Radicality of mediastinal lymphadenectomy in minimally invasive pulmonary resection: a comparative analysis of uniportal and multiportal thoracoscopic approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is a serious health problem with a high mortality rate. In the context of surgical management, minimally invasive approaches, including uniportal thoracoscopic techniques, offer potential benefits such as faster recovery and increased patient cooperation. The aim of this study was to compare the accessibility of the mediastinal lymph nodes between uniportal and multiportal thoracoscopic approaches and to verify whether the use of the uniportal approach affects the radicality of the lymphadenectomy. METHODS: A comparative study conducted from January 2015 to July 2022 at the University Hospital Ostrava focused on evaluating the radicality of mediastinal lymphadenectomy between subgroups of patients undergoing surgery using the uniportal thoracoscopic approach and the multiportal thoracoscopic approach. RESULTS: A total of 278 patients were included in the study. There were no significant differences in the number of available lymphatic stations between the subgroups. The mean number of lymph node stations removed was 6.46 in the left hemithorax and 6.50 in the right hemithorax. Thirty-day postoperative morbidity for the entire patient population was 24.5%, with 18.3% having minor complications and 3.6% having major complications. The overall mortality rate in the study population was 2.5%, with a statistically significant difference in mortality between uniportal and multiportal approaches (1.0% vs 6.4%, p=0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The uniportal approach demonstrated comparable accessibility and lymph node yield to the multiportal approach. There was also no difference in postoperative morbidity between the two approaches. The study suggests the possibility of lower mortality after uniportal lung resection compared with multiportal lung resection, but this conclusion should be interpreted with caution.

Magnetic resonance imaging - evaluation of mesorectal lymphadenopathy in patients with rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary management of patients with rectal cancer presents a gold standard of care; neoadjuvant therapy indications are based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) description of the local stage of the carcinoma. Although the accuracy of MRI-based assessment of cancer depth of invasion is satisfactory, its accuracy in the assessment of mesorectal lymphadenopathy is very questionable. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-centre, cohort study focused on the accuracy of preoperative MRI in the assessment of mesorectal lymph nodes (LN). MRI findings of each patient were compared with detailed histopathological examination of rectal specimens. RESULTS: Forty patients with rectal cancer, undergoing rectal resection with total mesorectal excision were enrolled in the study. MRI assessment of the T-stage was correct in 22 of the 40 study patients (55.0%). T-stage overstaging was noted in 14 (35.0%), and understaging in 4 (10.0%) study patients. According to preoperative MRI (using Horvat's criteria), there were 50 suspicious/malignant lymph nodes. Only 13 of these 50 LNs (26.0%) were proved malignant on histopathology examination. In total, our study group included 18 patients with suspicious/positive LNs (according to preoperative MRI) who were classified as cN+. MRI diagnosis of malignant lymphadenopathy was correct in only 33.3% of these patients. CONCLUSION: MRI shows very low accuracy in the evaluation of mesorectal lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer. Therefore neoadjuvant therapy should be offered particularly with respect to MRI description of the depth of carcinoma invasion (T-stage and relationship to fascia propria of the rectum).

Detection and clinical significance of circulating tumour cells in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are tumour cells identified in the peripheral blood of patients with malignant disease. CTCs present a very interesting biomarker with promising potential for use in the treatment management of patients with colorectal cancer. Unlike other tumour biomarkers, CTCs are living tumour cells that carry molecular and biological information about the tumour as a whole and reflect ongoing mutational changes. Detection of CTCs from peripheral blood presents a simple and easily repeatable method of liquid biopsy. However, various techniques of CTC selection and detection render clinical use of CTC as a clinical biomarker difficult. The presence/amount of CTCs correlates very well with prognosis and patients ́ survival. Since CTCs have metastatic potential, knowledge of the effect of different treatment modalities on the amount of CTCs in the blood appears to be very important. It can be expected that a more effective treatment regimen will be associated with a reduction in blood CTC levels, and also with a better prognosis. Conversely, an increase or persistence of CTC levels will be associated with resistance to the applied treatment. Routine use of CTCs in clinical practice is limited predominantly by price and very high variability of available scientific evidence. Recently published studies demonstrated the promising potential of CTCs; however, further research will be required for their routine use in clinical practice.

Allen-Masters syndrome as a cause of status ileus - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Internal hernias are rare and are encountered in a small percentage of cases. The hernia in the broad ligament of uterus (Allen-Masters syndrome) is a unique type of internal hernia which represents only approximately 4% of all internal hernias. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 39-year-old woman admitted for clinical signs of mechanical bowel obstruction. CT examination revealed a dilated loop of small intestine in the left lower abdomen. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery with the finding of an incarcerated small bowel loop in the ligamentum latum uteri. Small bowel deliberation and ligament defect suture were performed. CONCLUSION: A defect in the ligamentum latum uteri (Allen-Masters syndrome) is a rare diagnosis, usually discovered as an incidental finding in female patients with ileus. This syndrome may explain the vague problems of many patients whose symptoms include dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, acute and chronic pelvic pain. Allen-Masters syndrome can be diagnosed and successfully managed by laparoscopic approach.

Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer - routine procedure or targeted patient selection?

INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer is one of the most common diseases of the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Its complications are relatively common, the most serious one being peptic ulcer perforation with the incidence of about 10 cases per 100,000 population per year and the mortality rate of 10-40%. Surgical suture via laparoscopy or laparotomy is the only treatment option. The aim of the study was to compare the short-term results of laparoscopic and open repair of acute peptic ulcer perforation and evaluate the accuracy of the Boey scoring system in the Czech population. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted at the surgical department of the University Hospital Ostrava. The patients underwent laparoscopic or open repair of perforated peptic ulcer in 2017-2021. RESULTS: The study included 60 patients; laparoscopic repair was performed in 43.3% of the patients, and open repair in 56.7%. Postoperative morbidity was 70.0%, mild complications were reported in 23.3% of the patients, and severe complications in 16.7%. Patients undergoing the laparoscopic repair showed a higher incidence of mild as well as severe complications (26.9% vs 20.6% and 19.2% vs 14.7%) but also a higher incidence of an uncomplicated postoperative course. Overall postoperative mortality was 30.0% (laparoscopy 15.4%, laparotomy 41.2%). The study results confirmed the estimated baseline risk of mortality based on the Boey score. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair may be the procedure of choice for patients with no or low risk factors. Patients undergoing laparoscopy showed a higher incidence of mild and severe complications. The higher mortality of patients after open repair is related to their worse initial clinical condition. Preoperative determination of mortality risk using the Boey score is accurate and appropriate in terms of choosing the surgical approach.

Preoperative non-selective administration of nutritional supplements to patients undergoing elective colorectal resection - standard of perioperative care?

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative nutritional support for oncosurgical patients is recommended to minimize the negative effects of potential malnutrition. Nutritional support is intended to adjust the pathophysiological reactions to surgery, reduce postoperative complications, shorten the length of hospital stay and speed up convalescence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative nutritional supplements (ONS oral nutritional supplements) on the physical and nutritional status of patients undergoing elective colorectal resection for cancer and to assess patients self-sufficiency after surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, single-center clinical trial designed to assess self-sufficiency and return to normal activities in relation to preoperative ONS in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Patients enrolled in the study were randomized to receive ONS twice daily for 7 days prior to surgery or no ONS. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in the study. The rate of postoperative complications was comparable; no differences were found in postoperative values of laboratory nutritional parameters (albumin, prealbumin). The length of hospital stay was comparable; the stay in the ICU was shorter in patients taking ONS but the difference was not statistically significant. Differences between the study subgroups regarding muscle weight were not statistically significant. Patient self-sufficiency (assessed using the Barthel index) was comparable in both groups before and after surgery (p=0.717 and p=0.327). CONCLUSION: Non-selective preoperative administration of ONS to all patients undergoing elective colorectal resection does not reduce postoperative morbidity or speed up recovery. Patients self-sufficiency and their physical and nutritional status are not affected by preoperative nutritional support.

Transversus abdominis release in the management of a large, chronic defect of the abdominal wall.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic defects and hernias of the abdominal wall are a common complication of repeated surgical procedures and/or their accompanying complications. Reconstruction of the abdominal wall is difficult in these defects/hernias and debates of an ideal method of treatment have not reached a conclusion. Primary suture is usually impossible. Onlay, inlay, sublay, underlay and IPOM plasty procedures have their limits and often lead to unsatisfactory results. CST (component separation technique) technique is a new therapeutic approach enabling a solution of large defects and hernias of the abdominal wall with very good short-term results. TAR (transversus abdominis release) is a posterior approach in CST. It releases transversus abdominis muscle (MTA) to mobilize the posterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle (MRA). TAR preserves MRA and its neurovascular bundle, creates a large space for mesh insertion and allows complex reconstruction of the abdominal wall. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old patient underwent surgery for perforated diverticulitis of colon sigmoideum with diffuse peritonitis. Hartmans operation was performed. The patient was reoperated for colostomy necrosis and fascia dehiscence on the 7th postoperative day. After healing 6 months later, colostomy occlusion was indicated. The operation itself - colorectal anastomosis using an end-to-end circular stapler - was without complications. However, complications occurred in the postoperative period including an intra-abdominal abscess in the lesser pelvis and subsequent destructive phlegmona and necrosis of the abdominal wall, resulting in a non-healing extensive chronic abdominal wall defect. After the failure of conservative treatment, the chronic defect was excised and the abdominal wall was reconstructed using the TAR method. CONCLUSION: TAR is an acceptable method in the treatment of large defects and hernias of the abdominal wall, associated with low perioperative morbidity and low recurrence rates.

Laparoscopic versus open hernia repair in patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic approach is employed very rarely in the treatment of patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and benefits of laparoscopic hernioplasty (TAPP) in the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia. METHODS: It was a retrospective clinical study focused on comparison of perioperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic and open hernia repair of incarcerated inguinal hernia. All adult patients undergoing surgery for incarcerated inguinal hernia at the University Hospital Ostrava between 2014 and 2018 were included in the study. RESULTS: In total, 31 patients were enrolled into the study (20 patients with open hernia repair and 11 patients with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty [TAPP]). Operative time was shorter in the laparoscopic group (69.5 vs 82.2 min, p=0.444); length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TAPP group (3.45 vs 8.5 days, p=0.010). Postoperative complications were more frequent in the open hernia repair group (40% vs 0.0%, p=0.134); the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hernioplasty provides a safe and effective operating technique for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia.

“Watch and wait“ strategy in the treatment of patients with rectal carcinoma.

Innovative treatment strategies which do not involve oncosurgical radical rectal resection have been explored within the last decades in the management of patients with rectal carcinoma. Resection of the rectum with total mesorectal excision is burdened not only with significant postoperative morbidity, but also with symptoms of bowel, urinary and sexual dysfunctions, which can significantly affect patients quality of life. The aim of these alternative strategies is to preserve the anatomy and function of the rectum (so called organ preservation approach). This approach includes three innovative strategies: “watch and wait” strategy, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy completed with transanal rectal carcinoma excision (or excision of the scar remaining after neoadjuvant therapy) and neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy of an early rectal carcinoma. So far, evidence supporting the organ preservation approach is highly insufficient in the available literature. There are no clear indication criteria for these strategies, no unequivocal criteria for complete clinical response detection and vague recommendations regarding an optimal neoadjuvant regimen or patients follow-up. Organ preservation approach is therefore considered to be an experimental treatment strategy, which should be offered only to patients within clinical trials with a high-quality design and very careful long-term follow-up. Patients considered for “watch and wait” must be informed properly about the benefits and drawbacks of the strategy including the risk of rectal carcinoma recurrence in 30% of the patients.

TaTME (transanal total mesorectal excision) - state of the art.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a modern hybrid method, which has emerged by conjunction of two minimally invasive techniques - laparoscopy and transanal minimally invasive surgery. The main aim of the method is to offer a better operative approach into the narrow pelvis and thus to support an oncosurgically radical TME. Mesorectal excision is performed transanally via a flexible single port platform. Safe implementation of the technique requires advanced skills in minimally invasive surgery, transanal endoscopic surgery as well as experience with surgical dissection from different points of view. Controversial results regarding TaTME in the available literature suggest that oncosurgical radicality of the method has to be examined by prospective clinical studies. Currently, two randomised studies (COLOR III and ETAP-GRECCAR 11) are ongoing which might soon clarify a proper position of TaTME in clinical practice.

Technical modifications of appendiceal transection during laparoscopic appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal transection is the most critical part of laparoscopic appendectomy (LAPPE). The aim of our study was to evaluate post-operative and economic outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy with different technical modifications of transection of the appendix. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, unicenter clinical study comparing different techniques of appendiceal transection in patients with acute appendicitis during the study period (18 months). The patients were randomized to one of three arms - endoloop, hem-o-lok clips and the stapler. RESULTS: In total, 120 patients were enrolled in the study. The shortest operative time was noted in the hem-o-lok arm (37.3 minutes); mean length of hospital stay (3.7 days) was comparable in all study arms. Postoperative morbidity was 6.6%; all recorded complications were SSIs (Surgical Site Infections). The number of postoperative complications was comparable in all study arms. Mean direct costs of laparoscopic appendectomy were lowest in the hem-o-lok arm. According to our findings, LAPPE is not a profit making surgery irrespective of the type of appendiceal transection (mean profit in the study patients was CZK -4019). CONCLUSION: The rate of postoperative complications was similar for all the technical modifications of appendiceal stump closure. As indicated by the study outcomes, hem-o-lok clips have the potential of becoming the method of choice in securing the appendix base during LAPPE.

Anus perinei ventralis in adulthood - case report.

Anorectal malformations present a type of the most serious congenital malformations, either in terms of treatment or treatment outcomes. Anorectal atresia can be subdivided into three categories: the supralevator form, the intermediate type of atresia and the low translevator type. One of the clinical forms of low translevator type in girls is a perineal fistula opening just behind the vaginal entrance on the perineum, with a fully developed sphincter complex dorsally from the fistula (so called anus perinei ventralis). The golden standard of surgical treatment of anus perinei ventralis in children is Peñas procedure, which was used as a guideline for anorectal reconstruction in our adult patient, as well.

Harmonic scalpel versus traditional ligation in axillary dissection for breast cancer: a retrospective multivariate analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this pilot retrospective study is to evaluate the complication rate in patients after axillary dissection comparing preparation with harmonic scalpel vs traditional ligation technique, and to analyse risk factors for complications occurrence. METHODS: 144 patients with 148 axillary dissections operated in a single centre between January 2014 and 2019 were included into the study. Axillary dissection was performed using harmonic scalpel in 73 and absorbable ligations in 70 cases. RESULTS: Seroma formation was observed in 41 patients (56.2%) in the harmonic scalpel group and in 21 patients (30.0%) in the ligations group (p=0.003). The mean period from the surgery to drain removal was 4.0 days in the harmonic scalpel group and 3.0 days in the ligations group (p<0.001). The mean amount of the drained fluid after mastectomy was 300.9 ml in the harmonic scalpel group and 168.7 ml in the ligations group (p=0.005); after breast conserving surgery, it was 241.9 ml and 107.4 ml, respectively (p =0.023). CONCLUSION: In comparison with traditional ligations with absorbable material, axillary dissection using harmonic scalpel significantly increases the risk of postoperative seroma formation, prolongs the time from the surgery to drain removal, and increases the amount of drained fluid.

Comparison of surgical intervention to Cyberknife® radiotherapy in the treatment of liver malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical resection is the method of choice in treating liver malignancies. In patients who are not suitable for radical surgical treatment, the radiotherapeutic system Cyberknife® is a viable treatment option. The aim of this study is to compare short- and long-term results of both treatment methods. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed, focused on patients undergoing treatment of liver malignancies either by surgical resection or by the Cyberknife® system from 2013 to 2016. Only patients treated using a single treatment method were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 260 patients were analysed; 142 were treated by performing surgical resection and the remaining 118 using Cyberknife® radiotherapy. Median survival was 30.65 months for the surgical resection and 22.93 for the Cyberknife® therapy; median overall survival was 27.63 months. Three-year cumulative survival was 47.4% for the resection and 19.9% for radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in disease-specific survival between both groups (p=0.082, CI 95%). Results limited only to colorectal liver metastases showed a statistically significant difference in disease-specific survival (p=0.031, CI 95%). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show statistically indifferent overall disease-specific survival of both groups. However, the significant difference in 3-year survival still indicates a predominant position of surgery in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with liver malignancies. Nevertheless, Cyberknife® radiotherapy may actually represent a viable treatment alternative, particularly in patients unable to undergo surgical resection, although a longer follow-up period is necessary to obtain more robust results.

An alternative method of surgical treatment in refractory GERD following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Obesity has become a global problem with increasing prevalence. Undoubtedly, bariatric surgery is the most effective way to treat morbid obesity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. The prevalence of gastroesopha-geal reflux disease (GERD) is also increasing, a close association with increasing prevalence of obesity being regarded as the main cause of this trend. The relationship between LSG and GERD is still unclear, at least controversial. If GERD occurs in the postoperative period, the first therapeutic intervention is initiation of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment, which is effective in the vast majority of patients. In patients resistant to this treatment, conversion to laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is usually necessary. The authors present the case report of a patient who developed GERD in the longer postoperative period and conversion to LRYGB was not appropriate due to previous complications and surgical procedures. Therefore, this patient was managed operatively by an alternative method - hiatoplasty with partial posterior fundoplication. The success of the treatment was confirmed clinically by disappearance of GERD symptomatology postoperatively even after PPI discontinuation. LRYGB is the method of choice for GERD after restrictive bariatric procedures. However, some patients are not suitable for conversion to LRYGB, and alternative treatment options are therefore needed.

Treatment strategies for patients with colorectal carcinomaand synchronous liver metastases.

Multimodal approach in the management of patients with colorectal carcinoma and synchronous liver metastases allows for the application of various combinations of treatment modalities (colorectal resection, liver resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). The primary-first approach and simultaneous resection represent traditional strategies used because the primary tumor is thought to be the main source of subsequent metastases as well as the source of symptoms associated with local tumor progression (obstruction, perforation, colorectal bleeding). Poor long-term outcomes of traditional strategies have led to the proposal of reverse strategies (the liver-first approach and up-front hepatectomy approach). The idea behind reverse strategies is to give preference to liver resection over colorectal resection (prognosis of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer is determined mainly by the curability of liver metastases). According to available literature, reverse strategies are suitable mainly for patients with asymptomatic primary tumor. Treatment strategy for each patient should be individualized depending on the patients performance status, comorbidities, and tumor stage. In this paper, the authors offer an up-to-date review of treatment strategies for patients with colorectal carcinoma and synchronous liver metastases focusing on available data of evidence-based medicine. Key words: liver first - primary first - colorectal carcinoma - liver metastases - reverse strategies.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patient with situs viscerum inversus totalis and gallbladder empyema - a case report.

The case report presents the successful performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for situs viscerum inversus totalis in a female patient with chronic cholecystitis and cholecystolithiasis and summarizes current knowledge and approaches to this issue. Gallbladder empyema was found perioperatively, which has only been published once in a similar case before. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in situs viscerum inversus totalis is a safe method to remove the gallbladder. Key words: situs viscerum inversus totalis laparoscopic cholecystectomy gallblader empyema.

[Radiotherapy in the treatment of rectal cancer is it time to move on?] / Radioterapie v lécbe karcinomu rekta - cas na zmenu?

Multidisciplinary treatment approach in accordance with current guidelines represents a gold standard of care for patients with rectal cancer. Radical surgical resection is a fundamental and the only curative treatment modality. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (cT3-4N0M0 or anyTN1-2M0) are indicated for neoadjuvant radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. However, there are many controversies regarding neoadjuvant radiotherapy indications in the available literature. Evidence-based medicine data suggest that neoadjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improved local control of the disease, but has no impact on patients survival. Moreover, neoadjuvant radiotherapy is associated with less favorable perioperative outcomes and significantly deteriorates anorectal function of patients after sphincter-preserving rectal resections.Key words: rectal cancer - radiotherapy - postoperative morbidity - survival - functional outcome.

Advancement in liver laparoscopic resection - development of a new surgical device.

Liver resection is the standard treatment for any liver lesion. Laparoscopic liver resection is associated with lower intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than open resection. Access to the posterior part of the right liver lobe is very uncomfortable and difficult for surgeons due the anatomic position, especially when employing laparoscopic surgery. Based on these experiences, a new laparoscopic device was developed that is capable of bending its long axis and allowing the application of radiofrequency energy in areas that were not technically accessible. The device is equipped with four telescopic needle electrodes that cause tissue coagulation after the delivery of radiofrequency energy. Ex vivo testing was performed in 2012 and 2014 at the University Hospital, Ostrava, on a porcine liver tissue. The main goal of this testing was to verify if the newly proposed electrode layout was suitable for sufficient tissue coagulation and creating a safety zone around lesions. During the ex vivo testing, the material of needle electrodes was improved to achieve the lowest possibility of adhesion. The power supply was adjusted from 20 to 120 W and the ablation time, which varied from 10 to 110 s, was monitored. Subsequently, optimal power delivery and time for coagulation was determined. This experimental study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the newly developed device. Based on the ex vivo testing, LARA-K1 can create a safety zone of coagulation. For further assessment of the new device, an in vivo study should be performed.

Advancement in liver laparoscopic resection - development of a new surgical device

Liver resection is the standard treatment for any liver lesion. Laparoscopic liver resection is associated with lower intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than open resection. Access to the posterior part of the right liver lobe is very uncomfortable and difficult for surgeons due the anatomic position, especially when employing laparoscopic surgery. Based on these experiences, a new laparoscopic device was developed that is capable of bending its long axis and allowing the application of radiofrequency energy in areas that were not technically accessible. The device is equipped with four telescopic needle electrodes that cause tissue coagulation after the delivery of radiofrequency energy. Ex vivo testing was performed in 2012 and 2014 at the University Hospital, Ostrava, on a porcine liver tissue. The main goal of this testing was to verify if the newly proposed electrode layout was suitable for sufficient tissue coagulation and creating a safety zone around lesions. During the ex vivo testing, the material of needle electrodes was improved to achieve the lowest possibility of adhesion. The power supply was adjusted from 20 to 120 W and the ablation time, which varied from 10 to 110 s, was monitored. Subsequently, optimal power delivery and time for coagulation was determined. This experimental study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the newly developed device. Based on the ex vivo testing, LARA-K1 can create a safety zone of coagulation. For further assessment of the new device, an in vivo study should be performed.