Magnetic Liver Retraction: an Incision-Less Approach for Less Invasive Bariatric Surgery

Mobilization of the Left Liver for Optimal Hiatal Exposure During Bariatric Surgery Procedures

Hepatomegaly, particularly an enlarged left liver lobe, is a well-recognized challenge in bariatric surgery, contributing significantly to staged procedures, conversions to open surgery, and aborted operations. Impaired intraoperative visualization hinders safe access to the hiatus and gastroesophageal junction, increasing the risk of complications. This report focuses on the laparoscopic mobilization of the left liver lobe as a reliable technique to address these challenges, offering improved exposure and facilitating precise surgical dissection. This technique should be considered a last resort to provide proper visualization of the hiatus when other retraction methods have failed. In our experience, this approach was applied in seven patients (six sleeve gastrectomies and one gastric bypass) with good outcomes. All patients tolerated the procedures well, and no intra- or post-operatively complications directly attributable to the mobilization technique were observed. These findings underscore the safety and efficacy of this method, making it a valuable tool for both primary and revisional bariatric surgeries.

Magnets in Paediatric Surgery

Magnetism, recognized in ancient Greece and China, is a fundamental physical force influencing numerous domains, including medicine and surgery. Historically, the medical use of magnets dates back over two millennia. As proof, the ancient Sanskrit medical textbook Sushruta Samhita describes the removal of a metallic arrow lodged in the flesh with a magnet. Modern uses span from diagnostic to therapeutic applications, including in paediatric surgery. High-field magnetism, utilized in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), shows promise for various medical conditions, including depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite controversy surrounding low-field magnetism, its potential remains a topic of interest. One of the applications in paediatric surgery that has been evaluated in a randomized controlled trial is magnetic acupuncture for supplementary treatment of postoperative pain. As most paediatric surgeons are well aware, the use of magnets also poses risks, particularly in children, where ingested magnets can cause severe gastrointestinal complications. Regulations have tightened in response to increasing cases of magnet ingestion-related injuries but more needs to be done to avoid injury. Currently, magnets play crucial roles in a variety of medical applications, including magnetic cell sorting and therapeutic devices. Notably, magnetic compression anastomosis, which uses magnets to facilitate luminal tissue joining, have seen significant advancements. Innovations include devices for oesophageal atresia repair, with recent studies showing promising results in animal models and early clinical trials. Future research should focus on optimizing magnetic devices, expanding their applications, and ensuring safety. The continued exploration of magnetism's effects on living tissues and the development of new magnetic technologies could revolutionize medical and surgical practices, particularly in paediatric care.

Hiatal sling liver retraction technique in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgeries - Our 15 year experience with 1874 surgeries

INTRODUCTION

Liver retraction is an important aspect when performing minimal access surgeries, especially bariatric and upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries. Various liver retraction methods are available and have been tried. Here, we present our experience with our indigenous hiatal sling technique for liver retraction and compare it with Nathanson liver retractor which is a popular and commonly used liver retraction method.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of 1874 patients who underwent bariatric and upper GI surgeries over the last 15 years since September 2009. A secondary study was conducted amongst the two groups of patients who underwent upper GI and bariatric surgeries using hiatal sling technique and Nathanson retractor system for liver retraction between January 2023 and October 2023. End points measured were time taken, conversions and complication along with liver function tests (LFTs) such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase measured between the two groups pre- and postoperatively day 0, day 1, day 3 and day 7.

RESULTS

In our series of 1874 patients, hiatal sling liver traction was possible without any difficulties in all except 2 patients with no associated liver injury and with adequate exposure. In the comparative study, patients in the hiatal sling group (Group B) had significantly lesser elevation in LFTs as compared to the patients in the Nathanson liver retraction group (Group A), with no adverse events in both the groups.

CONCLUSION

Hiatal sling technique for liver retraction is an effective technique which provides adequate exposure of the hiatus and causes lesser liver insult compared to rigid liver retraction system like Nathanson liver retraction system. Hiatal sling does not interfere with surgeons' field causing less errors during surgery and thus making it more ergonomic friendly.

Advancements in liver retraction techniques for laparoscopic gastrectomy

Traditionally, liver retraction for laparoscopic gastrectomy is done via manual methods, such as the placement of retractors through the accessory ports and using a Nathanson retractor. However, these techniques often posed issues including extra abdominal incisions, risk of liver injury or ischaemia, and the potential for compromised visualization. Over the years, the development of innovative liver retraction techniques has significantly improved the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic gastrectomy and similar other hiatal procedures. This editorial will comment on the article by Lin et al, and compare this to the other liver retractor techniques available for surgeons and highlight the pros and cons of each technique of liver retraction.

American society for metabolic and bariatric surgery: intra-operative care pathway for minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Clinical care pathways help guide and provide structure to clinicians and providers to improve healthcare delivery and quality. The Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee (QIPS) of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has previously published care pathways for the performance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and pre-operative care of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

OBJECTIVE

This current RYGB care pathway was created to address intraoperative care, defined as care occurring on the day of surgery from the preoperative holding area, through the operating room, and into the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

METHODS

PubMed queries were performed from January 2001 to December 2019 and reviewed according to Level of Evidence regarding specific key questions developed by the committee.

RESULTS

Evidence-based recommendations are made for care of patients undergoing RYGB including the pre-operative holding area, intra-operative management and performance of RYGB, and concurrent procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This document may provide guidance based on recent evidence to bariatric surgeons and providers for the intra-operative care for minimally invasive RYGB.

Elastic Intra-corporeal Retractor for Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

INTRODUCTION

In minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery, proper organ retraction, especially liver retraction, is essential to achieve better per-operative precision and safety. Most currently used methods require specific material which might not be available in all hospitals. We introduce an easily reproducible low-cost trocar-less elastic intra-corporeal retractor (ICR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ICR was created then used in two institutions where around 500 upper gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures are jointly performed yearly. Its design and application require an elastic rubber band, three staples, and a needle holder. For liver retraction, ICR is anchored to the right diaphragmatic crus and the anterior abdominal wall, creating a triangular shaped retractor.

RESULTS

ICR requires around 2-3 min for application and can be easily repositioned for adequate exposure. Its trocar-less and intra-corporeal characteristics offer the advantage of decreasing the risk of bleeding, infection, and liver injury accompanying additional trocars, transcutaneous punctures and conventional retractors.

CONCLUSION

ICR is a safe, effective, inexpensive, and easily reproducible intra-corporeal organ retractor which can be used in both laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgery.

Magnetic liver retraction in bariatric surgery: Is it possible?

One of the recent advances in bariatric surgery is the use of magnetic devices. This research paper describes magnetic liver retraction in morbidly obese patients during bariatric surgery. A descriptive, prospective and observational study was carried out, analyzing 100 patients in whom magnetic retraction was used. Mean and SD body mass index was 46.1 ± 5.09 kg/m2. The magnetic system was successfully used for liver retraction in 95% of cases; in only 5% of cases was its use not possible due to hepatomegaly and severe hepatic steatosis. According to the results, magnetic liver retraction can be safe and used in bariatric surgery, regardless of body mass index and with a low percentage of complications.

Efficacy, safety, and advantages of magnetic anchor-guided endoscopic submucosal dissection vs conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection: A retrospective paired cohort study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been recommended as the first-line treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC). However, poor visualization of the operative field increases both the procedure time and the risk of complications, especially for large and difficult lesions. We introduced a novel technique, magnetic anchor-guided ESD (MAG-ESD) and compared it with conventional ESD (C-ESD) for the treatment of large EGCs in terms of efficacy, safety, and advantages.

METHODS

Patients with large EGCs who underwent MAG-ESD or C-ESD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from March 2020 to March 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The patients in the MAG-ESD cohort were matched to those in the C-ESD cohort using propensity score-based matching. The operation time, submucosal dissection time, complete resection status, magnetic anchor, adverse event rate, and tumor recurrence rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients who underwent MAG-ESD were ultimately matched to those who underwent C-ESD. The median operation time of MAG-ESD and C-ESD was 43 minutes (IQR, 35.2-49.5) and 50.5 minutes (IQR, 42.0-76.0), respectively, among which the submucosal dissection time was 7.6 minutes (IQR, 5.2-10.4) and 14.8 minutes (IQR, 10.8-19.6), respectively. The operation time of MAG-ESD was shorter than that of C-ESD, especially the submucosal dissection time (P < .05). There was a lower incidence of adverse events associated with MAG-ESD (P < .05) when magnetic anchors were successfully placed and retrieved.

CONCLUSION

MAG-ESD is feasible, effective, safe, and simple for the treatment of large EGCs at different sites and has a high anchor success rate, which could shorten the operation time and reduce the adverse event rate.

Magnetic anchoring device assisted-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Bariatric surgeries, including the sleeve gastrectomy, have been recognized as the most effectively treatment strategy for severe obesity. Magnetic devices have been successfully used in bariatric surgeries. Here, we intended to evaluate the safety and efficiency of magnetic anchoring device assisted-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (MLSG), and to make a comparison of the short-term results between conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (CLSG) and MLSG.

Methods

The retrospective cohort study was carried out by analyzing and summarizing the data from a database of routinely collected data. The cohort included the patients who underwent either CLSG (n = 120) or MLSG (n = 115) at a single center between January 2018 and December 2020 with a two-year follow-up. The effects of these two surgeries on the weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and quality of life (QOL) were analyzed.

Results

The two groups were similar in gender, age, body mass index, abdominal girth, as well as the type and proportion of comorbidities. And the cases in MLSG group had a markedly shorter time of operation (MLSG, 72.59 min vs. CLSG, 76.67 min; P = 0.003). Length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter in the MLSG group than that in the CLSG group (MLSG, 5.59 days vs. CLSG, 5.96 days; P = 0.016). Neither fatal event nor conversion to open surgery happened among all cases. There were no differences in terms of the postoperative complications between the two groups. Magnetic device-related mild hepatic lacerations occurred and were handled by hemostatic treatments in 3 cases. The QOL of patients in MLSG was better at 6-month after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the two groups at 1-year or 2-year after surgery.

Conclusion

Both MLSG and CLSG prove safe and effective, and the patients underwent MLSG have a shorter length of stay in hospital, and a better QOL during 6 months after surgery.

Beyond the gut: spectrum of magnetic surgery devices

Since the 1970s, magnetic force has been used to augment modern surgical techniques with the aims of minimizing surgical trauma and optimizing minimally-invasive systems. The majority of current clinical applications for magnetic surgery are largely centered around gastrointestinal uses-such as gastrointestinal or bilioenteric anastomosis creation, stricturoplasty, sphincter augmentation, and the guidance of nasoenteric feeding tubes. However, as the field of magnetic surgery continues to advance, the development and clinical implementation of magnetic devices has expanded to treat a variety of non-gastrointestinal disorders including musculoskeletal (pectus excavatum, scoliosis), respiratory (obstructive sleep apnea), cardiovascular (coronary artery stenosis, end-stage renal disease), and genitourinary (stricture, nephrolithiasis) conditions. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current state of innovative magnetic surgical devices under clinical investigation or commercially available for the treatment of non-gastrointestinal disorders.

The Evolving Use of Magnets in Surgery: Biomedical Considerations and a Review of Their Current Applications

The novel use of magnetic force to optimize modern surgical techniques originated in the 1970s. Since then, magnets have been utilized as an adjunct or alternative to a wide array of existing surgical procedures, ranging from gastrointestinal to vascular surgery. As the use of magnets in surgery continues to grow, the body of knowledge on magnetic surgical devices from preclinical development to clinical implementation has expanded significantly; however, the current magnetic surgical devices can be organized based on their core function: serving as a guidance system, creating a new connection, recreating a physiologic function, or utilization of an internal–external paired magnet system. The purpose of this article is to discuss the biomedical considerations during magnetic device development and review the current surgical applications of magnetic devices.

Technical Aspects of Using a Second Magnetic Grasper to Improve the Surgical Field in Single Port Revisional Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

The future of minimally invasive surgery in revisional surgery is experiencing changes with new equipment such as the magnetic assistance that can be used with single port devices in order to perform an incisionless surgery (Luengas R, Galindo J, Castro M, et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2021;17(1):147-152). Magnetic assistance through an auxiliary grasper with two internal magnets serves beyond liver retraction in different steps of the surgery improving the surgical field by obtaining a better visualization and triangulation.

PURPOSE

Expose the feasibility of using two internal magnetic graspers by single port performing a conversion surgery of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS

A 36-year-old female patient underwent a SG in 2015 and consults in 2021 because of severe GERD with a 33-point GERD-HRQL score. She has preoperative evaluation for a conversion surgery from SG to RYGB. Using a single port device through the umbilicus, an additional 5 mm trocar was placed in the left side of the abdomen. Two internal magnets were introduced through the umbilicus, and they were controlled by two external magnets placed over the abdomen with an articulated arm. The first magnet was used for liver retraction and the second one to perform both anastomoses, close the intermesenteric and Petersen defect, acting as an auxiliary grasper. The ethical committee approval was obtained through an informed consent from the participant included in the study.

Robotic Magnetic Surgery: Results From the First Prospective Clinical Trial

To evaluate a novel Magnetic Robotic Platform during reduced-port laparoscopic surgery in a prospective, multicenter clinical trial.

Background

Magnetic surgery has been developed to increase the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, with prior studies demonstrating its clinical benefits. Robotic-assisted surgery increases the surgeon's control over the instruments, offering less dependency on an assistant. The synergism of both techniques may escalate these individual benefits.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study was performed to assess the safety and performance of a robotic magnetic surgical system (Levita Robotic Platform). The investigational device was used during reduced-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. The primary endpoints evaluated were safety and feasibility. Patients were followed for 30 days post-procedure.

Results

Between May 2021 and December 2021, 30 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were recruited. There were 22 females and 8 males with a mean age of 39 years (22-69 years) and median body mass index of 33 kg/m2 (21.6-50.4 kg/m2). Procedures included 15 gastric sleeves, 14 cholecystectomies, and 1 Roux en-Y gastric bypass. The procedures were successfully performed by utilizing the robotic magnetic surgical system and a reduced-port technique in all 30 patients. No device-related serious adverse events were reported. The device provided adequate visualization and retraction in all cases.

Conclusions

This clinical trial shows for the first time that this novel Magnetic Robotic Platform is safe and feasible in reduced-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic bariatric surgery. This robotic platform brings the benefits of magnetic surgery in terms of reduction of incisions plus increasing the control for the surgeon.

Magnetic device in reduced port and single port bariatric surgery: First 170 cases experience

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic devices have been successfully used in bariatric surgery. To the date, the only reported use of the magnet was for liver retraction. Our purpose in this study is to demonstrate the safety and viability of using a magnetic system in different steps in single port and reduced port bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Prospective and observational study was performed. Patients older than 18 years, undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or revisional surgery by single-port or reduced-port approach between July 2020 and June 2021 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 170 patients (mean BMI, 41.47kg/m²; mean age 36.92 yrs) completed laparoscopic bariatric surgery (54 single-port sleeve gastrectomy [SPSG], 16 reduced-port SG, 83 RYGB, 4 OAGB and 14 revision surgeries), using the magnetic surgical system in different steps of the surgery. Mean surgical time for SPSG and reduced-port SG was 65.52min and 59.36min respectively; and for RYGB 74.19min, OAGB 70.98min, and revisional surgeries 88.38min. As for intraoperative complications, 2.94% mild liver laceration without significant bleeding was reported. There were no 30-day mortalities and no major complications.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic assistance in single-port and reduced-port bariatric surgery is an innovative technique. With this prospective study we attempt to demonstrate the safety profile and potential uses that may improve the implementation of new surgical approaches in bariatric surgery.

Liver retraction using an L-shaped retractor during sleeve gastrectomy

PURPOSE

The Nathanson liver retractor (NLR) and the snake liver retractor (SLR) are commonly used in bariatric surgery and their use is associated with some disadvantages. We developed an L-shaped liver retractor (LLR) and herein evaluated its efficacy and safety.

METHODS

The present retrospective study enrolled patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy in our department between June 2014 and December 2020. The patients were divided into three groups according to the liver retractor used (LLR, SLR or NLR) for a comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of the devices. The procedural time (PT) of each retractor type, defined as the time from retractor insertion to liver fixation, was compared.

RESULTS

In total, 140 patients successfully underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The LLR, SLR and NLR were used in 37, 91, and 12 of these patients, respectively. The PT for the LLR was the shortest. AST/ALT elevation was significantly more frequent in the NLR group than in the SLR group and tended to be less frequent in the LLR group in comparison to the NLR group (p = 0.09). The length of hospital stay in the NLR group was significantly longer in comparison to the LLR group.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that the LLR was superior to the conventional liver retractors used in sleeve gastrectomy.

Physical Bases, Indications, and Results of the Use of Magnets in Digestive Surgery: A Narrative Review

Background: The use of magnetic devices in digestive surgery has been a matter of debate in recent years. The aim of this review was to describe the physical bases, indications, and results of the use of magnets in digestive surgery. Methods: A review of the literature was performed using Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SciELO databases considering as inclusion criteria all articles published since 2007 to date, describing the physical basis of magnetic assisted surgery and those that describe the surgical procedure, including case reports, as well as, articles on humans and experimental animals. Results: Sixty-four studies were included, 15 detailing aspects on the physical basis and 49 about indications and results. Magnets are currently used to perform fixed traction, mobilizing structures, and anastomosis in humans and experimental animals. Conclusions: The use of magnets in digestive surgery has shown good results, and no complications arising from their use have been reported. However, more prospective and randomized studies that compare magnetic surgery and conventional techniques are needed.

Magnetic device in reduced port and single port bariatric surgery: First 170 cases experience

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic devices have been successfully used in bariatric surgery. To the date, the only reported use of the magnet was for liver retraction. Our purpose in this study is to demonstrate the safety and viability of using a magnetic system in different steps in single port and reduced port bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Prospective and observational study was performed. Patients older than 18 years, undergoing primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or revisional surgery by single-port or reduced-port approach between July 2020 and June 2021 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 170 patients (mean BMI, 41.47kg/m2; mean age 36.92 yrs) completed laparoscopic bariatric surgery (54 single-port sleeve gastrectomy [SPSG], 16 reduced-port SG, 83 RYGB, 4 OAGB and 14 revision surgeries), using the magnetic surgical system in different steps of the surgery. Mean surgical time for SPSG and reduced-port SG was 65.52min and 59.36min respectively; and for RYGB 74.19min, OAGB 70.98min, and revisional surgeries 88.38min. As for intraoperative complications, 2.94% mild liver laceration without significant bleeding was reported. There were no 30-day mortalities and no major complications.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic assistance in single-port and reduced-port bariatric surgery is an innovative technique. With this prospective study we attempt to demonstrate the safety profile and potential uses that may improve the implementation of new surgical approaches in bariatric surgery.

First prospective clinical trial of reduced incision bariatric procedures using magnetic liver retraction

BACKGROUND

Exposure of the surgical field is an essential component of minimally invasive surgery. Liver retraction is an important element of bariatric procedures because visualization of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction is key. The magnetic surgical system provides a well-tolerated and effective option for adjustable liver retraction without the use of a dedicated port.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety profile and effectiveness of the magnetic surgical system in patients undergoing bariatric procedures.

SETTING

Two investigational sites in Chile.

METHODS

A prospective, single-arm study (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03508674) with adherence to Good Clinical Practices and ISO 14155:2011(E) was undertaken to evaluate the safety profile and effectiveness of the magnetic surgical system in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patient follow-up occurred at 7 and 30 days postprocedure.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria had a body mass index ranging from 28.4 to 58.2 kg/m². All procedures were completed without complications or conversions. The average overall procedure time was 61 minutes, and the amount of coupling time between the magnetic controller and the detachable grasper was 37 minutes. In all cases the device was able to adequately retract the liver to achieve an effective exposure of the target tissue and perform the bariatric procedure. A total of 24 adverse effects were reported throughout the course of the study. All device-related adverse effects were mild in severity and resolved with no clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSION

The magnetic surgical system is a well-tolerated and effective option for liver retraction in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery in patients with a varying range of body mass indexes.

First in-human experience with a novel robotic platform and Magnetic Surgery System

BACKGROUND

Magnetic technologies have been introduced to reduce invasiveness of surgical procedures. This study was aimed to analyse the performance of a novel combined magnetic-robotic controller as an enhanced accessory to the Magnetic Surgical System in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 10 consecutive patients undergoing LC with this novel surgical system.

RESULTS

Ten patients were included, nine were female. The mean age was 30.3 ± 9 years. All patients had chronic cholecystitis. Procedures were completed successfully. The median operative time was 50 ± 11 min. The system performed effectively in all cases with no need of additional interventions. There were no device-related complications or side effects. All patients were discharged the same day. Recovery was uneventful during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the first in-human successful performance of surgeries utilizing a novel combination of magnetic and robotic technologies in one integrated system.

Magnetic Liver Retraction Decreases Postoperative Pain and Length of Stay in Bariatric Surgery Compared to Nathanson Device

Objective: Retrospective case-matched comparison of magnetic liver retraction to a bedrail-mounted liver retractor in bariatric surgery specifically targeting short-term postoperative outcomes, including pain and resource utilization. Background: Retraction of the liver is essential to ensure appropriate visualization of the hiatus in bariatric surgery. Externally mounted retractors require a dedicated port or an additional incision. Magnetic devices provide effective liver retraction without the need of an incision. Methods: The sample consisted of primary and revisional bariatric surgery patients, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) operations. Propensity score analysis was used to match patients with magnetic retraction to patients with a bedrail-mounted retractor with a 1:2 ratio using preoperative characteristics. Baseline characteristics and postprocedure outcomes were compared using two-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests and chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Results: One hundred patients met inclusion criteria for the use of magnetic liver retraction (45 RYGB, 35 SG, 20 BPD-DS) with 196 suitable matched external retractor patients identified. Patients were matched and comparable for all preoperative characteristics except for transversus abdominus plane block (27% versus 47%). Patients in the magnet cohort had significantly decreased mean 12-hour postoperative pain scores (2.9 versus 4.2, P = .004) and decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) (1.5 versus 1.9 days, P = .005) while operating room supply were higher in the magnet cohort ($4600 versus $4213, P = .0001). Conclusions: Magnetic liver retraction in bariatric surgery is associated with decreased postoperative pain scores, decreased hospital LOS, and increased operating supply costs.

Magnetic-Assisted Robotic and Laparoscopic Renal Surgery: Initial Clinical Experience with the Levita Magnetic Surgical System

Introduction: The Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System (LMSS) is a new device that can provide retraction using magnets and can reduce the number of ports used during laparoscopic and robotic procedure. It is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, bariatric operation, and robotic radical prostatectomy. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the magnetic surgical system during renal procedure. Methods: We performed a prospective, single-center, single-arm, open-label study to assess the safety and performance of the LMSS. The system includes a deployable, single-use magnetic grasper and a reusable external magnet. Selected patients undergoing either laparoscopic or robotic renal procedure from April 2019 to August 2019 were included. Robotic procedures were performed with the da Vinci Xi or single-port (SP) surgical platforms. Preoperative demographic, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Results: Ten procedures were performed using the LMSS. Cases included Xi robotic partial nephrectomy (n = 3), Xi robotic radical nephrectomy (n = 2), SP robotic partial nephrectomy (n = 2), SP robotic pyeloplasty (n = 1), laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (n = 1), and laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (n = 1). No cases required conversion to an open procedure. Issues included one small liver capsular tear from the device jaws necessitating fulguration and occasional robotic "recoverable fault" errors when the external magnet was placed too close to the robotic arms. All patients were discharged home on postoperative day 1 or 2, and there were no readmissions within 30 days. Conclusions: This is the first report on the use of the LMSS for renal procedure. Its use for laparoscopic and robotic renal procedure appears safe and feasible. The grasper is especially useful for exposing the renal hilum during dissection and the ureteropelvic junction during SP robotic procedures, mimicking multiport techniques. Further study is required to optimize use of the LMSS and evaluate its cost effectiveness.

Single-Center Experience with Magnetic Retraction in Colorectal Surgery

Background: Appropriate tissue retraction is essential in laparoscopic surgery, and colorectal operations often require an additional incision and trocar that can disturb visualization and maneuverability. Each incision carries an increased risk for complications as well as increased pain and cosmetic issues. Magnetic devices have been developed for a less invasive retraction. The objective of this study is to report our initial experience using magnet retraction. Methods: Ten consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal procedures by a single surgeon using a magnetic retractor (Levita Magnetics^® Surgical System, San Mateo, CA) between October 2017 and June 2018 at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC, were included. Results: The cases included four single-port right colectomies, one sigmoidectomy, and five rectopexies. Nine cases were completed laparoscopically, as one right colectomy required conversion due to adhesions and bulky specimen. Indications included adenocarcinoma, diverticular disease, and rectal prolapse. The magnet was successfully used for uterus, colon, or colonic pedicle retraction. No intraoperative or 30-day complications were observed. Conclusion: Magnetic surgical retractors are a safe, dynamic, and incision-less option for surgical field exposure during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Reduced trocars decrease tissue trauma, enhances maneuverability, and potentially improves outcomes; however, further studies are required.

Use of magnets in gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery has undergone vast progress during the last 2 decades, translating into improved patient outcomes. A prime example of this development is the use of magnetic devices in gastrointestinal surgery. Magnetic devices have been developed and implemented for both laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, providing alternatives for retraction, anchoring, and compression among other critical surgical steps. The purpose of this review is to explore the use of magnetic devices in gastrointestinal surgery, and describe different magnetic technologies, current applications, and future directions.

METHODS

IRB approval and written consent were not required. In this review of the existing literature, we offer a critical examination at the use of magnets for gastrointestinal surgery currently described. We show the experiences done to date, the benefits in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery, and additional future implications.

RESULTS

Magnetic devices have been tested in the field of gastrointestinal surgery, both in the contexts of animal and human experimentation. Magnets have been mainly used for retraction, anchoring, mobilization, and anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

Research into the use of magnets in gastrointestinal surgery offers promising results. The integration of these technologies in minimally invasive surgery provides benefits in various procedures. However, more research is needed to continually evaluate their impact and implementation into surgical practice.