Andrzej Kwiatkowski

Late caecal fistula after laparoscopic appendectomy managed mini-invasively – case report

Laparoscopic appendectomy is being performed increasingly, worldwide. The laparoscopic approach is associated with a lower complication rate and a shorter period of disability but some major complications still occur. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. In 3 weeks time after surgery, after physical activity the patient presented acute abdomen. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed peritonitis caused by caecal fistula. Laparoscopic lavage and drainage of the peritoneal cavity with formal caecostomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. The stoma was closed in 6 months’ time without other complications. In our opinion laparoscopy is proven to be a safe and good option for diagnostics and treatment of some complications of appendectomy.

Revisional bariatric surgery after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding – a single-center, long-term retrospective study

Introduction Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) used to be one of the most popular bariatric procedures. Aim To present our institution’s experience with LAGB, its complications, causes of failure and revisional bariatric procedures, in a long-term follow-up. Material and methods Records of patients who underwent pars flaccida LAGB from 2003 to 2006 were gathered. We selected data on patients with a history of additional bariatric procedures. Their initial demographic data, body mass index and causes of revision were gathered. We analyzed length of stay and early perioperative complications. Results 60% of patients (n = 57) who underwent LAGB in our institution between 2003 and 2006 had their band removed (out of 107, 11% lost to follow-up). Median time to revisional surgery was 50 months. The main reasons for removal were: weight regain (n = 23; 40%), band slippage (n = 14; 25%), and pouch dilatation (n = 9; 16%). Thirty (53%) patients required additional bariatric surgery, 10 (33%) of which were simultaneous with band removal. The most popular procedures were: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) (n = 15; 50%), open gastric bypass (n = 8; 27%), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) – (n = 3; 10%). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 5.4 ±2.0. One (3%) perioperative complication was reported. Conclusions The results show that LAGB is not an effective bariatric procedure in long-term follow-up due to the high rate of complications causing band removal and the high rate of obesity recurrence. Revisional bariatric surgery after failed LAGB may be performed in a one-stage approach with band removal.

Cross-sectional study of male sexual function in bariatric patients

Introduction Obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities and affects various aspects of life, including sexual functioning. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obese people. Male sexual function after bariatric surgery is not well known. Aim To compare male sexual function and sexual quality of life after surgical weight loss with controls seeking bariatric surgery. Material and methods International Index of Erectile Function and Sexual Quality of Life-Male (SQoL-M) questionnaires were administered by e-mail to 152 men who had undergone weight-loss surgery. The control group consisted of 44 obese men who completed the questionnaires during their preoperative evaluation. Results Fifty-six percent of men in the control group and 20% of men in the postoperative group reported erectile dysfunction (ED) (OR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.6–16.0, p = 0.005). The median (Q1, Q3) total International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score did not show a significant difference between the control (62.0 (37.5, 66.5)) and postoperative groups (67.0 (57.0, 70.0)). However, median scores in domains of erectile function (EF), sexual desire (SD), and overall satisfaction (OS) were significantly higher in the postoperative group. The median SQoL-M was significantly higher (81.8 (51.5, 89.4) vs. 88.6 (84.8, 90.9); p < 0.05) in the postoperative group. Conclusions A lower prevalence of erectile dysfunction and better sexual quality of life were observed in the patients after surgical weight loss. The improvement in male sexual function may be considered as an advantage of bariatric surgery.

The effect of oversewing the staple line in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: randomized control trial

Introduction Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most popular bariatric procedures. The procedure is associated with serious staple-line complications such as bleeding, leaks, and stenosis. Aim To determine whether oversewing the staple line, compared with clipping, in LSG reduces the incidence of postoperative bleeding. Material and methods We conducted a parallel-group, prospective, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 100 patients who underwent LSG for obesity at a single institution between May 2014 and August 2015. Patients were assigned to one of two groups for reinforcement of the staple line: the oversewing group (staple line oversewn) or the clipping group (staple line clipped). The primary outcome was reoperation for hemodynamic instability caused by staple-line bleeding within 72 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were operative duration, length of hospital stay, postoperative leaks, and postoperative stenosis. Results Mean operative duration was longer in the oversewing group (78.2 ±20.5 min) than in the clipping group (64.1 ±16.5 min, p < 0.001). Mean length of hospital stay was comparable in both groups. Postoperatively, there was no significant between-group difference in bleeding (oversewing, n = 0 vs. clipping, n = 2 (4.6%); p = 0.21) or in stenosis and leakage (both outcomes: oversewing, n = 0, vs. clipping, n = 1 (2.3%); p = 0.46). Conclusions Oversewing the staple line prolongs operative duration. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the effects of oversewing on staple-line bleeding, postoperative leakage and stenosis, or length of hospital stay.

Laparoscopic approach to distal pancreatectomy in pancreatic cystic neoplasms – report of three cases and literature review

The development of cross-section imaging increased the number of diagnosed pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs). Many of these lesions, located frequently in the body or tail of the organ, require resection. We present three cases of patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy because of PCNs, describing the technique along with the post-operative course. The reviewed literature confirms the benefits of the laparoscopic approach, yet it lacks randomized, controlled trials. We also present two spleen-preserving surgical techniques – with and without ligation of the splenic vessels. Both of these procedures can be performed with laparoscopy or laparotomy, but there is no consensus which should be the method of choice.

Implementation of laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery – a single center’s experience

Introduction Implementation of the laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery has not happened as rapidly as in cholecystectomy, because of concerns about oncological safety. The results of controlled trials in multiple centers showed the method to be safe. Consequently, surgeons decided to try the approach with colorectal surgery. This process, in our clinic, began in earnest about four years ago. Aim To analyze and present the clinical outcomes of applying the laparoscopic approach to colorectal surgery in a single center. Material and methods We retrospectively identified patients from a hospital database who underwent colorectal surgery – laparoscopic and open – between 2013 and 2016. Our focus was on laparoscopic cases. Study points included operative time, duration of the hospital stay, postoperative mortality and rates of complications, conversion, reoperation and readmission. Results Of 534 cases considered, the results showed that the relation between open and laparoscopic procedures had reversed, in favor of the latter method (2013: open: 82% vs. laparoscopic: 18%; 2016: open: 22.4% vs. laparoscopic: 77.6%). The most commonly performed procedure was right hemicolectomy. The total complication rate was 22%. The total rate of conversion to open surgery was 9.3%. The postoperative mortality rate was 3%. Conclusions Use of the laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery has increased in recent years world-wide – including in Poland – but the technique is still underused. Rapid implementation of the miniinvasive method in colorectal surgery, in centers with previous laparoscopic experience, is not only safe and feasible, but also highly recommended.

Cigarette smoking and its impact on weight loss after bariatric surgery – a single center, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Smoking cessation is often associated with weight gain. This study was conducted to verify whether it affects outcomes of bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES To present cigarette consumption among patients after bariatric surgery in a long-term follow-up and to evaluate whether smoking cessation impacts weight loss. SETTING High-volume bariatric center, Military Hospital, Poland. METHODS We collected data of patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 2003 and 2009. The data included sex, age, weight, body mass index, and smoking habits. An online survey regarding current weight, co-morbidities, and smoking was distributed. Percentage excess weight loss was calculated with an ideal weight for body mass index of 25 kg/m2. RESULTS One hundred seven patients had laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding between 2003 and 2006; 47 were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 11.2 (±1.2). Of patients, 51% (n = 24) were smokers before surgery. In the follow-up 43% (n = 20) were smokers, of whom 4 patients began smoking after surgery. Twenty-seven patients were nonsmokers, 8 of whom quit over the years (33% of previous smokers). One hundred twenty-seven underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between 2006 and 2009; 84 were included in the study. Our median follow-up was 8.0 years. Thirty-two patients never smoked; 52 were smoking before surgery, yet 24 successfully quit. In both groups there were no statistically significant differences in percentage excess weight loss between smokers and nonsmokers, or between those who quit and did not. CONCLUSIONS In the long-term follow-up after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 33% of smokers quit and 17% previously nonsmoking began smoking. After laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 46% of previously smoking patients successfully quit. Smoking status was not significantly associated with weight loss.

Abdominal tuberculosis after removal of an adjustable gastric band – report of an unusual case

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is the third most popular bariatric procedure. Despite its reversibility and minimal invasiveness, band infection affects 1.2% of patients. We present a case of a 25-year-old, obese woman who was experiencing malaise and feverishness 3 years after gastric band placement. Due to port site infection the port was removed, which did not improve the patient’s condition. After 2 years the band was removed via laparotomy with a minor surgical site infection reported. The patient returned 2 weeks after discharge with signs of sepsis. After ruling out pulmonary causes, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing granulomatous peritonitis. Standard histopathological examinations, broncho-alveolar lavage culture and DNA tests along with microbiological cultures were inconclusive. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal and antiparasitic agents did not improve the patient’s condition. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was discovered in a greater omentum specimen. The patient was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin for four months.

Urgent laparoscopic gastrocystostomy after iatrogenic perforation of pancreatic cyst – case report and literature review

Pancreatic cysts, a common complication of pancreatitis, often require invasive treatment. When possible, endoscopic technique tends to be the procedure of choice. Despite its advantages, most of its complications may require immediate surgical assistance. Experienced surgeons tend to choose a laparoscopic approach bearing in mind its advantages. We present a case of a 71-year-old patient with an idiopathic pancreatic cyst, causing chronic epigastric pain. The attempt of endoscopic drainage led to iatrogenic perforation, which was successfully managed by laparoscopic posterior gastrocystostomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. In our opinion, laparoscopy should always be considered to manage complications caused by endoscopic drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst.

Large inflammatory fibroid polyp of cardia managed laparoscopically - a case report and review of the literature.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp or Vaneks tumor of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare, benign neoplasm. The lesion may occur at any age but is commonest in the sixth and seventh decades and is more often found in women. It is mostly situated in the stomach, especially in the antrum. Symptoms depend on the location and the size of the lesion. We present a case of a 67-year-old woman with a large inflammatory polyp of the cardia with a diameter of 10 cm × 5.5 cm × 7.5 cm imitating gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The patient complained of abdominal pain, nausea and mild anemia. We performed laparoscopic topical excision of the tumor. The postoperative course was uneventful. The 6-month follow-up did not reveal recurrence. The clinical image of a large Vaneks tumor can imitate symptoms of gastric cancer or GIST. Topical laparoscopic excision with a 1–2 cm healthy wall margin is a sufficient and adequate way of treatment.