Modified Intraumbilical Versus Infraumbilical Entry Method at Laparoscopy: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the optimal laparoscopic entry method. Whether a transumbilical or periumbilical incision is beneficial for the initial peritoneal access has been debated. These 2 methods have their own advocates, since each has its own benefits and disadvantages. Furthermore, the lack of consensus extends to the type of entry technique [Hasson, Veress needle (VN), direct trocar]. We have conducted a study comparing a modified intraumbilical technique (MIT), a novel method that combines a VN insertion through a modified direct-trocar access, with the standard infraumbilical VN technique. Our aim is to determine which technique is a better route for the initial umbilical trocar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 406 patients from a prospectively maintained database has been performed. Two cohorts of cases have been analyzed (VN=198; MIT=208). Primary outcomes were intraoperative access-related events, entry failure, and long-term wound complications. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 and 6 months and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Subcutaneous emphysema, extraperitoneal insufflation, and difficult entry (>2 VN insertions) occurred more frequently in the VN group (P=0.011, 0.023, and 0.023, respectively). There were 5 (2.52%) failed entries in the VN group and none in the MIT group (P=0.085). Regarding postoperative complications, seroma of the wound occurred more frequently in the VN group (P=0.033). At a mean follow-up of 18.4 months, 13 (3.20%) trocar-site hernias were detected, equally distributed among both groups. CONCLUSIONS: MIT eliminates the risk of failed entries and some complications associated with the VN technique without an increase in umbilical wound infection and facilitates a proper closure of the umbilical incision to secure a low trocar-site hernia rate. Halfway between open and closed techniques for laparoscopic entry, MIT is a safe and feasible procedure that embodies the advantages of both methods and may constitute an advantageous alternative to the infraumbilical VN entry approach.

Description and Initial Experience with the "LIFT" (Less Incisions but Four Trocars) Technique for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background: Modifications to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) aim to reduce trauma to the abdominal wall and improve cosmetic outcomes. Although single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) provides excellent cosmetic results, the procedure is technically demanding. Herein, we describe the LIFT technique ("Less Incisions but Four Trocars"), with four trocars but only one 3-mm visible incision, using conventional instruments. Methods: Retrospective study with the LIFT technique for cholecystectomy during 2017. Access to the abdomen is obtained with two trocars (11 and 5 mm) through the same intraumbilical skin incision, and two extraumbilical 3-mm trocars for a correct triangulation (one of them concealed below the bikini line). The results are compared with a series of patients operated on with LC by the same surgical team during 2016. Results: During the study period, 90 procedures were performed. Both techniques showed similar results in terms of surgical time, conversion rate, complications, and hospital length of stay. The patients operated on with the LIFT technique reported better cosmetic evaluation and less postoperative pain at 3 months compared with LC. Conclusion: The LIFT technique is a safe and feasible alternative for cholecystectomy that can provide a significant improvement from the cosmetical point of view, mostly for those patients who are especially concerned with their body image.

Outcomes after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: does the number of previous recurrences matter? A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: It is not yet clearly known whether laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is superior to the open approach in recurrent hernias. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic technique for ventral hernias and investigate whether these outcomes are affected by the number of previous failed repairs. METHODS: Data from 124 consecutive patients who underwent LVHR using a standardized technique between September 2007 and June 2014 were collected prospectively. In all repairs, a composite prosthesis was tailored to overlap the defect by at least 5 cm and fixed with a double crown of spiral tacks. Clinical follow-up visits were performed at 1 week, 1, 6, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Patients were classified in 3 groups (0, 1, and ≥ 2) according to the number of previous hernia repairs for further statistical analysis. RESULTS: Long-term surveillance was available in 116 (93%) patients. Of these, 96 (82.8%) were recurrent hernias. There were 2 (1.7%) conversions, both in recurrent cases, and in 3 (2.6%) patients a hybrid access was used. Mean operating time was 55 min. There was an overall postoperative complication rate of 16%, with no mortality. During a mean follow-up of 30 (range 20-90) months, 3 (2.6%) recurrences were diagnosed 6, 8, and 9 months after surgery, respectively. A univariate analysis related to demographic, clinical, and perioperative variables did not find any significant relationship between the number of previous recurrences and operating time, conversion rate, hospital length of stay, overall morbidity, or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that laparoscopic approach in recurrent incisional hernias is a safe and feasible alternative to open techniques. Furthermore, our experience supports the idea that LVHR may be the best option for recurrent cases in properly selected patients, independently of the number of previous recurrences.

Apendicitis granulomatosa: una causa infrecuente de abdomen agudo / Granulomatous appendicitis: An uncommon cause of acute abdomen

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Pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to compare postoperative outcomes between pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Six databases were systematically reviewed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing pancreaticogastrostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy. Studies reporting postoperative complications, reoperations, and mortality were included (PROSPERO registration number CRD42013005383). RESULTS: The search provided a total of 1,646 references. Seven studies were selected including 1,121 patients, 562 in the pancreaticogastrostomy group and 559 in the pancreaticojejunostomy group. Overall incidence of pancreatic fistula and the incidence of more severe fistulas (grade B/C) were lower in the pancreaticogastrostomy group (relative risk 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 0.86; p = 0.002 and relative risk 0.61; 95 % CI 0.40 to 0.93; p = 0.02). Abdominal collections were more frequent in the pancreaticojejunostomy group. However, pancreaticogastrostomy was associated with an increased risk of postoperative intraluminal hemorrhage, and there were no differences in overall morbidity, reoperations, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a reduction in the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula in the pancreaticogastrostomy group was observed. Although this evidence comes from randomized trials, pancreaticogastrostomy cannot be considered superior to pancreaticojejunostomy due to the presence of clinical heterogeneity among studies and the absence of differences in overall morbidity, reoperations, and mortality.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing single incision versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Single incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SILA when compared with CLA through a systematic review. METHODS: We performed an electronic search of EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared SILA with CLA were included. RESULTS: Six RCTs met eligibility criteria, which included a total of 800 patients, 401 in the SILA group and 399 in the CLA group. There were no significant differences in terms of overall complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-1.47; p = 0.77). SILA had a higher technical failure rate (OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.26-8.65; p = 0.01) and required a longer operative time (mean difference [MD] 4.67; 95% CI 1.76-7.57; p = 0.002). SILA was associated with better cosmetic results (standardized MD -0.4; 95% CI -0.64 to -0.16; p = 0.001) and earlier return to normal activity (MD -0.64; 95% CI -1.09 to -0.20; p = 0.005), although these advantages should be taken with caution due to the small number of studies reporting these two items and the short follow-up in the evaluation of cosmetic results. There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative pain or length of hospital stay between groups. CONCLUSIONS: SILA is comparable to CLA in selected patients, although it is associated with a higher technical failure rate and longer operative time. Further randomized trials are needed to determine if SILA really offers benefits over CLA.

Multilayer myofascial-mesh repair for giant midline incisional hernias: a novel advantageous combination of old and new techniques.

BACKGROUND: The components separation technique has been proposed as the best solution when facing large abdominal wall defects. In counterpart, this sometimes comes at the price of high rates of wound complications and recurrence. Moreover, the components separation method alone seems insufficient for huge defects, in which it is impossible to reapproximate the rectus muscles without tension. For these cases, we illustrate a novel operation using a modified components separation technique. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with giant midline incisional hernias were treated with a combination of the components separation (bilateral sliding rectus abdominis advancement flaps), an autologous multilayer repair, and a retromuscular mesh reinforcement. RESULTS: Twenty-four (85%) patients have been analyzed. Transverse defect size ranged from 15 to 25 cm (average, 18.8 cm). Wound complications occurred in nine (37%) cases; three of them required drainage of a subcutaneous abscess. After a mean follow-up of 22 (range, 12-48) months, one (4%) recurrence was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Multilayer myofascial-mesh repair was associated with a low recurrence rate, and wound complications were managed without issues. This approach is a reliable technique for most surgeons and may constitute a new part of the armamentarium for the repair of challenging defects.

Improved outcomes of incarcerated femoral hernia: a multivariate analysis of predictive factors of bowel ischemia and potential impact on postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND: Although much of the literature focuses on risk factors for intestinal resection in groin hernias, little is known specifically for the femoral type. This study identifies clinical and analytic parameters associated with intestinal ischemia in patients with an incarcerated femoral hernia. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with an incarcerated femoral hernia were included in an analytic, longitudinal, observational, retrospective cohort study. Clinical presentation, the duration of symptoms, analytic and radiologic studies, complications, and mortality rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight (9.3%) patients underwent intestinal resection. Factors related to intestinal ischemia were oral anticoagulants intake (odds ratio = 9.6) and a duration of symptoms longer than 3 days (odds ratio = 2.1). There was no relationship between leukocytosis (P = .02) or radiographic signs of intestinal obstruction (P = .28) and bowel resection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a duration of symptoms longer than 3 days and, interestingly, those having oral anticoagulant therapy appeared to be at a higher risk for developing intestinal ischemia. A remarkable reduction in morbimortality can be achieved through an earlier referral to the hospital, quick preoperative workup, and urgent operation.

Reconstrucción pélvica tras amputación abdominoperineal del recto / Pelvic reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum

A pesar de los avances en el tratamiento del cáncer de recto y la expansión del abordaje terapéutico multimodal, todavía es necesaria la realización de una amputación abdominoperineal (AAP) como tratamiento radical en el 20-30% de los casos. La AAP del recto está gravada con una importante morbilidad, destacando la obstrucción intestinal y las complicaciones de la herida, pudiendo desarrollarse una enteritis radica en el 15% de los casos sometidos a radioterapia postoperatoria. Además, con el fin de mejorar los resultados oncológicos a nivel local, se recomienda la realización de una AAP ampliada, técnica que precisa de un procedimiento de reconstrucción perineal que permita un cierre sin tensión en un tejido previamente radiado y prevenga el desarrollo de hernias perineales. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar los métodos de reparación pélvica y perineal tras la AAP por cáncer, con especial atención a las nuevas técnicas de reparación protésica (AU)

Despite the advances in the treatment of cancer of the rectum and the expansion of the multimodal therapeutic technique, abdominoperineal resection (APR) still needs to be performed as radical treatment in 20-30% of cases. APR of the rectum involves a significant morbidity, including intestinal obstruction and wound complications, with radiotherapy-induced enteritis being able to develop in 15% of cases subjected to post-operative radiotherapy. Furthermore, with the aim of improving local oncology results, an extended APR is recommended; a technique that requires a perineal reconstruction technique that allows a tension free closure in a previously radiated tissue and may prevent perineal hernias developing. The objective of this article is to review pelvic and perineal repair methods after APR due to cancer, with special attention to the new prosthetic repair techniques (AU)

[Pelvic reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum]. / Reconstrucción pélvica tras amputación abdominoperineal del recto.

Despite the advances in the treatment of cancer of the rectum and the expansion of the multimodal therapeutic technique, abdominoperineal resection (APR) still needs to be performed as radical treatment in 20-30% of cases. APR of the rectum involves a significant morbidity, including intestinal obstruction and wound complications, with radiotherapy-induced enteritis being able to develop in 15% of cases subjected to post-operative radiotherapy. Furthermore, with the aim of improving local oncology results, an extended APR is recommended; a technique that requires a perineal reconstruction technique that allows a tension free closure in a previously radiated tissue and may prevent perineal hernias developing. The objective of this article is to review pelvic and perineal repair methods after APR due to cancer, with special attention to the new prosthetic repair techniques.

Cirugía laparoscópica a través de incisión única / Single incision laparoscopic surgery

Uno de los objetivos de las nuevas tecnologías y técnicas en cirugía mínimamente invasiva es lograr una cirugía sin o con mínimas cicatrices visibles. La cirugía a través de orificios naturales podría considerarse como un paradigma de este desarrollo pero todavía no ha sido posible su completa implantación. Sin embargo, la innovación resultante de la investigación en cirugía a través de orificios naturales ha permitido introducir una serie de «tecnologías puente» que permiten desarrollar la cirugía mínimamente invasiva con los estándares de eficacia y seguridad exigibles, siendo la cirugía laparoscópica a través de incisión única el concepto más atractivo en este momento. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar el concepto de cirugía laparoscópica a través de incisión única y clasificar las herramientas disponibles para su implantación y desarrollo (AU)

One of the aims of the new technologies and techniques in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is to achieve a surgery without or with minimal visible scars. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) might be considered to be a paradigm of this development but it has not yet been possible to implement this universally. Nevertheless, the resultant innovation of research into NOTES has enabled “bridge technologies" to be introduced that allow MIS to be developed with the required standards of efficiency and safety. The aim of this paper is to review the concept of single incision surgery and to classify the available tools for its development and implementation (AU)

La eventración paraestomal (EP) es la complicación tardía más frecuente del estoma quirúrgico. Solo un tercio de éstas se intervienen, hecho que en parte se explica por el alto índice de recidivas observadas tras la reparación. La utilización de materiales protésicos ha mejorado los resultados, aunque siguen siendo por debajo de lo ideal. Por esta razón, se ha propuesto que la mejor solución puede estar en prevenir la aparición de la EP. Varios trabajos muestran resultados prometedores con reducciones muy llamativas en el porcentaje de EP al colocar una prótesis periestomal profiláctica. En este artículo presentamos una revisión de los factores de riesgo asociados a la EP y una clasificación de la diversidad de técnicas de reparación existentes, y se propone un algoritmo para el tratamiento de la EP, incluyendo la prevención de esta (AU) / Parastomal hernia (PH) is the most common delayed complication in stoma surgery. Only a third of these are operated on, something which is partly explained by the high recurrence rate observed after repair. The use of prosthetic materials has improved the results, although they continue to be below the ideal. For this reason, it has been proposed that the best solution may be in preventing the PH. Several studies show promising results, with very marked reductions in the percentage of IH, on placing a prophylactic peristomal prosthesis. In this article we present a review of the risk factors associated with PH, a classification of the existing diversity of repair techniques, and an algorithm is proposed for the management of PH, including its prevention (AU)

La eventración paraestomal (EP) es la complicación tardía más frecuente del estoma quirúrgico. Solo un tercio de éstas se intervienen, hecho que en parte se explica por el alto índice de recidivas observadas tras la reparación. La utilización de materiales protésicos ha mejorado los resultados, aunque siguen siendo por debajo de lo ideal. Resumen Por esta razón, se ha propuesto que la mejor solución puede estar en prevenir la aparición de la EP. Varios trabajos muestran resultados prometedores con reducciones muy llamativas en el porcentaje de EP al colocar una prótesis periestomal profiláctica. Resumen En este artículo presentamos una revisión de los factores de riesgo asociados a la EP y una clasificación de la diversidad de técnicas de reparación existentes, y se propone un algoritmo para el tratamiento de la EP, incluyendo la prevención de esta (AU)

Parastomal hernia (PH) is the most common delayed complication in stoma surgery. Only a third of these are operated on, something which is partly explained by the high recurrence rate observed after repair. The use of prosthetic materials has improved the results, although they continue to be below the ideal. Abstract For this reason, it has been proposed that the best solution may be in preventing the PH. Several studies show promising results, with very marked reductions in the percentage of IH, on placing a prophylactic peristomal prosthesis. Abstract In this article we present a review of the risk factors associated with PH, a classification of the existing diversity of repair techniques, and an algorithm is proposed for the management of PH, including its prevention (AU)

[Single incision laparoscopic surgery]. / Cirugía laparoscópica a través de incisión única.

One of the aims of the new technologies and techniques in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is to achieve a surgery without or with minimal visible scars. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) might be considered to be a paradigm of this development but it has not yet been possible to implement this universally. Nevertheless, the resultant innovation of research into NOTES has enabled "bridge technologies" to be introduced that allow MIS to be developed with the required standards of efficiency and safety. The aim of this paper is to review the concept of single incision surgery and to classify the available tools for its development and implementation.

[Parastomal hernias: background, current status and future prospects]. / Eventración paraestomal: antecedentes, estado actual y expectativas de futuro.

Parastomal hernia (PH) is the most common delayed complication in stoma surgery. Only a third of these are operated on, something which is partly explained by the high recurrence rate observed after repair. The use of prosthetic materials has improved the results, although they continue to be below the ideal. For this reason, it has been proposed that the best solution may be in preventing the PH. Several studies show promising results, with very marked reductions in the percentage of IH, on placing a prophylactic peristomal prosthesis. In this article we present a review of the risk factors associated with PH, a classification of the existing diversity of repair techniques, and an algorithm is proposed for the management of PH, including its prevention.

Prevention of trocar site hernias: description of the safe port plug technique and preliminary results.

The aim of this study was to describe a new technique to prevent the development of incisional hernias in trocar sites. Between March and June 2006, a pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of the safe port plug technique using the Bioabsorbable Hernia Plug to prevent incisional hernia in trocar sites. The device was implanted in the umbilical trocar site (10-11 mm) of 17 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery during the study period. The mean follow-up of patients was 14.6 months. Implantation of the Bioabsorbable Hernia Plug device by the safe port plug technique was possible in all cases. No patient presented complications in the follow-up. Our preliminary experience suggests that this technique is simple and feasible, and we hypothesized that this technique could be superior to conventional fascial closure: a hypothesis that must be proven in a randomized prospective trial that is currently in progress.

Division of the small bowel with the LigaSure Atlas device during the right laparoscopic colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bowel division and anastomosis were facilitated greatly with the advent of stapling techniques. Since then, there have not been any new evolving technologies to facilitate these maneuvers. For this reason, we recently applied the LigaSure Atlas device (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) to the division of the small bowel during this procedure to obtain a reliable and low-cost division of the ileum. METHODS: After vessel ligation and ileocolic mobilization, the terminal ileum is sealed and divided with the LigaSure Atlas. This device is applied sequentially along the small bowel twice to ensure an adequate seal before the cut. A terminolateral ileotransversostomy is performed extracorporeally with a mechanical circular stapling device, installing the anvil of the circular stapler into the ileal stump. RESULTS: We have not encountered any problems with this technique since its introduction in our institution, and no leakage or bursting of the ileal stumps. CONCLUSIONS: This technique enables an easy, reliable, and inexpensive technical option to optimize the right laparoscopic colectomy procedure.

Laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy: between personal experiences and scientific evidence.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure for management of acute appendicitis, data about the feasibility and safety during pregnancy are limited. We aimed to study our experience in this field and to review the scientific evidence available. STUDY DESIGN: All patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy, from January 2003 to December 2005, were included. Medical files were reviewed retrospectively. In addition, 133 cases from the literature were reviewed. General features of the cases, surgical technique details, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: All laparoscopic procedures were completed without conversion to open operation. No substantial hemodynamic or gasometric changes were detected during the procedures. Tocolytic medication was not administered in any patient. All patients were discharged from hospital within the first 48 postoperative hours, and no complications were recorded during this period or in the followup. All newborns had an adequate weight for gestational age, satisfactory parameters of well-being at birth, and an uneventful development after 1-year followup. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic appendectomy during pregnancy is as effective and safe as the conventional approach and has all the benefits of minimally invasive operation, provided that specific recommendations for these types of patients are strictly followed. It must be mentioned that there is only limited scientific evidence to support this statement.