A role for laparoscopic approach in the treatment of biliary atresia and choledochal cysts

Laparoscopic versus open portoenterostomy for treatment of biliary atresia: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to compare laparoscopic portoenterostomy versus open portoenterostomy for the treatment of biliary atresia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the databases EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane, we carried out a thorough literature search up to 2022. Studies comparing laparoscopic and open surgery for the treatment of biliary atresia were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies comparing laparoscopic portoenterostomy (LPE) (n = 689) and open portoenterostomy (OPE) (n = 818) were considered appropriate for meta-analysis. Age at surgery time was lower in the LPE group than OPE group (I² = 84%), (WMD - 4.70, 95% CI - 9.14 to - 0.26; P = 0.04). Significantly decreased blood loss (I² = 94%), (WMD - 17.85, 95% CI - 23.67 to - 12.02; P < 0.00001) and time to feed were found in the laparoscopic group (I² = 97%), (WMD - 2.88, 95% CI - 4.71 to - 1.04; P = 0.002). Significantly decreased operative time was found in the open group (I² = 85%), (WMD 32.52, 95% CI 15.65-49.39; P = 0.0002). Weight, transfusion rate, overall complication rate, cholangitis, time to drain removal, length of stay, jaundice clearance, and two-year transplant-free survival were not significantly different across the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic portoenterostomy provides advantages regarding operative bleeding and the time to begin feeding. No differences in remain characteristics. Based on the data presented to us by this meta-analysis, LPE is not superior to OPE in terms of overall results.

Biochemical Evaluation of Laparoscopic Portoenterostomy for Treating Biliary Atresia and Redo for Failed Portoenterostomy

Background: Postoperative outcomes of portoenterostomy (PE) and redo-PE were evaluated using selected biochemical markers (SBM) and biochemical status categories (BSC). Methods: Subjects were 70 consecutive PE performed for biliary atresia. SBM were aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholinesterase (ChE), and platelet count (PLT) assessed at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months, and thence, annually for a maximum of 10 years. BSC were as follows: all SBM normal (N-SBM), normal AST/ALT (N-SLT), normal ChE (N-ChE), normal PC (N-PLT), all abnormal (A-SBM), abnormal AST/ALT (A-SLT), abnormal ChE (A-ChE), and abnormal PC (A-PLT). Subjects achieving jaundice clearance (JC) and surviving with native livers (SNL) also had gamma glutamyl transpeptidase assessed. Redo-PE indicated for failed PE was assessed postoperatively using the same SBM/BSC protocol. Results: PE were laparoscopic (LPE; n = 40) or open (OPE; n = 30). Mean age/weight at PE and duration of follow-up were similar. For JC, LPE = 34/40 (85.0%) and OPE = 22/30 (73.3%); P = .23. For SNL, LPE = 29/40 (72.5%) and OPE = 16/30 (53.3%); P = .10. LPE and OPE were similar for SBM/BSC, except for a single significant increase in ALT in OPE at 6 months. Redo-PE was performed 17-180 days (mean 67.1 days) after primary PE. AST was significantly increased at the last preredo assessment 3 months after primary PE; P < .05. After redo, AST decreased and SBM/BSC results were equivalent to nonredo subjects. Conclusion: Postoperative biochemical data for all PE cases were comparable; redo-PE would appear to be viable for restoring SBM, and AST could be valuable as a single marker of deterioration in redo cases.

Direct health care cost of treatment and medication of biliary atresia patients using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups

BACKGROUND

Treatment of biliary atresia (BA), which typically requires an initial surgical intervention called the Kasai procedure (KP) and possible liver transplant (LT) afterwards, is quite resource-intensive and would affect patients and families for a lifetime; yet a comprehensive view of the economic burden has not been reported. We estimated direct health care costs from the public payer perspective using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan.

METHODS

Children newly diagnosed at ages 0 days to 4 years between April 2010 and September 2019 were identified. Costs of treatment were estimated for six phases of care: prediagnosis, KP and inpatient hospitalization, follow-up after KP, pre-transplant checkup, LT and inpatient hospitalization, and follow-up after LT.

RESULTS

Mean total prediagnosis medical cost was $6847 (USD) and KP and inpatient hospitalization was $42,157 per year. Follow-up after KP was $15,499, and pre-transplant checkup after KP was $36,015 per year. Mean cost for LT and inpatient hospitalization was $105,334, and follow-up after liver transplant was $25,459 per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of BA requires extensive medical resource consumption. The use of the comprehensive national database allowed us to estimate the costs which will be useful for health service planning and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Laparoscopic versus Open Pediatric Surgery: Three Decades of Comparative Studies

INTRODUCTION

 Despite its wide acceptance, the superiority of laparoscopic versus open pediatric surgery has remained controversial. There is still a call for well-founded evidence. We reviewed the literature on studies published in the last three decades and dealing with advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopy compared to open surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Studies comparing laparoscopic versus open abdominal procedures in children were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE. Reports on upper and lower gastrointestinal as hepatobiliary surgery and on surgery of pancreas and spleen were included. Advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery were analyzed for different types of procedures. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

 A total of 239 studies dealing with 19 types of procedures and outcomes in 929,157 patients were analyzed. We identified 26 randomized controlled trials (10.8%) and 213 comparative studies (89.2%). The most frequently reported advantage of laparoscopy was shorter hospital stay in 60.4% of studies. Longer operative time was the most frequently reported disadvantage of laparoscopy in 52.7% of studies. Clavien-Dindo grade I to III complications (mild-moderate) were less frequently identified in laparoscopic compared to open procedures (80.3% of studies). Grade-IV complications (severe) were less frequently reported after laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for perforated appendicitis and more frequently after laparoscopic Kasai's portoenterostomy. We identified a decreased frequency of reporting on advantages after laparoscopy and increased reporting on disadvantages for all surgery types over the decades.

CONCLUSION

 Laparoscopic compared with open pediatric surgery seems to be beneficial in most types of procedures. The number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remains limited. However, the number of reports on disadvantages increased during the past decades.

A nomogram model based on preoperative grey-scale US features and routine serum biomarkers to predict the outcome of infants with biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy

OBJECTIVE

To establish a nomogram to predict the outcome of biliary atresia (BA) infants 3-months post- Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).

METHODS

BA Infants who underwent KPE from two hospitals were included in the training (n = 161) and validation cohorts (n = 64). A logistic regression equation (Equation A) for predicting the serum total bilirubin (TBIL) level 3-month post-KPE was established in the training cohort. Then, a nomogram was developed based on Equation A in the training cohort and validated in the validation cohort. Moreover, a new equation (Equation B) was generated based on the nomogram and the size of the enlarged hilar lymph nodes (LNs) in the validation cohort. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and by calculating the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) prediction values.

RESULTS

A nomogram based on gallbladder morphology and serum levels of TBIL and total protein (TP) was established with AUC (95%CI) of 0.673 (0.595, 0.745) and 0.647 (0.518, 0.763), sensitivity (95%CI) of 71.4% (62.1%,79.6%) and 81.8% (59.7%,94.8%), specificity (95%CI) of 63.3% (48.3%,76.6%) and 47.6% (32.0%,63.6%), PPV (95%CI) of 81.6% (72.5%,88.9%) and 45.0% (29.3%,61.5%), and NPV (95%CI) 49.2% (36.4%,62.1%) and 83.3% (62.6%,95.3%), respectively, in the training and validation cohorts. Furthermore, in the validation cohort, the AUC (95%CI) of Equation B was 0.798 (95%CI: 0.679, 0.888), which was significantly higher than that of the nomogram (P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

A nomogram based on the pre-KPE gallbladder morphology, TBIL, and TP to predict the outcome of BA 3-months post-KPE is established. Moreover, the addition of the size of the enlarged hilar LNs into the nomogram further improves its predictive value.

Laparoscopic vs open portoenterostomy in biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatoportoenterostomy remains the cornerstone of treatment for biliary atresia. Current employed techniques include laparoscopy and open surgery. This study aims to determine if either method provides an advantage. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. Nineteen studies were included. Mean operative time 34.98 (95% CI 20.10, 49.85; p ≤ 0.00001) was longer in laparoscopic while bleeding volumes - 16.63 (95% CI - 23.39, - 9.86; p ≤ 0.00001) as well as the time to normal diet - 2.42 (95% CI - 4.51, - 0.32; p = 0.02) were lower in the laparoscopic group. No differences were observed in mean length of stay - 0.83. Similar complication, transfusions, postoperative cholangitis 0.97, and transplant free survival rates 1.00 (0.63, 1.60; p = 0.99) were seen between groups. Laparoscopic portoenterostomy provides advantages on operative time and bleeding as well as to normal diet when compared to open procedures. Both procedures showed no differences in length of stay, complications, cholangitis, and importantly, native liver survival. Level of evidence: III.

The incidence of abdominal surgical site infections after abdominal birth defects surgery in infants: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a frequent and significant problem understudied in infants operated for abdominal birth defects. Different forms of SSIs exist, namely wound infection, wound dehiscence, anastomotic leakage, post-operative peritonitis and fistula development. These complications can extend hospital stay, surge medical costs and increase mortality. If the incidence was known, it would provide context for clinical decision making and aid future research. Therefore, this review aims to aggregate the available literature on the incidence of different SSIs forms in infants who needed surgery for abdominal birth defects.

METHOD

The electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched in February 2020. Studies describing infectious complications in infants (under three years of age) were considered eligible. Primary outcome was the incidence of SSIs in infants. SSIs were categorized in wound infection, wound dehiscence, anastomotic leakage, postoperative peritonitis, and fistula development. Secondary outcome was the incidence of different forms of SSIs depending on the type of birth defect. Meta-analysis was performed pooling reported incidences in total and per birth defect separately.

RESULTS

154 studies, representing 11,786 patients were included. The overall pooled percentage of wound infections after abdominal birth defect surgery was 6% (95%-CI:0.05-0.07) ranging from 1% (95% CI:0.00-0.05) for choledochal cyst surgery to 10% (95%-CI:0.06-0.15) after gastroschisis surgery. Wound dehiscence occurred in 4% (95%-CI:0.03-0.07) of the infants, ranging from 1% (95%-CI:0.00-0.03) after surgery for duodenal obstruction to 6% (95%-CI:0.04-0.08) after surgery for gastroschisis. Anastomotic leakage had an overall pooled percentage of 3% (95%-CI:0.02-0.05), ranging from 1% (95%-CI:0.00-0.04) after surgery for duodenal obstruction to 14% (95% CI:0.06-0.27) after colon atresia surgery. Postoperative peritonitis and fistula development could not be specified per birth defect and had an overall pooled percentage of 3% (95%-CI:0.01-0.09) and 2% (95%-CI:0.01-0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This review has systematically shown that SSIs are common after correction for abdominal birth defects and that the distribution of SSI differs between birth defects.

Experience of treating biliary atresia with laparoscopic-modified Kasai and laparoscopic conventional Kasai: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Complete mobilization of the left and right portal veins had been seldom utilized in the laparoscopic Kasai procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the key technique in detail.

METHODS

A total of 82 patients with type III biliary atresia were operated by laparoscopic Kasai at our hospital during January 2012 to October 2019. Forty-two patients underwent modified laparoscopic Kasai (group 1), and 40 patients of control group underwent general laparoscopic Kasai (group 2). The clinical data between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The early clearance of jaundice was significantly higher for group 1 (88.1%) versus group 2 (68.4%) (P < 0.05), the incidence of repeated cholangitis was significantly lower in group 1 (11.9%) versus group 2 (31.6%) (P < 0.05). The native liver survival rate was (85.7%) in group1 versus in group 2 (65.8%) (P < 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences regarding the resumption oral intake and the post-operative hospital stay in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The key technique of the complete mobilization of the left and right portal veins would improve the outcome of biliary atresia treated by laparoscopic Kasai.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Roux-en-Y Choledochojejunostomy: A Single-institute Experience With Literature Review

OBJECTIVES

The current clinical study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of open choledochojejunostomy (OCJ) and laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy (LCJ) in patients with benign and malignant biliary tract disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 40 consecutive patients who underwent either OCJ or LCJ from January 2015 to February 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical parameters analyzed include baseline information, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative clinical outcomes. The patients were divided into OCJ group and LCJ group based on the surgical approach performed.

RESULTS

Of 40 patients during the study period, 15 underwent LCJ and the remaining 25 patients underwent OCJ. The mean operative time was slightly longer in the LCJ group (323.53±150.30 min) than the OCJ group (295.38±130.34 min) (P=0.945); intraoperative blood loss in 2 groups were similar (179.17 vs. 164.67 mL, P=0.839). Although hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LCJ group (8.33±2.1 d) compared with the OCJ group (19.24±4.2 d) (P<0.001). Biliary leakage is the most common complication after OCJ; no complication was experienced in the LCJ group.

CONCLUSIONS

LCJ is a feasible and safe option for patients undergoing choledochojejunostomy.

Comparison of laparoscopic portoenterostomy and open portoenterostomy for the treatment of biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

Although open portoenterostomy (OPE) is considered the standard treatment for biliary atresia (BA), laparoscopic portoenterostomy (LPE) is conducted and reported by many investigators. Data on the safety and efficacy of LPE remain controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety and efficacy of LPE and OPE for the treatment of BA.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The eligible studies were limited to those published in English. The following keywords were used: "biliary atresia," "laparoscopic portoenterostomy," "Kasai portoenterostomy," "open portoenterostomy," "surgery," and "treatment."

RESULTS

Nine studies, including 434 patients, were analyzed. The operative time of LPE was significantly longer than that of OPE (MD = 40.55 min, 95% CI 4.83-76.27 min, P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the time of hospital stay, the volume of intraoperative blood loss, or the rates of cholangitis, early clearance of jaundice or two-year survival with the native liver. The subgroup analyses revealed that the rate of early clearance of jaundice in the LPE group was significantly higher than that in the OPE group in studies published after 2016 (95% CI 1.04-1.75; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis provides evidence that LPE is a feasible option for patients with BA. LPE should be revaluated by further studies and longer follow-up.

Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery

Comparative studies and large-scale case series that confirm the advantages of laparoscopy in children with hepatobiliary diseases are scarce, and the use of laparoscopy remains a matter of debate. This article reviews the current literature on the role of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pediatric patients with choledochal cyst, biliary atresia, gallbladder diseases, and hepatobiliary malignancies. Studies were identified through a search of the MEDLINE database. Laparoscopy may be beneficial for resection of choledochal cyst and cholecystectomy. However, more data are required before recommendations on the use of minimally invasive techniques for other hepatobiliary conditions can be published.

Laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: single-center experience and review of literatures

AIM

The aim of this report was to present the laparoscopic portoenterostomy (LapPE) procedure developed by the Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine (JLapPE). We also attempted to obtain an understanding of the current status of laparoscopic portoenterostomy in the world as reported in the English literature to compare with our experience.

METHODS

There were 22 BA patients who had JLapPE between 2009 and 2016. BA classification was type III (n = 19) and type II (n = 3). There was 1 case of syndromic BA and 1 case was positive for cytomegalovirus. A systematic search in PubMed of all BA patients treated by LapPE in the English literature was conducted. Jaundice clearance (JC) and survival with the native liver (SNL) were compared.

RESULTS

Mean age at JLapPE was 67.1 days (range 29-119). Mean postoperative follow-up was 4.6 years (1.3-8.3). Mean operative time was 514 min (240-662) and mean blood loss was 13.4 g (3-21). Postoperative JC (Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL) was 77.3% (17/22) at 3 months and 90.9% (20/22) at 6 months. SNL at 6 months of age was 90.9% (20/22); at 1 year of age was 77.3% (17/22), at 2 years of age was 73.7% (14/19); and at 3 years of age was 81.3% (13/16).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recent reports that outcome of LapPE for BA may be unfavorable compared with the conventional open portoenterostomy, our results would suggest that JLapPE can be performed successfully, because it is performed exactingly according to a standard protocol. JLapPE will continue to be our procedure of choice for treating BA.

2016 CAPS ethics session/Ein debate: 1. Regionalization of pediatric surgical care 2. Ethical introduction of surgical innovation 3. Addressing stress in a surgical practice: resiliency, well-being, and burnout

The following is the conference proceeding of the Second Ein Debate from the 48th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Paediatric Surgeons held in Vancouver, BC, from September 22 to 24, 2016. The three main topics for debate, as prepared by the members of the CAPS Ethics Committee, are: 1. Regionalization of care: pros and cons, 2. Innovation in clinical care: ethical considerations, and 3. Surgeon well-being: caring for the caregiver. The authors of this paper, as participants in the debate, were assigned their positions at random. Therefore, the opinions they express within this summary might not reflect their own viewpoints. In the first discussion, arguments for and against the regionalization of pediatric surgical care are discussed, primarily in the context of a case of BA. In the pro argument, the evidence and lessons learned from different European countries are explored as well as different models to provide the best BA care outside of large teaching centers. In the counterargument, the author explains how regionalization of care could be detrimental for the patient, the family, the regional center, and for the health care system in general. In the debate on surgical innovation the authors define surgical innovation. They review the pertinent ethical principles, explore a model for its implementation, and the role of the institution at which the innovation is proposed. In the third section, surgeon well-being is examined, and recent literature on surgeon resiliency and burnout both at the attending and resident level is reviewed.

Outcomes of laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: A systematic review

AIMS

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare disease for which mainstay of treatment consists of open Kasai portoenterostomy. The aim of this review was to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy, which offers potential benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Outcomes identified were postoperative cholangitis rates, incidence of adhesions at subsequent liver transplantation, native liver survival rates and actuarial survival rates.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane databases using the keywords hepatic portoenterostomy, biliary atresia and laparoscopy. Robotic cases were excluded.

RESULTS

Ten studies (n=149 patients) were included in this review. The mean age at the time of operation was 66 (range 14-119) days. The mean operative time was 261 (range 120-662) minutes. The rate of postoperative cholangitis was 34% (range 11%-50%). The mean native liver survival rate was 57% (range 33%-78%) at 6months and 47% (range 8%-76%) at 2years. Mean actuarial survival rate was 87% (range 54%-100%) at 2years. Subsequent adhesions were reported in 4 patients. Two patients had dense adhesions and 2 had no adhesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy is a feasible operation, outcomes in terms of native liver survival rates and actuarial survival rates are unfavourable compared to conventional surgery. There is no evidence that laparoscopic Kasai is associated with fewer adhesions at subsequent liver transplantation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

TYPE OF STUDY

Treatment study.

Laparoscopic excision versus open excision for the treatment of choledochal cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In 1723, Vater first described choledochal cyst and in 1977, Todani et al classified this disease. For many years, open excision (OP) as the standard procedure made a great impact in the treatment of choledochal cyst. Since 1995, when Farello et al first reported laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision, laparoscopic excision (LA) has been used worldwide. However, its safety remains a major concern. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare OP with LA in treating choledochal cyst and then to determine whether LA is safe and valid. The design of this study involved systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources were Medline, Ovid, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane library. The study selection entailed comparative cohort studies. For data extraction, 2 investigators independently assessed selected studies and extracted the following information: study characteristics, quality, outcomes data, etc. For the results, 7 comparative cohort studies about the effectiveness of LA compared with OP were performed meta-analysis. The results showed that although the LA group had a longer operative time (MD = 56.57; 95% CI = 32.20–80.93; P < 0.00001), LA had a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD = −1.93; 95% CI = −2.51 to −1.36; P < 0.00001), and recovery of bowel function (MD = −0.94; 95% CI = −1.33 to −0.55; P < 0.00001). Meta-analysis found no significant difference between most of the 2 groups: bile leak (RR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.29–1.24; P = 0.17), abdominal bleeding (RR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.01–8.98; P = 0.51), pancreatitis (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.06–1.03; P = 0.06), total postoperative complications (RR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.66–1.62; P = 0.88). The LA group had significant lower rates in intraoperative blood transfusion (RR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.11–0.38; P < 0.00001), and adhesive intestinal obstruction (RR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04–0.77; P = 0.02). In conclusion, compared with open excision, laparoscopic excision is a safe, valid, and feasible alternative to open excision.

Totally laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cyst in adults: a single-institute experience of 5 years

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to describe the authors' experience and the intermediate-term outcome for totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy at a single center in a 5-year period.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy on 31 adult patients from January 2009 to November 2013.

RESULTS

Thirty-one cases successfully underwent totally laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision laparoscopy and Roux-en-Y hepatoenterostomy. The operation time varied from 200 to 360 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 210 mL. The patients passed flatus in 3.0 ± 1.3 days. The mean time interval to resume oral intake from the time of surgery was 3.8 ± 1.4 days. The duration of postoperative intravenous fluids was 4 to 11 days. Postoperative ambulation varied from 2 to 4 days. The duration of hospital stay was 4 to 13 days. Follow-up observations lasted 3 to 59 months and complications were noted in 4 patients. Of these patients, 1 patient suffered postoperative respiratory tract infection, 1 patient had an episode of adhesive small bowel obstruction, biliary leakage occurred in 1 patient, and 1 patient developed an anastomotic stoma stricture and cholangitis. There were no perioperative deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a safe, efficacious, and minimally invasive procedure for the most instances of adult choledochal cyst. The key of success is skilled laparoscopic skills, good team cooperation, and stapler anastomosis.

Comprehensive assessment of prognosis after laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia

PURPOSE

Total bilirubin (T-bil) is used universally for monitoring post-portoenterostomy (PE) biliary atresia (BA) patients although other biochemical markers [BM; AST/ALT and platelet count (PC)] are also prognostic. We compared open PE (OPE) with laparoscopic PE (LPE) using T-bil, AST/ALT, and PC (3BM) as more comprehensive indicators of postoperative clinical status.

METHODS

Subjects were 31 PE cases (LPE: n = 17; OPE: n = 14). BA classification was type III (n = 16), type II (n = 1) in LPE and type III (n = 12), type I (n = 1), type II (n = 1) in OPE.

RESULTS

Mean ages and weights at PE were similar: 65.5 days, 4.4 kg (LPE) versus 69.3 days, 4.1 kg (OPE); and mean follow-up was 2.5 years for both LPE and OPE. Jaundice clearance (T-bil ≤1.2 mg/dL) was achieved in 16/17 (94.1 %) after LPE versus 10/14 (71.4 %) after OPE (p = NS), but 3BM were closer to normal after OPE. At the time of review, 13/17 LPE cases (76.5 %) were alive with native livers and 4/17 had received LTx (23.5 %) and 10/14 OPE cases (71.4 %) were alive with native livers and 4/14 had received LTx (28.6 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Although JC was better after LPE, 3BM were better after OPE. Further follow-up will prove the comprehensive prognostic value of 3BM.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery in children with choledochal cysts: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the safety and efficacy between laparoscopic and open cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy for children with choledochal cysts using meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies comparing the laparoscopic and the open choledochal cyst excision that met the inclusion criteria for data extraction were identified from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library) up to November 2014. The proceedings of relevant congress were also searched. The outcomes were operative time, intraoperative blood loss, time to food intake, postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay. Outcomes were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.2.

RESULTS

Seven retrospective studies were finally included, involving a total of 1016 patients, of whom, 408 cases underwent laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (LH) and 608 cases underwent open cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (OH). In LH group compared with OH group, the operative time was longer (MD = 59.11, 95% CI 27.61-90.61, P = 0.0002), while the length of postoperative hospital stay was less (MD = -2.01, 95% CI -2.49 to -1.54, P < 0.00001), the intraoperative blood loss was lower (MD = -37.14, 95% CI -66.69 to -7.60, P = 0.01) and time to food intake was less (MD = -1.14, 95% CI -1.61 to -0.67, P = 0.01). The rate of postoperative morbidity was more in the OH group, but there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups in postoperative morbidity (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.13-2.06, P = 0.35).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery is a feasible, safe treatment of choledochal cyst with less postoperative morbidity, a shorter length of stay and a lower blood loss when compared with open approach. With the improvement of laparoscopic techniques and deftness of surgeons practice, laparoscopic surgery may become the first choice procedure for choledochal cyst.

Design and validation of an early scoring system for predicting early outcomes of type III biliary atresia after Kasai's operation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine reliable predictors of outcome of biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai's operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included two consecutive stages of infants with biliary atresia. First stage, 200 BA cases who underwent Kasai's operation at our institution between May 2006 and May 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. In the first stage, we wanted to calculate a clinical scoring system by logistic regression. For cut-off determination, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed. Second stage (validation of scoring system), we used our scoring system to prospectively predict the outcomes of patients underwent a Kasai operation from inspecting the accuracy of our system.

RESULTS

Early cholangitis, age at operation, JC time, post-operative TB, DB, AST, ALT and surgical method entered into our scoring system. The most reliable cut-offs determined by ROC analysis were 7.71 (sensitivity: 86.0%, specificity: 98.0%). We used our scoring system to predict the prognosis of the 15 BA patients and found that 13 of 15 patients were correctly predicted at the cut-off value of 7.71.

CONCLUSION

Our scoring system is considered to be a reliable and useful predictor of the prognosis of biliary atresia.

Minimally invasive resection of choledochal cyst: a feasible and safe surgical option

BACKGROUND

The use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for choledochal cyst (CC) has not been well documented. We sought to define the overall utilization and outcomes associated with the use of the open versus MIS approach for CC. We examined the factors associated with receipt of MIS for CC, as well as characterized perioperative and long-term outcomes following open versus MIS for CC.

METHODS

Between 1972 and 2014, a total of 368 patients who underwent resection for CC were identified from an international, multicenter database. A 2:1 propensity score matching was used to create comparable cohorts of patients to assess the effect of MIS on short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-two patients had an open procedure, whereas 36 patients underwent an MIS approach. Children were more likely to be treated with a MIS approach (children, 24.0 % vs. adults, 2.1 %; P<0.001). Conversely, patients who had any medical comorbidity were less likely to undergo MIS surgery (open, 26.2 % vs. MIS, 2.8 %; P=0.002). In the propensity-matched cohort, MIS resection was associated with decreased length of stay (open, 7 days vs. MIS, 5 days), lower estimated blood loss (open, 50 mL vs. MIS, 17.5 mL), and longer operative time (open, 237 min vs. MIS, 301 min) compared with open surgery (all P<0.05). The overall and degree of complication did not differ between the open (grades I-II, n=13; grades III-IV, n=15) versus MIS (grades I-II, n=5; grades III-IV, n=5) cohorts (P=0.85). Five-year overall survival was 98.6 % (open, 98.0 % vs. MIS, 100.0 %; P=0.45); no patient who underwent MIS developed a subsequent cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS resection of CC was demonstrated to be a feasible and safe approach with acceptable short-term outcomes in the pediatric population. MIS for benign CC disease was associated with similar perioperative morbidity but a shorter length of stay and a lower blood loss when compared with open resection.

Laparoscopic portoenterostomy versus open portoenterostomy for the treatment of biliary atresia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

BACKGROUND

Open portoenterostomy (OPE) remains the mainstay in treatment of biliary atresia, while during the past several years, the laparoscopic portoenterostomy (LPE) has been widely introduced. However, safety of LPE remains a major concern. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to review the currently available data comparing LPE and OPE.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Ovid, Elsevier, Google Scholar Embase, Cohrane library.

STUDY SELECTION

Comparative cohort studies.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two investigators independently assessed selected studies and extracted the following information: study characteristics, quality, outcomes data, etc.

RESULTS

Eleven studies about the effectiveness of LPE compared with OPE were performed by meta-analysis. Meta-analysis found no significant difference between the two groups in operative time, hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, early clearance of jaundice, cholangitis and variceal bleeding. In addition, the rate of 2-year survival with native liver was significantly high in OPE group than in LPE group.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic portoenterostomy could not replace open portoenterostomy and open Kasai portoenterostomy remains the gold standard in the treatment of biliary atresia.

Biliary-enteric reconstruction with hepaticoduodenostomy following laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst is associated with better postoperative outcomes: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

With the advent of laparoscopic surgery, more choledochal cysts are excised laparoscopically. In this study, we compared the outcomes from laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) and hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) for biliary-enteric reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision between February 2005 and January 2014 in a tertiary referral centre was performed. Demographics data, operative techniques and surgical outcomes were analysed according to the way of biliary-enteric reconstruction.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients were identified, 20 of whom underwent HJ and 11 underwent HD. There were no significant differences in terms of demographics. Median operative time was significantly shorter in HD group (211.0 ± 96.4 vs. 386.0 ± 90.4 min, p = 0.001). Although postoperative enteral feeding was initiated later in HD group (5.0 ± 0.8 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6 days, p = 0.036), postoperative stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (0.7 ± 1.0 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7 days, p = 0.007) and overall hospital stay (9.1 ± 1.0 vs. 14.4 ± 12.2 days, p = 0.157) favoured HD group. There was no perioperative mortality. Median follow-up duration was 24.0 (±11.0) months in HD group and 67.5 (±23.7) months in HJ group. One patient in HJ group had postoperative cholangitis related to anastomotic stricture whereas no cholangitis noted in HD group. In total, five patients in HJ group required second operation for complications and residual diseases whereas none in HD group required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst with hepaticoduodenostomy reconstruction is safe and feasible with shorter operative time, ICU stay and overall hospital stay. It is not inferior to HJ in terms of short-term postoperative outcomes.

Does pneumoperitoneum adversely affect growth, development and liver function in biliary atresia patients after laparoscopic portoenterostomy?

PURPOSE

We assessed the effect of high partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) due to pneumoperitoneum (PP) on growth (height/weight) and development (gross/fine motor function, receptive/expressive communication, and social interaction), by comparing outcome after portoenterostomy (PE) for biliary atresia (BA) using laparoscopic PE (LPE: n = 13) and open PE (OPE: n = 13) cases performed between 2005 and 2014.

METHODS

Our PE is based on Kasai's original PE. All data were collated prospectively.

RESULTS

Differences in duration of follow-up (LPE: 38.8 months; OPE: 38.1 months), jaundice clearance (LPE: 12/13 = 92.3 %; OPE: 9/13 = 69.2 %), survival with the native liver (LPE: 10/13 = 76.9 %; OPE: 9/13 = 69.2 %), incidence of cholangitis, hypersplenism, and incidence of esophageal varices were not significant. Mean intraoperative PaCO2 was significantly higher in LPE (LPE: 50.1 mmHg; OPE: 40.7 mmHg, p < 0.05). Liver function impairment was not statistically different, although LPE results were slightly worse. There was no overall delay in growth observed, although height/weight gain was more consistent in LPE. The pattern of developmental delay observed was similar for LPE and OPE suggesting that developmental delay is not PE-related; in other words, PP is not implicated in developmental delay.

CONCLUSIONS

PP during LPE would appear to have no adverse effects on overall growth/development and liver function in BA patients.

Advances in minimally invasive surgery in pediatric patients

Surgery has changed dramatically over the last several decades. The emergence of MIS has allowed pediatric surgeons to manage critically ill neonates, children, and adolescents with improved outcomes in pain, postoperative course, cosmesis, and return to normal activity. Procedures that were once thought to be too difficult to attempt or even contraindicated in pediatric patients in many instances are now the standard of care. New and emerging techniques, such as single-incision laparoscopy, endoscopy-assisted surgery, robotic surgery, and techniques yet to be developed, all hold and reveal the potential for even further advancement in the management of these patients. The future of MIS in pediatrics is exciting; as long as our primary focus remains centered on developing techniques that limit morbidity and maximize positive outcomes for young patients and their families, the possibilities are both promising and infinite.

From laparoscopic to open Kasai portoenterostomy: the outcome after reintroduction of open Kasai portoenterostomy in infant with biliary atresia

PURPOSE

Apparently superior result was observed after open Kasai portoenterostomy in infant with biliary atresia. Our institute stopped performing laparoscopic portoenterostomy since 2007. We aimed to investigate the outcome after reintroduction of open portoenterostomy.

METHODS

27 non-syndromic infants underwent open Kasai portoenterostomy from 2007 to 2012. The age and the sex of the patient, the bilirubin level before the operation, the early clearance of jaundice (total bilirubin <20 μmol/L within 6 month of portoenterostomy), the native liver survival at 2 years after the operation were reviewed. The results were retrospectively compared with all 16 infants who underwent laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy before 2007.

RESULTS

All infants had type III biliary atresia. No statistical difference was observed regarding the age at operation and the pre-operative bilirubin level. The early clearance of jaundice rate was 81% (22/27) after open operation and was 50% (8/16) after laparoscopic operation (p = 0.03). At 2 years after the operation, the native liver survival was 81% (22/27) after open operation and was 50% (8/16) after laparoscopic operation (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Reintroduction of open Kasai portoenterostomy was associated with superior early clearance of jaundice rate and 2-year native liver survival rate.

Laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cysts

Laparoscopic cystectomy has become a common procedure for choledochal cysts. The cyst should be removed completely just above the confluence of the common biliopancreatic channel at the distal end and approximately 5 mm from the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts at the proximal end to avoid complications of the cystic remnant. The operation is feasible and safe. The rate of conversion to open surgery is low. The rate of complication under skill laparoscopic surgeons is also low, even lower than in open surgery. There was no difference between hepaticoduodenostomy and hepaticojejunostomy concerning the rate of cholangitis. Gastritis due to bilious reflux occurred with a low rate in hepaticoduodenostomy. Both techniques could be used for choledochal cysts; however, hepaticoduodenostomy should be applied for choledochal cysts without intrahepatic dilatation of biliary tract.

The experience and technique in laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic Kasai operation has been under debate for a long time. In this study, we described our experience in laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The operative experience in 25 cases of laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia since January 2011 was reviewed. For the procedure, operative cholangiography was first performed for diagnosis. Laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy was performed as in the open manner. Electrocoagulation hemostasis was avoided at the porta, where bleeding was controlled with direct compression only. The Roux loop was fashioned outside of the abdominal cavity through the umbilical incision, and portoenterostomy was performed with absorbable sutures.

RESULTS

All cases underwent the operation successfully without conversion to open surgery. The average time of operation was 180-285 minutes (mean, 208 minutes), and the blood loss was 15-30 mL. Twenty-two (88%) patients had bile drainage postoperatively as indicated by their stool color. Jaundice was alleviated in 21 (84%) patients, with total bilirubin decreased by a third. Follow-up extended from 3 months to 2 years after the operation. Jaundice had completely subsided in 14 (56%) cases, with a normal level of bilirubin. Seven patients had an initial decrease in bilirubin, but jaundice returned because of cholangitis. Two patients died because their parents refused liver transplantation. Two cases underwent successful liver transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia is safe and feasible. It has the advantage of clearer vision, precise operation, and less operative trauma. In our experience, the outcome of this surgery is as good as open surgery if the surgeons are well experienced.

Assessment of suturing in the vertical plane shows the efficacy of the multi-degree-of-freedom needle driver for neonatal laparoscopy

PURPOSE

We have developed a thin needle driver with multiple degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) for neonatal laparoscopic surgery. The tip of this needle driver has three DOFs for grasp, deflection and rotation. Our aim was to evaluate the performance of the multi-DOF needle driver in vertical plane suturing.

METHODS

Six pediatric surgeons performed four directional suturing tasks in the vertical plane using the multi-DOF needle driver and a conventional one. Assessed parameters were the accuracy of insertion and exit, the depth of suture, the inclination angle of the needle and the force applied on the model.

RESULTS

In left and right direction sutures, the inclination angle of the needle with the multi-DOF needle driver was significantly smaller than that with the conventional one (p = 0.014, 0.042, respectively). In left and right direction sutures, the force for pulling the model with the multi-DOF needle driver was smaller than that with the conventional one (p = 0.036, 0.010, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that multi-directional suturing on a vertical plane using the multi-DOF needle driver had better needle trajectories and was less invasive as compared to a conventional needle driver.

Role of laparoscopy in treatment of choledochal cysts in children

Laparoscopy enables surgeons to approach the surgical conditions from a new perspective. Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the treatment of choledochal cysts (CDC). Yet, this new technique requires objective evaluations. We have examined the controversies about the CDC dissection, distal common bile duct ligation, ductoplasty for hepatic duct stenosis, intrahepatic duct and common channel protein plug clearance, timing of surgery for antenatally diagnosed CDC, and the Roux loop length in CDC children. In the hands of experts, laparoscopic excision of the cyst and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a safe and effective approach. We provide our opinions on these issues based on our experience and publications. We conclude that the main outcomes comparable to those of the open surgery. The better wound cosmesis and reduction of surgical trauma are the advantages.

Laparoscopic versus open Kasai portoenterostomy in infant with biliary atresia: a retrospective review on the 5-year native liver survival

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy was reported to be a safe and feasible procedure in infant with biliary atresia. We aimed to investigate the long-term results after laparoscopic portoenterostomy as such data in the literature are lacking.

METHODS

Sixteen infants underwent laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy from 2002 to 2006. The age and the sex of the patient, the bilirubin level before the operation, the early clearance of jaundice (total bilirubin <20 μmol/L within 6 months of portoenterostomy), the native liver survival at 2 and 5 years after the operation were reviewed. The results were retrospectively compared with 16 consecutive infants who underwent open Kasai portoenterostomy before 2002.

RESULTS

All infants had type III biliary atresia. The early clearance of jaundice rate at 6 months was 50 % (8/16) after laparoscopic operation and was 75 % (12/16) after open operation (p = 0.144). Two years after the operation, the native liver survival was 50 % (8/16) in the laparoscopic group and was 81 % (13/16) in the open group (p = 0.076). Five years after the operation, the native liver survival rate was 50 % (8/16) in the laparoscopic group and was 81 % (13/16) in the open group (p = 0.076). The jaundice-free native liver survival rate at 5 years was 50 % (8/16) in laparoscopic group and was 75 % (12/16) in the open group. In the laparoscopic group, all patients with early clearance of jaundice survived and remained jaundice freed 5 years after the operation.

CONCLUSION

The 5-year native liver survival rate after laparoscopic portoenterostomy was 50 %. Apparently superior result was observed in the open group (81 %) although the figures did not reach statistical difference because of the small sample size. A larger scale study is required to draw a more meaningful conclusion.

Laparoscopic surgery for biliary atresia and choledochal cyst

Minimally invasive surgery in children has evolved to the extent that complex procedures can be performed with safety and outcome comparable with open surgery, with the advantage of minimal scarring. Here we describe the latest laparoscopic techniques used by us at the Juntendo University Hospital, Japan, for treating biliary atresia and choledochal malformation, with presentation of our postoperative management and discussion of preliminary outcomes.

Early experience of laparoscopic complete en bloc excision for choledochal cysts in adults

BACKGROUND

For choledochal cyst, the treatment of choice is total excision of the cyst because there is a risk of biliary cancer including the gallbladder. The current report describes the authors' early experiences using their technique of laparoscopic en bloc excision of choledochal cysts with Roux-en-Y biliary reconstruction.

METHODS

Between September 2009 and July 2011, laparoscopic excision for choledochal cyst was attempted for 20 patients at the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Asan Medical Center. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 37.8 ± 11.1 years (range, 18-65 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:4.0 (4:16). According to Todani's classification, there were four type 1a cases, seven type 1c cases, and nine type 4a cases. The mean operation time was 395.8 ± 58.7 min. No perioperative transfusions were required. The average body mass index was 23.5 ± 4.04 kg/m(2). Conversion to laparotomy was required for seven patients (35 %) due to bleeding (n = 1), Roux loop venous congestion (n = 1), abdominal obesity (n = 2), and severe fibrosis and inflammation around the cyst (n = 3). No malignancies were identified. Of the 13 patients who underwent laparoscopy, the jejunojejunostomy was created extracorporeally for the first 2 patients and intracorporeally for the subsequent 11 patients. All hepaticojejunostomies were performed intracorporeally. Oral feeding was resumed on postoperative day 3. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.3 days (range, 8-36 days). No major complications or mortalities occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity and mortality rates for the authors' method are comparable with previously reported results. Although the conversion rate, mean operation time, and hospital stay were greater than reported in some studies, this probably reflected the authors' learning curve for this technically challenging procedure. They believe laparoscopic approaches will eventually become an advantageous treatment option for laparotomy offered to selected choledochal cyst patients.

The outcome of laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia in children

AIM

There were only a few reports on laparoscopic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia in children. We report our experience on laparoscopic Kasai operation for biliary atresia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all children who had biliary atresia underwent laparoscopic portoenterostomy from January 2002 to September 2006 were included and analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixteen children (five boys and eleven girls) with a mean age of 66 days (range 47-106 days) at operation were included in this study. All patients had type III biliary atresia. There was no conversion to open procedure. The operative time ranged from 193 to 435 min (mean 292 min). At a median follow-up of 72 months (range 33-89 months), eight patients were free of jaundice with bilirubin level <20 μmol/L and did not require liver transplantation. Seven patients underwent liver transplantation. One patient who had persistent elevated bilirubin defaulted follow-up. One patient complicated with volvulus of intestine post-operatively. All patients survived except one patient who had combined liver and intestine transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic portoenterostomy in children with biliary atresia is technically feasible. 50% of children who had type III biliary atresia were free of jaundice and did not require liver transplantation. A longer follow-up is required to assess the long-term outcome.

Laparoscopic versus Open Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy for children with choledochal cysts: intermediate-term follow-up results

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic hepatojejunostomy (LH) for children with choledochal cysts (CDC) has been gaining popularity recently. However, its safety and efficacy remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intermediate-term results of LH for CDC children.

METHODS

We reviewed 218 patients who underwent LH between October 2001 and October 2009 and 200 patients who underwent open hepatojejunostomy (OH) between September 1993 and September 2001. Ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal contrast studies, and laboratory tests were performed during the follow-up period. Age, operative blood loss, operative time, postoperative hospital stay, time to full feed, duration of drainage, postoperative complications, and perioperative laboratory tests were evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS

The median follow-up periods of the LH and OH groups were 38 and 146 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in age between the two groups. Interestingly, the operative time of the LH group decreased significantly with increasing number of cases (P<0.01). The most recent operative time of the LH group did not differ from that of the OH group (3.04 vs. 2.95 h, P=0.557). The operative blood loss of the LH group was significantly less (P<0.001). The postoperative hospital stay, resumption of alimentation, and duration of drainage in the LH group were significantly shorter (P<0.001, respectively). Two of 218 (0.9%) LH patients developed bile leak. This was significantly less than 11 of 200 (5.5%) in the OH group (P<0.01). The morbidities of LH group were significantly lower than those of the OH group. Postoperative liver function tests and serum amylase levels normalized in both groups (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic hepatojejunostomy is safe and effective. Its intermediate-term results are comparable to open surgery.

Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cysts with total intracorporeal reconstruction

PURPOSE

There are numerous published reports of laparoscopic resection of choledochal cysts (CDCs), but almost all involve extracorporeal reconstruction of a biliary drainage system. We describe and evaluate the technique of laparoscopic CDC resection with total intracorporeal reconstruction.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients who underwent a laparoscopic CDC resection from March 2005 to January 2010 at Rocky Mountain Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. We obtained data on operative time, characteristics of reconstruction, time to initiation of diet, length of stay, complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (median age 5 years, range 1-16) underwent a laparoscopic CDC excision with total intracorporeal reconstruction. Four ports were used in all cases and no patients required conversion to an open procedure. Operative time ranged from 130 to 325 minutes (median 240 minutes). Median time to initiation of diet was 1 day (range 1-4 days). Median length of stay was 5 days (range 4-8 days). There were no cases of cholangitis; however, 1 patient developed a small bowel obstruction requiring re-operation.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection of CDCs with total intracorporeal reconstruction is a safe and effective technique. The minimal handling of the bowel appears to minimize postoperative ileus, allows for early postoperative feeding and discharge.

Management of type I choledochal cyst in adult: totally laparoscopic resection and Roux-en-Y hepaticoenterostomy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of the biliary tree. The accepted mode of treatment is total excision with hepaticojejunostomy. In this retrospective study, we present our technique and results of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excisions.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 45 patients who had undergone laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in our institutes from September 2006 to August 2009. Data including age, gender, type of cyst, symptoms, surgical technique, conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were type Ic (cystic) choledochal cysts in 31 patients (68.9%) and type If (fusiform) in 14 patients (31.1%). An anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction union was found in 66.7%. Forty percent (18 out of 45) and 37.8% (17 out of 45) cases had stones within the cysts and gallbladders, respectively. The average size of the cysts was 40.3 +/- 16.9 cm(2). The mean operative time was 307.7 +/- 58.0 min, the estimated operative blood loss was 252.3 +/- 162.5 ml, and the conversion rate was 8.9%. The mean hospital stay was 8.3 +/- 3.2 days. The overall morbidity rate was 17.1%, the reoperation rate was zero, and the mortality rate was also zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally, laparoscopic management of type I choledochal cysts, although technically challenging, is safe and feasible in experienced hands.

Early outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for biliary atresia

AIM

The aim of the study was to present early outcomes of the laparoscopic technique for biliary atresia with some technical modifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed charts of all patients with biliary atresia who underwent laparoscopic portoenterostomy from July to December 2008. There were 11 patients with biliary atresia, including 5 boys and 6 girls. The operation was carried out using 4 trocars. The liver was elevated by 2 transcutaneous stay sutures: one on the round ligament and the other on the gallbladder remnant. The left and right hepatic arteries and portal veins were dissected and retracted laterally by 2 transcutaneous sutures to expose the liver hilum. A stay suture was placed on fibrotic tissue at the liver hilum to facilitate its maximal removal. A jejunal end-to-side anastomosis was constructed extracorporeally. Portoenterostomy was carried out laparoscopically.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 245 +/- 31 minutes. No patient required conversion. There were no operative deaths. Blood loss during operation was minimal. One patient died on day 65 after operation because of intractable hepatic liver. Follow-up after discharge from 10 to 16 months revealed that 6 patients still survived and 4 patients died. One patient died because of milk aspiration at 12 months of age. Three patients died because of repeated cholangitis and liver failure at 10, 10, and 14 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

With a modified laparoscopic technique, good early outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for biliary atresia were achieved.

Biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a condition unique to infancy. It results from inflammatory destruction of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. It is the most frequent surgically correctable liver disorder in infancy and the most frequent indication for liver transplantation in paediatric age. Clinical presentation is in the first few weeks of life with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia (dark urine and pale stools); other manifestations of liver disease, such as failure to thrive, splenomegaly and ascites, appear only later, when surgery is unlikely to be successful. Hence, all infants with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia must be urgently referred to specialised centres for appropriate treatment. Success of surgery depends on the age at which it is performed. With corrective surgery, followed, when necessary, by liver transplantation, the overall survival rate is approximately 90%. The cause of BA is unknown, but there is evidence for the involvement of infectious, genetic and immunologic mechanisms, which will be discussed in this review.

Recent advances and controversies in pediatric laparoscopic surgery

Children represent a unique group of patients who are likely to greatly benefit from minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The promise of less postoperative pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to school continues to drive growth in this area. The development of pediatric-specific techniques and documentation of improved outcomes form a critical gateway to widespread application of pediatric MIS. A brief perspective on current approaches to MIS for pediatric congenital and acquired disease is provided in this report. Technical departures from standardized adult MIS and the rationale for their modification are highlighted.

Laparoscopic management of choledochal cysts: technique and outcomes--a retrospective study of 35 patients from a tertiary center

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cysts are congenital dilations of the biliary tree. The accepted mode of treatment is total excision with hepaticojejunostomy. In this retrospective study, we present our technique and results of laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively studied 35 patients who had undergone laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision in our institute from 1996 to 2008. Data about age, gender, type of choledochal cyst, symptoms, surgical technique, conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were Type 1B choledochal cysts in 27 patients (77%) and Type IVA in 8 patients (23%). An anomalous pancreatobiliary junction was found in 40%. Mean operative time was 295 minutes. Total cyst excision could be done in 26 patients. The conversion rate in our series was 8.5%. The overall morbidity rate was 14.3%, the reoperation rate was 8.5%, the mortality rate was 0%, and the incidence of carcinoma was 8.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

To minimize the risk of malignancy, total excision of the cyst is ideal, but a small proximal cuff of cyst is retained for small-size ducts to aid in the hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis. A slit on one end of the small ducts will render the anastomosis in an oblique orientation, widening the lumen. Dissecting the posterior cyst wall from the underlying portal vein is the most crucial part of the procedure. Morbidity and mortality rates after laparoscopic management are comparable with published results of the open procedure. Laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cysts is feasible, safe, and even advantageous.

Two decades of minimally invasive pediatric surgery-taking stock

BACKGROUND

The past 2 decades have seen a rapid integration of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to pediatric surgical practice. This study endeavored to delineate the current status of MIS in pediatric surgery.

METHODS

Three hundred six pediatric surgeons were invited to participate in an anonymous Web-based survey. Apart from demographic details and opinion regarding robotic surgery, surgeons were asked to choose between "perform MIS," "do not perform MIS but recommend it," and "MIS not indicated" for common pediatric surgical conditions.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 117 pediatric surgeons (38.2%). Sixty-one percent of respondents did more than 10% of their work using MIS, and 85% had more than 5 years experience in MIS. Cholecystectomy, nonpalpable testis, and exploration for abdominal pain scored highest among the positive recommendations for MIS, whereas liver tumors, biliary atresia, Wilms' tumor, and inguinal hernia scored highest among the negative recommendations for MIS. Fifty-one percent of the respondents had more than 20 years experience as a pediatric surgeon and were categorized as "senior" surgeons. Compared with the young surgeons, the senior surgeons were more likely to recommend MIS as a contraindication for simple and complicated appendicitis, reduction of intussusception, gastrostomy, fundoplication, pyloromyotomy, adhesiolysis, splenectomy, adrenalectomy, nephrectomy for dysplastic kidneys, heminephrectomy, pyeloplasty, anorectal malformations, pyeloplasty, achalasia cardia, hiatal hernia repair, lung resection, and diaphragmatic hernia repair. More than half the respondents believed that robotic surgery has a role for children in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

A widespread integration of MIS into the pediatric surgical practice is evident from this study. Current practice and recommendations of the surveyed surgeons have been outlined. Significant differences between the young and senior surgeons reflect the evolving nature of the recommendations.

Advances in the understanding and treatment of biliary atresia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this study is to review both the basic science and clinical advancements in the last 12 months that have furthered our understanding of biliary atresia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Early diagnosis and further understanding of the disease process may be the next major step in advancement. Stool color cards have been shown to be an accurate screening tool. Basic science developments have focused on defects in morphogenesis, immunologic dysregulation, and viral infection as the major theories of causes. There have been initial reports of minimally invasive approaches to hepatic portoenterostomy but there has been little comparative study. Postoperative corticosteroid therapy remains an area of debate without definitive data. Early postoperative testing of serum bilirubin levels and hepatobiliary scintigraphy are showing strong correlation with long-term outcomes. The comparison of regions with decentralization policies compared with those with central referral policies is providing a good forum to monitor real-time outcome data.

SUMMARY

Biliary atresia continues to represent a major challenge with many unanswered questions. The establishment of multicentered collaboration in both basic science and clinical research interests has been an important step in improving outcomes for this disease.