Emergency appendicectomy during COVID-19 pandemic - A single UK centre experience.

Background - In December 2019 following an outbreak of Novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, it spread rapidly overwhelming the healthcare systems globally. With little knowledge of COVID-19 virus, very few published reports on surgical outcomes; hospitals stopped elective surgery, whilst emergency surgery was offered only after exhausting all conservative treatment modalities. This study presents our experience of outcomes of emergency appendectomies performed during the pandemic. Methods - Prospectively we collected data on 132 patients in peak pandemic period from 1st March to 5th June 2020 and data compared with 206 patients operated in similar period in 2019. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, pre-operative events, investigations, surgical management, postoperative outcomes and complications were analysed. Results - Demographics and ASA grades of both cohorts were comparable. In study cohort 84.4% and 96.7% in control cohort had laparoscopic appendicectomy. Whilst the study cohort had 13.6% primary open operations, control cohort had 5.3%. Mean length of stay and early post-operative complications (<30 days) were similar in both cohorts apart from surgical site infections (p = 0.02) and one mortality in study cohort. Conclusion - In these overwhelming pandemic times, although conservative treatment of acute appendicitis is an option, a proportion of patients will need surgery. Our study shows that with careful planning and strict theatre protocols, emergency appendicectomy can be safely offered with minimal risk of spreading COVID-19 infection. These observations warrant further prospective randomised studies. Keywords - appendicectomy, COVID-19, Coronavirus, emergency surgery, laparoscopy.

Use of prefrontal cortex activity as a measure of learning curve in surgical novices: results of a single blind randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Neurobiological feedback in surgical training could translate to better educational outcomes such as measures of learning curve. This work examined the variation in brain activation of medical students when performing laparoscopic tasks before and after a training workshop, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This single blind randomised controlled trial examined the prefrontal cortex activity (PFCA) differences in two groups of novice medical students during the acquisition of four laparoscopic tasks. Both groups were shown a basic tutorial video, with the "Trained-group" receiving an additional standardised one-to-one training on the tasks. The PFCA was measured pre- and post-intervention using a portable fNIRS device and reported as mean total oxygenated hemoglobin (HbOµm). Primary outcome of the study is the difference in HbOµm between post- and pre-intervention readings for each of the four laparoscopic tasks. The pre- and post-intervention laparoscopic tasks were recorded and assessed by two blinded individual assessors for objective scores of the performance. RESULTS: 16 Trained and 16 Untrained, right-handed medical students with an equal sex distribution and comparable age distribution were recruited. Trained group had an attenuated left PFCA in the "Precision cutting" (p = 0.007) task compared to the Untrained group. Subgroup analysis by sex revealed attenuation in left PFCA in Trained females compared to Untrained females across two laparoscopic tasks: "Peg transfer" (p = 0.005) and "Precision cutting" (p = 0.003). No significant PFCA attenuation was found in male students who underwent training compared to Untrained males. CONCLUSION: A standardised laparoscopic training workshop promoted greater PFCA attenuation in female medical students compared to males. This suggests that female and male students respond differently to the same instructional approach. Implications include a greater focus on one-to-one surgical training for female students and use of PFCA attenuation as a form of neurobiological feedback in surgical training.

Adrenal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): a step too far?

Surgical approach to adrenal gland has evolved from open to minimally invasive surgery. With the advent of technology, multiple techniques and approaches are available in a surgeon's armamentarium today to deal with adrenal nodules that require surgical intervention. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. The era of minimal invasive surgery has fuelled our quest for better cosmesis, faster recovery, early return to work and reduced hospital stay. While minimal invasive method is the preferred approach for most benign adrenal masses less than 6 cm, its application for large adrenal lesions as well as adrenocortical carcinoma is still debatable. Single incision minimal invasive procedures further try to reduce the incisions and wound morbidity. With the aim to completely remove visible scars and possibly reduced morbidity, the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been proposed by some surgeons as well as interventional gastroenterologist. In NOTES, the peritoneal cavity is accessed through a hollow viscus to perform therapeutic as well as diagnostic procedures. While the theoretical advantages of scar less surgery and its advantages sound encouraging, the precise indications and its potential advantages for adrenal pathologies is yet to be defined. It should in no way, compromise our goal of safe patient surgery and outcomes.

The efficacy of absorbable versus non-absorbable fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (tep) repair of large inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to compare clinical outcomes of laparoscopic Totally Extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair with mesh fixation in large inguinal hernias using titanium versus absorbable tacks. METHODS: This is a case control study of patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP repair with mesh fixation of large inguinal hernias in our institution from 2010 to 2015. In all patients a standard 10 × 15 cm large-pore polypropylene mesh was used and a standardized fixation technique was followed. Patient demographics, presentation, defect size as per the European Hernia Society Groin Hernia Classification, post-operative complications and recurrence rates were collected and analysed. RESULTS: 20 patients had mesh fixation with titanium tackers (Group TT) were compared with 37 patients who had mesh fixation with absorbable tacks (Group AT). Mean age was 57.00 (±13.78) in Group TT and 49.00 (±17.15) in Group AT. All patients were males. The median defect size was L3M2 in Group TT and L2M2 in Group AT. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 24 months (range: 1-48 months). Post-operatively, one patient in Group AT developed chronic pain. One Group TT patient and four Group AT patients developed seromas, which were treated conservatively. There were no recurrences in Group TT, while one Group AT patient developed a medial recurrence. CONCLUSION: Both titanium and absorbable tacks showed similar post-operative complications and pain scores. As such, they both appear safe and feasible for mesh fixation during laparoscopic repair of large inguinal hernias.

Minimally invasive surgery for salvage of malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters.

BACKGROUND: Malfunction of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) catheters is a frequent complication and has traditionally been treated with a laparotomy. We present our experience with minimally invasive surgical (laparoscopic and thoracoscopic) salvage of CAPD catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2003 and June 2013, 19 patients (13 males and 6 females with a mean age of 37 years [range 28-64]) underwent minimally invasive laparoscopic salvage of malfunctioning CAPD catheters. These catheters had been placed with either a percutaneous or open technique and had been in place for a mean of 4.5 months (range 2-18 months). All the salvage procedures were performed under general anaesthesia using one 10 mm and two or three 5 mm ports. The various manoeuvres undertaken to re-establish catheter function included correct positioning the catheter and anchoring it to the pelvic peritoneum, clearing the fibrin clot/sheath, freeing up the omentum/bowel/taenia coli. In addition, all patients underwent an omentopexy. RESULTS: Laparoscopic salvage could be completed in 18 patients with good catheter inflow and outflow established at the end of the surgery and one patient underwent thoracoscopic salvage. The median operative time was 63 min (range 45-96 min) and median post-operative hospital stay was 2 days (range 2-5 days). Low volume dialysis was commenced the day after surgery and full volume dialysis by the 10th day. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. All the catheters were functioning at the end of 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery is a valid, safe and efficacious way of salvaging malfunctioning CAPD catheters. This modality reduces the chances of re-formation of adhesions, ensures rapid recovery, reduced wound-related complications and allows for early institution of peritoneal dialysis.

Improvement in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Score Correlates with Weight Loss in Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Two-Centre Study from an Asian Cohort.

PURPOSE: Incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise and is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are considered the most significant risk factors. Bariatric surgery is the only treatment modality in morbid obesity which allows long-term weight loss with improvement in associated co-morbid conditions. However, the effects of bariatric surgery on NAFLD are not well established. NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) is a validated non-invasive scoring system used to assess advanced fibrosis. We used the NFS to analyse the impact of weight loss on NAFLD following sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 174 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate analysis was performed using pre-operative patient characteristics, biochemical markers and TANITA body analysis measurements to determine significant risk factors for NFS > 0.675. Additionally, the NFS was calculated at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post-operatively to determine correlation with weight loss. RESULTS: Pre-operatively, 13.8% of our patients had significant fibrosis by NFS. Mean change in NFS was - 0.46 ± 1.02, - 0.55 ± 0.98 and - 0.55 ± 1.12 at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years respectively. This was significantly correlated with percent of total weight loss with R coefficients of 0.253, 0.292 and 0.274 respectively (P < 0.05). 79.2% of patients with NFS > 0.675 achieved resolution by 2 years post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we conclude that sleeve gastrectomy may be a viable treatment option for management of NAFLD in the obese.

Mirizzi's syndrome: A scoring system for preoperative diagnosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Mirizzi's syndrome (MS) is an unusual complication of gallstone disease and occurs in approximately 1% of patients with cholelithiasis. Majority of cases are not identified preoperatively, despite the availability of modern imaging techniques. A preoperative diagnosis can forewarn the operating surgeon and avoid bile duct injuries in cases of complicated cholecystitis. A preoperative scoring system helpful and hence, we aim to devise a scoring system based on clinical, biochemical, and imaging features to predict the diagnosis of MS in cases of complicated cholecystitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to July 2013, 1,539 patients with cholelithiasis underwent cholecystectomy. Of these, 96 patients had complicated cholecystitis. Records of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. In these, 32 patients were found to be having MS that formed the study group. A scoring system was devised based on clinical, biochemical, and imaging parameters to predict the diagnosis of MS. Every positive parameter was given 1 point and patients rated on a scale of 0-10. RESULTS: Score of 3 or more was found to have a 90% sensitivity of predicting MS among complicated cholecystitis. Similarly, a score of 6 or more had an 80% sensitivity of predicting Mirizzi's types II, III, and IV indicating fistulization. Jaundice, leucocytosis, associated choledocholithiasis/hepatolithiasis, intrahepatic biliary radical dilatation, meniscus sign and mass at confluence were found to be significant parameters. CONCLUSION: We propose a simple scoring system based on clinical, biochemical, and imaging parameters that can be useful for predicting MS in patients with complicated cholecystitis.

Laparoendoscopic single-site adnexal surgery: Preliminary Indian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is an emerging technique in gynaecology. The proposed advantages of the LESS include better cosmesis and reduction in pain. We report our preliminary experience with LESS in the treatment of adnexal pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a preoperative workup, LESS was offered to 37 patients between July 2009 and April 2015. All the procedures were carried out through a 2-2.5 cm transumbilical incision using conventional laparoscopic instruments. A single-incision, multiport (SIMP) approach (utilising one 7 mm and two 5 mm ports) was used in 27 patients and a homemade glove port (HMGP) was utilised in ten patients. All the specimens were extracted after placement in a plastic bag or inside the glove port avoiding contact with the wound. Umbilical fascial incisions were meticulously closed with non-absorbable sutures. RESULTS: Two patients with a history of previous abdominal surgery required omental adhesiolysis. Seventeen patients with breast cancer underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, ten had ovarian cystectomy (6 had cystadenoma, 2 had endometriotic cysts and 2 had dermoid cyst), six had excision of paraovarian cysts (one along with partial salpingectomy) and four with ruptured ectopic pregnancy underwent salpingectomy. LESS was completed in all but one patient, who required insertion of an additional 5 mm port. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience confirms the feasibility and safety of LESS in a variety of benign adnexal pathology. Both the SIMP and HMGP approaches seem comparable. Performing LESS without the use of specialised access ports or instruments makes it cost effective and suitable for wider application.

Laparoscopic resection of a large paraganglioma arising in the organ of Zuckerkandl: Report of a case and review of the literature.

Paragangliomas are catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumours arising from chromaffin tissue at extra-adrenal sites. The commonest site for a paraganglioma is the organ of Zuckerkandl. Traditional treatment of paraganglioma of organ of Zuckerkandl (POZ) involves open surgical resection, and only a few cases of laparoscopic approach to this pathology have been reported. We report the successful laparoscopic resection of a large POZ in a 22-year-old woman and review the previous cases reporting a laparoscopic approach to this rare tumour.

Laparoscopic repair of left paraduodenal hernia: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Internal hernia is the cause of only 1% of intestinal obstructions, and left paraduodenal hernias (PDH) comprise about 50% of these cases. As the presentation of PDH is varied, diagnosis is often delayed. Here, we report two patients with left PDH presenting in a subacute manner and diagnosed rapidly with the help of a CT scan. Both underwent successful laparoscopic repair; one patient had closure of the defect, and the other required excision of the sac prior to the closure. We review 21 cases of left PDH treated laparoscopically that were previously reported in the literature, including 14 from Asian countries.

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula manifesting in an adult.

Congenital trcheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) without oesophageal atresia is usually diagnosed and managed in the neonatal period. Its presentation in adulthood is a rarity. Traditional treatment of a TOF in adults involves its repair via a thoracotomy. We report the case of a 23-year-old man diagnosed with an H-type TOF during workup undertaken for his symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux. This fistula located at the level of third thoracic vertebra was repaired successfully using a thoracoscopic approach.

Laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy in a pregnant patient.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy for patients with symptomatic or complicated gallstone disease is well established. Laparoendoscopic single-site cholecystectomy (LESS-chole) is a new modality in which the entire surgery is undertaken via a transumbilical incision. We describe a 33-year-old patient who underwent a LESS-chole in the 20(th) week of pregnancy for gallstone disease complicated by episodes of obstructive jaundice and acute pancreatitis. This is the first reported case of LESS-chole performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments. The technical aspects as well as the various perioperative measures utilized to undertake this procedure safely are outlined.