[The surgical window for performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be extended to seven days after acute cholecystitis].

In Denmark, based on weak evidence from 2002, a surgical window of maximum four days after debut of symptoms has up till now been recommended. Based on 12 randomised controlled studies (RCTs) we conclude, that the surgical window may be extended to seven days. The main advantage is a significant reduction of total hospital stay and apparently without compromising safety. Unfortunately, evidence is based on mostly statistically underpowered RCTs of low or moderate methodological quality, and final conclusions on surgical results are still not possible.

Simulation-based camera navigation training in laparoscopy-a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Inexperienced operating assistants are often tasked with the important role of handling camera navigation during laparoscopic surgery. Incorrect handling can lead to poor visualization, increased operating time, and frustration for the operating surgeon-all of which can compromise patient safety. The objectives of this trial were to examine how to train laparoscopic camera navigation and to explore the transfer of skills to the operating room. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, single-center superiority trial with three groups: The first group practiced simulation-based camera navigation tasks (camera group), the second group practiced performing a simulation-based cholecystectomy (procedure group), and the third group received no training (control group). Participants were surgical novices without prior laparoscopic experience. The primary outcome was assessment of camera navigation skills during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The secondary outcome was technical skills after training, using a previously developed model for testing camera navigational skills. The exploratory outcome measured participants' motivation toward the task as an operating assistant. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants were randomized. No significant difference was found in the primary outcome between the three groups (p = 0.279). The secondary outcome showed no significant difference between the interventions groups, total time 167 s (95% CI, 118-217) and 194 s (95% CI, 152-236) for the camera group and the procedure group, respectively (p = 0.369). Both interventions groups were significantly faster than the control group, 307 s (95% CI, 202-412), p = 0.018 and p = 0.045, respectively. On the exploratory outcome, the control group for two dimensions, interest/enjoyment (p = 0.030) and perceived choice (p = 0.033), had a higher score. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation-based training improves the technical skills required for camera navigation, regardless of practicing camera navigation or the procedure itself. Transfer to the clinical setting could, however, not be demonstrated. The control group demonstrated higher interest/enjoyment and perceived choice than the camera group.

The clinical effects of closure of the hernia gap after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Closure of the hernia gap in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair before mesh reinforcement has gained increasing acceptance among surgeons despite creating a tension-based repair. Beneficial effects of this technique have been reported sporadically, but no evidence is available from randomised controlled trials. The primary purpose of this paper is to compare early post-operative activity-related pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with closure of the gap with patients undergoing standard laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (non-closure of the gap). Secondary outcomes are patient-rated cosmesis and hernia-specific quality of life. METHODS: A randomised, controlled, double-blinded study is planned. Based on power calculation, we will include 40 patients in each arm. Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic umbilical, epigastric or umbilical trocar-site hernia repair at Hvidovre Hospital and Herlev Hospital, Denmark, are invited to participate. CONCLUSION: The gap closure technique may induce more post-operative pain than the non-closure repair, but it may also be superior with regard to other important surgical outcomes. No studies have previously investigated closure of the gap in the setting of a randomised controlled trial. FUNDING: The study is funded by The University of Copenhagen and private foundations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01962480 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Chronic complaints after simple sutured repair for umbilical or epigastric hernias may be related to recurrence.

PURPOSE: Umbilical and epigastric hernia repairs are minor, but are commonly conducted surgical procedures. Long-term results have only been sparsely investigated. Our objective was to investigate the risk of chronic complaints after a simple sutured repair for small umbilical and epigastric hernias. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with a 5-year questionnaire and clinical follow-up was conducted. Patients undergoing primary elective, open non-mesh umbilical or epigastric sutured hernia repair were included. Patients completed a structured questionnaire regarding chronic complaints during work and leisure activities using a verbal rating scale. The primary outcome was chronic complaints. RESULTS: A total of 295 patients were included for analysis after a median of 5.0-year (range 2.8-8.0) follow-up period. Follow-up results were achieved from 262 of the included patients (90 % response rate). Up till 5.8 % of the patients reported moderate or severe pain and discomfort. Work and leisure activities were restricted in 8.5 and 10.0 % of patients, respectively. Patients with chronic complaints had a higher incidence of recurrence (clinical and reoperation), than patients with none or mild complaints (78.6 vs. 22.2 % (P < 0.001)). The recurrence rate was significantly higher after a repair with absorbable suture (20.1 %) compared with non-absorbable suture repair (4.2 %) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that chronic complaints after a simple sutured umbilical or epigastric repair was in the level of 5.5 % and could in part be explained by recurrence. Furthermore, absorbable suture should be omitted to reduce risk of recurrence.

Transfusion practice in coronary artery bypass surgery in Denmark: a multicenter audit.

Transfusion rates in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) continue to vary substantially, although guidelines for allogeneic transfusion have been developed. In order to evaluate ongoing transfusion practices, we performed a multicenter audit in four Danish hospitals regarding the use of allogeneic blood products among patients undergoing first-time CABG. Data on patient characteristics, peri- and postoperative factors were retrieved from 600 patient records (150 records per hospital). Substantial differences were seen regarding preoperative intake of antiplatelet drugs, perioperative use of antifibrinolytic drugs, use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cross-clamp time, time on CPB, lowest hemoglobin during CPB, and number of distal anastomoses. The percentage of patients transfused with allogeneic red blood cells ranged from 30.0% to 64.2%. Several patients (12.1-42.7%) transfused with red blood cells were discharged with a hemoglobin concentration >7 mmol/l, indicating inappropriate transfusions. The relative risk of receiving an allogeneic blood transfusion was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.6-2.7) in the hospital with the highest transfusion rate, after adjustment for patient-, drug-, and procedure-related factors. Interesting differences in transfusion rates exists in Danish hospitals and these differences may reflect true variations in transfusion practices. Audits create a basis for educational efforts among surgeons and anesthesiologists to standardize transfusion practices.