Minimally invasive liver resection in the era of robotics: analysis of 214 cases.

BACKGROUND: Minimally Invasive Liver Resection (MILR) techniques range from a hybrid-technique to full robotic approaches. When compared with open techniques, MILR has been shown to be advantageous by reducing pain, complications, length of stay and blood loss. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and hospital resource utilization between full laparoscopic, hand-assisted, and robotic liver resections among major (≥ 3 segments) and minor (≤ 2 segments) resections. METHODS: A single-center comparative retrospective review was completed on 214 patients undergoing full laparoscopic, hand-assisted, or robotic liver resection procedures between 2005 and 2018. RESULTS: Among minor resections: 85 full laparoscopic, 40 hand-assisted, and 35 robotic liver resection cases were analyzed; and among major resections: 13, 33, and 8 cases were analyzed, respectively. In the adjusted subgroup analysis of minor resections, OR time was significantly longer for the minor hand-assisted group ([Formula: see text] = 181 min; p < 0.05), and the average lesion size was smaller for the minor full laparoscopic group ([Formula: see text] = 4.2 cm; p < 0.05). Overall, direct hospital charges were lowest in the group of patients who underwent a minor resection using the full laparoscopic technique ([Formula: see text] = $39,054.90; p < 0.05), compared to the robotic technique. Due to the smaller sample size (n = 54) in the major resection subgroup, only two significant observations were made - the full laparoscopic group had the least amount of blood loss ([Formula: see text] = 227 cc; p < 0.05) and incurred the least amount of room and board charges compared to the other two techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic approach appears favorable for minor resections as evidenced by shorter length of stay but more costly than full laparoscopy. Clinical outcomes appear to be more dependent upon the magnitude of the resection (i.e. major vs. minor) than the MILR technique chosen. Randomized trials may be indicated to discern the best indications and advantages of each technique.

Analysis of kidney function and biopsy results in liver failure patients with renal dysfunction: a new look to combined liver kidney allocation in the post-MELD era.

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction in the context of liver failure negatively impacts orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) outcomes. Appropriate allocation of combined liver and kidney transplants (CLKT) is crucial with the current organ shortage and lack of standard selection criteria. METHODS: We propose a practical workup algorithm for CLKT by using three variables: duration of renal insufficiency and glomerular filtration rate measured by the iodine-125 iothalamate (Glofil) test and renal biopsy findings. The study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical and laboratory database of all liver transplant patients (n=196) performed in our institution. In the second phase, we prospectively implemented the algorithm on 20 selected patients with liver failure and renal dysfunction (chronic kidney disease stage 3 and acute kidney injury) worked up for OLT. RESULTS: Based on the workup algorithm, we recommended OLT for 12 patients and CLKT for eight patients. We were able to avoid CLKT for six patients without causing adverse renal outcomes among 11 patients transplanted by using this algorithm. The average 12-month renal outcomes of these transplanted patients seem to be favorable with the mean serum creatinine 1.3 mg/dL in OLT group and 1.1 mg/dL in CLKT group. CONCLUSION: The workup algorithm, which primarily uses duration of renal failure, glofil measurement, and renal biopsy findings, offers a practical approach to this complicated decision-making process regarding appropriate allocation of organs for CLKT.

Hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery: what is the right fellowship for the right training?

BACKGROUND: Reduced resident work hours over the last several years have led to inadequate exposure to hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) and complex upper gastrointestinal (UGI) surgical procedures. Therefore, residents are seeking additional training in this field. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of a new fellowship model in the training of general surgery residents in complex HPB/UGI diseases. METHODS: We propose a surgical training model in benign as well as malignant diseases of the UGI tract. The proposed model would focus on an integrated approach that involves allied specialties such as gastroenterology (GI) and radiology. RESULTS: The fellowship was set as 1-year duration with 1-month rotations on interventional GI and transplantation. The fellow spent the remaining 10 months on a UGI laparoscopic and open surgery service caring for complex benign and malignant disease of the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreas, and liver. Didactic conferences were focused specifically at an organ-based approach to diseases of these organs. During a 12-month fellowship, exposure to complex diseases of the UGI tract was accomplished without negatively impacting the general surgery residency program. CONCLUSION: This new mode of advanced training provides a bridge between surgical oncology and transplantation, and it is an excellent model for postgraduate surgical training in UGI diseases.

Dialysis access-induced superior vena cava syndrome.

Vascular thrombosis is a complication of dialysis access and thrombosis of the superior vena cava by indwelling dialysis catheters access can cause superior vena cava syndrome. We describe a case of superior vena cava syndrome resulting from a dialysis access catheter placed in the internal jugular vein. Although surgical intervention is often needed to treat dialysis access-related superior vena cava syndrome this patient required only conservative measures for resolution of the syndrome. In this paper we describe the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this case. A review of dialysis access thrombosis complications and treatment options is also presented.

Incarcerated Spigelian hernia following laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy.

We present the case of an incarcerated Spigelian hernia that manifested 24 hours after a laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy. The differential diagnosis, proposed management, and a review of the literature is presented. Bowel obstruction occurring within a few days following laparoscopic surgery is most often attributed to a hernia at a trocar site. In the case of living-donor nephrectomy. the hernia could also occur at the incision made for removal of the kidney. Spigelian hernia has not been reported as a complication of laparoscopic surgery in the past and, therefore, would not normally be considered in the differential diagnosis of any complications following laparoscopic surgery. With the increasing use of laparoscopy, unsuspected intraabdominal conditions may be diagnosed during the procedure or become manifest because of increased intraabdominal pressure created by the pneumoperitoneum. Here we report the diagnosis and repair of a Spigelian hernia that became manifest 1 day after laparoscopic nephrectomy.