Implementation of mini gastric bypass in the Netherlands: early and midterm results from a high-volume unit.

BACKGROUND: Mini gastric bypass (MGB) is a promising and attractive alternative bariatric procedure. In 2011, we introduced MGB in our high-volume bariatric unit. Subsequently, we evaluated short- and midterm results of this procedure. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients who underwent MGB between 2012 and 2013 was retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2013, primary MGB was performed in 287 patients with a mean BMI of 42 kg/m2 (range 32-76 kg/m2). The mean operation time was 50 min (range 25-120 min). The mortality rate was 0%. Serious complications, such as leakage, pulmonary embolism, or bleeding, occurred in 3.1% of patients; anastomotic leaks occurred in 1.4% of patients. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for biliary reflux or other indications occurred in six patients (2%). During our initial learning phase, biliary reflux rates were higher due to an overly short pouch. Surgical revision for malnutrition was performed in one patient. Percent excess weight loss and percent total body weight loss were 85 and 35%, respectively, after 1 year; 88 and 36.6%, respectively, after 2 years; and 83 and 34.3%, respectively, after 3 years. Follow-up rates after 1, 2, and 3 years were 96% (277/287), 72% (208/287), and 66% (190/287), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As a primary bariatric procedure, MGB is associated with good early and midterm results. MGB has the potential to become a significant alternative bariatric procedure. Correct technique is of extreme importance when performing MGB; therefore, the appointment of an experienced MGB surgeon as a guide when beginning to utilize this technique is advised.

Conversion of failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is safe as a single-step procedure.

BACKGROUND: Several different procedures have been proposed as a revisional procedure for treatment of failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been advocated as the procedure of choice for revision. In this study, we compare the single- and two-step approaches for the revision of failed LAGB to LRYGB. METHOD: All patients who underwent bariatric surgery were included in a prospective database. For the purpose of this study, patients who underwent revisional surgery from LAGB to LRYGB were selected. Records for individual patients were completed by data review. Complication rates and weight development were recorded until 2 years postoperatively. Data were compared between both procedures and with complications rates reported in literature. RESULTS: Revisional gastric bypass surgery was performed in 257 patients. This was done as a planned single-step procedure in 220 (86 %) patients without indications for acute band removal and in 32 patients as a planned 2 step procedure. Five patients were planned as a single-step procedure but were intraoperatively converted to a 2-step procedure based on poor pouch tissue quality. No postoperative mortality occurred in both groups. No differences in early major morbidity and stricture formation were seen between the two groups. Gastric ulceration was more frequently observed after 2-steps procedure (8.5 vs. 1.7 %, p < 0.05). In comparison with data reported in literature, the single-step procedure had similar to lower complication rates. Percentage excess weight loss two years after revisional gastric bypass procedure was, respectively, 53 versus 67 % (p = 0.147) for single- and two-step procedure. CONCLUSION: In patients without indications for acute band removal, the planned conversion of gastric banding to Roux-Y gastric bypass can be safely done in a single-step procedure without increase in morbidity and no difference in postoperative weight loss.

Esophageal perforation due to removal of partially covered self-expanding metal stents placed for a benign perforation or leak.

Benign esophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks can be effectively managed by stent placement. However, when partially covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are used, safe removal may be complicated. In this case series, we evaluated the complicated removal of SEMS placed for a benign esophageal perforation or leak in four patients. In all patients a partially covered SEMS was placed. After a median stent time of 29 days (range 21 - 30), the SEMS were found to have become embedded in the esophageal wall. Endoscopic removal resulted in perforation in all patients. All patients recovered uneventfully, although one patient underwent esophagectomy. If uncovered SEMS ends become embedded, removal of the stent may cause major damage to the esophageal wall. It is therefore recommended to remove embedded partially covered SEMS only after first placing a fully covered SEMS or self-expanding plastic stent inside this stent to necrotize the ingrown tissue at the uncovered stent ends.

Optimal ergonomics for laparoscopic surgery in minimally invasive surgery suites: a review and guidelines.

BACKGROUND: With minimally invasive surgery (MIS), a man-machine environment was brought into the operating room, which created mental and physical challenges for the operating team. The science of ergonomics analyzes these challenges and formulates guidelines for creating a work environment that is safe and comfortable for its operators while effectiveness and efficiency of the process are maintained. This review aimed to formulate the ergonomic challenges related to monitor positioning in MIS. Background and guidelines are formulated for optimal ergonomic monitor positioning within the possibilities of the modern MIS suite, using multiple monitors suspended from the ceiling. METHODS: All evidence-based experimental ergonomic studies conducted in the fields of laparoscopic surgery and applied ergonomics for other professions working with a display were identified by PubMed searches and selected for quality and applicability. Data from ergonomic studies were evaluated in terms of effectiveness and efficiency as well as comfort and safety aspects. Recommendations for individual monitor positioning are formulated to create a personal balance between these two ergonomic aspects. RESULTS: Misalignment in the eye-hand-target axis because of limited freedom in monitor positioning is recognized as an important ergonomic drawback during MIS. Realignment of the eye-hand-target axis improves personal values of comfort and safety as well as procedural values of effectiveness and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Monitor position is an important ergonomic factor during MIS. In the horizontal plain, the monitor should be straight in front of each person and aligned with the forearm-instrument motor axis to avoid axial rotation of the spine. In the sagittal plain, the monitor should be positioned lower than eye level to avoid neck extension.

Surgical anatomy of the inguinal region: implications during inguinal laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.

INTRODUCTION: In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair the inguinal region is approached and hernia repair performed from the interior side instead of the classical open external access. Exploration and placement of staplers in the internal inguinal region during laparoscopic hernia repair may sever different anatomical structures, or induce specific complications such as nerve entrapment, neuralgia, hematomas or osteitis. The incidence of these complications may be reduced by careful dissection of the preperitoneal tissues and by placing a prosthetic mesh without the use of stapling. As laparoscopic techniques evolved, different sizes of meshes have been used. An exact determination of mesh size was hitherto not investigated. AIM: Cadaver studies of the topography of blood vessels and nerves in the preperitoneal tissue in this region were carried out in order to assess a safe position and adequate size of the prosthetic mesh. METHODS: Dissection in 6 preserved human female cadavers was performed to define the actual surface of the internal inguinal region. A physical model was developed to formulate the ideal size of the prosthesis. Specific measurements were used to define the maximal size of the meshes, so as to place them without stapling, and without inducing neurovascular complications. RESULTS: The designed physical formula defines the size of the mesh as a function of the maximum intra-abdominal pressure, the size of the abdominal wall defect and the abdominal wall tension. CONCLUSION: On mathematical and physical grounds our study points out that the size of the currently used prosthetic mesh (10 x 15 cm) is large enough to be placed without stapling so that with proper placement no recurrences should occur.

[Treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts by laparoscopic cystogastrostomy]. / Traitement des pseudokystes du pancréas par kystograstostomie laparoscopique.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results of laparoscopic cystogastrostomy and to determine the potential advantages of this new therapeutic option. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study concerned 12 patients presenting with pancreatic pseudocyst and operated on by laparoscopic cystogastrostomy between 1997 and 2002. There were five men and seven women with a median age of 46 years (range: 30-72). In ten patients, the pseudocyst developed after acute pancreatitis and the median delay between the acute onset and surgery was 7 months (range: 2-24). In two patients, the pseudocyst was associated with chronic pancreatitis. All the patients had a single cyst bulging into the posterior wall of the stomach and the median cyst diameter was 9 cm (range: 5-14). RESULTS: Endoluminal gastric laparoscopy was used in six patients and intraperitoneal transgastric laparoscopy in six patients. Conversion to open surgery was required in one patient because the cyst could not be correctly localised by laparoscopy. The median size of the cystogastrostomy was 3 cm (range: 2-5). In eight patients, necrotic debris were still present within the cyst. The median operative time was 90 min (range: 60-140) and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range: 4-24). No mortality was recorded and postoperative morbidity was limited to one haematoma of the rectus sheath on a port site. One patient was readmitted on the 20th postoperative day because of cyst infection due to partial closure of the cystogastrostomy and was treated by endoscopic placement of a stent. One patient was lost for follow-up 2 months after surgery. With a median clinical and radiological follow-up of 12 months (range: 6-36), no recurrence of pancreatic pseudocyst was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, laparoscopic cystogastrostomy is associated with a low postoperative morbidity and an effective permanent result. Laparoscopy has two main advantages: an excellent control of haemostasis and the creation of a wide communication with debridement of the cyst contents thus minimizing the risk of infection or recurrence of the pseudocyst.

Laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND: A multicentric study was performed to evaluate the clinical results after laparoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts (PP). METHODS: We collected the data of 17 patients presenting with PP and operated on by laparoscopy between 1996 and 2001. There were nine men and eight women with a median age of 42 years (range 30-72). In 15 patients the PP developed after acute pancreatitis and the median delay between the acute onset and surgery was 7 months (range: 2-24). In two patients the PP was associated with chronic pancreatitis. All the patients had a single PP with a median diameter of 9 cm (range: 5-20). RESULTS: According to the location of the PP, a cystogastrostomy was performed in 10 patients and a cystojejunostomy in seven patients. The median operative time was 100 min (range: 80-300). Laparoscopic PP surgery was completed successfully in 16 patients and the median size of the cystoenterostomy was 3 cm (range: 2-5). Necrotic debris was present within the PP in 11 patients. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range: 4-24). No mortality and no immediate morbidity were recorded. However, two patients were readmitted within the first 3 postoperative weeks because of secondary PP infection. The first patient had an early closure of cystogastrostomy and was treated by endoscopic placement of a stent. The second represented with a right retrocolic abscess after cystojejunostomy and was treated by percutaneous drainage. One patient was lost for follow-up 2 months after surgery. The others had regular clinical and radiological controls. With a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 6-36), no recurrence of PP was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic treatment of PP was associated with a low postoperative complication rate and an effective permanent result. That approach avoided some difficulties, particularly bleeding that is classically linked with endoscopic internal drainage.

Laparoscopic liver resection of benign liver tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic liver resection for benign liver tumors in a multicenter setting. BACKGROUND: Despite restrictive, tailored indications for resection in benign liver tumors, an increasing number of articles have been published concerning laparoscopic liver resection of these tumors. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 18 surgical centres in Europe regarding their experience with laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors. Detailed standardized questionnaires were used that focused on patient's characteristics, clinical data, type and characteristics of the tumor, technical details of the operation, and early and late clinical outcome. RESULTS: From March 1992 to September 2000, 87 patients suffering from benign liver tumor were included in this study: 48 patients with focal nodular hyperplasia (55%), 17 patients with liver cell adenoma (21%), 13 patients with hemangioma (15%), 3 patients with hamartoma (3%), 3 patients with hydatid liver cysts (3%), 2 patients with adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) (2%), and 1 patient with liver cystadenoma (1%). The mean size of the tumor was 6 cm, and 95% of the tumors were located in the left liver lobe or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Liver procedures included 38 wedge resections, 25 segmentectomies, 21 bisegmentectomies (including 20 left lateral segmentectomies), and 3 major hepatectomies. There were 9 conversions to an open approach (10%) due to bleeding in 45% of the patients. Five patients (6%) received autologous blood transfusion. There was no postoperative mortality, and the postoperative complication rate was low (5%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-13 days). At a mean follow-up of 13 months (median, 10 months; range, 2-58 months), all patients are alive without disease recurrence, except for the 2 patients with APLD. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumors is feasible and safe for selected patients with small tumors located in the left lateral segments or in the anterior segments of the right liver. Despite the use of a laparoscopic approach, selective indications for resection of benign liver tumors should remain unchanged. When performed by expert liver and laparoscopic surgeons in selected patients and tumors, laparoscopic resection of benign liver tumor is a promising technique.

Laparoscopic transabdominal pericardial window: new standard in the treatment of recurrent pericardial effusion complicated by cardiac tamponade.

Creation of a transabdominal transdiaphragmatic pericardial window for life-threatening recurrent pericardial effusion has proved to be a safe minimally invasive technique. By inducing adequate pericardial sac decompression while avoiding single-lung ventilation and thoracic drainage in severely ill patients, it provides anatomopathologic diagnosis and can direct further therapeutic measures. The transabdominal approach improves postoperative recovery dramatically by limiting postoperative pain and prevents sometimes invalidating intercostal neuralgia. Transabdominal pericardial sac fenestration should be part of the armamentarium used by every minimally invasive surgeon.

Weight reduction by means of intragastric device: experience with the bioenterics intragastric balloon.

BACKGROUND: A new intragastric balloon is available for weight reduction. METHODS: Patients consulting for a weight reduction plan and refusing any kind of actual surgery, or suffering from obesity but not meeting the IFSO standards for surgery, were offered the possibility of weight reduction by the BioEnterics intragastric balloon (BIB). A preoperative questionnaire was completed by all patients, inquiring about medical history, co-morbidity factors, dietary habits, previous treatments for weight and social, psychological, relational and economic impact of the obesity. BIB placement was done on an inpatient basis, under general anesthesia. Inflation was standardized at 500 ml saline. Intravenous antiemetic and spasmolytic drugs were given to control post-insertion nausea for 24 hours, and oral medication was administered on the patient's discharge. A standard 800 calorie diet was prescribed after dietitian's consultation. Extraction of the balloon was left to the patient's discretion at 3 or maximum 6 months after placement. Patients choosing for the maximal period received a formal invitation to extract the balloon. Evaluation of weight reduction was done at extraction and by questionnaire. RESULTS: 126 patients (5 M, 121 F) with mean age of 35.6 years (20-62) were included after preoperative evaluation. Mean preoperative BMI was 37.7 kg/m2 (26.7-57.7 kg/m2), with a mean initial excessive weight of 35.3 kg (8.8-96.4 kg) and mean initial % excess weight of 32.2 (6.3-102). 69 patients were eligible for review; mean excess weight loss after 3 months was 48.6% and after 6 months 50.8%. Mean weight loss was 15.4 kg (0-35 kg). 76.8% of the patients (41/69) complained of severe nausea and vomiting lasting an average of 1 week (1 day-6 months), resulting in 3 patients in early removal of the balloon (at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month after placement respectively). 2 patients suffered gastric perforation presenting as acute peritonitis 3 and 4 months after placement and were operated. Extraction of the balloon was performed in 3 patients after 3 months and in 66 patients after 6 months. In 11 patients (22%), esophagitis was present (8 grade 1, 2 grade II, 1 grade III), and one patient showed diffuse gastric erosion. One patient required removal of the balloon by rigid esphagoscopy following technical failure of the endoscopic extraction device. 45 patients replied to the mailed, questionnaire; 15% (7/45) were very satisfied, 13% (6/45) satisfied, 22% (10/45) reasonably satisfied, 8.8% (4/45) unsatisfied and 40% very unsatisfied. Degree of satisfaction correlated poorly with weight loss. Results may be better with close continuous guidance by a counselor. CONCLUSION: BIB as a means of weight reduction in the obese patient led to a 50.8% loss of excess weight after 6 months. Although severe morbidity can occur, the BIB provides a means for short-term weight reduction in conjunction with dietary measures.

Isolated colonic injury following blunt abdominal trauma.

A case of delayed diagnosis of colonic injury after blunt abdominal trauma leading to faecal peritonitis is presented. Diagnostic problems and possibilities as well as treatment of these injuries are reviewed. The key to diagnosis remains the serial clinical and ultrasound examinations.

Biliopancreatic diversion for treatment of morbid obesity: experience in 180 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) by Scopinaro's method is used by many as a surgical treatment for morbid obesity. The authors present their results in 180 consecutive cases. METHOD: Between June 1995 and May 1998, the authors performed BPD by Scopinaro's method on 180 patients (36 men) with morbid obesity, mean age 35.8 years (range 18-58 years), mean body mass index (BMI) 48.8 kg/m2 (range 35-66 kg/m2). RESULTS: In all cases, a gradual decrease in weight was obtained: the mean BMI at 1 month was 40.3 kg/m2, at 6 months 34 kg/m2, at 1 years 32 kg/m2, at 18 months 30.2 kg/m2, and at 36 months 28.8 kg/m2. At the same time a significant improvement in the pathologic conditions associated with morbid obesity was observed. Postoperative complications were two duodenum blowout syndromes requiring prolonged intensive care, and an 18% rate of incisional hernias. Conversion to normal small bowel continuity was necessary in three cases. Protein malnutrition developed in 2 patients (1.1%), in 1 patient coinciding with addiction to cocaine. One patient could not psychologically accept the physical changes and requested conversion. Anastomotic ulceration was seen in 11% of the patients. Operation for late obstruction occurred in 2 patients. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although BPD by Scopinaro's method is technically complex, it is safe and effective.

Laparoscopic transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective clinical trial.

A prospective series of 106 inguinal hernias in 91 patients is studied, comparing two methods of laparoscopic hernia repair: a transperitoneal technique with preperitoneal stapled mesh fixation (TransAbdominal PrePeritoneal or TAPP-technique) performed in 33 patients, and a totally extraperitoneal placement of non stapled mesh (Totally ExtraPeritoneal Approach or TEPA-technique) performed in 58 patients. Conversions to open repair were equally frequent (5% vs. 7% respectively) and were due to adhesions, haemorrhage, irreducible intestinal loop in the hernial sac or important subcutaneous emphysema. Minor postoperative complications included regional seroma or haematoma, testicular pain and meralgia paraesthetica. There was no mortality nor long lasting complication. Recurrence rates in both groups amounted 2.7% (TAPP) and 2.8% (TEPA) respectively after a mean follow-up of 15.8 months (TAPP) and 17.6 months (TEPA). In both groups early recovery of normal activities was noted, after a mean of respectively 13.6 days (TAPP) and 12.9 days (TEPA). It is concluded that the transabdominal route and the totally extraperitoneal approach for laparoscopic herniorrhaphy are both adequate techniques for inguinal hernia repair with similar complication and short-term recurrence rates.

Laparoscopic splenectomy after arterial embolisation.

Laparoscopic splenectomy remains a challenging procedure, as haemorrhage causes the most complications. In order to reduce this risk, preoperative selective embolisation of the splicing artery has been performed in a series of six successful laparoscopic splenectomies in one male and five female patients with a mean age of 34.6 years (range 17-53 yrs). Indications for surgery were immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)(n = 3), non-Hodgkin lymphoma with secondary haemolytic anaemia (n = 1), autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (n = 1) and congenital spherocytosis (n = 1). The mean splenic length was 12.3 cm (range 9-16 cm) and no accessory spleens were identified. Mean operative time was 96.7 min (range 90-150 min). There were no deaths nor haemorrhagic or septic complications. Recovery after surgery was excellent with a mean hospital stay of 5.2 days (range 2-10 days). We conclude that selective embolisation of the splenic artery, just prior to laparoscopic splenectomy adds to the safety, and operating time may be shortened.

The Hartmann procedure revisited.

The results of 37 consecutive cases of Hartmann's procedure over a 5-year period (1985-1990) were reviewed. The series consisted of 27 emergency procedures (11 diverticular disease, 13 carcinoma, two trauma and one sigmoid volvulus) and ten elective procedures (nine carcinoma and one peridiverticular abscess). The indications for emergency procedures were obstruction and perforation. All patients presented with faecal peritonitis owing to colonic perforation. The mean (range) age was 79.4 (34-90) years. The postoperative mortality rate was 30 per cent overall (11 of 37), 33 per cent (four of 12) in the diverticulitis group, 23 per cent (five of 22) in the carcinoma group, and 100 per cent in the iatrogenic trauma group. Death was mainly due to sepsis (82 per cent). Postoperative complications were mainly wound infections, which occurred in 43 per cent (16 of 37) cases. In 25 per cent of the surviving patients, re-establishment of continuity was performed in three of 17 (18 per cent) of the carcinoma group and three of seven (43 per cent) of the diverticulitis group. No attempt at restoration of intestinal continuity was made in six cases due to medical risk in two, extensive carcinoma in two and local recurrence with metastatic disease in two. Three patients refused all further intervention. There were no postoperative deaths after the restoration of continuity. This series reflects the severity of the pathology in this high risk group of patients. However, the operation can be life-saving for a selected group of patients and offers good palliation for advanced colorectal tumours.

The influence of the interaction of sutures with the mucosa on tumour formation at colonic anastomoses in rats.

In order to explore the respective role of wound healing and suture material on metachronous carcinogenesis at colonic lines in rats, tumour yield was studied after the administration of a chemical carcinogen (azoxymethane) at the moment that in one group of rats most of the suture material was still present and crypt cell proliferation elevated, while in another group, no more suture material was present and crypt cell proliferation rate (CCPR) normalized at the anastomotic site. Azoxymethane (15 mg/kg/week, s.c., during 6 weeks) was administered in male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 105) 8 weeks after the creation of an anastomosis in the ascending and descending colon with either stainless steel sutures (group A, n = 30) or fast-absorption Vicryl (Vicryl Rapide, group B, n = 30). A control group (group C, n = 30) underwent a sham laparotomy before the administration of azoxymethane, while the animals of a fourth group (group D, n = 15) were not operated upon and received no azoxymethane. Twenty-six weeks after the first injection of azoxymethane there was no significant difference in the total colorectal tumour yield in the three operated groups (A, B, C), but a significantly greater proportion of anastomotic tumours (28/68 vs. 13/88, p < 0.01) and more anastomotic tumours per rat (28/23 vs. 13/28, p = 0.01) as well as more rats with anastomotic tumours (16/23 vs. 11/28, p = 0.04) were found in the steel-sutured group (A), compared with the control group (C).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of nonabsorbable and rapidly absorbable suture material on the cytokinetics of crypt cells in colonic anastomoses in the rat.

The effect of non-absorbable and rapidly absorbable suture material on the cytokinetics of crypt cells was studied in right and left colonic anastomoses in the rat by using stathmokinetic methods. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to three groups. In group A (n = 15), colonic anastomoses were performed in the right and left colon using nonabsorbable, stainless steel sutures. Groups B (n = 15) animals had identically located anastomoses but a rapidly absorbable suture material (Vicryl Rapide) was used. Animals of group C (n = 15) acted as controls. Eight weeks postoperatively, the crypt cell production rate (CCPR) was determined after measuring the slope of the metaphase accumulation line. At this time, no suture material was detected in any of group B (Vicryl Rapide) animals, while in group A rats (stainless steel), 79% of the animals had suture material in place. A steel-sutured anastomosis significantly increased the CCPR in the right colon from 6.2 to 10.6 cells/crypt/h and in the left colon from 5.6 to 9.8 cells/crypt/h compared with controls (p less than 0.05). An anastomosis performed with Vicryl Rapide, whether in the proximal or descending colon, did not influence the CCPR when compared with the control group (right 6.4 vs. 6.2 cells/crypt/h; left 4.2 vs. 5.6 cells/crypt/h). The CCPR at steel-sutured anastomoses was significantly higher than the CCPR at the Vicryl Rapide anastomotic site both in the right (10.6 vs. 6.4 cells/crypt/h) as well as in the left colonic sites (9.8 vs. 4.2 cells/crypt/h) (p less than 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)