A prospective randomized study of systemic inflammation and immune response after laparoscopic nissen fundoplication performed with standard and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2013;23:189-196. [PMID: 23579517 DOI: 10.1097/sle.0b013e3182827e51]

Recovery and immune function after low pressure pneumoperitoneum during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of low intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) facilitated by deep neuromuscular block (NMB) to standard practice in improving the quality of recovery, preserving immune function, and enhancing parietal perfusion during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this blinded, randomised controlled trial, 96 patients were randomised to the experimental group with low IAP (8 mmHg) facilitated by deep NMB (post-tetanic count 1-2) or the control group with standard IAP (14 mmHg) and moderate NMB (train-of-four 1-2). Recovery was measured using the 40-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire and 36-item Short-Form Health survey. Immune function was evaluated by plasma damage-associated molecular patterns, cytokines, and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cytokine production. Parietal peritoneum perfusion was measured by analysing the recordings of indocyanine-green injection.

RESULTS

Quality of recovery was not superior in the experimental group (n = 46) compared to the control group (n = 50). All clinical outcomes, including pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and hospital stay were similar. There were no significant differences in postoperative plasma concentrations of damage-associated molecular patterns, cytokines, and ex vivo cytokine production capacity. The use of low IAP resulted in better parietal peritoneum perfusion.

CONCLUSION

Despite better perfusion of the parietal peritoneum, low IAP facilitated by deep NMB did not improve the quality of recovery or preserve immune function compared to standard practice in patients undergoing RARP.

Comparison of inflammatory markers in low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep neuromuscular block versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease: a randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) is an attempt to improve laparoscopic surgery. Lower pressure causes lesser inflammation and better hemodynamics. There is a lack of literature comparing inflammatory markers in LPP with deep NMB to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP) with moderate NMB in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODOLOGY

This was a single institutional prospective randomized control trial. Participants included all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stone disease. Participants were divided into 2 groups group A and B. Group A-Low-pressure group in which pneumoperitoneum pressure was kept low (8-10 mmHg) with deep Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) and Group B-Normal pressure group (12-14 mmHg) with moderate NMB. A convenience sample size of 80 with 40 in each group was selected. Lab investigations like CBC, LFT, RFT and serum IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, TNF alpha levels were measured at base line and 24 h after surgery and compared using appropriate statistical tests. Other parameters like length of hospital stay, post-operative pain score, conversion rate (low-pressure to standard pressure), and complications were also compared.

RESULTS

Eighty participants were analysed with 40 in each group. Baseline characteristics and investigations were statistically similar. Difference (post-operative-pre-operative) of inflammatory markers were compared between both groups. Numerically there was a slightly higher rise in most of the inflammatory markers (TLC, ESR, CRP, IL-6, TNFα) in Group B compared to Group A but not statistically significant. Albumin showed significant fall (p < 0.001) in Group B compared to Group A. Post-operative pain was also significantly less (p < 0.001) in Group A compared to Group B at 6 h and 24 h. There were no differences in length of hospital stay and incidence of complications. There was no conversion from low-pressure to standard pressure.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed under low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with deep NMB may have lesser inflammation and lesser post-operative pain compared to standard pressure pneumoperitoneum with moderate NMB. Future studies with larger sample size need to be designed to support these findings.

Impact of Standard Versus Low Pneumoperitoneum Pressure on Peritoneal Environment in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

High CO 2 pneumoperitoneum pressure during laparoscopy adversely affects the peritoneal environment. This study hypothesized that low pneumoperitoneum pressure may be linked to less peritoneal damage and possibly to better clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients undergoing scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized 1:1 to low or to standard pneumoperitoneum pressure. Peritoneal biopsies were performed at baseline time and 1 hour after peritoneum insufflation in all patients. The primary outcome was peritoneal remodeling biomarkers and apoptotic index. Secondary outcomes included biomarker differences at the studied times and some clinical variables such as length of hospital stay, and quality and safety issues related to the procedure.

RESULTS

Peritoneal IL6 after 1 hour of surgery was significantly higher in the standard than in the low-pressure group (4.26±1.34 vs. 3.24±1.21; P =0.001). On the contrary, levels of connective tissue growth factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-I were higher in the low-pressure group (0.89±0.61 vs. 0.61±0.84; P =0.025, and 0.74±0.89 vs. 0.24±1.15; P =0.028, respectively). Regarding apoptotic index, similar levels were found in both groups and were 44.0±10.9 and 42.5±17.8 in low and standard pressure groups, respectively. None of the secondary outcomes showed differences between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal inflammation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is higher when surgery is performed under standard pressure. Adhesion formation seems to be less in this group. The majority of patients undergoing surgery under low pressure were operated under optimal workspace conditions, regardless of the surgeon's expertise.

Low intra-abdominal pressure in laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Guidelines do not provide clear recommendations with regard to the use of low intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the influence of low versus standard IAP during laparoscopic surgery on the key-outcomes in perioperative medicine as defined by the StEP-COMPAC consensus group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials comparing low IAP (<10 mmHg) with standard IAP (10 mmHg or higher) during laparoscopic surgery without time, language, or blinding restrictions. According to the PRISMA guidelines, two review authors independently identified trials and extracted data. Risk ratio (RR), and mean difference (MD), with 95% CIs were calculated using random-effects models with RevMan5. Main outcomes were based on StEP-COMPAC recommendations, and included postoperative complications, postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Eighty-five studies in a wide range of laparoscopic procedures (7349 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. The available evidence indicates that the use of low IAP (<10 mmHg) leads to a lower incidence of mild (Clavien-Dindo grade 1-2) postoperative complications (RR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.53-0.86), lower pain scores (MD=-0.68, 95% CI: -0.82 to 0.54) and PONV incidence (RR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.51-0.88), and a reduced length of hospital stay (MD=-0.29, 95% CI: -0.46 to 0.11). Low IAP did not increase the risk of intraoperative complications (RR=1.15, 95% CI: 0.77-1.73).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the established safety and the reduced incidence of mild postoperative complications, lower pain scores, reduced incidence of PONV, and shorter length of stay, the available evidence supports a moderate to strong recommendation (1a level of evidence) in favor of low IAP during laparoscopic surgery.

Nissen Versus Toupet Fundoplication For Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, Short And Long-term Outcomes. A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains one of the most commonly encountered gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors still show an inadequate effect on about 10% to 40% of the patients. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the surgical alternative for managing GERD in patients who are not responding to proton pump inhibitors.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study objected at comparing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) concerning the short-term and long-term outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that evaluated the studies comparing between Nissen fundoplication and LTF for the treatment of GERD. Studies were obtained by searching on the EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PubMed central database.

RESULTS

The LTF group showed significantly longer operation time, less postoperative dysphagia and gas bloating, less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, and higher Demeester scores. No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the perioperative complications, the recurrence of GERD, the reoperation rate, the quality of life, or the reoperation rate.

CONCLUSION

LTF is favored for the surgical treatment of GERD being of lower postoperative dysphagia and gas bloating rates. These benefits were not at the expense of significantly additional perioperative complications or surgery failure.

Low-pressure versus standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

It has been previously demonstrated that the rise of intra-abdominal pressures and prolonged exposure to such pressures can produce changes in the cardiovascular and pulmonary dynamic which, though potentially well tolerated in the majority of healthy patients with adequate cardiopulmonary reserve, may be less well tolerated when cardiopulmonary reserve is poor.

Nevertheless, theoretically lowering intra-abdominal pressure could reduce the impact of pneumoperitoneum on the blood circulation of intra-abdominal organs as well as cardiopulmonary function. However, the evidence remains weak, and as such, the debate remains unresolved. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to demonstrate the current knowledge around the effect of pneumoperitoneum at different pressures levels during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported according to the recommendations of the 2020 updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions.

Results

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 44 randomized controlled trials that compared different pressures of pneumoperitoneum in the setting of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Length of hospital, conversion rate, and complications rate were not significantly different, whereas statistically significant differences were observed in post-operative pain and analgesic consumption. According to the GRADE criteria, overall quality of evidence was high for intra-operative bile spillage (critical outcome), overall complications (critical outcome), shoulder pain (critical outcome), and overall post-operative pain (critical outcome). Overall quality of evidence was moderate for conversion to open surgery (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 1 day (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 3 days (important outcome), and bleeding (critical outcome). Overall quality of evidence was low for operative time (important outcome), length of hospital stay (important outcome), post-operative pain at 12 h (critical outcome), and was very low for post-operative pain at 1 h (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 4 h (critical outcome), post-operative pain at 8 h (critical outcome), and post-operative pain at 2 days (critical outcome).

Conclusions

This review allowed us to draw conclusive results from the use of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with an adequate quality of evidence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-022-09201-1.

Effects of deep neuromuscular block with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum on respiratory mechanics and biotrauma in a steep Trendelenburg position

We hypothesized that deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (PP) would improve respiratory mechanics and reduce biotrauma compared to moderate NMB with high-pressure PP in a steep Trendelenburg position. Seventy-four women undergoing robotic gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Moderate NMB group was maintained with a train of four count of 1–2 and PP at 12 mmHg. Deep NMB group was maintained with a post-tetanic count of 1–2 and PP at 8 mmHg. Inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline, at the end of PP, and 24 h after surgery. Interleukin-6 increased significantly from baseline at the end of PP and 24 h after the surgery in moderate NMB group but not in deep NMB group (P_group*time = 0.036). The peak inspiratory, driving, and mean airway pressures were significantly higher in moderate NMB group than in deep NMB group at 15 min and 60 min after PP (P_group*time = 0.002, 0.003, and 0.048, respectively). In conclusion, deep NMB with low-pressure PP significantly suppressed the increase in interleukin-6 developed after PP, by significantly improving the respiratory mechanics compared to moderate NMB with high-pressure PP during robotic surgery.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A role of inflammatory markers in the early detection of gastric leak

Setting:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity as a bariatric option. Gastric leak (GL) is the most dreaded septic complication of LSG. Early detection and treatment of this complication may improve outcomes.

Objectives:

This study investigates biomarkers that might be useful to predict GL before its clinical presentation in patients who underwent LSG.

Patients and Methods:

This study, prospective observational, was carried out in 151 patients, who underwent LSG for morbid obesity between February 2014 and October 2019. Blood samples were collected before the operation and on post-operative days one, three and five to dose serum C-reactive protein (CRP), pro-calcitonin (PCT), fibrinogen, white blood cells (WBCs) count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Results:

GL occurred in 6 patients (3.97%). According to the receiver operating characteristics curve, NLR detected leak with remarkably higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) than CRP, fibrinogen, WBC on all the days and higher than PCT in post-operative days 3 and 5. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of NLR (AUC = 1) was higher than the AUC of CRP, fibrinogen, WBC on all the days and higher than PCT in post-operative days 3 and 5, suggesting important statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Because NLR and PCT detected GL with remarkably higher sensitivity and specificity than CRP, fibrinogen and WBC, these two markers seem to be more accurate for the early detection of this complication.

Low-pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To compare the changes in hepatic enzymes and comfort level of the surgeon in low-pressure pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LPPLC, 7 mm Hg) with that of normal pressure pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic cholecystectomy (NPPLC, 14 mm Hg).

METHODS

Eighty-two patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (LPPLC and NPPLC). Serum levels of bilirubin, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase were measured before the operation, at the time of reversal from anesthesia, 24 hours after the operation, and on day 7. Serious adverse events, intra-operative complications, surgeon's comfort level of dissection, operative time, conversion rates to an open procedure, or normal pressure pneumoperitoneum were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients randomized for LPPLC, 8 patients were converted to NPPLC due to difficulty in dissection and 1 converted to open in each group. There was statistically significant fall in mean serum bilirubin level in both the groups in the immediate postoperative period (P<0.05). Statistically significant increase in its level was observed after 24 hours in the NPPLC group only (P<0.05). Levels of mean serum serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly (P<0.05) in immediate postoperative period and a further increase was observed after 24 hours (P<0.05) in the NPPLC group only. The comfort level of surgeon was found to be significantly better in the NPPLC group.

CONCLUSIONS

LPPLC is a safe procedure, especially in the hands of an experienced surgeon with clinically insignificant systemic effects. But the comfort level of surgeon is better in normal pressure when compared with low pressure. In patients with deranged hepatic functions undergoing advanced laparoscopic procedures, it is advisable to start the surgery with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Pressure may be escalated further as per the surgeon's comfort.

Postoperative Ileus and Postoperative Gastrointestinal Tract Dysfunction: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Novel Treatment Strategies Beyond Colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols

Postoperative ileus (POI) and postoperative gastrointestinal tract dysfunction (POGD) are well-known complications affecting patients undergoing intestinal surgery. GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, pain, abdominal distention, bloating, and constipation. These iatrogenic disorders are associated with extended hospitalizations, increased morbidity, and health care costs into the billions and current therapeutic strategies are limited. This is a narrative review focused on recent concepts in the pathogenesis of POI and POGD, pipeline drugs or approaches to treatment. Mechanisms, cellular targets and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis include gut surgical manipulation and surgical trauma, neuroinflammation, reactive enteric glia, macrophages, mast cells, monocytes, neutrophils and ICC's. The precise interactions between immune, inflammatory, neural and glial cells are not well understood. Reactive enteric glial cells are an emerging therapeutic target that is under intense investigation for enteric neuropathies, GI dysmotility and POI. Our review emphasizes current therapeutic strategies, starting with the implementation of colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery protocols to protect against POI and POGD. However, despite colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery, it remains a significant medical problem and burden on the healthcare system. Over 100 pipeline drugs or treatments are listed in Clin.Trials.gov. These include 5HT4R agonists (Prucalopride and TAK 954), vagus nerve stimulation of the ENS-macrophage nAChR cholinergic pathway, acupuncture, herbal medications, peripheral acting opioid antagonists (Alvimopen, Methlnaltexone, Naldemedine), anti-bloating/flatulence drugs (Simethiocone), a ghreline prokinetic agonist (Ulimovelin), drinking coffee, and nicotine chewing gum. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms for short and long-term outcomes is necessary before we can develop better prophylactic and treatment strategies.

Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum with abdominal wall lift in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: Initial experience

AIM

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new technology combining low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) and abdominal wall lift (AWL) in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer.

METHODS

From November 2015 to July 2017, 26 patients underwent laparoscopic TME for rectal cancer using LPP (6-8 mmHg) with subcutaneous AWL in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China. Clinical data regarding patients’ demographics, intraoperative monitoring indices, operation-related indices and pathological outcomes were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic TME was performed in 26 cases (14 anterior resection and 12 abdominoperineal resection) successfully, without conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery with standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Intraoperative monitoring showed stable heart rate, blood pressure and paw airway pressure. The mean operative time was 194.29 ± 41.27 min (range: 125-270 min) and 200.41 ± 20.56 min (range: 170-230 min) for anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection, respectively. The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 16.71 ± 5.06 (range: 7-27). There was no positive circumferential or distal resection margin. No local recurrence was observed during a median follow-up period of 11.96 ± 5.55 mo (range: 5-23 mo).

CONCLUSION

LPP combined with AWL is safe and feasible for laparoscopic TME. The technique can provide satisfactory exposure of the operative field and stable operative monitoring indices.

Comparison of the effectiveness of low pressure pneumoperitoneum with profound muscle relaxation during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy to optimize the quality of recovery during the early post-operative phase: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Since technique modifications of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, e.g. retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy or hand-assistance, have not shown significant benefit regarding safety or improvement of recovery, further research should focus on improving postoperative recovery. The use of low pressure pneumoperitoneum has shown to significantly reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopy. To facilitate the use of low pressure pneumoperitoneum, deep neuromuscular block will be used.

METHODS/DESIGN

This trial is a phase IV, single center, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial in which 64 patients will be randomized to: low pressure pneumoperitoneum (6 mmHg) and deep neuromuscular block or normal pressure pneumoperitoneum (12 mmHg) and deep neuromuscular block. Deep neuromuscular block is defined as post tetanic count < 5. Primary outcome measurement will be Quality of Recovery-40 questionnaire (overall score) on day 1.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first randomized study to assess the combination of low pressure pneumoperitoneum in combination with deep neuromuscular block from a patients' perspective. The study findings may also be applicable for other laparoscopic procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at trials.gov (NCT02146417) in July 2014.

Routine clinical markers of the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response after elective operation: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Operative injury to the body from all procedures causes a stereotypical cascade of neuroendocrine, cytokine, myeloid, and acute phase responses. This response has been examined commonly by the use of cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6), white cell count, and C-reactive protein (CRP). We aimed to determine which markers of the systemic inflammatory response were useful in determining the magnitude of injury after elective operations.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using surgery, endocrine response, systemic inflammatory response, cortisol, IL-6, white cell count, and CRP. For each analyte the studies were grouped according to whether the operative injury was considered to be minor, moderate, or major and then by the operative procedure.

RESULTS

A total of 164 studies were included involving 14,362 patients. The IL-6 and CRP responses clearly were associated with the magnitude of operative injury and the invasiveness of the operative procedure. For example, the peak CRP response increased from 52 mg/L with cholecystectomy to 123 mg/L with colorectal cancer resection, 145 mg/L with hip replacement, 163 mg/L after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and 189 mg/L after open cardiac surgery. There also appeared to be a difference between minimally invasive/laparoscopic and open procedures such as cholecystectomy (27 vs 80 mg/L), colorectal cancer resection (97 vs 133 mg/L), and aortic aneurysm repair (132 vs 180 mg/L).

CONCLUSION

Peak IL-6 and CRP concentrations consistently were associated with the magnitude of operative injury and operative procedure. These markers may be useful in the objective assessment of which components of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery are likely to improve patient outcome and to assess the possible impact of operative injury on immune function.

Three-step hand-assisted laparoscopic d2 radical gastrectomy for chinese obese patients: a highly efficient and feasible surgical approach

Three-step hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy (HALG) is a modified surgical procedure that has achieved satisfactory results for obese patients in our surgical center. To fully elucidate the advantages of this procedure, in this study, comprehensive and in-depth comparative analyses were performed to assess clinical data from obese gastric cancer patients who underwent HALG, laparoscopic-assisted D2 radical gastrectomy (LAG), and open D2 radical gastrectomy (OG) in our surgical center during a specific time period. For the 3 groups, incision length was 1.25 cm longer for the HALG group than for the LAG group but was significantly shorter for the HALG group than for the OG group (P =0.00). The rate of conversion to laparotomy , the pneumoperitoneum time and the number of recovered lymph nodes were significantly better for the HALG group than for the LAG group (P <0.05). The pain score at day 2 after surgery, intestinal function recovery time, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were not significantly different for the HALG and LAG groups ( P >0.05) but were significantly better for the HALG group than for the OG group (P <0.05). There were significantly fewer postoperative complications for the HALG group than for the LAG and OG groups (P =0.049). According to the results, the “three-step HALG method” incorporates both the thoroughness of the radical OG approach and the minimal invasiveness of the LAG approach for obese patients. Thus, the HALG approach is a relatively safe and extremely feasible surgical procedure for the treatment of these patients.