Subcuticular sutures in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a comparative study to evaluate wound infection rates and cosmetic results.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is categorized as clean-contaminated surgery. It is important to prevent incisional surgical site infections (SSIs), because SSIs can prolong hospital stays, increase medical costs and produce negative cosmetic outcomes for patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of subcuticular skin sutures following colorectal laparoscopic surgery in terms of wound infection rates and aesthetic results. A retrospective analysis on a database of a consecutive series of unselected patients was conducted. Patients underwent elective colorectal laparoscopic surgery in a single center between October 1st of 2016 and October 30th of 2017. Data on patients' demographics, operative details, short-term and long-term outcomes and aesthetic satisfaction were prospectively recorded. A total of 100 patients were selected and divided in 2 groups: 43 patients who had received subcuticular sutures, 57 patients who had received separate stitch sutures. Wound infection rates were lower, with no statistical significance in the subcuticular suture group (6.9% versus 15.8%, p = 0.182), but the patient-reported cosmetic results were superior in the subcuticular suture group (1.9 versus 2.9, p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified high BMI and low preoperative hemoglobin level as possible risk factors associated with wound infection after colorectal laparoscopic surgery. Subcuticular sutures could improve cosmetic results in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with comparable risks of wound infection. In this population, high BMI and low preoperative hemoglobin levels appear to be risk factors associated with wound infections.

Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Anastomosis for Laparoscopic Resection of the Splenic Flexure Colon Cancer: A Multicenter Propensity Score Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the short and long-term outcomes of intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) versus extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) during laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure for cancer, in 3 high-volume Italian centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a multicenter database of a consecutive series of patients who underwent an elective laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure for colon cancer in 3 high-volume centers between January 2008 and August 2017. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to overcome patients' selection bias between the 2 surgical techniques. Data on patients' demographics, operative details, short-term and long-term outcomes were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients were selected. After propensity score match, 72 patients were compared: 36 for the IA group, 36 for the EA group. The IA group showed a significantly shorter median time to first flatus, time to first stool, time to oral feeding, and time to discharge, as well as significantly lower incidence of postoperative severe surgical complications, especially in terms of wound infections, and of incisional hernia (IH).Risk factors for IH on logistic regression were longer operative time, EA, longer incision, postoperative blood transfusions, and longer specimen. CONCLUSIONS: The IA in laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure is feasible and safe in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes. Major advantages are shorter time to first flatus and first stool, complete oral feeding and time to discharge, with minor incidence of severe surgical complications, such as wound infection, and lower incidence of IH.

Laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure colon cancers: a retrospective multi-center study with 117 cases.

The objective is to investigate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic resections of splenic flexure colon cancers in three Italian high-volume centers. The laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure colon cancers is a challenging procedure and has not been completely standardized, mainly due to the technical difficulty, the arduous identification of major blood vessels, and the problems associated with anastomosis construction. In this retrospective cohort observational study, a consecutive series of patients treated in three Italian high-volume centers with elective laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure for cancer is analyzed. The observational period was from January 2008 to August 2017. Patient demographics and clinical features, operative data, and short- and long-term outcomes were prospectively recorded in a specific database and were retrospectively analyzed. During the observation period, 117 patients were selected. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 15 patients (12.8%). Of 102 complete laparoscopic procedures, multi-visceral resection was performed in 13 cases (12.7%). Postoperative surgical complications occurred in 13 patients (12.7%), with 3 cases of anastomotic leak (2.9%) and 3 cases of re-operation (2.9%). The postoperative mortality in this population was null. The 5-year overall survival rate was 84.3%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 87.8%. Laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure is feasible and safe in high-volume centers. Compared to the results of other laparoscopic colonic resections, the short- and long-term outcomes are similar, but the conversion rate is higher.

Major vessel sealing in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: a single-center experience with 759 patients.

BACKGROUND: Efficient hemostatic techniques are essential in laparoscopic surgery for ideal intraoperative and postoperative results. A variety of advanced devices are available for the sealing of major vascular structures. The aim of this study is to assess effectiveness and safety of major vessel sealing with a radiofrequency device during laparoscopic colorectal resections for cancer based on the experience of a single hospital. METHODS: Early outcomes of a consecutive series of patients who received elective laparoscopic colorectal resections for cancer over a 10-year period (January 2008-September 2017) are analyzed. In all procedures, the Ligasure® electrothermal bipolar device was used for the closure of the major colonic vessels and the dissection of all the structures. No other products such clips, staplers, hemostatic products, or other devices were used. RESULTS: Seven-hundred fifty-nine procedures were performed in laparoscopy: 179 rectal resections, 247 sigmoidectomies and left hemicolectomies, 240 right hemicolectomies, 33 resections of the splenic flexure, 35 transverse colonic resections, and 25 other procedures. In 39 cases, the laparoscopic procedure was converted to open surgery, and in these cases, vessel sealing was also achieved with the radiofrequency device alone. Vessel dissection and sealing was realized in all cases without any intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. No reoperations for bleeding from major vessels were performed in any patients. One case of reoperation was recorded postoperatively, at 3 h after right hemicolectomy, due to a small bleeding from the fat of the transverse colon stump. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Ligasure® radiofrequency device for sealing and dividing the major colonic vessels is safe, fast, and effective during laparoscopic colorectal resections.