1
|
Bencini L, Urciuoli I, Trafeli M, Paolini C, Moraldi L, Tribuzi A, Pacciani S, Coratti A. Robotic pancreatic surgery: minimally invasive approach to challenging operations. Minerva Surg 2021; 76:138-145. [PMID: 33908238 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5691.21.08435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic surgery is still associated with high perioperative morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to present the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted pancreatic surgery, including pancreaticoduodenectomy (RAPD), distal pancreatectomy (RDP) with or without splenectomy, enucleation (REN), and atypical resection (RAR), for benign, borderline, and malignant lesions at a high-volume center. METHODS A single-center, prospective database was used to retrospectively analyze the early outcomes of robotic pancreatic procedures completed between 2014 and 2020. Out of 124 attempted operations, 3 patients received palliative robotic surgery (2.4%). Of the remaining 121, 14 (11.6%) were converted to open surgery. The robotic procedures included 107 patients: 56 underwent RAPD, 31 underwent RDP (28 with and 3 without splenectomy), 16 underwent REN, and 4 underwent RAR (2 central and 2 total pancreatectomies). RESULTS The preoperative baseline characteristics and comorbidities were consistent with those of a Western population. The overall incidence of complications was 43.9%, with the more severe (Clavien-Dindo III-IV) occurring after RAPD (19.6%). We collected 7 (13.1%) postoperative pancreatic fistulae after RAPD, 5 (16.1%) after RADP, and 2 (12.5%) after REN. The two central pancreatectomies developed a biochemical leak without sequelae. Three patients (2.8%) died within 90 days after surgery. Early refeeding was achieved in those who did not experience severe complications, while the median hospital stay was 8 days. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 22, with non-R1 microscopic residual tumors found. CONCLUSIONS Robotic pancreatic surgery is a safe and oncologically adequate technique to manage benign and malignant diseases arising from the head, body, and tail of the pancreas.
Collapse
|
2
|
Bencini L, Marchet A, Alfieri S, Rosa F, Verlato G, Marrelli D, Roviello F, Pacelli F, Cristadoro L, Taddei A, Farsi M. The Cholegas trial: long-term results of prophylactic cholecystectomy during gastrectomy for cancer-a randomized-controlled trial. Gastric Cancer 2019; 22:632-639. [PMID: 30244294 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-018-0879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of cholelithiasis has been shown to be higher for patients after gastrectomy than for the general population, due to vagal branch damage and gastrointestinal reconstruction. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the need for routine concomitant prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) during gastrectomy for cancer. METHODS A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between November 2008 and March 2017. Of the total 130 included patients, 65 underwent PC and 65 underwent standard gastric surgery only for curable cancers. The primary endpoint was cholelithiasis-free survival after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Cholelithiasis was detected by ultrasound exam. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 62 months, eight patients (12.3%) in the control group developed biliary abnormalities (four cases of gallbladder calculi and four cases of biliary sludge), with only three (4.6%) being clinically relevant (two cholecystectomies needed, one acute pancreatitis). One patient in the PC group had asymptomatic biliary dilatation during sonography after surgery. The cholelithiasis-free survival did not show statistical significance between the two groups (P = 0.267). The number needed to treat with PC to avoid reoperation for cholelithiasis was 1:32.5. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant PC during gastric surgery for malignancies, although reducing the absolute number of biliary abnormalities, has no significant impact on the natural course of patients.
Collapse
|
3
|
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: Results of a two thousand patients prospective multicentric database. Int J Surg 2018; 51:31-38. [PMID: 29367031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) has been largely employed by the surgical community worldwide, despite the use of different types of mesh and fixation devices. A large nationwide prospective multicentric database collected 2005 operations from 8 high-volume centers, to investigate the perioeperative and long-term outcomes. The laparoscopic operations were completed in 1979 patients (98.7%), with a mean age of 60.7 years and a Body Mass Index of 28.8 kg/m2. Two hundred and one patient (18.8%) had a previous failed open repair. The average surface areas of the major defects were 47.4 and 18.2 cm 2 for postincisional and primary hernias. The mean operation time and postoperative stay were 94.4 min and s 3.7 days, respectively. We collected a total of 50 (2.5%) intraoperative and 414 (20.6%) postoperative complications, with reoperation needed in 38 cases (1.8%). After a mean follow-up period of 24 months, we recorded 62 (3.8%) confirmed recurrences. Length of surgery, hospital stay, and a previous recurrence were all risk factors for recurrence. Primary hernias had better perioperative outcomes compared to incisional hernias, except for the pain. The laparoscopic approach of both post-incisional and primary hernias seemed to be safe and feasible in short-to medium-term periods.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bencini L, Moraldi L, Bartolini I, Coratti A. Esophageal surgery in minimally invasive era. World J Gastrointest Surg 2016; 8:52-64. [PMID: 26843913 PMCID: PMC4724588 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v8.i1.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread popularity of new surgical technologies such as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and robotics has led many surgeons to treat esophageal diseases with these methods. The expected benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) mainly include reductions of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and pain and better cosmetic results. All of these benefits could potentially be of great interest when dealing with the esophagus due to the potentially severe complications that can occur after conventional surgery. Moreover, robotic platforms are expected to reduce many of the difficulties encountered during advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures such as anastomotic reconstructions, accurate lymphadenectomies, and vascular sutures. Almost all esophageal diseases are approachable in a minimally invasive way, including diverticula, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, achalasia, perforations and cancer. Nevertheless, while the limits of MIS for benign esophageal diseases are mainly technical issues and costs, oncologic outcomes remain the cornerstone of any procedure to cure malignancies, for which the long-term results are critical. Furthermore, many of the minimally invasive esophageal operations should be compared to pharmacologic interventions and advanced pure endoscopic procedures; such a comparison requires a difficult literature analysis and leads to some confounding results of clinical trials. This review aims to examine the evidence for the use of MIS in both malignancies and more common benign disease of the esophagus, with a particular emphasis on future developments and ongoing areas of research.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bencini L, Annecchiarico M, Farsi M, Bartolini I, Mirasolo V, Guerra F, Coratti A. Minimally invasive surgical approach to pancreatic malignancies. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2015; 7:411-421. [PMID: 26690680 PMCID: PMC4678388 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v7.i12.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic surgery for malignancy is recognized as challenging for the surgeons and risky for the patients due to consistent perioperative morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the oncological long-term results are largely disappointing, even for those patients who experience an uneventfully hospital stay. Nevertheless, surgery still remains the cornerstone of a multidisciplinary treatment for pancreatic cancer. In order to maximize the benefits of surgery, the advent of both laparoscopy and robotics has led many surgeons to treat pancreatic cancers with these new methodologies. The reduction of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and pain, together with a shorter interval between surgery and the beginning of adjuvant chemotherapy, represent the potential advantages over conventional surgery. Lastly, a better cosmetic result, although not crucial in any cancerous patient, could also play a role by improving overall well-being and patient self-perception. The laparoscopic approach to pancreatic surgery is, however, difficult in inexperienced hands and requires a dedicated training in both advanced laparoscopy and pancreatic surgery. The recent large diffusion of the da Vinci® robotic platform seems to facilitate many of the technical maneuvers, such as anastomotic biliary and pancreatic reconstructions, accurate lymphadenectomy, and vascular sutures. The two main pancreatic operations, distal pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy, are approachable by a minimally invasive path, but more limited interventions such as enucleation are also feasible. Nevertheless, a word of caution should be taken into account when considering the increasing costs of these newest technologies because the main concerns regarding these are the maintenance of all oncological standards and the lack of long-term follow-up. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence for the use of minimally invasive surgery in pancreatic cancer (and less aggressive tumors), with particular attention to the oncological results and widespread reproducibility of each technique.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bencini L, Bernini M, Farsi M. Laparoscopic approach to gastrointestinal malignancies: Toward the future with caution. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:1777-1789. [PMID: 24587655 PMCID: PMC3930976 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i7.1777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After the rapid acceptance of laparoscopy to manage multiple benign diseases arising from gastrointestinal districts, some surgeons started to treat malignancies by the same way. However, if the limits of laparoscopy for benign diseases are mainly represented by technical issues, oncologic outcomes remain the foundation of any procedures to cure malignancies. Cancerous patients represent an important group with peculiar aspects including reduced survival expectancy, worsened quality of life due to surgery itself and adjuvant therapies, and challenging psychological impact. All these issues could, potentially, receive a better management with a laparoscopic surgical approach. In order to confirm such aspects, similarly to testing the newest weapons (surgical or pharmacologic) against cancer, long-term follow-up is always recommendable to assess the real benefits in terms of overall survival, cancer-free survival and quality of life. Furthermore, it seems of crucial importance that surgeons will be correctly trained in specific oncologic principles of surgical oncology as well as in modern miniinvasive technologies. Therefore, laparoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies requires more caution and deep analysis of published evidences, as compared to those achieved for inflammatory bowel diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease or diverticular disease. This review tries to examine the evidence available to date for the use of laparoscopy and robotics in malignancies arising from the gastrointestinal district.
Collapse
|
7
|
Bencini L, Tommasi C, Manetti R, Farsi M. Modern approach to cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2014; 6:32-40. [PMID: 24567790 PMCID: PMC3930888 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v6.i2.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Revised: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallstones and common bile duct calculi are found to be associated in 8%-20% of patients, leading to possible life-threatening complications, such as acute biliary pancreatitis, jaundice and cholangitis. The gold standard of care for gallbladder calculi and isolated common bile duct stones is represented by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, respectively, while a debate still exists regarding how to treat the two diseases at the same time. Many therapeutic options are also available when the two conditions are associated, including many different types of treatment, which local professionals often administer. The need to limit maximum discomfort and risks for the patients, combined with the economic pressure of reducing costs and utilizing resources, favors single-step procedures. However, a multitude of data fail to strongly demonstrate the superiority of any technique (including a two or multi-step approach), while rigorous clinical trials that include so many different types of treatment are still lacking, and it is most likely unrealistic to conduct them in the future. Therefore, the choice of the best management is often led by the local presence of professional expertise and resources, rather than by a real superiority of one strategy over another.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bernini M, Bencini L, Sacchetti R, Marchet A, Cristadoro L, Pacelli F, Berardi S, Doglietto GB, Rosa F, Verlato G, Cozzaglio L, Bechi P, Marrelli D, Roviello F, Farsi M. The Cholegas Study: safety of prophylactic cholecystectomy during gastrectomy for cancer: preliminary results of a multicentric randomized clinical trial. Gastric Cancer 2013; 16:370-6. [PMID: 22948317 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-012-0195-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholelithiasis is more frequent in patients after gastrectomy, due to dissection of vagal branches and gastrointestinal reconstruction. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2008 to March 2012. Patients were randomized into two groups: prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) and standard gastric surgery only (SS) for curable cancers. We planned three end points: evaluation of the number of patients who developed symptoms and needed further surgery for cholelithiasis after standard gastric cancer surgery, evaluation of the incidence of cholelithiasis overall after standard gastric cancer surgery and perioperative complications or costs of prophylactic cholecystectomy. The present study answers to the last end point only. RESULTS After 40 months from the beginning of study, 172 patients were eligible from 9 Centers. Ten patients refused consent and 32 were excluded due to flawing of inclusion criteria (not confirmed adenocarcinomas and no R0 surgery). Therefore, final analysis included 130 patients: 65 in PC group and 65 in SS. Among PC group, 12 patients had surgical complications during the perioperative period; only 1 biliary leakage, conservatively treated, might have been caused by prophylactic cholecystectomy. 6 patients had surgical complications in SS group. One postoperative death occurred in PC group due to pulmonary embolism. Differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no differences were significant in duration of surgery, blood loss, hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant cholecystectomy during standard surgery for gastric malignancies seemed to add no extra perioperative morbidity, mortality and costs to the sample included in the study.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bencini L, Bernini M, Farsi M. Author's reply: Safety of prophylactic cholecystectomy does not mean it is recommendable. Gastric Cancer 2013; 16:447. [PMID: 23307476 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-012-0224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
|
10
|
Bencini L, Lulli R, Mazzetti MP. Experience of laparoscopic hernia repair in a laparoscopically oriented unit of a large community hospital. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2007; 17:200-4. [PMID: 17484647 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2006.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a consecutive series of 258 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs in 189 patients from January 1997 to December 2004. Early results, complications, and follow-up were collected prospectively. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic and contacted by phone at the time of this review. Three trocars were employed. The polypropylene mesh was inserted through the periumbilical trocar and fixed in the properitoneal space using titanium clips. There were no conversions and the mean operative time was 88 minutes (including bilateral cases). We had no major intraoperative accidents, and only 12 minor postoperative complications (4 urinary retentions, 6 seromas, and 2 cases of prolonged pain). Walking, hospital discharge, and return to activities were prompt, with a mean hospital stay of 1.7 days, and an average time of absence from work of 16 days. There have been 11 (4%) documented recurrences during long-term follow-up (mean, 62 months). The technique appears safe and efficacious even in a community hospital with a large laparoscopic experience.
Collapse
|
11
|
Bencini L, Sánchez LJ. Learning curve for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Am J Surg 2004; 187:378-82. [PMID: 15006566 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2003.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2002] [Revised: 05/18/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To test if there was any difference in the indications and early outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) during a 36-month period at a single institution. METHODS From August 1999 to August 2002, 64 consecutive, unselected patients underwent attempted LVHR. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: group 1 included the first 32 patients, and group 2 included the second 32 patients. Data regarding patient demographics, results, and postoperative follow-up were compared between the groups. RESULTS Demographic characteristics, types of hernia, preoperative records, and hernia defects were well matched between the groups. Four patients in group 1 required conversion to laparotomy for bowel injuries, whereas no conversion was required in group 2 (12% vs 0%, P = 0.11 [NS]). The operative times and complication rates were similar, but bowel injuries were significantly more common in group 1 (19% vs 0%, P = 0.02), including the patients who were converted. The analgesic requirement was small and the hospital stay short in both groups; the differences were not significant. Three recurrences were noted in group 1 and none were noted in group 2, although follow-up was not comparable in the second group. CONCLUSIONS A learning curve is needed to decrease conversions and bowel injuries during LVHR. The improved experience could permit the treatment of larger defects laparoscopically.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bencini L, Boffi B, Farsi M, Sanchez LJ, Scatizzi M, Moretti R. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: retrospective comparative evaluation of titanium versus absorbable clips. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2003; 13:93-8. [PMID: 12737722 DOI: 10.1089/109264203764654713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a retrospective study of the use of titanium and absorbable clips during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim was to determine any differences in outcome and costs. From January 1999 to February 2002, 690 patients who had successfully undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were reviewed. According to the type of clip, we retrospectively identified two groups of patients: 199 in whom the surgeons had used absorbable clips (absorbable clip group, ACG) and 491 in whom the surgeons had used titanium nonabsorbable clips (titanium clip group, TCG). Data about demographics, operation, results, complications, and follow-up were collected and matched in the two groups. Demographics, concomitant surgery, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status were comparable between the two groups. Although the proportions of cases requiring urgent operation, intraoperative cholangiography, use of a fourth trocar, and use of drainage suction were similar, the difficulty score of the operation was lower (6.3 vs. 7.0, P =.03) and the operative time was shorter (44 vs. 61 minutes, P <.0001) in the ACG than in the TCG. Complications, hospital stay, and long-term results were satisfactory and comparable between the two groups. No correlation was found between clip type and the incidence of biliary tree injuries, bleeding, wound infection, or readmission. The cost of the two types of clips varied slightly (90 euros for each procedure). Despite the fact that absorbable clips are theoretically less likely to cause complications than metallic ones, we were not able to demonstrate any clinical advantage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in this retrospective study. Furthermore, the results suggest that absorbable clips are preferred when the cholecystectomy presents fewer difficulties.
Collapse
|
13
|
Bencini L, Sanchez LJ, Scatizzi M, Farsi M, Boffi B, Moretti R. Laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernias: prospective evaluation. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2003; 13:16-9. [PMID: 12598752 DOI: 10.1097/00129689-200302000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] [Imported: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
We describe 50 patients who recently underwent laparoscopic surgery. Early results, complications, and follow-up data were collected prospectively. Of 50 patients, 34 had an incisional hernia, whereas 16 had a primary defect. Three trocars were inserted. EndoShears or Ultracision was used for tissue manipulation. The prosthetic mesh used was an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh, inserted through the first trocar and fixed with a helicoidal stapler. Patients were followed-up in the outpatient clinic (mean, 14 months). Every operation was successfully completed, and mean operative time was 103 minutes. There were two small bowel injuries (4%) repaired by minilaparotomy. Postoperative pain was limited. Bowel movements, ambulation, and discharge were prompt. We noted 4 cases of urinary retention (8%), 8 seromas (16%), and 1 prolonged ileus, which resolved on day 5 spontaneously. Mean postoperative stay was 4 days. One patient was readmitted after 4 weeks because of incomplete obstruction, resolved conservatively. There has been only 1 recurrence (2%), 8 months after the operation. The technique appears safe and efficacious.
Collapse
|