Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the obese patient

Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with high BMI: Experience from a UK centre

INTRODUCTION

Symptomatic gall stones may require laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which is one of the most commonly performed general surgical operations in the western world. Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk of having gall stones, and are often considered at high risk of surgical complications due to their increased BMI. We believe that day case surgery could nevertheless have significant benefits in terms of potential cost savings and patient satisfaction in this population. We therefore compared the outcomes of day case patients undergoing LC stratified by BMI, with a specific focus on the safety and success of the procedure in obese and morbidly obese groups.

METHODS

We reviewed a database of day case procedures performed between January 2004 and December 2012, including all patients with symptomatic gall stone disease who underwent LC. The patients were divided in four BMI groups: less than 25 kg/m(2), 25-29 kg/m(2), 30-39 kg/m(2) and 40 kg/m(2) or above.

RESULTS

The overall success rate for day case surgery was 78%. There were no significant differences in rates of intra-abdominal collection or readmission with increasing BMI. However, increasing BMI was associated with a significant increase in the rate of wound infection.

CONCLUSIONS

LC in patients with a high BMI is safe and can be performed effectively as a day case procedure.

A randomised, single blinded trial, assessing the effect of a two week preoperative very low calorie diet on laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) can be technically challenging in the obese. The primary aim of the trial was to establish whether following a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) for two weeks pre-operatively reduces operation time. Secondary outcomes included perceived operative difficulty and length of hospital stay.

METHODS

A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial of consecutive patients with symptomatic gallstones and BMI >30 kg/m(2) 46 patients were randomized to a VLCD or normal diet for two weeks prior to LC. Food diaries were used to document dietary intake. The primary outcome measure was operation time. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, weight change operative complications, day case rates and perceived difficulty of operation.

RESULTS

The VLCD was well tolerated and had significantly greater preoperative weight loss (3.48 kg vs. 0.98 kg; p < 0.0001). Median operative time was significantly reduced by 6 min in the VLCD group (25 vs. 31 min; p = 0.0096). There were no differences in post-operative complications, length of stay, or day case rates between the groups. Dissection of Calot's triangle was deemed significantly easier in the VLCD group.

CONCLUSION

A two week VLCD prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese patients is safe, well tolerated and was shown to significantly reduce pre-operative weight and operative time.

ISRCTN

61630192. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN61630192 Trial registration.

Waterlow score as a surrogate marker for predicting adverse outcome in acute pancreatitis

Introduction Introduced originally to stratify risk for developing decubitus ulcers, the Waterlow scoring system is recorded routinely for surgical admissions. It is a composite score, reflecting patients' general condition and co-morbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Waterlow score can be used as an independent surrogate marker to predict severity and adverse outcome in acute pancreatitis. Methods In this retrospective analysis, a consecutive cohort was studied of 250 patients presenting with acute pancreatitis, all of whom had their Waterlow score calculated on admission. Primary outcome measures were length of hospital stay and mortality. Secondary outcome measures included rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and development of complications such as peripancreatic free fluid, pancreatic necrosis and pseudocyst formation. Correlation of the Waterlow score with some known markers of disease severity and outcomes was also analysed. Results The Waterlow score correlated strongly with the most commonly used marker of disease severity, the Glasgow score (analysis of variance, p=0.0012). Inpatient mortality, rate of ICU admission and length of hospital stay increased with a higher Waterlow score (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.0007, p=0.049 and p=0.0002 respectively). There was, however, no significant association between the Waterlow score and the incidence of three known complications of pancreatitis: presence of peripancreatic fluid, pancreatic pseudocyst formation and pancreatic necrosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated good predictive power of the Waterlow score for mortality (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.73), ICU admission (AUC: 0.65) and length of stay >7 days (AUC: 0.64). This is comparable with the predictive power of the Glasgow score and C-reactive protein. Conclusions The Waterlow score for patients admitted with acute pancreatitis could provide a useful tool in prospective assessment of disease severity, help clinicians with appropriate resource management and inform patients.

Do height and weight affect the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallbladder removal and the most common laparoscopic procedure worldwide. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has recently emerged as a less invasive potential alternative to conventional three- or four-port laparoscopy. However, the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) remains unclear, and there are no rigorous criteria in the literature. Identifying patients at risk of failure of this new technique is essential. The aim of our study was to determine risk factors that may predict failure of the procedure.

METHODS

From May 2010 to March 2012, 110 consecutive patients underwent SILC and were reviewed retrospectively. The main feasibility criterion was the procedure failure rate, defined as addition of supplementary port(s) and prolonged (>60 min) operative time. The factors evaluated were age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery, indication for surgery and gallbladder suspension.

RESULTS

There was conversion in 16 patients (14.5%), and the operative time exceeded 60 min for 20 patients (30.9%). Univariate analysis showed a significant independent association between additional port requirement and each of weight as a continuous value, weight ≥80 kg, BMI >26.5 kg/m(2) and height >172 cm. Univariate analysis also showed a significant independent association between prolonged operative duration (>60 min) and each of height and weight as continuous values, height >172 cm and previous abdominal surgery. In the multivariate analysis, only weight remained independently associated with additional port requirement, and height remained independently associated with prolonged operative duration.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative identification of the factors increasing the risk of conversion may assist surgeons in making decisions concerning the management of patients, including appropriate use of SILC.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the obese: results with the traditional and fundus-first technique

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed in obese patients at our institution with the traditional technique and with the fundus-first (FF) technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 194 obese patients that underwent LC between 1994 and December 2007 at our institution. Surgical techniques were compared with respect to operative times, conversion to open cholecystectomy, postoperative complications, mortality, and length of postoperative stay.

RESULTS

In the reviewed period, LC was performed in 113 (58.2%) patients with obesity type I (OTI), 55 (28.3%) patients with obesity type II (OTII), and 26 (13.5%) patients with obesity type III (OTIII). None of the differences among obese groups treated with the two techniques were statistically significant, with the exception of the lower operative times in the OTIII patients treated with the FFLC. The median operating time in the OTIII group was, respectively, 90 minutes for traditional LC and 65 (range, 45-130) for FFLC (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study achieved to conclude that LC in the obese is a safe, feasible, and efficient operation, but remains a demanding procedure even in experienced hands. FFLC can support the traditional LC in the treatment of obese patients, yielding a complication rate comparable with the traditional technique. In our study, it significantly reduced the operative time in OTIII patients, simplifying all the intra-abdominal maneuvers and the gallbladder dissection.

The impact of a high body mass index on laparoscopy assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Obesity is known to be associated with postoperative morbidity in gastric cancer surgery, but its impact on laparoscopy assisted gastrectomy (LAG) for gastric cancer has rarely been evaluated.

METHODS

The clinical data for 1,485 LAG procedures for gastric cancer in 10 institutions were reviewed. The patients were divided into high body mass index (BMI) (BMI > or = 25 kg/m(2); n = 432) and low BMI (BMI <25 kg/m(2); n = 1,053) groups, and their clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age and proportion of comorbid patients were higher in the high BMI group than in the low BMI group. Postoperative morbidity and mortality did not differ between the high BMI (15.7% and 0.9%) and low BMI (14% and 0.5%) groups (p = 0.37 and p = 0.29). Only the operation time and the number of retrieved lymph nodes were significantly different between the high BMI (242.5 min and 30.4) and low BMI (223.7 min and 32.6) groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005), especially for male patients undergoing surgery by surgeons who have performed 40 or fewer LAGs.

CONCLUSIONS

High BMI itself may not increase operative morbidity after LAG for gastric cancer. However, when a surgeon is relatively inexperienced with LAG, a careful approach is required for male patients with a high BMI.

Immediate laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: no need to wait

BACKGROUND

Early, within 72 hours, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute chlolecystitis (AC) is the standard of care. We reviewed our experience with immediate (within 24 hours) LC for AC to determine whether this also was safe.

METHODS

Group 1, those patients who had LC for AC within 24 hours was compared with group 2, those who had LC for AC after 24 hours.

RESULTS

Of 253 consecutive patients, 132 were in group 1 and 121 were in group 2. There were no differences in group 1 versus group 2 in demographics, clinical severity of disease, mean operating time (92 minutes versus 95 minutes, P =.2), conversion (9% versus 6%, P = .3), and complications (7% versus 9%, P = .5). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the timing of LC for AC was not associated with longer than average operating times.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate LC for AC is safe and has become our standard of practice.

Impact of morbid obesity on outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy

BACKGROUND

Because of the obesity epidemic, surgeons are operating on morbidly obese patients in increasing numbers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of morbid obesity on the outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 120 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic splenectomy for benign and malignant disease from March 1996 to May 2005. These patients were retrospectively divided into three groups. Group 1 had a body mass index (BMI) < 30. Group 2 patients had a BMI > or = 30 and < 40 and were considered obese. Group 3 had a BMI > or = 40 and were considered morbidly obese. Data including surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. hand-assisted), operative time, conversion rate, estimated blood loss, splenic weight, length of stay, time to tolerate a diet, pathologic diagnosis, complications, and mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

Complete data were available for evaluation of 112 patients of whom 73 (65%) had a BMI < 30, 32 (29%) had a BMI > or = 30 and < 40, and 7 (6%) had a BMI > or = 40. The most frequent indication for splenectomy in all three groups was idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The operative times were significantly higher in patients with a BMI > 40. Conversion rates were also higher in this group, although this did not reach statistical significance. Patients with a BMI > 30 experienced similar complication rates when compared with patients with a BMI < 30. Only when patients had a BMI > 40 did they experience more complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy was performed safely in obese patients (BMI > 30) with similar results to those of nonobese patients. Only in morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40) do outcomes and complications appear to be affected. Obesity should not be a contraindication to laparoscopic splenectomy.

Minilaparotomy cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized study with special reference to obesity

BACKGROUND

Minilaparotomy cholecystectomy (MC) has recently challenged the role of the laparoscopic approach (LC) for cholecystectomies. However, the situation is far from clear when operating times and recovery are evaluated.

METHODS

Altogether 157 patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones were randomized into MC (n = 85) and LC (n = 72) groups. Both groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical fitness classification, and operating surgeon.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 55 +/- 19.5 min in the MC group and 79 +/- 27.0 min in the LC group (p < 0.0001). The postoperative hospital stay and length of sick leave did not differ between the two groups. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, or postoperative pulmonary function between the groups. The body mass index did not influence operating time or patient recovery in either group. No major complications occurred in either groups.

CONCLUSION

The MC procedure seems to be a faster technique than the LC approach for noncomplicated gallstone disease, with no difference in recovery times. The MC procedure also seems to be suitable for the obese patient.

Laparoscopic resection of colon Cancer: Consensus of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

BACKGROUND

The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference on the laparoscopic resection of colon cancer during the annual congress in Lisbon, Portugal, in June 2002.

METHODS

A systematic review of the current literature was combined with the opinions, of experts in the field of colon cancer surgery to formulate evidence-based statements and recommendations on the laparoscopic resection of colon cancer.

RESULTS

Advanced age, obesity, and previous abdominal operations are not considered absolute contraindications for laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. The most common cause for conversion is the presence of bulky or invasive tumors. Laparoscopic operation takes longer to perform than the open counterpart, but the outcome is similar in terms of specimen size and pathological examination. Immediate postoperative morbidity and mortality are comparable for laparoscopic and open colonic cancer surgery. The laparoscopically operated patients had less postoperative pain, better-preserved pulmonary function, earlier restoration of gastrointestinal function, and an earlier discharge from the hospital. The postoperative stress response is lower after laparoscopic colectomy. The incidence of port site metastases is <1%. Survival after laparoscopic resection of colon cancer appears to be at least equal to survival after open resection. The costs of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer are higher than those for open surgery.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection of colon cancer is a safe and feasible procedure that improves short-term outcome. Results regarding the long-term survival of patients enrolled in large multicenter trials will determine its role in general surgery.

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in obese and nonobese patients

BACKGROUND

Conventional open gastrectomy has been reported to result in increased morbidity in obese patients. To date, there has been no study evaluating laparoscopic gastrectomy in such patients; therefore, we assessed the short-term results of this procedure in a group of obese patients.

METHODS

The study included 99 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LDG) for the cure of early gastric cancer. The patients were divided into two groups: obese (body mass index [BMI] > or =25.0, n = 16) and nonobese (BMI <25.0, n = 83). Patient characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics, including age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, and disease stage, were not different between obese and nonobese patients. Operating time was significantly longer in obese patients than in nonobese patients (271 vs 239 min, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between obese and nonobese patients in time to first flatus (3.7 vs 3.3 days), time to solid diet (6.3 vs 5.2 days), length of postoperative hospital stay (18.7 vs 17.9 days), or frequency of major (25% vs 16%) and minor (19% vs 12%) postoperative complications. There were no conversions to conventional open surgery and no perioperative deaths.

CONCLUSION

The only difference between our two study groups was that LDG required a longer operating time in obese patients; morbidity and length of hospital stay were not increased. Thus, we believe that LDG is likely to become the treatment of choice for obese patients with early gastric cancer.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in Obese Versus Nonobese Patients

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the risk of operative and postoperative complications for obese patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with nonobese patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a period of 4.3 years. Rates of complications, successful laparoscopic completion, readmission, and reoperation were compared for those patients having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m(2) or greater with those whose BMI was less than 30 kg/m(2).

RESULTS

Of 270 patients who met inclusion criteria, 106 (39.3%) women had a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or greater. Procedures were completed by using endoscopic technique in 253 cases (93.7%), by using a combined vaginal approach (laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy) in 7 cases (2.6%), and via laparotomy (total abdominal hysterectomy) in 10 cases (3.7%). Neither the 2-fold risk of conversion to laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (relative risk [RR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5, 10.1) nor the 4-fold risk of conversion to laparotomy (RR 3.9, 95% CI 1.0, 15.4) associated with obesity was statistically significant. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for obese patients was 60% more likely to require at least 2 hours to complete (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2, 2.0) and was associated with a 3-fold risk of blood loss exceeding 500 mL compared with nonobese patients. Risks of major and minor complications, hospital readmission, and reoperation were similar for both groups.

CONCLUSION

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy can be performed successfully in most obese patients, with complication rates similar to those for nonobese patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II-2

Laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in obese women

OBJECTIVE

To study the surgical morbidity associated with the laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in an overweight population compared with a lean population.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

An academic tertiary referral obstetrics and gynecology center.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred seventeen patients in two groups, lean (n = 90; body mass index <or= 30) and obese (n = 27; body mass index >30) who had pathology-confirmed tubal ectopic pregnancies that were managed laparoscopically. Each group was subdivided into a laparoscopically managed group and a group in which laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy.

INTERVENTION(S)

None. Operative time, blood loss, and complications of laparoscopic surgery as well as causes of conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy, in obese compared with lean women, with ectopic pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

There was no significant difference in gestational age; beta-hCG level; or history of previous surgeries, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis or in any of the studied outcomes (conversion rate, blood loss, and operative time) between the lean and obese groups or their respective subgroups except for operative time between obese women who underwent laparotomy, which was significantly longer when compared with the case of lean women who underwent laparotomy. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were comparable between the lean and obese groups, and all complications occurred in the completed-laparoscopy group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy does not appear to significantly increase surgical morbidity in obese patients.

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in the extremely obese patient: technical insight into access and port placement

PURPOSE

We report on laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in a morbidly obese patient to discuss the associated technical steps for satisfactory completion of staging lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

A laparoscopic RPLND was performed using a modified template on the left side. Initially, 4 ports were placed with the patient in the supine position. Three were placed 3 cm to the left of midline and one in the anterior axillary line, at the level of the umbilicus. During the operation, successful bowel retraction necessitated placement of 2 additional ports in the anterior axillary line (just above the pelvis and off the tip of the 12th rib). Using these 6 trocar sites, the dissection was completed, and 44 lymph nodes were obtained.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was accomplished in an extremely obese patient with acceptable morbidity by using prudent modification of standard techniques.

CONCLUSION

If access and port placement limitations are overcome, the benefits of laparoscopy in the obese are clear. This report serves as a signpost that laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testes cancer can also be accomplished using modification of standard techniques.

Relationship between obesity and the risk of gynecologic laparoscopy in Korean women

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether obesity increases risk of performing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery in Korean women.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis over 35 consecutive months (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred seventy-seven women who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

INTERVENTION

Patients were analyzed by chart review.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) 25 kg/m(2) or greater. Patients were categorized on the basis of BMI [weight (kg)/height(2) (m(2))] as obese (BMI > or =25, 74 women) or nonobese (BMI < 25, 203). Each group was further divided into three subgroups according to operation difficulty. No significant differences in patient age, parity, menopausal status, medicosurgical illness, or history of intraabdominal surgery were apparent between groups, except for distribution of operation difficulty and adhesion grade; however, the adhesion grade was evenly distributed in each operation grade subgroup. In the two BMI groups, no significant differences were seen in surgical values (estimated blood loss, operating time, operative complications, postoperative complications, hospital stay, rate of conversion to laparotomy).

CONCLUSION

Obesity had generally been thought to increase the risk of laparoscopic surgery. In our study in obese Korean women, however, it did not seem to increase the risk, and gynecologic laparoscopic surgery was performed safely.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the grossly obese: 4 years experience and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Conventional abdominal surgery in grossly obese patients is associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications; thus, laparoscopic surgery may be preferred in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective analysis was performed of 20 grossly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between April 1996 and April 2000 for symptomatic non-complicated gallstone disease.

RESULTS

Technical problems at operation included difficulty with induction of pneumoperitoneum and introduction of the most lateral subcostal port, retraction of the gallbladder fundus, the need for longer instruments and the closure of the fascia. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed in 19 patients, but one patient required conversion to open operation. There were no anaesthetic difficulties. Two patients developed minor chest infections. The mean hospital stay was 2.9 days.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and can be recommended for symptomatic gallstone disease in grossly obese patients.

[Impact of obesity on postoperative results of elective laparoscopic colectomy in sigmoid diverticulitis: a prospective study]

STUDY AIM

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in normal weighted, overweighted and obese patients.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

From January 1995 to December 2000, all patients (n = 77) undergoing an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 29): normal weighted patients (BMI: 18-24.9); group 2 (n = 27): overweighted patients (BMI: 25.0-29.9); group 3 (n = 21): obese patients (BMI: 30.0-39.9). Comparison between these three groups was only made during the per and postoperative period.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the three groups with regard to age, sex and ASA classification. Duration of operation did not differ between group 1 and 2 (187 vs 210 min, P = 0.6) but was shorter in group 1 than in group 3 (187 vs 247 min, P = 0.003). Conversion rate did not differ and was respectively in group 1, 2 and 3: 13.8, 14.8 and 14.3%. The postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required was not different for group 1 and 2 but was longer in group 3 than in group 1 (8.5 vs 5.7 days, p = 0.03). Morbidity rate was similar in group 1, 2 and 3: 15, 14 and 17%. There was no perioperative mortality. Duration of hospital stay was similar in the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely to overweighted and obese patients.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy in obese women: a clinical prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To compare perioperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) in surgical management of gynecological conditions in two groups of different weight.

METHODS

A prospective comparative clinical study of 271 LH performed for disease of female pelvic organs in a group of 54 obese patients (over 30 body mass index (BMI)) and in a group of 217 non-obese patients (less than 30 BMI). The following criteria were assessed: patient characteristics, indications for surgery, previous surgery, presence of adhesions, duration of procedure, blood loss, weight of specimen, hospital stay and complications. Statistical analysis was performed using the unpaired t-test and non-parametric Chi-square test when appropriate, with a significance level of P=0.05.

RESULTS

Three non-obese patients were converted to laparotomy due to operative complications. Laparoscopy in the remaining 268 patients (98.89%) was completed successfully. There was no significant difference in estimated blood loss, presence and degree of adhesions, weight of specimen, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications between women with high BMI and those with low BMI. The rate of major operative complications (5.55% versus 3.22%) was higher in the obese group. The duration of the operation was longer in obese women. However, the significance of the difference was borderline (P=0.06).

Special problems in laparoscopic surgery. Previous abdominal surgery, obesity, and pregnancy

Previous surgery, obesity, and pregnancy should no longer be considered contraindications to laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons should exercise good judgement in patient selection, use meticulous surgical techniques, and prepare thoroughly for the planned procedure. Patients and surgeons should be aware of increased conversion rates. With these caveats in mind, these patients can still experience the advantages of minimally invasive surgery without increased risks.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy is safe and effective in obese patients: a comparative study of 55 procedures

OBJECTIVES

To compare the results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (RLN) in obese and nonobese patients, because various open surgical procedures have been reported to result in higher morbidity in obese patients.

METHODS

Forty-eight consecutive patients underwent 55 RLNs in one center by one surgeon. Twenty-two patients were renal transplant recipients and underwent a total of 29 RLNs of the native kidney. Eight patients (9 procedures) were obese (body mass index 30 or more). The duration of the procedure, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of stay were compared between the obese and nonobese patients.

RESULTS

The median operative duration was 100 and 70 minutes in the obese and nonobese patients, respectively. Three intraoperative complications occurred in nonobese patients. One postoperative complication (12. 5%) occurred in the obese patients; four (15.6%) occurred the nonobese patients. The median length of stay was 4 days for the obese and 3 days for the nonobese patients. The complication rate and postoperative length of stay were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

RLN in obese patients was not associated with higher morbidity or longer hospitalization than in nonobese patients. We believe that RLN should be proposed to such patients when nephrectomy of a small nonfunctional kidney is indicated.

Laparoscopy in morbidly obese patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of different insufflation methods in morbidly obese women undergoing laparoscopy.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 13 years' experience (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred thirty-eight morbidly obese women (weight >250 lbs, body mass index >36). The heaviest patient weighed 400 lbs and had a body mass index of 66.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic tubal sterilizations and diagnostic laparoscopies performed on an outpatient basis by residents under faculty supervision.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 138 patients, 36 underwent standard transumbilical insufflation with 5 failures, 83 had transuterine insufflation with 3 failures, 12 had subcostal insufflation with 1 failure, and 7 had open laparoscopy with 2 failures.

CONCLUSION

The insufflation failure rate was significantly high for transumbilical insufflation and open laparoscopy, and not for transuterine or subcostal insufflation. Morbid obesity was not a contraindication to laparoscopy. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 6(3):307-312, 1999)

Post-operative course after conventional or laparoscopic gastroplasty in morbidly obese patients

The post-operative period is particularly dangerous for obese patients. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate post-operative course after either laparoscopic or open gastroplasty. We studied retrospectively 20 and 14 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic or open adjustable silicone gastric banding, respectively. After the laparoscopic procedure, patients had a significantly shorter stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit (0.3 +/- 0.4 and 1.1 +/- 1 days), reduced analgesic requirements, a shorter period of intravenous catheter use (2.3 +/- 1.9 and 4.8 +/- 1.4 days), were able to walk sooner (1 +/- 0.4 and 2.1 +/- 1.6 days) and had a significantly shorter duration of in-hospital stay (5.4 +/- 2.3 and 15.8 +/- 4.5 days) than after an open procedure. This report suggests that the use of laparoscopy for gastroplasty in morbidity obese patients may significantly improve the immediate post-operative course.

Current trends in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Gallstone disease is still a major health problem worldwide. Open cholecystectomy was the standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones for more than 100 years. The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the late 1980s has led to dramatic changes in the management of gallstone disease. The aim of this review is to equip the general practitioner with the answers to questions a patient may ask about the current management of gallstones.

Laparoscopic surgery and its potential for medical complications

Laparoscopic surgery is very popular among physicians and patients because this technique is associated with safety, shorter hospital stay, early return to normal activity, and cosmetic acceptance of the operative scar. Although the procedure involves minimal invasion and tissue damage, it has potentially serious complications, including cardiopulmonary effects that result mainly from hypercarbia and raised intraabdominal pressure caused by pneumoperitoneum. Absorbed carbon dioxide from the peritoneal cavity tends to cause acidosis. Leakage of the gas into tissue spaces may induce subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium. Cardiac effects include arrhythmias, hypotension, cardiac arrest, gas embolism, pulmonary edema, and myocardial ischemia or infarction. Some of these effects, though rare, are serious and potentially fatal. Physicians should anticipate these problems in their patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. This review discusses the technique of and physiologic considerations in laparoscopic surgery as well as its potential complications.

An external audit of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the steady state performed in medical treatment facilities of the Department of Defense

OBJECTIVE

This study provides the first objective assessment of a complete patient population undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the steady state. The authors determined the frequency of complications, particularly bile duct, bowel, vascular injuries, and deaths.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

This retrospective study, conducted for the Department of Defense healthcare system by the Civilian External Peer Review Program, is the second complete audit of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data were collected on 9130 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 1993 and May 1994.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of clinical data abstracted from the complete records of 9054 (99.2%) of the 9130 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed at 94 military medical treatment facilities.

RESULTS

Of 10,458 cholecystectomies performed in the Military Health Services System, 9130 (87.3%) were laparoscopic and 1328 (12.7%) were traditional open procedures. Seventy-six medical records were incomplete: however, there was sufficient data to determine mortality and bile duct injury rates. Of the remaining 9054 cases, 6.09% experienced complications, including bile duct (0.41%), bowel (0.32%), and vascular injuries (0.10 percent). The mortality rate was 0.13%. Access via Veress technique was used in 57.6% and Hasson technique in 42.4% of patients. Intraoperative cholangiograms were performed in 42.7% of the cases with a success rate of 86.2%. Eight hundred ninety-two (9.8%) patients were converted to open cholecystectomies.

CONCLUSIONS

In the steady state, despite an increase in the percentage of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed for nonmalignant gallbladder disease, there continues to be minimal complications and low mortality.

Conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. An analysis of risk factors

BACKGROUND

Identifying patients who are at risk for conversion from laparoscopic (LC) to open cholecystectomy (OC) has proven to be difficult. The purpose of this review was to identify factors that may be predictive of cases which will require conversion to laparotomy for completion of cholecystectomy.

METHODS

We reviewed 581 LCs initiated between July 1990 and August 1993 at a university medical center and recorded reasons for conversion to OC. Statistical analysis was then performed to identify factors predictive of increased risk for conversion.

RESULTS

Of the 581 LC initiated, 45 (8%) required OC for completion. Reasons for conversion included technical and mandatory reasons and equipment failure. By multivariate analysis, statistically significant risk factors for conversion included increasing age, acute cholecystitis, a history of previous upper abdominal surgery, and being a patient at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Factors not increasing risk of conversion included gender and operating surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that no factor alone can reliably predict unsuccessful LC, but that combinations of increasing age, acute cholecystitis, previous upper abdominal surgery, and VAMC patient result in high conversion rates. Patients with the defined risk factors may be counseled on the increased likelihood of conversion. However, LC can be safely initiated for gallbladder removal with no excess morbidity or mortality should conversion be required.

The difficult laparoscopy

As others have emphasized, a progressive and structured training process is necessary to understand and avoid the potential pitfalls of laparoscopy. A surgeon who is poorly trained or has minimal skills and experience finds that many cases are "difficult." Nevertheless, even those with appropriate skill and experience encounter intellectual and technical challenges in laparoscopy. It is also very important to realize that some procedures simply should not be done laparoscopically. A review of 77,604 laparoscopic cholecystectomies documented that more than half the deaths were from technical complications occurring during the procedure. Traditional methods of surgery may have their own characteristics of limitations and morbidity, but in most cases, the old operation might still be a very good one in the face of unfavorable laparoscopic conditions.

The impact of previous abdominal surgery on outcome following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The first 1000 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) at our institution were reviewed to investigate the impact of previous abdominal surgery on LC. The 454 patients having no previous abdominal surgery (NS) were compared to the 541 patients who had previous surgery (PS). PS patients were older, more likely to be female, and had a higher ASA risk category. PS patients had a higher incidence of wound infection, but in all other parameters of outcome, including operative duration and completion, length of hospitalization, and morbidity, there were no significant differences between PS and NS. When PS patients with previous upper abdominal surgery (PUAS, n = 59) were separately compared to the remainder of the entire patient group (NUAS, n = 936), the PUAS group was found to be older, to be more likely to be male, and to have a higher ASA risk category. PUAS patients had a longer postoperative hospitalization, and an increased incidence of intraoperative, postoperative, and total complications, readmissions to the hospital, and unrelated deaths. We conclude previous lower abdominal surgery has little impact on the outcome of patients undergoing LC while previous upper abdominal surgery is associated with increased morbidity.

Complications of therapeutic laparoscopy

Laparoscopic surgery holds great promise as a technique for reducing hospital stay and convalescence. Although advantages in hospital cost cannot be shown for all such procedures, improvements in technique and operator experience will undoubtedly improve the situation. Analysis of the pertinent physiologic aspects and complication rates indicates that laparoscopy is not minimally invasive, but rather exposes the patient to many of the risks normally incurred by open procedures. Enthusiasm for the use of these techniques must be tempered by good judgment and scientific evidence supporting equivalent or better long-term results at equal or lower rates of morbidity and mortality.

Laparoscopic surgery--anesthetic implications

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively new surgical procedure which is enjoying ever-increasing popularity and presenting new anesthetic challenges. The advantages of shorter hospital stay and more rapid return to normal activities are combined with less pain associated with the small limited incisions and less postoperative ileus compared with the traditional open cholecystectomy. The efficacy of laparoscopic appendectomy and hemicolectomy has been recently evaluated. However, there have been no prospective randomized studies to date comparing laparoscopic with traditional laparotomy techniques. The physiological effects of prolonged pneumoperitoneum and the longer duration of surgery with the laparoscopic techniques are of concern. The application of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair may be limited because, unlike traditional surgical hepair, general anesthesia is required and concerns have been expressed about the duration of surgery and the possibility of hernia recurrence. Notwithstanding case reports and series describing successful diaphragmatic and hiatus hernia repair using a laparoscopic surgical technique, the frequently encountered complications of cervical surgical emphysema, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum, attributed to passage of insufflating gas through weak points or defects in the diaphragm, must be of major concern. Anesthesiologists must maintain a high index of suspicion for these potential complication and must undertake appropriate monitoring. If there is clinical evidence of a tension pneumothorax, immediate chest tube decompression is indicated. Intraoperative complications of laparoscopic surgery are mostly due to traumatic injuries sustained during blind trocar insertion and physiological changes associated with patient positioning and pneumoperitoneum creation. The choice of anesthetic technique for upper abdominal laparoscopic procedures is most frequently limited to general anesthesia. Controlled ventilation avoids hypercarbia, and an anesthetic technique incorporating antiemetics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents has reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The use of nitrous oxide during laparoscopic procedures remains controversial. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a major advance in the management of patients with symptomatic gall-bladder disease. However, in the present era of cost containment, older and sicker patients may present for this procedure on the day of surgery without adequate preoperative evaluation. Anesthesiologists should thus be prepared to recommend deflation of the pneumoperitoneum and possibly conversion to an open procedure if hemodynamic, oxygenation, or ventilation difficulties arise during the procedure.

A retrospective analysis of laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies

A total of 686 consecutive cases were reviewed for comparison between open cholecystectomy (OC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The procedures were performed by the teaching surgical service of a community hospital. Between March 1989 and December 1992, 381 patients had LC, 262 had OC, and 43 patients had attempted LC that was converted to open cholecystectomy (CONV). Postoperative hospital stay for LC was 2.9 +/- 3.7 days (range 12 h to 28 days) and was significantly less than those for OC (12.4 +/- 23.6 days) or CONV (8 +/- 8.3 days) (p < 0.0001). Patients who had LC revealed meaningfully decreased perioperative or postoperative antibiotic use, postoperative temperature elevations, and hospitalization when compared to OC or CONV (p < 0.0001). Bile duct injury was 0.26% with LC and 0.38% with OC. The percentage of postoperative bile leakage was 0.79% and 0.38% for LC and OC, respectively. LC cases were associated with lower complication rates when compared to OC or CONV (p < 0.005). No deaths were observed with LC (0%). However, the mortality rate for OC was 1.5%. The results of LC were more favorable than those of OC and CONV with respect to complications, morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay. Based on our experience, the patient outcome for LC was superior to OC.

Is previous abdominal surgery a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Previous abdominal surgery has been reported as a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. An analysis of 193 laparoscopic cholecystectomies was undertaken to determine whether this relative contraindication led to increased morbidity, an increased rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, or longer operating time. The results of 55 patients who had previous abdominal surgery were compared with those of 138 patients without previous abdominal surgery. Morbidity, conversion rate, and operating time were not increased in patients with previous abdominal surgery. We found both previous upper and previous lower abdominal surgery to be risk for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in patients with previous abdominal surgery if we (1) use the cutdown technique initially, (2) dissect the adhesion before the upper midline port is inserted, (3) retrogradely dissect the gallbladder from the liver bed, and (4) divide the cystic artery and duct last.

Controversies in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: contraindications, cholangiography, pregnancy and avoidance of complications

The rapid adoption of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by the world of general surgery is remarkable. The experience of the first five years has done much to promote the safety and efficacy of this important procedure. As experience continues to accumulate, there will be more data to establish the contraindications, the proper role of cholangiography and the best means of avoiding complications. Improved tools and technical aids will also improve surgeons' ability to safely perform this procedure for their patients.

A novel means of securing a laparoscopic port in the obese patient

Advanced interventional laparoscopy has necessitated the development of a vast array of new equipment, but inevitably some of this equipment has had to be adapted to specific patient needs. Standard laparoscopic ports may be too short for use in obese patients. We describe a technique using a Portex endotracheal tube as an over-tube, which will overcome this problem.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient can expect a hospital stay of < 2 days and a return to work within 2 weeks. The associated operative mortality rate is low at < 0.2 per cent. The increased incidence of bile duct injury with the laparoscopic technique compared with open cholecystectomy is a cause for concern but such injuries should decrease with proper training in laparoscopic surgery. The use of operative cholangiography (whether routine, selective or never) is controversial but there is no evidence that routine cholangiography will prevent major bile duct injury.

Effect of nonbiliary problems on laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be performed safely in most patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. There are few absolute contraindications to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Many relative contraindications exist, which relate to the surgeon's experience and the ability of the operating team to manage potential complications. Preoperative evaluation should assess the potential nonbiliary problems that affect the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including severe cardiopulmonary disease, coagulopathy, cirrhosis, and pregnancy. Since most therapeutic laparoscopic procedures are currently performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum, the physiologic effects of the elevated abdominal pressure and absorbed CO2 must be understood by the surgeon. Specific nonbiliary problems addressed in this review are cardiopulmonary disease, hypercortisolism, cirrhosis and portal hypertension, morbid obesity, previous abdominal surgery, and pregnancy.