Endoscopic Mini-or Less-Open Sublay Operation (E/MILOS) in ventral hernia repair: a minimally invasive alternative technique / Endoscopic Mini or Less Open Sublay Repair (E/MILOS) na correção das hérnias ventrais: uma alternativa técnica minimamente invasiva

ABSTRACT The ideal ventral hernia surgical repair is still in discussion1. The defect closure with a mesh-based repair is the base of surgical repair, in open or minimally invasive techniques2. The open methods lead to a higher surgical site infections incidence, meanwhile, the laparoscopic IPOM (intraperitoneal onlay mesh) increases the risk of intestinal lesions, adhesions, and bowel obstruction, in addition to requiring double mesh and fixation products which increase its costs and could worsen the post-operative pain3-5. The eTEP (extended/enhanced view totally intraperitoneal) technique has also arisen as a good option for this hernia repair. To avoid the disadvantages found in classic open and laparoscopic techniques, the MILOS (Endoscopically Assisted Mini or Less Open Sublay Repair) concept, created by W. Reinpold et al. in 2009, 3 years after eTEP conceptualization, allows the usage of bigger meshes through a small skin incision and laparoscopic retro-rectus space dissection, as the 2016 modification, avoiding an intraperitoneal mesh placement6,7. This new technique has been called E-MILOS (Endoscopic Mini or Less Open Sublay Repair)8. The aim of this paper is to report the E-MILOS techniques primary experience Brazil, in Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo.

RESUMO O tratamento cirúrgico ideal para correção das hérnias ventrais ainda é motivo de grande discussão1. O fechamento do defeito associado a utilização de telas para reforço da parede abdominal são passos fundamentais da terapia cirúrgica, podendo ser realizados tanto pela via aberta quanto pelas técnicas minimamente invasivas2. A via aberta apresenta maiores taxas de infecção de sítio cirúrgico, enquanto o reparo laparoscópico IPOM (intraperitoneal onlay mesh) acarreta um risco aumentado de lesões intestinais, aderências e obstruções intestinais, além de requerer uso de telas de dupla face e dispositivos de fixação que encarecem o procedimento e não raro aumentam a dor no pós-operatório3-5. A técnica eTEP (extended/enhanced view totally extraperitoneal), tem ganhado importância, mostrando-se uma boa opção para a correção das hérnias ventrais também2. A fim de se evitar as desvantagens das técnicas abertas e laparoscópicas "clássicas" o conceito MILOS (Endoscopically Assisted Mini or Less Open Sublay Repair), desenvolvido por W. Reinpold et al. em 2009, 3 anos antes do advento do eTEP, possibilita ao cirurgião o uso de telas de grandes dimensões no plano retromuscular através de uma pequena incisão na pele e dissecção laparoscópica deste espaço, conforme modificação realizada em 2016, evitando a colocação de uma tela no espaço intraperitoneal6-7. Esta nova técnica passou a se chamar EMILOS (Endoscopic Mini or Less Open Sublay Repair)8 Este artigo tem como objetivo relatar nossa experiência inicial no emprego da técnica E-MILOS no Brasil, na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo.

Intermediate-term outcomes of laparoscopic pectopexy and vaginal sacrospinous fixation: a comparative study

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the intermediate-term follow-up results of laparoscopic pectopexy and vaginal sacrospinous fixation procedures. Materials and Methods Forty-three women who had vaginal sacrospinous fixations(SSF) using Dr. Aksakal's Desta suture carrier and 36 women who had laparoscopic pectopexies were re-examined 7 to 43 months after surgery. The PISQ-12 and P-QOL questionnaires were answered by all of the women. Results The apical descensus relapse rates did not differ between the groups (14% in the SSF vs. 11.1% in the pectopexy group). The de novo cystocele rates were higher in the SSF group (25.6% in the SSF vs. 8.3% in the pectopexy group). There were no significant differences in the de novo rectocele numbers between the groups. The treatment satisfaction rates were high in both groups (93% in the SSF vs. 91.7% in the pectopexy group), which was not statistically significant. Moreover, the postoperative de novo urge and stress urinary incontinence rates did not differ; however, the postoperative sexual function scores (PISQ-12) (36.86±3.15 in the SSF group vs. 38.21±5.69 in the pectopexy group) were better in the pectopexy group. The general P-QOL scores were not significantly different between the surgery groups. Conclusion The vaginal sacrospinous fixation maintains its value in prolapse surgery with the increasing importance of native tissue repair. The new laparoscopic pectopexy technique has comparable positive follow-up results with the conventional sacrospinous fixation procedure.

Outcomes of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Disease in an Emergency Setting

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery is accepted as a standard alternative to open procedures in the management of both benign and malignant colorectal disease. However, the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for emergency colorectal surgery has not been established. Hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) surgery might be a suitable option for colectomy in an emergency setting. The aim of this study was to report our experience of emergency HAL colectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of consecutive colorectal emergency cases that were treated using HAL colectomy. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, operative details, and postoperative complications were examined. RESULTS: From March 2015 to April 2016, 18 patients underwent emergency HAL colectomy for complicated colorectal disease. Eight patients (44%) had an obstruction that required intraoperative decompression procedure. Sixteen patients (89%) had a perforation (five of which were sealed perforations involving large abscesses and inflammatory changes). Eight patients underwent sigmoidectomy, four underwent anterior resection, one underwent low anterior resection, two underwent left hemicolectomy, and three underwent Hartmann's procedure. There were two instances of open conversion (11%). The median duration of surgery was 178 minutes. The median time to bowel function recovery and median postoperative stay were 3 days and 10 days, respectively. The postoperative complication rate associated with the operation was 33% (6/18). There was one postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: For the experienced surgeon, HAL can be a reasonable option for emergency colorectal surgery.

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy and Auto-Transplantation for a Hilar Renal Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report

A 52-year-old man was admitted with an incidentally detected right renal artery aneurysm (RAA). Computed tomographic angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction revealed that the aneurysm was 2.2 cm in diameter and located at the renal hilum. We performed hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy with ex vivo repair of the RAA and auto-transplantation with minimal elongation of Gibson incision. The operation and postoperative course were uneventful. At last follow-up, the patient was alive with a well-functioning auto-transplant. Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy and auto-transplantation is a useful treatment option for hilar RAA.

Complete mesocolic excision in right hemicolectomy: comparison between hand-assisted laparoscopic and open approaches

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and technical strategies of hand-assisted laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (HAL-CME) and to compare oncological outcomes between HAL-CME and the open approach (O-CME) for right colon cancers. METHODS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo a right hemicolectomy were divided into HAL-CME and O-CME groups. Measured outcomes included demographic variables, perioperative parameters, and follow-up data. Demographic variables included age, sex distribution, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, previous abdominal surgery, tumor localization, and potential comorbidities. Perioperative parameters included incision length, operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, postoperative pain score, postoperative first passage of flatus, duration of hospital stay, total cost, number of lymph nodes retrieved, TNM classification, and postoperative complications. Follow-up data included follow-up time, use of chemotherapy, local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and short-term survival rate. RESULTS: In total, 150 patients (HAL-CME, 78; O-CME, 72) were included. The groups were similar in age, sex distribution, BMI, ASA classification, history of previous abdominal surgeries, tumor localization, and potential comorbidities. Patients in the HAL-CME group had shorter incision lengths, longer operative times, less operative blood loss, lower pain scores, earlier first passage of flatus, shorter hospital stay, higher total costs, similar numbers of lymph nodes retrieved, similar TNM classifications, and a comparable incidence of postoperative complications. The 2 groups were also similar in local recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate, and short-term survival rate. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the HAL-CME procedure is a safe, valid, and feasible surgical method for right hemicolon cancers.

Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery: A Versatile Tool for Colorectal Surgeons

PURPOSE: Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique with the combined benefits of laparoscopic surgery while allowing the use of the surgeon's hand for better tactile control. Obesity has been associated with higher conversion rates with multiport laparoscopic surgery, but not with HALS. This study aimed to examine the versatility of HALS in various clinical contexts. METHODS: All HALSs performed at 2 major tertiary centers in Sydney were prospectively collected for retrospective analysis. Variables including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), previous surgeries, pathologies including size and T-stage, and the number of conversions to a midline laparotomy were examined. RESULTS: A total of 121 HALS colorectal resections were analyzed. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with 63.6% being women. Seven patients required conversion to a midline laparotomy. Of the 121 patients, 50.2% were overweight or obese, and 52.9% had undergone previous abdominal/pelvic operations. However, neither obesity nor abdominal adhesions from previous operations were an indication for conversion to an open laparotomy in any of the 7 converted patients. The presence of intra-abdominal adhesions did not impact the operative time. HALS allowed access to the entire colon and rectum and allowed resection of the bladder, uterus, and ureter, when these organs were involved. CONCLUSION: HALS is a versatile, minimally invasive technique, which is independent of the patient's BMI, for performing a colorectal resection.

Specific training for LESS surgery results from a prospective study in the animal model

ABSTRACT Objective to prospectively evaluate the ability of post-graduate students enrolled in a laparoscopy program of the Institute for Teaching and Research to complete single port total nephrectomies. Materials and Methods 15 post-graduate students were enrolled in the study, which was performed using the SILStm port system for single-port procedures. All participants were already proficient in total nephrectomies in animal models and performed a left followed by a right nephrectomy. Analyzed data comprised incision size, complications, and the time taken to complete each part of the procedure. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results All students successfully finished the procedure using the single-port system. A total of 30 nephrectomies were analyzed. Mean incision size was 3.61 cm, mean time to trocar insertion was 9.61 min and to dissect the renal hilum was 25.3 min. Mean time to dissect the kidney was 5.18 min and to complete the whole procedure was 39.4 min. Total renal hilum and operative time was 45.8% (p<0.001) and 38% (p=0.001) faster in the second procedure, respectively. Complications included 3 renal vein lesions, 2 kidney lacerations and 1 lesion of a lumbar artery. All were immediately identified and corrected laparoscopically through the single-port system, except for one renal vein lesion, which required the introduction an auxiliary laparoscopic port. Conclusion Laparoscopic single-port nephrectomy in the experimental animal model is a feasible but relatively difficult procedure for those with intermediate laparoscopic experience. Intraoperative complications might be successfully treated with the single-port system. Training aids reducing surgical time and improves outcomes.

Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Donor Surgery for Living Donor Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation: A Single Center Experience / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: In this era of donor shortage, use of organs from living donors has increased significantly. Nonetheless, less than 1% of pancreas transplantations involve living donors, despite the immunological benefits, reduced cold ischemic time, and decreased waiting time. One reason for the paucity of donors is the high morbidity after open surgery. Using hand-assisted laparoscopic donor surgery (HALDS) can be a favorable technique for living donors. METHODS: Using HALDS, we performed three Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations (SPKs) involving living donors. Two donors were women; one was a man. RESULTS: Their mean age was 34.3±4.7 years, and their body mass index was 23.2±2.36 kg/m². The mean operation time was 241±19.0 minutes and the mean cold-ischemic time of the kidney was 42.7±9.8 minutes, while that of the pancreas was 64.3±5.2 minutes. One donor developed a pancreatic fistula, which was controlled using conservative management. The donors' pancreatic and renal functions were well preserved postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: HALDS for SPKs can be performed without significant complications if the surgeon has sufficient skill.

The Role of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in a Right Hemicolectomy for Right-Sided Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) and assess the role of HALS in the management of right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: The study group included 53 patients who underwent HALS and 45 patients who underwent SLS for right-sided colon cancer between April 2002 and December 2008. RESULTS: The patients in each group were similar in age, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, body mass index, and history of previous abdominal surgeries. Eight patients in the HALS group and no patient in the SLS group exhibited signs of tumor invasion into adjacent structures. No differences were noted in the time to return of normal bowel function, time to toleration of diet, lengths of hospital stay and narcotic usage, and rate of postoperative complications. The median incision length was longer in the HALS group (HALS: 7.0 cm vs. SLS: 4.8 cm, P < 0.001). The HALS group had a significantly higher pathologic TNM stage and significantly larger tumor size (HALS: 6.0 cm vs. SLS: 3.3 cm, P < 0.001). The 5-year overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival rates of the HALS and the SLS groups were 87.3%, 75.2%, and 93.9% and 86.4%, 78.0%, and 90.7%, respectively (P = 0.826, P = 0.574, and P = 0.826). CONCLUSION: Although patients in the HALS group had more advanced disease and underwent more complex procedures than those in the SLS group, the short-term benefits and the oncologic outcomes between the two groups were comparable. HALS can, therefore, be considered an alternative to SLS for bulky and fixed right-sided colon cancer.

Hand-Assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Nephroureterectomy With Bladder Cuffing After Preperitoneal and Retroperitoneal Perivesical Ballooning

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the surgical technique of hand-assisted retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy (HARNU) with bladder cuffing after preperitoneal and retroperitoneal perivesical ballooning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to September 2012, we performed HARNU and open bladder cuffing in 28 consecutive series of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma. We performed HARNU according to the following procedure: (1) a camera port incision was made on the posterior axillary line; (2) multiple, repeated, preperitoneal and retroperitoneal ballooning was performed on both the posterior axillary line and in the umbilicus; (3) a 7.0 cm skin incision was made from the suprapubic to the lower inguinal with the balloon present in the extraperitoneal area; (4) hand-assisted laparoscopic retroperitoneal nephroureterectomy; (5) cessation of gas insufflation; and (6) extravesical cuffing as an open surgical procedure. RESULTS: The mean estimated blood loss was 250 mL. The mean operation time was 240 minutes. The mean time to oral intake and ambulation was 1.0 day and two days, respectively. As for postoperative complications due to the hand-assisted device, one patient developed febrile urinary tract infection within three weeks postoperatively and was hospitalized again to receive parenteral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: We made a low Gibson incision for a route for the hand-assisted procedure as well as a window for open surgery in dissecting the distal ureter and extracting the surgical specimens. Thus, our results indicate that the HARNU might be a feasible surgical modality.

Short-term Outcomes of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery vs. Open Surgery on Right Colon Cancer: A Case-Controlled Study

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes by comparing hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery with open surgery for right colon cancer. METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (HAL-RHC group) and 33 patients who underwent a conventional open right hemicolectomy (open group) during the same period were enrolled in this study with a case-controlled design. RESULTS: The operation time was 217 minutes in the HAL-RHC group and 213 minutes in the open group (P = 0.389). The numbers of retrieved lymph nodes were similar between the two groups (31 in the HAL-RHC group and 36 in the open group, P = 0.737). Also, there were no significant difference in the incidence of immediate postoperative leukocytosis, the administration of additional pain killers, and the postoperative recovery parameters. First flatus was shown on postoperative days 3.5 in the HAL-RHC group and 3.4 in the open group (P = 0.486). Drinking water and soft diet were started on postoperative days 4.8 and 5.9, respectively, in the HAL-RHC group and similarly 4.6 and 5.6 in the open group (P = 0.402 and P = 0.551). The duration of hospital stay was shorter in the HAL-RHC group than in the open group (10.3 days vs. 13.5 days, P = 0.048). No significant difference in the complication rates was shown between the two groups, and no postoperative mortality was encountered in either group. CONCLUSION: The patients with right colon cancer in the HAL-RHC group had similar pathologic and postoperative recovery parameters to those of the patients in the open group. The patients in the HAL-RHC group had shorter hospital stays than those in the open group. Therefore, hand-assisted laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for right-sided colon cancer is feasible.

The role of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery in total colectomy for colonic inertia: a retrospective study / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: To compare and assess the efficacy, safety and utility of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) with open surgery (OS) in total colectomy with ileorectal for colonic inertia. METHODS: From January 2001 to February 2012, 56 patients diagnosed with colonic inertia who failed to respond to medical treatments underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. Another 68 patients underwent laparotomy. Main parameters such as clinical manifestations, conversion to open procedure, operative time, incision length, pain score, intraoperative blood loss, time to first flatus and hospitalization, early postoperative complications and hospitalization cost were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative defecating frequencies were followed up in both groups. RESULTS: All patients received successful operation, no surgical mortality happened and none of the patients required conversion to an exploratory laparotomy in HALS group. The clinical features, the estimated blood loss, incision length, pain score, first passing flatus time, and postoperative hospitalization time were superior in HALS group (P < 0.05). The early postoperative complications and frequency of defecation were similar. However, the mean operative time was longer and hospitalization cost was higher in HALS group than those in OS group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HALS total colectomy can be a safe and efficient technique in the treatment of colonic inertia. HALS can result in a better cosmetic result and a quicker postoperative recovery, but requires higher direct cost.

Clinical Outcomes of 103 Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgeries for Left-Sided Colon and Rectal Cancer: Single Institutional Review

PURPOSE: The laparoscopic colectomy is avoided principally because of its technical difficulty, steep learning curve, and increased operative time. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is an alternative technique that addresses these problems while preserving the short-term benefits of a laparoscopic colectomy. Our study was aimed to describe the characteristics of patients admitted due to left-sided colon and rectal cancer for HALS. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients who underwent HALS at the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, from July 1, 2009, to October 1, 2012. RESULTS: One hundred-three HALS colorectal resections were performed. The patients' mean age was 64 +/- 13.4 years. There were 46 male and 57 female patients. The body mass index was 27.3 +/- 5.8 kg/m2. Forty-three patients (41.8%) had experienced prior abdominal surgery. The mean HALS time was 105 minutes (range, 55-85 minutes). The conversion rate was 2.7% (3/103). The median of return of gastrointestinal function was 2.5 days (range, 2.2-4.5 days). The median length of hospital stay was 9 days. The postoperative complication and mortality rates were 10.7% and 0.97%, respectively. Four incisional hernias (3.9%) were seen at a mean follow-up of 7.0 +/- 3.4 months. None of the patients had a trocar or a hand-port site recurrence. CONCLUSION: A HALS colorectal resection is a safe and effective technique, and it provides all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

A comparative study between hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and open splenectomy in combination with pericardial devascularization to treat portal hypertension / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in liver function and the efficacy of either hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) or open splenectomy (OS) in combination with pericardial devascularization in the treatment of portal hypertension. MethodsThe clinical data of 94 patients who received splenectomy combined with pericardial devascularization to treat portal hypertension due to cirrhosis from Jan 2002 to May 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. 56 patients received OS and 38patients HALS. The operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, liver dysfunction and mortality were analyzed according to the Child's grading. ResultsThere was no difference in the operating time between HALS and OS (P＞0. 05). The intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications were 5.6% and 10.8%, respectively (P＜0. 05). There was no significant difference in the serum ALT between HALS and OS, but there was a significant difference in the ALB (P＜0. 05). The AST also had a significant difference on postoperative day 5 (P＜0. 05). The serum ALT and AST were elevated after HALS, but there was a significant difference only for AST (P＜0.05). The serum ALT and AST in OS were significantly higher after than before operation (P＜0. 05). The serum ALB in OS was significantly lower after operation (P＜0.05), but it was significantly lower only on postoperative days 1 and 3 (P＜0.05) in HALS. ConclusionsCompared with OS, HALS combined with pericardial devascularization caused less damage to the intestinal tract and the liver function. It is a feasible and safe operation and it had fewer postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal carcinoma / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical experience of laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal carcinoma.Methods Clinical data of 13 cases of colorectal carcinoma treated by laparoscopic radical resection from November 2002 to April 2006 in this department were retrospectively analyzed.There were 10 cases of colon cancer(Duke's A,4 cases;Duke's B,6 cases) and 3 cases of rectal cancer(all Duke's A).Results According to the size of the tumor,the 13 patients were treated with either laparoscopic-assisted operation(10 cases) or hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery(3 cases).All the operations were performed successfully.No conversions to open surgery were needed and no mortality occurred.Follow-up checkups for 1~36 months(mean,17 months) showed no recurrence.Conclusions In patients with colorectal carcinoma,the selection of laparoscopic-assisted procedure or hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery can not only provide the operative safety and effectiveness,but also enable the operation minimally invasive.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resection: An analysis of 21 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resection. Methods Clinical data of 21 cases of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resection in this hospital from October 2003 to August 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Results The hand-assisted laparoscopic resection was accomplished in 20 cases. The mean operation time was 144 min, the mean blood loss was 120 ml, the mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 8.5, and the mean time to intestinal function recovery, 69 h. Postoperative abdominal bleeding was found in 1 case, which was cured with conservative therapy. A conversion to open surgery was needed in 1 case. Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resection safe, feasible, and radical, with advantages of fewer complications and simplicity of performance.

A study of Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy and Kidney Transplantation in Living Donors / 中国医师杂志

Objectives Hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in living donors was studied in order to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of this technique as well as the feasibility in clinic use.Methods Hand-assisted laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy and transplantations were done in 6 canine models,the operating time,warm ischemic time,function of the donor kidney and the recovery of donor were all recorded and analyzed.Results All dogs survival postoperation in our experiment;the mean operating time was 132 minutes,the mean warm ischemic time of kidney was 83 seconds,however,the mean time of micturation after graft reperfusion was 74 seconds.Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy is feasible with short operating time and warm ischemic time; the grafting function was well and donors recovered quickly postoperation,the minimal trauma;this technique is worth to be widely used in living donor nephrectomy.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with splenectomy:A report of 3 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To study the feasibility and safety of hand-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with splenectomy. Methods Hand-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with splenectomy was performed in 3 patients. A midline epigastric or right subcostal incision was made for hand-assisted port. The attachments of the spleen were dissected with a harmonic scalpel and the pedicle of the spleen was severed with the Endo-GIA. The transection of the liver was conducted using the harmonic scalpel dissection and nonabsorbable polymer clipping. The cut surface of the liver was closed by interrupted sutures. Results The operation was successfully completed in all the 3 patients. The surgical time was 130 min, 115 min, and 145 min, and the blood loss was 350 ml, 50 ml, and 150 ml, respectively. No serious postoperative complications occurred. The postoperative hospital stay was 9, 7, and 11 days, respectively. Follow-up observations for 6, 23, and 5 months showed no recurrence. Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with splenectomy is feasible and safe in selected patients .

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and azygos-portal disconnection / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and azygos-portal disconnection. Methods Hand-assisted laparoscopy was performed in 12 patients with hypersplenia secondary to post-hepatitic hepatocirrhosis and a history of rupture and bleeding of esophago-gastric varicose vein.An ultrasound knife was used to dissect the ligaments of the spleen.The Endo-Cutter was used to cut off the pedicle of the spleen.Then the spleen was removed in a plastic bag.All of the varicose vessels around the fundus and the lower segment of the esophagus(6~8 cm in length) were dissected and disconnected according to the criteria of open surgery.Results The operation was successfully completed in 10 patients,while conversions to open surgery were required in 2 patients because of massive hemorrhage during the operation.The operating time was 2.5~5 h(mean,3.4 h) and the hemorrhagic volume was 100~500 ml(mean,250 ml).Postoperatively,1 patient experienced an intraperitoneal hemorrhage and received open surgery for hemostasis while the remaining patients had an uneventful recovery without complications.A total of 10 patients were followed for 0.5~2 years(mean,1.5 years).Four patients died of liver failure.Six patients presented small volumes of relapsed upper gastrointestinal bleeding around 1 year after operation.Gastroscopy showed portal hypertensive gastropathy in 3 patients,gastric ulcer in 1 patient,and ruptured varicose esophageal veins in 2 patients.All the 6 patients were cured by conservative medical treatment.Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and azygos-portal disconnection is a feasible,effective,and safe surgical procedure.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection without hand-port devices: Report of 8 cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To investigate the feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection without hand-port devices. Methods Eight patients were selected into the study, including 5 cases of primary liver cancer located at the segment Ⅳ or Ⅴ or the left lateral lobe, 2 cases of liver spongy hemangioma and 1 case of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia. After the laparoscopic devices were set up, an oblique incision below the right costal margin was made. The length of the incision was the same as the operator’s wrist. In the absence of hand-port or “blue disc”, the operator’s left hand directly entered the abdominal cavity through the incision. With the assistance of operator’s left hand, the laparoscopic liver resection was conducted, with the ligaments surrounding the liver dissociated, the liver transected and the cut surface properly managed. Results Laparoscopic liver resection was performed successfully in all the 8 patients. The operation time ranged 90～180 min (mean, 118 min), and the blood loss was 50～ 300 ml (mean, 160 ml). There was no uncontrolled bleeding during the operation and no complication happened. Conclusions Hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection without hand-port devices is a safe and feasible procedure. It may not only reach the purpose of hand assistance but also lower the surgical costs.