Jacopo Desiderio

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) may offer advantages over conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy compared with other bariatric surgical procedures: a systematic review of randomized trials

BACKGROUND The evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been mostly based on the data derived from nonrandomized studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of LSG and to present an up-to-date review of the available evidence based on the recent publications of new randomized, controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until November 2012 for RCTs on LSG. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs, comprising a total of 1191 patients, of whom 795 had undergone LSG, were included. No patient required conversion to open surgery for LSG, laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB), or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures. There were no deaths, and the complication rate was 12.1% (range 10%-13.2%) in the LSG group versus 20.9% (range 10%-26.4%) in the LGB group, and 0% in the LAGB group (only 1 RCT). The complications included leakage, bleeding, stricture, and reoperation that occurred with rates of .9%, 3.3%, 0%, and 2.1%, respectively, in the LSG group and rates of 0%, 5%, 0%, and 4%, respectively, in the LGB group. The average operating time in the LSG group was 106.5 minutes versus 132.3 minutes in the LGB group. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) ranged from 49% to 81% in the LSG group, from 62.1% to 94.4% in the LGB group, and from 28.7% to 48% in the LAGB group, with a follow-up ranging from 6 months to 3 years. The type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission rate ranged from 26.5% to 75% in the LSG group and from 42% to 93% in the LGB group. CONCLUSIONS LSG is a well-tolerated, feasible procedure with a relatively short operating time. Its effectiveness in terms of weight loss is confirmed for short-term follow-up (≤ 3 years). The role of LSG in the treatment of T2DM requires further investigation.

High tie versus low tie of the inferior mesenteric artery in colorectal cancer: A RCT is needed

Nowadays left colon and rectal cancer treatment has been well standardized in both open and laparoscopy. Nevertheless, the level of the ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), at the origin from the aorta (high tie) or below the origin of the left colic artery (low tie), is still debated. The objective of the systematic review is to evaluate the current scientific evidence of high versus low tie of the IMA in colorectal cancer surgery. The outcomes considered were overall 30-days postoperative morbidity, overall 30-days postoperative mortality, anastomotic leakage, 5-years survival rate, and overall recurrence rate. A total of 8.666 patients were included in our analysis, 4.281 forming the group undergoing high tie versus 4.385 patients undergoing low tie. Neither the high tie nor the low tie strategy showed an evidence based success, as no statistically significant differences were identified for all outcomes measured. Future high powered and well designed randomized clinical trials are needed to draw definitive conclusion on this dilemma.

Treatment of Hinchey stage III–IV diverticulitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThis manuscript is a review of different surgical techniques to manage perforated colon diverticulitis.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to compare the benefits and disadvantages of different surgical treatments for Hinchey III or IV type of colon diverticulitis.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Science Citation Index (1990 and 2011). A total of 1,809 publications were identified and 14 studies with 1,041 patients were included in the study. Any surgical treatment was considered in this review. Mortality was considered the primary outcome, whereas hospital stay and reoperation rate were considered secondary outcomes.ResultsPrimary resection with anastomosis has a significant advantage in terms of lower mortality rate with respect to Hartmann’s procedure (P = 0.02). The postoperative length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the resection with anastomosis group (P < 0.001). Different findings have emerged from studies of patients with the primary resection with anastomosis vs laparoscopic peritoneal lavage and subsequent resection: overall surgical morbidity and hospital stay were lower in the laparoscopic peritoneal lavage group compared to the primary resection and anastomosis group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDespite numerous published articles on operative treatments for patients with generalized peritonitis from perforated diverticulitis, we found a marked heterogeneity between included studies limiting the possibility to summarize in a metanalytical method the data provided and make difficult to synthesize data in a quantitative fashion. The advantages in the group of colon resection with primary anastomosis in terms of lower mortality rate and postoperative stay should be interpreted with caution because of several limitations. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate different surgical treatments for patients with generalized peritonitis from perforated diverticulitis.

Total thyroidectomy with ultrasonic dissector for cancer: multicentric experience

BackgroundWe conducted an observational multicentric clinical study on a cohort of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of the use of ultrasonic dissector (UAS) vs. the use of a conventional technique (vessel clamp and tie) in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for cancer.MethodsFrom June 2009 to May 2010 we evaluated 321 consecutive patients electively admitted to undergo total thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. The first 201 patients (89 males, 112 females) presenting to our Department underwent thyroidectomy with the use of UAS while the following 120 patients (54 males, 66 females) underwent thyroidectomy performed with a conventional technique (CT): vessel clamp and tie.ResultsThe operative time (mean: 75 min in UAS vs. 113 min in CT, range: 54 to 120 min in UAS vs. 68 to 173 min in CT) was much shorter in the group of thyroidectomies performed with UAS. The incidence of transient laryngeal nerve palsy (UAS 3/201 patients (1.49%); CT 1/120 patients (0.83%)) was higher in the group of UAS; the incidence of permanent laryngeal nerve palsy was similar in the two groups (UAS 2/201 patients (0.99%) vs. CT 2/120 patients (1.66%)). The incidence of transient hypocalcaemia (UAS 17/201 patients (8.4%) vs. CT 9/120 patients (7.5%)) was higher in the UAS group; no relevant differences were reported in the incidence of permanent hypocalcaemia in the two groups (UAS 5/201 patients (2.48%) vs. 2/120 patients (1.66%)). Also the average postoperative length of stay was similar in two groups (2 days).ConclusionThe only significant advantage proved by this study is represented by the cost-effectiveness (reduction of the usage of operating room) for patients treated with UAS, secondary to the significant reduction of the operative time. The analysis failed to show any advantages in terms of postoperative transient complications in the group of patients treated with ultrasonic dissector: transient laryngeal nerve palsy (1.49% in UAS vs. 0.83% in CT) and transient hypocalcaemia (8.4% in UAS vs. 7.5%in CT). No significant differences in the incidence of permanent laryngeal nerve palsy (0.8% in UAS vs. 1.04% in CT) and permanent hypocalcaemia (2.6% in UAS vs. 2.04% in CT) were demonstrated. The level of surgeons’ expertise is a central factor, which can influence the complications rate; the use of UAS can only help surgical action but cannot replace the experience of the operator.

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage: a definitive treatment for diverticular peritonitis or a "bridge" to elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy?: a systematic review.

AbstractTo this day, the treatment of generalized peritonitis secondary to diverticular perforation is still controversial. Recently, in patients with acute sigmoid diverticulitis, laparoscopic lavage and drainage has gained a wide interest as an alternative to resection. Based on this backdrop, we decided to perform a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of peritoneal lavage in perforated diverticular disease.A bibliographic search was performed in PubMed for case series and comparative studies published between January 1992 and February 2014 describing laparoscopic peritoneal lavage in patients with perforated diverticulitis.A total of 19 articles consisting of 10 cohort studies, 8 case series, and 1 controlled clinical trial met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. In total these studies analyzed data from 871 patients. The mean follow-up time ranged from 1.5 to 96 months when reported. In 11 studies, the success rate of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage, defined as patients alive without surgical treatment for a recurrent episode of diverticulitis, was 24.3%. In patients with Hinchey stage III diverticulitis, the incidence of laparotomy conversion was 1%, whereas in patients with stage IV it was 45%. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 2.9%. The 30-day postoperative reintervention rate was 4.9%, whereas 2% of patients required a percutaneous drainage. Readmission rate after the first hospitalization for recurrent diverticulitis was 6%. Most patients who were readmitted (69%) required redo surgery. A 2-stage laparoscopic intervention was performed in 18.3% of patients.Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage should be considered an effective and safe option for the treatment of patients with sigmoid diverticulitis with Hinchey stage III peritonitis; it can also be consider as a “bridge” surgical step combined with a delayed and elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in order to avoid a Hartmann procedure. This minimally invasive staged approach should be considered for patients without systemic toxicity and in centers experienced in minimally invasive surgery techniques. Further evidence is needed, and the ongoing RCTs will better define the role of the laparoscopic peritoneal lavage/drainage in the treatment of patients with complicated diverticulitis.

Is inferior mesenteric artery ligation during sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease associated with increased anastomotic leakage? A meta‐analysis of randomized and non‐randomized clinical trials

Aim  A meta‐analysis was conducted to compare preservation with ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease.

Minimally invasive necrosectomy versus conventional surgery in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Aim: The purpose of this meta-analysis and systematic review is to compare minimally invasive necrosectomy (MIN) versus open necrosectomy (ON) surgery for infected necrosis of acute pancreatitis. Methods: One randomized controlled trial and 3 clinical controlled trials were selected, with a total of 336 patients (215 patients who underwent MIN and 121 patients underwent ON) included after searching in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, BioMed Central, Science Citation Index (from inception to August 2011), Greynet, SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe), National Technological Information Service, British Library Integrated catalogue, and the Current Controlled Trials. Statistical analysis is performed using the odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: After the analysis of the data amenable to polling, significant advantages were found in favor of the MIN in terms of: incidence of multiple organ failure (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.39) (P<0.0001), incisional hernias (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.90) (P=0.03), new-onset diabetes (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12-0.88) (P=0.03), and for the use of pancreatic enzymes (OR, 0.005; 95% CI, 0.04-0.57) (P=0.005). No differences were found in terms of mortality rate (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.18-1.05) (P=0.06), multiple systemic complications (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.01-8.60) (P=0.51), surgical reintervention for further necrosectomy (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.00-3.07) (P=0.19), intra-abdominal bleeding (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.41-1.50) (P=0.46), enterocutaneous fistula or perforation of visceral organs (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-1.00) (P=0.05), pancreatic fistula (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.30-1.46) (P=0.30), and surgical reintervention for postoperative complications (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.23-1.08) (P=0.08). Conclusions: The lack of comparative studies and high heterogeneity of the data present in the literature did not permit to draw a definitive conclusion on this topic. The results of the present meta-analysis might be helpful to design future high-powered randomized studies that compare MIN with ON for acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Surgical treatment of primitive gastro-intestinal lymphomas: a systematic review

Primitive Gastrointestinal Lymphomas (PGIL) are uncommon tumours, although time-trend analyses have demonstrated an increase. The role of surgery in the management of lymphoproliferative diseases has changed over the past 40 years. Nowadays their management is centred on systemic treatments as chemo-/radio- therapy. Surgery is restricted to very selected indications, always discussed in a multidisciplinary setting. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the actual role of surgery in the treatment of PGIL.A systematic review of literature was conducted according to the recommendations of The Cochrane Collaboration. Main outcomes analysed were overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS).There are currently 1 RCT and 4 non-randomised prospective controlled studies comparing surgical versus medical treatment for PGIL. Seven hundred and one patients were analysed, divided into two groups: 318 who underwent to surgery alone or associated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (surgical group) versus 383 who were treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (medical group).Despite the OS at 10 years between surgical and medical groups did not show relevant differences, the DFS was significantly better in the medical group (P = 0.00001). Accordingly a trend was noticed in the recurrence rate, which was lower in the medical group (6.06 vs. 8.57%); and an higher mortality was revealed in the surgical group (4.51% vs. 1.50%).The chemotherapy confirms its primary role in the management of PGIL as part of systemic treatment in the medical group. Surgery remains the treatment of choice in case of PGIL acutely complicated, although there is no evidence in literature regarding the utility of preventive surgery.

The treatment of anal fistulas with biologically derived products: is innovation better than conventional surgical treatment? An update

New technical approaches involving biologically derived products have been applied in the treatment for anal fistulas in order to avoid the risk of fecal incontinence. The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific evidence present in the literature regarding these techniques. Trials comparing surgery (fistulotomy, advancement mucosal flap closure and placement of seton) versus fibrin glue, fistula plug or acellular dermal matrix were considered. In fibrin glue versus traditional surgical treatment the healing rate was higher in the surgery group, and the recurrence rate was lower in the traditional surgery group, but these results were not statistically relevant. In acellular dermal matrix (ADM) versus traditional surgical treatment the recurrence rate of fistulas was significantly lower in the ADM group, but non-significant differences were recorded in incontinence and anal deformity. Our review shows that there are no significant advantages of the new techniques involving biologically derived products. Further randomized controlled trials are needed.