Intraoperative NOTES endosonography and identification of mock hepatic lesions.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative ultrasound is commonly used during standard transabdominal surgery. The feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) through Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) for identification of abdominal lesions with a flexible echoendoscope has not been studied. AIM: To test the feasibility of NOTES-EUS for abdominal exploration and identification of mock hepatic lesions. METHODS: Five pigs underwent transvaginal or transcolonic NOTES and endosonographic exploration. In 3 anesthetized pigs, mock hepatic lesions were created and NOTES-EUS was then performed to identify these mock lesions. Necropsy was performed in all cases. RESULTS: All target organs were consistently identified by NOTES-EUS in all animals. Mock hepatic lesions were successfully created in 3 animals and were able to be located by NOTES-EUS. No complications were observed at necropsy. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal exploration and localization of mock lesions by NOTES-EUS is technically feasible. As natural orifice surgery evolves, intraoperative NOTES-EUS would be an essential addition to the NOTES armamentarium.

The NOTES approach to management of urinary bladder injury.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Inadvertent bladder injury is a potential complication of various urological and pelvic surgeries. Bladder injury can also be a complication of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a NOTES approach to repair bladder lacerations in a blinded porcine study. METHODS: Intentional bladder lacerations were made to mimic accidental injury during NOTES in 7 pigs. In 3 animals, the site of bladder injury was identified and repaired by a blinded endoscopist. Bladder laceration and transluminal access sites were closed with Endoclips. Leak test was performed to confirm adequate closure. Survival animals were monitored postoperatively and surgical sites were inspected for abscess, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures at necropsy. RESULTS: Complete endoscopic closure of bladder injuries was achieved in all 7 animals with a negative leak test. The site of laceration was successfully identified by the blinded endoscopist and repaired in all 3 animals in which it was attempted. Survival animals had an uneventful postoperative course without any complications. CONCLUSION: This blinded feasibility study shows that urinary bladder injury occurring during NOTES can be successfully managed via a NOTES approach using currently available endoscopic accessories.

Endoscopic management of intraoperative small bowel laceration during natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: a blinded porcine study.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has recently gained great enthusiasm, but there is concern regarding the ability to endoscopically manage complications purely via natural orifices. AIM: To assess the feasibility of endoscopically managing enteral perforation during NOTES using currently available endoscopic accessories. METHODS: Twelve pigs underwent transgastric or transcolonic endoscopic exploration. Full-thickness enterotomies were intentionally created to mimic accidental small bowel lacerations during NOTES. These lacerations were then closed with endoclips. In the blinded arm of the study, small bowel repair was performed by a second blinded endoscopist. Adequate closure of the laceration was confirmed with a leak test. Primary access sites were closed with endoclips or T-anchors. At necropsy, the peritoneal cavity was inspected for abscesses, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures. The enterotomy site was examined for adequacy of closure, adhesions, or evidence of infection. RESULTS: Fifteen small bowel lacerations were performed in 12 animals. Successful closure was achieved in all 10 cases in the nonblinded arm. Survival animals had an uncomplicated postoperative course and all enterotomy sites were well healed without evidence of necrosis, adhesions, abscess, or bleeding at necropsy. Leak test was negative in all animals. In the blinded arm, both small intestinal lacerations could not be identified by the blinded endoscopist. Necropsy revealed open small bowel lacerations. CONCLUSION: Small intestinal injuries are difficult to localize with currently available flexible endoscopes and accessories. Endoscopic clips, however, may be adequate for closure of small bowel lacerations if the site of injury is known.

Complications during natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery: endoscopic management of splenic laceration and hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Accidental splenic laceration and hemorrhage during natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) can lead to life-threatening consequences. The NOTES approach may need to be aborted in these circumstances for a standard laparoscopy or laparotomy. AIM: To determine the feasibility of endoscopically managing intraoperative splenic laceration and hemorrhage during NOTES using standard endoscopic tools. METHODS: Nine pigs underwent transcolonic endoscopic surgery, and 18 intentional splenic lacerations were made. Animals were treated as follows: (1) control group with no therapy (n = 3), (2) endoscopic tamponade/packing (n = 3), and (3) endoscopic hemostasis with bipolar cautery (n = 12). A blinded second endoscopist performed NOTES exploration and attempted to identify the site and treat the laceration in 3 cases. The colonic incision was closed using endoclips in the survival studies. Necropsy was performed immediately after surgery in acute cases and at the end of 1 week in the survival cases. RESULTS: Bleeding persisted beyond 10 minutes in all control cases without therapy. In the tamponade group, bleeding persisted beyond 17 minutes in 2 and a large clot formed at 12 minutes in 1 case that precluded further assessment. Bleeding was controlled endoscopically using standard bipolar cautery in all animals (mean time: 12 minutes). All lacerations were identified and managed by the blinded endoscopist. Survival animals had an uncomplicated postoperative course. No bleeding was seen at necropsy. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the management of intraoperative splenic hemorrhage during NOTES using standard endoscopic tools. The site of splenic bleeding could be correctly identified and treated in a blinded fashion.

Colonoscopic polypectomy and associated techniques.

Polypectomy of colonic polyps has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer development and is considered a fundamental skill for all endoscopists who perform colonoscopy. A variety of polypectomy techniques and devices are available, and their use can vary greatly based on local availability and preferences. In general, cold forceps and cold snare have been the polypectomy methods of choice for smaller polyps, and hot snare has been the method of choice for larger polyps. The use of hot forceps has mostly fallen out of favor. Polypectomy for difficult to remove polyps may require the use of special devices and advanced techniques and has continued to evolve. As a result, the vast majority of polyps today can be removed endoscopically. Since electrocautery is frequently used for polypectomy, endoscopists should be thoroughly familiar with the basic principles of electrosurgery as it pertains to polypectomy. Tattooing of a polypectomy site is an important adjunct to polypectomy and can greatly facilitate future surgery or endoscopic surveillance. The two most common post-polypectomy complications are bleeding and perforation. Their incidence can be decreased with the use of meticulous polypectomy techniques and the application of some prophylactic maneuvers. This review will examine the technique of polypectomy and its complications from the perspective of the practicing gastroenterologist.