Changes in chest compression indexes with breathing underestimate surgical candidacy in patients with pectus excavatum: a computed tomography pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Haller Index (HI) ≥3.25 by computed tomography (CT) at end-inspiration has been used to indicate surgical correction in patients with pectus excavatum. However, chest wall diameters vary with breathing and may modify HI values and surgical indications. The aim of our study was to report the changes in HI with breathing and their impact in the surgical indication rates. METHODS: Thirty six patients with pectus excavatum underwent chest CT evaluation at both end-inspiration and end-expiration. HI was derived by dividing the transverse diameter (TD) of the chest by the anteroposterior diameter (APD). Cardiac compression index (CCI) was then calculated by dividing the cardiac TD by the APD. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 19 ± 7 years old and 86.8% were males. From end-inspiration to end-expiration, large changes in APD values corresponded to large changes (29.6%) in HI values. CCI increased significantly during end-expiration, primarily driven by an increase on the cardiac TD. Surgical indication was found in 71% and 91% of patients during end-inspiration and end-expiration, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the severity indexes of the pectus excavatum were all significantly more severe at end-expiration than at end-inspiration, leading to an increase in surgical candidacy. We therefore recommend performing the CT at end-expiration.

Novel hybrid (magnet plus curve grasper) technique during transumbilical cholecystectomy: initial experience of a promising approach.

OBJECTIVES: The use of magnets in transumbilical cholecystectomy (TUC) improves triangulation and achieves an optimal critical view. Nonetheless, the tendency of the magnets to collide hinders the process. In order to simplify the surgical technique, we developed a hybrid model with a single magnet and a curved grasper. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All TUCs performed with a hybrid strategy in our pediatric population between September 2009 and July 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Of 260 surgical procedures in which at least one magnet was used, 87 were TUCs. Of those, 62 were hybrid: 33 in adults and 29 in pediatric patients. The technique combines a magnet and a curved grasper. Through a transumbilical incision, we placed a 12-mm trocar and another flexible 5-mm trocar. The laparoscope with the working channel used the 12-mm trocar. The magnetic grasper was introduced to the abdominal cavity using the working channel to provide cephalic retraction of the gallbladder fundus. Across the flexible trocar, the assistant manipulated the curved grasper to mobilize the infundibulum. The surgeon operated through the working channel of the laparoscope. RESULTS: In this pediatric population, the mean age was 14 years (range, 4-17 years), and mean weight was 50 kg (range, 18-90 kg); 65% were girls. Mean operative time was 62 minutes. All procedures achieved a critical view of safety with no instrumental collision. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The hospital stay was 1.4±0.6 days, and the median follow-up was 201 days. CONCLUSIONS: A hybrid technique, combining magnets and a curved grasper, simplifies transumbilical surgery. It seems feasible and safe for TUC and potentially reproducible.

Initial experience with magnet-assisted single trocar appendectomy in children.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is increasingly being used to treat acute appendicitis. Existing SILS techniques suffer from inefficient triangulation and poor ergonomics. In an effort to improve on existing SILS techniques, we developed the magnet-assisted single trocar (MAST) appendectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all MAST appendectomies performed between March 2010 and February 2011. Outcomes included demographics, diagnosis, operative time, hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty-three MAST appendectomies were performed in 10 boys and 13 girls. The mean age at operation was 12.22 years (range, 5-19 years), and the mean weight was 46.5 kg (range, 25-82 kg). At presentation the mean white blood cell count was 15,000 with 74% polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The mean operative time was 61 minutes (range, 20-105 minutes), and length of stay was 3.6 days (range, 1-7 days). In total, 4 operations (17%) required one additional 5-mm trocar to complete the operation, and none was converted to an open operation. There were no intraoperative complications, nor were there any wound infections. CONCLUSIONS: MAST appendectomy is safe and effective in children. Magnetic instruments provide excellent triangulation and improve ergonomics. This technique uses a single 12-mm trocar and can be performed without the aid of a surgical assistant.