A new technique for liver retraction during single-port laparoscopic surgery.

Establishing a clear operative viewing field and adequate working space are essential steps for safe laparoscopic surgery. This aim of this article is to report a new technique of liver retraction during upper gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery. This technique is fast and simple and precludes the use of special devices. It avoids the use of a subxiphoid trocar exclusive for liver retraction. This technique was designed to be used in single-port laparoscopic surgery but can be used in standard laparoscopic surgery to reduce the number of trocars. The first step is to perform division of the left triangular ligament. The fibrous appendix is identified. A window in the falciform ligament is created. The fibrous appendix is sutured to the peritoneum in the right subcostal area. The left lobe of the liver passes through the window in the falciform ligament, avoiding liver congestion. Optimum exposure of the upper gastrointestinal area is achieved. This new technique is easy and can be performed in various types of laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgeries without the need for specific skills or devices. We believe that our liver retraction technique is useful in single-port laparoscopic surgery and allows an excellent exposure of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with double jejunal loop reconstruction: an old trick for a new dog.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy is an established procedure for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases located at the pancreatic head and periampullary region. In order to decrease morbidity and mortality, we devised a unique technique using two different jejunal loops to avoid activation of pancreatic juice by biliary secretion and therefore reduce the severity of pancreatic fistula. This technique has been used for open pancreatoduodenectomy worldwide but to date has never been described for laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy. This article reports the technique of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with two jejunal loops for reconstruction of the alimentary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After pancreatic head resection, retrocolic end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy with duct-to-mucosa anastomosis is performed. The jejunal loop is divided with a stapler, and side-to-side jejunojejunostomy is performed with the stapler, leaving a 40-cm jejunal loop for retrocolic hepaticojejunostomy. Finally, end-to-side duodenojejunostomy is performed in an antecolic fashion. RESULTS: This technique has been successfully used in 3 consecutive patients with pancreatic head tumors: 2 patients underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, and 1 patient underwent totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. One patient presented a Grade A pancreatic fistula that was managed conservatively. One patient received blood transfusion. Mean operative time was 9 hours. Mean hospital stay was 7 days. No postoperative mortality was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with double jejunal loop reconstruction is feasible and may be useful to decrease morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy. This operation is challenging and may be reserved for highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons.

[First robotic-assisted laparoscopic liver resection in Latin America]. / Ressecção hepática robótica. Relato de experiência pioneira na América Latina.

The surgical robotic system is superior to traditional laparoscopy in regards to 3-dimensional images and better instrumentations. Robotic surgery for hepatic resection has not yet been extensively reported. The aim of this paper is to report the first known case of liver resection with use of a computer-assisted, or robotic, surgical device in Latin America. A 72-year-old male with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred for surgical treatment. Preoperative clinical evaluation and laboratory data disclosed a Child-Pugh class A patient. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 2.2 cm tumor in segment 5. Liver size was decreased and there were signs of portal hypertension, such as splenomegaly and enlarged portal vein collaterals. Preoperative upper digestive endoscopy disclosed esophageal varices. Five trocars were used. Liver transection was achieved with harmonic scalpel and bipolar forceps. Hemostasis of raw surface areas was accomplished with interrupted stitches. Operative time was 120 minutes. Blood loss was minimal and the patient did not receive transfusion. The recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged on the 3rd postoperative day without ascites formation. Laparoscopic hepatic resection can safely be performed. The laparoscopic approach may enable liver resection in patients with cirrhosis and evidence of liver failure that would contraindicate open surgery probably because it precludes the transection of major abdominal collaterals. The Da Vinci robotic system allowed for technical refinements of laparoscopic liver resection due to 3-dimensional visualization of the operative field and instruments with wrist-type end-effectors.

Ressecção hepática robótica: relato de experiência pioneira na América Latina / First robotic-assisted laparoscopic liver resection in Latin America

Graças ao melhor conhecimento da anatomia segmentar do fígado e desenvolvimento de novas técnicas, houve aumento no número de indicações de hepatectomias. O desenvolvimento da cirurgia minimamente invasiva ocorreu paralelamente e o aumento da experiência, aliado ao desenvolvimento de novos instrumentais, resultaram no crescimento exponencial das ressecções hepáticas videolaparoscópicas. A abordagem laparoscópica pode tornar viável a ressecção hepática em pacientes cirróticos com hipertensão portal que não tolerariam este mesmo procedimento por via laparotômica. A cirurgia robótica surgiu nos últimos anos como a última fronteira de desenvolvimento técnico aplicado à videocirurgia. O presente trabalho descreve a experiência pioneira de ressecção hepática totalmente com o uso de robótica na América Latina, em paciente com carcinoma hepatocelular e cirrose hepática. A hepatectomia laparoscópica com o uso do sistema robótico Da Vinci permite refinamentos técnicos graças à visualização tridimensional do campo cirúrgico e utilização de instrumentais precisos e com grande amplitude de movimentação que simulam os movimentos da mão humana.

The surgical robotic system is superior to traditional laparoscopy in regards to 3-dimensional images and better instrumentations. Robotic surgery for hepatic resection has not yet been extensively reported. The aim of this paper is to report the first known case of liver resection with use of a computer-assisted, or robotic, surgical device in Latin America. A 72-year-old male with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred for surgical treatment. Preoperative clinical evaluation and laboratory data disclosed a Child-Pugh class A patient. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 2.2 cm tumor in segment 5. Liver size was decreased and there were signs of portal hypertension, such as splenomegaly and enlarged portal vein collaterals. Preoperative upper digestive endoscopy disclosed esophageal varices. Five trocars were used. Liver transection was achieved with harmonic scalpel and bipolar forceps. Hemostasis of raw surface areas was accomplished with interrupted stitches. Operative time was 120 minutes. Blood loss was minimal and the patient did not receive transfusion. The recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged on the 3rd postoperative day without ascites formation. Laparoscopic hepatic resection can safely be performed. The laparoscopic approach may enable liver resection in patients with cirrhosis and evidence of liver failure that would contraindicate open surgery probably because it precludes the transection of major abdominal collaterals. The Da Vinci robotic system allowed for technical refinements of laparoscopic liver resection due to 3-dimensional visualization of the operative field and instruments with wrist-type end-effectors.

Laparoscopic enucleation of liver tumors. Corkscrew technique revisited.

BACKGROUND: Enucleation of small lesions located near the hepatic surface can be achieved with low morbidity and mortality. This article describes a simple laparoscopic technique for enucleation of liver tumors. METHODS: After inspection and intraoperative ultrasonography, Glisson's capsule is marked with eletrocautery 2 cm away from the tumor margin. Ultrasonography is used to ascertain surgical margin right before liver transection. Hemihepatic ischemia is applied and marked area is anchored by stitches. The suture is held together by metallic clips and upward traction is performed, facilitating the transection of the parenchyma and correct identification of vascular and biliary structures. RESULTS: This technique has been successfully employed in six consecutive patients. There were four men and two women, mean age 50.3 years. Four patients underwent liver resection for malignant disease and two for benign liver neoplasm. Pathologic surgical margins were free in all cases and mean hospital stay was 2 days. No postoperative mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: This technique may facilitate laparoscopic nonanatomical liver resection and reduce risk of positive surgical margins. It is also useful in combination with anatomical laparoscopic liver resections such as right or left hemihepatectomies in patients with bilateral liver tumors as occurred in one of our patients.

Trisegmentectomia hepática direita por videolaparoscopia / Laparoscopic right trisectionectomy

INTRODUÇÃO: Em 2007 os autores descreveram a primeira hepatectomia direita por videolaparoscopia realizada no Brasil. Hepatectomia direita ampliada, também conhecida como trisegmentectomia direita, é procedimento altamente complexo e implica em grande retirada do volume hepático. Os autores descrevem a primeira trisegmentectomia direita por videolaparoscopia realizada no Brasil. TÉCNICA: O paciente é colocado em posição supina em decúbito lateral esquerdo. O cirurgião se coloca entre as pernas da paciente. Utilizamos cinco trocartes, três de 12 mm e dois de 5 mm. Devido à embolização prévia da veia porta direita, o hilo hepático não é dissecado. O pedículo portal direito é seccionado com grampeador laparoscópico de carga vascular por meio de acesso intra-hepático, segundo técnica previamente descrita pelos autores. A seguir procede-se a mobilização do fígado direito seguido de dissecção da veia cava retro-hepática e secção da veia hepática direita. Estes passos são realizados sem manobra de Pringle. O fígado é seccionado com combinação de bisturi harmônico e grampeador endoscópico. O pedículo do segmento 4 é seccionado dentro do fígado. O espécime é retirado por meio de incisão supra-púbica e a área cruenta é revista para verificar hemostasia. O procedimento é encerrado e dreno de sistema fechado é posicionado junto à área cruenta. CONCLUSÃO: Trisegmentectomia hepática direita por videolaparoscopia é procedimento factível e seguro e deve ser considerado para pacientes selecionados. Este procedimento deve ser realizado em centros especializados e por cirurgiões com experiência tanto em cirurgia hepática como cirurgia laparoscópica avançada.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic right liver trisectionectomy is a very complex procedure and, to our knowledge, there is only one technical description so far in the English literature. The authors describe the first totally laparoscopic right trisectionectomy performed in Brazil. METHOD: Patient is placed in left semi-lateral decubitus position with surgeon standing between patients' legs. Five trocars, three 12 mm and two 5mm, were used. Due to previous right portal vein embolization, hepatic pedicle is not dissected. Intrahepatic access to the main right Glissonian pedicle is achieved with two small incisions: on the right portion of caudate lobe and another in front of the hilum. A vascular stapling device is inserted between these incisions and fired. Right liver is then mobilized and inferior vena cava is dissected. Right hepatic vein is divided with vascular endoscopic stapler. Line of liver transection is marked along the liver surface including segment 4. Glissonian pedicle from segment 4 is divided during liver transection. Liver transection is accomplished with harmonic scalpel and endoscopic stapling device as appropriate. Specimen is extracted through a suprapubic incision and pneumoperitoneum is reestablished. Raw surface area is checked for hemostasia and biliary leakage. One round abdominal drain is left in place. Right hepatic trisectionectomy is then completed. Conclusion: Totally laparoscopic right trisectionectomy is safe and feasible in selected patients and should be considered for patients with benign or malignant liver neoplasms. However, this complex procedure should be performed by surgeons who have both experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures and open hepatic surgery.

Hepatectomia direita por videolaparoscopia / Laparoscopic right hepatectomy

The first application of laparoscopic liver surgery consisted of wedge liver biopsies or resection of peripheral lesions, mostly benign. More recently, reports of anatomic left and right hepatectomy have been seen in the literature. Expertise in some centers has evolved to such an extent that even living related donor hepatectomy has been performed. The aim of this paper is to report a laparoscopic right hepatectomy and describe in detail the surgical technique employed. To our knowledge this is the first case performed in Brazil totally laparoscopically. The surgery followed four distinct phases: complete mobilization of the liver; hilum dissection with encircling of right portal vein and right hepatic artery, caval dissection using linear vascular stapler to divide right hepatic vein and parenchymal transection with harmonic shears and firings of linear staplers are used to divide segmental 5 and 8 branches of middle hepatic vein. The liver specimen was removed by Pfannenstiel incision. Intraoperative blood loss was estimated in 120 ml with no need for blood transfusion. Hospital stay was 5 days. Laparoscopic right hepatectomy is feasible, technically demanding but can be safely accomplished by surgeons who have experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures and open hepatic surgery. In Brazil laparoscopic liver surgery is still in its first years and there is a lack of technical description of this complex procedure.