Comparison Benefit between Hydrogen Peroxide and Adrenaline in Tonsillectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study aimed to further evaluate the benefit of topical hemostasis agents in tonsillectomy. Towards this goal, we compared the clinical effects of topical application between hydrogen peroxide and adrenaline in tonsillectomy. Overall, 60 patients (120 tonsils) were prospectively enrolled for tonsillectomy between February 2018 and December 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to either the hydrogen peroxide or adrenaline group. Then, tonsillectomy was performed using hydrogen peroxide as a hemostatic agent on the assigned side, while adrenaline was applied to the other side. All procedures were performed by a surgeon blinded to the randomization. Outcome measurements of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, and hemorrhage events were analyzed.The intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the hydrogen peroxide group than in the adrenaline group (9.99 ± 4.51 ml vs 13.87 ± 6.32 ml, p = 0.0). The median operation time was also significantly lower in the hydrogen peroxide group (8.02 ± 3.59 min vs 9.22 ± 3.88 min, p = 0.019). Meanwhile, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly higher in the hydrogen peroxide group (4.98 ± 1.94 vs 4.27 ± 1.97, p = 0.001). The topical application of hydrogen peroxide as a hemostatic agent effectively decreases the operation time and intraoperative blood loss. Thus, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a routine hemostatic agent for bleeding control in tonsillectomy.

A Safe and Effective Two-Step Tract Dilation Technique in Totally Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Background To evaluate the safety and the efficacy of a radiation-free 2-step tract dilation technique in totally ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods From Oct 2018 to Mar 2020, we prospectively and consecutively enrolled 18 patients with 19 kidney units with urolithiasis. The nephrostomy tract was established by the following four steps: 1) ultrasound-guided renal puncture, 2) first-stage serial dilation to 16 Fr with Amplatz dilators, 3) check and adjustment of the partially dilated tract with a ureteroscope, 4) second-stage dilation with a 24-Fr balloon dilator. Results The median age was 62.0 [IQR 11.0] years, and 11 (61.1%) were male. The median stone size was 3.3 [3.6] cm2, and stone laterality was almost equal over both sides. Successful tract establishment on the first attempt without fluoroscopy was achieved in 18 (94.7%) operations. The median tract establishment time was 10.4 [4.9] mins, and the median operation time was 67.0 [52.2] mins. The median hemoglobin drop was 1.0 [1.1] g/dL, and none required blood transfusion. Three (15.8%) developed fever. Pleural injury occurred in two (10.5%) operations (both had supracostal puncture), and one required drainage with pigtail. Stone-free status was achieved in 15 (77.8%) operations at 3 months postoperatively. Conclusions Herein we present a radiation-free 2-step tract dilation technique, which is characterized by ureteroscopic check of the partially dilated tract in between the first dilation with serial fascial dilators and the second dilation with balloon. Our data suggest that it is a safe and effective method.

An Indigenous Method of Securing Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Tube in Peritoneal Cavity

Introduction Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is the most common procedure used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in hydrocephalus. Over the years, many technical, procedural, and instrument-related advancements have taken place which have reduced the associated complication rates. Shunt block is a very common complication irrespective of the shunt system used. The abdominal end of the shunt tube gets blocked usually due to plugging of omentum onto the shunt catheter. We describe a technique of catheter fixation and placement under vision coupled with omentopexy done laparoscopically to prevent this complication. Materials and Methods This technique was used in 23 patients (11 female, 12 male; range 16–73 years) afflicted with hydrocephalus from June 2016 and December 2019 after obtaining an informed consent, and the outcomes were noted in terms of shunt patency, complications, if any, and the need for revision. Results The median operation time was 90 minutes (range 35–160 minutes). All shunt catheters were still functional after a mean follow-up of 16.5 months (range 1–34 months) and none required revision. Conclusion Laparoscopic placement of shunt tube along with omental folding is a safe and effective technique for salvaging the abdominal end of VPS and may be helpful in reducing shunt blockage.

Endourological approach in patients with anatomical urinary tract challenges

Objective: This article reports our experience managing neoplasms, stenosis and urolithiasis in patients with anatomical variations of the urinary system, using an endourological approach, either with an antegrade access or with combined access. Patients and methods: A retrospective review was performed using medical records of all patients who underwent percutaneous endourological treatment at our institution between 2014 and 2019. Those with such urinary anatomical variations were selected. Results: Out of 185 patients, 10 were identified. The study group included patients with urinary diversion, renal transplantation and congenital anomalies. Patients were divided into two sets, A and B, based on the presence or absence of urolithiasis, respectively. In set A, the median operative time was 213 minutes (standard deviation ( SD)=65.91 minutes). Only one patient had lithiasis in the first postoperative evaluation. Two patients had postoperative complications graded ⩾II in the Clavien–Dindo classification. Regarding set B, the median operation time was 75 minutes ( SD=66.89 minutes). Two patients had postoperative complications graded ⩾II in the Clavien–Dindo classification. Conclusions: Patients with anatomical tract challenges currently have a longer life expectancy and are therefore prone to urological complications in their unusual structures. Treatment of urological complications is essential, and minimal invasive procedures should be considered to resolve them and to reduce morbidity. Level of evidence: Not applicable.

Adoption of Robotic Liver, Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery in Singapore: A Single Institution Experience with Its First 100 Consecutive Cases

Introduction: Presently, robotic hepatopancreatobiliary surgery (RHPBS) is increasingly adopted worldwide. This study reports our experience with the first 100 consecutive cases of RHPBS in Singapore. Methods: Retrospective review of a single-institution prospective database of the first 100 consecutive RHPBS performed over 6 years from February 2013 to February 2019. Eighty-six cases were performed by a single surgeon. Results: The 100 consecutive cases included 24 isolated liver resections, 48 pancreatic surgeries (including 2 bile duct resections) and 28 biliary surgeries (including 8 with concomitant liver resections). They included 10 major hepatectomies, 15 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 6 radical resections for gallbladder carcinoma and 8 hepaticojejunostomies. The median operation time was 383 minutes, with interquartile range (IQR) of 258 minutes and there were 2 open conversions. The median blood loss was 200ml (IQR 350ml) and 15 patients required intra-operative blood transfusion. There were no post-operative 90-day nor in-hospital mortalities but 5 patients experienced major (> grade 3a) morbidities. The median post-operative stay was 6 days (IQR 5 days) and there were 12 post-operative 30-day readmissions. Comparison between the first 50 and the subsequent 50 patients demonstrated a significant reduction in blood loss, significantly lower proportion of malignant indications, and a decreasing frequency in liver resections performed. Conclusion: Our experience with the first 100 consecutive cases of RHPBS confirms its feasibility and safety when performed by experienced laparoscopic hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons. It can be performed for even highly complicated major hepatopancreatobiliary surgery with a low open conversion rate. Keywords: Biliary surgery, hepaticojejunostomy, liver resection, pancreas, pancreaticoduodenectomy

Complete retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision for upper tract urothelial carcinoma without patient repositioning: a single-center experience

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the outcome of complete retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision (RLNU-BCE), which is performed to treat urothelial carcinomas in the renal pelvis or in the ureter higher than the crossing of the common iliac artery without patient repositioning. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 48 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent complete RLNU-BCE in our institution from May 2017 to September 2019. Results RLNU-BCE was successfully performed in all 48 patients. The median operation time was 110 minutes [interquartile range (IQR), 100–130 minutes], and the median postoperative anesthesia recovery time was 10 minutes (IQR, 7–15 minutes). The median postoperative hospitalization period was 5 days (IQR, 4–6 days). Pathologic examination revealed that the margin of all resected specimens was negative. After a median follow-up of 13 months (IQR, 7–20 months), no local recurrence or distant metastasis was found. No complications occurred during follow-up. Conclusion Based on our experience with this technique, RLNU-BCE deserves application and promotion in clinical practice. Long-term comparative studies are required to confirm its superiority over other techniques.

Modification of Dargent’s radical vaginal trachelectomy to facilitate ureteral dissection: description of technique

ObjectiveRadical vaginal trachelectomy is the fertility-preserving surgery for patients with early stage cervical cancer. However, it has not gained widespread approval by gynecologic oncologists because of difficulties in the dissection of the bladder pillars and identification of the ureter during the vaginal portion of the surgery.MethodWe describe a modification of radical vaginal trachelectomy for easier dissection of the bladder pillar. Following pelvic lymphadenectomy, the vesicovaginal space is widely opened laparoscopically. After identification of the uterine arteries, one should proceed along the course of the arteries laterally and, thus, visualize the overcrossing of the artery with the ureter. The medial aspect of the supraureteric bladder pillar is transected and the ureter marked with vessel loops on both sides close to its entry into the bladder. The lateral portion of the supraureteric bladder pillar remains intact. During the vaginal part of radical vaginal trachelectomy, the ureter may be easily found by grasping the formerly placed vessel loop and dissection of the infraureteric bladder pillar may be done without risk of ureteral injury.ResultsBetween October 2018 and August 2019 our group has performed radical vaginal trachelectomy using this modified ureteral dissection in 12 patients. Median operation time was 239 min (range 127–290) and median blood loss was 25 mL (range 10–100). No intra- or post-operative urologic complication occurred. Median time to normal bladder function was 4 days (range 3–13).ConclusionThe vaginal portion of radical vaginal trachelectomy may be simplified using this technique, especially when difficult circumstances such as endometriosis, prior operations, or unusual anatomy in nulliparous women are encountered.

P95 LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED LEFT THORACOABDOMINAL OESOPHAGECTOMY (LLTA); AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR TUMOURS OF THE GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION

Aim To report a novel approach for tumours located at the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) using a laparoscopic abdominal phase combined with a left thoracoabdominal approach. Background and Methods The standard left thoracoabdominal approach offers excellent exposure and access to GOJ and lower oesophagus. It also involves a single position for the procedure, shortening the operation time. The disadvantages are a large incision, dividing the costochondral junction, and a low level thoracotomy. Laparoscopic Left Thoracoabdominal Oesophagectomy (LLTA) is performed with the patient in the same right lateral decubitus position, but rolled away from the operator at 45xxx. allowing laparoscopic gastric mobilisation and lymphadenectomy. The thoracic phase uses an anterolateral left thoracotomy through the higher 5th intercostal space, giving a higher intrathoracic anastomosis, just below the aortic arch. No disruption of the costochondral junction is made. Consecutive patients treated for GOJ tumours with LLTA operated on during 2013-2019 were analysed and compared to national standards (NOGCA). Results This series of 70 consecutive patients had a mean age of 63 years. Median operation time was 235 minutes. Median inpatient hospital stay was 10 days (NOGCA 9 (11-17)). The majority were adenocarcinoma; predominantly located in the GOJ (Siewert Type1 (37.14%), Type2 (45.71%), Type3 (2.86%)); 90% of the tumours were T3 or T4. Postoperative morbidity was low (Clavien-Dindo 0 in 50% of the patients). The median number of total lymph nodes excised was 27.77 (NOGCA >15). Positive nodes were predominantly located in the lesser-curve (40%), Para-oesophageal 34.29%; Sub-carinal 2.86%. Positive circumferential resection margins (<1mm) were present in 28.57% of patients (NOGCA 25.1%). In-Hospital and 30 day mortality was 1.43% (NOGCA 2.7%). Recurrence after LLTA was 24.29% at a mean 371 days (local 5.7%, systemic 15.7%, mixed 2.86%). Conclusion This series demonstrates a novel, safe and reproducible left sided approach for cancer of the GOJ. There is good exposure at the hiatus, without the division of the costochondral junction and low thoracotomy.

Surgical Results of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gallbladder Torsion

Gallbladder torsion (GT) causes ischemia of the gallbladder, which potentially leads to a fatal condition. Consequently, GT requires urgent treatment. An urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) might be the optimal approach, in view of the anatomical abnormality, “floating gallbladder,” which is associated with GT. However, the feasibility of LC for GT has not been well investigated. Thus, in this study, we investigated the feasibility of LC for GT in a case series. A total of 393 patients underwent urgent LC for acute gallbladder diseases at our institution during the study period. Among these patients, six had GT (1.5%) and were enrolled in this study. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical results of LC. Of the six cases, four (66.7%) were correctly diagnosed with GT preoperatively. There were two cases of Type I and four cases of Type II, based on the Gross classification for GT. The median operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were 64 minutes and 18 mL, respectively. No cases required conversion to open surgery. All six cases experienced an uneventful postoperative course. The median postoperative hospital stay was six days. The surgical results of LC were favorable for six cases of GT. These results showed that LC was feasible for GT.

Comparative study of open approach and laparoscopic surgery for emergent groin hernias

Background: The utilization of laparoscopic surgery for groin hernias is rapidly increasing in Japan even though a consensus for the use of the laparoscopic over the open approaches to surgery for emergent cases has yet to be determined. Therefore, we retrospectively examined patient outcomes from both open and laparoscopic surgeries.Methods: Emergent surgery for a strangulated groin hernia was performed on 63 patients at our hospital from January 2013 to December 2017. All laparoscopic surgeries were performed using the transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) approach. The choice of whether to perform an open approach (open) or laparoscopic surgery with the TAPP approach was made by doctors who were familiar with both surgical techniques.Results: There were 49 patients in the open group and 14 patients in the TAPP group. The median operation time (min) was 78 in the open group and 127 in the TAPP group. The median intraoperative blood loss (ml) was 21.0 in the open group and 3.0 in the TAPP group. There were 12 patients (24.5%) in the open group and 1 patient (7.1%) in the TAPP group who had postoperative complications. Surgical site infection did not occur in the TAPP group.Conclusions: TAPP is a useful technique in emergent surgery for incarcerated hernias.