Emanuel Sporn

Laparoscopic Appendectomy—Is it Worth the Cost? Trend Analysis in the US from 2000 to 2005

BACKGROUND Although laparoscopic appendectomy is widely used for treatment of appendicitis, it is still unclear if it is superior to the open approach. STUDY DESIGN From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2000 to 2005, hospitalizations with the primary ICD-9 procedure code of laparoscopic (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) were included in this study. Outcomes of length of stay, costs, and complications were assessed by stratified analysis for uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis (perforation or abscess). Regression methods were used to adjust for covariates and to detect trends. Costs were rescaled using the hospital and related services portion of the Medical Consumer Price Index. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2005, 132,663 (56.3%) patients underwent OA and 102,810 (43.7%) had LA. Frequency of LA increased from 32.2% to 58.0% (p < 0.001); conversion rates decreased from 9.9% to 6.9% (p < 0.001). Covariate adjusted length of stay for LA was approximately 15% shorter than for OA in both uncomplicated and complicated cases (p < 0.001). Adjusted costs for LA were 22% higher in uncomplicated appendicitis and 9% higher in patients with complicated appendicitis (p < 0.001). Costs and length of stay decreased over time in OA and LA. The risk for a complication was higher in the LA group (p < 0.05, odds ratio=1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.14) with uncomplicated appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS LA results in higher costs and increased morbidity for patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. Nevertheless, LA is increasingly used. Patients undergoing LA benefit from a slightly shorter hospital stay. In general, open appendectomy may be the preferred approach for patients with acute appendicitis, with indication for LA in selected subgroups of patients.

Nationwide Impact of Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions in the Management of Intestinal Obstruction in the US

BACKGROUND Treatment of adhesion-related complications is cost intensive and presents a considerable burden to the health care system. The objective of this study was to compare open (OLA) and laparoscopic lysis of adhesions (LLA) in the treatment of intestinal obstruction, based on a nationwide representative sample. STUDY DESIGN Patients with intestinal obstruction undergoing OLA, LLA, and conversion were identified from the 2002 National Inpatient Sample. After propensity methods were used to adjust for covariates including patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidities, the impact of OLA and LLA was analyzed concerning in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital costs. RESULTS Of 6,165 patients, 88.6% underwent OLA and 11.4% had LLA. Conversion was required in 17.2% of LLA patients. Unadjusted mortality was equal between LLA and conversion (1.7%) and half the rate compared with OLA (3.4%) (p = 0.014). After adjusting with propensity methods, the odds of complications in the LLA group (intention to treat) were 25% less than in the OLA (p = 0.008). The LLA group had a 27% shorter LOS (p = 0.0001) and was 9% less expensive than the OLA group (p = 0.0003). There was no statistical significant difference for LOS, complications, and costs between the conversion and OLA groups. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study suggest that when LLA is applied to selected patients with intestinal obstruction, there are reductions in postoperative complications, LOS, and costs. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these data and better identify the subgroup of patients who have improved outcomes with LLA.

Endoscopic colotomy closure for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery using a T-fastener prototype in comparison to conventional laparoscopic suture closure

BACKGROUND Safe and efficient endoscopic closure of a colotomy is essential for transcolonic peritoneal access or endoscopic full-thickness resection of the colon, if open or laparoscopic surgery is to be avoided. OBJECTIVE To compare the feasibility and safety of colotomy closure with the newly developed Tissue Approximation System (TAS, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.) to conventional laparoscopic suture closure. DESIGN Prospective randomized survival animal study involving 16 pigs. SETTING University hospital. INTERVENTIONS Pigs were randomized for closure of a 2- to 3-cm full-thickness colotomy with the TAS or with a conventional laparoscopic running suture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Success of colotomy closure, time of colotomy closure, postoperative infection, and complication rates. RESULTS Colotomies were successfully closed in all animals. Median closure time (range) was 39.5 minutes (25-95 min) in the TAS group and 23 minutes (16-40 min) in the laparoscopic group (P = .0134). There were no postoperative infections or complications. LIMITATIONS Closure with the TAS was performed under laparoscopic vision. There was no control group without closure of the colotomy site. CONCLUSIONS Colotomies are safely closed with the TAS with comparable results to laparoscopic closure. The TAS may serve as a useful tool to close full-thickness colon defects or colotomy sites made for transluminal endoscopic procedures.

Gastrotomy creation and closure for NOTES using a gastropexy technique (with video)

BACKGROUND Safe and efficient gastrotomy creation and closure is pivotal for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). OBJECTIVE To test a method of transgastric access and closure with commercially available devices. DESIGN An animal survival study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENTS Fifteen pigs. INTERVENTIONS By using a surgical suture passer, under endoscopic guidance, 3 percutaneous stay sutures were placed, in a triangular fashion, through the gastric wall. A gastrotomy was created with a dilation balloon, which was introduced over a guidewire through the gastric wall in the center of the 3 sutures. After performing a NOTES procedure, the gastrotomy was closed by tying the sutures. Necropsies were performed after 2 to 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Success and time of gastrotomy creation and closure, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS Gastrotomies were successfully created and closed in all the animals. The median time to create a gastrotomy was 19 minutes (range 11-85 minutes), and the median closure time was 1 minute (range 1-45 minutes). One pig died on postoperative day 1 because of peritonitis caused by a leaking gastrotomy site that extended beyond the stay sutures. There were no other gastrotomy-related complications. All gastrotomies were well healed at the necropsy. LIMITATION No control group. CONCLUSIONS We evaluated a simple method by using the principles of the PEG technique combined with a gastropexy, which is familiar to the majority of endoscopists. Strict attention to the gastrotomy site is needed, because one leak was from the gastrotomy site that extended beyond the stay sutures.

In Search of the Best Peritoneal Adhesion Model: Comparison of Different Techniques in a Rat Model

BACKGROUND Adhesion-related complications after abdominal surgery result in significant morbidity and costs. Results from animal studies investigating prevention or treatment of adhesions are limited due to lack of consistency in existing animal models. The aim of this study was to compare quality and quantity of adhesions in four different models and to find the best model. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the University of Missouri Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC). Forty female rats were randomly assigned to four different groups of 10 animals each. Adhesion created was performed utilizing the four techniques: Group 1 - parietal peritoneum excision (PPE), Group 2 - parietal peritoneum abrasion (PPA), Group 3 - peritoneal button creation (PBC), and Group 4 - cecal abrasion (CA). Rats were allowed to recover and necropsy was performed on postoperative d 14. Adhesions were scored by an established quantitative and qualitative scoring systems. The midline incision served as the control in each animal. RESULTS The four groups were not equal with respect to both quantity score (P<0.001) and quality score (P=0.042). The PBC group had the highest quantity of adhesions. The highest quality of adhesion was seen in the PPE group. A multivariate analysis carried out to quantify the performance of each model clearly demonstrated that PBC exhibited the best results in terms of both quantity and quality. CONCLUSIONS The button technique (PBC) is most consistent and reproducible technique for an intra-abdominal adhesion model. This model can help in the study and development of substances to prevent adhesion formation in the future.

Placement of a covered polyester stent prevents complications from a colorectal anastomotic leak and supports healing: Randomized controlled trial in a large animal model

BACKGROUND Anastomotic leaks after colorectal operation continue to be a significant cause of morbidity. A covered endoluminal stent could seal a leak and eliminate the need for diversion. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a temporary covered stent to prevent leak related complications. METHODS Sixteen adult pigs (80-120 lbs) underwent open transection of the rectosigmoid followed by anastomosis with a circular stapler. Eight animals (study group) underwent endoscopic placement of a 21-mm covered polyester stent. Eight control group animals were left without stents. In all animals, a 2-cm leak was created along the anterior portion of the anastomosis. The animals were killed after 2 weeks and evaluated for abdominal infection, fistulae, and adhesions. The anastomosis was excised and the following parameters were assessed by a pathologist blinded to treatment: mucosal interruption (mm), inflammatory response, collagen type I and III, granulation, and fibrosis (grade 0-4). RESULTS Stents were spontaneously expelled between postoperative days 6 and 9. At necropsy, none of the animals in the study group had leak related complications, whereas in the control group, 5 (63%) developed intraabdominal infection (4 abscesses, 1 fistula) at the anastomosis (P = .002). Dense adhesions to the anastomosis were found in 7 (88%) control animals. On histology, anastomotic sites in the study group had significantly less mucosal interruption and granulation. Two pigs in the study group died on postoperative day 7, one due to evisceration and one from bladder necrosis. The mortality result is not different from controls (P = .47), both events seem to be unrelated to stent placement. CONCLUSION Temporary placement of a covered polyester stent across a colorectal anastomosis prevents leak-related complications and supports the healing of anastomotic leaks.

Transvaginal Repair of a Large Chronic Porcine Ventral Hernia with Synthetic Mesh Using NOTES

Transvaginal placement of synthetic mesh to repair large porcine hernia using NOTES technology appears to be a feasible alternative to traditional techniques.

Ascariasis in the Hepatobiliary System: Laparoscopic Management

BACKGROUND Ascariasis is an endemic disease in developing countries. The parasite can invade the hepatobiliary tree and cause symptoms. Medical therapy can be ineffective in these patients and intervention techniques required. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of patient charts between February 1992 and February 2007 in the Hospital Latinoamericano, Cuenca, Ecuador, was performed to identify patients having surgical or endoscopic treatment for hepatobiliary ascariasis. Patient demographics, treatment algorithms, and outcomes are described and analyzed. RESULTS There were 13 cases of hepatobiliary infestation by ascaris treated through endoscopy or operation. All patients presented with colicky abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. Hepatic and biliary ultrasonography identified parasites in 12 patients. In the other patient, a hepatic abscess containing ascaris was found incidentally during cholecystectomy. There were 11 patients with ascariasis in the common bile duct, 1 in whom the cystic duct was occluded, causing acute cholecystitis. In 12 patients, conservative management was attempted and was unsuccessful. Endoscopic extraction was successful in four of these patients. Six patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, common bile duct exploration with parasite extraction, and T-tube placement. Parasite extraction through common bile duct exploration followed by primary closure was performed in one patient. Cholecystotomy and parasite extraction followed by cholecystectomy were performed in one patient. The final patient had cholecystectomy and parasite extraction from a liver abscess without earlier medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS Ascariasis in the hepatobiliary system should be considered in the differential diagnosis of upper abdominal pain for patients in populations at risk. When an operation is indicated, it can be accomplished by endoscopic or laparoscopic approach.

NOTES Techniques: present and future

ZusammenfassungGRUNDLAGEN: Technische Vorraussetzungen und Instrumentarium für NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) stecken noch immer in ihren Kinderschuhen. METHODIK: Literaturübersicht, persönliche Erfahrungen und Expertenmeinungen. ERGEBNISSE: Sterilität von Endoskopen und der dazugehörigen Instrumente machen Adaptationen im Operationssaal erforderlich. Die Modifikation von herkömmlichen Endoskopen, die Entwicklung von flexiblen Overtubes, ergonomischen Arbeitsplattformen und von endoskopische Instrumenten, die gut steuerbar und trotzdem stabil sind, ist die Grundvoraussetzung zur sicheren Etablierung von NOTES. Endoskopische Verschluss- und Anastomosentechniken müssen weiterentwickelt werden, um den Standards der laparoskopischen Chirurgie gerecht zu werden. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Wir glauben, dass NOTES eine bedeutende Rolle in der Chirurgie des Gastrointestinaltraktes spielen wird. Ein koordiniertes, kontrollierte Vorgehen ist nötig, um NOTES zur Realität werden zu lassen.SummaryBACKGROUND: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is a promising approach to decrease surgical morbidity. However, the techniques and instrumentation are still primitive, requiring major modifications for use in NOTES procedures. METHODS: Review of the literature, personal communications and experiences. RESULTS: The operating room environment need to change with a larger sterile field and long sterile tables to accommodate long flexible instruments. Operating systems need to be improved to allow surgeons to have free ergonomic-friendly movements with long instruments. Modified endoscopes or flexible overtubes are required to provide a stable site of dissection at the end of a long flexible tube. Graspers need to be developed that are accurate and robust at a long distance from the operator. Tissue dissection through a flexible channel (ideally ultrasonic) will allow more complex NOTES procedures. Techniques of tissue closure and anastomosis are primitive and need to reach the standard seen with laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: It is our judgment that NOTES will play a pivotal role in GI surgery. A general, coordinated effort will probably make NOTES a widespread reality.

Transgastric cholecystectomy using a prototype endoscope with 2 deflecting working channels (with video)

BACKGROUND Transgastric cholecystectomy has been shown to be feasible in animal models and human case reports but cumbersome with current available instrumentation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate a prototype endoscope with 2 working channels with deflectors at the distal tip for performance of transgastric cholecystectomy. DESIGN Animal study, nonsurvival and survival. ANIMALS Sixteen male pigs. SETTING University hospital. INTERVENTION Transgastric cholecystectomy in 6 nonsurvival pigs by using several different dual-channel endoscopes and 10 survival pigs by using the Olympus dual-channel endoscope with an up-down deflecting channel to the left of the objective lens and a left-right deflecting channel located below the lens. Gallbladder fundic retraction was performed with the aid of one laparoscopic grasper. RESULTS Cholecystectomy was successful in all survival animals. Median procedure time was 81 minutes (range 31-163 minutes), with a decrease over time. Visualization of all structures was achieved, and clipping of the cystic duct and artery was successful in all cases. Dissection of the gallbladder via the left-right channel was enhanced with retraction via the up-down deflecting channel. Nine of 10 animals survived without complications. One animal died, on postoperative day 2, secondary to peritonitis due to a leak from the gastrotomy site. CONCLUSIONS This endoscope, with deflecting working channels, allows transgastric cholecystectomy in pigs. The endoscope was stable enough to be used without an overtube and facilitated retraction and dissection. This endoscope is promising for use in transgastric cholecystectomy in human beings.