Effects of sarcopenia and myosteatosis are alleviated in reduced port surgery for diverticulitis.

PURPOSE: Many studies report the predictive value of sarcopenia, myosteatosis, and visceral fat for clinical outcome after surgery. Radiological analysis of body composition is a valuable tool for identifying high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Despite the high prevalence of diverticular disease, patients with benign conditions have hardly been studied in this context. This study aims to evaluate the impact of reduced port surgery on the outcome of patients with diverticulitis, adjusting for body composition. METHODS: We assessed body composition profiles using preoperative CT slices at the level of the third lumbar vertebra in consecutive patients undergoing single-port elective surgery for diverticulitis in a single center. The effects of sarcopenia, myosteatosis, and visceral fat on mortality and complications were analyzed and adjusted for age and gender. RESULTS: We enrolled 99 patients with diverticulitis undergoing elective single port surgery in this study. Of the patients, 71.2% had sarcopenia and 60.6% had myosteatosis. The overall complication rate was 17.2%, and the rate of anastomotic leakage was 4.0%. Thirty-day mortality was 2.0%. Loss of skeletal muscle mass, myosteatosis, and visceral fat were not associated with higher complication or mortality rates in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Body composition profiles had no impact on the clinical course in our cohort. Minimally invasive surgery may potentially compensate for the adverse effects of sarcopenia and myosteatosis in diverticulitis.

Surgeon and patient-specific factors influencing the decision for minimally invasive or open surgery in acute bowel obstruction: a retrospective single-center analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite continuous improvement in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and growing evidence for its superiority in procedures in various organ systems, a routinely application in patients with acute bowel obstruction (ABO) cannot be seen to date. Besides very general explanations for this attitude, not much is known about the decision process in a particular patient. This retrospective study aims at investigating surgeon- and patient-specific factors for or against MIS in acute bowel obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing either MIS or open surgery (OS) for ABO at a single center between 2009 and 2017 was performed. All available preoperative parameters were included in the analysis and subdivided into patient- (age, gender, BMI, previous abdominal procedures, inflammatory process, ASA score, bowel dilatation) and surgeon-specific (time of patient admission, senior surgeon performed the procedure or taught the case, availability of a surgical resident or junior doctor as assisting surgeon) factors. Statistical analysis was performed to reveal their influence on the surgeon's decision for or against MIS. RESULTS: Of 106 patients requiring surgical intervention, 57 were treated by OS (53.77%) and 49 by MIS (46.23%). Patients with a higher ASA score (ASA III) and a bowel width of ≥ 3.8 cm in preoperative radiologic imaging were more likely to undergo OS (p < 0.01). Also, a late admission time to the hospital (x̄ = 14.78 h) was associated with OS (p = 0.01). Concerning previous abdominal surgical interventions, patients with prior appendectomy rather were assigned to MIS (p < 0.01) whereas those with prior colectomy to OS (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of procedure in patients with bowel obstruction is a highly individualized decision. Whereas scientifically proven parameters, such as high age and BMI, had no influence on the decision process, impaired general health condition (ASA score), high bowel width, previous surgical intervention, and a late admission time influenced the decision process towards open surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00021600.

Incidence and risk factors for umbilical incisional hernia after reduced port colorectal surgery (SIL + 1 additional port)-is an umbilical midline approach really a problem?

PURPOSE: Umbilical midline incisions for single incision- or reduced port laparoscopic surgery are still discussed controversially because of a higher rate of incisional hernia compared to conventional laparoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after reduced port colorectal surgery. METHODS: A total 241 patients underwent elective reduced port colorectal surgery between 2014 and 2020. Follow-up was achieved through telephone interview or clinical examination. The study collective was examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients with complete follow-up were included into this study. Mean follow-up time was 36 (IQR 24-50) months. The study collective consists of 77 (51.3%) female and 73 (48.7%) male patients with an average BMI of 26 kg/m2 (IQR 23-28) and an average age of 61 (± 14). Indication for surgery was diverticulitis in 55 (36.6%) cases, colorectal cancer in 65 (43.3%) patients, and other benign reasons in 30 (20.0%) cases. An incisional hernia was observed 9 times (6.0%). Obesity (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.5-23.1, p = 0.02) and pre-existent umbilical hernia (OR 161.0, 95% CI 23.1-1124.5, p < 0.01) were significant risk factors for incisional hernia in the univariate analysis. Furthermore, pre-existent hernia is shown to be a risk factor also in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We could demonstrate that reduced port colorectal surgery using an umbilical single port access is feasible and safe with a low rate of incisional hernia. Obesity and pre-existing umbilical hernia are significant risk factors for incisional hernia.

Dual trocar laparoscopy improves reduced-port surgery of the distal pancreas.

BACKGROUND: The technical feasibility of transumbilical single-incision surgery (SIL) for pancreatic resections has been demonstrated. However, this technique is hampered by the limited degrees of freedom for instrument handling. Dual-incision laparoscopy (DIL) with an additional trocar may simplify dissection and allow drainage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between December 2009 and May 2017, 21 patients were treated with SIL (12/2009 to 01/2014) or DIL (02/2014 to 05/2017) pancreatic resection. All data were collected in a database and retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Demographic parameters of the patients did not differ significantly in the DIL or the SIL group. No conversion to open surgery was required. No intraoperative complication occurred in either group. The surgical difficulty score was significantly higher in the SIL group (4.4 ± 1.56 vs 2.18 ± 1.95; p = .006). Postoperative serum amylase levels were higher (101.9 U/l ± 50.11 vs 48.91 U/l ± 35.20; p = .01) and return to normal levels (6.4 ± 9.66 days vs 2.09 ± 1.98 days; p = .045) was later in the SIL group. Three complications requiring radiological or surgical intervention were witnessed in the SIL group and one complication in the DIL group (p = .42). CONCLUSION: DIL surgery is a safe and feasible alternative to SIL surgery, facilitating key steps of distal pancreatic tail resection.

Skeletal muscle index is an independent predictor of early recurrence in non-obese colon cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Progressive loss (sarcopenia) and fatty infiltration of muscle mass (myosteatosis) are well-established risk factors for an adverse clinical outcome in obese patients. Data concerning non-obese sarcopenic patients in oncologic surgery are scarce and heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of sarcopenia and myosteatosis in non-obese patients with cancer of the right colon on clinical outcome. METHODS: This study comprised 85 patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2, who underwent surgery for right colon cancer in a single center. Skeletal muscle area (SMA), visceral fat area (VFA), and myosteatosis were retrospectively assessed using preoperative abdominal CT images. Univariate und multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the association between body composition, complications, and oncologic follow-up. RESULTS: Traditional risk factors such as visceral fat (p = 0.8653), BMI (p = 0.8033), myosteatosis (p = 0.7705), and sarcopenia (p = 0.3359) failed to show any impact on postoperative complications or early recurrence. In our cohort, the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was the only significant predictor for early cancer recurrence (p = 0.0467). CONCLUSION: SMI is a significant prognostic factor for early cancer recurrence in non-obese colon cancer patients. Our study shows that conventional thresholds for sarcopenia and BMI do not seem to be reliable across various cohorts. Target prehabilitation programs could be useful to improve outcome after colorectal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00014655, www.apps.who.int/trialsearch.

European association for endoscopic surgery (EAES) consensus statement on single-incision endoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery changed the management of numerous surgical conditions. It was associated with many advantages over open surgery, such as decreased postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and excellent cosmesis. Since two decades single-incision endoscopic surgery (SIES) was introduced to the surgical community. SIES could possibly result in even better postoperative outcomes than multi-port laparoscopic surgery, especially concerning cosmetic outcomes and pain. However, the single-incision surgical procedure is associated with quite some challenges. METHODS: An expert panel of surgeons has been selected and invited to participate in the preparation of the material for a consensus meeting on the topic SIES, which was held during the EAES congress in Frankfurt, June 16, 2017. The material presented during the consensus meeting was based on evidence identified through a systematic search of literature according to a pre-specified protocol. Three main topics with respect to SIES have been identified by the panel: (1) General, (2) Organ specific, (3) New development. Within each of these topics, subcategories have been defined. Evidence was graded according to the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence. Recommendations were made according to the GRADE criteria. RESULTS: In general, there is a lack of high level evidence and a lack of long-term follow-up in the field of single-incision endoscopic surgery. In selected patients, the single-incision approach seems to be safe and effective in terms of perioperative morbidity. Satisfaction with cosmesis has been established to be the main advantage of the single-incision approach. Less pain after single-incision approach compared to conventional laparoscopy seems to be considered an advantage, although it has not been consistently demonstrated across studies. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the increased direct costs (devices, instruments and operating time) of the SIES procedure and the prolonged learning curve, wider acceptance of the procedure should be supported only after demonstration of clear benefits.

Wound complications in 1145 consecutive transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the wound complication rate in patients undergoing transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) surgery. BACKGROUND: SIL surgery claims to be less invasive than conventional laparoscopy. Small SIL series have raised concerns toward a higher wound complication rate related to the transumbilical incision. METHODS: In a 44-month period, 1145 consecutive SIL procedures were included. The outcomes were assessed according to the intention-to-treat analysis principle. All procedures were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively, and wound complications were recorded as bleeding, infection (superficial/deep), or hernia. Patients were classified as having a wound complication or not. For all comparisons, significance level was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Pure transumbilical SIL surgery was completed in 92.84%, and additional trocars were used in 7.16%. After a median follow-up of 22.1 (range, 7.67-41.11) months, 29 wound complications (2.53%) had occurred [bleeding 0%/infection 1.05% (superficial 0.9%/deep 0.17%)/early-onset hernia 0.09%/late-onset hernia 1.40%, respectively]. Factors associated with complications were higher patient body mass index (28.16±4.73 vs 26.40±4.68 kg/m; P=0.029), longer skin incisions (3.77±1.62 vs 2.96±1.06 cm; P=0.012), and multiport SIL versus single-port SIL (8.47% vs 2.38%; P=0.019) in complicated versus uncomplicated procedures. Furthermore, a learning curve effect was noted after 500 procedures (P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: With transumbilical SIL surgery, the incidence of wound complications is acceptable low and is further reduced once the learning curve has been passed.

Laparoscopic liver packing to protect surrounding organs during thermal ablation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of liver packing for the prevention of injury to adjacent organs during thermal ablation of liver tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and March 2010, 47 (52 sessions) patients with non-resectable liver tumors were treated and their tumors (55 primary carcinomas and 65 metastases, 1-12) were isolated from adjacent organs by laparoscopic liver mobilization and packing. Stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) comprised body fixation, contrast-enhanced CT, 3-D planning, navigation, needle placement, control CT of needle positions (with image fusion), thermal ablation and control CT (with image fusion). Liver packing was removed laparoscopically thereafter. Complications, primary success and local recurrence rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 120 liver lesions with a median size of 2.4 cm (range 1-15 cm) were treated. Laparoscopic packing could be performed in all patients. The primary success rate of ablation was 91.6% (110/120) and the local recurrence rate was 4.5% (5/110). There was one perioperative death (1.9%). All remaining complications could be managed by radiological interventions. Despite broad surface contact thermal injury of surrounding organs could be prevented in all patients. CONCLUSION: Liver packing presents a viable and safe option for RFA of tumors with broad surface contact to surrounding organs with excellent local tumor control.

Flexible single port access in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

Background: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is regarded the only no-scar technique which combines minimized surgical trauma with all advantages of endoscopy such as enhanced view, fluorescent parathyroid imaging (FPI) and optimum cosmesis. Addressing TOETVA specific local risk profiles like mental nerve injury, the potential of skin lesions or difficult specimen retrieval we modified the three trocar based TOETVA towards a soft single port platform. Methods: Single port-TOETVA (SP-TOETVA) was established and retrospectively analysed in five patients using a soft handmade single port housing multiple trocar valves. Standard laparoscopic instruments, one articulating instrument and a vessel-sealing device were utilized. CO2 insufflation was maintained at 6-8 mmHg. Results: In all patients SP-TOETVA was completed successfully. Hemigland and total thyroid volumes ranged from 5-40 and 55 mL, respectively. Neither additional trocars nor conversion to open was required. Operation time yielded 102-214 min. Neuromonitoring and FPI were applied. The soft wound protection foil served for convenient specimen harvest. No intra- or postoperative complication occurred. In particular, no functional impairment on mental nerve was seen. Conclusions: SP-TOETVA with the soft and flexible handmade single port system is feasible and ensures wound protection. It allows for easy instrument application and benefits of minimally invasive surgery without the specific risk of lateral vestibular incisions.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary: a case series and review of literature.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary is a rare benign sex-cord stromal tumor that affects primarily young females. In a series of six patients (mean 24,6, median 19 years) findings of six MRIs and one CT were analyzed. Unilateral tumors ranging from 6 to 8 cm were found in all patients. The tumors were well encapsulated and polylobulated. The morphology was mixed solid and cystic in three and solid in three patients. In CT, a hypervascular tumor with centripetal enhancement was seen. In MRI T 2 weighted imaging showed low signal intensity of the solid tissue in all cases and low diffusion-weighted imaging signal of the solid tissue in high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging in three patients. Contrast enhancement was avid with extension from the periphery in all patients. Knowledge of these distinct radiological features of sclerosing stromal tumor is important, as in the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System risk classification system this may be scored as Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System 5. Because of its non-aggressive clinical course, pre-operative imaging assists to avoid unnecessary extensive surgery and to preserve the patient's fertility by only resecting the tumor and preserving the ovary. Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary presents pathognomonic features in MRI that allow a specific pre-operative diagnosis and selecting candidates for fertility-sparing surgery.

Is Robotic Assisted Colorectal Cancer Surgery Equivalent Compared to Laparoscopic Procedures during the Introduction of a Robotic Program? A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery represents a novel approach for the treatment of colorectal cancers and has been established as an important and effective method over the last years. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of a robotic program on oncological findings compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery within the first three years after the introduction. METHODS: All colorectal cancer patients from two centers that either received robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery were included in a comparative study. A propensity-score-matched analysis was used to reduce confounding differences. RESULTS: A laparoscopic resection (LR Group) was performed in 82 cases, and 93 patients were treated robotic-assisted surgery (RR Group). Patients' characteristics did not differ between groups. In right-sided resections, an intracorporeal anastomosis was significantly more often performed in the RR Group (LR Group: 5 (26.31%) vs. RR Group: 10 (76.92%), p = 0.008). Operative time was shown to be significantly shorter in the LR Group (LR Group: 200 min (150-243) vs. 204 min (174-278), p = 0.045). Conversions to open surgery did occur more often in the LR Group (LR Group: 16 (19.51%) vs. RR Group: 5 (5.38%), p = 0.004). Postoperative morbidity, the number of harvested lymph nodes, quality of resection and postoperative tumor stage did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, we could clearly demonstrate robotic-assisted colorectal cancer surgery as effective, feasible and safe regarding postoperative morbidity and oncological findings compared to conventional laparoscopy during the introduction of a robotic system.

Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Laparoscopic- versus Robotic-Assisted Right Colectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is a rapidly growing literature available on right hemicolectomy comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic right colectomy (RRC) to that of laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC). The aim of this meta-analysis is to revise current comparative literature systematically. Methods: A systematic review of comparative studies published between 2000 to 2021 in PubMed, Scopus and Embase was performed. The primary endpoint was postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term oncological results. Secondary endpoints consist of blood loss, conversion rates, complications, time to first flatus, hospital stay and incisional hernia rate. Results: 25 of 322 studies were considered for data extraction. A total of 16,099 individual patients who underwent RRC (n = 1842) or LRC (n = 14,257) between 2002 and 2020 were identified. Operative time was significantly shorter in the LRC group (LRC 165.31 min ± 43.08 vs. RRC 207.38 min ± 189.13, MD: −42.01 (95% CI: −51.06−32.96), p < 0.001). Blood loss was significantly lower in the RRC group (LRC 63.57 ± 35.21 vs. RRC 53.62 ± 34.02, MD: 10.03 (95% CI: 1.61−18.45), p = 0.02) as well as conversion rate (LRC 1155/11,629 vs. RRC 94/1534, OR: 1.65 (1.28−2.13), p < 0.001) and hospital stay (LRC 6.15 ± 31.77 vs. RRC 5.31 ± 1.65, MD: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.29−1.38), p = 0.003). Oncological long-term results did not differ between both groups. Conclusion: The advantages of robotic colorectal procedures were clearly demonstrated. RRC can be regarded as safe and feasible. Most of the included studies were retrospective with a limited level of evidence. Further randomized trials would be suitable.

Analogies between medusa and single port surgery in gastroenterology and hepatology: A review.

Single port surgery (SPS) was introduced as an attractive, minimally invasive surgical technique that ensures esthetic results for many types of visceral surgery. Initially, surgeons immediately set about performing SPS without preliminary knowledge or training, which resulted in higher complication rates. Today, current studies conclusively show that SPS is scientifically rehabilitated and indicated for simple and complex laparoscopic procedures. We here describe the astonishing analogies between Greek mythology and modern surgery.

Extreme Cooling Rates in Avalanche Victims: Case Report and Narrative Review.

Mittermair, Christof, Eva Foidl, Bernd Wallner, Hermann Brugger, and Peter Paal. Extreme cooling rates in avalanche victims: case report and narrative review. High Alt Med Biol. 22: 235-240, 2021. Background: We report a 25-year-old female backcountry skier who was buried by an avalanche during ascent. A cooling rate of 8.5°C/h from burial to hospital is the fastest reported in a person with persistent circulation. Methods: A case report according to the CARE guidelines is presented. A literature search with the keywords "avalanche" AND "hypothermia" was performed and yielded 96 results, and the last update was on October 25, 2020. A narrative review complements this work. Results: A literature search revealed four avalanche patients with extreme cooling rates (>5°/h). References of included articles were searched for further relevant studies. Nineteen additional pertinent articles were included. Overall, 32 studies were included in this work. Discussion: An avalanche patient cools in different phases, and every phase may have different cooling rates: (1) during burial, (2) with postburial exposure on-site, and (3) during transport. It is important to measure the core temperature correctly, ideally with an esophageal probe. Contributing factors to fast cooling are sweating, impaired consciousness, no shivering, wearing thin monolayer clothing and head and hands uncovered, an air pocket, and development of hypercapnia, being slender. Conclusions: Rescuers should be prepared to encounter severely hypothermic subjects (<30°C) even after burials of <60 minutes. Subjects rescued from an avalanche may cool extremely fast the more contributing factors for rapid cooling exist. After avalanche burial (≥60 minutes) and unwitnessed cardiac arrest, chances of neurologically intact survival are small and depend on rapid cooling and onset of severe hypothermia (<30°C) before hypoxia-induced cardiac arrest.

The Shift from Multiport to Single Port Increases the Amount of Bleeding in Laparoscopic Major Hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding is a negative outcome predictor in liver surgery. Reduction in the abdominal wall trauma in major hepatectomy is challenging but might offer possible benefits for the patient. This study was conducted to assess hemostasis techniques in single-port major hepatectomies (SP-MajH) as compared to multiport major hepatectomies (MP-MajH). METHODS: The non-randomized study comprised 34 SP-MajH in selected patients; 14 MP-MajH served as the control group. Intraoperative blood loss and number of blood units transfused served as the primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were complications and oncologic five-year outcome. RESULTS: All resections were completed without converting to open surgery. Time for hepatectomy did not differ between SP-MajH and MP-MajH. Blood loss and number of patients with blood loss > 25 mL were significantly larger in MP-MajH (p = 0.001). In contrast, bleeding control was more difficult in SP-MajH, resulting in more transfusions (p = 0.008). One intestinal laceration (SP-MajH) accounted for the only intraoperative complication; 90-day mortality was zero. Postoperative complications were noted in total in 20.6% and 21.4% of patients for SP-MajH and MP-MajH, respectively. No incisional hernia occurred. During a median oncologic follow-up at 61 and 56 months (SP-MajH and MP-MajH), no local tumor recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: SP-MajH requires sophisticated techniques to ensure operative safety. Substantial blood loss requiring transfusion is more likely to occur in SP-MajH than in MP-MajH.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the utilization of acute surgical care in the State of Salzburg, Austria: retrospective, multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: Some medical disciplines have reported a strong decrease of emergencies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, the effect of the lockdown on general surgery emergencies remains unclear. METHODS: This study is a retrospective, multicenter analysis of general surgery emergency operations performed during the period from 1 March to 15th 2020 lockdown and in the same time period of 2019 in three medical centers providing emergency surgical care to the area Salzburg-North, Austria. RESULTS: In total 165 emergency surgeries were performed in the study period of 2020 compared to 287 in 2019. This is a significant decrease of 122 (42.5%) emergency surgeries during the COVID-19 lockdown (p = 0.005). The length of hospital stay was reduced to 3 days in 2020 compared to 4 in 2019. Appendectomy remained the most performed emergency surgery for both periods; however the number of surgeries was reduced to less than a half, with 72 cases in 2019 and 33 cases in 2020 (p = 0.118). Emergency colon surgery observed the strongest decrease of 75% from 17 cases in 2019 to 4 in 2020. In addition, the emergency abdominal wall hernia, cholecystectomies for acute cholecystitis, small surgeries and proctological emergencies recorded drops of 70%, 39%, 33% and 47% respectively. The strongest reduction in frequencies of emergency surgeries was reported from the designated COVID center in the examined region. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency general surgery is an essential service that continues to run under all circumstances. Our data show that COVID-19-related restrictions have resulted in a significant decrease in the utilization of acute surgical care.

Prognostic score in patients with recurrent or metastatic carcinoma of the head and neck treated with cetuximab and chemotherapy.

Despite modern treatment approaches, survival of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) remains low and it is difficult to identify patients who derive optimal benefit from treatment. We therefore analyzed which commonly available laboratory and clinical parameters may help improve the prognostication in this patient group. This retrospective monocenter analysis includes 128 patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN treated with cetuximab alone or in combination with polychemotherapy as first line therapy. Factors with independent prognostic power in the multivariate analysis were used to build up a score separating patient groups with different survival. Patients had a median age of 61 years and 103 patients were treated with polychemotherapy plus cetuximab. An ECOG score above 1, high CRP and leukocyte levels, less intensive treatment and a time below 12 months from primary diagnosis to relapse remained as independent negative prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Patients with 0 to 1 risk factors had a median OS of 13.6 months compared to a median OS of less than one month for patients 4 to 5 risk factors (p<0.001). This study identifies 5 clinical and serum values that influence survival of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN treated with cetuximab. By combining these factors to create a score for OS, it is possible to distinguish a group of patients with significantly improved survival and define those most likely to have no benefit from cetuximab treatment.

Inline radiofrequency pre-coagulation simplifies single-incision laparoscopic minor liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) has been developed to reduce surgical trauma, whereas technical difficulties in bleeding control limit the broad acceptance for hepatectomy. A novel minimized invasive strategy combining inline radiofrequency pre-coagulation and transumbilical SIL is presented herein. METHODS: A cohort of 21 selected patients underwent transumbilical SIL hepatectomies (segmentectomies II-VI) utilizing inline radiofrequency pre-coagulation for hepatic transection (Habib 4X). Bleeding control, postoperative complications and positive resection margins in malignant diseases served as primary and secondary outcome parameters, respectively. RESULTS: Single-incision laparoscopy was successfully completed in all patients. A total of 33 segments were retrieved: mean resection time was 66 ± 35 min, including 11 anatomical (52.38%) and 10 non-anatomical (47.62%) resections. Sixteen patients (76.19%) underwent concomitant abdominal surgery. No substantial blood loss occurred. Neither additional staplers nor clips were necessary to control any bleeding or bile leakage. One pleural effusion counted for the only postoperative complication. Free margins could be achieved in all but one resection (12/13 patients with malignancies; 92.31%). Ninety-day mortality was zero. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of SIL and inline radiofrequency pre-coagulation proved to be a simple, efficacious and safe technique in minor hepatectomy.

Single port laparoscopy in gastroenterology and hepatology: a fine step forward.

Single incision laparoscopy (SIL) has become an emerging technology aiming at a further reduction of abdominal wall trauma in minimally invasive surgery. Available data is encouraging for the safe application of standardized SIL in a wide range of procedures in gastroenterology and hepatology. Compared to technically simple SIL procedures, the merit of SIL in advanced surgeries, such as liver or colorectal interventions, compared to conventional laparsocopy is self-evident without any doubt. SIL has already passed the learning curve and is routinely utilized in expert centers. This minimized approach has allowed to enter a new era of surgical management that can not be acceded without a fruitful combination of prudent training, consistent day-to-day work and enthusiastic motivation for technical innovations. Both, basic and novel technical specifics as well as particular procedures are described herein. The focus is on the most important surgical interventions in gastroenterology and aims at reviewing the current literature and shares our experience in a high volume center.

Postprandial lipemia induces pancreatic α cell dysfunction characteristic of type 2 diabetes: studies in healthy subjects, mouse pancreatic islets, and cultured pancreatic α cells.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is associated with pancreatic α cell dysfunction, characterized by elevated fasting plasma glucagon concentrations and inadequate postprandial glucose- and insulin-induced suppression of glucagon secretion. The cause and the underlying mechanisms of α cell dysfunction are unknown. OBJECTIVE: Because Western dietary habits cause postprandial lipemia for a major part of a day and, moreover, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, we tested the hypothesis that postprandial lipemia with its characteristic elevation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs) might cause pancreatic α cell dysfunction. DESIGN: In a crossover study with 7 healthy volunteers, 2 experiments using 2 fat-enriched meals were performed on each volunteer; meal 1 was designed to increase plasma concentrations of both TGRLs and nonesterified fatty acids and meal 2 to increase TGRLs only. Intravenous glucose boli were injected at 0800 after an overnight fast and postprandially at 1300, 3 h after ingestion of a fat-enriched meal. Glucagon concentrations were measured throughout the days of the experiments. In addition to the study in humans, in vitro experiments were performed with mouse pancreatic islets and cultured pancreatic alpha TC 1 clone 9 (αTC1c9) cells, which were incubated with highly purified TGRLs. RESULTS: In humans, postprandial lipemia increased plasma glucagon concentrations and led to an inadequate glucose- and insulin-induced suppression of glucagon. There was no difference between the 2 meal types. In mouse pancreatic islets and cultured pancreatic αTC1c9 cells, purified postprandial TGRLs induced abnormalities in glucagon kinetics comparable with those observed in humans. The TGRL-induced α cell dysfunction was due to reduced γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor activation in pancreatic α cells. CONCLUSION: We concluded that postprandial lipemia induces pancreatic α cell dysfunction characteristic of type 2 diabetes and, therefore, propose that pancreatic α cell dysfunction could be viewed, at least partly, as a postprandial phenomenon.