Single-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy for children with perforated choledochal cysts

A nomogram for predicting choledochal cyst with perforation

BACKGROUND

Choledochal cyst with perforation (CC with perforation) rarely occurs, early diagnosis and timely treatment plan are crucial for the treatment of CC with perforation. This study aims to forecast the occurrence of CC with perforation.

METHODS

All 1111 patients were conducted, who underwent surgery for choledochal cyst at our hospital from January 2011 to October 2022. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen for independent predictive factors for predicting CC with perforation, upon which established a nomogram. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves.

RESULTS

The age of children with choledochal cyst perforation is mainly concentrated between 1 and 3 years old. Logistic regression analysis indicates that age, alanine aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, C-reactive protein, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal distension, and diarrhea are associated with predicting the occurrence of choledochal cyst perforation. ROC curves, calibration plots, and DCA curve analysis curves demonstrate that the nomogram has great discriminative ability and calibration, as well as significant clinical utility.

CONCLUSION

The age of CC with perforation is mainly concentrated between 1 and 3 years old. A nomogram for predicting the perforation of choledochal cyst was established.

The Role of Laparoscopic Treatment of Choledochal Malformation in Europe: A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

 Numerous studies from Asian countries, including large collectives, have reported excellent results after laparoscopic resection of choledochal malformation (CM). However, the role of laparoscopic CM resection is still controversial outside Asia. We aimed to analyze the outcome of laparoscopic CM resection in our institution and to compare our outcome with the data reported in the literature.

METHODS

 All patients who underwent laparoscopic CM resection in our pediatric surgical department from 2002 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed for surgical details and postoperative complications, which were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. A systematic literature search identified all reports on over 10 cases of laparoscopic pediatric CM resection and surgical details, follow-up, and complication rates were extracted.

RESULTS

 Fifty-seven patients (72% female) with a mean age of 3.6 + 4.1 years underwent laparoscopic CM resection in our department. Conversion rate was 30%. Total complication rate was 28%. The rate of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III or more) was 16% and included stricture of the biliodigestive or enteric anastomosis (n = 4), adhesive ileus (n = 3), portal vein thrombosis (n = 1), and recurrent cholangitis with consecutive liver transplantation (n = 1). With increasing experience, complication rates decreased. The majority of publications on laparoscopic CM resections originated from Asia (n = 36) and reported on low complication rates. In contrast, publications originating from non-Asian countries (n = 5) reported on higher complications following laparoscopic CM resection.

CONCLUSION

 Our data indicate that laparoscopic CM resection can be safely performed. The learning curve in combination with the low incidence calls for a centralization of patients who undergo laparoscopic CM resection. There seems to be a discrepancy on complications rates reported from Asian and non-Asian countries following laparoscopic CM resection.

Surgical outcomes of robotic-assisted cyst excisions and hepaticojejunostomies in patients with perforated choledochal cysts: a single-center retrospective study

Perforated choledochal cysts is usually treated by open approach through a one- or two-stage procedure. Laparoscopic procedures are gradually being used more commonly with advancements in minimally invasive technology, while the level of difficulty and conversion rate are still high due to adhesions and deranged anatomy. Robot-assisted choledochal cyst excisions have been proposed as another minimally invasive procedure that is thought to improve operability and precision compared with laparoscopic surgery. However, there is still a lack about the use of robotic assistance for bilio-enteric reconstruction in pediatric patients with perforated choledochal cyst excisions. The aim of this current study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted procedures in pediatric perforated choledochal cyst excisions. Patients suffering from perforated choledochal cysts and treated with surgical procedures including open, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures between January 2009 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Robotic cyst excisions and hepaticojejunostomies were mainly used to a one-stage procedure (the pseudocyst formation or intra-mural perforation) or in stage 2 of two-stage procedures (complete perforation). Data collection included patient characteristics, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative complications. There were a total of 64 patients suffering from perforated choledochal cysts were treated at our institution. Thirty-one cases of cyst excisions and hepaticojejunostomies were completed by open procedures. Twenty-two cases of cyst excisions and hepaticojejunostomies were completed by laparoscopic procedures and 11 cases were completed by robotic procedures. The operating times were significantly longer in the laparoscopic procedures group (214.32 ± 51.33 min) than found with either the open procedures group (130.55 ± 10.51 min) or the robot-assisted procedures group (188.82 ± 16.55 min) (p < 0.001). The time to oral intake, total complication, and hospital stay were similar among all three groups (3.53 ± 0.28 days vs 3.47 ± 0.30 days vs 3.46 ± 0.29 days, 19.35% vs 27.27% vs 18.18%, 11.48 ± 1.29 days vs 11.95 ± 2.75 days vs 11.55 ± 2.38 days, respectively) (p > 0.05). The number of biliary complications was higher in the laparoscopic procedures group (18.18%) than in both the open procedures and robot-assisted procedures groups (0.00%) (p = 0.016). Robotic-assisted cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy procedures in patients with perforated choledochal cysts are both safe and feasible. What is more, they can achieve the same results as open procedures and also reduce the level of difficulty of operations and bring fewer biliary complications compared with laparoscopic procedures.

Systematic Review of Definitions and Outcome Measures for Postoperative Ileus and Return of Bowel Function after Abdominal Surgery in Children

This review aims to objectify which definitions and outcome measures are used for the return of bowel function and postoperative ileus in children. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched from inception to December 17, 2020. Prospective studies conducted in children (aged 0-18 years) undergoing gastrointestinal surgery which reported on definitions and/or outcome measures for post-operative ileus or return of bowel function were evaluated. Definitions and outcome measures were extracted. From 4,027 references, 71 articles were included. From the 17 articles mentioning postoperative ileus, 8 (47%) provided a definition. In total, 34 outcome measures were used and 12 were unique. "Abdominal distension" was the most reported (41%) measure. In 41%, the outcome measures only described the return of gastric motility, while 18% described the return of intestinal motility. The return of bowel function was mentioned in 67 articles, none provided a definition. In total, 133 outcome measures were used and 37 were unique. Time to oral intake was the most reported (14%) measure. In 49%, the outcome measures only described the return of gastric motility, while 10% described the return of intestinal motility. High variation in definitions and outcome measures has limited the generalizability of research into postoperative bowel function in children. Without standardization, it will be impossible to compare research results and evaluate treatments. In children, the return of gastric motility seemingly should get more focus compared to adults. Therefore, we believe that a definition of postoperative ileus with an accompanying core outcome set, developed by a multidisciplinary team, specifically for children is required.

One- versus two-stage single-incision laparoscopic cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy in patients with completely perforated choledochal cysts and good medical conditions

BACKGROUND

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of one- and two-stage single-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (SILH) for perforated CDCs with good medical conditions.

METHODS

Between June 2015 and December 2020, 57 patients were reviewed: Group 1: patients who underwent one-stage SILH (n = 16); Group 2: patients who underwent two-stage SILH (n = 41). The demographic characteristics, operational details, postoperative outcomes and postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up durations of group 1 and 2 were 39.3 and 38.6 months, respectively. One patient (6.3%) in group 1, and 4 patients (9.8%) in group 2 were converted to laparotomy (p = 0.67). No statistical significance was found in operative time, blood transfusion, time to resume full diet, duration of drainage after definitive surgery and postoperative hospital stays between the two groups. Four patients in group 2 developed bile leakage, which was higher than that in group 1 (9.8% vs 0, p = 0.20). None suffered incidental injury, bleeding, anastomotic stenosis, cholangitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatic leakage, pancreatitis, Roux-loop obstruction, adhesive intestinal obstruction or wound infection. Liver function normalized within 1 year postoperatively in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In experienced hands, one-stage single-incision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy is safe and effective for patients with complete perforations and good medical conditions.

Comparison of outcomes and safety of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal cysts: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Minimally invasive cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomies include laparoscopic and robotic-assisted operations. The current systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy between the 2 groups.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wiley, Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials was performed from May 1995 to December 2021. The primary outcome was postoperative complications, and the secondary outcomes were operative details and postoperative outcomes.

Results

The meta-analysis enrolled 6 reports including 484 patients (307 in the laparoscopic group and 177 in the robotic-assisted group). The laparoscopic group was associated with lower expenses (MD = −3851.60$, 95% CI = −4031.84 to −3671.36$, P < 0.00001). No significant difference was found in short-term complications (RR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.74 to 3.23, P = 0.24), long-term complications (RR = 1.40, 95% CI = 0.63 to 3.10, P = 0.41), total complications (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.59 to 3.94, P = 0.38), operative time (MD = −28.75 min, 95% CI = −77.13 to 19.64 min, P = 0.24), blood loss (MD = 2.28 ml, 95% CI = −13.51 to 18.06 ml, P = 0.78) or hospital stays (MD = 0.89 days, 95% CI = −0.13 to 1.91 days, P = 0.09). In subgroup analysis, the laparoscopic operation had shorter operative time (MD = −4.45 min, P = 0.009), and less blood loss (MD = −63.18 ml, P = 0.01) in adult patients.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy have comparable postoperative outcomes.

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Comparison the efficacy of laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted operation.

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Reviewing the robotic-assisted operation for choledochal cysts.

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The advantages and disadvantages of two methods.

A narrative review of the modern surgical management of pediatric choledochal cysts

Choledochal cysts (CC) ae rare congenital dilations of the biliary tract that harbor lifelong malignancy risk. CC are treated with surgical excision and bilioenteric reconstruction. In the modern era, the surgical approach to pediatric patients has enjoyed significant innovation with regards to minimally invasive techniques. In this review, we discuss these advances, including laparoscopic, single-incision laparoscopic, and robotic strategies, with a focus on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing these procedures. By presenting an overview of the technical pearls emphasized by pioneers of these procedures, we examine the benefits and limitations of various minimally invasive techniques and analyze the utility and effectiveness of laparoscopy and robotics in comparison to each other and open techniques. Additionally, we highlight the importance of surgeon experience and skill in the management of this rare pediatric disease and explore the significance of the surgical learning curve in minimally invasive approaches in the excision of CC. We discuss the challenge of achieving surgical competency along this learning curve, and present proposed strategies to improve skill sets in the face of low case volumes. Finally, the relative dearth of data discussing long-term follow-up in these patients is discussed, and additional research regarding outcomes, malignancy risk and surveillance, and quality of life is necessary to better understand this disease and the implications of its surgical management.

Risk factors and impact on bile leakage in patients with choledochal cysts: a retrospective case-control analysis

Although bile leakage is a major postoperative complication after hepatobiliary surgery, the associated risk factors for pediatric patients remain poorly defined. Here, we intend to identify the perioperative risk factors for bile leakage in pediatric patients with choledochal cysts following Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. A multicenter case-control study investigating the risk factors for bile leakage was conducted among 1179 eligible pediatric patients with choledochal cysts following Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy between January 2009 and December 2019. There were 267 cases with bile leakage, and approximately four control patients were identified for each case. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors, including perioperative variables. According to univariable analysis, bile leakage was associated with severe cholangitis (p = 0.012), low albumin levels (p = 0.010), anemia (p = 0.002) and laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed that a low level of preoperative albumin (ALB) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.19; p = 0.016), worse symptoms (severe cholangitis) (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.01-1.26; p < 0.001), and a previous hepatobiliary procedure (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.09-1.63; p = 0.036) were independent factors that were associated with bile leakage. This study identified potential risk factors for bile leakage in patients following Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy that should be targeted for interventions to reduce the occurrence of the condition.

Short- and intermediate-term evaluation of the initial definitive operation for perforated choledochal cysts compared to two-stage management

BACKGROUND

Recently, single definitive hepaticojejunostomy has been proposed to replace two-stage procedures, including initial urgent biliary drainage and final biliary reconstruction, with a reduced hospitalization time and corresponding overall hospitalization cost. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the initial definitive operation compared with the two-stage approach.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with perforated CDCs managed between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The qualified samples were divided according to a single definitive operation or two-stage approach. We conducted a comparison of the clinical characteristics, including surgical parameters, length of stay, and short- and intermediate-term complications.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients with perforated CDCs were reviewed, with 48 cases of single-stage management and 69 cases of two-stage management. No differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups were found, such as age, sex distribution, ultrasound presentation, or laboratory findings. The initial definitive operation was associated with a lower total duration of drainage, including abdominal drainage and biliary drainage (p < 0.001), and rate of unplanned readmission (OR, 0.056; 95% CI 0.007-0.435; p < 0.001) than those who underwent two-stage management. Furthermore, the initial definitive operation significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001), and the overall hospitalization cost was accordingly reduced compared with two-stage management (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The initial single definitive operation was safe and effective for most of the patients with perforated CDCs when expertise was available. Therefore, a single definitive operation should be considered the treatment of choice for perforated CDCs.

Development of pediatric minimally invasive surgery in mainland China

Pediatric laparoscopic surgery has developed rapidly in the past 20 years in mainland China with the help of international collaborative training programs. High-volume laparoscopic workload has enabled Chinese pediatric surgeons to innovate and gain experience within a short span of time. We feel that outcomes are comparable or even in some cases superior to that of open surgery. In this article, based on the Storz Lecture to the 65th BAPS Congress in Liverpool, we share our experience of this rapid development of pediatric laparoscopy. EVIDENCE LEVEL: V.