receiving robotic non-anatomical hepatectomy (n=43). Short-term outcomes, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, were assessed in patients receiving both anatomical and non-anatomical hepatectomies. Results In the whole cohort, 74% of patients had performance status 1 or 2, and 24% were classified as Child-Pugh class B. RLR was performed without Pringle's maneuver in more than 80% of cases in patients receiving robotic non-anatomical hepatectomy, and more than 80% of patients undergoing robotic anatomical hepatectomy required only four or fewer 15-minute Pringle's maneuvers. There was no conversion to open hepatectomy, no cases of grade B or C post-hepatectomy liver failure, and no mortality in the entire cohort. Four postoperative complications with CDC IIIa or higher occurred (small bowel obstruction in two cases, intraabdominal hemorrhage in one, and bile leak in another), but no differences in the frequency of complications were found between those undergoing non-anatomical and anatomical hepatectomy (p=0.342). Conclusions The SLiC method, which involves simultaneously activating SLiC and robotic suctioning with either monopolar scissors or bipolar cautery, appears to be a secure and convenient technique for liver parenchymal transection in RLR. This innovative method permits precise access to the major Glissonean and venous structures within the liver, making RLR more standardized and easily applicable in routine patient care.

Spray-Type Adhesion Barrier Enhances Safety and Feasibility of Robotic Repeat Liver Resection: Initial Experience and Outcomes.

Background Although various types of adhesion barriers are widely utilized in liver surgery, the safety and feasibility of their use during repeat robotic liver resection (R-RLR) are still unknown. Methods Among the 68 patients undergoing RLR with the application of the spray-type adhesion barrier at Kokura Memorial Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan, between 2021 and 2023, 24 cases that underwent R-RLR were included in this study. The included patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent previous hepatectomy with the use of a spray-type adhesion barrier (R-RLR-B, n = 14) and those without its previous use (R-RLR-NB, n = 10). The perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results There were no differences between the R-RLR-B and R-RLR-NB groups in background characteristics, difficulty scores, operative and console time, or surgical blood loss. Although no difference was found between the groups in the time required for adhesiolysis before the robotic operation, both the time required for robotic adhesiolysis (75 minutes vs. 58 minutes, p = 0.034) and total time for adhesiolysis (192 minutes vs. 141 minutes, p = 0.014) were significantly shorter in the R-RLR-B group than in the R-RLR-NB group. Otherwise, there was no conversion to open hepatectomy, no intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells, no cases of grade B or C post-hepatectomy liver failure, and no mortality in the whole cohort. Conclusions The spray-type adhesion barrier may not be associated with an increase in the incidence of postoperative complications, including bile leakage or intraperitoneal abscess. In addition, its application during the previous hepatectomy can facilitate a secure R-RLR with reduced time for adhesiolysis. Thus, the use of the spray-type adhesion barrier for R-RLR is safe, effective, and time efficient.

Successful Multimodal Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer With Extensive Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis Utilizing Chemotherapy Combined With Direct Oral Anticoagulant.

It is well known that portal vein thrombosis (PVT) sometimes occurs in pancreatic cancer (PC). However, no effective treatment plan for PVT in PC patients has yet been proposed. We experienced a successfully treated case of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (PC-BR) with extensive superior mesenteric vein thrombosis utilizing intensive chemotherapy combined with direct oral anticoagulant. The thrombus disappeared and the tumor shrank, enabling curative surgery, and long-term survival for more than five years has been achieved. We report this successful case that we experienced as an option for the treatment of PC-BR with PVT in the future era when multimodal treatment is important.

Damage Control Surgery for Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding With Massive Hematoma and Perforation Due to Over-the-Scope Clip (OTSC).

Due to the advances in endoscopic technology, surgery for duodenal ulcer (DU) bleeding has decreased, although surgery is still necessary for more complicated cases. The concept of damage control surgery (DCS) has been established in the field of trauma, and a simple surgical approach may be preferable in serious cases such as uncontrolled DU bleeding. We present a successful case of bleeding with massive hematoma and perforation of the duodenum due to an over-the-scope clip that was treated by a less invasive surgical approach with consideration of the DCS.

An Efficient Method of Hepatoduodenal Ligament Taping for Pringle's Maneuver During Robotic Liver Resection.

Background and objective Pringle's maneuver is often applied to reduce bleeding during liver resection (LR), although the taping of the hepatoduodenal ligament (HL) is challenging and dangerous due to the lack of tactile perception in robotic liver resection (RLR). In this study, we describe a secure and easy HL taping method in RLR. Methods Twenty-seven cases that underwent RLR at our institution from April to November 2022 were examined. For the HL taping, a taping tool was prepared with a flexible catheter and 3 mm-thick silicon tape. The lesser omentum was opened, the taping tool was inserted behind the HL, and the HL was encircled by silicon tape. The length of time required for taping and the number of attempts were measured. Intraoperative blood loss, the occurrence of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF), and complications were examined. Results A total of 18 cases were analyzed, after excluding cases in which taping was not attempted due to adhesion from repeated hepatectomy. The median time taken for taping was 55 seconds (range: 11-162 seconds), and the median number of attempts for taping was one (range: 1-4). No accidental injury was observed during the procedure. Intraoperative blood loss was 24 mL (range: 5-400). No PHLF occurred, and complications occurred in two cases (one case of bile leakage and one case of pulmonary atelectasis). Conclusion Based on our findings, our method enables secure and time-efficient HL taping in RLR.

The Impact of Modified Two-Surgeon Technique for Laparoscopic Liver Resection on the Training of Surgeons-in-Training.

Introduction Although laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has gained widespread acceptance over the last decade, it is associated with a much steeper learning curve than other laparoscopic procedures. We currently perform a modified two-surgeon technique for LLR. We assessed the effect of our LLR technique on the surgical outcome and the learning curve of surgeons-in-training when pure non-anatomical LLR was performed. Methods Between 2017 and 2021, 118 LLRs were conducted at our institution, 42 of which were pure non-anatomical LLRs performed by five surgeons-in-training (with a career of 6-13 years). The perioperative outcomes of these cases were compared to those performed by the board-certified attending surgeon. Regarding the learning curve of surgeons-in-training, the duration of operation was used as an index of the proficiency level, and the number of surgical cases in which the surgeons reached the median duration of operation was examined. Results Mortality was zero, and neither postoperative bleeding nor bile leak was experienced in the whole cohort. There were no differences between surgeons-in-training and the board-certified surgeon in the duration of the operation, intraoperative blood loss, rate of postoperative complications, or length of postoperative stay (LOS). Among the operations performed by five surgeons-in-training, the rate of LLR with a difficulty score of 4 or higher was 52% (30%-75%). Concerning the learning curve, all five surgeons-in-training gradually shortened the duration of operation for each additional case and reached the median duration (218 minutes) by experiencing a median of five cases (3-8 cases). Conclusion A modified two-surgeon technique during LLR is feasible, with a relatively low number of cases (five cases) required to shorten the duration of operation in non-anatomical LLR. This technique is safe and beneficial to the education of surgeons-in-training.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection Utilizing a Water Jet Scalpel for Patients With Liver Fibrosis.

Introduction A variety of devices are utilized in order to resect liver parenchyma in laparoscopic liver resection. However, liver fibrosis makes hepatectomy problematic because the liver is rigid and prone to bleeding. The water jet scalpel, which dissociates the liver parenchyma with a jet stream has no thermal damage and is clinically utilized in liver resection, but its safety and efficacy during laparoscopic liver resection for patients with liver fibrosis remain unknown. Methods We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection utilizing the water jet scalpel with liver fibrosis at our hospital. A water jet scalpel was used for liver parenchymal transection, and a saline-linked ball-tipped electrocautery was simultaneously used for hemostasis. Results Subsectionectomy was one case, left lateral sectionectomy was two cases, and non-anatomical liver resection was three cases. The median blood loss was 70 mL (24-104 mL). There was no need for the intraoperative Pringle's maneuver. No perioperative blood transfusion was performed, and there were no postoperative complications, including posthepatectomy liver failure. Conclusion It was suggested that laparoscopic liver resection in patients with liver fibrosis can be safely performed with the water jet scalpel.

Intrahepatic Glissonean Approach for Robotic Anatomical Liver Resection of Segment 7 Using the Saline-Linked Monopolar Cautery Scissors (SLiC-Scissors) Method: A Technical Case Report With Videos.

Anatomical hepatectomy of segment 7 (S7) is technically difficult due to its difficult accessibility. Here, we present our experience of robotic anatomical S7 subsectionectomy of the liver employing the saline-linked cautery scissors (SLiC-Scissors) technique. After the right lobe was fully mobilized, dissection of the Glissonean pedicle and hepatic venous branch of S7, as well as the liver parenchymal transection, were safely performed using the SLiC-Scissors method. Despite its technological complexity, the intrahepatic Glissonean approach for robotic anatomical S7 subsectionectomy of the liver employing the SLiC scissors method is safe and efficient.

Middle Hepatic Vein-Guided Cranial and Hilar Approach Using a Modified Two-Surgeon Technique in Laparoscopic Extended Left Medial Sectionectomy: A Technical Case Report With Videos.

Anatomical liver resection and liver resection close to major blood vessels are quite challenging and require a high level of expertise. In addition, anatomical hepatectomy requires extensive knowledge of the positions of blood vessels and techniques for hemostasis because the resection surface is extensive and operations around blood vessels are required. A hepatic vein-guided cranial and hilar approach using a modified "two-surgeon technique" is effective in resolving these problems. Herein, we present a middle hepatic vein (MHV)-guided cranial and hilar approach using a modified two-surgeon technique in laparoscopic extended left medial sectionectomy to resolve these problems. This procedure is feasible and effective.

Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach for pleuroperitoneal communication under peritoneal dialysis: a report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: Pleuroperitoneal communication (PPC) is a rare complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and often forces patients to switch to hemodialysis. Some efficiencies of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for PPC have been reported recently; however, there is no standard approach for these complications. In this case series, we present a combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach for PPC in four patients to better assess its feasibility and efficiency. CASE PRESENTATION: Clinical characteristics, perioperative findings, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. We combined VATS with a laparoscopic approach to detect and repair the diaphragmatic lesions responsible for PPC. We first performed pneumoperitoneum in all patients following thoracoscopic exploration. In two cases, we found bubbles gushing out of a small pore in the central tendon of the diaphragm. The lesions were closed with 4-0 non-absorbable monofilament sutures, covered with a sheet of absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt, and sprayed with fibrin glue. In the other two cases without bubbles, a laparoscope was inserted, and we observed the diaphragm from the abdominal side. In one of the two cases, two pores were detected on the abdominal side. The lesions were closed using sutures and reinforced using the same procedure. In one case, we failed to detect a pore using VATS combined with the laparoscopic approach. Therefore, we covered the diaphragm with only a sheet of PGA felt and fibrin glue. There was no recurrence of PPC, and CAPD was resumed at an average of 11.3 days. CONCLUSIONS: The combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach is an effective treatment for detecting and repairing the lesions responsible for PPC.