Search

Background. A totally laparoscopic right colectomy could be perceived as a more challenging procedure over a laparoscopic-assisted right colectomy owing to the difficulty of intracorporeal anastomosis and the closure of the enterotomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the barbed auto-locking absorbable suture for the closure of an anastomotic stapler-access enterotomy during a totally laparoscopic right colectomy. Methods. From January 2010 to April 2016, data from patients who had undergone a laparoscopic right colectomy in 2 different departments of 2 institutions (the Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, San Camillo Hospital in Trento and the Department of Surgical Specialties and Nephrology, University Federico II in Naples) were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the data of patients in whom the stapler-access enterotomy was closed through a conventional absorbable suture (Group A), with the data of patients in whom a stapler-access enterotomy was closed through a V-Loc 180 suture (Group B). Biometric features and intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Results. The 2 groups (Group A: 40 patients; Group B: 40 patients) were comparable for biometric features and postoperative outcomes. The anastomosing time was lower in Group B. A statistically significant difference was noted in the mean operative time between Groups A and B (Group A = 134.92 ± 34.17; Group B = 120.92 ± 23.27, P = .035). Only one anastomotic leakage per group was recorded, each treated with an anastomosis redo. During the reoperations, we find in both groups an intact stapler-access enterotomy. Conclusion. On retrospective analysis, barbed suture appears to be safe and efficient for closure of the stapler-access enterotomy during totally laparoscopic right colectomy.

The upper gastrointestinal surgery represented one of the first applications of laparoscopy. Since the early 1990s, benign esophageal disorders like gastroesophageal reflux, achalasia, or hiatal hernia became indications for the laparoscopic approach (LA) [1, 2].

The uptake of laparoscopic colorectal surgery is increasing annually. The first laparoscopic colon resection was reported in 1991. In the United Kingdom data show that 22 % of colon resections were performed laparoscopically by 2008–2009 [1, 2].

A positive effect of aspirin against colorectal cancer (CRC) was suggested for the first time by Kune et al . in 1988, who noticed a significant lower rate of aspirin users among new cases of colon and rectal cancer in Melbourne (Australia) metropolitan area [relative risk (RR), 0.49; 95% CI: 0.40–0.71] (1). Since then, the chemo-preventive potential of aspirin has been confirmed by different large cohort studies, in particular through analysis of data from large cardiovascular prevention trials (2).

Minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to reduce morbidity related to standard laparoscopic procedures. One such approach is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. The aim of the study was to present our initial clinical experience of using this technique for elective splenectomy. We carried out single access laparoscopic splenectomy (SALS) for an 8 cm cystic lesion of the spleen, involving the hilum, on a 38-year-old woman. The procedure was performed with a single-port device (4-channel) via a 2.5-cm umbilical incision. A flexible 5-mm optic and straight laparoscopic instruments were used. The operative time was 75 min. There was no blood loss. No complications were observed. The postoperative period was uneventful. Although substantial development of the instruments and skills is needed, this SALS technique appears to be feasible and safe. Nevertheless, further experience and observations are necessary.

Single-incision surgery is an evolution of conventional laparoscopy. It reduces not only the invasiveness of the access but also the surgical procedure itself.

Accurate preoperative staging is the key to correct selection of rectal tumors for local excision. This study aims to assess the accuracy of endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) at our institution. Retrospective analysis was carried out of patients treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) from 1996 to 2008. TEM was considered the treatment of choice for uT0-1/N0 lesions located between 2 and 12 cm from the anal verge. It was also proposed in selected uT2-3 patients. Preoperative staging was compared with histopathologic findings. Eighty-one patients (46 males, mean age 66 years) underwent TEM. Mean distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 6.6 cm (range 2–12 cm). ERUS staged 15 of 27 adenomas (55%) as uT1. Of 54 carcinomas, 5 were pT0 because TEM was performed to remove resection margins of a malign polyp already snared. Five of 19 pTis (26%) were overstaged uT1, while 7 of 17 pT1 (41%) were understaged. Overall, ERUS enabled distinction between early and advanced rectal lesion with 96% sensitivity and 85% specificity, giving accuracy of 94% (65/67). Thirteen patients had advanced lesions (eight pT2 and five pT3). Only in two of them (15%) was depth of invasion underestimated by ERUS (one uT0, one uT1) and thus was subsequent salvage surgery necessary. ERUS is useful to confirm the diagnosis of adenoma and predict depth of mural invasion in early rectal cancer. Differentiation between T0/is and T1 lesions remains challenging, however this does not usually influence surgical strategy.