Prospective, randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair using conventional versus custom-made (mosquito) mesh performed in Cameroon: a short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Adverse economic conditions often prevent the widespread implementation of modern surgical techniques in third world countries such as in Sub-Sahara Africa. AIM OF THE STUDY: To demonstrate that a modern technique (laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty [TEP]) can safely be performed at significantly lower cost using inexpensive mesh material. SETTINGS: Douala University Hospital Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics and two affiliated centers, Ayos Regional Hospital and Edéa Regional Hospital in Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) of consecutive adult patients presenting with primary inguinal hernia treated by TEP, comparing implantation of sterilized mosquito mesh (MM) with conventional polypropylene mesh (CM). Primary endpoints were peroperative, early and midterm postoperative complications and hernia recurrence at 30 months. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (48 males) were randomized to MM (n = 32) or CM (n = 30). Groups were similar in age distribution and occupational features. Peroperative and early outcomes differed in terms of conversion rate (2/32 MM) due to external (electrical power supply) factors and mesh removal for early obstruction (1/30 CM). No outcome differences, including no recurrences, were noted after a median follow-up of 21 months. CONCLUSION: In this RCT with medium-term follow-up, TEP performed with MM appears not inferior to CM.

Conversion of Adjustable Gastric Banding to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in One or Two Steps: What Is the Best Approach? Analysis of a Multicenter Database Concerning 832 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is often the preferred conversion procedure for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) poor responders. However, there is controversy whether it is better to convert in one or two stages. This study aims to compare the outcomes of one and two-stage conversions of LAGB to RYGB. METHODS: Retrospective review of a multicenter prospectively collected database. Data on conversion in one and two stages was compared. RESULTS: Eight hundred thirty-two patients underwent LAGB conversion to RYGB in seven specialized bariatric centers. Six hundred seventy-three (81%) were converted in one-stage. Patients in the two-stage group were more likely to have experienced technical complications, such as slippage or erosions (86% vs. 37%, p = 0.0001) and to have had a higher body mass index (BMI) (41.6 vs. 39.9 Kg/m2, p = 0.005). There were no differences in postoperative complications and mortality rates between the one-stage and two-stage groups (13.5% vs. 10.8%, and 0.7% vs. 0.0% respectively, p = ns). Mean final BMI and %total weight loss (%TWL) for the one-stage and the two-stage groups were 31.6 vs. 32.4 Kg/m2 (p = ns) and 30.4 vs. 26.8 (p = 0.017) after a mean follow-up of 33 months. Follow-up at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98%, 75%, and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage conversion of LAGB to RYGB is safe and effective. Two-stage conversion carries low morbidity and mortality in the case of band slippage, erosion, or higher BMI patients. These findings suggest the importance of patient selection when choosing the appropriate conversion approach.

IFSO Worldwide Survey 2016: Primary, Endoluminal, and Revisional Procedures.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), being a Federation of 62 national societies, is the ideal network to monitor the number and type of procedures at a global level. The IFSO survey, enriched with a special section on revisional procedures, aims to report the number and types of bariatric procedures performed worldwide in 2016 and analyzes the surgical trends from 2008 to 2016. METHODS: The 2016 IFSO Survey form was emailed to all IFSO societies. Each Society was requested to indicate the number and type of bariatric procedures performed in the country. Trend analyses from 2008 to 2016 were also performed. RESULTS: The total number of bariatric/metabolic procedures performed in 2016 was 685,874; 634,897 (92.6%) of which were primary and 50,977 were revisional (7.4%). Among the primary interventions, 609,897 (96%) were surgical and 25,359 (4%) were endoluminal. The most performed primary surgical bariatric/metabolic procedure was sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (N = 340,550; 53.6%), followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (N = 191,326; 30.1%), and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (N = 30,563; 4.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In 2016, there was an increase in the total number both of surgical and endoluminal bariatric/metabolic procedures. Revisional procedures represent about 7% of the total bariatric interventions. SG remains the most performed surgical procedure in the world.

Medium-Term Outcomes after Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can be reversed into normal anatomy (NA) or into sleeve gastrectomy (NASG) to address undesired side effects. Concomitant hiatal hernia repair (HHR) may be required. Before reversal, some patients benefit from placement of a gastrostomy, mostly to predict the result of recreating the native anatomy. METHODS: Retrospective study on mid-term effects of RYGB reversal to NA and NASG, including clinical and weight evolution, surgical complications, and incidence of gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD). RESULTS: Undesired side effects leading to reversal included early dumping syndrome, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, severe diarrhea and excessive nausea and vomiting. Twenty-five participants to the study, 13 NA, 12 NASG, and 15 HHR. Mean follow-up time was 5.3 ± 2.3 years. Reversal corrected early dumping, malnutrition, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting. For hypoglycemic syndrome, resolution rate was 6/8 (75%). NA caused significant weight regain (14.2 ± 13.7 kg, (p = .003)). NASG caused some weight loss (4.8 ± 15.7 kg (NS)). Gastrostomy placement gave complications at reversal in five of seven individuals. Eight patients suffered a severe complication, including leaks (one NA vs. three NASGs). Eight out of 14 (57.1%) patients who previously had never experienced GERD developed de novo GERD after reversal, despite HHR. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB reversal is effective but pre-reversal gastrostomy and concomitant HHR may be aggravating factors for complications and development of de novo GERD, respectively.

Single-access laparoscopic primary and incisional prosthetic hernia repair: first 50 patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary and incisional hernia can be repaired by multitrocar laparoscopy. Single-access laparoscopy (SAL) recently gained interest to decrease the invasiveness and to reduce the abdominal trauma, besides improved cosmetic results. The authors report first 50 patients who consulted for primary and incisional hernia and treated by SAL prosthetic repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2009 and March 2012, 50 patients (24 females, 26 males) were submitted to SAL for primary (23) and incisional hernia (27). Mean age was 49.1 ± 15.1 years (17-75), and mean body mass index 29.7 ± 5.7 kg/m(2) (19-44.1). A total of 26 primary and 30 incisional hernias were treated. The technique consisted in implied the use of an 11-mm trocar for 10-mm scope, curved reusable instruments without trocars, and dualface prosthesis fixed by tacks without transfascial closures. RESULTS: No conversion to open surgery nor addition of one or more trocars was necessary. Mean perioperative hernia sizes were 7.0 ± 5.0 cm (2-24) in length and 6.0 ± 3.4 cm (1-16) in width, for a surface of 55.0 ± 64.6 cm(2) (2.8-268.2). Mean prosthesis size used was 188.1 ± 113.4 cm(2) (56.2-505.6). Mean laparoscopic time was 60.2 ± 32.8 min (26-153), and mean final scar length was 21.2 ± 4.5 mm (13-35). Mean hospital stay was 2.2 ± 1.2 days (1-8). Perioperative complications were registered in 4 patients and minor early complications in 13 patients of each group. After a mean follow-up of 16.1 ± 8.8 months (4-34), 2 late complications were observed in one patient of each group. CONCLUSION: Primary and incisional hernia can safely be treated by SAL prosthetic repair, but a learning curve is unavoidable. Thanks to this approach, in patients with primary hernia, only a small scar is finally visible, and in patients who proved to be prone to develop incisional hernia, the number of fascial incisions can be reduced.

Laparoscopic conversion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to biliopancreatic diversion.

BACKGROUND: This report describes the laparoscopic conversion of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) to biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). CASE REPORT: In January 1995, a 47-year-old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 54 kg/m(2) benefited from a silicon ring vertical banded gastroplasty (SRVBG) for morbid obesity. She showed significant weight loss and reached a BMI of 30 kg/m(2). After 7 years, she experienced weight regain (BMI, 34.5 kg/m(2)), so a laparoscopic conversion to RYGBP was proposed. The patient again had a successful weight loss (BMI, 26 kg/m(2)), but 6 years later, she mentioned a weight regain (BMI, 33 kg/m(2)) with invalidating retrosternal pain. The nutritionist's analysis of the patient showed a certain modification of the alimentary character with frequent meals (grazing/polyphagia), and the psychologist's consultation identified an important binge-eating disorder. A laparoscopic conversion of RYGBP to BPD was proposed. The procedure consisted of (1) adhesiolysis and reduction of a hiatal hernia, (2) sectioning of the gastric pouch proximally to the gastrojejunostomy, (3) resection of the fundus of the gastric remnant excluded by the previous SRVBG, (4) restoration of the continuity of the stomach between the gastric pouch and the gastric remnant, (5) resection of the gastric antrum and pylorus, (6) deconstruction of the previous jejunojejunostomy, (7) restoration of the continuity of the small bowel, (8) measurement of the new common and alimentary limbs and construction of the jejunoileostomy, (9) closure of the mesenteric defect, (10) construction of the gastroileostomy, (11) closure of Petersen's space, and (12) repair of the hiatal hernia followed by a leak test. RESULTS: The operative time was 320 min, and the blood loss was 380 ml. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 5. Her BMI was 30.5 kg/m(2) after 3 months and 26 kg/m(2) after 6 months. The barium swallow showed good transit through the gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic conversion of RYGBP to BPD is technically feasible and effective during the short term for cases of repeated weight regain.

Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with manual esogastric anastomosis by thoracoscopy in prone position and laparoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Only a few authors have reported the technique of Ivor Lewis esophagectomy by minimally invasive means, and anastomosis was usually performed by a circular stapler. We report an Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy with manual esogastric anastomosis performed by thoracoscopy in the prone position. CASE REPORT: An adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus without lymph nodes invasion was diagnosed in a 51-year-old man. General anesthesia and double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation were used. First the patient was placed in the supine position, and five abdominal trocars were placed. Celiac lymphadenectomy was performed with section of the left gastric vessels. A wide Kocher maneuver and pyloroplasty were performed. A wide gastric tube was performed and advanced through the hiatus into the right chest. Subsequently the patient was placed in the prone position. Three trocars (two 5-mm and one 11-mm) were placed on the posterior axillary line in the fifth, seventh, and ninth right intercostal space. The intrathoracic esophagus was dissected. Mediastinal lymphadenectomy with en bloc resection of the left inferior mediastinal pleura was performed. The azygos vein was sectioned, and the esophagus was transected by scissors 1-cm cranial to the azygos vein. A completely thoracoscopic manual double-layer anastomosis was performed by using running sutures with PDS 2/0 externally and Maxon 4/0 internally. Finally the patient was replaced in the supine position to retrieve the specimen through a suprapubic incision, and the gastric tube was fixed to the hiatus. RESULTS: Thoracoscopy lasted 157' (anastomosis 40'), laparoscopy 160', and second laparoscopy 20'. Blood loss was estimated at 170 ml. The gastrograffin swallow on postoperative day 4 showed absence of stenosis and leak. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopy in the prone position allows the surgeon to perform a thoracoscopic esogastric anastomosis completely handsewn without selective lung desufflation, and using only three trocars.

Video. Laparoscopic transgastric access to the common bile duct after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) often is associated with gallstones formation, which can lead to cholecystitis and/or choledocholithiasis. Difficult access to the biliary tract is one of the disadvantages after RYGBP. We report a useful technique of laparoscopic transgastric access to the gastric remnant for an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old woman with a BMI of 48 kg/m(2), was submitted to a laparoscopic RYGBP in December 2003. At that time the abdominal ultrasound was negative for gallbladder lithiasis. In April 2007, she was admitted for upper right side abdominal pain, vomiting episodes, fever, and jaundice; the BMI at the time was 24 kg/m(2). Hepatic ultrasound showed lithiasis of the common bile duct with intra- and extrahepatic bile duct dilation, as well as gallbladder lithiasis. The patient was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic evaluation. A pursestring suture was performed on the greater curvature of the gastric remnant. After the opening of the stomach, an 18-mm trocar was inserted into the lumen and the endoscope was directly passed through the port into the duodenum. An ERCP was performed under fluoroscopic guidance, and as a result of sphincterotomy the stone was retrieved. After removing the endoscope, the gastrotomy was closed by tying the pursestring. Cholecystectomy was performed as well. RESULTS: The procedure lasted 98 min. Liver function tests returned normal on postoperative day 2, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. After 9 months, the patient was well and asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Patients previously submitted to RYGBP and presenting choledocholithiasis can benefit from an ERCP through the gastric remnant.

A delayed Boerhaave's syndrome diagnosis treated by thoracoscopy in prone position.

Boerhaave's syndrome or postemetic rupture of the esophagus, carries a high morbidity and mortality. The authors report a delayed Boerhaave's syndrome diagnosis (3 days), successfully treated by right thoracoscopic debridement in prone position. Thanks to gravity the cardiopulmonary bloc drops back and the access to the esophagus is direct allowing for accurate placement of the chest tubes near the perforation. The procedure is completed by laparoscopic placement of a feeding jejunostomy with the patient supine.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer: laparoscopic transhiatal procedure or thoracoscopy in prone position followed by laparoscopy?

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy is rapidly emerging as a suitable surgical alternative to the open technique. This retrospective comparative study aimed to compare two minimally invasive techniques for esophagectomy: transhiatal laparoscopy with intrathoracic or cervical anastomosis (group A) and right thoracoscopy in prone position followed by laparoscopy and left cervicotomy (group B) performed by the same surgeon (G.B.C.). The operative time, perioperative blood loss, intensive care and total hospital stays, peri- and postoperative morbidity, in-hospital mortality, number of lymph nodes dissected, and survival were the outcome measures. METHODS: Between April 1999 and August 2005, 24 patients (group A) and 15 patients (group B) underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer in the authors' department. Their median age was 61 years in group A and 61 years in group B. Preoperatively, the endoscopic location of the tumor was in the upper third in 2 cases (1 vs 1), the middle third in 11 cases (7 vs 4), and the lower third in 26 cases (16 vs 10). Two patients in each group received neoadjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy. One patient (group A) and two patients (group B) received only neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and three patients (group A) received only neoadjuvant radiotherapy. RESULTS: The median operative time was 300 min (range, 240-420 min) in group A and 377 min (range, 240-540 min) in group B (nonsignificant difference [NS]). The median perioperative bleeding was 325 ml (range, 100-800 ml) in group A and 700 ml (range, 100-2,400 ml) in group B (NS). The perioperative complications included one splenectomy in each group and one conversion to thoracotomy in group B. The postoperative medical complications totaled three in group A and six in group B. The postoperative surgical complications included one hemoperitoneum, one pneumothorax, five anastomotic leaks, and two recurrent laryngeal nerve paralyses in group A and two tracheal necroses, four anastomotic leaks, one colic fistula, and three recurrent laryngeal nerve paralyses in group B. The median intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 5 days (range, 2-70 days) for group A and 5 days (range, 1-180 days) for group B (NS). The median hospital stay was 12 days (range, 7-98 days) for group A and 14 days (range, 7-480 days) for group B (p = 0.05). The early mortality rate was 0%. All the specimens were free of disease. The median number of mediastinal/periesophageal lymph nodes was 3 (range, 1-10) for group A and 4 (range, 2-13) for group B (NS), and the median number of celiac/perigastric lymph nodes was 11 (range, 2-31) for group A and 10 (range, 3-22) for group B (NS). After a median follow-up period of 42.4 months (range, 2-84 months) for group A and 19.1 months (range, 1.5-34 months) for group B, 12 patients in group A died after a median period of 22 months (range, 2-55 months), and 7 patients in group B died after a median time of 15 months (range, 1.5-23 months). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective comparative study showed that minimally invasive esophagectomy performed by thoracoscopy in the prone position is comparable with laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy in terms of the significant postoperative and survival outcomes.

Endoluminal fundoplication by a transoral device for the treatment of GERD: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: A new endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) technique performed transorally using the EsophyXtrade mark device was evaluated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a prospective, feasibility clinical trial. METHODS: Nineteen patients were enrolled into the study. Inclusion criteria were chronic and symptomatic GERD, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependence, and the absence of esophageal motility disorder. Two patients were excluded due to esophageal stricture and a 6 cm hiatal hernia. The median duration of GERD symptoms and PPI use in the remaining 17 patients was 10 and 6 years, respectively. The ELF procedure was designed to partially reconstruct the antireflux barrier through the creation of a valve at the gastroesophageal junction. RESULTS: The ELF-created valves had a median length of 4 cm (range 3-5 cm) and circumference of 210 degrees (180-270 degrees ). Adherence of the valves to the endoscope was tight (n = 14) or moderate (n = 3). Hiatal hernias present in 13 patients (76%) were all reduced. Adverse events were limited to mild or moderate pharyngeal irritation and epigastric pain, which resolved spontaneously. After 12 months, the ELF valves (n = 16) had a median length of 3 cm (1-4 cm) and a circumference of 200 degrees (150-210 degrees ). Eighty-one percent of valves retained their tightness. The hiatal hernias present at the baseline remained reduced in 62% of patients. The median GERD-HRQL scores improved by 67% (17-6), and nine patients (53%) improved their scores by >or=50%. Eighty-two percent of patients were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, 82% remained completely off PPIs, and 63% had normal pH. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated technical feasibility and safety of the ELF procedure using the EsophyX device. The study also demonstrated maintenance of the anatomical integrity of the ELF valves for 12 months and provided preliminary data on ELF efficacy in reducing the symptoms and medication use associated with GERD.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic bilateral lumbar sympathectomy.

The first retroperitoneal lumbar sympathectomy was performed in 1924 by Julio Diez. The classic procedure for sympathectomy is open surgery. We report a unilateral laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach to perform bilateral lumbar sympathectomy. This approach was performed for a 43-year-old man with distal arterial occlusive disease and no indication for direct revascularization. His predominant symptoms were intermittent claudication at 100 metres and cold legs. The patient was placed in a left lateral decubitus position. The optical system was placed first in an intra-abdominal position to check that the trocars were well positioned in the retroperitoneal space. The dissection of retroperitoneum was performed by CO2 insufflation. The inferior vena cava was reclined and the right sympathetic chain was individualized. Two ganglia (L3-L4) were removed by bipolar electro-coagulation. The aorta was isolated on a vessel loop and careful anterior traction allowed a retro-aortic pre-vertebral approach between the lumbar vessels. The left sympathetic chain was dissected. Two ganglia (L3-L4) were removed by bipolar electro-coagulation.

Laparoscopic transhiatal esophago-gastrectomy after corrosive injury.

Esophago-gastric necrosis is a surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report a laparoscopic transhiatal esophago-gastrectomy performed on a 43-year-old male, presenting two hours after hydrochloric acid ingestion. A gastroscopy showed several oral mucosal ulcers, a significant edema of the pharynx and larynx, a necrosis of the middle and lower esophagus and of the gastric fundus and antrum. A conservative strategy with intensive care observation was initially followed. After a change of clinical signs, chest-abdominal computed tomography was realized and a pneumoperitoneum with free fluid in the left subphrenic space and bilateral pleural effusions was in evidence. A laparoscopic exploration was proposed to the patient, and confirmed the presence of free peritoneal fluid and necrosis with perforation of the upper part of the stomach. A laparoscopic total gastrectomy with subtotal esophagectomy was performed; the procedure finished with an esophagostomy on the left side of the neck and a laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy (video). Total operative time was 235 minutes. After six months a digestive reconstruction with esophagocoloplasty by laparotomy and cervicotomy was easily realized thanks to the advantages (few adhesions, bloodless, and simple colic mobilization) of the previous minimally invasive surgery.

Endotherapy including temporary stenting of fistulas of the upper gastrointestinal tract after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Reoperations for complications of bariatric surgery are associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is not known whether endoscopic treatment may reduce reoperation rates. METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent endoscopic treatment for persisting large anastomotic leaks before considering redo surgery. Eight patients had a gastric bypass, eight had a sleeve gastrectomy combined with a duodenal switch (SDS), four had a sleeve gastrectomy alone, and one had a Scopinaro procedure (biliopancreatic diversion). Fistulas were gastrocutaneous in 15 patients, duodenocutaneous in 2, gastroperitoneal in 3, and gastrobronchial in 1. Partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) were used, followed by additional endoscopic procedures if the SEMS failed. SEMSs were removed by traction alone or by insertion of a self-expanding plastic stent (SEPS) followed by extraction of both stents together. RESULTS: SEMS insertion led to 62 % (13/21) primary closures. Complementary endoscopic treatment led to 4 secondary closures. Total success rate was 81 % (17/21). Three patients in whom SEMSs failed underwent reoperation but died during postoperative follow-up; one patient died from pulmonary embolism before SEMS extraction. The success rates of endotherapy were 100 % (8/8) in the gastric bypass group, 62.5 % (5/8) in the SDS group, 75 % (3/4) in the sleeve gastrectomy group, and 100 % (1/1) for the Scopinaro procedure. Gastrocutaneous fistulas on sleeve sutures were successfully treated in 60 % of cases (6/10), while other anastomotic fistulas were successfully treated in 100 % of cases (11/11) ( P = 0.0351). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment using SEMSs for complications of bariatric surgery is feasible. Healing of severe leaks was obtained in 81 % (17/21) of patients, avoiding high-risk reintervention. Gastrocutaneous fistulas on a sleeve suture are the most difficult condition to treat.

Surgical technique and complications during laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias.

Diaphragmatic hernias can present as retrocostoxiphoid hernias (RCXH) or diaphragmatic dome hernias. The RCXH include the Larrey hernia (LH), the Morgagni hernia (MH), and the Larrey-Morgagni hernia (LMH). These congenital hernias are usually asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is simplified by two exams: chest X-ray, and thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. The potential risk in this condition is small-bowel incarceration in the hernia defect and subsequent obstruction. We report two cases of LH and one case of LMH treated by laparoscopy between February 2004 and October 2005, with a review of the surgical techniques. Two different laparoscopic techniques were used: the tension-free technique, and resection of the hernia sac with closure of the defect and reinforcement by prosthesis. One patient presented a postoperative cardiac tamponade due to a clip-induced bleeding of an epicardial artery at the inferior surface of the heart. Treatment by laparoscopy is feasible, but a consensus regarding the best laparoscopic repair is needed.