Feasibility prospective study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with suprapubic approach

Scarless laparoscopic incisions in Pfannenstiel (slip): the first 50 cases using an innovative approach in pediatric robotic surgery

Incisions in the supra-pubic region have been described robotic-assisted surgery to improve cosmetic results in adults, but seldom in children. We aimed to present an innovative trocar placement in the Pfannenstiel line, named Scarless Laparoscopic Incisions in Pfannenstiel (SLIP), and evaluate its feasibility for various intra-abdominal procedures and its cosmetic results in pediatric robotic surgery. We performed a monocentric prospective study, including children undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries using a SLIP approach (July 2019-September 2021). Data regarding demographics, surgery, and outcome were collected and reported as median (range), or number (percentage). Cosmetic results were evaluated with a questionnaire. A SLIP approach was performed in 50 children (24 cholecystectomies, 12 splenectomies, 2 cholecystectomies and splenectomies, 9 colonic resections, 2 choledochal cyst resections, and 1 pancreatic pseudocyst resection). Median age was 11 years (2-18) and median weight 35 kg (10.5-80). Conversion to laparoscopy occurred in two cases. Post-operative complications occurred in 5 patients (10%), after colectomies [intrabdominal abscess (n = 3), stoma dysfunction (n = 1), parietal abscess (n = 1)], of which 3 (6%) required reintervention (intrabdominal abscess n = 2, stoma dysfunction n = 1). Regarding scars, 68% (n = 28) of parents and patients reported the maximal score of 5/5 for global satisfaction and 63% (n = 26) had all scars hidden by underwear. SLIP approach is versatile and can be used in supra- and infra-mesocolic robotic-assisted procedures. The low complication rate shows its safety in both young children and teenagers and does not increase operative difficulties. It results in high patient satisfaction regarding scars, and a scarless abdomen.

Suprapubic Cholecystectomy Improves Cosmetic Outcome Compared to Classic Cholecystectomy

Currently, cholecystectomy is performed laparoscopically. While the conventional approach (CA) with four access ports persists, other methods seek to reduce trauma or to optimize cosmetic results. In this study, the safety and cosmetic outcome of a suprapubic approach (SA) were evaluated. Between 2015 and 2016, patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy either by CA or by a suprapubic approach (SA) at our institution were included. The cosmetic outcome, postoperative morbidity, operative time and length of stay were evaluated. Pictures of the site of intervention were taken 6−12 months postoperatively and rated on a scale from 1 (unsatisfying aesthetic result) to 5 (excellent aesthetic result). Five “non-medical” and five “medical” raters as well as one board-certified plastic surgeon performed the ratings. A total of 70 patients were included (n = 28 SA, n = 42 CA). The two groups did not differ in baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI). The SA group showed a significantly better aesthetic outcome compared to the CA group 4.8 (4.8−4.9) vs. 4.2 (3.8−4.4), (p > 0.001). Medical raters: 4.0 (3.8−4.2) vs. 4.8 (4.6−5.0), (p < 0.001); non-medical raters: 4.2 (3.8−4.6) vs. 5.0 (4.8−5.0), (p < 0.001); plastic surgeon: 4.0 (4.0−4.0) vs. 5.0 (5.0−5.0), (p < 0.001). Fair interrater consistency was demonstrated with an ICC of 0.47 (95% CI = 0.38−0.57). No significant difference in the complication rate (1 (3.5%) in SA vs. 6 (14%) in CA, (p = 0.3)), or the operating time 66 (50−86) vs. 70 (65−82) min, (p = 0.3), were observed. Patients stayed for a median of three (3−3) days in the SA group and 3 (3−4) days in the CA group (p = 0.08). This study demonstrated that the suprapubic approach is an appropriate alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, presenting a better cosmetic outcome with a similar complication rate.

Bikini Line Approach for Cosmetic Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a standard procedure. Several alternative approaches have been described to make trocar scars invisible. This study describes and was successfully administered as a pilot for feasibility and safety of a bikini line port for better aesthetic results. In patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis undergoing LC between June 2021 and December 2021, bikini line ports were used in 67 patients. With the patient in the supine position, the first trocar (11 mm) was inserted into the abdomen through the umbilicus. The other three trocars were placed in the lower abdomen at the bikini line with the help of the camera. Standard instruments were used to perform the surgery. The mean operative time was 54.66 SD 14.1 min. No intraoperative or postoperative adverse events took place. The median follow-up for this cohort was 24 weeks. Cosmetic results were satisfactory for all patients. The use of one umbilical camera port and the other three ports in the bikini line in the lower abdomen completely hides the scars from the ports’ incision. The technique was quickly adopted by regular laparoscopic surgeons with usual instruments, much to the satisfaction of patients.

Impact of fast track surgery on inflammatory factors, gastrointestinal hormones, and gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary surgery, due to complex physiological and anatomical structures, is difficult and risky, and patients often have a strong stress reaction, which will affect the smooth operation and postoperative rehabilitation. Fast track surgery can strengthen perioperative process management by using various effective measures confirmed by evidence-based medicine, and its application in hepatobiliary surgery is worthy of affirmation. However, there are few studies reporting inflammatory factors and gastrointestinal hormones in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery using a fast track surgery program.

AIM

To study the effect of fast track surgery on inflammatory factors, gastrointestinal hormones, and gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery from May 2017 to April 2018 were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The control group was given conventional surgical management, and the intervention group given was given fast track surgery management. Serum inflammatory factors, gastrointestinal hormones, gastrointestinal function recovery time, and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Serum tumor necrosis factor-α, C reactive protein, and interleukin-6 were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (36.20 pg/mL ± 5.32 pg/mL vs 43.55 pg/mL ± 6.12 pg/mL, 12.42 mg/L ± 2.35 mg/L vs 18.65 mg/L ± 3.24 mg/L, 10.24 pg/L ± 2.10 pg/L vs 15.04 pg/L ± 2.32 pg/L; t = 7.194, 12.355, 12.175; P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Serum motilin and gastrin were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (205.45 pg/mL ± 25.16 pg/mL vs 168.24 pg/mL ± 24.25 pg/mL, 124.32 pg/mL ± 24.15 pg/mL vs 104.36 pg/mL ± 20.42 pg/mL; t = 8.452, 5.009; P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Time to recovery of bowel sounds, time to anal exhaust, time to first defecation, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group [16.45 h ± 3.12 h vs 21.24 h ± 3.65 h, 20.34 h ± 4.54 h vs 41.25 h ± 6.12 h, 38.65 h ± 5.24 h vs 57.42 h ± 7.15 h, 9.21 d ± 1.32 d vs 13.54 d ± 2.12 d; t = 7.918, 21.780, 18.607, 13.762; P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The rate of complications such as incision infection was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (9.52% vs 26.98%, χ² = 6.436, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Fast track surgery can promote gastrointestinal function recovery and reduce complications in patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery, which may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating gastrointestinal hormones.