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Purpose: Intraoperative adverse events significantly influence morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic colorectal resections. Over an 11-year period, the changes of occurrence of such intraoperative adverse events were assessed in this study. Methods: Analysis of 3,928 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection based on the prospective database of the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery was performed. Results: Overall, 377 intraoperative adverse events occurred in 329 patients (overall incidence of 8.4%). Of 377 events, 163 (43%) were surgical complications and 214 (57%) were nonsurgical adverse events. Surgical complications were iatrogenic injury to solid organs (n = 63; incidence of 1.6%), bleeding (n = 62; 1.6%), lesion by puncture (n = 25; 0.6%), and intraoperative anastomotic leakage (n = 13; 0.3%). Of note, 11% of intraoperative organ/puncture lesions requiring re-intervention were missed intraoperatively. Nonsurgical adverse events were problems with equipment (n = 127; 3.2%), anesthetic problems (n = 30; 0.8%), and various (n = 57; 1.5%). Over time, the rate of intraoperative adverse events decreased, but not significantly. Bleeding complications significantly decreased (p = 0.015), and equipment problems increased (p = 0.036). However, the rate of adverse events requiring conversion significantly decreased with time (p < 0.001). Patients with an intraoperative adverse event had a significantly higher rate of postoperative local and general morbidity (41.2 and 32.9% vs. 18.0 and 17.2%, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Intraoperative surgical complications and adverse events in laparoscopic colorectal resections did not change significantly over time and are associated with an increased postoperative morbidity.

Zusammenfassung: Die Inzidenz des Analkarzinoms nimmt weltweit zu, vor allem bei männlichen homosexuellen Patienten. Als hauptsächlicher Risikofaktor für die Entstehung des Analkarzinoms gilt die anale Infektion mit dem humanen Papillomavirus (HPV). Die Prävalenz der analen HPV-Infektion bei HIV-negativen homosexuellen Männern beträgt 50-60%. Bei HIV-positiven homosexuellen Männern liegt die Prävalenz bei nahezu 100%. Die HPV-assoziierte anale intraepitheliale Neoplasie (AIN) gilt als Vorläuferläsion des Analkarzinoms. Bei etwa 20% der HIV-negativen homosexuellen Männer lässt sich eine AIN diagnostizieren, wobei bei 5-10% eine hochgradige Epitheldysplasie (AINII-III) vorkommt. Die Prävalenz der hochgradigen AIN ist jedoch mit bis zu 50% bei HIV-positiven homosexuellen Patienten bedeutend höher. Trotz der Häufigkeit von HPV-bedingten analen Epitheldysplasien und der zunehmenden Fälle von Analkarzinomen gibt es aber noch immer keinen Konsens bezüglich des Screenings, der Therapie und der Überwachung von Patienten mit AIN. Im Falle eines Analkarzinoms ist unabhängig vom HPV- oder HIV-Status heute noch immer die Radiochemotherapie mit 5-FU und MitomycinC Standard

Introduction: Primary venous aneurysm is a rare, but essential consideration in the differential diagnosis of an inguinal and femoral hernia. Methods: We report a case of a 43-year-old man who was referred for evaluation and treatment of a femoral hernia. Results: The patient presented with a 3-month history of an asymptomatic tumor on his right upper inner thigh. Physical examination noted a non-tender, non-indurated tumor. Conclusion: Surgical exploration demonstrated a primary venous aneurysm of the proximal saphenous vein

Zusammenfassung: Fisteln im Analbereich werden unterteilt in Pilonidalfisteln in der Rima ani und Analfisteln als Verbindung zwischen Anus und perianaler Haut. Bei der Pilonidalfistel erfolgt bei unkompliziertem Befund nach Abheilung akuter Abszesse die minimalinvasive Fistelexzision in Lokalanästhesie. Konservative Therapiekonzepte sowie die radikale Exzision mit offener Wundbehandlung haben sich nicht bewährt. Bei ausgeprägtem, großem Befund erfolgt eine weite Exzision mit plastischer Deckung mittels Limberg-Lappen. Bei der Analfistel muss unterschieden werden zwischen subkutanen und tiefen intersphinktären Fisteln ohne Sphinkterbeteiligung einerseits und hohen intersphinktären, transsphinktären, suprasphinktären und extrasphinktären Fisteln andererseits. Erstere können mit geringer Morbidität und hoher Heilungsrate fistulotomiert werden. Bei der zweiten Gruppe besteht ein erhebliches Inkontinenz- und Rezidivrisiko. Ohne Inkontinenzrisiko, bei allerdings hohem Rezidivrisiko, kann die Fistel mittels "Anal Fistula Plug" verschlossen werden. Bei Versagen dieser Therapie bietet sich eine Fistulektomie mit Verschluss der inneren Fistelöffnung durch einen anorektalen Verschiebelappen an

Background and aims: Chronic anal fissures are difficult to treat. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the outcome of combined fissurectomy and injection of botulinum toxin Type A (BT). Materials and methods: Between January 2001 and August 2004, 40 patients (21 women), median age 37years (range 18 to 57), underwent fissurectomy and BT injection. Fissurectomy was performed followed by injection of 10U of BT into the internal anal sphincter on both sides of the fissure. All patients were clinically checked 6weeks after the operation. At 1year, patients were sent a detailed questionnaire regarding symptoms, recurrence and further treatment for evaluation of long-term results. Results/findings: At 6weeks, 38 patients (95%) were free of symptoms. No adverse effects were detected. The response rate of questionnaires was 93%; the median follow-up was 1year (range 0.9 to 1.6). In the long-term, a recurrence was found in four patients. These patients were treated successfully with repeated fissurectomy and BT injections and salvage procedures, respectively. Overall, the success rate of combined fissurectomy and BT injection was 79%. Interpretation/conclusion: Combined fissurectomy and Botox injection for chronic anal fissure is an excellent and safe procedure with low morbidity and a high healing rate

Background: Perineal stapled prolapse (PSP) resection is a novel operation for treating external rectal prolapse. However, no long-term results have been reported in the literature. This study analyses the long-term recurrence rate, functional outcome, and morbidity associated with PSP resection. Methods: Nine consecutive patients undergoing PSP resection between 2007 and 2011 were prospectively followed. Surgery was performed by the same surgeons in a standardised technique. Recurrence rate, functional outcome, and complication grade were prospectively assessed. Results: All 9 patients undergoing PSP resection were investigated. The median age was 72years (range 25-88years). No intraoperative complications occurred. Faecal incontinence, preoperatively present in 2 patients, worsened postoperatively in one patient (Vaizey 18-22). One patient developed new-onset faecal incontinence (Vaizey 18). The median obstructive defecation syndrome score decreased postoperatively significantly from 11 (median; range 8-13) to 5 (median; range 4-8) (p<0.005). At a median follow-up of 40months (range 14-58months), the prolapse recurrence rate was 44% (4/9 patients). Conclusions: The PSP resection is a fast and safe procedure associated with low morbidity. However, the poor long-term functional outcome and the recurrence rate of 44% warrant a cautious patient selection

Background: Although laparoscopy is associated with reduced hospital stay, early recovery, and decreased morbidity compared with open surgery, it is not well established for the treatment of small bowel obstruction (SBO). Methods: This study analyzed a prospective nationwide database of the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery. Results: From 1995 to 2006, 537 patients underwent laparoscopy for SBO. Matted adhesions were the main cause of obstruction (62.6%). Intraoperative complications occurred for 9.5% of the patients. Postoperative morbidity was 14% and mortality 0.6%. Within 30days, 13 patients (2.4%) were readmitted because of early recurrence or complications. The conversion rate was 32.4%. The conversions resulted from inability to visualize the site of obstruction or matted adhesions (53.4%), intraoperative complications (21.3%), and small target incisions for resection (25.3%). Emergency operations were associated with higher conversion rates (43.6% vs 19.8%; p<0.001) but not with significantly more postoperative complications (15.2% vs 11.9%; p=0.17). Intraoperative complications and conversion were associated with significantly increased postoperative morbidity (39.2% vs 11.3%; p<0.001 and 24.7% vs 8.3%; p<0.001, respectively). Reactive conversion due to intraoperative complications was associated with the highest postoperative complication rate (48.6%). Morbidity for preemptive conversion due to impaired visualization/matted adhesions or a small-target incision was significantly lower (20% and 26.1%; p=0.02 and p<0.001, respectively). American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores higher than 2 also were associated with postoperative morbidity (p<0.001). However, multivariate regression analysis showed that reactive conversion was the only independent risk factor for postoperative morbidity (p<0.001; odds ratio, 3.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.83-8.64). Conclusions: Laparoscopic management of SBO is feasible with acceptable morbi

BACKGROUND: Perineal stapled prolapse (PSP) resection is a novel operation for treating external rectal prolapse. However, no long-term results have been reported in the literature. This study analyses the long-term recurrence rate, functional outcome, and morbidity associated with PSP resection. METHODS: Nine consecutive patients undergoing PSP resection between 2007 and 2011 were prospectively followed. Surgery was performed by the same surgeons in a standardised technique. Recurrence rate, functional outcome, and complication grade were prospectively assessed. RESULTS: All 9 patients undergoing PSP resection were investigated. The median age was 72 years (range 25-88 years). No intraoperative complications occurred. Faecal incontinence, preoperatively present in 2 patients, worsened postoperatively in one patient (Vaizey 18-22). One patient developed new-onset faecal incontinence (Vaizey 18). The median obstructive defecation syndrome score decreased postoperatively significantly from 11 (median; range 8-13) to 5 (median; range 4-8) (p < 0.005). At a median follow-up of 40 months (range 14-58 months), the prolapse recurrence rate was 44 % (4/9 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The PSP resection is a fast and safe procedure associated with low morbidity. However, the poor long-term functional outcome and the recurrence rate of 44 % warrant a cautious patient selection.

BACKGROUND: Surgical residents often use a laparoscopic camera in minimally invasive surgery for the first time in the operating room (OR) with no previous education or experience. Computer-based simulator training is increasingly used in residency programs. However, no randomized controlled study has compared the effect of simulator-based versus the traditional OR-based training of camera navigation skills. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study included 24 pregraduation medical students without any experience in camera navigation or simulators. After a baseline camera navigation test in the OR, participants were randomized to six structured simulator-based training sessions in the skills lab (SL group) or to the traditional training in the OR navigating the camera during six laparoscopic interventions (OR group). After training, the camera test was repeated. Videos of all tests (including of 14 experts) were rated by five blinded, independent experts according to a structured protocol. RESULTS: The groups were well randomized and comparable. Both training groups significantly improved their camera navigational skills in regard to time to completion of the camera test (SL P = 0.049; OR P = 0.02) and correct organ visualization (P = 0.04; P = 0.03). Horizon alignment improved without reaching statistical significance (P = 0.20; P = 0.09). Although both groups spent an equal amount of actual time on camera navigation training (217 vs. 272 min, P = 0.20), the SL group spent significantly less overall time in the skill lab than the OR group spent in the operating room (302 vs. 1002 min, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective randomized controlled study indicating that simulator-based training of camera navigation can be transferred to the OR using the traditional hands-on training as controls. In addition, simulator camera navigation training for laparoscopic surgery is as effective but more time efficient than traditional teaching.

Fisteln im Analbereich werden unterteilt in Pilonidalfisteln in der Rima ani und Analfisteln als Verbindung zwischen Anus und perianaler Haut. Bei der Pilonidalfistel erfolgt bei unkompliziertem Befund nach Abheilung akuter Abszesse die minimalinvasive Fistelexzision in Lokalanästhesie. Konservative Therapiekonzepte sowie die radikale Exzision mit offener Wundbehandlung haben sich nicht bewährt. Bei ausgeprägtem, großem Befund erfolgt eine weite Exzision mit plastischer Deckung mittels Limberg-Lappen. Bei der Analfistel muss unterschieden werden zwischen subkutanen und tiefen intersphinktären Fisteln ohne Sphinkterbeteiligung einerseits und hohen intersphinktären, transsphinktären, suprasphinktären und extrasphinktären Fisteln andererseits. Erstere können mit geringer Morbidität und hoher Heilungsrate fistulotomiert werden. Bei der zweiten Gruppe besteht ein erhebliches Inkontinenz- und Rezidivrisiko. Ohne Inkontinenzrisiko, bei allerdings hohem Rezidivrisiko, kann die Fistel mittels "Anal Fistula Plug" verschlossen werden. Bei Versagen dieser Therapie bietet sich eine Fistulektomie mit Verschluss der inneren Fistelöffnung durch einen anorektalen Verschiebelappen an

Background and aims: Chronic anal fissures are difficult to treat. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the outcome of combined fissurectomy and injection of botulinum toxin Type A (BT). Materials and methods: Between January 2001 and August 2004, 40 patients (21 women), median age 37years (range 18 to 57), underwent fissurectomy and BT injection. Fissurectomy was performed followed by injection of 10U of BT into the internal anal sphincter on both sides of the fissure. All patients were clinically checked 6weeks after the operation. At 1year, patients were sent a detailed questionnaire regarding symptoms, recurrence and further treatment for evaluation of long-term results. Results/findings: At 6weeks, 38 patients (95%) were free of symptoms. No adverse effects were detected. The response rate of questionnaires was 93%; the median follow-up was 1year (range 0.9 to 1.6). In the long-term, a recurrence was found in four patients. These patients were treated successfully with repeated fissurectomy and BT injections and salvage procedures, respectively. Overall, the success rate of combined fissurectomy and BT injection was 79%. Interpretation/conclusion: Combined fissurectomy and Botox injection for chronic anal fissure is an excellent and safe procedure with low morbidity and a high healing rate

Purpose: Intraoperative adverse events significantly influence morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic colorectal resections. Over an 11-year period, the changes of occurrence of such intraoperative adverse events were assessed in this study. Methods: Analysis of 3,928 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection based on the prospective database of the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery was performed. Results: Overall, 377 intraoperative adverse events occurred in 329 patients (overall incidence of 8.4%). Of 377 events, 163 (43%) were surgical complications and 214 (57%) were nonsurgical adverse events. Surgical complications were iatrogenic injury to solid organs (n = 63; incidence of 1.6%), bleeding (n = 62; 1.6%), lesion by puncture (n = 25; 0.6%), and intraoperative anastomotic leakage (n = 13; 0.3%). Of note, 11% of intraoperative organ/puncture lesions requiring re-intervention were missed intraoperatively. Nonsurgical adverse events were problems with equipment (n = 127; 3.2%), anesthetic problems (n = 30; 0.8%), and various (n = 57; 1.5%). Over time, the rate of intraoperative adverse events decreased, but not significantly. Bleeding complications significantly decreased (p = 0.015), and equipment problems increased (p = 0.036). However, the rate of adverse events requiring conversion significantly decreased with time (p < 0.001). Patients with an intraoperative adverse event had a significantly higher rate of postoperative local and general morbidity (41.2 and 32.9% vs. 18.0 and 17.2%, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Intraoperative surgical complications and adverse events in laparoscopic colorectal resections did not change significantly over time and are associated with an increased postoperative morbidity.

Introduction: Primary venous aneurysm is a rare, but essential consideration in the differential diagnosis of an inguinal and femoral hernia. Methods: We report a case of a 43-year-old man who was referred for evaluation and treatment of a femoral hernia. Results: The patient presented with a 3-month history of an asymptomatic tumor on his right upper inner thigh. Physical examination noted a non-tender, non-indurated tumor. Conclusion: Surgical exploration demonstrated a primary venous aneurysm of the proximal saphenous vein

Zusammenfassung: Fisteln im Analbereich werden unterteilt in Pilonidalfisteln in der Rima ani und Analfisteln als Verbindung zwischen Anus und perianaler Haut. Bei der Pilonidalfistel erfolgt bei unkompliziertem Befund nach Abheilung akuter Abszesse die minimalinvasive Fistelexzision in Lokalanästhesie. Konservative Therapiekonzepte sowie die radikale Exzision mit offener Wundbehandlung haben sich nicht bewährt. Bei ausgeprägtem, großem Befund erfolgt eine weite Exzision mit plastischer Deckung mittels Limberg-Lappen. Bei der Analfistel muss unterschieden werden zwischen subkutanen und tiefen intersphinktären Fisteln ohne Sphinkterbeteiligung einerseits und hohen intersphinktären, transsphinktären, suprasphinktären und extrasphinktären Fisteln andererseits. Erstere können mit geringer Morbidität und hoher Heilungsrate fistulotomiert werden. Bei der zweiten Gruppe besteht ein erhebliches Inkontinenz- und Rezidivrisiko. Ohne Inkontinenzrisiko, bei allerdings hohem Rezidivrisiko, kann die Fistel mittels "Anal Fistula Plug" verschlossen werden. Bei Versagen dieser Therapie bietet sich eine Fistulektomie mit Verschluss der inneren Fistelöffnung durch einen anorektalen Verschiebelappen an