Comparison of short-term outcomes between transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

An Observational Study Comparing Hybrid Transvaginal Notes and Four-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Recently, a great interest has arisen in hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-cholecystectomy (NOTES-C). It has the potential to cause less postoperative pain and may offer better cosmesis over conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 112 females who underwent conventional cholecystectomy were compared with 108 patients of hybrid transvaginal NOTES-cholecystectomy (TV NOTES-C). We compared intraoperative factors, postoperative pain, the analgesic requirement at different intervals, duration of hospital stay, and time to return to normal activities. In addition, cosmesis and patient satisfaction were assessed at four weeks.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain and analgesic requirement were less in the hybrid TV NOTES-C group (p<0.001 at 95% CI). Hybrid TV NOTES-C patients were discharged more frequently within 12 hours (27.5% versus 1.8%; p<0.001) and returned faster (2.22 versus 4.62 days; p<0.001) to normal activities. Cosmetic results and short-term quality of life as assessed by the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and short form-36 (SF-36) scores, respectively, were better in the hybrid TV NOTES-C group (p<0.001 at 95% CI).

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid TV NOTES-C is associated with reduced postoperative analgesic requirements, faster return to normal activities, better cosmesis, and patient satisfaction compared to conventional four-port cholecystectomy.

Gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy

INTRODUCTION

Cholecystectomy is the preferred option for symptomatic gallstones. Gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy (GPC) is proposed to satisfy the specific surgical patients with high-risks, biliary deformity and suffered from concomitant gallstone and choledocholithiasis.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes and compares the various GPC operations for cholelithiasis in some specific cases.

EXPERT OPINION

Transmural GPC mainly focuses on the gallstones, including endoscopic minimally invasive cholecystolithotomy (EMIC)-, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-GPC. These GPC procedures potentially preserve gallbladder integrity and function after clearance of gallstones. Additionally, transmural GPC may overcome the disadvantages of cholecystectomy, including cosmetic considerations and postoperative complications. However, the stone recurrence rate of EMIC varies greatly from 4.92% to 40.0%, and based on limited studies, long-term adverse events due to gallbladder mucosa and natural lumen injury are largely unknown in transmural GPC. Thus, transmural GPC may be an alternative to cholecystectomy for surgical patients with high-risks and abnormal biliary anatomy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-based transcystic GPC may be promising for some specific patients with concomitant gallstones and choledocholithiasis, since gallbladder integrity and function may be completely preserved as the gallbladder wall was hardly injured and the function of sphincter of Oddi was retained.

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery: Long-Term Experience with Hybrid Transvaginal Cholecystectomies

Objective. To assess outcome and safety of 571 hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) cholecystectomies. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive NOTES cholecystectomies performed at our center between June 2009 and January 2018. All procedures were performed using a hybrid transvaginal technique, including an umbilical small-size trocar. End points, calculated at discharge, 30 and up to 90 days postoperatively, included intra- and postoperative morbidity assessed by the validated Clavien-Dindo classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Special focus was held on outcome and necessity of pre- and postoperative gynecological examinations. Results. We performed 571 hybrid NOTES cholecystectomies within 9 years. The vast majority were elective, 9.6% were emergency cholecystectomies. 6.7% of patients developed at least one complication until discharge, most of them minor (≤grade II). 30- and 90-day complication rates were 10.7% and 11%, respectively. Mean CCI at discharge and postoperative days 30 and 90 was 1.45 (±6.4), 2.3 (±7.7), and 2.4 (±7.8), respectively. Major complications (≥grade IIIa) occurred in 1.6% of patients, and 4 patients required emergency reoperation. No mortality was observed. In 9.8%, an additional abdominal trocar was placed. All patients underwent routine gynecological examination, whereof only 5 were rejected for transvaginal access preoperatively. In no case transvaginal access was discontinued intraoperatively due to gynecological disease. Conclusion. Hybrid NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomy represents a safe and feasible alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative gynecological examination is no longer routinely necessary, as intraoperative assessment is adequate.

Comparison of Major Clinical Outcomes Between Transvaginal NOTES and Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The advent of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (transvaginal NOTES) aims to minimize surgical trauma and reduce recovery time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical trials comparing transvaginal NOTES and traditional laparoscopy were identified by searching EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science (from 2004 to March 2018). Major outcomes evaluated were risk of postoperative complications and secondary outcomes were pain on postoperative day (POD) 1, POD2, and POD3, time needed for full recovery, risk of intraoperative complications, the duration of surgery, and hospital stay. The results of the meta-analysis are presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Thirteen trials with 1340 patients were identified. There were no statistical differences for risk of complications between transvaginal NOTES and traditional laparoscopy (intraoperative complications: RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01; P = 0.37; postoperative complication: RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.01; P = 0.148). The pain score was lower in transvaginal NOTES on POD1 (SMD: -0.71, 95% CI: -1.30 to -0.11, P = 0.019), on POD2 (SMD -0.41, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.07; P = 0.018), and on POD3 (SMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.23; P < 0.001). Patients in transvaginal NOTES needed much shorter time to fully recover after surgery (SMD -1.36, 95% CI -1.84 to -0.87; P < 0.001). In addition, patients underwent transvaginal NOTES had less pain and shorter time of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that patients have cholecystectomy, adnexectomy, and appendectomy using transvaginal NOTES as it is safe and minimally invasive.

Does obesity influence the results in Transvaginal Hybrid-NOTES cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

Morbidly obese patients are usually excluded from studies that compare Transvaginal Hybrid-NOTES Cholecystectomy (TVC) with traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Therefore, these study results cannot necessarily be transferred to this group of patients. In this study, we have analyzed and compared the outcomes of the procedure with obese and non-obese patients.

METHODS

Data from a prospectively maintained database were retrospectively analyzed. All the TVCs performed in our clinic since 2008 were divided into groups according to their body mass index (BMI). Within these groups, we evaluated the following outcome parameters: age, ASA classification, procedural time, number of percutaneous trocars, intra- and postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay. Additionally, the posthospital surgical and gynecological follow-up was evaluated for additional complications and patients with class III obesity were contacted to determine further parameters.

RESULTS

Six underweight, 76 normal weight, 72 overweight, 48 class I obesity, 15 class II obesity, and 20 class III obesity patients were analyzed. ASA classification (P < 0.001), procedural time (P < 0.001), and number of percutaneous trocars (P < 0.001) significantly increased with the BMI. By contrast, intra- and postoperative complications (P = 0.134 and P = 0.571), as well as postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.076) did not depend on the BMI. Neither did the classification according to Clavien/Dindo show a significant relation (P = 0.640). Lethality was zero. All posthospital gynecological follow-ups were inconspicuous. Telephone follow-up of class III obesity patients reached a rate of 85% after median 3.4 years. There were no additional complications or problems during sexual intercourse. The satisfaction with the cosmetic and the overall result was very high.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the results of existing studies including normal-weight or merely moderately obese patients can hardly be applied to morbidly obese patients, especially regarding procedural time and the number of percutaneous trocars, obesity should not be an exclusion criterion for TVC, regardless of its magnitude.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery cholecystectomy: results of a prospective comparative single-center study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in female individuals has been challenged recently by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery cholecystectomy (TVC). TVC has not been widely accepted as a standard procedure, even though it is reported to be a safe and painless alternative to LC. This prospective comparative study aims to not only prove equality of TVC and LC but to underline the advantages of TVC over LC with regard to postoperative pain.

METHODS

This study presents an analysis of a single-center and single-surgeon study with 226 unselected consecutive cholecystectomies performed as either TVC or LC.

RESULTS

A total of 226 female patients underwent surgery with either LC (136 cases) or TVC (90 cases). There were no postoperative adverse events. Twenty-two patients (24.2%) in the TVC group indicated 0 (no pain) on a visual analog scale postoperatively, whereas only 5 patients (3.7%) did so in the LC group (P = < .0001). Overall consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was significantly less (P < .0001; t test) in the TVC group (mean, 1.2 ± 0.11 g) compared with the LC group (mean, 2.1 ± 0.1 g). Twenty-three patients (25.5%) in the TVC group needed no postoperative analgesics at all.

CONCLUSIONS

TVC is a safe and painless procedure for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who are from various ethnic and cultural origins. This benefit, along with an equal safety profile compared with LC, should pave the way for wider application of TVC in women.

Meta-analysis of hybrid natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus laparoscopic surgery

Background

Hybrid natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), combining access through a natural orifice with small-sized abdominal trocars, aims to reduce pain and enhance recovery. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare pain and morbidity in hybrid NOTES and standard laparoscopy.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify RCTs and non- RCTs comparing hybrid NOTES and standard laparoscopy. The main outcome was pain on postoperative day (POD) 1. Secondary outcomes were pain during the further postsurgical course, rescue analgesia, complications, and satisfaction with the cosmetic result. The results of meta-analysis in a random-effects model were presented as odds ratio (ORs) or standard mean differences (MDs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

Six RCTs and 21 non-randomized trials including 2186 patients were identified. In hybrid NOTES the score on the numerical pain scale was lower on POD 1 (−0·75, 95 per cent c.i. −1·09 to −0·42; P = 0·001) and on POD 2–4 (−0·58, −0·91 to −0·26; P &lt; 0·001) than that for standard laparoscopy. The need for rescue analgesia was reduced in hybrid NOTES (OR 0·36, 0·24 to 0·54; P &lt; 0·001). The reduction in complications found for hybrid NOTES compared with standard laparoscopy (OR 0·52, 0·38 to 0·71; P &lt; 0·001) was not significant when only RCTs were considered (OR 0·83, 0·43 to 1·60; P = 0·570). The score for cosmetic satisfaction was higher after NOTES (MD 1·14, 0·57 to 1·71; P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion

Hybrid NOTES reduces postoperative pain and is associated with greater cosmetic satisfaction in selected patients.

Safety Outcomes of NOTES Cholecystectomy Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an endoscopic technique whereby surgical interventions can be performed with a flexible endoscope passed through a natural orifice (mouth, vulva, urethra, anus) then through a transluminal opening of the stomach, vagina, bladder, or colon. Although in the early stage of research and development, NOTES has been clinically applied across the globe, above all the transvaginal cholecystectomy is among the most frequently performed procedures. In the existing 2 types of transvaginal routes, the hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy (NC) is more likely to be accepted. However, there has been controversy regarding the safety outcomes of hybrid NC in comparison with classical laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the characteristics between NC and classical LC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A meta-analysis of eligible studies comparing NC with classical LC was performed to evaluate the safety outcomes including wound complications, other postoperative complications and intraoperative conversion between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Pooling 3 randomized controlled trials (n=157) and 7 nonrandomized trial (n=593) demonstrated that the rates of wound complications and other postoperative complications in NC group did not significantly differ from those of classical LC group [wound complications: ratio difference (RD)=-0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.04to 0.01, P=0.23; other postoperative complication: RD=-0.01; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.02; P=0.6]. The intraoperative conversion rate in NC groups was higher than that of LC groups (RD=0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.06; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significate difference between the safety of NC and laparoscope cholecystectomy. NC is associated with a higher rate of intraoperative conversion when compared with LC. It is worthy of further promotion and validation in clinical settings.

A Simple Approach to Specimen Retrieval via Posterior Colpotomy Incision

Introduction:

Posterior colpotomy incision for specimen retrieval is infrequently used in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery unless a concomitant hysterectomy is performed. We aim to describe a simple and unique technique for creating the colpotomy incision and to describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

Fifty patients underwent adnexal specimen retrieval through a posterior colpotomy incision. After devascularization and detachment of the adnexal specimen, the posterior cul-de-sac was visualized. The colpotomy incision was created by introducing a 12- or 15-mm laparoscopic trocar through the vagina into the posterior vaginal fornix under direct visualization. Specimens were placed into laparoscopic bags and removed through the vagina. The colpotomy incision was closed vaginally. Charts were reviewed for intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

Twenty-nine women underwent adnexal surgery for an adnexal mass, 14 women underwent surgery for pelvic pain, and 7 women underwent adnexal surgery for primary prevention of malignancy. The specimens removed ranged in size from 2 to 16 cm (mean 5.7). The mean time patients were under anesthesia was 103 minutes (SD 57.3). There were no operative complications related to the colpotomy incision and no cases of postoperative vaginal cellulitis or pelvic infection were reported. Only 1 woman with a prior vaginal delivery reported dyspareunia postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This simple technique for posterior colpotomy incision can easily be added to the gynecologic surgeon's armamentarium and can be safely used for most women.

Comparison of outcome and side effects between conventional and transvaginal laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a meta-analysis

Transvaginal laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TVC) is becoming an attractive alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). We conducted a meta-analysis study to compare the outcome and side effects between TVC and CLC. Clinical studies on TVC with CLC as control were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE (from 2007 to December 2013). Nine studies were identified for meta-analysis. Our results showed that TVC required much longer operative time [MD, 30.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 13.00-48.65; P=0.0007] and had significantly lower pain score on postoperative day 1 as compared with CLC (MD, -1.77; 95% CI, -2.91 to -0.63; P=0.002). No statistical difference in days of hospital stay (MD, -1.60; 95% CI, -4.73 to 1.54; P=0.32) and number of complications was found between the 2 groups (risk ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.25-1.10; P=0.09). Safety of TVC is similar as CLC. In conclusion, TVC patients have significantly less postoperative pain but need much longer operative time.

Systematic analysis of the safety and benefits of transvaginal hybrid-NOTES cholecystectomy

AIM: To evaluate transvaginal hybrid-NOTES cholecystectomy (TVC) during its clinical establishment and compare it with the traditional laparoscopic technique (LC).

METHODS: The specific problems and benefits of TVC were reviewed using a registry analysis, a comparative cohort study and a randomized clinical trial. At first, feasibility, safety and specific complications of the TVC were analyzed based on the first 488 data sets of the German NOTES Registry (GNR). Hereafter, we compared the early postoperative results of our first 50 TVC-patients with those of 50 female LC-patients matched by age, BMI and ASA classification. The same cohort was contacted an average of two years later to evaluate long-term results concerning pain and satisfaction with the aesthetic results and the overall postoperative results as well as sexual intercourse by means of two domains of the German version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-d). Consequently, we performed a randomized clinical trial comparing 20 TVC-patients with 20 needlescopic/3-trocar cholecystectomies (NC) also concerning the early postoperative results as well as pain, satisfaction and quality of life by means of the Eypasch Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) in the later course. Finally, we discussed the results in accordance with other published studies.

RESULTS: The complication (3.5%) and conversion rates (4.1%) for TVC were low in the GNR and comparable to those of the LC. Access related intraoperative complications included injuries to the bladder (n = 4; 0.8%) and bowel (n = 3; 0.6%). The study cohort revealed less postoperative pain after TVC comparing to the LC-patients on the day of surgery (NRS, 1.5/10 vs 3.1/10, P = 0.003), in the morning (NRS, 1.9/10 vs 2.8/10, P = 0.047) and in the evening (NRS, 1.1/10 vs 1.8/10, P = 0.025) of postoperative day (POD) one. The randomized clinical trial consistently found less cumulative pain until POD 2 (NRS, 8/40 vs 14/40, P = 0.043), as well as until POD 10 (NRS, 22/190 vs 41/190, P = 0.010). Furthermore, the TVC-patients had a better quality of life on POD 10 than did the LC-patients (GIQLI, 124/144 vs 107/144, P = 0.028). The complication rates were comparable and no specific problems were detected in the long-term follow-up for sexual intercourse for either group. The TVC-patients were more satisfied with the aesthetic result in the long-term course in the matched cohort analysis (1.00 vs 1.88, P < 0.001) as well as in the randomized clinical trial (1.00 vs 1.70, P < 0.001) when compared with the LC-patients.

CONCLUSION: TVC is a feasible procedure with a high safety profile and has advantages in regard to postoperative pain and aesthetic results when compared with LC or NC.

Transvaginal cholecystectomy vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the results of transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) for gallbladder disease.

METHODS: We performed a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MetaRegister of Controlled Trials, Chinese Medical Journal database and Wanfang Data for trials comparing outcomes between TVC and CLC. Data were extracted by two authors. Mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratios and risk rate with 95%CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the χ² test. The fixed-effects model was used in the absence of statistically significant heterogeneity. The random-effects model was chosen when heterogeneity was found.

RESULTS: There were 730 patients in nine controlled clinical trials. No significant difference was found regarding demographic characteristics (P > 0.5), including anesthetic risk score, age, body mass index, and abdominal surgical history between the TVC and CLC groups. Both groups had similar mortality, morbidity, and return to work after surgery. Patients in the TVC group had a lower pain score on postoperative day 1 (SMD: -0.957, 95%CI: -1.488 to -0.426, P < 0.001), needed less postoperative analgesic medication (SMD: -0.574, 95%CI: -0.807 to -0.341, P < 0.001) and stayed for a shorter time in hospital (MD: -1.004 d, 95%CI: -1.779 to 0.228, P = 0.011), but had longer operative time (MD: 17.307 min, 95%CI: 6.789 to 27.826, P = 0.001). TVC had no significant influence on postoperative sexual function and quality of life. Better cosmetic results and satisfaction were achieved in the TVC group.

CONCLUSION: TVC is safe and effective for gallbladder disease. However, vaginal injury might occur, and further trials are needed to compare TVC with CLC.

Transvaginal/transumbilical hybrid--NOTES--versus 3-trocar needlescopic cholecystectomy: short-term results of a randomized clinical trial

In a randomized clinical trial, needlescopic 3-trocar cholecystectomy was compared with transvaginal/transumbilical hybrid—NOTES—technique for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. We found significantly less pain despite less analgesics, increased satisfaction with the aesthetic result, and improved postoperative quality of life in the NOTES group. Furthermore, both techniques were equal in terms of safety.

Objective:

For cholecystectomy, both the needlescopic cholecystectomy (NC) 3-trocar technique using 2 to 3 mm trocars and the umbilical-assisted transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) technique have found their way into clinical routine. This study compares these 2 techniques in female patients who are in need of an elective cholecystectomy.

Background:

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a surgical concept permitting scarless intra-abdominal operations through natural orifices, such as the vagina. Because of the lack of an adequately powered trial, we designed this first randomized controlled study for the comparison of TVC and NC.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized, nonblinded, single-center trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of TVC (intervention), compared with NC (control) in female patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. The primary endpoint was intensity of pain until the morning of postoperative day (POD) 2. Secondary outcomes were among others intra- and postoperative complications, procedural time, amount of analgesics used, pain intensity until POD 10, duration of hospital stay, satisfaction with the aesthetic result, and quality of life on POD 10 as quantified with the Eypasch Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).

Results:

Between February 2010 and June 2012, 40 patients were randomly assigned to the interventional or control group. All patients completed follow-up. Procedural time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and the rate of intra- and postoperative complications were similar in the 2 groups. However, significant advantages were found for the transvaginal access regarding pain until POD 2, but also until POD 10 (P = 0.043 vs P = 0.010) despite significantly less use of peripheral analgesics (P = 0.019). In the TVC group, patients were significantly more satisfied with the aesthetic result (P < 0.001) and had a significantly better GIQLI (P = 0.028).

Conclusions:

Although comparable in terms of safety, TVC caused less pain, increased satisfaction with the aesthetic result, and improved postoperative quality of life in the short term.

Hybrid NOTES transvaginal intraperitoneal onlay mesh in abdominal wall hernias: an alternative to traditional laparoscopic procedures

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal wall hernias are increasingly treated by laparoscopic placement of an intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM). We present an alternative technique for women: the laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal IPOM.

METHODS

Before surgery, all patients underwent a gynecological examination. The patients agreed to IPOM repair via a transvaginal approach, and written informed consent for surgery was obtained. Pneumoperitoneum was established with a Veress needle at the umbilicus. This access was subsequently dilated to 5 mm (VersaStep), and a 5-mm laparoscope was inserted. Under laparoscopic view, the transvaginal trocars (12-mm VersaStep and 5-mm flexible accesses) were safely inserted after lifting the uterus with a uterus manipulator. After preparation of the falciform ligament, the ligamentum teres and the preperitoneal fat, a lightweight composite mesh was introduced through the transvaginal access and fixed with absorbable tacks using the double-crown technique.

RESULTS

From September 2011 to December 2012, we performed six laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal IPOM procedures (one epigastric, three umbilical, two combined epigastric and umbilical hernias; all were primary hernias). In the initial phase, only patients with small or medium primary abdominal wall hernia were selected (max. 3 cm diameter). Median hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-6 days). One minor complication occurred perioperatively (second-degree skin burn to the labia majora). At 1-year follow-up, we identified one recurrence in a high-risk patient with a body mass index higher than 35 kg/m(2). No infection and no mortality were observed.

CONCLUSION

Although no final conclusion can be made regarding the presumed non-inferiority of this technique in terms of recurrence and mesh infection compared with traditional laparoscopic IPOM, laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal IPOM is a feasible alternative to treat abdominal wall hernias.

Safety of transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing data regarding clinical outcomes following transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy (TVC), a consensus regarding safety based on comparative studies has yet to be reached. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare safety and clinical outcomes of TVC with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) for the treatment of benign gallstone disease.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for published studies comparing TVC and CLC was performed. Review of each study was conducted and data were extracted. All pooled outcome measures were determined using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Data were retrieved from 14 studies describing 1,145 patients. There was no difference in total complications (POR = 0.68; 95 % CI 0.40-1.14; P = 0.14), incidence of bile duct injury (POR = 1.33; 95 % CI 0.31-5.66; P = 0.70), Clavien-Dindo Grade II (POR = 0.48; 95 % CI 0.14-1.60; P = 0.23) or Grade III (POR = 0.63; 95 % CI 0.24-1.65; P = 0.34) complications between TCV and CLC. Time of return to normal activities was significantly reduced in the TVC group (WMD = -4.86 days; 95 % CI -9.33 to -0.39; P = 0.03), and there was a non-significant reduction in postoperative pain on days 1 (WMD = -0.80; 95 % CI -1.60 to 0.01; P = 0.05) and 3 (WMD = -0.89; 95 % CI -1.77 to -0.01; P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TVC is safe when performed by appropriately trained surgeons and may be associated with a faster return to normal activities and decreased postoperative pain.

Comparison of immediate postoperative pain after transvaginal versus traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) is the most common natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) performed in women, yet there is a paucity of data on intraoperative and immediate postoperative pain management. Previous studies have demonstrated that NOTES procedures are associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery times. This study analyzes intraoperative and postoperative opioid use for TVC compared with traditional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs).

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive TVC and LC female patients between August 2009 and August 2012 in an academic institution. We compared demographics, intraoperative and postoperative opioid use and times in the operating room (OR) and in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU).

RESULTS

A total of 68 TVC and 67 LC patients were included in this study. The TVC and LC groups were similar in terms of age (both 41 years) and body mass index (29 and 31 kg/m2, respectively). The intraoperative preparation, surgical, and emergence times were significantly longer for the TVC than for the LC (p ≤ 0.01). Compared with the LC group, the intraoperative opioid requirement was significantly greater (TVC 27 mg vs. LC 25 mg; p = 0.003), but after adjusting for anesthesia time, the difference in OR opioid consumption became non-significant (p = 0.08). The PACU opioid requirement (TVC 2.5 vs. LC 5 mg; p = 0.04) was significantly lower for the TVC group, and a greater proportion of patients did not need any pain medications (TVC 38 % vs. LC 21 %; p = 0.04), compared with the LC group. The average PACU pain scores were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.45).

CONCLUSION

TVC patients did not experience more pain than LC patients. Although the average pain scores of TVC patients did not differ from those of the LC patients, TVC patients did require less pain medication in the PACU.

Transvaginal cholecystectomy learning curve

BACKGROUND

There are few surgeons in the United States, within private practice and academic centers, currently performing transvaginal cholecystectomies (TVC). The lack of exposure to TVC during residency or fellowship training, coupled with a poorly defined learning curve, further limits interested surgeons who want to apply this technique to their practice. This study describes the learning curve encountered during the introduction of TVC to our academic facility.

METHODS

This study is an analysis of consecutive TVCs performed between August 14, 2009 and August 3, 2012 at an academic center. The TVC patients were divided into sequential quartiles (n = 15/16). The learning curve outcome was measured as the operative time of TVC patients and compared to the operative time of female laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) patients performed during the same time period.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients underwent a TVC with a mean age of 38 ± 12 years and mean BMI was 29 ± 6 kg/m(2). Sixty-seven female patients who underwent a LC with average age 41 ± 15 years and average BMI 33 ± 12 kg/m(2). The average operative time of LC patients and TVC patients was 48 ± 20 and 60 ± 17 min, respectively. Significant improvement in TVC operative times was seen between the first (n = 15 TVCs) and second quartiles (p = 0.04) and stayed relatively constant for third quartile, during which there was no statistically significant difference between the mean LC operative time for the second and third TVC quartiles

CONCLUSIONS

The learning curve of a fellowship-trained surgeon introducing TVC to their surgical repertoire, as measured by improved operative times, can be achieved with approximately 15 cases.

Toward scar-free surgery: an analysis of the increasing complexity from laparoscopic surgery to NOTES

BACKGROUND

NOTES is an emerging technique for performing surgical procedures, such as cholecystectomy. Debate about its real benefit over the traditional laparoscopic technique is on-going. There have been several clinical studies comparing NOTES to conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, no work has been done to compare these techniques from a Human Factors perspective. This study presents a systematic analysis describing and comparing different existing NOTES methods to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Videos of endoscopic/laparoscopic views from fifteen live cholecystectomies were analyzed to conduct a detailed task analysis of the NOTES technique. A hierarchical task analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and several hybrid transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomies was performed and validated by expert surgeons. To identify similarities and differences between these techniques, their hierarchical decomposition trees were compared. Finally, a timeline analysis was conducted to compare the steps and substeps.

RESULTS

At least three variations of the NOTES technique were used for cholecystectomy. Differences between the observed techniques at the substep level of hierarchy and on the instruments being used were found. The timeline analysis showed an increase in time to perform some surgical steps and substeps in NOTES compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

As pure NOTES is extremely difficult given the current state of development in instrumentation design, most surgeons utilize different hybrid methods-combination of endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments/optics. Results of our hierarchical task analysis yielded an identification of three different hybrid methods to perform cholecystectomy with significant variability among them. The varying degrees to which laparoscopic instruments are utilized to assist in NOTES methods appear to introduce different technical issues and additional tasks leading to an increase in the surgical time. The NOTES continuum of invasiveness is proposed here as a classification scheme for these methods, which was used to construct a clear roadmap for training and technology development.

Clinical evaluation of an internal adjustable retractor in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Reducing the number of abdominal incisions in laparoscopic cholecystectomy introduces ergonomic challenges while establishing the critical view during dissection of the triangle of Calot (TC). This study investigates the use of a novel internal retracting device in performing cholecystectomy with a reduced number of ports.

METHODS

A 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted by 4 surgeons unfamiliar with the novel device. Exposure of the TC was obtained using the internal retractor, which comprises 2 clips, linked by an adjustable thread. One clip is fixed on the gallbladder and the other is fixed to the peritoneum. The endpoint was to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of the device in establishing the critical view of safety.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with a mean body mass index of 25.29 kg/m(2) (standard deviation = 6.24; range = 17.6-36.7 kg/m(2)) were included in the study. The critical view was obtained in 10 of 13 patients. Application of the device was completed in a median time of 2.25 minutes without injury of the gallbladder or bile leak. Failure occurred in 3 patients, related to wrong manipulation of the device (2 patients), and correct placement of the device but inadequate exposure (1 patient). A conventional 4-port technique was used in these patients. Operators rated their experience with the device as an "easy-to-operate" device with a good safety profile and without any interference with the operative process.

CONCLUSIONS

Throughout the minimization process specific to minimal access surgery, internal retractors will certainly allow for a reduction in the number of trocars used in laparoscopic procedures.

Complications of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: a series of 102 patients

OBJECTIVE

To review the complications encountered in our facility and in previously published studies of transvaginal (TV) natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to date.

BACKGROUND

TV NOTES is currently observed with critical eyes from the surgical community, despite encouraging data to suggest improved short-term recovery and pain.

METHODS

All TV NOTES procedures performed in female patients between 18 and 65 years of age were included. The median follow-up was 90 days. The TV appendectomies and ventral hernia repairs were pure NOTES, through a SILS port in the vagina, whereas TV cholecystectomies were hybrid procedures with the addition of a 5-mm port in the umbilicus.

RESULTS

A total of 102 TV NOTES procedures, including 72 TV cholecystectomies, 24 TV appendectomies, and 6 TV ventral hernia repairs, were performed. The average age was 37 years old and body mass index was 29 kg/m. Three major and 7 minor complications occurred. The first major complication was a rectal injury during a TV access port insertion. The second major complication was an omental vessel bleed after a TV cholecystectomy. The third complication was an intra-abdominal abscess after a TV appendectomy. Seven minor complications were urinary retention (4), transient brachial plexus injury, dislodgement of an intrauterine device, and vaginal granulation tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

As techniques in TV surgery are adopted, inevitably, complications may occur due to the inherent learning curve. Laparoscopic instruments, although adaptable to TV approaches, have yet to be optimized. A high index of suspicion is necessary to identify complications and optimize outcomes for patients.

Laparoscopy in cholecysto-choledocholithiasis

Gallstone disease is one of the most common problems in the gastroenterology and is associated with significant morbidity. It may present as stones in the gallbladder (cholecystolithiasis) or in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis). At the end of the 1980s laparoscopy was introduced and first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 1985. The laparoscopic technique for removing the gallbladder is the current treatment of choice, although indications for open surgery exist. To perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy as safe as possible multiple safety measures were developed. The gold standard for diagnosing and removing common bile duct stones is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The surgical treatment option for choledocholithiasis is laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration. If experience is not available, than ERCP followed by elective cholecystectomy is by far the best therapeutic modality. The present review will discuss the use, benefits and drawbacks of laparoscopy in patients with cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis.

Analysis of a learning curve and predictors of intraoperative difficulty for peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM)

BACKGROUND

Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) is an endoscopic surgical operation for achalasia. Here, we analyze a single-series POEM learning curve and examine which preoperative patient factors are predictive of operative difficulty.

METHODS

Two surgeons performed all POEM procedures conjointly. Nonlinear regression was used to determine the learning curve for procedure time. Preoperative patient characteristics were correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-six POEM procedures were performed. Total operative time did not decrease over the course of the series (mean 112 ± 36 min). Time required to complete the procedural steps of submucosal access and myotomy did decrease with experience, both exhibiting a "learning rate" of seven cases. The incidence of inadvertent mucosal perforations and the number of clips required both decreased with experience. Postoperative Eckardt scores at 1-year follow-up decreased over the course of the series. Prior endoscopic treatment, symptom duration, and esophageal width were all independently predictive of longer procedure time. Preoperative symptom duration was also positively associated with inadvertent mucosal perforation and the number of clips required.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, overall procedure time did not decrease with experience and may not be an important marker of procedural skill for POEM. Prior endoscopic treatment, longer symptom duration, and esophageal dilatation may result in increased operative difficulty during POEM.

The prepped vaginal canal may be a sterile conduit for ventral hernia mesh insertion: a prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

Although still experimental, natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) aims to use the natural orifices for intraabdominal surgery. Pure transvaginal umbilical hernia repair has been reported. However, mesh protection devices were used to minimize mesh contamination during mesh insertion. The authors believe that before widespread implementation of this technique, more foundational research is indicated to establish the sterility of hernia mesh insertion through this route. This prospective study aimed to compare transvaginal ventral hernia mesh insertion sterility with laparoscopic trocar-site insertion sterility to establish baseline data to help promote the safety of NOTES tranvaginal hernia repair.

METHODS

This was a prospective descriptive study (Canadian Task Force classification 2A). With institutional review board approval, 10 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic disease were enrolled in the study. Atrium Prolite mesh (polypropylene monofilament) was inserted into the vagina before and after standard surgical preparation with 10 % povidone–iodine. As a control, mesh also was inserted through a prepped laparoscopic port site. The mesh was cultured for bacterial, fungal, and viral contamination. All patients received standard infection prophylaxis that included preoperative intravenous cefazolin and metronidazole.

RESULTS

The unprepped vaginal canal was cultured and demonstrated normal multiorganism vaginal flora in all 10 cases. Of the 10 skin incision mesh samples, 3 (30 %) grew bacteria, including Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a potentially pathogenic organism. In contrast, none of the prepped vaginal mesh specimens yielded any growth of microorganisms or potential pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that a surgically prepped vaginal canal can be a sterile conduit for insertion of polypropylene mesh for transvaginal ventral hernia repair without the use of additional mesh protection. Surprisingly, the prepped vaginal conduit in our patients was more sterile than a prepped skin incision.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for clinical management of intra-abdominal diseases

Clinical research on natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been increasingly reported over the past 5 years and more than 1200 patients have received various NOTES procedures. The present article reviews the clinical practice of NOTES for the treatment of intra-abdominal diseases, and was carried out through systematic search with specific keywords in major databases for NOTES-related clinical literature. The last date of the search was 15 August, 2012. Transvaginal cholecystectomy is the commonest NOTES procedure reported, and its clinical feasibility and safety was established through prospective case series and randomized trials. There is a regional difference in NOTES development with the majority of NOTES fromCaucasian countries being transvaginal cholecystectomy and most reports from Asian countries being NOTES-related procedures. Safe closure of gastrointestinal access remains challenging, and novel endoscopic instruments are essential to enhance future development of NOTES.

Routine cholangiography during rigid-hybrid transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Transvaginal rigid-hybrid transluminal endoscopic cholecystectomy (tvCCE) has become a routine procedure in some laparoscopic departments in recent years. Although intraoperative cholangiography is an important adjunct to cholecystectomy, its feasibility and safety in tvCCE have not been demonstrated to date.

METHODS

Patients undergoing tvCCE between April and October 2012 were included in this study. An intraoperative cholangiogram was obtained routinely for all the patients. Patient characteristics, operation data, feasibility, and duration of the cholangiography as well as the postoperative course were recorded prospectively.

RESULTS

For 32 (97 %) of the 33 patients enrolled in this study, intraoperative cholangiography could be performed successfully. The median duration of cholangiography was 6 min (interquartile range, 4-7 min). Common bile duct stones were detected in three patients (10 %). Laparoscopic bile duct revision with the aid of one additional port was successful in two of these patients. One patient needed postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to the impossibility of extracting an impacted prepapillary concrement. One operation was converted to a four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One additional port was used in 11 patients (33 %) and two additional ports in three patients (9 %). Three intraoperative minor complications (9 %) and one postoperative minor complication (3 %) occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative cholangiography during tvCCE is feasible, safe, and easy to perform. The need for intraoperative cholangiography no longer represents a contraindication for tvCCE.

Danish surgeons' views on minimally invasive surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Advancements in minimally invasive surgery have led to increases in popularity of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and natural orifice translumenal surgery (NOTES(®); American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy [Oak Brook, IL] and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons [Los Angeles, CA]) due to their postulated benefits of better cosmesis, less pain, and quicker recovery. This questionnaire-based study investigated Danish surgeons' attitudes toward these new procedures.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A 26-item questionnaire was developed and distributed electronically via e-mail to a total of 1253 members of The Danish Society of Surgeons and The Danish Society of Young Surgeons.

RESULTS

In total, 352 (approximately 30%) surgeons completed the questionnaire, 54.4% were over 50 years of age, and 76.6% were men. When choosing surgery, the most important factors taken into consideration were the risk of complication and short convalescence, whereas the least important factors were cosmesis and option of local anaesthesia. If the surgeons themselves were to undergo cholecystectomy, 35.5% would choose SILS, and 14.5% would choose NOTES provided that the risk was equal to traditional laparoscopy (3%). The fraction of surgeons willing to learn SILS and NOTES was 44.6% and 32.7%, respectively. The desire to learn was higher among less experienced and surgically active surgeons. Of the responders, 68.8% considered SILS and 43.2% considered NOTES would become standard techniques for cholecystectomy within 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of risk of complications has not surprisingly a high priority among surgeons in this questionnaire. Why this is has to be investigated further before implementing SILS and NOTES as standard of care.

Hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy, clinical results and patient-reported outcomes of 50 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report the clinical and cosmetic results of transvaginal hybrid cholecystectomy (TVC).

BACKGROUND

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been developed as a minimal invasive alternative for conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although transvaginal NOTES procedures are becoming increasingly popular, data focussing on body image, cosmesis and sexual recovery are rare.

METHODS

Our clinic started to perform the TVC in the beginning of 2011. Female patients with symptomatic gallstone disease that were treated between January 2011 and April 2012 with TVC were entered in a prospective database. All patients received a survey postoperative with questions about recovery, cosmesis and body image.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive patients were treated with a TVC. There were no major complications. Mean operative time was 61 min. In five patients (10 %), a conversion to another type of cholecystectomy was necessary. None of the sexually active women observed dyspareunia postoperative. The results for cosmesis and body image after the transvaginal approach were excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

TVC is a safe and feasible procedure when performed on selected patients. The transvaginal route seems to result in excellent cosmetic outcomes without gynaecologic complications after short-term follow up. Randomised trials are needed to specify the role of TVC in the treatment of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease and to detect differences in cosmetic outcomes.