Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Is Associated With a Higher Intraoperative Complication Rate Than Open Surgery

Methods for reducing peak pressure in laparoscopic grasping

During tissue retraction with a laparoscopic grasper, tissue-damaging pressures can occur. Past research suggests that peak pressures can be considerably reduced by rounding the edges or covering the tip of the end effector with a silicon sleeve. To identify grasping methods that limit tissue damage, the effects of (a) Young’s modulus of the end effector, (b) curvature of the end effector, and (c) angle with which the tissue is pulled relative to the plane of the end effector, on the pressure generated on the tissue were investigated. Artificial skin was placed between two non-serrated jaws, a pressure-sensitive film was interposed between the skin and upper jaw, and the end effector was loaded with 13 N. End effectors with Young’s moduli of 0.09, 0.67, 1.49 MPa, and 69 GPa, and with non-rounded and 5 mm rounded edges were tested under pulling angles of 25°, 50°, and 75°. For non-rounded end effectors, the maximum pressure and the area across which pressure exceeded the safety threshold for tissue damage increased with Young’s modulus and pulling angle. For rounded end effectors, maximum pressure did not increase monotonically with Young’s modulus. Instead, the end effector with the second lowest Young’s modulus yielded significantly lower maximum pressure than the end effector with the lowest Young’s modulus. For rounded end effectors, pressures were below the safety threshold for all Young’s moduli. This indicates that to prevent tissue damage, soft graspers may not be needed; rounding the edges of metal graspers could suffice for preventing tissue damage.

Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery has been widely adopted and new technical innovation, procedures and evidence based knowledge are persistently emerging. This review documents recent major advancements in laparoscopic surgery. A PubMed search was made in order to identify recent advances in this field. We reviewed the recent data on randomized trials in this field as well as papers of systematic review. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most frequently performed procedure, followed by laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Although bile duct injuries are relatively uncommon (0.15%-0.6%), intraoperative cholangiography still plays a role in reducing the cost of litigation. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is the most commonly performed laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery in the USA, and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the treatment of choice for intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recent randomized trials have demonstrated that laparoscopic gastric and colorectal cancer resection are safe and oncologically correct procedures. Laparoscopic surgery has also been widely developed in hepatic, pancreatic, gynecological and urological surgery. Recently, SILS and robotic surgery have penetrated all specialties of abdominal surgery. However, evidence-based medicine has failed to show major advantages in SILS, and the disadvantage of robotic surgery is the high costs related to purchase and maintenance of technology. Laparoscopic surgery has become well developed in recent decades and is the choice of treatment in abdominal surgery. Recently developed SILS techniques and robotic surgery are promising but their benefits remain to be determined.

Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy versus conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy: a meta-analysis of comparative studies

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) to conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy (MLC).

BACKGROUND

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a minimally invasive technique being recently applied to colorectal surgery. A number of studies comparing SILC to conventional MLC have recently been published.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases for studies comparing SILC to conventional MLC was conducted. The primary outcome measures for meta-analysis were postoperative complications, length of stay, and operative time. Secondary outcome measures were incision length, estimated blood loss, and number of lymph nodes harvested.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies comparing 467 patients undergoing SILC to 539 patients undergoing conventional MLC were reviewed and the data pooled for analysis. Patients undergoing SILC had a shorter length of stay (pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.68; 95 % CI = -1.20 to -0.16; p = 0.0099), shorter incision length (pooled WMD = -1.37; 95 % CI = -2.74 to 0.000199; p = 0.05), less estimated blood loss (pooled WMD = -20.25; 95 % CI = -39.25 to -1.24; p = 0.037), and more lymph nodes harvested (pooled WMD = 1.75; 95 % CI = 0.12 to 3.38; p = 0.035), while there was no significant difference in the number of postoperative complications (pooled odds ratio = 0.83; 95 % CI = 0.57 to 1.20; p = 0.33) or operative time (pooled WMD = 5.06; 95 % CI = -2.91 to 13.03; p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION

SILC appears to have comparable results to conventional MLC in the hands of experienced surgeons. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to define the relative benefits of one procedure over the other.

Nahtinsuffizienz intestinaler Anastomosen: Endoskopische und laparoskopische Therapieoptionen

<b><i>Hintergrund: </i></b>Anastomoseninsuffizienzen stellen die schwerwiegendste septische Komplikation nach viszeralchirurgischen Eingriffen dar. Neben der chirurgischen Therapie sind zunehmend endoskopische Behandlungsoptionen möglich. <b><i>Methode: </i></b>Literaturübersicht. <b><i>Ergebnisse: </i></b>Therapieoptionen von Anastomoseninsuffizienzen sind abhängig von der klinischen Symptomatik, der Art der Anastomose, der Defektgröße, den lokalen Gewebeverhältnissen sowie dem Zeitpunkt der Diagnose. Bei einer Nekrose oder Minderdurchblutung der Viszeralorgane müssen diese operativ reseziert werden. Prinzipiell sind alle operativen Revisionseingriffe auch laparoskopisch durchführbar. Bei erhaltener Gewebeperfusion können die Leckagen lokal übernäht oder endoskopisch verschlossen werden. Die Ergebnisse für die Stenttherapie nach Ösophagus- und Magenresektionen sind für moderne Stents sehr Erfolg versprechend. Im Gegensatz dazu sind die Ergebnisse der endoskopischen Stenttherapie bei Insuffizienz nach kolorektalen Eingriffen enttäuschend; dafür steht hier mit der Schwammtherapie eine vielversprechende endoskopische Alternative zur Verfügung. <b><i>Schlussfolgerung: </i></b>Die aktuellen Daten zeigen, dass neue laparoskopische und endoskopische Optionen zur Therapie von Anastomoseninsuffizienzen bestehen, die jedoch noch in prospektiven und randomisierten Studien evaluiert werden müssen.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is associated with a higher incident frequency in hepatolithiasis patients

PURPOSES

The primary concern regarding laparoscopic hepatectomy in hepatolithiasis patients is surgical safety, which may be high in current practice.

METHODS

Hepatolithiasis patients who underwent laparoscopic and laparotomic hepatectomies were retrospectively studies after being matched for age, location of gallstones, liver resection and underlying liver conditions at a ratio of 1:1 (n = 44 in each group). The rates of intraoperative incidents and postoperative complications were examined using validated classification and grading systems. The primary outcome measure was the procedure-related complication/mortality rate.

RESULTS

Laparoscopy was converted to open surgery in three patients (6.8 %). The length of the operation for laparoscopic hepatectomy was significantly longer than that for laparotomic hepatectomy (277.5 min [range, 190-410 min] vs. 212.5 min [140-315 min], P < 0.001). The two groups had similar intraoperative blood loss (367.5 mL [150-1200 mL] vs. 392.5 mL [200-1400 mL], P > 0.05) and transfusion frequencies (13.6 vs. 18.2 %, P > 0.05). The laparoscopy group had a higher percentage of patients with at least one intraoperative incident compared with the laparotomy group (22.7 vs. 6.8 %; P < 0.05). Vascular events occurred in nine patients (20.5 %) undergoing laparoscopy and two patients (4.5 %) undergoing laparotomy (OR 5.4 [95 %CI, 1.1-26.7], P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is associated with a higher risk of intraoperative vascular incidents in hepatolithiasis patients compared wit laparotomy.

Hospital-level outcomes associated with laparoscopic colectomy for cancer in the minimally invasive era

BACKGROUND

Compared to the open approach, randomized trials have shown that laparoscopic colectomy is associated with a shorter hospitalization without increases in morbidity or mortality rates. With broader adoption of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer in the USA, it is unclear if laparoscopic colectomy continues to be associated with shorter hospitalization and comparable morbidity.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine if hospitals where a greater proportion of colon resections for cancer are approached laparoscopically (laparoscopy rate) achieve improved short-term outcomes compared to hospitals with lower laparoscopy rates.

METHODS

From the 2008-2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified hospitals where ≤ 12 colon resections for cancer were reported with ≥ 1 approached laparoscopically. We assessed the correlation between a hospital's laparoscopy rate and risk-standardized outcomes (intra- and postoperative morbidity, in-hospital mortality rates, and average length of stay).

RESULTS

Overall, 6,806 colon resections were performed at 276 hospitals. Variation was noted in hospital laparoscopy rates (median = 52.0 %, range = 3.8-100 %) and risk-standardized intra- (2.7 %, 1.8-8.6 %) and postoperative morbidity (27.8 %, 16.4-53.4 %), in-hospital mortality (0.7 %, 0.3-42.0 %), and average length of stay (7.0 days, 4.9-10.3 days). While no association was noted with in-hospital mortality, higher laparoscopy rates were correlated with lower postoperative morbidity [correlation coefficient (r) = -0.12, p = 0.04) and shorter hospital stays (r  = -0.23, p  <  0.001), but higher intraoperative morbidity (r  =  0.19, p  <  0.001) rates. This was not observed among hospitals with high procedure volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher laparoscopy rates were associated with only slightly lower postoperative morbidity rates and modestly shorter hospitalizations.

Laparoscopy in colorectal surgery

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery may be comparable with open techniques when considering oncological and long-term follow-up outcomes; however, there are a few operative complications specific to laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This article reviews the array of complications and discusses them in detail.

Palliative management for patients with subacute obstruction and stage IV unresectable rectosigmoid cancer: colostomy versus endoscopic stenting: final results of a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Survival in patients with stage IV unresectable rectosigmoid cancer is significantly reduced, and when patients are seen with symptoms of obstruction, it is advisable to perform a diverting colostomy before acute obstruction occurs. The aim of this study was to compare the results of endoscopic stent placement with diverting proximal colostomy in patients with stage IV rectosigmoid cancer and symptoms of chronic subacute obstruction.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized trial, 22 patients with stage IV unresectable rectosigmoid cancer and symptoms of chronic subacute obstruction were randomized to either endoscopic placement of an expandable stent or diverting proximal colostomy. Patients were followed until death.

RESULTS

There was no case of mortality or major postoperative complications. Oral feeding and bowel function were restored within 24 hours after endoscopic stent placement and within 72 hours after diverting colostomy. Hospital stays were shorter (mean, 2.6 days) in patients with endoscopic stent placement than in those with diverting stomas (mean, 8.1 days) (P < .05). Mean long-term survival was 297 days (range, 125-612 days) in patients who had stents and 280 days (range, 135-591 days) in patients with stomas (P = NS). No case of mortality during follow-up was related to the procedures. All patients with stomas found them quite unacceptable. The same feelings were present in family members. None of the patients with stents or their family members found any inconvenience about the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic expandable stent placement offers a valid solution in patients with stage IV unresectable cancer and symptoms of chronic subacute obstruction, with shorter hospital stays. The procedure is much better accepted, psychologically and practically, by patients and their family members.

DeloRes trial: study protocol for a randomized trial comparing two standardized surgical approaches in rectal prolapse - Delorme's procedure versus resection rectopexy

Background

More than 100 surgical approaches to treat rectal prolapse have been described. These can be done through the perineum or transabdominally. Delorme’s procedure is the most frequently used perineal, resection rectopexy the most commonly used abdominal procedure. Recurrences seem more common after perineal compared to abdominal techniques, but the latter may carry a higher risk of peri- and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Methods/Design

DeloRes is a randomized, controlled, observer-blinded multicenter trial with two parallel groups. Patients with a full-thickness rectal prolapse (third degree prolapse), considered eligible for both operative methods are included. The primary outcome is time to recurrence of full-thickness rectal prolapse during the 24 months following primary surgery. Secondary endpoints are time to and incidence of recurrence of full-thickness rectal prolapse during the 5-year follow-up, duration of surgery, morbidity, hospital stay, quality of life, constipation, and fecal incontinence. A meta-analysis was done on the basis of the available data on recurrence rates from 17 publications comprising 1,140 patients. Based on the results of a meta-analysis it is assumed that the recurrence rate after 2 years is 20% for Delorme’s procedure and 5% for resection rectopexy. Considering a rate of lost to follow-up without recurrence of 30% a total of 130 patients (2 x 65 patients) was calculated as an adequate sample size to assure a power of 80% for the confirmatory analysis.

Discussion

The DeloRes Trial will clarify which procedure results in a smaller recurrence rate but also give information on how morbidity and functional results compare.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Number DRKS00000482

Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy versus conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy: a meta-analysis of comparative studies

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) to conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy (MLC).

BACKGROUND

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a minimally invasive technique being recently applied to colorectal surgery. A number of studies comparing SILC to conventional MLC have recently been published.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases for studies comparing SILC to conventional MLC was conducted. The primary outcome measures for meta-analysis were postoperative complications, length of stay, and operative time. Secondary outcome measures were incision length, estimated blood loss, and number of lymph nodes harvested.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies comparing 467 patients undergoing SILC to 539 patients undergoing conventional MLC were reviewed and the data pooled for analysis. Patients undergoing SILC had a shorter length of stay (pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) = -0.68; 95 % CI = -1.20 to -0.16; p = 0.0099), shorter incision length (pooled WMD = -1.37; 95 % CI = -2.74 to 0.000199; p = 0.05), less estimated blood loss (pooled WMD = -20.25; 95 % CI = -39.25 to -1.24; p = 0.037), and more lymph nodes harvested (pooled WMD = 1.75; 95 % CI = 0.12 to 3.38; p = 0.035), while there was no significant difference in the number of postoperative complications (pooled odds ratio = 0.83; 95 % CI = 0.57 to 1.20; p = 0.33) or operative time (pooled WMD = 5.06; 95 % CI = -2.91 to 13.03; p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION

SILC appears to have comparable results to conventional MLC in the hands of experienced surgeons. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to define the relative benefits of one procedure over the other.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery: outcomes from 224 colonic resections performed at a single center using SILS

BACKGROUND

Compared with single-incision laparoscopy, multiport laparoscopy is associated with greater risk of postoperative wound pain, infection, incisional hernias, and suboptimal cosmetic outcomes. The feasibility of minimally invasive single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for colorectal procedures is well-established, but outcome data remain limited.

METHODS

Patients with benign diverticular disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis admitted to Klinikum Leverkusen, Germany, for colonic resection between July 2009 and March 2011 (n = 224) underwent single-incision laparoscopic surgery using the SILS port system. Surgeons had ≥7 years' experience in laparoscopic colon surgery but no SILS experience. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively. Pain was evaluated by using a visual analog scale (0-10). Data were analyzed by using the SPSS PASW Statistics 18 database.

RESULTS

The majority of patients underwent sigmoid colectomy with high anterior resection (AR) or left hemicolectomy (n = 150) for diverticulitis. Our conversion rate to open surgery was 6.3 %, half in patients undergoing sigmoid colectomy with high AR or left hemicolectomy, 95 % of whom had diverticulitis. Mean operating time was 166 ± 74 (range, 40-441) min in the overall population, with shorter times for single-port transanal tumor resection (SPTTR; 89 ± 51 min; range, 40-153 min) and longer times for proctocolectomy (325 min; range, 110-441 min). Mean hospital stay was approximately 10 days, longer after abdominoperineal rectal resection or proctocolectomy (12-16 days). Most complications occurred following sigmoid colectomy with high AR or left hemicolectomy [19/25 (76 %) of early and 4/5 (80 %) of late complications, respectively]. Pain was <4 on a scale of 0-10 in all cases on postoperative day 1, and typically decreased during the next 2 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the feasibility and tolerability of colorectal surgery, conducted by experienced laparoscopic surgeons without specific training in use of the SILS port.

Robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease, focusing on rectal cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Robotic colorectal surgery may solve some of the problems inherent to conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS). We sought to evaluate the advantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) using the da Vinci Surgical System over CLS in patients with benign and malignant colorectal diseases.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies published before July 2011. Studies clearly documenting a comparison of RALS with CLS for benign and malignant colorectal diseases were selected. Operative and postoperative measures, resection margins, complications, and related outcomes were evaluated. Weighted mean differences, relative risks, and hazard ratios were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 16 studies comparing RALS and CLS in patients with colorectal diseases and 7 studies in rectal cancer. RALS was associated with lower estimated blood loss in colorectal diseases (P = 0.04) and rectal cancer (P < 0.001) and lower rates of intraoperative conversion in colorectal diseases (P = 0.03) and rectal cancer (P < 0.001) than CLS. In patients with colorectal diseases, however, operating time (P < 0.001) and total hospitalization cost (P = 0.06) were higher for RALS than for CLS.

CONCLUSIONS

RALS was associated with reduced estimated blood loss and a lower intraoperative conversion rate than CLS, with no differences in complication rates and surrogate markers of successful surgery. Robotic colorectal surgery is a promising tool, especially for patients with rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic vs open resection for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

AIM

Laparoscopic and open rectal resection for cancer were compared by analysing a total of 26 end points which included intraoperative and postoperative recovery, short-term morbidity and mortality, late morbidity and long-term oncological outcomes.

METHOD

We searched for published randomized clinical trials, presenting a comparison between laparoscopic and open rectal resection for cancer using the following electronic databases: PubMed, OVID, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBM Reviews, CINAHL and EMBASE.

RESULTS

Nine randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis incorporating a total of 1544 patients, having laparoscopic (N = 841) and open rectal resection (N = 703) for cancer. Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer was associated with a statistically significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss and in the number of blood transfusions, earlier resuming solid diet, return of bowel function and a shorter duration of hospital stay. We also found a significant advantage for laparoscopy in the reduction of post-operative abdominal bleeding, late intestinal adhesion obstruction and late morbidity. No differences were found in terms of intra-operative and late oncological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis indicates that laparoscopy benefits patients with shorter hospital stay, earlier return of bowel function, reduced blood loss and number of blood transfusions and lower rates of abdominal postoperative bleeding, late intestinal adhesion obstruction and other late morbidities.

Minimal access maximal success; a myth or a reality

Minimal invasive surgery is one of the most challenging advances in the craft of surgery in last 2 decades. In our country the advanced craft has been in practice for more than one and a half decade and some of our committed surgeons have mastered this craft and made an impact not only on national level but also on international level. Many times we may get impressed by watching the masters in the craft but forgetting the efforts the master has put in to reach the Zenith and in a bid to imitate the master we may ignore the awaiting disaster. In this article I will be discussing the overall impact of this surgical craft globally and its various evidence based pros and cons with a particular reference to colorectal surgery to ascertain whether the craft of minimal access with maximal success is a myth or a reality.

Intraoperative events and their outcome: data from 4007 laparoscopic interventions by the French "Club Cœlio"

AIM

To assess the operative and postoperative course of intraoperative events occurring in laparoscopic surgery according to the classification of Clavien. This evaluation aims at ascertaining morbidity and mortality of abdominal laparoscopic operations, thus serving as a reference for future comparative studies.

METHOD

Twenty-nine senior surgeons, all of them members of the Cœlio Club prospectively and consecutively summarized all their laparoscopic activity over a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

Of 4007 patients, 373 (9.31%) developed complications, 69 (1.72%) requiring surgery. Establishing the pneumoperitoneum and trocar placement caused 15 vascular (0.37%) and six visceral (0.15%) injuries; seven vascular (0.17%) and 22 visceral (0.55%) injuries occurred intraoperatively. Surgery of the colon and especially the rectum were associated with the highest morbidity with Clavien grades III, IV and V reported in 8, 10 and 15.97% of patients, respectively; 1.2% occurred in biliary surgery and 0.67% in inguinal/femoral hernia repair.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of surgical intraoperative events and postoperative complications is higher than reported in the literature. Clavien's classification is applicable to abdominal laparoscopic surgery; further information is necessary to assess intraoperative surgical events as well as conversions.

Anatomic mechanisms for splenic injury during colorectal surgery

Intraoperative iatrogenic splenic injury during colorectal surgery is rare but may cause significant morbidity. We aimed to describe the anatomic mechanisms of iatrogenic injury to the spleen during colonic surgery. All adult surgical patients who sustained a splenic injury during colectomy at our institution from 1992 to 2007 were retrospectively identified. The operative and pathologic reports were reviewed, and anatomic details of the injuries were collected. Results are reported as a proportion or median, with range reported in brackets. Of 13,897 colectomies, 71 splenic injuries among 58 patients were identified. Splenic flexure colonic mobilization occurred in 53 (91%) of these patients. The median number of tears was 1 (1-3). The average length of tear was 4.59 cm. The distribution of injury location on the spleen was 24 (34%) inferior, 14 (20%) hilar, 3 (4%) posterior, 2 (3%) lateral, and 1 (1%) superior. Three (4%) patients suffered from splenic rupture. The location of 24 (34%) injuries was not described. Capsular tears were the cause of splenic injury in 55 (95%) patients. Intraoperative splenic injury ultimately resulted in splenectomy in 44 (76%) patients. Splenic injury was a delayed finding requiring reoperation in 4 (7%) patients. The primary mechanism of intraoperative splenic injury during colectomy is capsular tears and lacerations secondary to misplaced traction and tension on the spleen during colonic mobilization. Techniques to lessen these forces may decrease the number of injuries and subsequent splenectomy.