San Hui Lee

Transumbilical single-port access versus conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy: surgical outcomes

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to compare surgical outcomes and postoperative pain between transumbilical single-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (SPA-TLH) and conventional 4-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively reviewed 157 patients who underwent SPA-TLH (n = 52) or conventional TLH (n = 105). A single-port access system consisted of a wound retractor, surgical glove, 2 5 mm trocars, and 1 10/11 mm trocar. RESULTS The SPA-TLH group had less intraoperative blood loss (P < .001), shorter hospital stay (P = .001), and earlier diet intake (P < .001) compared with the conventional TLH group. There was no difference in perioperative complications. Immediate postoperative pain score was lower in the SPA-TLH group (P < .001). Postoperative pain after 6 and 24 hours was lower in SPA-TLH with marginal statistical significance. CONCLUSION SPA-TLH is a feasible method for hysterectomy with lower immediate postoperative pain and better surgical outcomes with respect to recovery time compared with conventional TLH.

Learning curve and surgical outcome for single-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy in 100 consecutive cases.

Aims: To define the learning curve for single-port access (SPA) total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and evaluate the surgical outcomes. Methods: Patient demographics and segmental operating times of all 100 patients who underwent SPA-TLH by a single surgeon were analyzed. Patients were arranged in order based on surgery date. Results: 100 patients underwent SPA-TLH. There was no conversion to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy. The median time until the removal of a specimen (TR) was 45 min and the median time for closure of the vaginal cuff (TC) was 18 min. The median total operating time from skin opening to closure (TO) was 80 min. TR, TC, and TO decreased significantly over the study period. The TC decreased significantly from the first 20 cases to the next 20 (p = 0.028) and the TO from the second 20 cases to the next 20 (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Proficiency for SPA-TLH was achieved after 40 cases. Operating time and postoperative hemoglobin drop decreased with experience, without increasing complication.

Robotic single-port transumbilical total hysterectomy: a pilot study

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of robotic single-port transumbilical total hysterectomy using a home-made surgical glove port system. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent robotic single-port transumbilical total hysterectomy between January 2010 and July 2010. All surgical procedures were performed through a single 3-4-cm umbilical incision, with a multi-channel system consisting of a wound retractor, a surgical glove, and two 10/12-mm and two 8 mm trocars. Results Seven patients were treated with robotic single-port transumbilical total hysterectomy. Procedures included total hysterectomy due to benign gynecological disease (n=5), extra-fascial hysterectomy due to carcinoma in situ of the cervix (n=1), and radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer IB1 (n=1). The median total operative time was 109 minutes (range, 105 to 311 minutes), the median blood loss was 100 mL (range, 10 to 750 mL), and the median weight of the resected uteri was 200 g (range, 40 to 310 g). One benign case was converted to 3-port robotic surgery due to severe pelvic adhesions, and no post-operative complications occurred. Conclusion Robotic single-port transumbilical total hysterectomy is technically feasible in selected patients with gynecological disease. Robotics may enhance surgical skills during single-port transumbilical hysterectomy, especially in patients with gynecologic cancers.

Prognostic significance of human epididymis protein 4 in epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) level in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN A total of 78 women diagnosed with a pelvic mass and operated on in our institute comprised our cohort. Forty-five of these were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer and treated with debulking surgery, followed by taxane and platinum-based chemotherapy as clinically indicated. Preoperatively obtained serum samples were analyzed for levels of HE4 and CA125. RESULTS The elevated serum HE4 level was related to advanced stage and serous type of cancer. The median duration of the follow-up was 35.1 months. In advanced stage, the median progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with elevated serum HE4 levels was 20.1 months (95% CI, 15.7-24.6 months), whereas that of patients with normal serum HE4 level was 24.2 months (95% CI, 13.9-34.6 months) (p=0.029). Independent predictors for PFS in patients with advanced stage EOC included serum HE4 level (hazard ratio 2.24; 95% CI, 1.14 to 6.84; p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that an elevated serum HE4 level was related to the advanced stage of epithelial ovarian cancer. An elevated serum level of HE4 is a poor prognostic factor for PFS in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer who were treated with debulking surgery and adjuvant taxane and platinum-based chemotherapy. The serum HE4 level is a promising indicator for the progression of cancer as well as a biomarker for the detection of epithelial ovarian cancer.

A case-control study of robotic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy using 3 robotic arms compared with abdominal radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) using 3 robotic arms with those of abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer. Methods: Thirty-two patients with stage IA2-IIB cervical carcinoma according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics underwent RRH between June 2006 and February 2009. Patient outcomes were compared with those of a historic cohort of 32 patients who underwent ARH, who were matched for age, stage according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and type of radical surgery. Results: All RRHs were completed robotically with no conversions to laparotomy. Robotic radical hysterectomy showed favorable outcomes over ARH in terms of the mean length of hospital stay (11.6 vs 16.9 days, P < 0.001) and the mean estimated blood loss (220 vs 531 mL, P = 0.002). The mean operating time and the number of lymph node retrievals were comparable. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between the 2 groups. The mean follow-up time was 15.3 months, and 2 patients in the RRH group had recurrences. Conclusions: Robotic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy using 3 robotic arms is feasible and preferable over ARH for the treatment of cervical cancer patients. Prospective randomized trials should be completed to confirm the potential benefits associated with RRH.

Additional benefit of hemostatic sealant in preservation of ovarian reserve during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy: a multi-center, randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION Is hemostasis by hemostatic sealant superior to that achieved by bipolar coagulation in preserving ovarian reserve in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy? SUMMARY ANSWER Post-operative ovarian reserve, determined by serial serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, was significantly less diminished after ovarian hemostasis when hemostatic sealant was used rather than bipolar coagulation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Hemostasis achieved with bipolar coagulation at ovarian bleeding site results in damage to the ovarian reserve. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective, multi-center randomized trial was conducted on 100 participants with benign ovarian cysts, between December 2012 and October 2013. PARTICIPANT/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were randomized to undergo hemostasis by use of either hemostatic sealant (FloSeal™) or bipolar coagulation during laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) ovarian cystectomy. The primary end-point was the rate of decline of ovarian reserve calculated by measuring serum AMH levels preoperatively and 3 months post-operatively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Age, parity, socio-demographic variables, preoperative AMH levels, procedures performed and histologic findings were similar between the two groups of patients. There were also no differences in operative outcomes, such as conversion to other surgical approaches, operative time, estimated blood loss, or perioperative complications between the two groups. In both study groups, post-operative AMH levels were lower than preoperative AMH levels (all P < 0.001). The rate of decline of AMH levels was significantly greater in the bipolar coagulation group than the hemostatic sealant group (41.2% [IQR, 17.2-54.5%] and 16.1% [IQR, 8.3-44.7%], respectively, P = 0.004). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Some caution is warranted because other ovarian reserve markers such as serum markers (basal FSH and inhibin-B) or sonographic markers were not assessed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The present study shows that the use of a hemostatic sealant during laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy should be considered, as hemostatic sealant provides the additional benefit of preservation of ovarian reserve. STUDY FUNDING/COMPLETING OF INTERESTS This study was supported by the Medical Research Funds from Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. No conflict of interest is declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER www.clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT01857466.

Single port transumbilical laparoscopic surgery for adnexal lesions: A single center experience in Korea

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of single port transumbilical laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) for the treatment of adnexal lesions. METHODS We have performed SPLS to treat adnexal lesions using a single three-channel port system with a wound retractor and surgical glove since October 2008. All patients who underwent SPLS for adnexal lesions between October 2008 and September 2009 were included in the study. We retrospectively reviewed their medical records and analyzed demographic data and surgical outcomes including age, medico-surgical illness, surgical indications, operative times and pathologic results. RESULTS Eighty-six patients underwent SPLS for adnexal lesions. The median age of the patients was 31 years (range 14-78 years), the median body mass index was 21.0 kg/m(2) (range 16.7-32.2 kg/m(2)), and the median operation time was 64.5 min (range 21-176 min). The median blood loss was 10 ml (range 10-300 ml). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-7 days). Endometriosis was the most frequently diagnosed etiology (34.9%). Other laparoscopic approaches were employed in two cases (2.3%). There were four cases (4.7%) with complications: three with pelvic infections and one with postoperative hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS SPLS is a feasible approach for the treatment of adnexal lesions.

Barbed Suture vs Traditional Suture in Single-Port Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare surgical outcomes between barbed suture and traditional suture used in repair of the vaginal vault during single-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). DESIGN Case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING Two institutions. PATIENTS One hundred two patients with benign uterine disease. INTERVENTIONS Single-port TLH using barbed suture (n = 43) or traditional suture (n = 59). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Patient characteristics (age, body mass index, demographic data), procedures performed, uterine weight, and uterine disease were similar between the 2 study groups. There were also no differences in operative complications, conversion to other surgical approaches, operative blood loss, postoperative pain, and duration of hospital stay between the 2 groups. Use of barbed suture significantly reduced the time required for vaginal cuff suturing (11.4 vs 22.5 minutes; p < .001), as well as total operative time (92.0 vs 105.2 minutes; p = .002). Use of barbed suture is less technically demanding than traditional suture (p < .001). CONCLUSION Use of barbed suture in single-port TLH may aid surgeons by reducing operative time, suturing time, and surgical difficulty.

Comparison of barbed suture versus traditional suture in laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy

OBJECTIVE To compare the surgical outcomes between uterine wall repairs using barbed suture versus traditional suture during laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy (LESS-M). STUDY DESIGN Data were prospectively collected from 60 consecutive patients with uterine myomas at three institutions. Patients were managed by LESS-M with either traditional suture (the first 30 patients) or barbed suture (the next 30 patients). Operative time, blood loss, and technical difficulty were assessed for each patient. RESULTS Patient characteristics (age, body mass index, other demographic data, number of myomas, and location and size of the largest myoma) were similar between the two study groups. No significant differences in operative complications, failure rate of the intended surgeries, degree of postoperative pain, or hospital stay duration were observed between the two groups. The use of barbed suture significantly reduced the suturing time for treating the uterine wall defects (P=0.014), as well as the total operative time (P=0.027). The use of barbed suture was also associated with less operative blood loss (P=0.040) and less technical difficulty (P=0.001) compared with traditional suture. CONCLUSION The use of barbed suture in LESS-M effectively reduces the time required for suturing, thereby decreasing the total operative time, the operative blood loss, and the surgical difficulty.

Laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy compared with conventional laparoscopic myomectomy: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To compare surgical outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy (LESS-M) vs. conventional laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). DESIGN Multicenter, noninferiority, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING University hospitals. PATIENT(S) A total of 100 subjects with symptomatic uterine myomas were randomly assigned to either LESS-M or conventional LM. Surgical outcomes were comparatively assessed between the groups on the basis of the intention-to-treat principle. INTERVENTION(S) Laparoscopic myomectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The time required for uterine defect suturing. RESULT(S) There were no differences in baseline demographics (age, body mass index, surgical indication, number of myomas, and size and location of the largest myoma) between the two groups. The suturing time (mean ± SD) was 21.9 ± 10.7 minutes (95% confidence interval 18.8-24.9 min) for the LESS-M group and 23.3 ± 12.4 minutes (95% confidence interval 19.8-26.9 min) for the conventional LM group, with no significant difference between the two groups. The other surgical outcomes, such as total operative time, operative blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin change, degree of surgical difficulty, postoperative pain scores, operative complication, and length of hospital stay, were similar between the two groups. Three subjects (6%) assigned to the LESS-M group underwent conventional LM because of difficulty in myoma enucleation and suturing, whereas no failure to intended procedure occurred in the conventional LM group (6% vs. 0). CONCLUSION(S) Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery is a feasible and safe treatment option for myomectomy that offers surgical outcomes comparable to those with conventional LM. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01984632.