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Aim: The aim of this work was to compare lymph node (LN) yield in patients operated on for right colon cancer (RCC) using a laparoscopic approach between those receiving an intracorporeal (ICA) or extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA). Method: This is a retrospective multicentre study involving patients operated on for RCC in nine tertiary referral centres in Latin America during a 2‐year period. The main comparative outcome between groups was the number of LNs harvested between groups. Results: The study included 416 patients, 261 (62.7%) in the ECA group and 155 (37.3%) in the ICA group. Patients in the ECA group were elderly (66 vs. 61 years, p < 0.001). Patients receiving an ICA achieved a significantly higher LN yield than those receiving an ECA (24 vs. 18, p < 0.001). This group also had a lower percentage of patients achieving a substandard LN yield (<12 LNs) (10% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.001) and more patients achieving a high number of harvested LNs (>32 LNs) (15.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.039). In the multivariate analysis, ICA was independently related to the primary outcome (LN yield) (OR 3.28, p = 0.027, 95% CI 1.14–9.38). Conclusion: In this retrospective study, patients operated on for RCC who received an ICA achieved a higher LN yield. Further studies are needed to reconfirm these findings, and also to find an explanation for these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Creation of an overlapped anastomosis using handsewn sutures for common enterotomy is very popular in robotic right colectomy (RRC) with intracorpareal anastomosis (IA). The aim of this study is to present a simple method for constructing a sutureless overlapped anastomosis using a 60 mm linear stapler with a reinforced bioabsorbable material in RRC with IA. Method: The distal ileum and proximal colon were put in overlapping positions. Enterotomies were created 2 cm proximal to the ileal stump and 8 cm distal to the colonic stump on the antimesenteric side. Subsequently, a 60 mm linear stapler with a reinforced bioabsorbable material was inserted into each lumen and fired. Finally, the bowel was elevated while holding the bioabsorbable material, and the common enterotomy was grasped with the robotic instrument in the middle and closed using a linear stapler with a reinforced bioabsorbable material. Results: This technique was applied to 10 patients with tumours of the caecum, ascending colon, or transverse colon. The median operating time, anastomosis construction time, blood loss, and postoperative stay were 281 min (range 228–459 min), 12 min (range 11–17 min), 10 mL (range 0–110 mL), and 10 days (range 8–15 days), respectively. No adverse intraoperative events were observed. Postoperatively, one patient developed chylous ascites, but there were no other complications. Conclusion: The simple technique for constructing a sutureless overlapped anastomosis using a 60 mm linear stapler with a reinforced bioabsorbable material in robotic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis appears to be safe and feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: During surgery for mid‐transverse colon cancer (MTC), surgeons often face the dilemma of whether to mobilize the hepatic or splenic flexure. There is no established optimal minimally invasive surgical procedure for MTC. Methods: We present our novel minimally invasive surgical technique, called the 'moving the left colon' technique for MTC, along with a video demonstration. The procedure involves four main steps: (i) mobilization of the splenic flexure using a medial‐to‐lateral approach, (ii) dissection of lymph nodes around the middle colic artery from the left side of the superior mesenteric artery approach, (iii) separation of the pancreas and transverse mesocolon and (iv) 'moving the left colon' and performing an intracorporeal anastomosis. By mobilizing the splenic flexure, anatomical landmarks are revealed, which enables safer dissection. Combining this technique with intracorporeal anastomosis allows for a safe and easy anastomosis. Results: Between April 2021 and January 2023, a single‐skilled colorectal surgeon performed laparoscopic transverse colectomies using our new approach on three consecutive patients with MTC. The patients had a median age of 75 years (range 46–89 years). The median operative time was 194 min (range 193–228 min) and blood loss was 8 mL (range 0–20 mL). None of the patients experienced any perioperative complications and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. Conclusion: We introduced a novel approach for laparoscopic surgery for MTC. This technique can be performed safely and may help standardize minimally invasive surgery for MTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Intracorporeal anastomosis has been associated with earlier recovery of postoperative bowel function, shorter length of stay and lower surgical site infection rates. The aim of this work is to describe a step‐by‐step standardized technique for intracorporeal ileocolic and ileosigmoid anastomosis suitable for laparoscopic and robotic colectomy. Method: Each step of the technique is illustrated using a composite collection of three operative patient videos. Two procedures were performed robotically and one was laparoscopic. Tips are provided to construct a two‐layer anastomosis (both posteriorly and anteriorly). The procedures are presented in stepwise fashion, discussing the advantages and feasibility of the technique. Results: The standardized technique described herein was used in three patients for this report, of whom two underwent right colectomy and one subtotal colectomy for cancer. The median operating time was 255 (206–333) min. There were no intraoperative complications. No major postoperative complications or 30‐day readmissions occurred. The median length of stay was 4 (3–5) days. Conclusion: The described technique of a two‐layer anastomosis can be used with any available minimally invasive approach. It is safe and feasible. Using a standardized approach, the technique can be easily taught and mastered, optimizing operating times and reducing adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to describe the robot‐assisted intracorporeal anastomosis technique in left colon surgery (rLCS) and report the initial results. Method: The rLCS was performed in 25 consecutive patients, starting with a Pfannenstiel incision and introducing a prepared anvil. The robot was docked and the affected segment resected. Colotomy was performed and the anvil was introduced in the proximal segment. End‐to‐end anastomosis was performed and reinforced. An air‐leak test was performed. Results: The results varied in terms of patient's age, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, weight and the technique performed. Most patients had cancer. There was no suture failure or mortality, and the mean hospital stay was 3 days. Conclusions: The rLCS is a safe, reproducible technique with good initial results. Prospective studies should be performed to demonstrate its advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Robotic right hemicolectomy is gaining in popularity due to the recognized technical benefits associated with the robotic platform. However, there is a lack of standardization regarding the optimal anastomotic technique in this cohort of patients, namely stapled or handsewn intra‐ or extra‐corporeal anastomosis. The ergonomic benefit associated with the robotic platform lends itself to intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA). The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term clinical outcomes of stapled versus handsewn ICA. Method: A multicentre prospective cohort study was undertaken across four high‐volume robotic centres in France between September 2018 and December 2020. All adult patients undergoing an elective robotic right hemicolectomy with an ICA performed and a minimum postoperative follow‐up of 30 days were included. The primary endpoint of our study was anastomotic leak within 30 days postoperatively. Results: A total of 144 patients underwent robotic right hemicolectomy: 92 (63.8%) had a stapled ICA and 52 (36.1%) a handsewn ICA. The operative indication was adenocarcinoma in 90% with a stapled ICA compared with 62% in the handsewn ICA group (p < 0.001). The overall operating time was longer in the handsewn ICA group compared with the stapled ICA group (219 min vs. 193 min; p = 0.001). The anastomotic leak rate was 3.3% in stapled ICA and 3.8% in handsewn ICA (p = 1.00). There was no difference in the rate or severity of postoperative morbidity. Conclusion: ICA robotic hemicolectomy is technically safe and is associated with low rates of anastomotic leak overall and equivalent clinical outcomes between the two techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Totally laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) is associated with less surgical trauma and wound related complications compared to laparoscopy‐assisted colectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis. Delta shaped anastomosis is a widely popular IA technique. In this study, we discuss a construction technique for an overlapped delta‐shaped anastomosis using a linear stapler with a reinforced bioabsorbable material. Methods: We excised the bowel at a point 10 cm from the tumour on either sides and laid them in an overlapped fashion. The entry hole was created at a point 3 cm proximal to the right stump and 7 cm distal to the left stump on the antimesenteric side. Then, a 60‐mm linear stapler with reinforced bioabsorbable material was inserted inside each lumen and fired. Finally, the common entry hole was fixed with a suture in the middle, the bowel was elevated holding the bioabsorbable material, and closed using the linear stapler in a delta‐shaped manner. Results: The technique was applied in five patients with tumours in the ascending, transverse, and descending colon. The median surgery time, anastomosis construction time and postoperative stay was 329 min (range 285–682 min), 19 min (range 14–29 min), and 12 days (range 9–15 days), respectively. There were no perioperative complications and only one postoperative complication. Conclusion: The overlapped delta‐shaped anastomosis technique using linear staplers with reinforced bioabsorbable material appears to be both safe and feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced surgeons to adapt their standard procedures. The modifications introduced are designed to favour minimally invasive surgery. The positive results obtained with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in the right colon and rectum prompt us to adapt these procedures to the left colon. We describe a 'don't touch the bowel' technique and outline the benefits to patients of the use of less surgically aggressive techniques and also to surgeons in terms of the lower emission of aerosols that might transmit the COVID‐19 infection. Methods: This was an observational study of intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in left colectomy. We describe the technical details of intracorporeal resection, end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis and extraction of the specimen through mini‐laparotomy in the ideal location. Results: We present preliminary results of 17 patients with left‐sided colonic pathologies, 15 neoplasia and two diverticular disease, who underwent four left hemicolectomies, six sigmoidectomies and seven high anterior resections. Median operating time was 186 min (range 120–280). No patient required conversion to extracorporeal laparoscopy or open surgery. Median hospital stay was 4.7 days (range 3–12 days). There was one case of anastomotic leak managed with conservative treatment. Conclusion: Intracorporeal resection and end‐to‐end anastomosis with the possibility of extraction of the specimen by a mini‐laparotomy in the ideal location may present benefits and also adapts well to the conditions imposed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future comparative studies are needed to demonstrate these benefits with respect to extracorporeal anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: intracorporeal anastomosis; laparoscopic left hemicolectomy; left-sided colon cancer; single incision plus one port EN intracorporeal anastomosis laparoscopic left hemicolectomy left-sided colon cancer single incision plus one port 515 516 2 03/28/23 20230301 NES 230301 Laparoscopic left hemicolectomy (LLH) requires an advanced technique, especially in the setting of reduced-port surgery [[1]]. Here, we demonstrate the technique of single-incision plus one-port (SILS + 1) LLH with IA for left-sided colon cancer (Video S1). Intracorporeal anastomosis, laparoscopic left hemicolectomy, left-sided colon cancer, single incision plus one port. [Extracted from the article]

Aim The proximal edge of the enterotomy in a side-to-side anastomosis has been shown to be the site at highest risk of leakage. Several methods have been described to overcome this vulnerability. The technical challenge of intra-corporeal anastomosis ( ICA) is to re-create angles between tissues and instruments, similar to those in an open anastomosis. The axis between the suture line and the needle driver is paramount and this angle should be < 45°. Method The crotch stitch of the enterotomy is difficult because of the narrow space between the loops and the depth of the anastomosis. The usual technique is suturing right-handed, 'out-in and in-out', colonic edge first to small bowel. The risk of suture misplacement (e.g. 'out-in/out-in' or 'out-out') is similar to open procedures but laparoscopically the second bite is challenging, due to the straight needle-driver. This may lead to asymmetrical closure of the corner resulting in a slightly larger angle on the bowel side and a potential postoperative leak/fistula. Rotating the small bowel loop to counterbalance this issue, risks tearing of the staple line. The rationale is that starting with a back-handed stitch and taking the small bowel edge first would allow the necessary acute angled bite to be achieved. Subsequently, mounting the needle right-handed for taking the colonic edge also allows achievement of an acute angled bite. Results Our novel technique, named the 'back-handed, left-to-right stitch' technique, is intended to achieve symmetrical approximation of the ileal and colonic edges during laparoscopy, with an optimal closure of the deepest extremity of the enterotomy. Such a stitch, used in a series of 10 patients, may be useful to avoid leaving an opening within this angle and/or to avoid potential technical pitfalls when closing the deepest apex of the enterotomy. Conclusion This 'back-handed, left-to-right' stitch described here allows a properly angled closure of the proximal edge of the enterotomy and a safe approximation of the corner of the enterotomy in a side-to-side ICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Laparoscopy offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and faster recovery. Acute surgical patients may potentially benefit from the great advantages of emergency laparoscopy, which is more clinically relevant in acute than elective patients. Fashioning a laparoscopic intracorporeal anastomosis ( ICA) after emergent colorectal resection, whenever technically feasible and not contraindicated by the patient's general and haemodynamic condition, is a most challenging technical skill. Method During the period 2010-2016, 59 patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure for colorectal emergency in an acute care setting by a single operating surgeon with advanced laparoscopic skills and specific expertise in both colorectal surgery and acute care surgery. This series includes 32 laparoscopic right colectomies (12 for obstruction and 20 for perforation/peritonitis) and 27 left colectomies (6 for obstruction and 21 for perforation/peritonitis). Twenty-eight ileocolic side-to-side ICA, and 27 left colonic ICA (3 colocolic, 24 colorectal) were performed. Results Reasonably good postoperative outcomes were observed in the entire series of 59 laparoscopic colectomies performed in an urgent setting. Overall, the major morbidity rate in the entire group was 16.9% (10/59) with an incidence of intra-abdominal abscess of 11.8% (7/59); the overall leak rate was 3.4% (2/59). The re-operation rate was 3.4% (2/59). A video included in the Supporting Information shows five different sites and techniques for ICA and describes technical details with tips and tricks. All patients shown in the video had an uneventful postoperative recovery and were managed postoperatively according to enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Conclusion This case series illustrates all possible sites and techniques for colonic ICA in an emergency setting. All colorectal and acute care surgeons should have laparoscopic suturing skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]