Application of laparoscopic ultrasound in retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with Type II inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the application value of laparoscopic ultrasound (LU) in retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with Type II inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy (RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT). Methods: The clinical data (operative time, length of tumor thrombus, tumor length, intraoperative bleeding, clinical stage, histological type, residual tumor tissue, and postoperative follow-up) of 6 patients who underwent LU-guided RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT were retrospectively analyzed, and the intraoperative experience of LU was also summarized. Results: All 6 patients recovered well with liver and kidney functions returning to normal, and no tumor recurrence, metastasis, or vena cava tumor thrombus. Conclusions: LU-guided RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT is a feasible treatment option, which locates the tumor accurately by retroperitoneal approach and provides the additional benefit of reduced intraoperative bleeding and shortened operative time, also achieving the much sought-after goal of precision.

A preliminary experience of retroperitoneal approach by partial resection of the tenth rib for repairing Crawford type Ⅳ thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate a surgical approach for partial resection of the tenth rib through a retroperitoneal approach for the exposure of Crawford type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm from 2014 to 2019.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data and follow-up results of 7 patients who underwent treatment for Crawford type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm and complex abdominal aortic aneurysm through partial resection of the tenth rib via a retroperitoneal approach.Results:One case (14.3%) had associated Marfan syndrome, and 5 cases (71.4%) underwent left renal artery reconstruction. None of the patients experienced severe complications such as cardiopulmonary complications or renal failure postoperatively, and there was no statistically significant difference in serum creatinine levels between preoperative and postoperative stages during hospitalization ( P=0.205). Follow-up examinations showed no long-term vascular stenosis. Conclusions:Partial resection of the tenth rib through a retroperitoneal approach can avoid incisions of the pleura and diaphragm. It allows for the exposure of the aorta below the diaphragm and has the ability to treat aortic diseases below the diaphragm with smaller incisions and lower complication risks.

Robot-assisted transperitoneal and retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for huge adrenal tumors in 45 cases / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic transperitoneal and retroperitoneal operation for huge (>6 cm) adrenal tumors. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 45 patients with huge adrenal tumors who underwent robotic surgery during Jan.2017 and Dec.2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 28 cases via the transperitoneal approach and 17 cases via the retroperitoneal approach. 【Results】 No patients were converted to open operations. There were no significant differences in postoperative drainage time (2.24±0.44 vs. 2.36±0.49) d, operation time (130.88±5.96 vs. 136.61±8.39) min, blood loss (189.41±13.91 vs. 192.5±12.36) mL and postoperative hospital stay (7.06±0.56 vs. 7.46±0.69) d between the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches. Retroperitoneal approach was better than transperitoneal approach in early postoperative feeding [(38.82±6.75 vs. 74.14±6.57) h, P<0.01] . 【Conclusion】 Robotic surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of large adrenal tumors. The choice of surgical approach should be based on patients’ condition, tumor volume and location.

The efficacy and safety comparison of transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenocortical carcinoma / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) and transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) in the treatment of localized adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).Methods:The data of 22 patients with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ACC underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our institution from January 2009 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different surgical approaches, these patients were divided into RLA and TLA groups. Eleven patients underwent RLA and 11 patients underwent TLA. There were no significant differences between the RLA group and the TLA group in terms of age at first diagnosis[44 (35, 54) vs. 46(41, 55) years, P= 0.793], sex (male/female: 3/8 vs. 4/7, P = 1.00), secreting tumor ratio (3/11 vs. 4/11, P = 1.00), tumor location (left/right: 6/6 vs. 7/4, P = 1.00), with hypertension or diabetes mellitus (4/11 vs. 3/11, P = 1.00). However, RLA has significantly smaller tumor size [3.0(2.5, 8.4) cm vs. 7.7(5.2, 8.4)cm, P= 0.001], and more stage Ⅰ patients [90.9%(10/11) vs. 18.2%(2/11), P=0.002], compared with those in TLA group. The perioperative indicators and oncology prognosis outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was performed to calculate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results:Compared with TLA, RLA had shorter operation time[90(70, 100) vs. 110 (90, 120) min, P = 0.005] and postoperative drainage tube removal time [2 (2, 3) vs. 3 (2, 6) day, P = 0.002), and the difference was statistically significant. In the TLA group, one patient was converted to open operation due to intraoperative tumor capsule rupture. For postoperative complications, one patient in the TLA group suffered with wound infection. There were no perioperative deaths in either group. All postoperative pathological examinations confirmed ACC, and there was no significant difference in Ki-67 index between the two groups [10%(3%, 35%) vs. 10%(9%, 25%), P = 0.484]. The median follow-up was similar in the two groups [48(26, 98) vs. 31(18, 49) months, P=0.237]. The local recurrence and metastasis rates were 36.4% for RLA group and 63.6% for TLA group ( P = 0.395). Survival analysis showed no statistically significant difference in DFS [5-year DFS rate: 33.6% vs. 73.2%, P = 0.118] between the two groups. The 5-year OS rates for RLA group versus TLA group were 58.3% vs. 45.5% ( P=0.485). Conclusions:For localized (stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ) ACC, both RLA and TLA seem safe and feasible, based on the similar long-term oncological prognosis. However, compared with TLA, RLA has the advantage of shorter operation time and postoperative drainage tube removal time. Due to the small number of cases included in this study, further multi-center, large-sample studies are required to demonstrate clear benefit of one surgical approach in the future.

Feasibility of deep learning for renal artery detection in laparoscopic video / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of deep learning technology for renal artery recognition in retroperitoneal laparoscopic renal surgery videos.Methods:From January 2020 to July 2021, the video data of 87 cases of laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephrectomy, including radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, and hemiurorectomy, were retrospectively analyzed. Two urological surgeons screened video clips containing renal arteries. After frame extraction, annotation, review, and proofreading, the labeled targets were divided into training set and test set by the random number table in a ratio of 4∶1. The training set was used to train the neural network model. The test set was used to test the ability of the neural network to identify the renal artery in scenes with different difficulties, which was uniformly transmitted to the YOLOv3 convolutional neural network model for training. According to the opinion of two senior doctors, the test set was divided into high, medium, and low discrimination of renal artery and surrounding tissue. High identification means a clean renal artery and a large exposed area. For middle recognition degree, the renal artery had a certain degree of blood immersion, and the exposed area was medium. Low identification means that the exposed area of the renal artery was small, often located at the edge of the lens, and the blood immersion was severe, which may lead to lens blurring. In the surgical video, the annotator annotated the renal artery truth box frame by frame. After normalization and preprocessing, all images were input into the neural network model for training. The neural network output the renal artery prediction box, and if the overlap ratio (IOU) with the true value box was higher than the set threshold, it was judged that the prediction was correct. The neural network test results of the test set were recorded, and the sensitivity and accuracy were calculated according to IOU.Results:In the training set, 1 149 targets of 13 videos had high recognition degree, 1 891 targets of 17 videos had medium recognition degree, and 349 targets of 18 videos had low recognition degree. In the test set, 267 targets in 9 videos had high recognition degree, 519 targets in 11 videos had medium recognition degree, and 349 targets in 18 videos had low recognition degree. When the IOU threshold was 0.1, the sensitivity and accuracy were 52.78% and 82.50%, respectively. When the IOU threshold was 0.5, the sensitivity and accuracy were 37.80% and 59.10%, respectively. When the IOU threshold was 0.1, the sensitivity and accuracy of high, medium and low recognition groups were 89.14% and 87.82%, 45.86% and 78.03%, 32.95%, and 76.67%, respectively. The frame rate of the YOLOv3 algorithm in real-time surgery video was ≥15 frames/second. The false detection rate and missed detection rate of neural network for renal artery identification in laparoscopic renal surgery video were 47.22% and 17.49%, respectively (IOU=0.1). The leading causes of false detection were similar tissue and reflective light. The main reasons for missed detection were image blurring, blood dipping, dark light, fascia interference, or instrument occlusion, etc.Conclusions:Deep learning-based renal artery recognition technology is feasible. It may assist the surgeon in quickly identifying and protecting the renal artery during the operation and improving the safety of surgery.

Effect and safety of fourth arm robot assisted partial nephrectomy via retroperitoneal approach / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of using the fourth arm in robot assisted partial nephrectomy via retroperitoneal approach.Methods:The clinical data of 480 patients with newly diagnosed renal tumors treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Zhejiang University from January 2016 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent robot assisted partial nephrectomy with the fourth arm and were divided into two groups according to the surgical approaches. There were 312 cases in the retroperitoneal group, 198 males and 114 females, aged 18-82 years, with an average of 54.0 years. The tumors were located in the right kidney in 152 cases (48.7%), left kidney in 155 cases(49.7%), double kidney in 5 cases (1.6%), with tumor size of (3.5±2.7) cm, R.E.N.A.L. score of 4-5 in 105 cases (33.7%), 6-8 in 143 cases(45.8%), and 9-12 in 64 cases (20.5%). There were 168 cases in the transperitoneal group, 105 males and 63 females, the age ranged from 21 to 79 years, with an average of 53.2 years. The tumors were located in the right kidney in 85 cases (50.6%), left kidney in 78 cases (46.4%), double kidney in 3 cases (1.8%), with tumor size of (3.8±2.9) cm, R.E.N.A.L. score of 4-5 in 52 cases (31.0%), 6-8 in 81 cases (48.2%), and 9-12 in 35 cases (20.8%). In the retroperitoneal group, the patients were placed in the 90 ° lateral position on the healthy side, the lens hole cannula was placed 2-3 cm above the iliac crest, and one operation hole cannula was placed 8 cm away from the lens hole cannula on the ventral and dorsal sides respectively. The included angle between the two operation holes and the lens hole was 150°-180°. The fourth arm operation hole was established 8 cm away from the ventral operation hole, and the included angle between the connecting line and the horizontal line is ≤15°. The fourth arm operating hole was placed with ProGrasp forceps, which can be used to push away fat, peritoneum, traction and lift kidney, etc., so as to obtain satisfactory operating space and position. The perioperative conditions and surgical complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The operations were successfully completed in both groups, and there was no conversion to open surgery. The installation time of retroperitoneal group and transperitoneal group were (12.3±5.3)min and (7.8±3.8)min respectively, the console time was (70.5±17.1)min and (89.4±23.9)min respectively, the warm ischemia time was (17.3±8.2)min and (19.2±9.1)min respectively, the intraoperative bleeding volume was (115.2±47.3)ml and (125.8±52.1)ml respectively, and the intestinal recovery time was (1.5±1.8)d and (2.7±2.4)d respectively.The postoperative hospital stay was(6.3±1.8)d and (7.4±2.8)d, respectively ( P<0.05). The positive rates of incision margin in retroperitoneal group and transperitoneal group were 0(0 cases) and 0.6% (1 case). The time of indwelling drainage tube was (4.6±2.5)d and (4.9±2.8)d, respectively, and there was no significant difference ( P>0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the retroperitoneal group was lower than that in the transperitoneal group (67 cases, 21.5% vs. 51 cases, 30.3%, P=0.031). There was significant difference in the incidence of Clavien grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ complications (62 cases, 19.8% vs. 48 cases, 28.6%, P=0.030). There was no significant difference in the incidence of Clavien grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ complications (5 cases, 1.6% vs. 3 cases, 1.9%, P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with the transperitoneal approach, the retroperitoneal approach with the fourth arm robot assisted partial nephrectomy is safe and effective, with shorter operation time, warm ischemia time, postoperative recovery time and fewer complications.

Nefrectomia en la edad pediátrica con técnica de cirugia minimamente invasiva: abordaje retroperitoneal como estándar de oro para el paciente sin o con enfermedad renal crónica (premio dr. efrain vargas año 2014) / Nephrectomy in pediatric age with minimally invasive surgery technique: retroperitoneal approach as a gold standard for patients without or with chronic kidney disease (Dr. Efrain Vargas Award 2014)

Existen múltiples patologías del tracto urinario, ya sea congénitas o adquiridas, que requieren de tratamiento quirúrgico de Nefrectomía total o parcial. En el siguiente estudio longitudinal prospectivo se incluyen 21 nefroureterectomías en pacientes pediátricos con patología del tracto urinario con o sin enfermedad renal crónica y algún tipo de terapia de reemplazo renal, realizados con la técnica de Cirugía Minimamente Invasiva (CMI) abordaje retroperitoneal o retroperitoneoscopía. (AU)

There are several urinary tract diseases, such as congenital or adquired, that require total or partial nephrectomy. This prospective longitudinal study included 21 total nephrectomies in pediatric patients with or without end stage renal disease and some kind of renal replacement therapy. All surgeries were done with retroperitoneal approach using minimally invasive surgery (MIS), retroperitoneoscopy. (AU)

Clinical efficacy of minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy (MARPN) for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN).@*Methods@#The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 61 patients with IPN who were admitted to Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology between January 2014 and December 2017 were collected. There were 39 males and 22 females, aged 36-67 years, with a median age of 49 years. Of 61 patients, 40 undergoing open surgery were allocated into open group, and 21 undergoing MARPN were allocated into MARPN group. All the patients underwent surgical treatments after standard non-surgical treatments according to the Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (2014 edition). Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative and postoperative situations; (2) follow-up. Follow-up using telephone interview or outpatient examination was performed to detect weight loss, pathoglycemia, steatorrhea, intestinal obstruction, and pancreatic portal hypertension for one year after surgery up to December 2017. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was done using the chi-square test.@*Results@#(1) Intraoperative and postoperative situations: operation time, time to out-of-bed activity, time to initial food intake, cases with reoperation, cases with postoperative multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), incidence rate of postoperative complications, mortality, time to drainage-tube removal, duration of hospital stay, and hospital expenses were (77±20)minutes, (13.0±3.6)days, (9.0±2.7)days, 8, 9, 45.0%(18/40), 7.5%(3/40), (37.0±6.3)days, (49±8)days, (84 321±8 872)yuan in the open group, and (59±20)minutes, (2.7±0.9)days, (1.9±0.4)days, 6, 2, 19.0%(4/21), 0, (21.0±2.7)days, (39±6)days, (58 594±3 576)yuan in the MARPN group, respectively, showing no significant difference in the cases with reoperation (χ2=0.69, P>0.05) but significant differences in the other indices between the two groups (t=4.24, 9.61, 15.34, χ2=23.76, 4.02, 36.03, t=11.07, 5.93, 8.43, P<0.05). There were 18 patients with postoperative complications in the open group, including 2 with digestive hemorrhage, 3 with abdominal hemorrhage, 9 with pancreatic leakage, and 4 with intestinal leakage. There were 4 patients with postoperative complications in the MARPN group, including 3 with pancreatic leakage, and 1 with intestinal leakage. Patients with complications were treated by endoscopy, interventional therapy, placement of jejunal nutrition tube, and ileum stoma. Three patients in the open group died, and all the patients in the MARPN group were cured. (2) Follow-up: 47 of 61 patients were followed up for one year, including 31 in the open group and 16 in the MARPN group. During the follow-up, weight loss, pathoglycemia, steatorrhea, intestinal obstruction, and pancreatic portal hypertension were detected in 4, 11, 5, 4, 5 patients of the open group and in 2, 6, 2, 0, 3 patients of the MARPN group, showing no statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2=0.18, 0.02, 0.01, 0.03, 0.90, P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#MARPN for IPN is safe and reliable, with certain efficacy, which can effectively reduce incidence of postoperative complication, motality and shorten hospital stay.

Clinical efficacy of minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy (MARPN) for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN).Methods The retrospective cohort study was conducted.The clinical data of 61 patients with IPN who were admitted to Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology between January 2014 and December 2017 were collected.There were 39 males and 22 females,aged 36-67 years,with a median age of 49 years.Of 61 patients,40 undergoing open surgery were allocated into open group,and 21 undergoing MARPN were allocated into MARPN group.All the patients underwent surgical treatments after standard non-surgical treatments according to the Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (2014 edition).Observation indicators:(1) intraoperative and postoperative situations;(2) follow-up.Follow-up using telephone interview or outpatient examination was performed to detect weight loss,pathoglycemia,steatorrhea,intestinal obstruction,and pancreatic portal hypertension for one year after surgery up to December 2017.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD,and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test.Count data were represented as absolute numbers or percentages,and comparison between groups was done using the chi-square test.Results (1) Intraoperative and postoperative situations:operation time,time to out-of-bed activity,time to initial food intake,cases with reoperation,cases with postoperative multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS),incidence rate of postoperative complications,mortality,time to drainage-tube removal,duration of hospital stay,and hospital expenses were (77±20)minutes,(13.0±3.6) days,(9.0±2.7)days,8,9,45.0％ (18/40),7.5％(3/40),(37.0±6.3)days,(49±8)days,(84 321±8 872)yuan in the open group,and (59± 20) minutes,(2.7±0.9) days,(1.9 ± 0.4) days,6,2,19.0％ (4/21),0,(21.0± 2.7) days,(39 ± 6) days,(58 594±3 576) yuan in the MARPN group,respectively,showing no significant difference in the cases with reoperation (x2=0.69,P＞0.05) but significant differences in the other indices between the two groups (t =4.24,9.61,15.34,x2=23.76,4.02,36.03,t=11.07,5.93,8.43,P＜0.05).There were 18 patients with postoperative complications in the open group,including 2 with digestive hemorrhage,3 with abdominal hemorrhage,9 with pancreatic leakage,and 4 with intestinal leakage.There were 4 patients with postoperative complications in the MARPN group,including 3 with pancreatic leakage,and 1 with intestinal leakage.Patients with complications were treated by endoscopy,interventional therapy,placement of jejunal nutrition tube,and ileum stoma.Three patients in the open group died,and all the patients in the MARPN group were cured.(2) Follow-up:47 of 61 patients were followed up for one year,including 31 in the open group and 16 in the MARPN group.During the follow-up,weight loss,pathoglycemia,steatorrhea,intestinal obstruction,and pancreatic portal hypertension were detected in 4,11,5,4,5 patients of the open group and in 2,6,2,0,3 patients of the MARPN group,showing no statistically significant difference between the two groups (x2=0.18,0.02,0.01,0.03,0.90,P＞0.05).Conclusion MARPN for IPN is safe and reliable,with certain efficacy,which can effectively reduce incidence of postoperative complication,motality and shorten hospital stay.

Adrenalectomía laparoscópica: ¿abordaje retroperitoneal posterior o transperitoneal lateral? / Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: posterior retroperitoneoscopic or lateral transperitoneal approach?

Objetivo: comparar los resultados obtenidos en adrenalectomía retroperitoneoscópica posterior (ARP) con los obtenidos por vía transperitoneal lateral (ATL) a corto y mediano plazo. Material y métodos: estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Se incluyeron 22 pacientes a quienes se les realizaron 24 adrenalectomías (12 ARP y 12 ATL) entre los meses de enero de 2015 y mayo de 2016. En el grupo ARP se realizó a 1 paciente adrenalectomía bilateral simultánea y a 1 paciente, bilateral sincrónica. Fueron comparados datos basales, clínicos, quirúrgicos y evolutivos. Resultados: la mediana de tiempo de seguimiento fue de 6,5 meses (r 1-16). Los grupos ARP y ATL fueron comparables en edad, sexo, BMI y presencia de cirugías previas. Los adenomas fueron las lesiones predominantes (41,7% en cada grupo). El promedio de tiempo operatorio en ART y ATL fue 104,3 ± 21,2 y 146 ± 32,9 minutos, respectivamente (p 0,05). No hallamos diferencias en tiempo de internación, sangrado y complicaciones. Todos los pacientes lograron curación clínica. Conclusiones: la técnica ARP es una vía segura, con resultados comparables a ATL y menor tiempo operatorio. También permite intervenir de manera simultánea y sincrónica ambas glándulas adrenales sin necesidad de reposicionar al paciente.

Objetive: to compare the results of posterior retroperitoneoscopic (PRA) or lateral transperitoneal approach (LTA) in laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the short and medium term. Material y methods: prospective cohort study. We included 22 patients who underwent 24 adrenalectomies (12 PRA and 12 LTA) between January 2015 and May 2016. In the PRA group, two simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed (1 synchronous bilateral adrenalectomy). Baseline, clinical and surgical outcome were compared. Results: the median follow-up time was 6.5 months (range: 1-16). The PRA and LTA groups were comparable in age, gender, BMI and presence of previous surgeries. Adenomas were the predominant lesions (41.7% in each group). The average operating time in PRA and LTA was 104.3 ± 21.2 and 146 ± 32.9 minutes, respectively (p=0.05). We found no differences in length of hospital stay, bleeding and complications. All patients achieved clinical cure. Conclusions: the PRA technique is a safe approach, with results comparable to LTA and shorter operating time. It also allows to intervene simultaneously and synchronously both adrenal glands without the need of repositioning the patient.

Clinical analysis of 10 patients with severe acute pancreatitis with peripancreatic necrosis treated by minimally invasive technique of retroperitoneal approach / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive technique by retroperitoneal approach in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis with peripancreatic necrosis.Methods The clinical data of 10 patients with severe acute pancreatitis combined with peripancreatic necrosis who underwent retroperitoneal drainage by aspirating and placing tube under B ultrasound guidance on the basis of routine therapy in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China from January 2016 to September 2016 were analyzed.Results All of the 10 patients successfully underwent puncture.Drainage was good after puncture and tube placement in 7 patients.The amylase activity was normal within 3 ～ 7 days,and the symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating were alleviated in 2 ～ 4 days.Among them,3 cases had poor drainage after catheterization due to a large necrotic area,and the percutaneous nephroscope was performed to remove the necrotic tissue of the pancreas.Bacteria was detected in the drainage fluid of 7 patients.The complications of pneumothorax,hemothorax and organ injury were not found in all the patients.The average hospitalization time was 19.4 days (10 ～ 34 days).Conclusions Minimally invasive retroperitoneal approach is safe and effective in curing severe acute pancreatitis with peripancreatic necrosis with good efficacy,which is worth for clinical recommendation and application.

Ganglioneuroma of the Sacrum

Presacral ganglioneuromas are extremely rare benign tumors and fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Ganglioneuromas are difficult to be differentiated preoperatively from tumors such as schwannomas, meningiomas, and neurofibromas with imaging modalities. The retroperitoneal approach for resection of presacral ganglioneuroma was performed for gross total resection of the tumor. Recurrence and malignant transformation of these tumors is rare. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy is not indicated because of their benign nature. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman with a presacral ganglioneuroma.

The effects of early stage minimally invasive retroperitoneal approach of drainage for severe acute pancre-atitis / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of early stage minimally invasive laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach of catheter drainage on early inflammatory response of severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP ) . Methods 37 SAP patients with peritoneal effusion were divided into the observation group (19 cases with early laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach of catheter drainage )and normal treatment group(18 cases with conventional drainage)using a random number table.All patients were given conventional therapy , such as fasting, gastroin-testinal decompression , anti-infection, fluid resuitation and using gastric acid and trypsin inhibitors .In addition to conventional therapy , the observation group received the early laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach of catheter drainage.The inflammatory indexes responding to acute inflammation such as TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8, IL-10 and C-re-active protein(CRP)were detected before and after treatment .Meanwhile, the date of resume diet, APACHEⅡscores and duration of systemic inflammatory response ( SIRS) , incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome ( MODS) and the mortality were observed .Results The acute inflammatory response occurred in both groups . The plasma levels of TNF-a,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10 and CRP in the two groups decreased obviously after 3-day treat-ment.However, the plasma levels of inflammatory mediators in the normal treatment group increased while those early laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach of catheter drainage group kept decreasing after 7-day treatment .There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01).Time for resuming to diets and duration of SIRS in the observation group were less than those in the normal treatment group ( P<0.01 ) , APACHEⅡscore were significantly less than those in normal treatment group also (P<0.01).The rates of MODS, overall postoperative complication rate and mortality were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05).Conclusions Early laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach of catheter drainage can effectively improve the prognosis in patients with SAP and decrease the production of inflammatory mediators .Early laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach of cathe-ter drainage is simple , feasible and micro-invasive with encouraging outcomes , therefore it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with SAP .

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy in Urology

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been the standard method for resecting adrenal gland tumors. Recently, laparoscopic retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (RA) has been more popular than conventional transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) as an alternative method. Studies comparing laparoscopic RA and TLA showed that laparoscopic RA was superior or at least comparable to TLA in operation time, blood loss, pain score, hospital stay, and return to normal activity. Conversion rates and complication rates were similar. At present, laparoscopic RA has been int the limelight procedure for patients with benign adrenal disease. However, surgeons have been reluctant to offer this operation to patients because of the concerns over inadequate working space and overall perceived higher rate of complications, laparoscopic RA is not popular in urologic field up to now. This article summarizes the latest ideas and issues on laparoscopic RA in the expanding field of laparoscopy in urology.

Transanal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery total mesorectal excision in animal models: endoscopic inferior mesenteric artery dissection made easier by a retroperitoneal approach

PURPOSE: We report the performance of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) low anterior resection in animals using transanal total mesorectal excision (TME) with laparoscopic assistance and endoscopic inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) dissection. METHODS: Four pigs weighing 45 kg each, and one dog weighing 25 kg, underwent surgery via a transanal approach. The rectum was occluded transanally using a purse-string suture, approximately 3-4 cm from the anal verge. The rectal mucosa was incised circumferentially just distal to the purse-string. A SILS or GelPOINT port was inserted transanally. Transanal TME was assisted by laparoscopy and proceeded up to the peritoneal reflection. More proximal dissection, including IMA dissection, was performed along the retroperitoneal avascular plane by endoscopy alone and facilitated by CO2 insufflation. The IMA was clipped and divided endoscopically. The mobilized rectosigmoid were exteriorized transanally and transected. A colorectal anastomosis was performed using a circular stapler with a single stapling technique. RESULTS: Endoscopic dissection of the IMA was successful in all five animals. The mean operation time was 125 minutes (range, 90-170 minutes). There were no intraoperative complications or hemodynamic instability. The mean length of the resected specimen was 14.4 cm (range, 12-16 cm). CONCLUSION: A NOTES retroperitoneal approach to the IMA with CO2 insufflation and intact peritoneal covering overcame the difficulties of retraction and exposure of endoscopic dissection in animals.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Lessons Learned from 111 Consecutive Cases / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for a variety of benign adrenal pathologies. A total of 111 consecutive adrenalectomies were performed using a lateral transperitoneal or posterior retroperitoneal approach, each with its own inherent benefits and shortcomings. The authors compared the effectiveness and safety of posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (PRA) with that of lateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTA). METHODS: Medical records of 111 patients diagnosed with adrenal tumor who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy from January 2000 through April 2012 at Chungnam National Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Study variables included operative time, length of hospital stay, number of days of pain control, diet beginning and advance, and complications. RESULTS: PRA was shorter in most variables, including operative time, hospital stay, first diet beginning, and full diet advance time compared with that of LTA. In pheochromocytoma less than or equal to 7 cm in size, operation time for LTA was longer than that of PRA. One PRA-specific complication was pseudo-hernia of the ipsilateral abdominal wall, which was resolved spontaneously within 1~2 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and effective approach to benign adrenal pathology, and PRA should be considered in patients with tumors less than or equal to 7 cm.

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: A comparison of clinical outcomes / 第二军医大学学报

To compare clinical outcomes of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to identify the indicators for each approach. Methods A total of 258 patients underwent transperitoneal(n=116) or retroperitoneal (n=142) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC. The operation time, blood loss during operation, fasting period after surgery and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Results The operation time was 80-315 min(a mean of [167±66.8] min) for transperitoneal approach and 85-280 min(a mean of [152± 48.8] min) for retroperitoneal approach (P=0.034). The blood loss was 50-1,000 ml (a mean of [181±140.4] ml) for transperitoneal approach and 50-800 ml(a mean of [171±132.9] ml) for retroperitoneal approach(P=0.544). The fasting period of surgery was 1-5 d (a mean of [2.8±1.3] d) for transperitoneal approach and 1-5 d (a mean of [2.9±1.2] d) for retroperitoneal approach(P=0.801). The hospital stay was 3-9 d (a mean of [6.6±1.5] d) for transperitoneal approach and 3-8 d (a mean of [6.5±1.6] d) for retroperitoneal approach(P = 0. 477). Conclusion Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches both can yield satisfactory surgical outcomes in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The transperitoneal approach is suitable for tumors with a larger size.

Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: A comparison of clinical outcomes / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To compare clinical outcomes of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to identify the indicators for each approach. Methods A total of 258 patients underwent transperitoneal (n = 116) or retroperitoneal (n = 142) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC. The operation time, blood loss during operation, fasting period after surgery and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Results The operation timewas 80-315 min (a mean of [167 ±66. 8] min) for transperitoneal approach and 85-280 min (a mean of [152± 48.8] min) for retroperitoneal approach (P = 0. 034). The blood loss was 50-1,000 ml (a mean of [181±140. 4] ml) for transperitoneal approach and 50-800 ml (a mean of [171 ± 132. 9] ml) for retroperitoneal approach(P = 0. 544). The fasting period of surgery was 1-5 d (a mean of [2. 8±1. 3] d) for transperitoneal approach and 1-5 d (a mean of [2. 9 ±1. 2] d) for retroperitoneal approach(P = 0. 801). The hospital stay was 3-9 d (a mean of [6. 6±1. 5] d) for transperitoneal approach and 3-8 d (a mean of [6. 5±1. 6] d) for retroperitoneal approach(P = 0. 477). Conclusion Transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches both can yield satisfactory surgical outcomes in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The transperitoneal approach is suitable for tumors with a larger size.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Plus Lumbar Mini-Open Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study are to describe the outcome of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated with Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) plus supplementary minimal incision in the lumbar region for thoracic and lumbar deformity correction and fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a case series of 13 patients treated with VATS plus lumbar mini-open surgery for AIS. A total of 13 patients requiring fusions of both the thoracic and lumbar regions were included in this study: 5 of these patients were classified as Lenke type 1A and 8 as Lenke type 5C. Fusion was performed using VATS up to T12 or L1 vertebral level. Lower levels were accessed via a small mini-incision in the lumbar area to gain access to the lumbar spine via the retroperitoneal space. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: The average number of fused vertebrae was 7.1 levels. A significant correction in the Cobb angle was obtained at the final follow-up (p = 0.001). The instrumented segmental angle in the sagittal plane was relatively well-maintained following surgery, albeit with a slight increase. Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) scores were noted have significantly improved at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Indications for the use of VATS may be extended from patients with localized thoracic scoliosis to those with thoracolumbar scoliosis. By utilizing a supplementary minimal incision in the lumbar region, a satisfactory deformity correction may be accomplished with minimal post-operative scarring.

Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: A Comparison of Lateral Transperitoneal vs Posterior Retroperitoneal Approach / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the procedure of choice to remove a wide variety of adrenal tumors. The laparoscopic approaches to the adrenal gland include a lateral (transperitoneal) approach and the posterior (retroperitoneal) approach. The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical outcomes from both methods. METHODS: Between January 2000 and October 2008, we performed 60 laparoscopic adrenalectomies, including 29 posterior retroperitoneal approaches (RLA) and 31 lateral transperitoneal approaches (TLA). RESULTS: Sixty patients were treated for the following conditions: adrenocortical adenoma: 35 patients, pheochromocytoma: 19 patients, organizing hematoma: 2 patients, ganglioneuroma: 2 patients, myelolipoma: 1 patient and adrenal oncocytoma: 1 patient. The average tumor size was 3.2+/-1.4 cm in the TLA patient group and 2.9+/-1.4 cm in the RLA patient group. In the TLA group, the procedures were performed with the patients in the lateral position, and the patients were in the prone position in the RLA group. The average operation time of the RLA group was significantly shorter than that of the TLA group. The RLA group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay, they required less postoperative pain control and they resumed a full diet earlier. Conversion to open surgery was required in five patients (16%) in the TLA group. Complications occurred in five patients of the TLA group and in five patients of the RLA group. No mortality was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: For experienced surgeons, if the adrenal tumor is less than 6 cm in size, posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy may be a safer and faster procedure, so it should be considered as the first choice of operation of benign adrenal tumors.