Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal metastases of solid tumors.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with history of cancer adrenal metastases can be found in up to 70% of adrenal tumors detected during follow-up. Currently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is considered the gold standard approach for benign adrenal tumors but is still controversial in malignant disease. Depending on the patient's oncological status, adrenalectomy might be a possible treatment option. Our objective was to analyze the results of LA for adrenal metastasis from solid tumors in two referral centers. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 17 patients with non-primary adrenal malignancy treated with LA between 2007 and 2019 was performed. Demographic and primary tumor data, type of metastasis, morbidity, disease recurrence and evolution were evaluated. Patients were compared according to type of metastases: synchronous (< 6 months) vs metachronous (≥ 6 months). RESULTS: 17 patients were included. Median metastatic adrenal tumor size was 4 cm (IQR, 3-5.4). We had one conversion to open surgery. Recurrence was found in 6 patients with one recurring in the adrenal bed. The median OS was 24 (IQR, 10.5-60.5) months and 5-year OS was 61.4% (95%CI: 36.7%-81.4%). Patients with metachronous metastases had better overall survival vs. patients with synchronous metastases (87% vs. 14%, p = 0.0037). CONCLUSION: LA for adrenal metastases is a procedure associated with low morbidity and acceptable oncologic outcomes. Based on our results, seems reasonable to offer this procedure to carefully selected patients, mainly those with metachronous presentation. Indication of LA must be done on a case by case evaluation in the context of a multidisciplinary tumor board.

Surgical Management of Early Esophageal Cancer.

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, and its incidence has been increasing over the past several decades. Esophagectomy currently is the standard of care for more advanced early esophageal cancer and should be performed at centers of excellence with high volumes, appropriate supportive staff, and multidisciplinary expertise.

Laparoscopic treatment (reTAPP) for recurrence after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: For inguinal hernia recurrences, the European Hernia Society guidelines recommend laparo-endoscopic repair (LR) following a previous open surgery (OS) and, conversely, OS following previous laparo-endoscopic repair. Laparoscopic treatment of recurrences after previous LR is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and reliability of a repeated transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic repair (reTAPP) for a recurrent hernia. METHODS: We analyzed and compared a series of patients with recurrent inguinal hernia after LR who underwent repair by a conventional approach with similar patients who underwent reTAPP between January 2010 and December 2018. RESULTS: Between January 2010 and December 2018, 2488 transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia (TAPP) repairs were performed. Recurrence was observed in 46 (1.8%). Of these patients, 18 (39%; Group 1; G1) underwent conventional open repair (Lichtenstein technique) and 28 (61%; Group 2; G2) reTAPP. In G2, repair was successful in 24 patients (86%); however, four cases (14%) needed conversion to OS because of technical difficulties. Two patients re-recurred (4.3%), one in G1 which was resolved in a third approach with a reTAPP and the other in G2 which was resolved with OS. CONCLUSION: ReTAPP surgery for recurrences after previous TAPP repair proved to be safe and was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay and morbidity and recurrence rates comparable to OS at a highly specialized center. Randomized studies with a larger number of cases are necessary to confirm these findings and draw more robust and objective conclusions.

Isolated gallbladder metastasis of melanoma: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Although metastatic melanoma is most frequently found in liver, lungs, and brain, most metastases found in the gallbladder are from melanoma. Here, we present a case of isolated metastatic melanoma found during cholecystectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: 74-year-old male with a personal history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and arrhythmia. A skin lesion was found on the right malar region. An excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological examination showed an ulcerated nodular-type malignant melanoma, Breslow 7.6 mm, Clark IV. Surgical excision with margins of 2 cm and sentinel lymph-node biopsy was carried and were negative. Abdominal sonography at 6 months showed an 18 mm solid mass adhered to the wall of the gallbladder that was suggestive of a polyp. Thorax-abdomen-pelvis CT showed no abnormalities. The gallbladder lesion had increased in volume on the following sonography and therefore, cholecystectomy was performed. Histopathological study revealed melanoma infiltrating the mucosa and muscular layer. Written informed consent was previously obtained, and Institutional Review Board approval was not needed. DISCUSSION: Isolated metastatic melanoma in the gallbladder is uncommon. Follow-up controls with images are important in the diagnosis. As most metastatic melanoma to the gallbladder are asymptomatic, surgeons should have high level of suspicion. Cholecystectomy could prolong survival in these patients. CONCLUSION: Isolated gallbladder metastasis of melanoma is an uncommon presentation of this disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an adequate procedure in this particular situation and may improve patient survival. The presentation of this case may help surgeons to maintain a high level of suspicion regarding the condition.

Laparoscopic treatment of a pericaecal internal hernia.

We present the case of a pericaecal hernia treated successfully with a laparoscopic approach and full recovery after surgery. A 53-year-old female patient with a personal history of depression, osteoporosis and irritable bowel syndrome consulted to the emergency department for abdominal pain and distension in the last 12 h, associated with one episode of vomit and diminished frequency in the passage of stools. The right abdomen was tender to palpation, and blood work revealed no leucocytosis. A computed tomography scan showed small bowel loops distended and displaced to the right parietocolic recess, lateral to the ascending colon. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed confirming the presence of small bowel loops incarcerated in the paracaecal fossa. These ones were reduced with gentle manoeuvres, and the peritoneal folds incised to prevent recurrence. The patient was started on an oral diet 2 days after surgery and discharged home on the 3rd post-operative day.

Esophageal perforation after transesophageal echocardiography: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal perforation is a rare and severe complication following transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) that carries high morbidity and mortality rates. Management of these perforations usually requires complex open surgeries. We present the case of an esophageal perforation following TEE treated with a combined approach of upper endoscopy and left cervicotomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 80 y/o male patient underwent a diagnostic TEE for mitral regurgitation. After discharge patient consulted back on the same day to the Emergency Department and a perforation of the cervical esophagus was diagnosed associated to an air-fluid collection in the mediastinum. The patient was treated with endoscopic closure of the perforation and left cervicotomy for mediastinal drainage. Patient was discharged home on POD 31 after full recovery. A written consent was previously obtained, and Institutional Review Board approval was not needed. DISCUSSION: Although not frequently seen, complications following TEE can be devastating if not diagnosed and treated early. Endoscopic closure of an esophageal perforation is a safe and feasible option with the already known advantages of a minimally invasive approach. Surgeons should have high suspicion if a patient present with characteristic symptoms after an uneventful procedure. CONCLUSION: Esophageal perforation is a very rare complication of TEE. High suspicion is mandatory to reach prompt diagnosis and install effective treatment. Primary closure of the perforation is the treatment of choice, and the endoscopic approach is a safe and feasible option in high volume centers.

Totally endoscopic inguinal hernia repair: A new approach.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approach is used to repair as many defects of the abdominal wall as possible with the same approach, with the advantages implied by this way to perform surgery. Nowadays, efforts are made to create a minimally invasive approach to cope with the necessity to repair different defects of the abdominal wall at the same time. METHODS: A minimally invasive approach, with long standing endoscopic and laparoscopic principles on a well stablished inguinal hernia repair technique (Lichtenstein), is used to create a new approach to restore a unilateral inguinal hernia with the possibility to perform an adjunctive approach to solve other defects of the abdominal wall, in this case midline incisional hernia. A written consent was previously obtained, and Institutional Review Board approval was not needed. RESULTS: We performed an endoscopic repair of a right inguinal hernia, and a laparoscopic approach using the same surgical site to repair a midline incisional hernia. Patient was discharged at 36 hs post-procedure. Sixth month later the patient does not have evidence of a recurrence of either defect. CONCLUSION: This new approach has proved to be feasible, giving the advantages of a minimally invasive approach, but more experience and time are needed before getting objective and real conclusions.