Conditioning of the abdominal cavity reduces tumor implantation in a laparoscopic mouse model

Clinical efficacy of gasless submental-transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with Kirschner wire suspension for papillary thyroid carcinoma

PURPOSE

To analyze the clinical efficacy of gasless submental-transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy (ETE) with Kirschner wire suspension in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

Retrospectively, we enrolled 112 patients with PTC who received treatment in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between December 2020 and December 2021. Among them, 60 cases (laparoscopic group) received gasless submental-transoral ETE with Kirschner wire suspension, and the other 52 cases (open group) were treated by traditional thyroidectomy. Surgical indicators (operative time (OT), intraoperative blood loss (IBL), and postoperative drainage volume (DV)), number of central lymph node (CLN) dissected, length of hospital stay (LOS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, aesthetic satisfaction score, and complications were observed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in OT (55.73±5.49 min vs. 55.00±7.79 min), IBL (20.67±7.75 mL vs. 23.08±6.24 mL), postoperative DV (33.17±15.09 mL vs. 39.52±19.22 mL), number of CLN dissected (5.54±2.75 vs. 5.43±3.15), LOS (3.63±0.69 d vs. 3.68±0.57 d), postoperative VAS score (3.19±1.07 points vs. 3.38±1.09 points), and total complication rate (3.85% vs. 8.33%; all P>0.05). However, the laparoscopic group exhibited a significantly higher aesthetic satisfaction score than the open group (7.10±1.46 points vs. 6.42±1.46 points; P<0.05). In addition, patients in both groups were followed up for at least 3 months, and no recurrence or metastasis was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Gasless submental-transoral ETE with Kirschner wire suspension offers comparable curative effect as traditional thyroidectomy and safety, but it provides superior esthetic results, making it a viable treatment option for patients with PTC.

Comparison of Tumor Seeding and Recurrence Rate After Laparoscopic vs. Open Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma (UTUC) is still debated for its possible seeding risk and thus consequent oncological recurrences, especially for atypical ones. The aim of the study is to compare recurrence and survival after Laparoscopic vs. Open Radical Nephroureterectomy (RNU) for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC).

Method: A retrospective evaluation of UTUC consecutive surgeries from 2008 to 2019 was conducted, including pT ≥ 2, High Grade UTUC who underwent RNU with bladder cuff excision without concomitant lymphadenectomy in three urological tertiary centers. Statistical analyses compared recurrence and cancer specific survival, based on surgical approach, while logistic multivariate analyses and Kaplan Meyer survival curve analyzed possible risk factors for recurrence and survival.

Results: One hundred seven cases of RNU, 47 (43.9%) laparoscopic and 60 (56.1%) open, were included in this report. Preoperative characteristics were comparable between groups. However, tumor stage was higher in the Open arm [T3–T4 in 44 (73.3%) vs. 20 (43.4%) in Laparoscopic]. Mean follow-up was 91.6 months in laparoscopy RNU vs. 93.5 months in open RNU. Recurrence rate (RR) was comparable between groups (p = 0.594), and so was the site, although 3 (6.3%) peritoneal recurrences were found only in laparoscopic group (p = 0.057). At multivariate logistic regression, tumor stage and surgical approach were independent predictors of recurrence (p < 0.05), while only tumor stage was predictor of cancer specific death (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: Surgical approach has no impact on recurrence site, overall survival, and RR. Still, according to our data peritoneal carcinomatosis was present only in laparoscopic arm, despite how it didn't reach statistical significance.

The role of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: ESGE-SERGS position document and joint-statement

Over the last two decades, minimal access techniques have gained widespread acceptance as an approach to radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Two recent studies, the randomised study by Ramirez et al. (2018) and the epidemiologic study by Melamed et al. (2018) found that minimally invasive surgery radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer was associated with shorter overall survival than open surgery. In this document we assess the importance of these two new studies and what their additional contribution is towards existing studies into the surgical approach to cervical cancer. Furthermore, we provide a consensus statement of the European Society Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) and the Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery (SERGS) as to the position of minimal access techniques (both standard and robotic) in light of this new evidence.

Laparoscopic surgery for T4 colon cancer: a risk factor for peritoneal recurrences?

BACKGROUND

Although some preclinical studies have inferred that laparoscopic surgery for advanced cancer may increase the risk of peritoneal metastasis, this potential hazard has not been fully evaluated in the clinical setting. This study aimed to clarify whether laparoscopic surgery is associated with an increased risk of postoperative peritoneal recurrence after resection of T4 colon cancer.

METHODS

This study included 272 patients who underwent curative resection for pathological T4a colon cancer without distant metastases at the University of Tokyo Hospital between 1997 and 2017. Multivariable Fine-Gray analysis was performed to evaluate whether the use of laparoscopy was an independent risk factor for postoperative peritoneal recurrence. Thereafter, oncological outcomes (overall and relapse-free survival, and organ-specific recurrence) were compared between laparoscopic colectomy and open colectomy using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Multivariable analysis found that laparoscopic surgery was a significant risk factor for postoperative peritoneal recurrence (hazard ratio: 1.89; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.65; P = .046). Comparison after propensity score matching revealed that the incidence of peritoneal recurrence was significantly higher after laparoscopic colectomy than after open colectomy (5-year cumulative incidence: 28.1% vs 12.1%; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that laparoscopic surgery may be related to an increased risk of peritoneal recurrence in patients with pathological T4a colon cancer. Clinicians should be fully aware of this potential risk and seek an optimal treatment plan for the prevention and early detection of peritoneal metastasis.

Surgical stress response and promotion of metastasis in colorectal cancer: a complex and heterogeneous process

Surgery remains the curative treatment modality for colorectal cancer in all stages, including stage IV with resectable liver metastasis. There is emerging evidence that the stress response caused by surgery as well as other perioperative therapies such as anesthesia and analgesia may promote growth of pre-existing micro-metastasis or potentially initiate tumor dissemination. Therapeutically targeting the perioperative period may therefore reduce the effect that surgical treatments have in promoting metastases, for example by combining β-adrenergic receptor antagonists and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in the perioperative setting. In this paper, we highlight some of the mechanisms that may underlie surgery-related metastatic development in colorectal cancer. These include direct tumor spillage at the time of surgery, suppression of the anti-tumor immune response, direct stimulatory effects on tumor cells, and activation of the coagulation system. We summarize in more detail results that support a role for catecholamines as major drivers of the pro-metastatic effect induced by the surgical stress response, predominantly through activation of β-adrenergic signaling. Additionally, we argue that an improved understanding of surgical stress-induced dissemination, and more specifically whether it impacts on the level and nature of heterogeneity within residual tumor cells, would contribute to the successful clinical targeting of this process. Finally, we provide a proof-of-concept demonstration that ex-vivo analyses of colorectal cancer patient-derived samples using RGB-labeling technology can provide important insights into the heterogeneous sensitivity of tumor cells to stress signals. This suggests that intra-tumor heterogeneity is likely to influence the efficacy of perioperative β-adrenergic receptor and COX-2 inhibition, and that ex-vivo characterization of heterogeneous stress response in tumor samples can synergize with other models to optimize perioperative treatments and further improve outcome in colorectal and other solid cancers.

Ultrasound guided core needle biopsy prior to thermo ablative treatment of uterine tumors: first results

PURPOSE

This study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic yield for core needle biopsies of uterine fibroids before laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) with the aim of sonographic imaging. This study was in the context of a randomized, prospective, single-center, longitudinal comparative study in which RFVTA and laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids were compared.

METHODS

All patients of the RFVTA-arm received a core needle biopsy under the guidance of an intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound system. The Tissue samples were observed histologically.

RESULTS

24 patients were included and received in the median 3.17 biopsies (range 2-7). 45.8% of the fibroids were intramural. In 92% uterine leiomyoma was detected, in 4% a cell rich leiomyoma and in 4% a smooth muscle tumor with uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). There were no complications caused by core needle biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound guided core needle biopsy can be used to receive a histological result before treating uterine fibroids with thermo surgical methods like RFVTA.

Changes in the coelomic microclimate during carbon dioxide laparoscopy: morphological and functional implications

In this article the adverse effects of laparoscopic CO2 pneumoperitoneum and coelomic climate change, and their potential prevention by warmed, humidified carbon dioxide insufflation are reviewed. The use of pressurized cold, dry carbon dioxide (C02) pneumoperitoneum causes a number of local effects on the peritoneal mesothelium, as well as systemic effects. These can be observed at a macroscopic, microscopic, cellular and metabolic level. Local effects include evaporative cooling, oxidative stress, desiccation of mesothelium, disruption of mesothelial cell junctions and glycocalyx, diminished scavenging of reactive oxygen species, decreased peritoneal blood flow, peritoneal acidosis, peritoneal hypoxia or necrosis, exposure of the basal lamina and extracellular matrix, lymphocyte infiltration, and generation of peritoneal cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα. Such damage is increased by high CO2 insufflation pressures and gas velocities and prolonged laparoscopic procedures. The resulting disruption of the glycocalyx, mesothelial cell barrier and exposure of the extracellular matrix creates a cascade of immunological and pro-inflammatory events and favours tumour cell implantation. Systemic effects include cardiopulmonary and respiratory changes, hypothermia and acidosis. Such coelomic climate change can be prevented by the use of lower insufflation pressures and preconditioned warm humidified CO2. By achieving a more physiological temperature, pressure and humidity, the coelomic microenvironment can be better preserved during pneumoperitoneum. This has the potential clinical benefits of maintaining isothermia and perfusion, reducing postoperative pain, preventing adhesions and inhibiting cancer cell implantation in laparoscopic surgery.

Changes in the coelomic microclimate during carbon dioxide laparoscopy: morphological and functional implications

In this article the adverse effects of laparoscopic CO2 pneumoperitoneum and coelomic climate change, and their potential prevention by warmed, humidified carbon dioxide insufflation are reviewed. The use of pressurized cold, dry carbon dioxide (C02) pneumoperitoneum causes a number of local effects on the peritoneal mesothelium, as well as systemic effects. These can be observed at a macroscopic, microscopic, cellular and metabolic level. Local effects include evaporative cooling, oxidative stress, desiccation of mesothelium, disruption of mesothelial cell junctions and glycocalyx, diminished scavenging of reactive oxygen species, decreased peritoneal blood flow, peritoneal acidosis, peritoneal hypoxia or necrosis, exposure of the basal lamina and extracellular matrix, lymphocyte infiltration, and generation of peritoneal cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα. Such damage is increased by high CO2 insufflation pressures and gas velocities and prolonged laparoscopic procedures. The resulting disruption of the glycocalyx, mesothelial cell barrier and exposure of the extracellular matrix creates a cascade of immunological and pro-inflammatory events and favours tumour cell implantation. Systemic effects include cardiopulmonary and respiratory changes, hypothermia and acidosis. Such coelomic climate change can be prevented by the use of lower insufflation pressures and preconditioned warm humidified CO2. By achieving a more physiological temperature, pressure and humidity, the coelomic microenvironment can be better preserved during pneumoperitoneum. This has the potential clinical benefits of maintaining isothermia and perfusion, reducing postoperative pain, preventing adhesions and inhibiting cancer cell implantation in laparoscopic surgery.

Five year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial on warming and humidification of insufflation gas in laparoscopic colonic surgery--impact on small bowel obstruction and oncologic outcomes

Warming and humidification of insufflation gas has been shown to reduce adhesion formation and tumor implantation in the laboratory setting, but clinical evidence is lacking. We aimed to test the hypothesis that warming and humidification of insufflation CO2 would lead to reduced adhesion formation, and improve oncologic outcomes in laparoscopic colonic surgery. This was a 5-year follow-up of a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial investigating warming and humidification of insufflation gas. The study group received warmed (37°C), humidified (98%) insufflation carbon dioxide, and the control group received standard gas (19°C, 0%). All other aspects of patient care were standardized. Admissions for small bowel obstruction were recorded, as well as whether management was operative or nonoperative. Local and systemic cancer recurrence, 5-year overall survival, and cancer specific survival rates were also recorded. Eighty two patients were randomized, with 41 in each arm. Groups were well matched at baseline. There was no difference between the study and control groups in the rate of clinical small bowel obstruction (5.7% versus 0%, P 0.226); local recurrence (6.5% versus 6.1%, P 1.000); overall survival (85.7% versus 82.1%, P 0.759); or cancer-specific survival (90.3% versus 87.9%, P 1.000). Warming and humidification of insufflation CO2 in laparoscopic colonic surgery does not appear to confer a clinically significant long term benefit in terms of adhesion reduction or oncological outcomes, although a much larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) would be required to confirm this. ClinicalTrials.gov Trial identifier: NCT00642005; US National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.

Role of the peritoneal cavity in the prevention of postoperative adhesions, pain, and fatigue

A surgical trauma results within minutes in exudation, platelets, and fibrin deposition. Within hours, the denuded area is covered by tissue repair cells/macrophages, starting a cascade of events. Epithelial repair starts on day 1 and is terminated by day 3. If repair is delayed by decreased fibrinolysis, local inflammation, or factors in peritoneal fluid, fibroblast growth starting on day 3 and angiogenesis starting on day 5 results in adhesion formation. For adhesion formation, quantitatively more important are factors released into the peritoneal fluid after retraction of the fragile mesothelial cells and acute inflammation of the entire peritoneal cavity. This is caused by mechanical trauma, hypoxia (e.g., CO₂ pneumoperitoneum), reactive oxygen species (ROS; e.g., open surgery), desiccation, or presence of blood, and this is more severe at higher temperatures. The inflammation at trauma sites is delayed by necrotic tissue, resorbable sutures, vascularization damage, and oxidative stress. Prevention of adhesion formation therefore consists of the prevention of acute inflammation in the peritoneal cavity by means of gentle tissue handling, the addition of more than 5% N₂O to the CO₂ pneumoperitoneum, cooling the abdomen to 30°C, prevention of desiccation, a short duration of surgery, and, at the end of surgery, meticulous hemostasis, thorough lavage, application of a barrier to injury sites, and administration of dexamethasone. With this combined therapy, nearly adhesion-free surgery can be performed today. Conditioning alone results in some 85% adhesion prevention, barriers alone in 40%-50%.

Relation of intraoperative temperature to postoperative mortality in open colon surgery--an analysis of two randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

The open surgical wound is exposed to cold and dry ambient air resulting in heat loss mainly through radiation and convection. This cools the wound and promotes local vasoconstriction and hypoxia. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor are greenhouse gases with a warming effect. The aim was to evaluate if warm humidified CO2 insufflated in surgical wound can affect long-term overall mortality

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of two clinical trials, where patients were randomized to warm humidified CO2 (n = 80) or not (n = 78). All patients underwent elective major open colon surgery. Patients in the treatment group received insufflation of warm humidified CO2 into the open wound cavity via a gas diffuser to create a local atmosphere of 100% CO2. Temperature in the wound cavity was measured with a heat-sensitive infrared camera. Core temperature was measured at the tympanic membrane. Median follow-up was 70.9 months.

RESULTS

A multivariate analysis adjusted for age (p = 0.001) and cancer (p = 0.165) showed that the larger the temperature difference between final core temperature and wound edge temperature, the lower the overall survival rate (p = 0.050). Patients receiving insufflation of warm humidified CO2 had a tendency to a better overall survival compared with control patients (p = 0.508). End-of-operation wound edge temperature was negatively associated with mortality (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68-0.95, p = 0.011), whereas mortality was positively associated with age (10-year increase, OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.37-2.33, p < 0.001) and cancer (OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 1.95-33.7, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

A small end-of-operation temperature difference between final core and wound edge temperature was positively associated with patient survival in open colon surgery.

Mesothelial cells in tissue repair and fibrosis

Mesothelial cells are fundamental to the maintenance of serosal integrity and homeostasis and play a critical role in normal serosal repair following injury. However, when normal repair mechanisms breakdown, mesothelial cells take on a profibrotic role, secreting inflammatory, and profibrotic mediators, differentiating and migrating into the injured tissues where they contribute to fibrogenesis. The development of new molecular and cell tracking techniques has made it possible to examine the origin of fibrotic cells within damaged tissues and to elucidate the roles they play in inflammation and fibrosis. In addition to secreting proinflammatory mediators and contributing to both coagulation and fibrinolysis, mesothelial cells undergo mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process analogous to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and become fibrogenic cells. Fibrogenic mesothelial cells have now been identified in tissues where they have not previously been thought to occur, such as within the parenchyma of the fibrotic lung. These findings show a direct role for mesothelial cells in fibrogenesis and open therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse the fibrotic process.

Peritoneal full-conditioning reduces postoperative adhesions and pain: a randomised controlled trial in deep endometriosis surgery

BACKGROUND

To translate the concept of full-conditioning (FC) from animal experiments to the human, and to evaluate the efficacy for adhesion prevention. FC consisted of decreasing acute inflammation by 86% CO2+ 10% N2O + 4% O2 for the pneumoperitoneum, cooling of the peritoneal cavity, humidification, heparinized rinsing solution and 5 mg of dexamethasone as demonstrated in animal models.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial (RCT: NCT01344486) comparing standard laparoscopy with full conditioning together with a barrier in a 2/3 ratio in 44 women undergoing deep endometriosis surgery at KULeuven. The primary aim was reduction of adhesions. Secondary aims were CO2 resorption, postoperative pain and recovery. Randomization was performed after signing informed consent. Adhesion scoring during second look laparoscopy and pain scoring were done blindly.

RESULTS

In the FC group (n = 16) adhesions were completely prevented in 12/16 women whereas in the control group (n = 11) all women had severe adhesions (P < 0.0005). Also the area, density and severity of adhesions were less. (P <0.001). In the control group, severity, density and area of adhesions were strongly interrelated (P = 0.0001 for all areas) suggesting a common enhancing factor. In the FC group CO2 resorption (P < 0.001), postoperative pain (P < 0.001), and CRP concentrations (P < 0.01) were lower while clinical recovery was faster (P < 0.0001) and time to first flatus (P < 0.002) shorter.

IN CONCLUSION

This translational research confirms in the human the efficacy of FC in reducing CO2 resorption and adhesions with in addition less postoperative pain, lower postoperative CRP concentrations and an accelerated recovery.