The vaginal route for minimally invasive surgery: a practical guide for general surgeons

INTRODUCTION

Vaginal approaches have become routine in the field of gynecologic surgery, whereas in general surgery vaginal wall transection is an infrequent practice typically reserved for extensive tumor resections. Approximately two decades ago, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) revolutionized conventional boundaries by accessing the peritoneal cavity transorally, transrectally, or transvaginally, enabling general surgery without visible scars. Although transvaginal approaches have been successfully used for various abdominal procedures by general surgeons, a gap remains in comprehensive training to fully exploit the potential of this route.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles illustrating how general surgeons can adeptly manage vaginal approaches.

RESULTS

The article presents a practical framework for general surgeons to execute a complete vaginal approach, addressing the management of vaginal specimen extraction and vaginal cuff closure, even in the absence of an experienced gynecologist.

CONCLUSION

The evolution of abdominal surgery is moving towards less invasive techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances and challenges associated with the vaginal route. This approach is linked to minimal oncological, sexual, and infective complications, and to the absence of pregnancy-related complications. Such knowledge becomes increasingly crucial, particularly with the renewed demand for transvaginal access in robot-assisted NOTES procedures.

Transumbilical laparoscopy for pneumoperitoneum establishment: a comprehensive multicentre evaluation affirming safety, feasibility, and a range of clinical benefits

Introduction

Transumbilical laparoscopy (TUL) has emerged as a promising technique for establishing pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, offering potential safety, feasibility, and clinical benefits. This retrospective multicentre study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of TUL in the management of gallbladder diseases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 2,543 patients who underwent TUL between 2011 and 2021 across various medical institutions in Italy. Data collection included demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters. Standardized protocols were followed for preoperative and postoperative management. The TUL technique involved precise anatomical incision and trocar placement.

Results

The study demonstrated favorable outcomes associated with TUL, including a low conversion rate to open surgery (0.55%), minimal intraoperative complications (0.16%), and short hospital stays (average 2.4 days). The incidence of incisional hernias was notably low (0.4%). Comparison with existing literature revealed consistent findings and provided unique insights into the advantages of TUL.

Discussion

Despite limitations, such as the absence of a control group and the retrospective nature of the study, the findings contribute valuable insights to the literature. They inform surgical decision-making and advance patient care in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder diseases.

Conclusion

Transumbilical laparoscopy shows promise as a safe and feasible technique for establishing pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study's findings support its clinical benefits, including low conversion rates, minimal complications, and short hospital stays. Further research, including prospective studies with control groups, is warranted to validate these results and optimize patient outcomes.

Teres lift-up technique: a retrospective comparative study for an alternative route for laparoscopic entry in gynecologic and oncologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic surgery is the favored method for the surgical treatment of gynecologic diseases and malignancies. We have defined an anatomic landmark-based, easy-to-perform, and an alternative way of open laparoscopic entry technique named the ligamentum teres lift-up technique (TLU) that can be used in obese or normal-weight women to tackle the risks of the closed laparoscopic entry technique, namely, Veress needle entry (VNE).

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective comparative study, the participants were equally distributed to either the TLU group (n = 36) or the VNE group (n = 36) in a 1:1 ratio. The participants were stratified according to their BMI as follows: BMI between 20-25 kg/m2 (average weight), 25-30 kg/m2 (overweight), 30-35 kg/m2 (class I obesity), and 35-40 kg/m2 (class II obesity). Both laparoscopic access techniques were compared according to the entry time, vascular or visceral injuries, insufflation failures, trocar-related complications, and omental damage.

RESULTS

The TLU group had a considerably shorter entry time than the VNE group (74.43 ± 21.45 s versus 192.73 ± 37.93 s; p < 0.001). Only one failed insufflation occurred in the VNE group (p = 0.32); however, that case was successfully insufflated with the TLU technique. Only one intestinal injury was seen in the VNE group, encountered during trocar site closure (p = 0.32). The subgroup analyses of the TLU and VNE groups based on BMI strata revealed a continuation of the statistical significance of entry time between BMI-matched groups.

CONCLUSION

The current study reveals that the new alternative TLU technique supplies an alternative, validated, and rapid access to the abdominal cavity in normal-weight and obese women. This new approach offers an easy-to-teach and easy-to-perform technique for surgical mentors and residents in gynecologic and oncologic surgeries.

An obstetrician-gynecologist's review of hernias: risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and repair

Management of obstetrical and gynecologic patients with hernias poses challenges to providers. Risks for hernia development include well-described factors that impair surgical wound healing and increase abdominal pressure. Among the diverse populations cared for by obstetricians and gynecologists, pregnant patients and those with gynecologic malignancies are at the highest risk for hernia formation. This article provides an overview of the existing literature, with a focus on patients cared for by obstetrician-gynecologists and commonly encountered preoperative and intraoperative scenarios. We highlight scenarios when a hernia repair is not commonly performed, including those of patients undergoing nonelective surgeries with known or suspected gynecologic cancers. Finally, we offer multidisciplinary recommendations on the timing of elective hernia repair with obstetrical and gynecologic procedures, with attention to the primary surgical procedure, the type of preexisting hernia, and patient characteristics.

Direct ligation of the internal ring incorporating the medial umbilical ligament (DIRIM): a new modification for laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic hernia repair has not gained widespread acceptance. Relatively high recurrence rate is a major cause. To reduce recurrence, we report a novel modification of laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children by a retrospective cohort study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between February 2020 and August 2021, children who underwent a laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair with our modified technique were retrospectively evaluated. In our modification, we included the medial inguinal ligament in the Direct ligation of the internal ring incorporating the medial umbilical ligament (DIRIM): a new modification for laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children. By doing so, the medial ligament is expected to act like a flep that reinforces the repair and prevent the peritoneal shearing and migration of the ligature.

RESULTS

In total, 35 children were enrolled in the study with 23 boys and 12 girls. Right inguinal hernia (n = 23) was more common than left hernia (n = 10), while bilateral cases (n = 2) were less common. The median age of the patients was 38 months and median operative time was 30 min. An extraperitoneal hematoma was encountered in one patient that did not affect the postoperative course. No other intraoperative complication was encountered. No recurrence was observed during a median follow-up of 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

Our modification of laparoscopic percutaneous hernia repair is a simple and reproducible technique that may have a place in the armamentarium of a pediatric surgeons.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

SPECT/CT-Guided Surgical Removal of a Positive External Iliac Sentinel Node in Primary Umbilical Melanoma: Report of a Case, and Up-to-Date Review of the Literature

Primary umbilical melanoma is rare tumor, representing about 5% of all umbilical malignancies.The lymphatic drainage from the tumor is challenging and can be to inguinal, axillary and retroperitoneal nodes. Dynamic and static lymphoscintigraphy with single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a widely validated technique in patients with clinically localized melanoma to search for and quantify nodal spread of cutaneous melanoma. Moreover, it offers the surgeon the preoperative information about the number and location of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), which makes SLNB easier and quicker. This is the first report of an ulcerated thick melanoma of the umbilicus metastasizing only to an external iliac lymph-node without involvement of superficial inguinal SLNs. The preoperative high-resolution ultrasound (HR-US) examination of the regional lymph node field had been normal. This case-report shows how addition of SPECT/CT to planar imaging in a patient with clinically localized umbilical melanoma can help avoid incomplete SLNB when a deep SLN is not removed. A literature review of umbilical melanoma is also provided.

Modified Intraumbilical Versus Infraumbilical Entry Method at Laparoscopy: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the optimal laparoscopic entry method. Whether a transumbilical or periumbilical incision is beneficial for the initial peritoneal access has been debated. These 2 methods have their own advocates, since each has its own benefits and disadvantages. Furthermore, the lack of consensus extends to the type of entry technique [Hasson, Veress needle (VN), direct trocar]. We have conducted a study comparing a modified intraumbilical technique (MIT), a novel method that combines a VN insertion through a modified direct-trocar access, with the standard infraumbilical VN technique. Our aim is to determine which technique is a better route for the initial umbilical trocar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 406 patients from a prospectively maintained database has been performed. Two cohorts of cases have been analyzed (VN=198; MIT=208). Primary outcomes were intraoperative access-related events, entry failure, and long-term wound complications. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 and 6 months and yearly thereafter.

RESULTS

Subcutaneous emphysema, extraperitoneal insufflation, and difficult entry (>2 VN insertions) occurred more frequently in the VN group (P=0.011, 0.023, and 0.023, respectively). There were 5 (2.52%) failed entries in the VN group and none in the MIT group (P=0.085). Regarding postoperative complications, seroma of the wound occurred more frequently in the VN group (P=0.033). At a mean follow-up of 18.4 months, 13 (3.20%) trocar-site hernias were detected, equally distributed among both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MIT eliminates the risk of failed entries and some complications associated with the VN technique without an increase in umbilical wound infection and facilitates a proper closure of the umbilical incision to secure a low trocar-site hernia rate. Halfway between open and closed techniques for laparoscopic entry, MIT is a safe and feasible procedure that embodies the advantages of both methods and may constitute an advantageous alternative to the infraumbilical VN entry approach.

Techniques of Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Umbilical Hernia Repair: A Review

BACKGROUND

Different methods of performing full abdominoplasty and umbilical hernia (UH) repair simultaneously have been proposed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to review and compare UH repair outcomes and umbilical stalk survival.

METHODS

A literature research was performed through 28 December 2019. Other hernia repairs and mini-abdominoplasty (without umbilical transposition) were excluded. The primary outcomes analyzed were rates of UH recurrence, mesh infection, and umbilical necrosis.

RESULTS

Six studies were included (5 retrospectives series, 1 case report). Hernia was repaired by an open approach (3 studies, 28 patients) or a laparoscopic approach (3 studies, 67 patients). UH repair consisted of mesh placement in the intraperitoneal or retromuscular/preperitoneal plane, or suture technique in the intraperitoneal plane. No hernia recurrence, mesh infection, or umbilical necrosis was described.

CONCLUSIONS

Both open and laparoscopic approaches to simultaneous abdominoplasty and UH repair seem to be safe based on the rates of umbilical stalk vascularization, hernia recurrence, and mesh infection. However, more well-designed studies are needed to prove this hypothesis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Umbilical Reconstruction Techniques: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

There are many instances in which sacrificing the umbilicus is unavoidable. Umbilical reconstruction (umbiliconeoplasty) is an important surgical procedure to complete the abdomen's reconstruction and to give again a pleasant cosmetic appearance.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a complete overview of all surgical techniques for umbiliconeoplasty described in the literature.

METHODS

PubMed database was queried using 'umbilical and reconstruction', 'umbilicus and reconstruction', 'navel and reconstruction', 'umbiliconeoplasty', 'neo-omphaloplasty' or 'umbilicaneoplasty' to select the papers dealing with the reconstruction of the umbilicus.

RESULTS

Sixty different techniques for the reconstruction of the missing umbilicus were described in 77 papers. Local skin flaps and the purse-string suture technique were the most frequently described techniques. The Three flaps technique, the Four flaps technique and the 2 Lateral rectangular pedicle lateral flaps technique were the most popular local flap techniques. Indications ranged from congenital pediatric defects to reconstruction during abdominoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Several surgical techniques were described for umbilicus reconstruction. While there is not a universal algorithm for the choice of the technique, the surgeon may decide which technique to use based on other surgeons' experiences reports.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The fibers of the circular junction of the linea alba in normal adult anatomy

The linea alba (LA) is known to be useful to surgeons for making surgical incisions. Laparoscopic entry into the peritoneal cavity using the open technique may involve identification of a point just above or below the umbilicus where the peritoneum is fused to the LA. This anatomical site is found through superficial dissection to expose the junction between the umbilical stalk (US) and the LA, where distinct fibers seem to form a unique ligament-like structure in normal adult anatomy. This point, in fact, is part of a circular fibrous structure that exists almost like a ring around the remnant US. It is formed by the fusion of oblique and transverse fibers of the LA with circular fibers from proliferation of an encircling band of compact mesoderm to close a patent umbilical ring. We describe and name this anatomical landmark as junctio circularis alba or the "circular junction of the LA" as encountered in normal adult human anatomy. We believe this is crucial for describing key surgical procedures at this site to aid effective surgical training and reduce iatrogenic complications from laparoscopic port site entries.

Umbilical shapes predict future protrusion in pediatric umbilical hernias

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and early predictive factors of the development of protuberant umbilicus in pediatric umbilical hernia patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective visual and chart review, patients younger than 3 months with umbilical hernias who initially visited Ina Central Hospital from April 2011 to March 2017 and were followed until they started to walk (at the age of 1 year) were evaluated. The umbilici of the patients at the age of 1 year were classified into two types based on their appearance: concave and protuberant umbilici. Single-factor and logistic regression analyses of the association between the appearance of the umbilicus at the age of 1 year and various clinical data were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 103 patients, 72% had concave umbilici, and 28% had protuberant umbilici. Single-factor analysis showed significant differences in the umbilical shapes at the initial visit (P < 0.001) and straining habit (P < 0.001). The most ideal logistic regression model demonstrated that umbilici of the highly inflated balloon type (odds ratio, 27.00; 95% confidence interval odds ratio, 5.60-130.08) and crescent type (odds ratio, 14.34; 95% confidence interval odds ratio, 4.22-48.77) were more likely to develop into protuberant umbilici.

CONCLUSIONS

Umbilical shapes at the initial visit can be used to predict the future development of protuberant umbilici in pediatric patients with umbilical hernias.

Evaluation of umbilical anatomy via computed tomography prior to single-incision laparoscopy

Laparoscopic surgery performed through a single incision is relatively new. Here, we investigated the importance of radiological anatomical evaluation of the umbilicus prior to such surgery.Umbilical images of 500 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) in 2019 were evaluated retrospectively, using both transverse and sagittal sections.Spearman rank correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between age and the sagittal and transverse umbilical measurements (all patients: P < .01; men: P = .001; women: P < .01). Mean transverse and sagittal measurements were 5.63 ± 1.9 and 6.2 ± 2.0 mm in women and 5.49 ± 1.9 and 6.2 ± 1.8 mm in men.Umbilical anatomy can be evaluated radiologically as a component of preoperative evaluation.

Primary Cutaneous Umbilical Melanoma: The Michigan Experience

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous umbilical melanoma is rare. Thorough information regarding its characteristics and treatment, including use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) staging, is difficult to obtain. The unique anatomy of the umbilicus adds to the complexity of diagnosing and treating melanoma at this site.

OBJECTIVE

To improve understanding of diagnosis and treatment of primary cutaneous umbilical melanoma through presenting 7 new cases and reviewing 39 cases in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The University of Michigan melanoma database query and review of the literature regarding reported cases of primary umbilical melanoma.

RESULTS

In 7 new and 39 previously reported cases of primary cutaneous umbilical melanoma, we describe signs and symptoms, histopathologic features, differential diagnosis, relevant anatomical considerations, and definitive treatment including SLNB when applicable.

CONCLUSION

Our series, combined with a thorough literature review and compilation of findings, provides a better understanding and appreciation of melanoma in the unique anatomical site of the umbilicus, with a reminder to carefully examine the umbilicus during a full skin examination in patients at risk of melanoma. Primary umbilical melanoma presents and can be appropriately treated similarly to cutaneous melanoma in other sites, with attention to relevant anatomy.

Concomitant Abdominoplasty and Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernia is a common finding in patients undergoing abdominoplasty, especially those who are postpartum with rectus divarication. Concurrent surgical treatment of the umbilical hernia at abdominoplasty presents a "vascular challenge" due to the disruption of dermal blood supply to the umbilicus, leaving the stalk as the sole axis of perfusion. To date, there have been no surgical techniques described to adequately address large umbilical herniae during abdominoplasty.

OBJECTIVES

To present an effective and safe technique that can address large umbilical herniae during abdominoplasty.

METHODS

A prospective series of 10 consecutive patients, undergoing concurrent abdominoplasty and laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair between 2014 and 2017 were included in the study. All procedures were performed by the same general surgeon and plastic surgeon at the Macquarie University Hospital in North Ryde, NSW, Australia. Data were collected with approval of our ethics committee.

RESULTS

At 12-month follow up there were no instances of umbilical necrosis, wound complications, seroma, or recurrent hernia. The mean body mass index was 23.8 kg/m2 (range, 16.1-30.1 kg/m2). Rectus divarication ranged from 35 to 80 mm (mean, 53.5 mm). Umbilical hernia repair took a mean of 25.9 minutes to complete (range, 18-35 minutes).

CONCLUSIONS

We present a technique that avoids incision of the rectus fascia minimizes dissection of the umbilical stalk and is able to provide a gold standard hernia repair with mesh. This procedure is particularly suited to postpartum patients with large herniae (>3-4 cm diameter) and wide rectus divarication, where mesh repair with adequate overlap is the recommended treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4

A Concealed “Natural Orifice”: Umbilicus Anatomy for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Introduction. A recent development in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is single-port surgery, where a single large multiport trocar is placed in the umbilicus. All medical schools require that students complete an anatomy course as part of the medical curriculum. However, there is limited instruction regarding the detailed parts of the “umbilicus.” In several famous anatomy atlases, the umbilicus is not dissected at all and is merely represented as a button. Until now, the true nature of the umbilicus has not been anatomically demonstrated. Methods. Five cadavers were obtained from the Osaka Medical College medical student anatomy class. The umbilicus was dissected in the anatomy laboratory, to demonstrate all the layers. A detailed dissection was performed, focusing on the exact center of the umbilicus, in order to ascertain whether there exists a “natural orifice” or a fascial defect. Results. In all cadavers, a small defect of fascia was identified just below the center of the umbilicus. Yellow fatty tissue was present just below the skin in the exact center of the umbilicus. A probe placed exactly in the middle of this defect passes easily through into the abdominal cavity. Conclusions. With the widespread use of MIS, umbilical incision is commonly used to reduce pain and improve cosmetic results. This study consistently revealed a natural defect of fascia in the center of the umbilicus. Therefore, the umbilicus can be called a concealed “natural orifice.” It is important to recognize and utilize this defect effectively to minimize unnecessary tissue trauma during MIS.

Transumbilical cord access (TUCA) for laparoscopy in infants and children: simple, safe and fast

PURPOSE

We herein report a case series evaluating the safety and complication rate of transumbilical cord access (TUCA) for pediatric laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

Data were collected for 556 infants and children. Access into the abdominal cavity was gained via a transverse infraumbilical stab incision passing the fibrotic umbilical cord remnant. Ninety-two infants underwent laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LPM), 159 female infants underwent herniorrhaphy (LHR) and 309 infants underwent appendectomy (LAP). Of the total operations, 70 % were performed by board-certified surgeons and 30 % were performed by non-board-certified surgeons. The median time of follow-up was 24 months.

RESULTS

No cases of acute severe bleeding or organ laceration were noted. TUCA-related complications were observed in nine patients (1.6 %). Omphalitis and persistent wound secretion were detected in eight children and foreign bodies consisting of cyanoacrylate were removed from three of these patients. Meanwhile, umbilical pain leading to surgical revision was observed in one child, and eight umbilical hernias were repaired during the TUCA procedures. No signs of postoperative incisional hernia were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

TUCA is a safe and comfortable access method for pediatric laparoscopic surgery in various age groups. This method is easy to learn and can be quickly and safely performed in the vast majority of children.

Umbilical stalk elevation technique for safer Veress needle insertion in obese patients: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare our umbilical stalk elevation (USE) technique with the classic Veress needle (VN) technique in obese patients.

STUDY DESIGN

The USE technique was performed on 40 patients. One control per case was randomly selected from among those undergoing the classic VN technique using a random number table. In USE technique, a 12 mm skin incision was created at the superior crease of the umbilical fold, and the underlying subcutaneous adipose tissue was bluntly dissected using the tip of a fine clamp until the umbilical stalk was isolated at the inferior and central part of the incision. Next, the umbilical stalk was covered and held by a towel clip, and the abdominal wall was elevated by upward traction. The VN was then inserted nearly perpendicular to the incision and turned toward the pelvis immediately after resistance to the needle had been lost. A post-hoc power analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The number of attempts was significantly lower in the USE laparoscopy group than in the classic laparoscopy group (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7, respectively; P<0.001). The USE technique group had a slightly shorter abdominal entry time than did the classic technique group (328.52 ± 63.71 vs. 434.95 ± 124.10s; P<0.001). Six (7.5%) failed insufflations occurred in our study (5 patients in the classic group vs. 1 patient in the USE group (P=0.10).

CONCLUSION

Our novel USE technique can be an effective means of establishing pneumoperitoneum in obese patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic procedures.

Repair of umbilical and epigastric hernias

Umbilical and epigastric hernias are primary midline defects that are present in up to 50% of the population. In the United States, only about 1% of the population carries this specific diagnosis, and only about 11% of these are repaired. Repair is aimed at symptoms relief or prevention, and the patient's goals and expectations should be explicitly identified and aligned with the health care team. This article details some relevant and interesting anatomic issues, reviews existing data, and highlights some common and important surgical techniques. Emphasis is placed on a patient-centered approach to the repair of umbilical and epigastric hernias.