Totally laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer

How Does Combined Resection Affect the Clinical Outcomes After Laparoscopic Surgery for Serosa-Positive Gastric Cancer?: A Retrospective Cohort Study to Investigate the Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Combined Resection in Patients With T4b Gastric Cancer

Background: Only few surgeons have tried to perform laparoscopic combined resection for T4b gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic combined resection through a comparison of the clinical outcomes between cT4a and cT4b cases. Methods: We reviewed the medical charts of patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy for clinically T4 gastric cancer from May 2014 and July 2018. During this period, 62 patients with serosa-positive gastric cancer underwent laparoscopic curative surgery. The patients were divided into the following groups: patients who underwent gastrectomy and combined resection for the invaded organs (combined resection group) and those who did not undergo combined organ surgery (gastrectomy only group). Clinical outcomes were compared between the gastrectomy only and combined resection groups. Results: Of 62 patients included in this study, 43 and 19 patients were included in the gastrectomy only and combined resection groups, respectively. The operation time was significantly longer in the combined resection group (364.6 ± 102.5 vs. 247.7 ± 66.1 min; p < 0.001). The incidence of grade ≥ III complications was comparable between the groups (26.3% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.147). The time from the first operation to the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (48.1 ± 45.4 days vs. 31.6 ± 9.2; p = 0.134). Conclusions: Focusing on the high quality of image and new devices of laparoscopic surgery, it is necessary to re-evaluate the oncologic outcomes of combined resection for T4b gastric cancer.

Laparoscopic Whipple's Operation for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Invading the Pancreas and Duodenum: a Case Report

Few surgeons have adopted pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) invading the pancreas or duodenum because it remains controversial whether its prognostic benefits outweigh the high morbidity rates in such advanced cases. However, recent technical advances have revived diverse surgical procedures in minimally invasive approaches. Inspired by this trend, laparoscopic PD procedures have been performed for AGC in our institute since 2014. We recently performed a laparoscopic Whipple's operation in a case of cT4b gastric cancer with invasion of the pancreatic head and duodenum.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary disease: a comprehensive review of literature and meta-analysis of outcomes compared with open surgery

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) has been gradually attempted. However, whether MIPD is superior, equal or inferior to its conventional open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) is not clear.

METHODS

Studies published up to May 2017 were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Main outcomes were comprehensively reviewed and measured including conversion to open approach, operation time (OP), estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion, length of hospital stay (LOS), overall complications, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), readmission, reoperation and reasons of preoperative death, number of retrieved lymph nodes (RLN), surgical margins, recurrence, and survival. The software of Review Manage version 5.1 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred studies were included for systematic review and 26 out of them (totally 3402 cases, 1064 for MIPD, 2338 for OPD) were included for meta-analysis. In the early years, most articles were case reports or non-control case series studies, while in the last 6 years high-volume and comparative researches were increasing gradually. Systematic review revealed conversion rates of MIPD to OPD ranged from 0% to 40%. The mean or median OP of MIPD ranged from 276 to 657 min. The total POPF rates vary between 3.8% and 50% observed in all systematic reviewed studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated MIPD had longer OP (WMD = 99.4 min; 95%CI: 46.0 ~ 152.8, P < 0.01), lower blood loss (WMD = -0.54 ml; 95% CI, -0.88 ~ -0.20 ml; P < 0.01), lower transfusion rate (RR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.57 ~ 0.94, P = 0.02), shorter LOS (WMD = -3.49 days; 95%CI: -4.83 ~ -2.15, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in time to oral intake, postoperative complications, POPF, reoperation, readmission, perioperative mortality and number of retrieved lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates MIPD is technically feasible and safety on the basis of historical studies. MIPD is associated with less blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, shorter length of hospitalization and longer operation time. These findings are waiting for being confirmed with robust prospective comparative studies and randomized clinical trials.

Laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery: Current evidence and future perspectives

Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been widely accepted as a standard alternative for the treatment of early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma because of its favorable short-term outcomes. Although controversies exist, such as establishing clear indications, proper preoperative staging, and oncologic safety, experienced surgeons and institutions have applied this approach, along with various types of function-preserving surgery, for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. With technical advancement and the advent of state-of-the-art instruments, indications for laparoscopic gastrectomy are expected to expand as far as locally advanced gastric cancer. Laparoscopic gastrectomy appears to be promising; however, scientific evidence necessary to generalize this approach to a standard treatment for all relevant patients and care providers remains to be gathered. Several multicenter, prospective randomized trials in high-incidence countries are ongoing, and results from these trials will highlight the short- and long-term outcomes of the approach. In this review, we describe up-to-date findings and critical issues regarding laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Hand-assisted hybrid laparoscopic-robotic total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch--anal anastomosis

PURPOSE

Few studies have reported minimally invasive total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We herein report a novel hand-assisted hybrid laparoscopic-robotic technique for patients with FAP and UC.

METHODS

Between February 2010 and March 2014, six patients underwent hand-assisted hybrid laparoscopic-robotic total proctocolectomy with IPAA. The abdominal colectomy was performed laparoscopically with hand assistance through a transverse suprapubic incision, also used to fashion the ileal pouch. The proctectomy was carried out with the da Vinci Surgical System. The IPAA was hand-sewn through a trans-anal approach. The procedure was complemented by a temporary diverting loop ileostomy.

RESULTS

The mean hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) time was 154.6 (±12.8) min whereas the mean robotic time was 93.6 (±8.1) min. In all cases, a nerve-sparing proctectomy was performed, and no conversion to traditional laparotomy was required. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 13.2 (±7.4) days. No anastomotic leakage was observed. To date, no autonomic neurological disorders have been observed with a mean of 5.8 (±1.3) bowel movements per day.

CONCLUSIONS

The hand-assisted hybrid laparoscopic-robotic approach to total proctocolectomy with IPAA has not been previously described. Our report shows the feasibility of this hybrid approach, which surpasses most of the limitations of pure laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Further experience is necessary to refine the technique and fully assess its potential advantages.

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer treatment: current status and future perspectives

Minimally invasive surgery, which has been extensively used to treat gastric adenocarcinoma, is now regarded as one of the standard treatments for early gastric cancer, and its suitability for advanced gastric cancer is being investigated. The use of cutting-edge techniques for minimally invasive surgery enables surgeons to deliver various treatment options to minimize a patient's distress and to maintain oncologic safety. Ongoing multicenter prospective studies aim to validate the efficacy of these surgical techniques and to expand the indications of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the current status and issues regarding minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer: literature review and comparison of the procedure of esophagojejunostomy

There has been a recent increase in the use of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for gastric cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to determine which esophagojejunostomy (EJS) technique is the best. In addition, both short- and long-term oncological results of TLTG are inconsistent. We reviewed 25 articles about TLTG for gastric cancer in which at least 10 cases were included. We analyzed the short-term results, relationships between EJS techniques and complications, long-term oncological results, and comparative study results of TLTG. TLTG was performed in a total of 1170 patients. The mortality rate was 0.7%, and the short-term results were satisfactory. Regarding EJS techniques and complications, circular staplers (CSs) methods were significantly associated with leakage (4.7% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001) and stenosis (8.3% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.001) of the EJS as compared with the linear stapler method. The long-term oncological prognosis was acceptable in patients with early gastric cancers and without metastases to lymph nodes. Although TLTG tended to increase surgical time compared with open total gastrectomy and laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy, it reduced intraoperative blood loss and was expected to shorten postoperative hospital stay. TLTG is found to be safer and more feasible than open total gastrectomy and laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy. At present, there is no evidence to encourage performing TLTG for patients with advanced gastric cancer from the viewpoint of long-term oncological prognosis. Although the current major EJS techniques are CS and linear stapler methods, in this review, CS methods are significantly associated with leakage and stenosis of the EJS.

200 consecutive laparoscopic pancreatic resections performed with a robotically controlled laparoscope holder

INTRODUCTION

Because of the potential benefit of robotics in pancreatic surgery, we review our experience at two minimally invasive pancreatic surgery centers that utilize a robotically controlled laparoscope holder to see if smaller robots that enable the operating surgeon to maintain contact with the patient may have a role in the treatment of pancreatic disease.

METHODS

From March 1994 to June 2011, a total of 200 laparoscopic pancreatic procedures utilizing a robotically controlled laparoscope holder were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 72 duodenopancreatectomies, 67 distal pancreatectomies, 23 enucleations, 20 pancreatic cyst drainage procedures, 5 necrosectomies, 5 atypical pancreatic resections, 4 total pancreatectomies, and 4 central pancreatectomies were performed. Fourteen patients required conversion to an open approach and eight a hand-assisted one. A total of 24 patients suffered a major complication. Sixteen patients developed a pancreatic leak and 19 patients required reoperation. Major complications occurred in 14 patients and pancreatic leaks occurred in 13 patients. Ten patients required conversion to a lap-assisted or open approach and six patients required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, a robotically assisted approach using a camera holder seems the only way to incorporate some of the benefits of robotics in pancreatic surgery while maintaining haptics and contact with the patient.

Feasibility of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is feasible, but requires adaptations to established surgical techniques. The improved dexterity offered by robotic assistance provides the opportunity to see whether laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed safely when faithfully reproducing the open operation.

METHODS

Patients were selected for robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy when generally suitable for laparoscopy. Obese patients were excluded, and those with pancreatic cancer were highly selected. A prospectively designed database was used for data collection and analysis.

RESULTS

Of 238 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, 34 (14·3 per cent) were operated on robotically. No procedure was converted to conventional laparoscopy or open surgery, despite three patients requiring segmental resection of the superior mesenteric/portal vein and reconstruction. The mean duration of operation was 597 (range 420-960) min. The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved and analysed from patients with neoplasia was 32 (range 15-76). Four patients required blood transfusions and five developed postoperative complications exceeding Clavien-Dindo grade II. There were four grade B pancreatic fistulas. One patient died on postoperative day 40. Excess mean operative cost compared with open resection was €6193.

CONCLUSION

Selected patients can safely undergo robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. The main downsides are high costs and prolonged operating times compared with open resection.

A case of multiorgan resection for locally advanced stomach cancer

Extensive surgical resection may be required in locally advanced gastric cancers, with involvement of other organs. Our purpose was to present a case where vascular reconstruction was performed during multiple organ resections in a patient with locally advanced gastric cancer. An emergent laparotomy was performed on a patient who presented with upper gastrointestinal system hemorrhage; and he was diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer. Total gastrectomy, D II dissection, pancreaticoduodenectomy, transverse colectomy and end-to-end anastomosis were performed. Additionally, the superior mesenteric vein was partially excised and re-implanted to the portal vein. Neither recurrence nor distant metastasis was observed during the post-operative follow-up. Adjacent organ resections may be necessary for a curative treatment in locally advanced gastric cancer. In addition, partial resection and reconstruction may be required for extensive vascular invasion.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

In the field of gastroenterological surgery, laparoscopic surgery has advanced remarkably, and now accounts for most gastrointestinal operations. This paper outlines the current status of and future perspectives on robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy.

METHODS

A review of the literature and authors' experience was undertaken.

RESULTS

The da Vinci Surgical System is a robot for assisting laparoscopy and is safer than conventional endoscopes, thanks to the 3-dimensional hi-vision images it yields, high articular function with the ability to perform 7 types of gripping, scaling function enabling 2:1, 3:1, and 5:1 adjustment of surgeon hand motion and forceps motions, a filtering function removing shaking of the surgeon's hand, and visual magnification. By virtue of these functions, this system is expected to be particularly useful for patients requiring delicate operative manipulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Issues of importance remaining in robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy include its time of operation, which is longer than that of open surgery, and the extra time needed for application of the da Vinci compared with ordinary laparoscopic surgery. These issues may be resolved through accumulation of experience and modifications of the procedure. Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreatectomy appears likely to become a standard procedure in the near future.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Robotic surgery is the most advanced development in minimally invasive surgery. However, the number of reports on robot-assisted endoscopic gastrointestinal surgery is still very small. In this article, we describe total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) undertaken using the da Vinci Surgical System® (Intutive Surgical).

METHODS

Three patients underwent robotic PD between November 2009 and February 2010. Following resection of the pancreatic head, duodenum, and the distal stomach, intracorporeal anastomosis was accomplished by Child's method of reconstruction, which includes a two-layered end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy, an end-to-side choledochojejunostomy, and a side-to-side gastrojejunostomy.

RESULTS

The time required for surgery was 703 ± 141 min, and blood loss was 118 ± 72 mL. The average hospital stay period was 26 ± 12 days. As a postoperative complication, pancreatic juice leak occurred in one case, but it was managed with conservative treatment. Of the three patients, one had cancer of the papilla of Vater, one had cancer of the pancreatic head, and one had a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. In all cases, the surgical margin was negative for tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted PD required a long time, but organ removal with less bleeding was able to be safely performed owing to the high degree of freedom associated with the forceps manipulation and the magnified view. Similarly, pancreatojejunostomy could certainly be conducted. No major postoperative complications were found. Accumulation of da Vinci PD experience in the future will lead to safer and faster PD.