Evaluation of a bipolar radiofrequency device for laparoscopic hepatic resection: technique and clinical experience in 18 patients

Feasibility Study of a Newly Developed Hybrid Energy Device Used During Laparoscopic Liver Resection in a Porcine Model

BACKGROUND

Although various devices have been clinically used for laparoscopic liver resection (LLR), the best device for liver parenchymal transection remains unknown. Olympus Corp (Tokyo, Japan) developed a laparoscopic hybrid pencil (LHP) device, which is the first electric knife to combine ultrasound and electric energy with a monopolar output. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using the LHP device and to compare it with the laparoscopic monopolar pencil (LMP) and laparoscopic ultrasonic shears (LUS) devices for LLR in a porcine model.

METHODS

Nine male piglets underwent laparoscopic liver lobe transections using each device. The operative parameters were evaluated in the 3 groups (n = 24 lobes) during the acute study period. The imaging findings from contrast-enhanced computed tomography and histopathological findings of autopsy on postoperative day 7 were compared among groups (n = 6 piglets) during the long-term study.

RESULTS

The transection time was shorter ( P = .001); there was less blood loss ( P = .018); and tip cleaning ( P < .001) and instrument changes were less often required ( P < .001) in the LHP group than in the LMP group. The LHP group had fewer instances of bleeding ( P < .001) and coagulator usage ( P < .001) than did the LUS group. In the long-term study, no postoperative adverse events occurred in the 3 groups. The thermal spread and depth of the LHP device were equivalent to those of the LMP and LUS devices (vs LMP: P = .226 and .159; vs LUS: P = 1.000 and .574).

CONCLUSIONS

The LHP device may be an efficient device for LLR if it can be applied to human surgery.

A new technique for hepatic parenchymal transection using an articulating bipolar 5 cm radiofrequency device: results from the first 100 procedures

BACKGROUND

Parenchymal transection(PT) still remains a challenge in liver resection. The outcomes of the first experience of a novel vessel-sealer for hepatic transection were assessed.

METHODS

A bipolar articulating vessel-sealer (Caiman^®, Aesculap Inc., Center Valley, PA) was used in 100 liver resections through both open (OLR) and laparoscopic (LLR) approaches. All data were prospectively collected into an IRB-approved department database, and clinical, surgical and perioperative parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients underwent OLR and 50 patients underwent LLR. Eighty hepatectomies were performed for malignancy. Median number of tumors was 1, with the largest focus measuring an average of 5.1 cm. Forty-nine of the procedures were major liver resections. Parenchymal transection time was 29.9 ± 3.1 min in OLR and 29.9 ± 3.6 min in LLR. Median estimated blood loss was 300 cc (Inter-quartile range (IQR) 100-575 cc). Median hospital stay was 6 days for open and 3 days for laparoscopic procedures. Ninety-day complication rate was 8% without any mortality. Bile leak rate was 4%. Staplers were used for parenchymal transection in 16 cases.

CONCLUSION

This study introduces a new multifunctional device into the armamentarium of the liver surgeon. In our experience, this device facilitated the parenchymal transection by adding speed and consolidating the amount of instrumentation used in liver resection without increasing complications.

Evaluation of a new energy device for parenchymal transection in laparoscopic liver resection

INTRODUCTION

THUNDERBEAT (TB) is a novel device that uses both ultrasonic and advanced bipolar energies for hemostasis. Several recent human studies have proved the safety and efficacy of TB in different surgical procedures, but there have been no similar studies about its efficacy in hepatic parenchymal transection. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the TB device in laparoscopic liver resection.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared TB and ultrasonic Harmonic devices in 80 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection from 2010 to 2016 in our institution. To reduce the selection bias, the two groups were matched in a 1-to-2 ratio on the basis of propensity scores.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the preoperative patient characteristics between the two groups. The extent of liver resection was comparable between the groups. Although the Harmonic group's intraoperative blood loss and operative time were less than that of the TB group, the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.08, P = 0.32, respectively). Postoperative complications, mortality within 90 days, and hospital stay were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

TB is as safe and effective for parenchymal transection in laparoscopic hepatectomy as ultrasonic devices, but it is not a superior alternative.

Intratumoral coagulation by radiofrequency ablation facilitated the laparoscopic resection of giant hepatic hemangioma: a surgical technique report of two cases

Background

Traditionally, open hepatic resection is the first choice of treatment for symptomatic enlarging hepatic hemangiomas, which requires a large abdominal incision and is associated with substantial recovery time and morbidity. Minimally invasive laparoscopic resection has been used recently in liver surgery for treating selected hepatic hemangiomas. However, laparoscopic liver surgery poses the significant technical challenges and high rate of conversion. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been proved feasible in the treatment of hepatic hemangiomas with a size range of 5.0-9.9 cm. It is controversial to treat giant hepatic hemangiomas (≥10.0 cm) by means of RF ablation, due to the low technique success rate and high incidence of ablation-related complications. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of combined laparoscopic resection with intratumoral RF-induced coagulation for giant hepatic hemangiomas.

Methods

We treated 2 patients with giant subcapsular hepatic hemangioma (12.0 cm and 13.1 cm in diameters respectively) by laparoscopic resection following intratumoral coagulation of the tumor with RF ablation.

Results

Blood loss during resection was 100 ml (case 1) and 300ml (case 2) respectively. No blood transfusion and dialysis were needed during perioperative period. The two patients were discharged 6 days (case 1) and 12 days (case 2) after surgery without any complications, respectively. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT follow up showed there was no residual tumor.

Conclusions

It is feasible to treat giant subcapsular hepatic hemangioma by laparoscopic tumor resection boosted by intratumoral coagulation using RF ablation, which may open a new avenue for treating giant hemangioma.

A prospective study of in vivo and ex vivo sealing of the human inferior mesenteric artery using an electrothermal bipolar vessel-sealing device

BACKGROUND

Mesenteric vascular ligation is a critical step in minimally invasive colorectal surgery. This study assessed the quality of in vivo and ex vivo sealing of the human inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), as well as the relation of IMA stump and bursting pressure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective experimental study in a tertiary-care teaching hospital. In total, 25 patients were included in the study. For the main outcome measures, bursting pressures were measured for each specimen. Ten freshly sealed specimens were histologically assessed for seal quality and lateral thermal damage.

RESULTS

We evaluated 54 specimens from 25 patients for bursting pressure, of which 25 were primary sealed vessels (sealed in vivo at surgery) and 29 were secondary sealed vessels (sealed in the laboratory). The mean bursting pressure was 862 mm Hg. The mean diameter was 4 mm (range, 3-5 mm) with a standard deviation of 1 mm. Pearson correlation showed no correlation between diameter and bursting pressure (P=.187) or the length and bursting pressure (P=.247). There was no statistically significant difference in bursting pressures in the four groups of vessels based on length. One calcified vessel had a significantly lower bursting pressure of 89 mm Hg. There was no intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. Ten sealed specimens were sent for histological evaluation, which showed mean lateral thermal damage of 0.57 mm (range, 0-1.75 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

The bursting pressure in IMAs sealed with a bipolar device is significantly higher than physiological pressures; thus, the device can be safely used in sealing the vessel during colorectal surgery. Additionally, the length of the vessel stump does not correlate with the bursting pressures. Care needs to be taken when the vessel is calcified, which can be a potential cause of a weak seal.

What is the best technique in parenchymal transection in laparoscopic liver resection? Comprehensive review for the clinical question on the 2nd International Consensus Conference on Laparoscopic Liver Resection

The continuing evolution of technique and devices used in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has allowed successful application of this minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of liver disease. However, the type of instruments by energy sources and technique used vary among each institution. We reviewed the literature to seek the best technique for parenchymal transection, which was proposed as one of the important clinical question in the 2nd International Consensus Conference on LLR held on October 2014. While publications have described transection techniques used in LLR from 1991 to June 2014, it is difficult to specify the best technique and device for laparoscopic hepatic parenchymal transection, owing to a lack of randomized trials with only a small number of comparative studies. However, it is clear that instruments should be used in combination with others based on their functions and the depth of liver resection. Most authors have reported using staplers to secure and divide major vessels. Preparation for prevention of unexpected hemorrhaging particularly in liver cirrhosis, the Pringle's maneuver and prompt technique for hemostasis should be performed. We conclude that hepatobiliary surgeons should select techniques based on their familiarity with a concrete understanding of instruments and individualize to the procedure of LLR.

What kind of energy devices should be used for laparoscopic liver resection? Recommendations from a systematic review

Transection methods and hemostasis achievement have an impact on blood loss, and consequently on outcome and survival. However, no consensus exists on parenchymal transection or hemostasis techniques in laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). The aim of this review is to clarify the role of energy devices (ED) in LLR. ED is a generator of mechanic or electric energy transfer to an operating tool, used for transection, sealing or both. Searches were performed in PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, Embase, Google Scholar in human or animal experimental models. Each study quality was graded following the GRADE system. From 1996 to 2014, 30 studies were found: five comparative, one prospective, two case-control, and 16 case series and some case reports, with level of evidence ranging from Moderate to Very Low. Since 2012, the Research and Development of new tools raised quicker than clinical studies could follow. The two main techniques emerged are blind transection versus sharp dissection: due to the low quality and heterogeneity of the studies, no firm conclusion can be drawn, but meticulous dissection of vessels usually never leads to vascular damage. As a matter of fact, ED, though efficient and reliable, cannot replace the basic skills of hepatic surgery: sharp dissection, vascular control and elective sealing.

Bleeding control during laparoscopic liver resection: a review of literature

Despite the established advantages of laparoscopy, bleeding control during laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is a liver-specific improvement. The 2nd International Consensus Conference on Laparoscopic Liver Resection was held in October 2014 at Morioka, Japan. One of the most capital questions was: What is essential in bleeding control during LLR? In order to correctly address this question, we conducted a comprehensive review of the literature. Essential points based on personal experience of the expert panel are also discussed. A total of 54 publications were identified. Based on this analysis, the working group built these recommendations: (1) a pneumoperitoneum of 10-14 mmHg should be used as it allows a good control of the bleeding without significant modifications of hemodynamics; (2) a low central venous pressure (<5 mmHg) should be used; (3) laparoscopy facilitates inflow and outflow control; and (4) surgeons should be experienced with the use of all surgical devices for liver transection and should master laparoscopic suture before starting LLR. Precoagulation with radiofrequency can be useful, particularly in cases of atypical resection. These recommendations are mostly based on experts' opinions and on B or C quality of evidence grade studies. More prospective data are required to confirm these results.

A novel liver parenchyma transection technique using locking straight rigid ties. An experimental study in pigs

INTRODUCTION

Technological advances have led to the development of many devices used in liver resections. However, no single transection tool is uniformly considered to be better than the others. This study aimed to develop an effective, fast, and cost-efficient technique for hepatic parenchymal transection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A liver parenchyma compression device in the form of a locking straight rigid tie (LoStRiT) was newly developed. Twelve pigs were distributed into two groups. The control group ( n = 6) comprised animals that underwent hepatectomy using the standard Kelly-clysis technique. The study group (n = 6) comprised animals that underwent hepatectomy using sequential LoStRiT mechanisms. The transection speed, blood loss, and biloma formation were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean parenchymal transection speed was 1.27 ± 0.27 cm(2)/min for the control group and 2.39 ± 0.56 cm(2)/min for the LoStRiT group ( p = .003). The mean blood loss per kilogram of body weight was 9.8 ± 5.2 ml/kg for the control group and 3.9 ± 0.9 ml/kg for the LoStRiT group ( p = .040). No bilomas were identified.

CONCLUSION

LoStRiT hepatectomy appears to be effective, fast, and reproducible in a porcine model of liver resection. Further development of this novel and potentially cost-efficient technique includes construction of the device using absorbable materials.

Evaluation of the novel bipolar vessel sealing and cutting device BiCision® in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Energy-based technologies for tissue sealing and cutting are increasingly supplementing current standards used for haemostasis and dissection during laparoscopic surgery. For their safe and efficacious use in clinical practice, these instruments have to guarantee sufficient burst resistance and low thermal damage to adjacent tissue in combination with good cutting characteristics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The novel laparoscopic, bipolar electrosurgical sealing and cutting instrument BiCision® was compared to a commercially available laparoscopic device (EnSeal(™)) on visceral and peripheral arteries and veins in an animal model.

RESULTS

For all parameters investigated (burst pressure, cut quality, tissue adhering to the instrument, time needed to seal and cut the vessel and thermal damage), BiCision® was at least as good as EnSeal(™). Regarding the burst pressure, BiCision® was superior over EnSeal(™) in arteries: 600 mmHg (±478) versus 241 (±269) mmHg, respectively (p < 0.0001*). In veins, almost equivalent burst pressures of 155 ± 134 mmHg (BiCision®) and 173 ± 139 mmHg (EnSeal(™)) were obtained.

CONCLUSION

BiCision® appeared to be as good as or even superior to EnSeal(™). Since EnSeal(™) has already been shown to be safe and has been successfully used in clinical practice, BiCision® is assumed to be as efficient and reliable as EnSeal(™) under pre-clinical conditions.

Initial experience using a bipolar radiofrequency ablation device for hemostasis during thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel bipolar radiofrequency ablation (BRFA) device using nanotechnology for division of all named vessels during thyroidectomy.

METHODS

All thyroidectomies from January 2008 to July 2010 at a single institution used the BRFA device (EnSeal, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH) for hemostasis. Clinicopathologic data and complications were recorded and compared with existing literature using other energy devices.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight thyroidectomies were performed. Mean age was 54.7 years, and mean operating room time was 81 minutes. The average estimated blood loss was 46 mL. Ninety percent of patients were discharged in <23 hours. There were no hemorrhages. There was 1 recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and 1 case of transient hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSION

This first small series using the BRFA device reveals initial safety and effectiveness for thyroid hemostasis, and warrants further study. The minimal thermal spread inherent in this device may make it an attractive option when structures such as the RLN may be near the zone of hemostasis.