[Gastric cancer]. / Magenkarzinom.

Gastric cancers are relativ commonly cancer types. The therapy options have changed in the last years as well in the surgery as in the oncology, it is worth to look at the etiology, diagnosis and therapy.

The GAMMA concept (gastrointestinal activity manipulation to modulate appetite) preliminary proofs of the concept of local vibrational gastric mechanical stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical stimulation of the stretch receptors of the gastric wall can simulate the presence of indigested food leading to reduced food intake. We report the preliminary experimental results of an innovative concept of localized mechanical gastric stimulation. METHODS: In a first survival study, a biocompatible bulking agent was injected either in the greater curvature (n = 8) or in the cardia wall (n = 8) of Wistar rats. Six animals served as sham. Changes of bulking volume, leptin levels and weight gain were monitored for 3 months. In a second acute study, a micro-motor (n = 10; MM) or a size-paired inactive device (n = 10; ID) where applied on the cardia, while 10 additional rats served as sham. Serum ghrelin and leptin were measured at baseline and every hour (T0-T1-T2-T3), during 3 h. In a third study, 24 implants of various shapes and sizes were introduced into the gastric subserosa of 6 Yucatan pigs. Monthly CT scans and gastroscopies were done for 6 months. RESULTS: Weight gain in the CW group was significant lower after 2 weeks and 3 months when compared to the shame and GC (p = 0.01/p = 0.01 and p = 0.048/p = 0.038 respectively). Significant lower increase of leptin production occurred at 2 weeks (p = 0.01) and 3 months (p = 0.008) in CW vs. SG. In the MM group significant reduction of the serum ghrelin was seen after 3 h. Leptin was significantly increased in both MM and ID groups after 3 h, while it was significantly reduced in sham rats. The global device retention was 43.5%. Devices with lower profile and with a biocompatible coating remained more likely in place without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric mechanical stimulation induced a reduced weight gain and hormonal changes. Low profile and coated devices inserted within the gastric wall are more likely to be integrated.

Gastrointestinal Hormones Manipulation to Counteract Metabolic Syndrome Using Duodenal Targeted Embolization.

PURPOSE: Targeted embolization of gastrointestinal (GI) arteries can modify hormonal production. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the embolization of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) on the activity of foregut mucosa. METHODS: The GDA's duodenal branch was embolized in 12 Yucatan pigs using 100-300 µm (group A; n = 4) or 300-500 µm (group B; n = 4) microspheres, followed by coiling of the branch. In 4 animals (sham), only saline was injected. The levels of GI hormones (ghrelin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide [GIP], glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1], insulin, peptide YY [PYY], leptin) and the gene expression of sodium-glucose-linked transporter-1 (SGLT-1) and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) were assessed before (T0), 1 hour (T1), 1 month (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) after embolization. RESULTS: In group A, a segmental duodenal stenosis occurred in all cases, which required balloon dilatation. There was a significant drop in the baseline glycemia in group A at T1 and T4 versus sham. Ghrelin was reduced in group A versus baseline and versus group B at T2 and T3 and versus sham at T1 and T3. Insulin was significantly lower in group A versus B at T1 and at T4 but not versus sham. SGLT-1 expression increased in B and sham at T4, while it remained stable in group A. GLUT-2 expression increased in sham at T4 but not in A or B. CONCLUSIONS: GDA embolization induced a decrease in ghrelin production and influenced expression of glucose carriers in the foregut mucosa.

Impact of valve-less vs. standard insufflation on pneumoperitoneum volume, inflammation, and peritoneal physiology in a laparoscopic sigmoid resection experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Standard insufflators compensate for intra-abdominal pressure variations with pressure spikes. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a stable, low-pressure pneumoperitoneum induced by a valve-less insufflator, on working space, hemodynamics, inflammation, and peritoneal physiology, in a model of laparoscopic sigmoid resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pigs (47 ± 3.3 kg) were equipped for invasive hemodynamic monitoring and randomly assigned to Standard (n = 6) vs. valve-less (n = 6) insufflation. Animals were positioned in a 30° Trendelenburg on a CT scan bed. A low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg) was started and duration was set for 180 min. Abdominal CT scans were performed, under neuromuscular blockade, before, immediately after, and 1 and 3 h after insufflation. Pneumoperitoneum volumes were calculated on 3D reconstructed CT scans. After creation of a mesenteric window, capillary blood was obtained by puncturing the sigmoid serosa and local lactatemia (mmol/L) was measured using a handheld analyzer. Surgical resection was performed according to the level of lactates, in order to standardize bowel stump perfusion. IL-1 and IL-6 (ng/mL) were measured repeatedly. The peritoneum was sampled close to the surgical site and distantly for the oxygraphic assessment of mitochondrial respiration. A pathologist applied a semi-quantitative score to evaluate the anastomosis. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure, pulse, body temperature, oximetry, systemic lactatemia, and local lactates were similar. IL-6 was lower in the valve-less group, reaching a statistically significant difference after 3 h of insufflation (64.85 ± 32.5 vs. 133.95 ± 59.73; p = 0.038) and 48 h (77.53 ± 68.4 vs. 190.74 ± 140.79; p = 0.029). Peritoneal mitochondrial respiration was significantly increased after the survival period, with no difference among the groups. The anastomoses in the valve-less group demonstrated a lower acute (p = 0.04) inflammatory infiltration. The mean anterior posterior thickness was slightly, yet significantly higher in the valve-less group, on all post-insufflation CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Valve-less insufflation achieved a slightly higher working space and a lower systemic and localized inflammatory response in this experimental setting.

A Novel Telemanipulated Robotic Assistant for Surgical Endoscopy: Preclinical Application to ESD.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive surgical interventions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), are very difficult for surgeons when performed with standard flexible endoscopes. Robotic flexible systems have been identified as a solution to improve manipulation. However, only a few such systems have been brought to preclinical trials as of now. As a result, novel robotic tools are required. METHODS: We developed a telemanipulated robotic device, called STRAS, which aims to assist surgeons during intraluminal surgical endoscopy. This is a modular system, based on a flexible endoscope and flexible instruments, which provides 10 degrees of freedom (DoFs). The modularity allows the user to easily set up the robot and to navigate toward the operating area. The robot can then be teleoperated using master interfaces specifically designed to intuitively control all available DoFs. STRAS capabilities have been tested in laboratory conditions and during preclinical experiments. RESULTS: We report 12 colorectal ESDs performed in pigs, in which large lesions were successfully removed. Dissection speeds are compared with those obtained in similar conditions with the manual Anubiscope platform from Karl Storz. We show significant improvements ( ). CONCLUSION: These experiments show that STRAS (v2) provides sufficient DoFs, workspace, and force to perform ESD, that it allows a single surgeon to perform all the surgical tasks and those performances are improved with respect to manual systems. SIGNIFICANCE: The concepts developed for STRAS are validated and could bring new tools for surgeons to improve comfort, ease, and performances for intraluminal surgical endoscopy.

Endoluminal surgical triangulation 2.0: A new flexible surgical robot. Preliminary pre-clinical results with colonic submucosal dissection.

BACKGROUND: Complex intraluminal surgical interventions of the gastrointestinal tract are challenging due to the limitation of existing instruments. Our group has developed a master-slave robotic flexible endoscopic platform that provides instrument triangulation in an endoluminal environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Colonic endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD) were carried out in eight pigs. The robot was introduced transanally. A combination of adapted tele-operated instruments was used. Specimens were inspected and measured. RESULTS: Out of 18 ESDs in total, 12 were successfully completed. Among the completed procedures, two perforations and one system failure occurred and were managed intraoperatively. There was no major bleeding. Mean size of the removed specimens was 18.2 ± 9.8 cm2 and mean total procedure time was 73 ± 35.5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental colorectal ESDs using the flexible surgical robot were feasible and reflected a short learning curve. After some technical improvements the system might allow for a wider adoption of complex endoluminal surgical procedures.

Superselective intra-arterial hepatic injection of indocyanine green (ICG) for fluorescence image-guided segmental positive staining: experimental proof of the concept.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative liver segmentation can be obtained by means of percutaneous intra-portal injection of a fluorophore and illumination with a near-infrared light source. However, the percutaneous approach is challenging in the minimally invasive setting. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of fluorescence liver segmentation by superselective intra-hepatic arterial injection of indocyanine green (ICG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pigs (mean weight: 26.01 ± 5.21 kg) were involved. Procedures were performed in a hybrid experimental operative suite equipped with the Artis Zeego®, multiaxis robotic angiography system. A pneumoperitoneum was established and four laparoscopic ports were introduced. The celiac trunk was catheterized, and a microcatheter was advanced into different segmental hepatic artery branches. A near-infrared laparoscope (D-Light P, Karl Storz) was used to detect the fluorescent signal. To assess the correspondence between arterial-based fluorescence demarcation and liver volume, metallic markers were placed along the fluorescent border, followed by a 3D CT-scanning, after injecting intra-arterial radiological contrast (n = 3). To assess the correspondence between arterial and portal supplies, percutaneous intra-portal angiography and intra-arterial angiography were performed simultaneously (n = 1). RESULTS: Bright fluorescence signal enhancing the demarcation of target segments was obtained from 0.1 mg/mL, in matter of seconds. Correspondence between the volume of hepatic segments and arterial territories was confirmed by CT angiography. Higher background fluorescence noise was found after positive staining by intra-portal ICG injection, due to parenchymal accumulation and porto-systemic shunting. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-hepatic arterial ICG injection, rapidly highlights hepatic target segment borders, with a better signal-to-background ratio as compared to portal vein injection, in the experimental setting.

A Newly Designed Enterocutaneous Esophageal Fistula Model in the Pig.

Background Fistulas after esophagectomy are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Several endoscopic treatments have been attempted, with varying success. An experimental model that could validate new approaches such as cellular therapies is highly desirable. The aim of this study was to create a chronic esophageal enterocutaneous fistula model in order to study future experimental treatment options. Methods Eight pigs (six 35-kg young German and two 50-kg adult Yucatan pigs) were used. Through a left and right cervicotomy, under endoscopic view, 1 (group A, n = 6) or 2 (group B, n = 7) plastic catheters were introduced into the esophagus 30 cm from the dental arches bilaterally and left in place for 1 month. Radiologic and endoscopic fistula tract evaluations were performed at postoperative day (POD; 30) and at sacrifice (POD 45). Results Three fistulas were excluded from the study because of early (POD 5) dislodgment of the catheter, with complete fistula closure. At catheter removal (POD 30), the external orifice was larger in group B (5.2 ± 1.1 mm vs 2.6 ± 0.4 mm) with more severe inflammation (72% vs 33%). At POD 45, the external orifice was closed in all fistulas in group A and in 1/7 in group B. At necropsy, the fistula tract was still present in all animals. Yucatan pigs showed more complex tracts, with a high level of necrosis and substantial fibrotic infiltration. Conclusions In this article, we show a reproducible, safe, and effective technique to create an esophagocutaneous fistula model in a large experimental animal.

Near-infrared cholecysto-cholangiography with indocyanine green may secure cholecystectomy in difficult clinical situations: proof of the concept in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Biliary injuries remain a major concern in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. New intraoperative guidance modalities, including near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography, are under evaluation. Initial results showed limitations in visualizing the biliary tree in specific clinical situations. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and potentiality of fluorescence cholecysto-cholangiography performed with a direct injection of indocyanine green (ICG) in the gallbladder and to compare it to systemic injection in such situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven pigs were included in this non-survival study. In two pigs, the gallbladder was punctured by a percutaneous needle, and 1 mL of ICG in different concentrations (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL) was sequentially injected. Visibility and pattern of the fluorescent signal around Calot's triangle were examined and compared with those of two control pigs receiving 2.5 mg of intravenous ICG, 30 min prior to the operation. Different scenarios of cholecystitis were modeled using an injection of a mixture of blood and agarose gel around Calot's triangle area in the remaining three pigs, and the applicability of direct intragallbladder injection methods was evaluated. RESULTS: The fluorescent signal was identified immediately after intragallbladder injection, and the cystic duct became visible by 0.1 and 1 mg/mL of ICG. The whole cystic duct and the infundibulum of the gallbladder were clearly enhanced by intragallbladder ICG injection, but not by systemic injection. In the cholecystitis models, the cystic duct could be identified only after partial dissection, and fluorescence visualization of the gallbladder infundibulum provided crucial information to find the correct starting point of dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence cholecysto-cholangiography through direct intragallbladder ICG injection could rapidly provide an adequate visualization of gallbladder neck and cystic duct and might be a valid option to increase the safety of cholecystectomy in case of cholecystitis.

Confocal Imaging and Tissue-Specific Fluorescent Probes for Real-Time In Vivo Immunohistochemistry. Proof of the Concept in a Gastric Lymph Node Metastasis Model.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-specific fluorescent antibodies, which can be recognized at a cellular or tissue level using optical imaging such as confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), could provide a means for rapid and accurate tumor diagnosis and staging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of CLE to detect the presence of tagged cells within lymph nodes in an original simulated metastatic model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A solution of indocyanine green containing a suspension of porcine hepatocytes, marked with carboxy-fluorescein-succinimidyl-ester (CFSE), was injected endoscopically in the gastric submucosa of 10 pigs. Fluorescence lymphography using a near-infrared laparoscope was used to identify sentinel and secondary drainage nodes. Additionally, a nonfluorescent gastric and a mesenteric node were identified. Every 5-10 min, those nodes were scanned using probe-based or needle-based CLE (pCLE or nCLE). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using anti-cytokeratin 18 antibodies was subsequently performed to confirm the presence of hepatocytes in the lymph nodes. RESULTS: A total of 36 lymph nodes were analyzed with both CLE probes. Hepatocyte penetration in lymph nodes, as assessed by repeated CLE scanning, took 10-40 min after submucosal injection. Concordance between CLE and IHC was 84 and 72 % for pCLE and nCLE, respectively. False negatives were partly due to incomplete CFSE labeling of hepatocytes, which could not be recognized by CLE, but were detected with IHC. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time CLE analysis effectively recognized the presence in perigastric nodes of marked hepatic cells that had been injected endoscopically in the stomach. Validation studies on tumor-bearing animals using tumor-specific antibodies should be performed.

Novel laparoscopic narrow band imaging for real-time detection of bile leak during hepatectomy: proof of the concept in a porcine model.

INTRODUCTION: Bile leakage is a serious complication occurring in up to 10 % of hepatic resections. Intraoperative detection of bile leakage is challenging, and concomitant blood oozing can mask the presence of bile. Intraductal dye injection [methylene blue or indocyanine green (ICG)] is a validated technique to detect bile leakage. However, this method is time-consuming, particularly in the laparoscopic setting. A novel narrow band imaging (NBI) modality (SPECTRA-A; Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) allows easy discrimination of the presence of bile, which appears in clear orange, by image processing. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate SPECTRA-A ability to detect bile leakage. METHODS: Twelve laparoscopic partial hepatectomies were performed in seven pigs. The common bile duct was clipped distally and dissected, and a catheter was inserted and secured with a suture or a clip. Liver dissection was achieved with an ultrasonic cutting device. Dissection surfaces were checked by frequently switching on the SPECTRA filter to identify the presence of bile leakage. Intraductal ICG injection through the catheter was performed to confirm SPECTRA findings. RESULTS: Three active bile leakages were obtained out of 12 hepatectomies and successfully detected intraoperatively by the SPECTRA. There was complete concordance between NBI and ICG fluorescence detection. No active leaks were found in the remaining cases with both techniques. The leaking area identified was sutured, and SPECTRA was used to assess the success of the repair. CONCLUSIONS: The SPECTRA laparoscopic image processing system allows for rapid detection of bile leaks following hepatectomy without any contrast injection.

Real-time fluorescence angiography by intra-arterial indocyanine green injection to identify obscure gastrointestinal bleeding territory: proof of concept in the porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Despite intensive preoperative localization workouts, intraoperative localization of the bleeding source in case of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of image-guided laparoscopic identification of the small bowel loop containing the bleeding source with and without near-infrared angiographic enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Angiography of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branches was performed in 11 pigs using a right femoral artery approach, followed by a three-port laparoscopy, using a near-infrared-equipped laparoscope. Two pigs were used to identify the optimal intra-arterial indocyanine green (ICG) dose. Eight pigs were divided into two groups: ICG near-infrared angiography-assisted laparoscopy (n = 4) and fluoroscopic-assisted laparoscopy (n = 4). Finally, in one pig, a novel OGIB model was created and used to evaluate the ICG enhancement pattern in the presence of active bleeding. RESULTS: Mean time to identify the fluorescence signal from the small bowel segment fed by the catheterized SMA branch was 13.75 ± 7.8 s, which was statistically significantly shorter than the time required to identify the tip of the catheter by fluoroscopic guidance, i.e., 243.25 ± 107 s (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Near-infrared fluorescence angiography using intra-arterial ICG injection provides a fast image-guided intraoperative localization of the small bowel loop fed by the arterial territory identified as bleeding by digital subtraction angiography and could help target the bleeding source during OGIB surgery.

Novel method for hybrid endo-laparoscopic full-thickness gastric resection using laparoscopic transgastric suture passer device.

BACKGROUND: Current surgical methods for partial gastric full-thickness resections (FTRs) are limited by long operative times and risk of gastric content spillage, especially for lesions located at the posterior wall. We propose a simplified hybrid approach to FTR with reduced risk of spillage. METHODS: Resection margins were marked by endoscopic electrocautery to simulate a gastric lesion in the upper third of the posterior wall in eight pigs. A custom-made laparoscopic "suture passer" was made of a sharpened bendable dissecting forceps. Full-thickness sutures were alternatively passed from the serosa side with the suture passer through the gastric wall and grabbed endoluminally using an endoscopic grasper and vice versa. These transgastric sutures formed either a purse string (PS; n = 4) or a continuous horizontal mattress (HM; n = 4). Sutures were then fastened from the laparoscopic side, resulting in external outpouching of the lesion. The pouch was transected using 45-mm linear staplers. Operative time, resection margins, and number of staplers were evaluated. RESULTS: The combined approach allowed one to precisely place the sutures around the pseudo lesions, despite the inflated stomach, and it included all target markings. PS and HM methods were similar regarding time for transgastric suture (780 s ± 219.1 s vs. 765 s ± 179.2 s, p = .885), resection margins (1.3 ± 1.0 cm vs. 0.8 ± 0.6 cm, p = .248), and number of staplers (3.8 ± 1.0 vs 3.3 ± 0.5, p = .405). Stapling time (600 s ± 189.7 s vs. 330 s ± 24.5 s, p = .028) was significantly shorter in the HM technique. CONCLUSION: FTR with laparo-endoscopic transgastric suture application was feasible in the animal model. This technique allows one to achieve accurate resection margins with minimal risk of spillage.

Improving Echo-Guided Procedures Using an Ultrasound-CT Image Fusion System.

INTRODUCTION: Image fusion between ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance can increase operator accuracy in targeting liver lesions, particularly when those are undetectable with US alone. We have developed a modular gel to simulate hepatic solid lesions for educational purposes in imaging and minimally invasive ablation techniques. We aimed to assess the impact of image fusion in targeting artificial hepatic lesions during the hands-on part of 2 courses (basic and advanced) in hepatobiliary surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under US guidance, 10 fake tumors of various sizes were created in the livers of 2 pigs, by percutaneous injection of a biocompatible gel engineered to be hyperdense on CT scanning and barely detectable on US. A CT scan was obtained and a CT-US image fusion was performed using the ACUSON S3000 US system (Siemens Healthcare, Germany). A total of 12 blinded course attendants, were asked in turn to perform a 10-minute liver scan with US alone followed by a 10-minute scan using image fusion. RESULTS: Using US alone, the expert managed to identify all lesions successfully. The true positive rate for course attendants with US alone was 14/36 and 2/24 in the advanced and basic courses, respectively. The total number of false positives identified was 26. With image fusion, the rate of true positives significantly increased to 31/36 (P < .001) in the advanced group and 16/24 in the basic group (P < .001). The total number of false positives, considering all participants, decreased to 4 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Image fusion significantly increases accuracy in targeting hepatic lesions and might improve echo-guided procedures.

Esophageal covered stent fixation using an endoscopic over-the-scope clip. Mechanical proof of the concept and first clinical experience.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic suturing reduces stent migration, but is challenging and time-consuming. We compare endoscopic suturing versus anchoring with a novel over-the-scope clip (Padlock) to fix esophageal stents. Additionally, the first clinical case of Padlock stent fixation is reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fully covered esophageal stent was placed in 11 pigs and fixed with one figure-of-eight suture (n = 5) or with a Padlock (n = 4) or not fixed (controls; n = 2). The force required to mobilize the stent was recorded. CLINICAL CASE: an esophageal stent was fixed with a Padlock and endoscopically removed 1 month later, in an 82-year-old patient. RESULTS: Mean force (newton) to mobilize the stent was similar after suturing and Padlock fixation (23.99 ± 14.91 vs. 19.97 ± 7.62; p = 0.32). In controls was 7 and 11 Newtons. Suturing time (seconds) was longer than Padlock application (455.4 ± 144.83 vs. 155 ± 12.9; p = 0.002). CLINICAL CASE: stent fixation was feasible and uncomplicated. Removal was easy, and only mild bleeding occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Padlock is faster than endoscopic suturing and achieves similar stent fixation. The first clinical case confirms the feasibility of the method.

Endoluminal full-thickness suture repair of gastrotomy: a survival study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of perforations and complications related to gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and interventional flexible endoscopy is increasingly performed endoscopically. New devices enabling secure full-thickness GI tract closures through flexible endoscopic platforms have been recently developed. AIM: To assess feasibility of endoscopic closure of a large gastrotomy using a tip-mounted flexible endoscopic suturing device. METHODS: Six pigs were involved in this study. Standardized 3-cm full-thickness gastrotomies were created endoscopically in various areas of the gastric wall, in all animals, using monopolar cautery. A peritoneoscopy was performed through the gastrotomy. In four pigs, gastrotomy was repaired with an endoscopic suturing device (OverStitch™, Apollo Medical). Full-thickness suturing was started at the edges of the incision, and a figure-of-eight pattern was used. A dedicated helical tissue grasper combined with endoscopic suction was used to retract incision borders and ensure full-thickness closure. Sutures were locked using a cinching device. In two pigs, the gastrotomy was closed laparoscopically and served as a control. An air leak test was performed. On postoperative day 10 (POD 10), all pigs underwent endoscopy and laparotomy and were euthanized. RESULTS: Mean endoscopic suturing time was 57.5 ± 14.15 min, and four to six sutures were delivered per incision. Laparoscopic suturing time was 8 min. All leak tests were negative. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. On POD 10, all gastrotomies were healed. In one animal, thick adhesions were found surrounding the suture site but no leak was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Full-thickness suturing of experimental gastrotomies using the OverStitch™ device is feasible and effective.

Gastric supply manipulation to modulate ghrelin production and enhance vascularization to the cardia: proof of the concept in a porcine model.

INTRODUCTION: Selective embolization of the left-gastric artery (LGA) reduces levels of ghrelin and achieves significant short-term weight loss. However, embolization of the LGA would prevent the performance of bariatric procedures because the high-risk leakage area (gastroesophageal junction [GEJ]) would be devascularized. AIM: To assess an alternative vascular approach to the modulation of ghrelin levels and generate a blood flow manipulation, consequently increasing the vascular supply to the GEJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 pigs underwent a laparoscopic clipping of the left gastroepiploic artery. Preoperative and postoperative CT angiographies were performed. Ghrelin levels were assessed perioperatively and then once per week for 3 weeks. Reactive oxygen species (ROS; expressed as ROS/mg of dry weight [DW]), mitochondria respiratory rate, and capillary lactates were assessed before and 1 hour after clipping (T0 and T1) and after 3 weeks of survival (T2), on seromuscular biopsies. A celiac trunk angiography was performed at 3 weeks. RESULTS: Mean (±standard deviation) ghrelin levels were significantly reduced 1 hour after clipping (1902 ± 307.8 pg/mL vs. 1084 ± 680.0; P = .04) and at 3 weeks (954.5 ± 473.2 pg/mL; P = .01). Mean ROS levels were statistically significantly decreased at the cardia at T2 when compared with T0 (0.018 ± 0.006 mg/DW vs. 0.02957 ± 0.0096 mg/DW; P = .01) and T1 (0.0376 ± 0.008 mg/DW; P = .007). Capillary lactates were significantly decreased after 3 weeks, and the mitochondria respiratory rate remained constant over time at the cardia and pylorus, showing significant regional differences. CONCLUSIONS: Manipulation of the gastric flow targeting the gastroepiploic arcade induces ghrelin reduction. An endovascular approach is currently under evaluation.

Flexible endoscopic single-incision extraperitoneal implant and fixation of peritoneal dialysis catheter: proof of concept in the porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters placed in the pelvic space without anchoring present a high rate of migration. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a single-incision approach, using a flexible endoscopic preperitoneal tunneling for catheter implantation and fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pigs were involved in this experimental study. A 2/0 Vicryl loop was sutured at the tip of a PD catheter. In 4 pigs, a 1.5 cm incision was made on the left paramedian line and the parietal peritoneal layer was identified by splitting rectal muscles. A gastroscope was inserted in the incision and advanced in the extraperitoneal space. An exit hole was made in the peritoneum over the low pelvic cavity. A guidewire was left in the abdominal cavity, and the PD catheter was inserted over the guidewire. The endoscope was inserted in the tunnel again, and endoscopic clips were deployed over the Vicryl loop to fix the catheter. In 4 pigs, the PD catheter was inserted laparoscopically using a two-port approach. The catheter's tip was fixed with laparoscopic clips on the Vicryl loop. A strain test to assess the force required to detach clips was performed using a digital dynamometer. RESULTS: Operative time for flexible endoscopic tunneling was longer when compared to the laparoscopic implant (29.5 ± 4.43 vs. 22.7 ± 2.51 min). Mean force to displace the catheter was similar after flexible endoscopic fixation when compared to laparoscopic clip fixation (5.57 N ± 2.76 vs. 4.15 N ± 1.76). CONCLUSIONS: Flexible endoscopic extraperitoneal tunneling allows for minimally invasive single-incision PD catheter placement and fixation.

[Laparoscopic reconstruction in traumatic rupture of the diaphragm]. / Traumás rekeszruptura laparoscopos reconstructiója.

The authors report the case of a 63-year-old patient who was polytraumatized in a motor vehicle accident and suffered multiple traumatic injuries. Chest and pelvic fractures as well as left-sided diaphragmatic rupture with associated omentum herniation were diagnosed on CT scan. None of the injuries required urgent surgical intervention. After 10 days supportive therapy, elective laparoscopic reconstruction of the diaphragmatic hernia was performed. The authors discuss the role of laparoscopic diaphragm reconstruction.