Systematic Video Documentation in Laparoscopic Colon Surgery Using a Checklist: A Feasibility and Compliance Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

High-quality images can be readily captured during laparoscopic colon surgery, but there are no guidelines for documentation of these video data or how to best measure surgical quality from an operative video. This study evaluates the feasibility and compliance in documenting key steps during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of previously recorded videos of patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy or sigmoid colectomy from September to December 2011 in a single institution was performed. Patients' demographics, intraoperative features, postoperative complications, and variables for video recording and editing were collected. Compliance of key surgical steps was assessed using a checklist by two independent surgeons.

RESULTS

Sixteen laparoscopic operations (seven right hemicolectomies and nine sigmoid colectomies) were recorded. Twelve (75%) were laparoscopic-assisted, and four (25%) were hand-assisted laparoscopic operations. Compliance with key surgical steps in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy was demonstrated in the majority of patients, with steps ranging in compliance from 42.9% to 100% and from 77.8% to 100%, respectively. The edited video had a median duration of 3 minutes 47 seconds (range, 1 minute 44 seconds-5 minutes 38 seconds) with a production time of nearly 1 hour and a resolution of 1440 × 1080 pixels.

CONCLUSIONS

Key surgical steps during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy can be documented and edited into a short representative video. Standardization of this process should allow video documentation to improve quality in laparoscopic colon surgery.

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Colon Surgery Performed Under Intravenous Sedation and Local Anesthesia Using Microinvasive (<3 mm) Instruments: An Acute and Survival Study on Porcine Model

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing laparoscopic intestinal surgery using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation with instruments <3 mm in diameter.

METHODS

Porcine model with acute (n = 2) and the survival studies (n = 8): all female pigs, weight (median 36.4 kg, range 33.2-38.4 kg). Surgeries were performed using only intravenous sedation with ketamine-midazolam and local anesthetic infiltration at the sites of trocar insertion, with airway protection. CO2 pneumoperitoneum was maintained using pressure of 3 to 5 mm Hg. Commercially available instruments, sizes <3 mm in diameter were used. Surgical steps were as follows: (a) exploration of all quadrants of the abdomen and pelvis, (b) "running" the entire length of small bowel, (c) dissection of bowel attachments to the peritoneal sidewall, and (d) creating a 2.5 cm enterotomy in the colon and suture repair of this defect.

RESULTS

All 10 surgeries were completed successfully. Animals tolerated the procedure well, with no requirement of intubation. There were no decrements in vital signs during pneumoperitoneum or surgery. Despite spontaneous respiration movements, all planned surgical maneuvers were feasible. The median length of operations was 74 minutes (range 56-165 minutes). All survival animals had an uneventful recovery; there were no infectious complications, oral intake and bowel function returned within 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears feasible and safe to perform simple laparoscopic intestinal procedures using instruments <3 mm in diameter and low CO2 insufflation pressure under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. This methodology holds promise in the development of new approaches to intestinal surgery and disease diagnosis.

The influence of obesity on short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer: a case-matched study of 152 patients

BACKGROUND

Despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and colonic diseases, the impact of obesity on short-term and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery still remains unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-six consecutive obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2) who underwent laparoscopic colectomy were matched with 76 nonobese patients with BMI <30 kg/m(2). Perioperative parameters and oncologic outcomes were analyzed in the two groups.

RESULTS

Obesity was associated with greater operative time (obese vs nonobese, 182 ± 59 vs 157 ± 55 min, P = .0084) and multivariate analysis identified BMI (hazard ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 0.64-3.56, P = .0049) as an independent predicting factor for operative time together with cancer location (hazard ratio 28.6, 95% confidence interval 14.62-42.51, P < .0001). Obesity had no adverse influence on overall morbidity (25 vs 21%, P = .563), however, or postoperative duration of stay (median 6.0 vs 5.5 days, P = .22). Furthermore, the rate of conversion to open procedure was similar between the two groups (9 vs 9%, P > .99). Regarding oncologic outcomes, there was no statistical difference in overall and disease-free survival between the two groups (5-year overall survival rate 86 vs 89%, P = .72, 5-year disease survival rate 70 vs 77%, P = .70).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colonic resection, when performed for selected patients, appears to be a safe and reasonable option in obese patients with colon cancer resulting in similar short-term and oncologic outcomes as nonobese patients.

Experience of a specialist centre in the management of anastomotic sinus following leaks after low rectal or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis with diverting stoma

AIM

The natural history and appropriate management of anastomotic sinus has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, management and outcomes of anastomotic sinus.

METHOD

The medical records of all patients who underwent a low anterior resection (LAR) or an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with a diverting loop ileostomy (LI) and with contrast enema performed before planned stoma closure between 2001 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The radiological features of the sinus tract, treatment and outcome of anastomotic sinus were studied.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (8.2%) were found to have anastomotic sinuses out of the total of 244 patients who had undergone LAR (n = 146) or IPAA (n = 98) with LI. Of these, 13 (65%) had prior symptomatic leaks, while seven did not. Twelve patients (60%) were found to have simple sinus tracts, while eight had complex sinuses (associated with either pelvic cavities or severe strictures). Five patients with simple tracts were treated with observation alone. Fifteen patients underwent surgical interventions. Overall, with a median follow-up of 28 (6-73) months, 16 patients (80%) had resolution of their sinuses. All of 12 patients (100%) with simple sinus tracts and four of eight patients (50%) with complex sinuses underwent successful stoma reversals after 8 (3.5-24) months following the initial surgery (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Patients with simple tracts are significantly more likely to have complete resolution of sinuses than patients with complex sinuses. Persistent sinus associated with either a pelvic cavity or severe stricture despite surgical intervention is likely to lead to a permanent stoma.

Is laparoscopic surgery an option to support prophylactic colectomy in adolescent patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic surgery is still considered the standard treatment for patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Laparoscopic (Lap) surgery has been introduced as an alternative approach. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and short- to long-term outcomes after prophylactic FAP surgery in adolescent.

PROCEDURES

A retrospective review of a database of adolescent patients with FAP identified through the Hereditary Colorectal Tumor Registry in a single Institution between 2005 and 2011. Patients underwent Lap total colectomy (TC) with ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA) or proctocolectomy (PC) with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). The main outcomes were: Hospital stay, postoperative complications, desmoid tumor rates, tumor recurrence, long-term complications.

RESULTS

Sixteen consecutive patients with median age 16 (range 13-19) and median BMI 22 (17-29) underwent surgery. [correction made here after initial online publication]. Of them 14 patients had LAP TC with IRA and 2 had PC with IPAA. Operative time (median, range) was TC/IRA 270 (210-330) minutes; PC/IPAA 370 (360-380) minutes. Length of extraction site was cm (median, range) 6(5-8). Lymph Node harvest (median, range) 81 (32-139). Postoperative stay days (median, range) were 6 (4-24). Five patients (31.2%) showed dysplasia on the pathological report and 3 of them showed severe dysplasia. Median follow-up time (FU) was 39 months, range (10-82). The anastomotic leak rate for 30 days was 2 (12.5%). Pouch failure was 0. Post-surgical desmoid tumors rate was 1 (6.2%) and there was no tumor recurrence. Anastomotic stricture, SBO and mortality were zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Lap approach is feasible and shows acceptable postoperative outcomes. Lap surgery can be an appealing alternative for prophylactic surgery in adolescent FAP patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1223-1228. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the safety, efficacy, and versatility of a new surgical energy device (THUNDERBEAT) in comparison with Harmonic ACE, LigaSure V, and EnSeal devices in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

THUNDERBEAT™ (TB) (Olympus, Japan) simultaneously delivers ultrasonically generated frictional heat energy and electrically generated bipolar energy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the versatility, bursting pressure, thermal spread, and dissection time of the TB compared with commercially available devices: Harmonic(®) ACE (HA) (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, USA), LigaSure™ V (LIG) (Covidien, USA), and EnSeal(®) (Ethicon).

METHODS

An acute study was done with 10 female Yorkshire pigs (weighing 30-35 kg). Samples 2 cm long of small (2-3 mm)-, medium (4-5 mm)-, and large (6-7 mm)-diameter vessels were created. One end of the sample was sent for histological evaluation, and the other was used for burst pressure testing in a blinded fashion. Versatility was defined as the performance of the surgical instrument based on the following five variables, using a score from 1 to 5 (1=worst, 5=best), adjusted by coefficient of variable importance with weighted distribution: hemostasis, 0.275; histologic sealing, 0.275; cutting, 0.2; dissection, 0.15; and tissue manipulation, 0.1. There were 80 trials per vessel group and 60 trials per instrument group, giving a total of 240 samples.

RESULTS

Versatility score was higher (P<.01) and dissection time was shorter (P<.01) using TB compared with the other three devices. Bursting pressure was similar among TB and the other three instruments. Thermal spread at surgery was similar between TB and HA (P=.4167), TB and EnSeal (P=.6817), and TB and LIG (P=.8254). Difference in thermal spread was noted between EnSeal and HA (P=.0087) and HA and LIG (P=.0167).

CONCLUSION

TB has a higher versatility compared with the other instruments tested with faster dissection speed, similar bursting pressure, and acceptable thermal spread. This new energy device is an appealing, safe alternative for cutting, coagulation, and tissue dissection during surgery and should decrease time and increase versatility during surgical procedures.

Improving access to care: breast surgeons, the gatekeepers to breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Fewer than half of patients undergo reconstruction after breast cancer treatment, despite its quality of life benefits. Earlier studies demonstrated that most general surgeons do not discuss reconstructive options with patients. The aim of this study was to examine the likelihood of reconstruction within a cohort of mastectomy patients and compare rates of reconstruction between those referred and not referred for plastic surgery evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of the records of 471 consecutive patients between the ages of 19 and 94 years who underwent mastectomy between 2003 and 2007. Variables evaluated were age, body mass index, diabetes, laterality (unilateral vs bilateral), TNM staging, history of radiation, smoking history, insurance type, and race.

RESULTS

Of 471 patients, 313 were referred for consultation with a plastic surgeon and 158 were not; 91.7% of those referred were reconstructed and 100% of those not referred were not reconstructed. The 2 groups differed considerably in terms of age (mean age 61.84 years in the nonreferred group vs 51.83 years in the referred group), body mass index (25.9 in referred group, 27 in nonreferred group), diabetes (15% in nonreferred group vs 3.5% in referred group), and laterality (14% of nonreferred group underwent bilateral mastectomies vs 26% of those referred). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of race or tobacco use. Those with private insurance were more likely to be reconstructed, but no independent effect of insurance type was seen on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The breast surgeon's decision to refer a patient for reconstruction significantly affects whether the patient will receive breast reconstruction. Factors that appear to influence the referral decision are age, diabetes, body mass index, and laterality of mastectomy (bilateral more than unilateral).

Mentorship for participants in a laparoscopic colectomy course

BACKGROUND

Despite data suggesting improved outcomes with laparoscopic colectomy (LC), less than 10% of colectomies in the Unites States are currently performed laparoscopically. One mechanism for incorporating LC into practice is to attend an LC course (LCC). Postcourse mentorship is recommended by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), in addition to course participation, to encourage adoption of the new techniques. Recommendations also include access to at least 25 colectomies annually. Because the use of LC likely will increase, access to mentorship is an important consideration for LCC participants. This study aimed to evaluate mentorship access and related factors for participants in an ongoing LCC.

METHODS

Participants in seven consecutive single-center LCCs were anonymously surveyed regarding age, specialty, surgical experience, practice, and mentorship availability. Factors associated with mentorship were identified via chi-square and univariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 90 participants surveyed, 81 (90%) were men, 51 (56.7%) were general surgeons, 43 (48.9%) were older than 40 years, and 49 (54.4%) had access to a mentor. A majority of the participants (86.7%) performed five or fewer open colorectal cases per month, and 81 (90%) performed five or fewer noncolorectal advanced laparoscopic cases monthly. Factors associated with lack of mentor access included age older than 40 years (P = 0.004), practice as a general surgeon (P = 0.014), and status as a senior attending surgeon (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of surgeons (45.6%) participating in LCC have limited or no access to mentors. In particular, older surgeons, senior attending surgeons, and general surgeons have the least access to mentors. To encourage adoption of LC, training methods should be adopted that accommodate general surgeons, surgeons with a limited advanced laparoscopic case load, and surgeons without access to mentors. Possible strategies include longer or multisession courses, simulator training, and remote mentoring.

The impact of incidental identification on the stage at presentation of lower gastrointestinal carcinoids

BACKGROUND

Over the past 3 decades, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors in the United States. Incidentally discovered carcinoids in the lower gastrointestinal tract have probably contributed to this increase. In this study we aimed to compare the clinicopathologic characteristics of incidentally discovered carcinoids of the small and large bowel with those identified as a result of symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective review of 58 consecutive patients with nonappendiceal gastrointestinal carcinoids: 30 small bowel and 28 large bowel. We compared asymptomatic patients with lower gastrointestinal tract carcinoids identified by routine colonoscopy with those identified as a result of symptoms.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (48.3%) incidentally identified carcinoids (15 small bowel and 13 large bowel) were compared with 30 (51.7%) symptomatic carcinoids. Incidental ileal carcinoids were similar in size (mean ± SD, 1.3 ± 0.61 vs 1.7 ± 1.13, p = 0.45) and incidence of lymph node metastases (12 in 15 vs 9 in 15, p = 0.43) to symptomatic ileal carcinoids. However, incidental ileal carcinoids had a lower incidence of distant metastases (1 in 15 vs 7 in 15, p = 0.035) compared with symptomatic ileal carcinoids. There was no difference in tumor size, extent of lymph node metastases, or distant metastases between incidental and symptomatic large bowel carcinoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileal carcinoids identified at screening colonoscopy are associated with a significantly decreased incidence of distant metastases compared with those identified after development of symptoms, despite similar size and extent of lymph node metastases. However, incidental large bowel carcinoids appear to have similar staging to those identified as a result of symptoms.

Differing risk factors for incisional and organ/space surgical site infections following abdominal colorectal surgery

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infections are a major source of morbidity after colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to explore differences between incisional and organ/space surgical site infection types by evaluating risk factors, National Nosocomial Risk Index Scores, and clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

A random sample of adults undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery between June 2001 and July 2008 was extracted from a colorectal surgery practice database. Patient factors, comorbidities, intraoperative factors, postoperative factors, and infection were collected; risk score (from -1 to 3 points) was calculated. Variables associated with surgical site infection by univariate analysis were incorporated in a multivariable model to identify risk factors by infection type. Infection risk by risk score was evaluated by logistic regression. Length of stay, readmission, and mortality were examined by infection type.

RESULTS

Six hundred fifty subjects were identified: 312 were male, age was 59.8 (SD 17.8) years. Common preoperative diagnoses included colorectal cancer (36.9%) and inflammatory bowel disease (21.7%). Forty-five cases were emergencies, and 171 included rectal resections. Eighty-two patients developed incisional and 64 developed organ/space surgical site infections. Body mass index was associated with incisional infection (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.09), whereas previous radiation (OR 4.49, 95% CI 1.53-13.18), postoperative hyperglycemia (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.41-6.34), preoperative [albumin] (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.76), and case length (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08-1.47) were associated with organ/space infection. A risk score of 2 and above, compared with a score of <2, predicted organ/space (OR 5.92, 95% CI 3.16-11.09) but not incisional infection (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.41-2.16). Organ/space infections were associated with longer length of stay (P = .006) and higher readmission rates (P < .001) than incisional infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for surgical site infections differ by type of infection. Clinical outcomes and value of the risk index score are different by infection type. It may be prudent to consider incisional and organ/space surgical site infections as different entities for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Endoscopic fixation of the rectum for rectal prolapse: a feasibility and survival experimental study

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in developing technology as well as techniques that could widen the therapeutic horizons of endoscopy. Rectal prolapse, a benign localized condition causing considerable morbidity, could be an excellent focus for new endoscopic therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of endoluminal fixation of the rectum to the anterior abdominal wall, after pushing it up inside the body, using an in vivo animal model.

METHODS

We performed an in vivo comparative surgical study in a porcine model, including laparoscopic mobilization of the rectum and posterior rectopexy (standard surgical method) or endoluminal tacking of the rectum. After proving feasibility in ex vivo and acute studies, we performed a survival study to evaluate the safety of endoluminal tacking of the mobilized rectum to the anterior abdominal wall. The main outcome measures were successful completion of the tasks, maintenance of the fixation, complications associated with the methods, and survival studies including histopathological examinations of the fixation sites.

RESULTS

There were two groups: laparoscopic rectopexy (8 animals) and endoluminal fixation of the rectum to the anterior abdominal wall (10 animals). There were no differences between these two groups in their postoperative recovery. The group with the endoluminal fixation was found to have adequate attachment of the rectum to the anterior abdominal wall (measured attachment pressure in the endoluminal group = 6.06 ± 0.52 ft-lb, in the control group = 4.86 ± 2.00 ft-lb) on both gross and microscopic evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic fixation of the mobilized rectum is feasible and safe in this model and in the future may provide an effective alternative to current treatment options for rectal prolapse.

Insurance but not race is associated with diverticulitis mortality in a statewide database

OBJECTIVES

Racial identity and health insurance have been associated with differential health care outcomes for many diseases, but not for diverticulitis. We examined the association of racial identity and insurance with admission, treatment, and mortality for patients admitted to inpatient care for acute diverticulitis.

METHODS

Data on adult inpatients with nonelective diverticulitis admissions between 1985 and 2006 were extracted from the New York Statewide Planning and Cooperative Systems Database. Race categories were white non-Hispanic, black non-Hispanic, Hispanic, Asian, other race, and unknown race. A multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for insurance, year, patient factors, community factors, and hospital factors was used to examine the association of racial identity and insurance with presentation, treatment, and mortality. Five outcomes were considered: 1) admission via the emergency department, 2) complicated disease presentation, 3) surgical intervention, 4) colostomy creation, and 5) mortality. White race and private insurance were reference groups.

RESULTS

We identified 253,655 admissions. Race distribution included 77.7% white, 8.1% black, and 7.2% Hispanic. Medicare was the most commonly held insurance (52.7%), and 73.7% of patients were admitted through the emergency department. Of 36,190 surgeries, 20,650 (57.1%) included colostomies, and 3.0% of all patients died. Race other than white and Medicaid insurance were the strongest predictors of admission via the emergency department (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.12-1.60; OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.44-1.78). Patients categorized as black, Hispanic, Asian, or other were less likely to have complicated disease, surgery, and colostomy creation (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.76-0.85; OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94; and OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.61-0.74). Insurance was associated with higher rates of mortality; having Medicaid or no insurance were the strongest predictors (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.36-1.89; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.69).

CONCLUSIONS

In acute diverticulitis, race and insurance were associated with differential admission patterns, and patients categorized as black, Hispanic, Asian, or other were less likely to receive surgical treatment or colostomy. Insurance status, but not race, was associated with mortality. Future research is needed to further explore these differences in admission, treatment, and mortality.

Fixation of intestinal tissue using a novel endoscopic device

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess the utility and strength of a novel endoscopic fixation device, Brace-Bar, in the large intestine and compare the strength with other currently available techniques. The primary outcome was the strength of fixation using 3 endoscopic methods: BraceBar, suture, and commercially available tackers. The hypothesis is that the use of the BraceBar will result in fixation strength similar to the strength of the other methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ex vivo porcine model was used to test 3 fixation methods: Group 1, BraceBar (Prototype); Group 2, ProTack (AutoSuture); and Group 3, TI-CRON suture (Syneture). Large-bowel segments were fixed to abdominal wall tissue at 20 cm from the distal end of the rectum. Primary endpoint was pull away strength. A total of 45 trials of each method were performed. Comparison between the groups was done using JMP 7.0.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in strength between the BraceBar group and the suture group ( P = .1236). The BraceBar method demonstrated significantly higher strength compared with the tacker group (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Use of the BraceBar for fixation of the large bowel is at least comparable with suture fixation, making clinical use of BraceBar a reasonable consideration. Use of this device may make endoscopic repair of certain intestinal conditions feasible.

Minimally invasive surgery is safe and effective for urgent and emergent colectomy

OBJECTIVE

There are a limited number of studies describing the role of minimally invasive colectomy for urgent or emergent conditions of the large bowel. We hypothesize that laparoscopic colectomy in urgent and emergent setting can be performed safely in select settings.

METHOD

A cohort of patients treated at a single institution from 2001 to 2006 was identified from a prospective database. Patients who underwent open or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic (LAP) or hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) colectomy for urgent and emergent conditions were included.

RESULTS

A total of 68 [open 32, MIS 36 [HALS 22, LAP 14)] patients underwent urgent or emergent colectomy on our colorectal service during the 5-year time period. Patients with toxic colitis were more often selected for MIS. Patients with colon perforation or large bowel obstruction were more often selected for open surgery. The MIS group had a lower body mass index (BMI), lower American Society of Anesthesiologists fitness grade and was more likely to have been immunosuppressed. There was no difference in patient morbidity between the open and MIS groups. The MIS group had a longer median operative time and fewer cases of prolonged hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that minimally invasive colectomy by experienced surgeons appears to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients with emergent and urgent conditions of the large bowel.

Surgical adhesive increases burst pressure and seals leaks in stapled gastrojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

Leakage from a gastrointestinal anastomosis in bariatric surgery is a catastrophic complication and is the second-most preventable cause of death after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Several adjuncts for staple line reinforcement have been investigated to reduce the incidence of this complication. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a commercially available tissue sealant (BioGlue) could reinforce a stapled gastrojejunal anastomosis and whether it could seal an artificially created anastomotic leak.

METHODS

Circular-stapled gastrojejunostomies were performed on freshly explanted porcine stomach and intestine. Experiment 1 consisted of 10 control nonreinforced gastrojejunostomies and 10 gastrojejunostomies reinforced with BioGlue. The staple lines were submerged in saline and exposed to increased pressure using constant-rate infusion of air. The burst pressures were recorded at the point of visible leakage from the anastomosis. In experiment 2, a small defect was created in 10 gastrojejunostomies. The burst pressures were recorded before and after application of BioGlue to the anastomosis. The data were analyzed using the 2-tailed paired t test.

RESULTS

In experiment 1, the burst pressure was significantly increased in the reinforced gastrojejunostomies, from 27.4 ± 8.4 mm Hg to 59.1 ± 19.2 mm Hg (P <.001). In experiment 2, the defective gastrojejunostomies had an average burst pressure of 1.2 ± 0.8 mm Hg. After application of BioGlue, the burst pressure increased to 42.8 ± 15.9 mm Hg (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

These ex vivo findings suggest that the surgical adhesive BioGlue can reinforce both intact and defective stapled gastrojejunal anastomoses. Additional in vivo study is warranted to determine whether BioGlue can prevent or help seal gastrojejunal leaks.

Longterm complications of hand-assisted versus laparoscopic colectomy

BACKGROUND

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) requires a larger incision compared with standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS). Whether this leads to more longterm complications, such as incisional hernia (IH) and small bowel obstruction (SBO), has not been studied to date. This study compares the rates of SBO and IH after HALS and SLS in patients undergoing operations for colon and rectal diseases.

STUDY DESIGN

From a colorectal database, 536 consecutive patients were identified who underwent bowel resection using HALS (n = 266) and SLS (n = 270) between 2001 to 2006. All medical records were reviewed, and all subjects were contacted by telephone for accurate followup. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests, where appropriate.

RESULTS

Median followup was 27 months (range 1 to 72 months). Overall conversion rate was 2.2% (SLS, n = 4; HALS, n = 8). Median incision size in HALS (75 mm; range 60 to 140 mm) was larger than SLS (45 mm; range 30 to 130 mm; p < 0.01). Despite the larger wound, the incidence of IH was similar between both approaches (HALS, n = 16 [6.0%] versus SLS, n = 13 [4.8%]; p < 0.54). Rate of SBO was also comparable (HALS, n = 11 [4.1%] versus SLS, n = 20 [7.4%]; p = 0.11). Wound infections occurred similarly between both groups (HALS, n = 18 [6.8%]; SLS, n = 13 [4.8%]; p = 0.33). Converted patients had a higher rate of IH compared with nonconverted ones (25% versus 5%; p = 0.02), although the rate of SBO was similar (8.3% versus 5.7%; p = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

HALS does not lead to more longterm complications of IH and SBO when compared with SLS for resections of the colon and rectum.