Laparoscopic gastro-jejunal anastomosis using novel r2 deflectable instruments in an ex vivo model.

OBJECTIVE: A novel 5 mm steerable instrument system (r2-DRIVE) was developed with active tip deflection and tip and shaft rotation. The feasibility and training effect of the r2 instruments were determined in a phantom model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experienced laparoscopic surgeons and untrained novices performed laparoscopic gastro-jejunal anastomoses using porcine tissue and r2 DRIVE-instruments. Mean anastomosis time, anastomosis width and burst pressure were measured. Number of stitches, skipped stitches and dropped needles were counted. Results of trained and untrained subjects were compared. RESULTS: Mean time for suturing decreased rapidly for all participants, but was more evident for untrained persons. After five anastomoses no relevant improvement in anastomotic time was seen for the skilled group. The ease of use, efficacy of manipulation and swift training effect with the novel r2 instruments for both experienced laparoscopic surgeons and untrained non-surgeons could be demonstrated and after few cases stable anastomosis times and a fast learning curve were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the ease of use, efficacy of manipulation and swift training effect with the novel r2 instruments for both experienced laparoscopic surgeons and untrained non-surgeons. After few cases stable anastomosis times and a fast learning curve were obtained.

Acute and elective laparoscopic resection for complicated sigmoid diverticulitis: clinical and histological outcome.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of acute complicated sigmoid diverticulitis is still under debate while elective treatment of recurrent diverticulitis has proven benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histological outcome of acute and elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in patients with diverticulitis. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted where 197 patients were analyzed undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid resection for acute complicated diverticulitis and recurrent diverticulitis. Single-stage laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis were routinely performed using a 3-trocar technique. Recorded data included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-score, operative time, duration of hospital stay, complications, and histological results. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients received laparoscopy for acute diverticular disease (group I) and 93 patients underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis (group II). M/F ratio was 49:42 for group I and 37:56 for group II. Mean operative time and hospital stay was similar in both groups. Majority of patients were ASA II in both groups. Rate of minor complications was 14.3 % in group I and 7.5 % in group II. Major complications were 2.2 % for acute treatment and 4.3 % for elective resections. No anastomotic leakage and no mortality occurred. In 32.3 % of the patients of elective group II, destruction of the colonic wall with pericolic abscess, fistulization, or fibrinoid purulent peritonitis were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for acute diverticular disease is safe and effective. Continuing bowl inflammations in histological specimens justify sigmoid resection in elective patients, but more effective pre-operative parameters need to be found to identify patients that would benefit from surgery during the initial episode.