Long-term Functional and Patient-reported Outcomes Between Intra-corporeal Delta-shaped Gastroduodenostomy and Gastrojejunostomy After Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the long-term functional and patient-reported outcomes between intra-corporeal delta-shaped gastroduodenostomy and gastrojejunostomy after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinicopathological data from 616 patients who had undergone laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for stage I gastric cancer between January 2015 and September 2020. Among them, 232 patients who had undergone delta-shaped anastomosis and another 232 who had undergone Billroth II anastomosis were matched using propensity scores. Confounding variables included age, sex, body mass index, physical status classification, tumor location, and T classification. Postoperative complications, nutritional outcomes, endoscopic findings, and quality of life (QoL) were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in postoperative complications or nutritional parameters between the two groups were observed. Annual endoscopic findings revealed more residual food and less bile reflux in the delta group (P<0.001) than in the Billroth II group. Changes of QoL were significantly different regarding emotional function, insomnia, diarrhea, reflux symptoms, and dry mouth (P=0.007, P=0.002, P=0.013, P=0.001, and P=0.03, respectively). Among them, the delta group had worse insomnia, reflux symptoms, and dry mouth within three months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term nutritional outcomes and QoL were comparable between the delta and Billroth II groups. However, more residual food and worse short-term QoL regarding insomnia, reflux symptoms, and dry mouth were observed in the delta group. Longer fasting time before endoscopic evaluation and short-term symptom management would have been helpful for the delta group.

Comparing Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent. The purpose of this study was to compare hospital length of stay and outcomes of robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 58 patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic (n = 16, 27.6%) or conventional laparoscopic (n = 42, 72.4%) hiatal hernia repair. Results: Patient characteristics and comorbidities were similar between groups. The robotic-assisted group had a significantly higher use of fundoplication (81.3% vs. 38.1%; p = 0.007). Complications observed between the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic groups were pneumothorax (6.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 1.000), infection (0% vs. 4.8%; p = 1.000), perforation (0% vs. 2.4%; p = 1.000), bleeding (6.3% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.479), ICU admission (31.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.119), and mechanical ventilation (18.8% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.60). There were no reported complications of dysphagia, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus, myocardial infarction, or death in either group. Hospital length of stay was similar for robotic versus conventional patients (3.0 vs. 2.5 days; p = 0.301). Conclusions: Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia were compared, which demonstrated similar post-operative complication rates and hospital length of stay. The results showed robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair can be performed with similar outcomes.

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure during laparoscopic bariatric surgery: highs and lows.

BACKGROUND: Gastric calibration tubes (GCTs) are a unique component of bariatric surgery. This study aimed to assess changes in the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study consisting of 124 American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-III morbidly obese patients (body mass index > 40 kg/m2 ) undergoing elective laparoscopic bariatric surgery under general anesthesia. The baseline ETT cuff pressure was 28 cmH2O. Cuff pressure, peak airway pressure, and hemodynamic changes were observed during various steps of bariatric surgery. Immediate postoperative complications during the first 24 h were recorded. RESULTS: ETT cuff pressure increased significantly from the baseline (28 cmH2O) after insertion of GCT (36.3 ± 7.3 cmH2O) and creation of carboperitoneum (33.3 ± 3.8 cmH2O). Cuff pressure decreased significantly on GCT removal (24.0 ± 3.0 cmH2O) and release of carboperitoneum (24.7 ± 3.0 cmH2O). Peak airway pressure increased from the initial baseline value of 25.1 ± 3.7 to 26.5 ± 4.5 after GCT insertion, creation of carboperitoneum (32.6 ± 4.4), attainment of reverse Trendelenburg position (32.3 ± 4.0), and subsequent return to supine position 32.5 ± 4.8. CONCLUSIONS: The endotracheal cuff pressure significantly varies during the intraoperative period. Routine monitoring and readjustment of cuff pressure are advisable in all laparoscopic bariatric surgeries to minimize the possibility of postoperative complications.

Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) surgery with rectal eversion and total extra-abdominal resection.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE)surgery is gaining popularity among colorectal surgeons. The technical aspects of this new procedure are still debated and many variations have been presented in the last decade. METHODS: We propose a new variation of transanal NOSE after robotic and laparoscopic LAR consisting of rectal eversion by using a special rod after laparoscopic TME. Eversion makes it possible to perform resection and placement of the anvil extracorporeally. We included a video demonstration of the technique. Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale was calculated 1 month after stoma closure and the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS )score was calculated preoperatively and 1 month after stoma closure. RESULTS: Seven female patients with rectal cancer, all with normal BMI, underwent laparoscopic (n = 5) or robotic (n = 2) TME with rectal eversion. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. One month after stoma closure, the median Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale was 5 (range 3-7), which means "a good deal better". The median LARS score was 14 (IQR 14-19,5) preoperatively and 19 (IQR 19-21,5) 1 month after stoma closure. CONCLUSIONS: This variation of NOSE surgery was safe and effective in our patient population.

[Standard surgery for small renal masses (<4 cm)]. / Standardoperationen bei kleinen Nierentumoren (<4 cm).

BACKGROUND: Several new treatment strategies have emerged in the treatment of small renal masses (<4 cm in diameter). Active surveillance and ablative techniques have been introduced but it remains unclear which patients will benefit the most from these new treatment options. A surgical approach remains standard of care. In recent decades, radical nephrectomy has been replaced by nephron-sparing surgery for the management of small renal masses. RESULTS: In addition to the open partial nephrectomy, which is considered the standard approach, the number of surgeries performed using minimally invasive techniques is increasing. Recent data show that there might be some benefits such as less blood loss. The disadvantages shown by laparoscopic partial nephrectomy such as prolonged warm ischemia, longer operation times, and postoperative renal impairment might be negligible for the robotic approach. Therefore, current guidelines allow these approaches in addition to open partial nephrectomy if sufficient surgical expertise is given.

To explore the clinical effect of tension-free repair in the treatment of inguinal hernia in elderly patient / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of tension-free repair in the treatment of inguinal hernia in elderly patient.Methods A total of 124 elderly patients with inguinal hernia admitted in our hospital in 2016 were randomly divided into a study group(n=62)and a control group (n=62).The control group was treated with open tension-free inguinal hernia repair,whereas with laparoscopic tension-free inguinal hernia repair in the study group.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,the postoperative pain relief-time,mean days of hospitalization,postoperative recurrence rate,and complications rates were compared between the two groups.Results The more significant improvements were found in study group versus control group in the intraoperative bleeding volume [(19.9±2.0)ml vs.(36.8±-2.5)ml,t=41.564,P=0.000],in the mean hours of postoperative pain [(22.1 ± 4.2) h vs.(35.3 ± 7.0) h,t =12.732,P =0.000],in mean days of hospitalization [(5.5 ± 1.0)d vs.(9.2±1.9)d,t=13.569,P=0.000],in incidence rate of postoperative recurrence(0.0％ vs.6.5％,x2 =4.133,P=0.042),and in postoperative complications rate(3.2％ vs.12.9％,x2 =3.916,P=0.048).Nevertheless,the operation time was longer in the study group than in the control group[(87.0±5.0)min vs.(55.5±4.2)min,t=-37.984,=0.000],Conclusions As compared with open tension-free repair,the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic tension-free hernia repair is exactly sure in the treatment of inguinal hernia,with shorter postoperative hospitalization time and lower incidence of complications.

Application of temporary inflow control of the Glissonean pedicle method provides a safe and easy technique for totally laparoscopic hemihepatectomy by Glissonean approach.

The Glissonian approach, due to its simplicity of procedure, is a technical procedure widely used in open hepatectomy. However, it is not easily applicable in the setting of the total laparoscopic approach because of movement restriction. We herein propose a new and simple method of performing hemihepatectomy by Glissonian approach called temporary inflow control of the Glissonian pedicle (TICGL) technique. Dissection of the Glisson pedicle from the liver parenchyma is done until the posterior margin of the pedicle is visualized, and is clamped with bulldog clamps. Encircling the pedicle is not necessary. Resection of the liver parenchyma is performed under inflow control of the resected side liver providing less bleeding. After sufficient resection is done so that the whole Glissonian pedicle structures are visualized, the pedicle is encircled, often very easily without the fear of bleeding from the posterior side of the pedicle, which is a common problem when encircling is done before parenchymal resection. The staplers may then be applied safely without injuring the major hepatic veins since they have been already exposed. Stapling is done while the tape is retracted toward the contralateral side. This retraction prevents injury or stricture of the contralateral Glissonian pedicle branch. The remnant liver parenchyma is resected and hepatectomy finalized. The TICGL technique provides a safe and easy way of performing major hemihepatectomies, not only by expert laparoscopic surgeons but by less experienced surgeons. It can therefore become a standard method of performing hemihepatectomy by Glissonian approach.

Application of temporary inflow control of the Glissonean pedicle method provides a safe and easy technique for totally laparoscopic hemihepatectomy by Glissonean approach

The Glissonian approach, due to its simplicity of procedure, is a technical procedure widely used in open hepatectomy. However, it is not easily applicable in the setting of the total laparoscopic approach because of movement restriction. We herein propose a new and simple method of performing hemihepatectomy by Glissonian approach called temporary inflow control of the Glissonian pedicle (TICGL) technique. Dissection of the Glisson pedicle from the liver parenchyma is done until the posterior margin of the pedicle is visualized, and is clamped with bulldog clamps. Encircling the pedicle is not necessary. Resection of the liver parenchyma is performed under inflow control of the resected side liver providing less bleeding. After sufficient resection is done so that the whole Glissonian pedicle structures are visualized, the pedicle is encircled, often very easily without the fear of bleeding from the posterior side of the pedicle, which is a common problem when encircling is done before parenchymal resection. The staplers may then be applied safely without injuring the major hepatic veins since they have been already exposed. Stapling is done while the tape is retracted toward the contralateral side. This retraction prevents injury or stricture of the contralateral Glissonian pedicle branch. The remnant liver parenchyma is resected and hepatectomy finalized. The TICGL technique provides a safe and easy way of performing major hemihepatectomies, not only by expert laparoscopic surgeons but by less experienced surgeons. It can therefore become a standard method of performing hemihepatectomy by Glissonian approach.

The Impact of High Surgical Volume on Outcomes From Laparoscopic (Totally Extra Peritoneal) Inguinal Hernia Repair.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic hernia repair is characterised by a steep learning curve for the surgeon, and proficiency and outcomes are dependent on experience. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic totally extra peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair outcomes conducted by a single surgeon as experience changed over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair (n=113 hernias) at Kent and Canterbury Hospital by a single laparoscopic surgeon over a four-year period were reviewed for postoperative outcomes. Outcomes were compared with a previous cohort of patients undergoing TEP repair in the preceding three years. RESULTS: One patient experienced chronic postoperative pain, but there were no recurrences, wound infections, haematomas, or conversions compared to three recurrences, three conversions to open operations, one haematoma, and one episode of postoperative pain in the preceding period. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair can be further improved with surgical proficiency and high surgical volumes.

Laparoscopic total colectomy and proctocolectomy for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of Laparoscopic prophylactic treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). METHODS: Perioperative data and surgical outcomes of 11 FAP patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between January 2012 and June 2014 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Results 2: Patients had laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with ileostomy, and 9 patients had laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 36 (range, 21~46). The mean operating time was 330 minutes with a range of 240 to 380 minutes. Blood loss ranged from 90 to 200 ml with a median being 150 ml. The median incision length was 4 (3-5) cm. The bowel function recovered by the third (range from 2~4 day) postoperatively. The follow-up time of these patients were 3~32 months (median 20 months) respectively and no local recurrence or distant metastases were found. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic prophylactic treatment for FAP can be performed safely and effectively with the advantage of minimal invasion by experienced surgeons.

Efficacy of orally disintegrating film of ondansetron versus intravenous ondansetron in prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing elective gynaecological laparoscopic procedures: A prospective randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ondansetron is one of the most widely used drugs for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis. Orally disintegrating film (ODF) formulations are relatively recent innovations. We evaluated the efficacy of ODF of ondansetron for the prophylaxis of PONV. METHODS: One hundred and eighty American Society of Anaesthesiologists-I or II women, in the age group 18-65 years, scheduled for elective gynaecological laparoscopic procedures were studied in a prospective randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients were randomised into four groups: Placebo, intravenous (IV) ondansetron 4 mg, ODF of ondansetron 4 mg (ODF4) and 8 mg (ODF8) groups. PONV was assessed in two epochs of 0-6 and 7-24 h. Primary outcome measure was the incidence of PONV and secondary outcome measures were severity of nausea, need for rescue anti-emetic, analgesic consumption, time to oral intake, overall patient satisfaction and side effects such as headache and dizziness. PONV was compared using analysis of variance or Mann-Whitney U-test as applicable. RESULTS: Data of 173 patients were analysed. The incidence of postoperative nausea was significantly lower (P = 0.04) only during the 0-6 h in the ODF8 group when compared with the placebo group. During the 0-6 h interval postoperatively, the ODF8 group had a significantly lower incidence of vomiting when compared with the placebo (P = 0.002) and the IV group (P = 0.044). During the 0-24 h interval postoperatively, ODF4 (P = 0.01) and ODF8 (P = 0.002) groups had a significantly lower incidence of vomiting compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Orally disintegrating film of ondansetron is an efficacious, novel, convenient and may be a cost-effective option for the prophylaxis of PONV.

Modified laparoscopic intravesical nonrefluxing ureteral reimplantation with psoas hitch using a submucosal tunneling.

We aimed to study the safety and efficacy of the cystoscopy-assisted nonrefluxing ureteral reimplantation technique using submucosal tunneling during laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) with a psoas hitch in patients with distal ureter stricture after gynecologic surgery. We reviewed six female patients who underwent gynecological surgeries. All patients showed persistent postoperative distal ureter stricture or obstruction. These patients underwent laparoscopic nonrefluxing UNC with a psoas hitch using a submucosal tunneling technique combined with cystoscopy at our institute. They had corrective surgery at an average of 13.3 weeks after ureteral injury. The short-term success was confirmed either by voiding cystourethrography (VCU) or by diuretic isotope renal scan (MAG-3) conducted 3 months after the operation. None of the patients showed evidence of postoperative stricture at the reimplanted site and reflux on either MAG-3 renal scan or VCU. None of the patients showed major or minor complications during follow-up. It is safe and feasible to perform the laparoscopic nonrefluxing UNC with a psoas hitch using a submucosal tunneling technique combined with cystoscopy for ureteral stricture.

A novel intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy and esophagogastrostomy following laparoscopic gastrectomy / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of a novel anvil insertion technique in intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy and esophagogastrostomy after laparoscopic total or proximal gastrectomy.Methods A total of 40 patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopy-assisted radical total or proximal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection,followed by esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy using a reverse anvil insertion technique (the observation group,n =22) or traditional open surgery technique (the control group,n =18).Data of the two groups were compared.Results In observation group,laparoscopic total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy were successfully performed in 17 patients,laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and esophagogastrostomy were successfully performed in the 5 patients,and no conversion to open surgery occurred.The mean time of operation was (272.0 ±49.8)min,including (12.9 ±4.3)min for anvil insertion and (48.1 ± 12.8)min for digestive tract reconstruction,which were significantly shorter than those in control group (P ＜ 0.05).The mean time of getting out of bed in observation group was (3.4 ± 0.8) d,the mean time of post-surgical eating was (8.0 ± 2.6) d,and the mean time of hospitalization was (10.8 ±3.3)d,which were all similar with those from the control group (P ＞0.05).Conclusion The reverse anvil insertion technique is a reliable strategy for laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy.

Laparoscopic management of impalpable undescended testes: 20 years' experience.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is the best available method to manage impalpable undescended testes. We performed our first laparoscopic orchiopexy in June 1992 and found good results in consecutive cases with laparoscopic orchiopexy over last 20 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1992 to May 2012, 241 patients with 296 impalpable testes were operated upon by laparoscopic approach. One-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy was performed in 152 cases, while two-stage Fowler - Stephens laparoscopic orchiopexy was performed in 55 cases. Laparoscopic orchiectomy was required in 20, and in 21 patients testes were absent. One-sided laparoscopic orchiopexy was performed in a male pseudo hermaphrodite. RESULTS: None of the testis atrophied after two-stage Fowler - Stephens laparoscopic orchiopexy, while in 152 cases of single-stage orchiopexies one testes atrophied. One patient developed malignant change in the testis, 6 years after orchiopexy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is the best way to diagnose impalpable undescended testes. No other imaging investigation was required. Single-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy for low level undescended testis has very good results. For high-level undescended testis and when one-stage mobilisation is difficult, two-stage Fowler - Stephens orchiopexy has excellent results. Minimum 4 months should separate first and second stage of laparoscopic Fowler - Stephens procedure. Even when open orchiopexy is being done for intra-canalicular testes in a child, it is advisable to be ready with laparoscopy if necessary, at the same time, in case open surgery fails to mobilise the testicular vessels adequately.

The impact of double-balloon enteroscopy on the evolution of detection and surgical treatment for small bowel stromal tumors / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the role of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in the evolution of detection and surgical treatment of small bowel stromal tumors (SBSTs),based on nine years experience.Methods In this retrospective study,193 patients with localized SBSTs were divided into the CT-enterography (CTE) and/or DBE group (n =100) and conventional modalities group (n =93).These patients were further divided into the open surgery group (n =126) and laparoscopy-assisted resection group (n =67).The development of clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment strategies were compared before and after the introduction of DBE.Results The average age and tumor size were significantly smaller in the CTE and/or DBE group than those in the conventional modalities group,respectively (age:50.9 ± 12.1 vs.56.9 ± 11.6 years; tumor size:3.6 ± 1.3 vs.6.1 ± 2.6 cm,P ＜ 0.01).Before the introduction of DBE (from January 2001 to December 2002),all patients underwent conventional modalities,and only 4 cases/year for open surgery.Afterward,from January 2003 to December 2004,84.6％ (11/13) of SBSTs were detected by DBE.From January 2005 to December 2008,50.0％ (23/46) of SBSTs were found by CTE combination with DBE.From January 2009 to December 2011,80.5％ (33/41) of SBSTs were diagnosed by CTE,and the number of patients underwent operation increased up to 25 cases/year,which was nearly 5.3 folds higher than that before the introduction of DBE.Sixty-seven patients were successfully operated by laparoscopy-assisted resection,82.1％ (55/67) of them were detected by CTE ands/or DBE,89.1％ (49/55) of whom had low-or intermediate-risk SBSTs.Conclusion DBE plays an important role in optimizing the algorithm of detection and treatment of SBSTs.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic versus open partial nephrectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To provide Meta-analysis evidence of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) vs open partial nephrectomy (OPN) in assisting clinical decision making.Methods By searching CHKD,PUBMED,Wanfang and VIP database self-built library up to June 30,2012,both Chinese and English literatures of LPN and OPN efficacy in controlled study were included with strict exclusion criteria by two independent screenings of the literature.Data extraction and quality assessment were done by using the RevMan 5.1 META analysis software.Results A total of four English and six Chinese literature were included in this Meta-analysis.There were 1636 cases of partial nephrectomies.Of these patients,794 cases were treated with LPN,842 cases were treated with OPN.Meta analysis results showed that:in terms of operative time (SMD =0.10,95％ CI-O.40-0.59,P =0.70),surgical complication (OR =1.03,95％ CI0.73-1.44,P =0.88),positive surgical margin (OR =1.64,95 ％ CI0.83-3.23,P =0.16),warm ischemia time (SMD =1.07,95％ CI-0.02-2.16,P =0.05),postoperative tumor recurrence (OR =0.58,95％ CI 0.26-1.30,P =0.18),there was no significant difference.But in terms of intraoperative blood loss (SMD=-1.08,95％CI-1.57--0.59,P＜0.01),postoperative hospital stay (SMD=-0.81,95％CI-0.97--0.65,P ＜0.01),the differences were significant in favor of LPN.Conclusion Comparing with OPN,LPN has advantages in intraoperative blood loss and post-operative hospital stay,no obvious advantages in operative time,surgical complications,positive surgical margin,warm ischemia time and tumor recurrence.

Retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in semilateral supine position / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To discuss the semilateral supine position for retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Methods From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2008, 36 patients (20 males and 16 females with mean age of 43 years) underwent retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy in 60° -70° semilateral supine position. There were adrenal cortex adenomas in 18 cases, pheochromocytoma in 6 cases, adrenal cysts in 3 cases, myelolipoma in 2 cases, gangliocytoma in 1 case, lymphangioma in 1 case, metastatic tumor in 1 case and corticohyporplasia in 4 cases. The mean diameter of the tumors was 2.6 cm( 0.5 - 7.7 cm ). The tumors were superior to the renal pole in 5 cases, anteromedial in 10 cases and superomedial in 17 cases. The three ports that were usually used in lateral position and were placed anteriorly to create retroperitoneal place: the first port was placed 2 -4 cm superior to the iliac crest along the anterior axillary line, the other two were placed just below the costal margin along the midaxillary line and at the same level along the midclavicular line, and dissected along the anterior surface of kidney to its superomedial aspect, so as to avoid the hampering of the kidney in the exposing of the diseased adrenal gland. Results The procedure was completed successfully in all of the cases with the operating time of 37 - 145 min ( mean 69 min) and intraoperative blood loss of 30 - 100 ml (mean 48 ml). Six cases had rupture of peritoneum, which were sutured and the procedure was continued to completion. The postoperative hospital stay was 3 -8 d (mean 5 d ). Thirty-five patients were available for follow-up of 3 - 28 months ( mean 14 months). The case of metastatic tumor died of the primary diseases in the 12th month postoperatively. No other complication was found. Conclusion With this alternative position and ports' location, the procedure of retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy could be easier and safer than the conventional position.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephropexy: A report of 28 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To discuss the procedure and clinical effect of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephropexy (RLN). Methods: From August 2001 to June 2006, RLN was performed on 28 female patients aged 26-45 years old (mean, 34±2.5) with symptomatic nephroptosis, including 15 with the right kidney, 12 with the left, and 1 with both. The preoperative complaint of patients included subjective symptoms (constant and recurring pain in 28 patients) and objective symptoms (upper urinary infections in 16, hematuria in 12, and upper tract obstruction in 12). One patient underwent nephropexy via the transperitoneal approach and the others underwent nephropexy via the retroperitoneal approach. A retroperitoneoscopic procedure was performed after positioning the patients in the flank position. Digital preparation of the retroperitoneal space was made and standardized trocar was placed. The key step of the surgery was complete exposure of the kidney within Gerota' fascia, which was aimed to separate the potential adhesions between the colon and kidney or between the inferior blood vessels of the kidney. Nephropexy was performed between the fibrous capsule at the lower pole of the kidney and the dissected psoas muscle, using three sutures placed by intracorporeal technique or the percutaneous needle both for introduction and removal of the suture; the sutures were separately tied over the sacrospinalis fascia. Results: The mean operative time was (125±9) min (ranging 115-240 min); the mean postoperative hospital stay was (9±1.2) days, largely owing to the required 5-12 days' bed rest. During a mean follow-up of (24±4.2) months(ranging 3 to 70 months), 3 patients had paresthesia, 5 had constant and recurrent ache, 20 were completely free of pain, and 4 had micro-hematuria. One patient had further episodes of pyelonephritis and upper tract obstruction after operation. Intravenous pyelogram(IVP) revealed that the ptosis incorporated into more than one vertebral body in 2 patients. Postoperative renal function test showed an improvement in renal function. Conclusion: RLN is mini-invasive and has less complication. The procedure should be considered as one of the optimal therapy for nephroptosis.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: An experience with 2003 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To summarize our experience on laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Methods: From August 2001 to Jun 2007, a total of 203 patients (128 male and 75 female, aged 21-74 years, with a mean of [45±2] years old) received laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Six patients had bilateral tumors. The diameters of the adrenal tumors or nodules were 0.4-18 cm. Results: The 203 patients received a total of 209 times of laparoscopic adrenalectomy: including 34 cases via transperitoneal approach, 166 via retroperitoneal approach and 3 via hand-assisted approach. The overall successful rate of laparoscopic adrenalectomy was 97.04% (197/203). Six person-times (2.96%) were converted to open operation due to bleeding or adhesion. The mean operation time was 135±35 min and the estimated blood loss was 40-250 ml (with a mean of 75±25 ml). The patients could get down the bed for activity 1-3 days after operation. The postoperative hospital stay was 7-10 days (with a mean of 7± 2 days). The complications included vena caval injury (1 case), pleural injury (1 case), lumbar hematoma (4 cases), and fat liquefaction (1 case). Conclusion: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has advantages for treating adrenal tumors. But different approaches should be chosen according to the size and pathological types of the tumors. Transperitoneal approach should be chosen for patients with larger tumors, for obese patients or for patients with bilateral lesions.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal carcinoma: An experience with 180 cases / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To summarize our experience on retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (RLRN) in treatment of patients with renal carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 180 patients with renal carcinoma, who received RLRN from Jan. 2001 to Jan. 2007, were retrospectively studied. The experience was summarized and the clinical outcomes of patients were assessed. Results: All the 180 patients were pathologically confirmed to have T1-T2 phase renal carcinomas, with 87 cases had left side lesions and 93 had right ones. The diameter of tumors was 1.5-8 cm, with a mean of (4.8±1.3)cm. All the patients were subjected to RLRN and all underwent successful operation. The operation time was 56-90 min, with a mean of (70±12) min; the blood loss was about 70-1 500 ml, with a mean of (122±36) ml. One patients had right renal venous injury (not converted to open surgery), 7 patients had pleural injury, 1 had diaphragmatic injury, 2 had subcutaneous emphysema, 1 had incision hernia, and 6 had delayed union of incision. The patients began oral intake of food 24-48 h after operation and were discharged 7-9 days after operation. Forty-one patients were lost during the follow up (4 months to 6 years); 4 patients died due to other reasons and 2 had pulmonary metastasis. There was no puncture site metastasis in this group. Conclusion: RLRN has the advantages of less trauma, rapid recovery, and slight pain. It is a safe and effective method for treatment of renal carcinoma.