Feasibility and Validation of Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery for Simple-Adhesive or Nonadhesive Ileus

Application of the advance incision in robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection

Background

The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing each year. Robotic surgery is being used more frequently in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer; however, several problems associated with robotic surgery persist, such as docking the robot repeatedly to perform auxiliary incisions and difficulty exposing the operative field of obese patients. Herein we introduce a new technology that effectively improves the operability and convenience of robotic rectal surgery.

Objectives

To simplify the surgical procedure, enhance operability, and improve healing of the surgical incision, we developed an advance incision (AI) technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection, and compared its safety and feasibility with those of intraoperative incision.

Methods

Between January 2016 and October 2021, 102 patients with rectal cancer underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection with an AI or intraoperative incision (iOI) incisions. We compared the perioperative, incisional, and oncologic outcomes between groups.

Results

No significant differences in the operating time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus, time to first passage of stool, duration of hospitalization, and rate of overall postoperative complications were observed between groups. The mean time to perform auxiliary incisions was shorter in the AI group than in the iOI group (14.14 vs. 19.77 min; p < 0.05). The average incision length was shorter in the AI group than in the iOI group (6.12 vs. 7.29 cm; p < 0.05). Postoperative incision pain (visual analogue scale) was lower in the AI group than in the iOI group (2.5 vs. 2.9 p = 0.048). No significant differences in incision infection, incision hematoma, incision healing time, and long-term incision complications, including incision hernia and intestinal obstruction, were observed between groups. The recurrence (AI group vs. iOI group = 4.0% vs. 5.77%) and metastasis rates (AI group vs. iOI group = 6.0% vs. 5.77%) of cancer were similar between groups.

Conclusion

The advance incision is a safe and effective technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection, which simplifies the surgical procedure, enhances operability, and improves healing of the surgical incision.

Single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) sigmoid colectomy and uterus-preserving repair for colo-uterine fistula secondary to severe diverticular disease: an unusual technical solution for an unusual presentation of a common disease

Colouterine fistula as a potential complication of chronic diverticulitis is a rare entity with less than 30 cases reported worldwide. Generally, patients require a multidisciplinary approach including a major laparotomy with hysterectomy and sigmoid colectomy, and, occasionally, temporary colostomy. We report the first attempt of a novel, minimally invasive technique for managing a case of benign colouterine fistula with single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) sigmoid colectomy and uterus preservation. A small, 3 cm incision site provided access for the whole operation, as well as played a role as the specimen extraction site. Malignant fistulas and large uterine defects may require hysterectomy, however, laparoscopic closure of uterine wall defects can be considered as a reasonable alternative in selected patients, avoiding the higher risks associated with hysterectomy and keeping fertility at younger ages. Single incision laparoscopy in complicated diverticular disease and fistula formation cases is a challenging but technically feasible option, in experienced hands.