Comparing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials with cohort studies: a paradigm of single-incision laparoscopic surgery

Randomized controlled trial of single incision versus conventional multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy with long-term follow-up

Background

Within the last years, single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC) emerged as an alternative to multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MLC). SLC has advantages in cosmetic results, and postoperative pain seems lower. Overall complications are comparable between SLC and MLC. However, long-term results of randomized trials are lacking, notably to answer questions about incisional hernia rates, long-term cosmetic impact and chronic pain.

Methods

A randomized trial of SLC versus MLC with a total of 193 patients between December 2009 and June 2011 was performed. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain on the first day after surgery. Secondary endpoints were conversion rate, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative morbidity, technical feasibility and hospital stay. A long-term follow-up after surgery was added.

Results

Ninety-eight patients (50.8%) underwent SLC, and 95 patients (49.2%) had MLC. Pain on the first postoperative day showed no difference between the operative procedures (SLC vs. MLC, 3.4 ± 1.8 vs. 3.7 ± 1.9, respectively; p = 0.317). No significant differences were observed in operating time or the overall rate of postoperative complications (4.1% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.731). SLC exhibited better cosmetic results in the short term. In the long term, after a mean of 70.4 months, there were no differences in incisional hernia rate, cosmetic results or pain at the incision between the two groups.

Conclusions

Taking into account a follow-up rate of 68%, the early postoperative advantages of SLC in relation to cosmetic appearance and pain did not persist in the long term. In the present trial, there was no difference in incisional hernia rates between SLC and MLC, but the sample size is too small for a final conclusion regarding hernia rates.

Trial registration

German Registry of Clinical Trials DRKS00012447

A systematic review of complications related to laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and report the quality of the scientific literature reporting complications associated with laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures in client-owned or healthy research dogs and to report and illustrate laparoscopic complications related to individual organ systems.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

ANIMALS

Client-owned or healthy research dogs.

METHODS

A literature review was performed by using PubMed and CAB abstracts for English-language studies providing descriptions of complications related to laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures in dogs. Study selection used PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Quality assessment was performed by using a MINORS (Methodological Items for Non-Randomized Studies) scoring system and a grading scale of level of evidence. Descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

In total, 741 manuscripts were identified, with 64 manuscripts eligible for data extraction and quality assessment. The most represented organ system was the female genital tract, represented by 22 (34.4%) studies. The most commonly reported intraoperative and postoperative complications were related to abdominal entry and portal incisions, respectively. In 53 of 54 non-randomized studies, high risk of bias was found. Forty-eight (75%) studies provided level III or IV evidence.

CONCLUSION

This report provides an updated review of complications related to laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures in dogs, classified by organ system. The overall quality of evidence was low, limiting direct comparison of complication rates between studies.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

There is a need for implementation of standardized criteria for defining complications, study time frames and greater numbers of high quality prospective randomized trials in veterinary laparoscopy to permit comparison of complication and conversion rates between published studies and across organ systems.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Incisional Hernia After Single-Incision Endoscopic Surgery

Introduction: Abdominal wall complications are one of the most controversial issues regarding single-incision endoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of incisional hernia after single-incision endoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: An observational retrospective study was performed, on a cohort of patients cholecystectomized laparoscopically through a transumbilical single incision due to gallbladder lithiasis or polyps. Postoperative complications were analyzed, with special interest in the incisional hernia rate, whose results were assessed in the long-term follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed to evaluate possible variables associated with the appearance of incisional hernia. Cumulative sum charts (CUSUM) were used to identify trends in the incisional hernia risk. Results: Some 109 patients were included in the study. With a mean follow-up of nearly 38 months, an incisional hernia incidence of 5.5% was found, with 67% being diagnosed during the first year of follow-up. In the Cox regression analysis, two variables showed an independent association with the emergence of incisional hernia, body mass index (hazard ratio [HR] 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI 1.053-1.606]; P .015), and wound infection (HR 26.32; [3.186-217.40]; P .002]. CUSUM charts showed a decrease in the risk of incisional hernia after the first 10 cases. Conclusions: Single-incision endoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a substantially high risk of postoperative incisional hernia (5.5%).