P130 Adhesions are not always the enemy: pouch volvulus

Background Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) was introduced over 40 years ago, prior to the era of laparoscopy. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have been applied to pelvic pouch surgery. One advantage of MIS is the reduction in adhesion-related complications. The lack of adhesions may result in different complications. When the pouch is not adherent in the pelvis, pouch volvulus can occur around the mesenteric axis. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with pelvic pouch volvulus. Methods Our prospectively maintained pelvic pouch registry and our enterprise wide electronic medical record were queried for keyword combinations of “pouch volvulus” between 1994 and 2020. Pouch volvulus was defined as torsion of the ileal pouch on its mesenteric axis or around small bowel maintaining the proper orientation of the ileo-anal anastomosis. Patients with pouches constructed with twisted mesenteric axis from ill-aligned anastomoses were excluded. Data for these patients was collected from the pouch registry and additional chart review. Results We identified 17 patients with pouch volvulus; of these, 11 patients did not meet our selection criteria and were excluded. Of the 6 patients (5 female; median age 25) with true volvulus, the diagnosis at IPAA was ulcerative colitis (n=5) and Lynch syndrome with a rectal cancer. All pelvic pouches were constructed with MIS techniques, including standard laparoscopy (n=4) and single incision laparoscopic technique (n=2). All 6 patients presented with diffuse abdominal pain and abdominal distention. The average time from pouch construction to pouch volvulus was 2.5 years (range: 5.2 – 97.5 months). Computed tomography with or without rectal contrast was the initial diagnostic test in 4/6 with findings highly suspicious for pouch volvulus. Surgery was performed urgently in 5/6 of patients; all 6 had open surgery. At reoperation, all had minimal adhesions and a gap between the pouch mesentery and the retroperitoneum. Interventions included pouch-pexy (n=3), closure of gap between pouch and sacrum (n=2), and pouch excision and ileostomy (n=1). At a median of 9 months (IQR: 4–97) of follow up, pouch survival was 83%; functional outcomes included mild fecal incontinence (n=1) and paradox requiring intermittent pouch intubation for stool evacuation (n=1). Conclusion Pelvic pouches constructed by minimally invasive techniques may be at risk for pouch volvulus due to minimal adhesions. Surgeons should have a high index of suspicion for patients with unexplained abdominal pain, distension, and other obstructive symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging with rectal contrast, may help clarify the diagnosis. Immediate surgical care can allow for pouch salvage.

Initial experience using a handheld fully articulating software-driven laparoscopic needle driver in TAPP inguinal hernia repair

Background The laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair is a widely performed minimally invasive operation, but can present considerable ergonomic challenges for the surgeon. Our objective was to determine if a novel handheld software-driven laparoscopic articulating needle driver can mitigate these difficulties. Methods The video recordings of a consecutive series of TAPP cases by a single surgeon using the articulating device were compared with a series of cases using straight-stick laparoscopy. Two critical steps of the procedure were analyzed for time: mesh fixation and peritoneal suture closure. These steps were then compared before and after 10 initial consecutive cases to analyze whether the surgeon demonstrated improvement. A cost analysis was also performed between the two techniques. Results For mesh fixation, the surgeon averaged 227 s using tacker devices, compared with 462.4 s using the novel laparoscopic device (p = 0.06). For the peritoneal closure component of the operation, the surgeon improved the time per suture pass during closure from 60.61 s during the first 10 cases to 38.84 s after the first 10 cases (p = 0.0004), which was comparable to the time per stitch for standard laparoscopy (34.8 s vs 34.84 s, p = 0.997). Left-sided inguinal hernia repairs using the articulating device demonstrated a significantly longer time per stitch during peritoneal closure compared to the right side after first 10 cases (left: 40.62 s; right: 27.91, p = 0.005). Our direct cost analysis demonstrated that suture closure of the peritoneum using the articulating device was more cost-effective than tack fixation. Conclusions After only a 10 case initial experience, a laparoscopic hand-held articulating needle driver is comparable to standard laparoscopy to complete suture mesh fixation and peritoneal closure for TAPP inguinal hernia repair. Further, the feasibility of suture mesh fixation minimizes the need for costly tacker devices. This instrument appears to be a promising tool in this largely minimally invasive era of hernia repair.

Technical essential aspects in robotic colorectal surgery: mastering the Da Vinci Si and Xi platforms

ABSTRACT Background: laparoscopy surgery has many proven clinical advantages over conventional surgery and more recently, robotic surgery has been the emerging platform in the minimally invasive era. In the colorectal field, although overcoming limitations of standard laparoscopy, robotic surgery still faces challenging situations even by the most experienced colorectal surgeons. This study reports essentials technical aspects and comparison between Da Vincis Si and Xi platforms aiming to master and maximize efficiency whenever performing robotic colorectal surgery. Methods: this study overviews the most structured concepts and practical applications in robotic colorectal surgery in both Si and Xi Da Vinci platforms. Possible pitfalls are emphasized and step-wise approach is described from port placement and docking process to surgical technique. We also present data collected from a prospectively maintained database. Results: our early experience includes forty-four patients following a standardized total robotic left-colon and rectal resection. Guided information and practical applications for a safe and efficient robotic colorectal surgery are described. We also present illustrations and describe technical aspects of a standardized procedure. Conclusion: performing robotic colorectal surgery is feasible and safe in experienced surgeons hands. Although the Da Vinci Xi platform demonstrates greater versatility in a more user-friendly design with technological advances, the correct mastery of technology by the surgical team is an essential condition for its fully robotic execution in a single docking approach.

ADHESIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE ENEMY: POUCH VOLVULUS

Introduction Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) was introduced over 40 years ago, prior to the era of laparoscopy. Since then, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have been applied to pelvic pouch surgery. One advantage of MIS is the reduction in adhesion-related complications. However, the lack of adhesions may result in a different set of complications. Specifically, when the pouch is not adherent in the pelvis, pouch volvulus can occur around the mesenteric axis. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with pelvic pouch volvulus. Methods Our prospectively maintained pelvic pouch registry and our enterprise wide electronic medical record were queried for keyword combinations of “pouch volvulus” between 1994 and 2020. Pouch volvulus was defined as torsion of the ileal pouch on its own mesenteric axis or around small bowel while maintaining the proper orientation of the ileo-anal anastomosis. Patients with pouches constructed with twisted mesenteric axis from ill-aligned anastomoses were excluded. Data for these patients was collected from the pouch registry and additional chart review. Results We identified 17 patients with pouch volvulus; of these, 11 patients did not meet our selection criteria and were excluded. Of the 6 patients (5 female; median age 25 range 20–33 yr at time of volvulus surgery) with true volvulus, the diagnosis at IPAA was ulcerative colitis (n=5) and Lynch syndrome with a rectal cancer. All pelvic pouches were constructed with MIS techniques, including standard laparoscopy (n=4) and single incision laparoscopic technique (n=2). All 6 patients presented with diffuse abdominal pain and abdominal distention. The average time from pouch construction to pouch volvulus was 2.5 years (range: 5.2 – 97.5 months). Computed tomography with or without rectal contrast was the initial diagnostic test in 4/6 with findings highly suspicious for pouch volvulus. Surgery was performed urgently in 5/6 of patients; all 6 had open surgery. At reoperation, all had minimal adhesions and a gap between the pouch mesentery and the retroperitoneum. Interventions included pouch-pexy (n=3), closure of gap between pouch and sacrum (n=2), and pouch excision and ileostomy (n=1). At a median of 9 months (IQR: 4–97) of follow up, pouch survival was 83%; functional outcomes included mild fecal incontinence (n=1) and paradox requiring intermittent pouch intubation for stool evacuation (n=1). Conclusions Pelvic pouches constructed by minimally invasive techniques may be at risk for pouch volvulus due to minimal adhesions. Surgeons should have a high index of suspicion for patients with unexplained abdominal pain, distension, and other obstructive symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging with rectal contrast, may help clarify the diagnosis. Immediate surgical care can allow for pouch salvage.

Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) in patients with peritoneal metastasized colorectal, appendiceal and small bowel cancer

Background: Patients with intestinal cancer (colorectal, appendiceal, and small bowel) with peritoneal metastases (PM) have a poor prognosis. We assessed whether pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) together with systemic chemotherapy is an effective treatment option for these entities in palliative intent. Methods: Between November 2015 and February 2018, prospective data registry was performed (NCT03100708). Thirteen patients with intestinal cancer (median age 61 years [range 49–77]) underwent 26 PIPAC procedures with a median number of 2 interventions per patient (range 1–6). A chemoaerosol consisting of cisplatin/doxorubicin was administered during standard laparoscopy. Results: The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index according to Sugarbaker before the first PIPAC was 14 (range 2–27), and the median ascites volume was 10 mL (range 0–6300 mL). Six patients who received 2 or more PIPAC procedures had decreased and stable ascites volumes, while only 1 patient displayed increased ascites. The median overall survival was 303 days (range 30–490) after the first PIPAC procedure. Conclusions: PIPAC offers a novel treatment option for patients with PM. Our data show that PIPAC is safe and well-tolerated. Ascites production can be controlled by PIPAC in patients with intestinal cancer. Further studies are required to document the significance of PIPAC within palliative therapy concepts. Trial registration: NCT03100708

Robotic Cholecystectomy: First Experience in Baltic Countries

[full article, abstract in English; abstract in Lithuanian] In this retrospective study we report the first series of robotic cholecystectomies in Baltic countries. From Nov 2018 to Feb 2019, 13 robotic cholecystectomies were performed in Klaipėda University Hospital using the Senhance (TransEnterix) robotic system. Patients were diagnosed with symptomatic gallstone disease and had no life-threatening co-morbidities. We retrospectively investigated patient demographics and pre-, peri- and postoperative data. Five male and eight female patients were included in this study (n = 13). Mean age was 46 years (range 26–72); mean BMI was 26.7 kg/m² (range 21.1–37.7). Mean docking time was 18 min (range 8–27), and mean operative time was 85 min (range, 70–150). There were no conversions to standard laparoscopy or open surgery. There were no intra-operative complications. There was one post-operative bleeding from the gallbladder bed and subhepatic hematoma, successfully treated by laparoscopy. This study demonstrates the feasibility of robotic surgery in performing minimally invasive cholecystectomies.