Evolution of SILS Cholecystectomy in the Caribbean: The Direct Transfascial Puncture Technique Using Conventional Instruments without Working Ports

Conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy versus transumbilical and suprapubic single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy using only conventional laparoscopic instruments

PURPOSE

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) is usually performed using single-port instruments, which may restrict its development and application. This study explored the performance of transumbilical SILA (TSILA) and suprapubic SILA (SSILA) using only conventional laparoscopic instruments and compared them with conventional three-hole/port laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 174 patients who underwent CLA, TSILA, or SSILA for acute appendicitis at our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

Compared with CLA, TSILA was associated with significant reductions in postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost, while SSILA was associated with significant reductions in length of hospital stay and hospital cost (all P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the two SILA groups were cosmetically satisfied than those in the CLA group (all P < 0.05). However, compared with CLA, SSILA required a significantly longer operative time (65.3 ± 24.1 vs 56.5 ± 20.9, P = 0.039). Besides, compared with TSILA, SSILA showed significantly higher postoperative pain score (2 ± 2 vs 3 ± 2, P = 0.006). Mild incisional or intraabdominal infections were noticed in 2 (3.0%) patients in the CLA group, 3 (5.1%) in the TSILA group, and 3 (6.3%) in the SSILA group (P = 0.69).

CONCLUSION

SILA performed with only conventional laparoscopic instruments was associated with reduced hospital stay and cost and higher cosmetic satisfaction in comparison to CLA. However, it is technically demanding and may increase operative time.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery: Feasibility of the Direct Fascial Puncture Technique Without Working Trocars

Introduction

As single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) became popular, many access platforms and techniques emerged. When we initially described the direct fascial puncture (DFP) technique, many suggested it was not practical for three reasons: (1) increased hernia formation, (2) inability to complete operations without instrument changes and (3) insurmountable instrument drag. This study sought to determine whether the technique was a feasible approach by evaluating the outcomes with DFP-SILS in a single surgeon unit.

Methods

This was a retrospective audit of all consecutive patients who had unselected SILS operations by a single surgeon. For the DFP-SILS operation, a single optical trocar was used at the umbilicus, a second was rail-roaded beside the optical trocar and a third was directly passed across the fascia at the left-lateral extent of the skin wound. We recorded the number of conversions or failed operations and examined the patients routinely after operation to evaluate for incisional herniae.

Results

There were 50 DFP-SILS operations performed: 37 cholecystectomies, 12 appendectomies and one jejunal resection. The operations were successful in all cases with no conversions or mortality recorded. One patient (2%) developed a superficial surgical site infection after SILS-DFP appendectomy. The therapeutic outcomes were comparable to existing series of multi-port laparoscopy. There were no incisional herniae detected.

Conclusion

Even in the resource-poor setting, SILS operations are feasible and safe using the DFP technique. The theoretic concerns have not been realized in clinical practice.

Impact of a medical university on laparoscopic surgery in a service-oriented public hospital in the Caribbean

INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean lags behind global trends for volume and complexity of laparoscopic operations. In an attempt to promote laparoscopy at a single facility, a partnership was formed between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Port of Spain General Hospital in Trinidad and Tobago. This study seeks to document the effect of this partnership on laparoscopic practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this partnership, the UWI took the bold step of volunteering to staff a surgical team if the Ministry of Health provided the necessary legislative changes. On August 1, 2013, a UWI team was introduced with a mandate to optimize teaching and promote laparoscopic surgery. The UWI team had a similar staff complement to the existing service-oriented teams. There was no immediate investment in equipment, hospital beds, ICU beds, or operating room space. Therefore, the new team was introduced with limited change in existing conditions, resources, and equipment.

RESULTS

There were 252 laparoscopic operations performed over the study period. After introduction of the UWI team, there was an increase in the mean number of unselected laparoscopic operations (3.17 vs 10.83 cases per month; P<0.001; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -8.5 to -6.84; standard error of the difference [SED] 0.408), the mean number of basic laparoscopic operations (3.17 vs 6.94 cases per month; P<0.0001; 95% CI -4.096 to -3.444; SED 0.165), the mean number of advanced laparoscopic operations (0 vs 3.89; P<0.0001), the number of teams undertaking unselected laparoscopic operations (2 vs 5), and the number of teams independently performing advanced laparoscopic operations (0 vs 4).

CONCLUSION

At this facility, we have demonstrated a significant increase in laparoscopic case volume and complexity when partnerships were formed between the UWI and this service-oriented hospital. Continued cross-fertilization and distribution of skill sets across the surgical community can reasonably be expected. We also identified maneuvers that can be used as a template to build laparoscopic services in other service-oriented hospitals in developing nations.

Advancement of laparoscopic surgery in Guyana: a working model for developing countries

In the late 20th century, the volume and complexity of laparoscopic operations being performed have increased worldwide. However, surgical practice lagged behind in the Caribbean region. This article reports a tailored approach to initiate advanced laparoscopy in Guyana, which can be used as a model to initiate laparoscopic services in other developing nations. This can be achieved in four stages: 1) relying on regional proctors to teach laparoscopic techniques adapted to resource-poor environments, 2) focusing on developing skill sets such as laparoscopic suturing in order to rely less on expensive consumables, 3) creating partnerships that include all stakeholders, and 4) collaborating with regional experts as a valuable resource for continued medical education, multidisciplinary support, and sharing learning experiences.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed via the “Marionette” Technique Shows Equivalence in Outcome and Cost to Standard Four Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Selected Patient Population

The aim of our study is to compare single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) performed using the “marionette” technique (m-SILC), to the standard four-port technique [four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4PLC)]. Patient information was extracted from a prospectively maintained database (n = 188). Our primary endpoint was operative costs (determined by operating time and instruments used). Secondary endpoints were length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complication rates. Univariate and adjusted multivariate analysis was used to compare the outcomes. There were a total of 188 patients for this study. Gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and resident participation were similar. Patients undergoing m-SILC were younger (43.8 vs 49.8 years old), less likely to have cholangiogram (32% vs 54%), and were more likely to undergo cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis (73.3% vs 52%). In univariate analysis, cholecystectomy performed by the “marionette method” as compared with the 4PLC was associated with shorter operative time (67 vs 59 minutes respectively) and shorter hospital stay (1.2 vs 2.08 days respectively). In multivariate analysis, SILC was associated with shorter hospital stay and comparable operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Instrumentation cost was less in SILC (by $94). SILC done by an experienced surgeon with the “marionette” technique on a carefully selected population shows a statistically significant cost benefit while maintaining clinically comparable outcomes to the standard 4PLC.

Colonic Foreign Body Retrieval Using a Modified TAMIS Technique with Standard Instruments and Trocars

Background. Reports of retained colorectal foreign bodies (CFBs) are no longer considered uncommon. We present a case where a retained CFB was retrieved using a modified TAMIS technique using standard instruments and trocars. Case Report. A 52-year-old man presented with a CFB. We report our technique of extraction with standard laparoscopic instruments without specialized access platforms. Conclusions. This modified TAMIS technique is well suited for resource poor environments because it requires no specialized equipment, platforms, or additional skill sets compared to conventional laparoscopy.