Microlaparoscopy for suspected pelvic pathology--a comparison of 2mm versus 10mm laparoscope

Phase II clinical experience and long-term follow-up using the next-generation single-incision platform FMX314

BACKGROUND

Single-incision minimally invasive surgery has previously been associated with incisions 2.0-3.0 cm in length. We present a novel single-incision surgical platform compatible for insertion through a standard 15-mm trocar we previously described in six patients with short-term follow-up data. The objective of this phase II study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the platform in a larger collective and to evaluate 1-year follow-up data of the phase I trial.

METHODS

The technology features a multiple-use introducer, accommodating the articulating instruments, and is inserted through a 15-mm laparoscopic trocar. Cholecystectomy is performed through an umbilical incision. A prospective feasibility study was performed at a single center. Inclusion criteria were age of 18-75 years and biliary colic, exclusion criteria were acute cholecystitis, dilation of the biliary tree, severe coagulopathy, BMI > 40 kg/m(2), or choledocholithiasis. Endpoints included complications, length of stay, pain medication, cosmetic results, and the presence of hernia.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients (23 females; phase I: 6 patients, phase II: 21 patients) with an average age of 41.7 years and BMI 26.6 kg/m(2) were recruited for the study. Umbilical incision length did not exceed 15 mm. There were no intraoperative complications. Average OR time decreased from 91 min for the first six cases to 56 min for the last six cases. Average length of stay was 7.8 h. Pain control was achieved with diclofenac for no more than 7 days. All patients had no adverse events at 5-month follow-up, and all phase I patients had no adverse events nor evidence of umbilical hernia at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that single-incision cholecystectomy with the platform is feasible, safe, and reproducible in a larger patient population. Long-term follow-up showed no hernias or other adverse events. Further studies will be needed to evaluate longer-term hernia rates.

Micro-laparoscopic colectomy: initial experience

INTRODUCTION

Single-port surgery (SPS) has been growing in acceptance as an alternative to traditional laparoscopic surgery. With SPS, there are technical skills required that are not routine to standard laparoscopy. We explored the feasibility of micro-laparoscopic colectomy (MLC) using 3 mm instruments in patients eligible for standard laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

We performed an IRB approved retrospective review of all segmental colectomy performed by a single surgeon in selected patients using a micro-laparoscopic technique. We utilized two 3-mm trocars and one 12-mm Hasson umbilical incision, which was later widen for specimen extraction.

RESULTS

Eighty patients underwent MLC: Twenty-six for diverticulitis, 26 for cancer, 22 for polyps, 3 for Crohn's disease, and 3 for volvulus. Eight patients were converted into either laparotomy or hand port (10 %) and three patients required the addition of one 5-mm trocar. Mean final extraction incision length was 3.9 cm. In cancer patients, the average lymph node harvest was 26 (range 13-70). The 30-day mortality was zero and the anastomotic leak rate was 1.3 %.

CONCLUSIONS

MLC is safe and feasible when performing colon resections for benign and oncologic pathology. Extraction incision length is small and offers similar cosmesis to SPS without the steep learning curve needed to learn this technique.

Effect of the diameter of the endoscope and of surgeon training on the duration and quality of laparoscopic surgery in a rabbit model

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of diameter of the endoscope on the duration and quality of laparoscopic surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

SETTING

Centre for Surgical Technologies.

SUBJECTS

Sixty adult, female, New Zealand, white rabbits.

INTERVENTION

Two series of laparoscopic nephrectomies, one each performed by an experienced and an inexperienced surgeon comparing 10-, 5-, 4-, and 2-mm endoscopes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Besides duration of surgery and occurrence of bleeding, the quality of dissection was scored by adding scores of dissection of renal vessels, ureters, and kidneys. During consecutive nephrectomies, the duration of surgery (p = 0. 001) and occurrence of bleeding (p = 0.02) decreased, whereas the quality of dissection increased (p = 0.002), demonstrating the learning curve, mainly for the less experienced surgeon. Duration of surgery (p = 0.04) decreased and quality of dissection increased (p = 0.05) when the larger endoscope was used. This was the case only for the less experienced surgeon, whereas for the experienced surgeon it had only a slight effect on learning curve.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm a learning curve of nephrectomy consisting of some 20 animals. In addition, the endoscope diameter and thus quality of image affect both duration and quality of surgery, especially for less experienced surgeons.