Kevin El-Hayek

Robotic surgery of the pancreas

Pancreatic surgery is one of the most challenging and complex fields in general surgery. While minimally invasive surgery has become the standard of care for many intra-abdominal pathologies the overwhelming majority of pancreatic surgery is performed in an open fashion. This is attributed to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas, its intimate relationship to major vasculature and the complexity of reconstruction in the case of pancreatoduodenectomy. Herein, we describe the application of robotic technology to minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. The unique capabilities of the robotic platform have made the minimally invasive approach feasible and safe with equivalent if not better outcomes (e.g., decreased length of stay, less surgical site infections) to conventional open surgery. However, it is unclear whether the robotic approach is truly superior to traditional laparoscopy; this is a key point given the substantial costs associated with procuring and maintaining robotic capabilities.

Laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release: are we improving symptoms?

BACKGROUND Median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and celiac stenosis. We report our experience using a laparoscopic approach for this uncommon diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN This is an IRB-approved, prospectively collected retrospective analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release at our institution. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative approach, and postoperative outcomes. Ultimately, patients were contacted to complete a postoperative survey aimed at assessing resolution of symptoms and overall satisfaction. RESULTS A total of 15 patients underwent laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release from March 2007 to January 2012. Mean age was 34 years (range 17 to 68 years) and 93% were female. Mean preoperative celiac velocity was 380 cm/s (range 210 to 600 cm/s). Fourteen patients had laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release and 1 patient had robotic-assisted laparoscopic release. Mean operative time was 179 minutes (range 79 to 473 minutes) and there was 1 conversion to laparotomy. Twelve of 15 patients had a postoperative celiac axis ultrasonography. Celiac occlusion occurred in 2 patients (present in 1 patient preoperatively). In the remaining 10 there was a statistically significant decrease in celiac velocity to 215 cm/s (range 135 to 306 cm/s; p = 0.005). Survey response rate was 86% at a mean follow-up of 15.4 months (range 2.8 to 32.6 months), and all but 1 patient reported having resolution of pain. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament is a safe, feasible, and effective means of managing median arcuate ligament syndrome. Postoperative symptomatic relief is seen in the vast majority of patients undergoing this procedure.

Complete endoscopic/transgastric retrieval of eroded gastric band: description of a novel technique and review of the literature

Complications of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) include band slippage, material infection, and band erosion. Band erosion can lead to chronic infection, obstruction, delayed perforation, and ineffectiveness; therefore, removal is indicated. A myriad of approaches exist for band removal and many authors have described novel techniques. A minimally invasive approach, including laparoscopic or endoscopic assistance, is favored given the reduction of postoperative complications compared with laparotomy. We present a novel approach to band retrieval following partial erosion involving a complete endoscopic/transgastric technique. Perioperative management and a review of the literature also are described.

The incidence of hiatal hernia and technical feasibility of repair during bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE To evaluate the incidence and outcomes of hiatal hernias (HH) that are repaired concomitantly during bariatric surgery. METHODS We identified patients who had concomitant HH repair during bariatric surgery from 2010 to 2014. Data collected included baseline demographics, perioperative parameters, type of HH repair, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS A total of 83 underwent concomitant HH during study period. The male-to-female ratio was 1:8, mean age was 57.2 ± 10.0 years, and mean body mass index was 44.5 ± 7.9 kg/m(2). A total of 61 patients had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 22 had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. HH was diagnosed before bariatric surgery in 32 (39%) subjects, whereas 51 (61%) were diagnosed intraoperatively. Primary hernia repair was performed with anterior reconstruction in 45 (54%) patients, posterior in 21 (25%), and additional mesh placement in 7 (8%). A total of 24 early minor postoperative symptoms were reported. At 12 month follow-up, mean body mass index improved to 30.0 ± 6.2 kg/m(2), and anti-reflux medication was decreased from 84% preoperatively to 52%. Late postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients. A comparative analysis with a matched 1:1 control group displayed no significant differences in operative time (P = .07), duration of stay (P = .9), intraoperative complications, or early (P = .09) and late post-operative symptoms (P = .3). In addition, no differences were noted in terms of weight-loss outcomes. CONCLUSION The true incidence of HH may be underestimated before bariatric surgery. Combined repair of HH during bariatric surgery appears safe and feasible.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Is Not a Vascular Disease

BACKGROUND Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder characterized by postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and celiac stenosis. Diagnosis can be challenging, leading to a delay in treatment. We report on our continued experience using a laparoscopic approach for this uncommon diagnosis. METHODS This is an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospectively collected retrospective analysis of patients treated with laparoscopic MAL release at our institution. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative approach, and postoperative outcomes. Patients were then contacted to complete a postoperative survey designed to assess the improvement of symptoms and overall patient satisfaction. RESULTS A total of 39 patients (33 women and 6 men) underwent laparoscopic MAL release from March 2007 to July 2014. Mean age was 40.6 years (range, 17-77 years). Thirty of 39 patients had a postoperative celiac axis ultrasound. Twenty-three had a patent celiac axis on postoperative duplex. Of the remaining 7, 5 with residual celiac axis stenosis and 1 with occlusion, reported complete resolution of their symptoms. One remaining patient with occlusion remained symptomatic. Thirty-three of 39 (84.6%) reported symptom relief after surgery. Nine of 33 (27.3%) responders had cardiovascular risk factors versus 4 of 6 (67%) nonresponders. Five patients with atypical presentations underwent preoperative diagnostic celiac plexus block using local anesthetic, with 4 reporting symptom reliefs after block. These 4 patients also reported postoperative symptom relief. One patient of 39 received a postoperative celiac stent placement and remained symptomatic. There were 4 conversions to open surgery (10.3%) and no deaths. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic MAL release continues to be a safe and effective means of managing MALS. Our data suggest that the symptoms associated with MALS are not related to vascular compromise, and atherosclerotic risk factors may predict poorer outcomes. Symptomatic relief is seen in the vast majority of patients undergoing this procedure. However, patient selection remains critically important in obtaining optimal results.

Estimating the need for hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgeons in the USA

BACKGROUND Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) fellowship training has risen in popularity in recent years and hence large numbers of graduating fellows enter the workforce each year. Studies have proposed that the increase in HPB-trained surgeons will outgrow demand in the USA. This study shows that the need for HPB-trained surgeons refers not to the meeting of demand in terms of case volume, but to improving patient access to care. METHODS The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2005-2011 was queried for CPT codes relating to pancreatic, liver and biliary surgical cases. These numbered 6627 in 2005 and increased to 8515 in 2011. Cases were then mapped to corresponding states. The number of procedures in an individual state was divided by the total number of procedures to give a ratio for each state. A similar ratio was calculated for the population of each state to the national population. These ratios were combined to give a ratio by state of observed to expected HPB surgical cases. RESULTS Of the 46 states that participate in the NIS, only 18 achieved ratios of observed to expected cases of >1. In the remaining 28 states, the number of procedures was lower than that expected according to each states population. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the USA is underserved in terms of HPB surgery. Given the growing number of HPB-trained physicians entering the job market, this sector should focus on bringing understanding and management of complex disease to areas of the country that are currently in need.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of the tongue: Late metastasis to the pancreas.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively rare epithelial tumor of the salivary glands. We present a 64-year-old gentleman with ACC of the tongue who following resection and radiotherapy, presented 10 years later with a lung metastasis and underwent operative intervention and further radiotherapy. Five years later he presented with obstructive jaundice found to be metastatic ACC. We believe this to be the first report of an ACC metastasizing to the pancreas.

Paraesophageal Hernia Repair With Partial Longitudinal Gastrectomy in Obese Patients.

Background and Objectives: Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia in obese patients has proven difficult, as studies demonstrate poor symptom control and high failure rates in this patient population. Recent data have shown that incorporating weight loss procedures into the treatment of reflux may improve overall outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 28 obese and morbidly obese patients who presented from December 2007 through July 2013 with large or recurrent type 3 or 4 paraesophageal hernia. All of the patients underwent combined paraesophageal hernia repair and partial longitudinal gastrectomy. Charts were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients were contacted to determine symptomatic relief. Results: Mean preoperative body mass index was 38.1 ± 4.9 kg/m2. Anatomic failure of prior fundoplication occurred in 7 patients (25%). The remaining 21 had primary paraesophageal hernia, 3 of which were type 4. Postoperative complications included pulmonary embolism (n = 1), pulmonary decompensation (n = 2), and wound infection (n = 1). Mean hospital stay was 5 ± 3 days. Upper gastrointestinal esophagogram was performed in 21 patients with no immediate recurrence or staple line dehiscence. Mean excess weight loss was 44 ± 25%. All of the patients surveyed experienced near to total resolution of their preoperative symptoms within the first month. At 1 year, symptom scores decreased significantly. At 27 months, however, there was a mild increase in the scores. Return of severe symptoms occurred in 2 patients, both of whom underwent conversion to gastric bypass. Conclusions: Combined laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair with longitudinal partial gastrectomy offers a safe, feasible approach to the management of large or recurrent paraesophageal hernia in well-selected obese and morbidly obese patients. Short-term results were promising; however, intermediate results showed increasing rates of reflux symptoms that required medical therapy or conversion to gastric bypass.

Endoscopic management of post-bariatric surgery complications

Understanding the technical constructs of bariatric surgery is important to the treating endoscopist to maximize effective endoluminal therapy. Post-operative complication rates vary widely based on the complication of interest, and have been reported to be as high as 68% following adjustable gastric banding. Similarly, there is a wide range of presenting symptoms for post-operative bariatric complications, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, dysphagia, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and weight regain, all of which may provoke an endoscopic assessment. Bleeding and anastomotic leak are considered to be early (< 30 d) complications, whereas strictures, marginal ulcers, band erosions, and weight loss failure or weight recidivism are typically considered late (> 30 d) complications. Treatment of complications in the immediate post-operative period may require unique considerations. Endoluminal therapies serve as adjuncts to surgical and radiographic procedures. This review aims to summarize the spectrum and efficacy of endoscopic management of post-operative bariatric complications.

Recent Innovations & Daily Problems.

RECENT INNOVATIONS & DAILY PROBLEMS