Laparoscopic staging of endometrial cancer using laparosonic instruments: comparison with electrosurgery

Outcomes of conventional and advanced energy devices in laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Hemostasis is an important step in all surgical procedures. Mechanical methods of hemostasis have been gradually abandoned in favor of electrosurgery. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of electrosurgical instruments utilized in minimally invasive gynecological procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review, including randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies, comparing the outcomes of different energy devices (EDs) used in laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries. We extracted data about blood loss (BL), mean operative time, post-operative pain, hospital stay and complications associated with each electrosurgical device.

RESULTS

We included 30 studies reporting comparative outcomes concerning conventional (bipolar and monopolar) and innovative EDs (Harmonic scalpel, LigaSure, Plasma kinetic gyrus, Thunderbeat, EnSeal, Marseal, Caiman and ALAN). New EDs were found to be more efficient in complex surgeries due to less intraoperative BL and shorter operative time. No significant decrease in hospital stay, post-operative pain or complications was found with the use of new energy instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Although new electrosurgical devices seem an appealing and safer option, there is still insufficient evidence for one vessel-sealing technology to be considered superior to another. Therefore, monopolar and conventional bipolar (CB) are still widely used in laparoscopic gynecology.

Electrosurgery and clinical applications of electrosurgical devices in gynecologic procedures

Background: Electrosurgery is widely used in reproductive related surgeries and technological advancements to improve efficacy and reduce potential complications. However, some reports have indicated lack of sufficient knowledge and training about basic principles and technical aspects of electrosurgery among obstetricians and gynecologists.

Methods: In this paper we present a summary on basic concepts and principles of electrosurgery and review the recent evidence on the use of electrosurgical devices in gynecologic procedures including endometrial ablation, gynecologic malignancies, loop electrode excision procedure (LEEP), and infertility.

Result: Considering the extensive use of these technologies in reproductive related surgeries, procedures including laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and loop procedures further highlights the importance of more detailed training in this field. Gynecologists must learn the basics in more detail and update their knowledge on the growing body of evidence regarding the advancements of these technologies to reduce potential complications and select the most cost-effective treatment options for each patient.

Conclusion: Try to understanding the underlying biophysical principles and more in-depth familiarity with various electrosurgical devices could lead to less complications and optimize evidence-based gynecological practice.

Procedure costs associated with the use of Harmonic devices compared to conventional techniques in various surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

As compared to conventional techniques, recent meta-analyses have reported cost savings with Harmonic devices; however, only in thyroidectomy. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the costs associated with Harmonic devices versus conventional techniques across a range of surgical procedures.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to October 01, 2016 without language restrictions to identify randomized controlled trials comparing Harmonic devices to conventional techniques and reporting procedure costs (operating time plus operating equipment/consumables/device costs). Costs were pooled using the ratio of geometric means, and a random effects model was applied. Sensitivity analyses varying statistical methods, number of included studies, and cost outcomes were completed to test the robustness of the results.

Results

Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 561 and 540 participants had procedures performed with Harmonic devices and conventional methods, respectively, with procedures including gastrectomy, thyroidectomy, colectomy, cholecystectomy, Nissen fundoplication, and pancreaticoduodenectomy. As compared to conventional methods, Harmonic devices reduced total procedure costs by 8.7% (p=0.029), resulting in an absolute reduction of US$227.77 from mean conventional technique costs, derived primarily from a reduction in operating time costs. When operating time costs, excluding operating equipment/consumables/device costs, were analyzed, costs were reduced by $544 per procedure with the use of Harmonic devices. The results from all sensitivity analyses demonstrated cost reductions with Harmonic devices.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that despite a higher device cost, Harmonic devices provide a statistically significant reduction in procedure costs, derived primarily from a reduction in operating time costs, across surgical procedures. In addition to functionality benefits, Harmonic devices may represent a potentially cost saving method to reduce overall hospital resource use. Future research should focus on potential costs and benefits from use of Harmonic devices in procedures not covered here.

A comparative study of laparoscopic extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy [correction of laparoscopy] with the use of ultrasonically activated shears

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the use of the harmonic scalpel in reducing the occurrence of symptomatic lymphoceles and its related complications in paraaortic laparoscopic lymphadenectomies (PALLs).

STUDY DESIGN

All PALL that were performed at the Institut Claudius Regaud between January 2003 and June 2007 were included. Since January 2006, the harmonic scalpel has been used systematically for all lymphostasis. Lymphoceles that required treatment were recorded as a complication.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were enrolled, 62 PALLs were performed with the standard technique (control group), and 36 PALLs were performed with the harmonic scalpel (study group). There were no differences regarding operating time, blood loss, median nodal yield, and duration of hospital stay. Seven patients of the control group vs none of the study group (P = .03) experienced a symptomatic lymphocele that required medical treatment; 4 patients had radiologic drainage, and 1 patient had surgical drainage.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate the efficacy of harmonic scalpel in reducing the occurrence of symptomatic lymphoceles in paraaortic extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy.

Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies using ultrasonically activated shears: analysis of first 100 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety and utility of the ultrasonic shears for laparoscopic pelvic and para-aortic lymph node retrieval in the treatment of gynecologic cancers.

METHODS

Data on laparoscopic lymphadenectomy performed for gynecologic malignancies using ultrasonic shears over a 5-year period were collected and analyzed prospectively.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy using ultrasonic shears was performed on 100 patients with a median age of 58 (17-87) years. The types of malignancies included cervical (n = 29), endometrial (n = 48), ovarian (n = 15), fallopian tube (n = 2), malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (n = 2), vaginal (n = 2) and synchronous ovarian and endometrial cancers (n = 2). Sites of lymphadenectomy included pelvic (n = 49), para-aortic (n = 30) or both pelvic and para-aortic (n = 21). The median nodal yield was 22 (0-87). 66/100 were complete lymphadenectomies with a median nodal yield of 28 (2-71). The median length of hospital stay was 2 (1-13) days and the average blood loss was 148 (0-500) ml. Overall complication rate was 13%. There were 3 intra-operative complications, which were all managed laparoscopically. There were no unplanned conversions to laparotomy. There were 10 post-operative complications including port-site metastasis in a patient with positive nodes (n = 1), trocar-site hernia requiring a second laparoscopy (n = 1), deep leg vein thrombosis (n = 1), and a small bowel obstruction (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest series to date demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ultrasonic shears in laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies. In addition to the potential for lowering the risk for tissue damage, ultrasonic shears offer multifunctionality which allows for a simpler technique with the use of fewer instruments.

Introduction of transperitoneal lymphadenectomy in a gynecologic oncology center: analysis of 650 laparoscopic pelvic and/or paraaortic transperitoneal lymphadenectomies

OBJECTIVE

Lymphadenectomy is an integral part of staging and treatment of gynecologic malignancies. We evaluated the feasibility and oncologic value of laparoscopic transperitoneal pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in correlation to complication rate and body mass index.

METHODS

Between August 1994 and September 2003, pelvic and/or paraaortic transperitoneal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy was performed in 650 patients at the Department of Gynecology of the Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena. Retrospective and prospective data collection and evaluation of videotapes were possible in 606 patients. Laparoscopic lymphadenectomy was part of the following surgical procedures: staging laparoscopy in patients with advanced cervical cancer (n = 133) or early ovarian cancer (n = 44), trachelectomy in patients with early cervical cancer (n = 42), laparoscopic-assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy in patients with cervical cancer (n = 221), laparoscopy before exenteration in patients with pelvic recurrence (n = 20), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopic-assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy in patients with endometrial cancer (n = 112), and operative procedures for other indications (n = 34).

RESULTS

After a learning period of approximately 20 procedures, a constant number of pelvic lymph nodes (16.9-21.9) was removed over the years. Pelvic lymphadenectomy took 28 min, and parametric lymphadenectomy took 18 min for each side. The number of removed paraaortic lymph nodes increased continuously over the years from 5.5 to 18.5. Right-sided paraaortic, left-sided inframesenteric and left-sided infrarenal lymphadenectomy took an average of 36, 28, and 62 min, respectively. The number of removed lymph nodes was independent from the body mass index of the patient. Duration of pelvic lymphadenectomy was independent of body mass index, but right-sided paraaortic lymphadenectomy lasted significantly longer in obese women (35 vs. 41 min, P = 0,011). The overall complication rate was 8.7% with 2.9% intraoperative (vessel or bowel injury) and 5.8% postoperative complications. No major intraoperative complication was encountered during the last 5 years of the study.

CONCLUSION

By transperitoneal laparoscopic lymphadenectomy, an adequate number of lymph nodes can be removed in an adequate time and independent from body mass index. The complication rate is low and can be minimized by standardization of the procedure.

Laparoscopic lymph node dissection using ultrasonically activated shears: comparison with electrosurgery

PURPOSE

To assess and compare perioperative parameters in two groups of patients treated by different laparoscopic techniques of lymph node dissection (LND) for gynecologic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 1996 and March 2001, 59 consecutive women with microinvasive cervical cancer (N = 5) or clinical stage I endometrial cancer (N = 54) underwent laparoscopic LND during a primary staging procedure using an electrosurgery (ELC) or ultrasonic (US) operative technique. The two groups were compared for perioperative outcomes. Differences between the two groups were determined by the Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic LND and other staging procedures were completed successfully in 58 women (98.3%). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to perioperative outcomes (operation time, time for LND, blood loss, hospital stay, complications), but there was a significant difference (P = 0.0008) in the number of lymph nodes harvested: a mean of 13.7 in the ELC group and 17.5 in the US group. The pathologists found that the reading of histology slides was easier after US dissections because of the greater depth of thermal injury in the lymphatic tissue in ELC group.

CONCLUSION

The US operative technique ensures efficient coagulation, cutting, dissection, and grasping for laparoscopic LND in patients with cervical and endometrial cancer.