Intraoperative fluoroscopy vs. intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography for early colorectal cancer localization in laparoscopic surgery

Utility of near-infrared fluorescent clip for the robot-assisted gastrectomy: Report of 2 cases (case series)

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

The importance of preoperative tumor site marking has increased over the years, as the method of intraoperative primary lesion identification and determination of resection margins is one factor determining whether oncological safety and function-preserving gastrectomy are possible during surgery. We hypothesize that preoperative placement of the near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) clip, ZEOCLIP FS, near the oral incision line of the gastric tumor will allow for Firefly recognition of the NIRF clip on da Vinci during surgery and easy determination of the tumor location and incision line. Hence, we report on two cases in which the procedure was performed.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: A 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with early gastric cancer of 35 mm in size located in the greater curvature of the gastric angle and underwent robot-assisted distal gastrectomy. NIRF clips were placed around the negative biopsy-confirmed area on the tumor's oral side by endoscopy on the day before surgery. The clips were identified intraoperatively in Firefly mode, and we performed gastrectomy without using an intraoperative endoscope. Case 2: A 60-year-old man was diagnosed with early gastric cancer 40 mm in size on the anterior wall of the gastric angle and underwent robot-assisted distal gastrectomy. Similarly, NIRF clips were placed around the site of negative biopsy confirmation the day before surgery. NIRF clips were identified, and we performed gastrectomy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The time taken to mark the gastric resection line after activating the Firefly imaging system was 120 and 154 s, respectively, and intraoperative endoscopy was not required. The advantage of our two-step method is that a surgeon can mark the clips the day before the surgery, even if they are not endoscopists. Increasing the recognition rate of fluorescent clips and preventing their remains are future issues.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the above two cases, ZEOCLIP FS is influential in determining the tumor's location and the resection line.

Tumor Segmentation in Colorectal Ultrasound Images Using an Ensemble Transfer Learning Model: Towards Intra-Operative Margin Assessment

Tumor boundary identification during colorectal cancer surgery can be challenging, and incomplete tumor removal occurs in approximately 10% of the patients operated for advanced rectal cancer. In this paper, a deep learning framework for automatic tumor segmentation in colorectal ultrasound images was developed, to provide real-time guidance on resection margins using intra-operative ultrasound. A colorectal ultrasound dataset was acquired consisting of 179 images from 74 patients, with ground truth tumor annotations based on histopathology results. To address data scarcity, transfer learning techniques were used to optimize models pre-trained on breast ultrasound data for colorectal ultrasound data. A new custom gradient-based loss function (GWDice) was developed, which emphasizes the clinically relevant top margin of the tumor while training the networks. Lastly, ensemble learning methods were applied to combine tumor segmentation predictions of multiple individual models and further improve the overall tumor segmentation performance. Transfer learning outperformed training from scratch, with an average Dice coefficient over all individual networks of 0.78 compared to 0.68. The new GWDice loss function clearly decreased the average tumor margin prediction error from 1.08 mm to 0.92 mm, without compromising the segmentation of the overall tumor contour. Ensemble learning further improved the Dice coefficient to 0.84 and the tumor margin prediction error to 0.67 mm. Using transfer and ensemble learning strategies, good tumor segmentation performance was achieved despite the relatively small dataset. The developed US segmentation model may contribute to more accurate colorectal tumor resections by providing real-time intra-operative feedback on tumor margins.

Autologous blood for preoperative colorectal TUMOR’S localization: A Vietnamese preliminary experience

Introduction

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS) is the optimal choice for cases of early cancer. However, due to their early stage, one of this procedure's challenges is tumoral localization. So that, there are many methods of locating tumors preoperatively that have been studied by authors. Recently, Korean authors have reported a method of injecting autologous blood to mark the tumor before surgery with high efficiency and safety. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness by analyzing the section biopsy's results, as well as the safety of this procedure.

Materials and method

This study is descriptive cross-section study with analysis of retrospective occurrences of case series of colonoscopy with autologous blood before surgery from October 2020 to December 2021.

Results

16 patients were recruited to the study. The average age was 62.9 ± 13.1 with male/female ratio was 8/8. 50% (8/16 patients) of all cases was early carcinomas, and by location, 62.5% of all cases was sigmoid colon tumors. All 16 patients (100%) found the tumor marking position. None of the patients had complications of marked endoscopy such as intestinal perforation, peritonitis, abdominal abscess, intestinal adhesions, etc.

Conclusion

The method of autologous blood injection to locate the tumor before laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a technique that can be performed effectively and safely.

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Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is the optimal choice for cases of early cancer.

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There are some methods of locating tumors preoperatively.

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Colonoscopy autologous blood injection can be performed effectively and safely.

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We can combine other methods to increase the certainty of tumor location.

Non-invasive laparoscopic detection of small tumors of the digestive tract using inductive sensors of proximity

The precise location of gastric and colorectal tumors is of paramount importance for the oncological surgeon as it dictates the limits of resection and the extent of lymphadenectomy. However, this task proves sometimes to be very challenging, especially in the laparoscopic setting when the tumors are small, have a soft texture, and do not invade the serosa. In this view, our research team has developed a new instrument adapted to minimally-invasive surgery, and manipulated solely by the operating surgeon which has the potential to locate precisely tumors of the digestive tract. It consists of an inductive proximity sensor and an electronic block encapsulated into an autoclavable stainless-steel cage that works in tandem with an endoscopic hemostatic clip whose structure was modified to increase detectability. By scanning the serosal side of the colon or stomach, the instrument is capable to accurately pinpoint the location of the clip placed previously during diagnostic endoscopy on the normal bowel mucosa, adjacent to the tumor. In the current in-vivo experiments performed on large animals, the modified clips were transported without difficulties to the point of interest and attached to the mucosa of the bowel. Using a laparoscopic approach, the detection rate of this system reached 65% when the sensor scanned the bowel at a speed of 0.3 cm/s, and applying slight pressure on the serosa. This value increased to 95% when the sensor was guided directly on the point of clip attachment. The detection rate dropped sharply when the scanning speed exceeded 1 cm/s and when the sensor-clip distance exceeded the cut-off value of 3 mm. In conclusion, the proposed detection system demonstrated its potential to offer a swift and convenient solution for the digestive laparoscopic surgeons, however its detection range still needs to be improved to render it useful for the clinical setting.

Endoscopic Preoperative Tattooing and Marking in the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Systematic Review of Alternative Methods

Background: An accurate and reliable localization of endoluminal gastrointestinal (GI) lesions is crucial, particularly during minimally invasive surgery. As an extreme consequence, a misdetected GI lesion can lead to the resection of the wrong segment, especially in colorectal surgery. A preoperative endoscopic marking is recommended in case of GI lesions, which are expected to be difficult to detect from the serosal side. In clinical practice, three preoperative endoscopic marking methods are currently used: India ink, SPOT™, and endoclips with intraoperative fluoroscopy. All of them have substantial limitations. This has encouraged research on alternative solutions. Methods: In the current systematic review, animal and clinical studies about alternative preoperative endoscopic marking methods of GI lesions were analyzed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Results: Thirty studies were found using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE/Ovid, and the Cochrane Library for the qualitative analysis. Conclusion: Although several smart solutions have been proposed and tested successfully, all of them seem to have a substantial drawback related either to scarce stability on the marking site or potential spreading on the bowel wall or diffusion into the surgical planes.

Laparoscopic Partial Sleeve Duodenectomy for the Infra-Ampullary Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors of the Duodenum

BACKGROUND

Although organ-preserving operations are regarded as effective strategies for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), laparoscopic partial sleeve duodenectomy (lap PSD) has not been fully evaluated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and technical feasibility of lap PSD.

STUDY DESIGN

Between January 2011 and March 2016, we reviewed 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic approach among 22 patients who underwent PSD. PSD for the infra-ampullary lesions was defined as infra-ampullary duodenal resection including the first portion of the jejunum. After resection, all patients underwent reconstruction via side-to-side duodenojejunostomy.

RESULTS

The total mean operation time was 273 min (range 160-346 min), and estimated mean blood loss was 80 ml (range scanty-200 ml). One patient was converted to open laparotomy because of mesocolonic tumor involvement. The median postoperative hospital stay was 10.5 days (range 4-36 days). There were no postoperative mortalities. Postoperative complications included 2 instances of delayed gastric emptying (DGE), 1 duodenojejunostomy stricture, and 2 intestinal obstructions. No patient was treated with adjuvant therapy. One patient experienced hepatic metastasis 28 months after surgery during a mean follow-up period of 48.6 months.

CONCLUSION

Lap PSD might be an oncologically effective strategy for duodenal GIST, and the laparoscopic approach is a technically feasible and appealing surgical modality in terms of safety and perioperative results. However, DGE and anastomosis strictures are concerns for postoperative complications, which need to be further investigated.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic ultrasonography before laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative ultrasonography during open surgery for colorectal cancer may be useful for the detection of unrecognized liver metastases. Laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) for the detection of unrecognized liver metastasis has not been studied in a randomized trial. This RCT tested the hypothesis that LUS would change the TNM stage and treatment strategy.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal cancer and no known metastases were randomized (1 : 1) to laparoscopic examination (control or laparoscopy plus LUS) in three Danish centres. Neither participants nor staff were blinded to the group assignment.

RESULTS

Three hundred patients were randomized, 150 in each group. After randomization, 43 patients were excluded, leaving 128 in the control group and 129 in the LUS group. Intraoperative T and N categories were not altered by LUS, but laparoscopy alone identified previously undetected M1 disease in one patient (0·8 per cent) in the control group and three (2·3 per cent) in the LUS group. In the latter group, LUS suggested that an additional six patients (4·7 per cent) had M1 disease with liver (4) or para-aortal lymph node (2) metastases. The change in treatment strategy was greater in the LUS than in the control group (7·8 (95 per cent c.i. 3·8 to 13·8) and 0·8 (0 to 4·2) per cent respectively; P = 0·010), but the suspected M1 disease was benign in half of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Routine LUS during resection of colorectal cancer is not recommended. Registration number: NCT02079389 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Radioguided localization of neuroblastomas in laparoscopic surgery using (123)I- radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine

Minimally invasive surgery has become widely recognized and is commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroblastoma. However, in post-chemotherapy status or during reoperations, it is occasionally difficult to precisely locate small neuroblastoma lesions, and this becomes prominent in endoscopic surgeries, in which tactile sense is essentially lost. Herein, we report our preliminary experience in two abdominal neuroblastoma cases undergoing laparoscopic tumor resection with aid of intraoperative (123)I- metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) radioguidance using a specifically designed gamma-probe. The procedure enables easier localization of viable neuroblastoma tissue, provided that the tumor shows moderate to high MIBG uptake.

Development of a non-blurring, dual-imaging tissue marker for gastrointestinal tumor localization

BACKGROUND

Knowing the exact location of gastrointestinal tumors both preoperatively and intraoperatively is essential for planning and performing laparoscopic surgery. Different techniques have been introduced to ascertain tumor locations during surgery, but none of these are fully satisfactory at establishing the minimum margins for organ resection while retaining curability. A new, non-blurring tissue marker, detectable by both X-ray computed tomography (CT) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence laparoscopy, has been developed, and we here examine its utility using an animal model.

METHODS

Liposomes, comprised phospholipids and an NIR fluorescent dye (an indocyanine green derivative), and emulsions, consisting of phospholipids and oily radiographic contrast medium, were combined with polyglycerol-polyricinoleate to form giant cluster-like vesicles. This vesicular dispersion (300 μl) was administered into the porcine gastric submucosa using a gastroendoscope, and the detectability of the marker was examined using X-ray CT and NIR fluorescence laparoscopy.

RESULTS

One hour after the administration of the vesicular dispersion, X-ray CT identified four individual injection sites, each at a 1-cm radius of a metal hemostasis clip. NIR fluorescence laparoscopy detected individual fluorescent spots 18 hours after the administration of the vesicular dispersion.

CONCLUSION

We anticipate that this newly developed tissue marker will contribute to the preoperative simulation of laparoscopic gastrointestinal cancer surgery and its intraoperative navigation.

[Optical colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy: the current role of each technique]

The importance of optical or conventional colonoscopy in diagnosing colon disease is undisputed. In this context, optical colonoscopy is the gold standard against which other techniques must be validated. Apart from enabling direct inspection of the colonic mucosa, optical colonoscopy enables biopsies and techniques to treat and prevent colorectal cancer. Virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography has been validated in multicenter studies; virtual colonoscopy is as sensitive as optical colonoscopy for the detection of polyps and colon cancer. It is currently the only valid alternative to optical colonoscopy. Its role in patients with medium or high risk of colon cancer is in the process of being defined as multidisciplinary teams gain experience. This article aims to discuss the usefulness of virtual colonoscopy in different clinical situations, emphasizing the situations in which there is enough scientific evidence, and to discuss the controversies surrounding its possible use for population-based screening.

Preoperative Localization of Early Colorectal Cancer or a Malignant Polyp by Using the Patient's Own Blood

PURPOSE

Preoperative localization is the most important preparation for laparoscopic surgery. Preoperative marking with India ink has widely been used and is considered to be safe and effective. However, India ink can cause significant inflammation, adhesions and bowel obstruction. Therefore, we have used the patient's blood instead of the ink since 2011. In this retrospective study, we wanted to examine the feasibility of preoperative localization by using the patient's blood.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients who underwent preoperative localization in which 10 mL of their own venous blood was used as a tattooing agent were included in this study. The characteristics of the patients, the anatomy of the colon cancer, and the efficacy and the side effects of using this procedure were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 23 cases (92%), through the laparoscope, we found perfectly localized bloody smudges in the serosa. However, in 2 cases (8%), we could not find the exact location of the lesion. No patients showed any complications.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative localization of early colon cancer or a malignant polyp by using patient's blood is feasible, safe and simple. We think that using the patient's blood for localization of a lesion is better than using some other foreign material such as India ink.

Intraoperative localization of occult colorectal tumors during laparoscopic surgery by magnetic ring markers-a pilot study

PURPOSE

Intraoperative localization of small tumors or malignant polyps has been an important issue in laparoscopic colon surgery. We have developed a new method for preoperative endoscopic tumor marking using a ring-shaped magnetic marker.

METHODS

In a pilot study, 28 patients with small colonic (n = 23) or rectal tumors (n = 5) underwent endoscopic magnetic clipping prior to laparoscopic resection. A cap carrying a high-power neodymium ring magnet was mounted on the tip of a colonoscope. Near the lesion, the ring magnet was released and clipped to the colorectal wall. Standard laparoscopic instruments were used to find the magnet intraoperatively.

RESULTS

Endoscopic fixation of a ring magnet next to the tumor by clipping was technically feasible in all 28 patients. Intraoperative localization of the marked lesions was successful in 27 of 28 patients (96 %). All patients underwent magnet-guided radical laparoscopic resection of the tumor with an average proximal and distal resection margin of 101 and 63 mm, respectively. In one case, the magnet could not be found due to preoperative migration. Surgical complications related to magnetic clip application or intraoperative tumor localization were not observed. However, there was one case with an intraoperative perforation of the colon by the magnet, which was obviously caused by unchecked action with a laparoscopic instrument.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative endoscopic labeling of colonic lesions with on-the-scope magnetic markers is simple and safe. Intraoperative tumor localization during laparoscopic colorectal surgery can be achieved reliably without additional equipment such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy.

Pitfalls of laparoscopic colorectal surgery and how to avoid them

SUMMARY Laparoscopic surgery is commonly used for colorectal diseases. Recently, laparoscopy for colorectal carcinoma has increased in use, especially by colorectal surgeons. Laparoscopy is associated with potential pitfalls that pose challenges to the surgeon and team. The identification and management of these pitfalls may not directly parallel those during an open approach. As such, it is essential for the surgeon to have a good working knowledge of how to avoid potential problems and how to best manage them when they do occur. This review highlights common pitfalls of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, as well as offering practical approaches to their management. Technical, patient and surgeon factors are all discussed.

Intraoperative portable abdominal radiograph for tumor localization: a simple and accurate method for laparoscopic gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

During laparoscopic gastrectomy, it is impossible to identify early gastric cancer (EGC) lesions; therefore, a precise localization technique is required. In this study, we evaluated a novel method of intraoperative portable abdominal radiograph for localization of EGC lesions after preoperative endoscopic clipping.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 80 patients who had undergone laparoscopic gastrectomies with our intraoperative abdominal radiographic method of tumor localization was performed. During preoperative endoscopy, endoscopic metal clips were applied just proximal to the tumor. A plain abdominal radiograph taken immediately after oral administration of effervescent agents was employed to select candidates for intraoperative localization. Intraoperative vessel clips were laparoscopically applied along the greater and lesser curvatures, and a portable abdominal radiograph was taken to identify the location of endoscopic clips relative to laparoscopic vessel clips.

RESULTS

In all patients, endoscopic clips were applied proximal to the lesion without complications. Both intraluminally and extraluminally placed clips were successfully detected by intraoperative portable abdominal radiograph in all patients. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) proximal margin length was 34.2 ± 20.2 mm. All patients had tumor-free resection margin.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative endoscopic clipping and intraoperative portable abdominal radiograph is an accurate and simple tumor localization method in laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Colonic tattooing in laparoscopic surgery - making the mark?

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is now widespread. Small lesions in the colon can be difficult to palpate and with lack of tactile sensation, it is essential to accurately localize them preoperatively. This is a review article on current methods of tattooing including the use of different agents and associated complications. Aim To review current techniques in preoperative tumour localization and methods used for colonic tattooing including agents used, dosage and potential complications.

METHOD

A literature search (Medline and Pubmed) was performed with manual cross referencing of all articles related to colonic tattooing.

RESULTS

Methods for localizing colonic tumours for laparoscopic resection include preoperative barium enema examination, CT colonography and intraoperative colonoscopy. The most effective method is, however, by tattooing with India ink performed endoscopically before surgery.

CONCLUSION

India ink is a reliable method of marking tumour location within the colon as prelude to laparoscopic resection. Surgeons must, however, be aware of potential complications associated with this technique.