Stephanie G. Wood

Complications of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: a series of 102 patients.

Objective:To review the complications encountered in our facility and in previously published studies of transvaginal (TV) natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) to date. Background:TV NOTES is currently observed with critical eyes from the surgical community, despite encouraging data to suggest improved short-term recovery and pain. Methods:All TV NOTES procedures performed in female patients between 18 and 65 years of age were included. The median follow-up was 90 days. The TV appendectomies and ventral hernia repairs were pure NOTES, through a SILS port in the vagina, whereas TV cholecystectomies were hybrid procedures with the addition of a 5-mm port in the umbilicus. Results:A total of 102 TV NOTES procedures, including 72 TV cholecystectomies, 24 TV appendectomies, and 6 TV ventral hernia repairs, were performed. The average age was 37 years old and body mass index was 29 kg/m2. Three major and 7 minor complications occurred. The first major complication was a rectal injury during a TV access port insertion. The second major complication was an omental vessel bleed after a TV cholecystectomy. The third complication was an intra-abdominal abscess after a TV appendectomy. Seven minor complications were urinary retention (4), transient brachial plexus injury, dislodgement of an intrauterine device, and vaginal granulation tissue. Conclusions:As techniques in TV surgery are adopted, inevitably, complications may occur due to the inherent learning curve. Laparoscopic instruments, although adaptable to TV approaches, have yet to be optimized. A high index of suspicion is necessary to identify complications and optimize outcomes for patients.

Pure Transvaginal Ventral Hernia Repair in Humans

Introduction. Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedures are at the forefront of minimally invasive innovation, remarkable for shorter recovery times and decreased postoperative pain. We aim to demonstrate a novel technique of pure transvaginal laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in a series of patients performed in our institution. Technique Description. The patient was placed in lithotomy position and steep Trendelenburg. A 2-cm transverse colpotomy incision was made and a SILS port was introduced. One 12-mm trocar and two 5-mm trocars were placed through the SILS port and standard straight laparoscopic instruments were used. An appropriately sized round mesh was deployed within a specimen retrieval bag into the peritoneal cavity. Complete anterior circumferential fixation of the mesh was achieved using an AbsorbaTack device. The colpotomy incision was closed. Results. There were a total of 6 pure transvaginal ventral hernia repair procedures performed in our institution between November 2010 and February 2012. The first case was converted to an open procedure after a rectal injury was recognized and repaired. Two patients had transient urinary retention that resolved after 24 hours. One patient had vaginal wound granulation noted at 2 months postoperatively. No long-term complications or recurrences were noted with a median follow-up of 9 months. The mean operative time was 107 minutes. Conclusion. Our initial experience with transvaginal ventral hernia repair in humans suggests that this procedure is feasible, safe, and associated with improved cosmetic results.

Transvaginal Cholecystectomy Effect on Quality of Life and Female Sexual Function

IMPORTANCE Transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) is the leading natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery to date and has the potential to offer improved cosmesis, less pain, and shorter recovery times for female patients. OBJECTIVE To investigate quality of life and female sexual function in our patients undergoing TVC. DESIGN A prospective cohort study from August 14, 2009, to June 12, 2012, of TVCs performed at our institution to date. SETTING Tertiary academic referral center. PARTICIPANTS The first 47 consecutive female patients (aged 18-65 years) who received a TVC by a single surgeon. INTERVENTIONS A hybrid TVC was performed by a 5-mm umbilical trocar and a 12-mm transvaginal trocar with standard laparoscopic instruments. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Quality-of-life index (36-Item Short Form Health Survey) and female sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) scores. RESULTS A total of 47 TVCs were performed, with a mean age of 39 years, mean body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 31, and mean operative time of 65 minutes. No difference was noted in overall female sexual function from preoperatively to 1 and 3 months postoperatively. When comparing quality of life preoperatively vs 1 and 3 months postoperatively, there were significant improvements in physical function (P = .02), energy and fatigue (P = .001), emotional well-being (P = .01), pain (P < .001), and general health (P = .03). No significant changes were noted in physical limitations (P = .18), emotional problems (P = .72), and social function (P = .12). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In our experience to date, female sexual function is unchanged and quality of life either is unchanged or improves at 1 and 3 months following TVC. Undergoing TVC does not appear to negatively affect female sexual function or quality of life in the short term.

Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Billroth II Reconstruction

Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is performed for selected cases of distal gastric mass for which more radical resection is not indicated in chronic peptic ulcer disease and in other cases of gastric outlet obstruction. This chapter lists the indications, essential steps, common technical variations, and complications of the procedure. A detailed operative note dictation template is included.