Leandro Totti Cavazzola

Peritoneal inflammatory response of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus laparoscopy with carbon dioxide and air pneumoperitoneum

BackgroundThe immunologic and physiologic effects of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus traditional surgical approaches are poorly understood. Previous investigations have shown that NOTES and laparoscopy share similar inflammatory cytokine profiles except for a possible late-phase tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) depression with NOTES. The local peritoneal reaction and immunomodulatory influence of pneumoperitoneum agents in NOTES also are not known and may play an important role in altering the physiologic insult induced by NOTES.MethodsIn this study, 51 animals were divided into four study groups, which respectively underwent abdominal exploration via transgastric NOTES using room air (AIR) or carbon dioxide (CO2) or via laparoscopy (LX) using AIR or CO2 for pneumoperitoneum. Laparotomy and sham surgeries were additionally performed as control conditions. Measurements of TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were performed for peritoneal fluid collected after 0, 2, 4, and 6xa0h and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, and 7.ResultsOf the 45 animals assessed, 6 were excluded because of technical operative complications. The findings showed that LX-CO2 generated the most pronounced response with all three inflammatory markers. However, no significant differences were detected between LX-CO2 and either NOTES group at these peak points. No differences were encountered between NOTES-CO2 and NOTES-AIR. Subgroup comparisons showed significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 with NOTES-CO2 than with LX-AIR on POD 1 (pxa0=xa00.022) and POD 2 (pxa0=xa00.002). The LX-CO2 subgroup had significantly higher levels of TNF-α than the LX-AIR subgroup at 4xa0h (pxa0=xa00.013) and on POD 1 (pxa0=xa00.021). No late-phase TNF-α depression occurred in the NOTES animals.ConclusionThe local inflammatory reaction to NOTES was similar to that with traditional laparoscopy, and the previously described late-phase systemic TNF-α depression in serum was not reproduced. At the peritoneal level, NOTES is no more physiologically stressful than laparoscopy. Furthermore, regardless of which gas was used, the role of the pneumoperitoneum agent did not affect the cytokine profile after NOTES, suggesting that air pneumoperitoneum is adequate for NOTES.

Training for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).

BACKGROUNDnLaparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is a laparoscopic surgery in which a single small incision is made, associated with the use of a special device (single-port), or several small incisions grouped in one location (single-incision) are made, through which the laparoscopic trocars are inserted. The incision is made in the abdomen, preferably in the umbilicus. Certain peculiarities are noted in this approach, such as the difficulty, and sometimes the impossibility, of centering the image, the need to move both the camera and instruments together, requiring even more delicate and precise movements than in laparoscopy. Since information on training for LESS is scarce in the current literature, the authors report their experience with five different cases of this nature, performed in two porcine models, and then discuss a training plan for LESS.nnnMETHODSnFive LESS procedures were performed in two pigs using different training techniques: two (one single-port and one single-incision) transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomies; one right-sided single-incision laparoscopic radical nephrectomy; one single-incision transumbilical laparoscopic radical nephrectomy; and one single-port transumbilical laparoscopic nephrectomy.nnnDISCUSSIONnDifferent from what was observed in the transition from open surgery to laparoscopy, the Halstedian model should not be used in the teaching of LESS since this procedure requires that professionals partner together, thus requiring not only the training of surgeons, but of the whole team.nnnCONCLUSIONnLESS procedures are feasible and considered as further refinements in laparoscopic techniques. However, the peculiarities and difficulties inherent in these procedures require a specific training program combining theory and practice. The authors believe that this training is essential to achieve proficiency levels before the technique can be tried on human subjects.

Human Peritoneal Membrane Controls Adhesion Formation and Host Tissue Response Following Intra-Abdominal Placement in a Porcine Model

BACKGROUNDnEven with the advent of bioresorbable barriers, complications due to visceral adhesions following surgery continue to occur. The use of a homologous adhesive barrier such as human peritoneal membrane (HPM) could prevent adhesions formation and enhance wound healing. This study evaluates HPM as an effective adhesive barrier in a porcine model simulating a ventral hernia procedure.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThrough a midline laparotomy, meshes (10 cmx10 cm) were sewn onto the intact peritoneum of a pig, on each side of a midline incision in superior and inferior positions (4 randomized meshes/pig, n=9 pigs). The pigs were survived for 90 d. The meshes used were: HPM, compressed polytetrafluoro-ethylene (cPTFE), cPTFE+HPM, and polyester-collagen composite (PX). Exploratory laparoscopy was performed at 30 and 90 d to evaluate the extent of visceral adhesions. At necropsy, the extent and tenacity of visceral adhesions as well as material-abdominal wall integration were evaluated. Finally, host tissue response was assessed through scoring of inflammation, foreign body reaction, and mesothelialization.nnnRESULTSnHPM and PX led to the least extent and tenacity of visceral adhesions compared to cPTFE and cPTFE+HPM, but integrated less strongly within the adjacent abdominal wall. PX displayed the most robust foreign body reaction among all prosthetic materials, while HPM scored similarly to the native peritoneum. The extent of mesothelialization was similar throughout the materials tested.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe HPM barrier which promotes long-term peritoneal remodeling could diminish postsurgical intraperitoneal adhesions following hernia repair.

Facilitating gastrotomy closure during natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery using tissue anchors

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMSnReliable and secure closure of the gastrotomy after natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) remains a critical step for widespread acceptance and use of this mode of surgery. We describe a novel method for gastrotomy closure using endoscopic tissue anchors.nnnMETHODSnA standard upper endoscopy and wire placement as used for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement was performed in five pigs. Prior to gastrotomy, four tissue anchors were placed in four quadrants (1 cm away from the wire). A 12-mm gastrotomy was created endoscopically using a combination of needle-knife and balloon dilation. After transgastric peritoneoscopy, the sutures were approximated using a device knotting element. One additional pair of sutures was placed after evaluation of the gastric closure. The animals underwent in vivo contrast fluoroscopy, methylene blue instillation, and bursting pressure studies for assessment of the closure site.nnnRESULTSnAll animals studied showed complete sealing of the gastrotomy site without evidence of leak on fluoroscopic imaging or at final postmortem intragastric methylene blue instillation. Improved insufflation ability following gastrotomy was also noted using this technique, which enhanced overall visualization during the closure.nnnCONCLUSIONnPositioning tissue anchors prior to creating a NOTES gastrotomy was a feasible and reliable method to perform gastric closure. Follow-up survival studies will be warranted to support these preliminary findings.

Immunohistochemical evaluation for P53 and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is not prognostic for long term survival in end stage esophageal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVESnTo correlate the expression of p53 protein and VEGF with the prognosis of patients submitted to curative resection to treat esophageal adenocarcinoma.nnnMETHODSnForty-six patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, submitted to curative resection, were studied. The expressions of p53 protein and VEGF were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 52.2% and 47.8% of tumors, respectively.nnnRESULTSnP53 protein and VEGF expressions coincided in 26% of the cases, and no correlation between these expressions was observed. None of the clinicopathological factors showed a significant correlation with p53 protein or VEGF expressions. There was no significant association between p53 protein and VEGF expressions and long-term survival.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe expression of p53 protein and VEGF did not correlate with prognosis in esophageal adenocarcinoma patients submitted to curative resection.

May polyester with collagen coating mesh decrease the rate of intraperitoneal adhesions in incisional hernia repair

BACKGROUNDnAmong meshes used in incisional hernias in open technique repair, the polypropylene is the most commonly used due to flexibility, cellular growth stimulation, satisfactory inflammatory response, easy manipulation and low price. However, it induces adhesions formation when in contact with the intra-abdominal contents.nnnAIMnTo evaluate the formation of adhesions after polypropylene and collagen coated polyester mesh with intraperitoneal placement.nnnMETHODSnTwenty six female Wistar rats were randomized in three groups. In the group 0 (sham) there was no prosthesis placement, in the polypropylene (group 1) the prosthesis was placed at the peritoneal surface and in the group 2, collagen coated polyester mesh was placed. The rats were killed on postoperative day 21 to evaluate adhesions regarding its degree, mesh percentage of involvement, bowel involvement and strength needed to cause rupture.nnnRESULTSnThere was no difference in weight between groups. The group 0 did not develop any adhesions. The groups 1 and 2 developed prosthetic mesh surface adhesions, mostly in the omentum. There was no difference in adhesion degree and percentage of surface involvement between groups. The collagen coated mesh did not develop adhesions. The adhesions occurred at the free edge of the mesh, in contact with the polyester. The Polypropylene group presented 80% of the surface involved with adhesions, while the collagen coated polyester group presented 10% (p<0,005).nnnCONCLUSIONnThere was no difference between adhesion, degree of adhesion and strength needed to cause rupture. However, the polypropylene mesh presented significantly higher surface of adhesion when compared to the collagen coated polyester mesh.

Efetividade do uso combinado de filme de ácido lático e tela de polipropileno na formação de aderências intraperitoneal: um modelo experimental em ratos

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a lactic acid biomaterial (SurgiWrap®) as a protector of the polypropylene mesh (Marlex®) regarding the formation of intraperitoneal adhesions in rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats formed the following groups: Group 0 (Sham) - only laparotomy; Group I - polypropylene mesh; Group II - polypropylene mesh protected by a film of lactic acid.xa0These animals were submitted to laparotomy and placement (or not) of the meshes at closing.xa0After 21 days they were sacrificed for analysis of the adhesion type (0-3), percentage of affected area and strength needed to rupture. RESULTS: Group 0 showed no intraperitoneal adhesions.xa0Regarding classification, type 3 adhesions had the highest prevalence in both groups 1 and 2.xa0As for the strength to break adhesions, Group 1 had an average of 1.58 N and Group 2, 1.23 N.xa0The mesh was surrounded by adhesions in more than 50% of their surface area in 87% of Group 1 subjects and in 84% of Group 2 individuals.xa0Through different statistical methods we found that there was no significant difference between groups for both variables. CONCLUSION: The combined use of polypropylene mesh and lactic acid bioprotector showed similar results in relation to intraperitoneal adhesion formation when compared to the sole use of the same mesh.

Giant lipoma of the spermatic cord

The authors present a case of a huge right inguinal bulge that was referred as a right inguinal hernia. At surgery, it was confirmed to be a giant lipoma of the spermatic cord. A description of the case, pictures of clinical appearance and operative specimen, and a short literature review are presented.

ROBOTIC ASSISTED SINGLE SITE FOR BILATERAL INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR

ABSTRACT Background: The inguinal hernia is one of the most frequent surgical diseases, being frequent procedure and surgeon´s everyday practice. Aim: To present technical details in making hernioplasty using robotic equipment on bilateral inguinal hernia repair with single port and preliminary results with the method. Method: The bilateral inguinal hernia repair was performed by using the Single-Site(c) Da Vinci Surgical Access Platform to the abdominal cavity and the placement of clamps. Results: This technique proved to be effective for inguinal hernia and have more aesthetic result when compared to other techniques. Conclusions: Inguinal hernia repair robot-assisted with single-trocar is feasible and effective. However, still has higher costs needing surgical team special training.

Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) Robótico: é possível oferecer cirurgia minimamente invasiva para os defeitos complexos da parede abdominal?

We describe the preliminary national experience and the early results of the use of robotic surgery to perform the posterior separation of abdominal wall components by the Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) technique for the correction of complex defects of the abdominal wall. We performed the procedures between 04/2/2015 and 06/15/2015 and the follow-up time was up to six months, with a minimum of two months. The mean surgical time was five hours and 40 minutes. Two patients required laparoscopic re-intervention, since one developed hernia by peritoneal migration of the mesh and one had mesh extrusion. The procedure proved to be technically feasible, with a still long surgical time. Considering the potential advantages of robotic surgery and those related to TAR and the results obtained when these two techniques are associated, we conclude that they seem to be a good option for the correction of complex abdominal wall defects.