Transvaginal Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Systematic Review

Appendectomy remains the gold standard for treating appendicitis, but advancements in laparoscopic techniques have shifted the paradigm. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and transvaginal appendectomy (TVA) offer a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). This article systematically reviews the procedures, perceptions, and complications of TVA to assess its viability as a surgical option. Between January 1, 2003, and November 1, 2023, 4832 case reports, case series, and experimental and observational peer-reviewed publications were examined and filtered using the keyword "Transvaginal Laparoscopic Appendectomy." The publications were screened using PRISMA guidelines, and 20 studies were included for analysis and review. Survey results showed that women's acceptance of TVA was 43%, citing reduced invasiveness as a major reason for positive reception. TVA procedures exhibited consistency, with variations in appendectomy methods, appendix removal, and posterior fornix incision closure. Positive outcomes included shorter operation times, reduced postoperative pain, and minimal scarring. Complications were uncommon but included bladder puncture, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal abscesses. Indications primarily focused on surgical safety, reduced scarring, and postoperative benefits. Sexual function post-TVA exhibited no significant differences in most cases, with a recovery period of two to four weeks. This systematic review suggests that TVA is a promising alternative to traditional LA, offering potential advantages in terms of postoperative complications. While the existing literature indicates positive outcomes, further research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of TVA and assess how the procedure impacts the reproductive function of patients.

Pain Management Throughout Pediatric Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Systematic Review

Opioid-related fatalities are a leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal pain in children and adolescents. The management of pain throughout the laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in the pediatric population is a critical concern. This study aimed to evaluate trends in analgesic use and patient satisfaction following LA, with a focus on reducing the reliance on opioids for pain management. From 2003 to 2023, 18258 articles were filtered for all types of analgesic use with LA. The publications were screened using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and 19 studies were included for analysis and review. The study included peer-reviewed experimental and observational studies involving individuals under 18 years. Pain management strategies varied across studies, involving a combination of analgesics, nerve blocks, and wound infiltrations. Analgesics such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids were administered before and after surgery. Some studies implemented patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps. Other studies explored non-pharmacological interventions like magnetic acupuncture. The results showed a reduction in the need for postoperative analgesics in patients treated with LA, particularly when using non-opioid medications and novel analgesic techniques. Pediatric patients who received gabapentin reported lower opioid use, shorter hospital stays, and high satisfaction rates. However, the reliance on opioids remained significant in some cases, particularly among patients with peritonitis who required more morphine. Pain management in pediatric patients is multifaceted, involving preoperative and postoperative analgesics, nerve blocks, and PCA pumps. Efforts to improve pain management following pediatric LA while reducing opioid reliance are essential in the context of the ongoing opioid epidemic. The findings from this study highlight the potential benefits of non-opioid analgesics, nerve blocks, and alternative methods for managing postoperative pain in <18 appendectomy patients. Further research and standardization of pain management protocols are needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes and minimize the risk of opioid-related complications.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Gallstones: A Systematic Review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is steatosis of the liver that resembles alcohol-induced liver injury but is a metabolic disorder. Most patients are obese with increased triglyceride levels due to increased intake of fatty food, which can cause excess fat to build up in the liver. At the same time, continuous ingestion of fatty foods can lead to gallstones (GS) due to the overproduction of cholesterol. NAFLD and GS have been seen to coincide, and there might be a relationship between them. This systematic review analyzes the incidence of NAFLD and GS to determine a bidirectional relationship. A comprehensive literature review was done using ProQuest, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, and included only experimental studies and meta-analyses. The search included the keywords 'gallstones and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease' and 'cholelithiasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease'. Our initial search included 10,665 articles and was narrowed down to 19 through extensive inclusion and exclusion criteria. There is a bidirectional relationship between the incidence of NAFLD and GS, where an increase in either can lead to an increase in the other. Both NAFLD and GS share similar risk factors leading to the development of each disease. On average, there's an increase in the prevalence of gallstones in NAFLD patients, and patients with GS were also more likely to have NAFLD. There was a prevalence of NAFLD in those with asymptomatic gallstones as well, indicating that the risk factors are crucial in the development of both. As a result, some research is determining whether an evaluation of the liver should be routine during cholecystectomy due to the increased risk of developing NAFLD.