A Four-step Technique for Effluent Diversion of Enteroatmospheric Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Isolation of the enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) opening and prevention of contamination of the rest of the wound by effluent are important factors in the management of EAF. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe an easily reproducible technique for effluent control in patients with EAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent the present technique between 2013 and 2015. The surgical technique included condom-EAF anastomosis, fistula ring creation, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and adaptation of an ostomy bag. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients with a Björck grade 4 abdomen were included. All fistulas were located in the small bowel with a median number of 2 EAFs (range, 2-3) in each patient, and the majority had moderate output volume. The mean number of NPWT changes was 10 (range, 5-18), the mean time of NPWT use was 75.7 days (range, 60-120 days), and the mean length of stay was 108.2 days (range, 103-160 days). The mean time of ostomy formation to restitution of bowel continuity was 14.3 months (range, 8-20 months). Open anterior component separation was employed in all cases for closure of the abdominal wall. No mortality, ventral herniation, or refistulization was registered in the study. The mean follow-up time was 8.5 months (range, 6-12 months). CONCLUSIONS: This is an easily reproducible and safe technique for effluent control in patients with Björk grade 4 abdomen with established EAF.

Negative pressure therapy in combination with mesh-mediated fascial traction in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis. A new therapeutic option.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis represents one of the most frequent digestive pathologies worldwide, which can be complicated as an infected necrotizing acute pancreatitis, that may require treatment with necrosectomy and open abdomen with the risk that this leads to the appearance of intestinal fistula and giant incisional hernias difficult to manage. CLINICAL CASE: A 35-year-old woman underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, which was re-admitted due to jaundice and abdominal pain 3 days after her hospital discharge. Diagnostic laparoscopy is performed, where a 3200 cc biliperitoneum secondary to a cystic duct stump leak is located and drained. Likewise, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed, with extraction of an impacted bile gallstone in the distal common bile duct. It presents as a complication of the procedure an acute post-ERCP pancreatitis with infected pancreatic necrosis. Open pancreatic necrosectomy was performed with a negative pressure therapy and mesh-mediated fascial traction, achieving resolution of the infectious condition with definitive closure of the abdominal cavity without incisional hernia or postoperative intestinal fistula. CONCLUSION: Patients with complicated acute pancreatitis with infected pancreatic necrosis represent a challenge in their treatment due to the serious nature of the condition and the morbidity associated with it. A therapeutic option is presented with the combined use of negative pressure therapy (ABThera™) and mesh-mediated fascial traction. With this report we propose a potential line of research to determine its role in the treatment of these patients, as well as their possible advantages and complications.

ANTECEDENTES: La pancreatitis aguda representa una de las enfermedades digestivas más frecuentes en todo el mundo, la cual puede complicarse como una pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada, que puede necesitar tratamiento con necrosectomía y abdomen abierto, con el riesgo que esto conlleva de aparición de fistula intestinal y hernias incisionales gigantes de difícil tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 35 años, intervenida de colecistectomía laparoscópica por colecistitis aguda, que es reingresada por ictericia y dolor abdominal 3 días después de su egreso hospitalario. Se realiza laparoscopia diagnóstica, en la que se encuentra y drena un biliperitoneo de 3200 cc secundario a una fuga de muñón del conducto cístico. Así mismo, se practica una colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE), con extracción de un lito biliar impactado en el colédoco distal. Presenta como complicación del procedimiento pancreatitis aguda tras la CPRE con necrosis pancreática infectada. Se realiza necrosectomía pancreática abierta con sistema de presión negativa y tracción fascial mediante malla, logrando la resolución del cuadro infeccioso con cierre definitivo de la cavidad abdominal sin presentar hernia incisional ni fistula intestinal posoperatoria. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes con pancreatitis aguda complicada con necrosis pancreática infectada representan un reto en su tratamiento por la naturaleza grave del padecimiento y la morbilidad asociada. Se presenta una opción terapéutica con el uso combinado de presión negativa (ABThera™) y tracción fascial mediante malla. Con el presente reporte se propone una potencial línea de investigación para determinar su papel en el tratamiento de estos pacientes, así como sus posibles ventajas y complicaciones.

Robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy after bile duct injury.

BACKGROUND: The Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System has positioned itself as a tool that improves the ergonomics of the surgeon, facilitating dissection in confined spaces and enhancing the surgeon's skills. The technical aspects for successful bile duct repair are well-vascularized ducts, tension-free anastomosis, and complete drainage of hepatic segments, and all are achievable with robotic-assisted approach. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of our prospectively collected database of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury who underwent robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Pre-, intra-, and short-term postoperative data were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 30 consecutive patients were included. The median age was 46.5 years and 76.7% were female. Neo-confluences with section of hepatic segment IV were performed in 7 patients (those classified as Strasberg E4). In the remaining 23, a Hepp-Couinaud anastomosis was built. There were no intraoperative complications, the median estimated blood loss was 100 mL, and the median operative time was 245 min. No conversion was needed. The median length of stay was 6 days and the median length of follow-up was 8 months. The overall morbidity rate was 23.3%. Two patients presented hepaticojejunostomy leak. No mortality was registered. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery is feasible and can be safely performed, with acceptable short-term results, in bile duct injury repair providing the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Further studies with larger number of cases and longer follow-up are needed to establish the role of robotic assisted approaches in the reconstruction of BDI.

Colédoco-duodeno anastomosis laparoscópica / Laparoscopic Choledochoduodenostomy

Introducción: Las opciones actuales para realizar procedimientos permanentes de derivación biliodigestiva, secundarios a coledocolitiasis compleja, van desde la cirugía abierta hasta el empleo de procedimientos híbridos laparoendoscópicos. El objetivo del estudio fue realizar un análisis de los resultados obtenidos en pacientes con coledocolitiasis compleja tratados con colédoco-duodeno anastomosis laparoscópica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional longitudinal en el período comprendido de marzo de 2011 a junio de 2016. Se incluyeron pacientes con coledocolitiasis compleja no resuelta por CPRE o resueltas por CPRE pero con dilatación masiva de vía biliar y evidencia de colestasis persistente, los cuales fueron seleccionados para procedimiento quirúrgico con colédoco-duodeno anastomosis. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 19 pacientes. La mayoría mujeres (78,9%), con edad media avanzada (72,4 ± 12 años) y con múltiples comorbilidades. Todos con al menos un episodio (mín-máx: 1-7) de coledocolitiasis o colangitis previos. El diámetro del colédoco fue de 24,9 ± 7mm. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 218,5 ± 74 min, sangrado de 150 (30-600) mL, inicio de dieta en 3,2 ± 1 días y estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria de 4,9 ± 2 días. Se encontró una mediana de 18 (12-32) meses de seguimiento. Posterior al procedimiento se observó normalización de las pruebas de funcionamiento hepático. Un paciente presentó síndrome del sumidero y un paciente falleció por neumonía nosocomial. Conclusiones: La colédoco-duodeno anastomosis laparoscópica asistida con coledocoscopia representa una técnica segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de pacientes con coledocolitiasis compleja con indicación de derivación biliodigestiva, ofreciendo los beneficios de la cirugía de mínima invasión (AU)

Introduction: Today's options for biliary bypass procedures, for difficult choledocholithiasis, range from open surgery to laparo-endoscopic hybrid procedures. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with difficult choledocholithiasis treated with laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study from March 2011 to June 2016. We included patients with difficult common bile duct stones (recurrent or unresolved by ERCP) in which a biliary bypass procedure was required. We performed a laparoscopic bile duct exploration with choledochoduodenostomy and intraoperative cholangioscopy. Results: A total of 19 patients were included. We found female predominance (78.9%), advanced mean age (72.4 ± 12 years) and multiple comorbidities. Most patients with previous episodes of choledocholitiasis or cholangitis, mode 1 (min-max: 1-7). Mean common bile duct diameter 24.9 ± 7mm. Mean operative time 218.5 ± 74min, estimated blood loss 150 (30-600) mL, resume of oral intake 3.2±1 days, postoperative length of stay 4.9 ± 2 days. We found a median of 18 (12-32) months of follow-up. All patients with normalization of liver enzymes during follow-up. One patient presented with sump syndrome and one patient died due to nosocomial pneumonia. Conclusions: Laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy with intraoperative cholangioscopy seems to be safe and effective treatment for patients with difficult common bile duct stones no resolved by endoscopic procedures. This procedure is a good option for patients with advanced age and multiple comorbidities. We offer all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery to these patients (AU)

Laparoscopic Choledochoduodenostomy. / Colédoco-duodeno anastomosis laparoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: Today's options for biliary bypass procedures, for difficult choledocholithiasis, range from open surgery to laparo-endoscopic hybrid procedures. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with difficult choledocholithiasis treated with laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study from March 2011 to June 2016. We included patients with difficult common bile duct stones (recurrent or unresolved by ERCP) in which a biliary bypass procedure was required. We performed a laparoscopic bile duct exploration with choledochoduodenostomy and intraoperative cholangioscopy. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were included. We found female predominance (78.9%), advanced mean age (72.4±12 years) and multiple comorbidities. Most patients with previous episodes of choledocholitiasis or cholangitis, mode 1 (min-max: 1-7). Mean common bile duct diameter 24.9±7mm. Mean operative time 218.5±74min, estimated blood loss 150 (30-600)mL, resume of oral intake 3.2±1 days, postoperative length of stay 4.9±2 days. We found a median of 18 (12-32) months of follow-up. All patients with normalization of liver enzymes during follow-up. One patient presented with sump syndrome and one patient died due to nosocomial pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy with intraoperative cholangioscopy seems to be safe and effective treatment for patients with difficult common bile duct stones no resolved by endoscopic procedures. This procedure is a good option for patients with advanced age and multiple comorbidities. We offer all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery to these patients.

[Acute intestinal ischemia serum markers for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis]. / Marcadores séricos de isquemia intestinal aguda para el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda.

INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency of the abdomen, but is still misdiagnosed in a large number of cases because of the the poor accuracy of the different radiologic and laboratory exams. Like in intestinal ischemia, an ischemic factor causes necrosis of the appendiceal wall and this favors the release of particular biochemical serum markers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intestinal ischemia serum markers as a diagnostic test for acute appendicitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred patients were studied prospectively. Depending on results of the examination by a surgeon, patients underwent surgery for acute appendicitis. Serum levels of amylase, lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and leucocyte count were taken preoperatively. We then compared the results with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Appendicitis was confirmed in 176 patients. Leukocytes had the highest sensitivity but very low specificity. Amylase and DHL were very specific but their sensitivity was poor. Differential leukocyte count had the highest positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: Serum enzymes of intestinal ischemia are not useful markers for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Leukocyte count is still the most useful serum marker of appendicitis.