Evaluation of a Novel Trocar-Site Closure Device in Laparoscopic Surgery

Influence of Transverse Abdominis Plane Block on Intraoperative Diaphragmatic and Respiratory Functions in Patients Receiving Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background

The positive roles of deep muscle relaxation in abdominal surgeries and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in the postoperative analgesia. This study aimed to discuss the effects of TAPB on abdominal muscle relaxation, the intraoperative diaphragmatic, and the respiratory functions.

Methods

The patients were randomly divided into the TAPB group who received single-shot TAPB bilaterally (n=30), and the control group who did not receive TAPB (n=30). Both groups keep the same steps for other procedures in the surgeries and anesthesia. Four time points for monitoring were defined: The moment when pneumoperitoneum pressure stabilized following endotracheal intubation and anesthetic induction (T0), appearance of the first incisure in the pressure-volume (P-V) loop (T1), appearance of the second incisure in the P-V loop (T2), and the moment with single stimulation (SS) =20% (T3). Primary observation parameters were SS1 measured by muscle relaxation monitoring at T1, and SS2 at T2. Secondary observation parameters included surgeon's satisfaction with surgical field and respiratory dynamics at the four time points.

Results

The two groups were comparable in age, gender, BMI, ASA grade, and operation time. The TAPB group had a dramatic reduction in the total dose of intraoperative sufentanil (0.73±0.21 ug/kg) compared with the control group (0.87±0.18 ug/kg) (P=0.023); Other use of drug did not differ between the two groups. The two groups did not differ significantly in SS at either T1 (SS1) or T2 (SS2). In either group, surgeon's satisfaction with surgical field at T1 and T2 decreased dramatically compared with T0 and T3 (all P<0.05). At each time point, the respiratory dynamics and the surgeon's satisfaction with surgical field did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

TAPB reduced the use of intraoperative analgesics without altering the degree of abdominal relaxation, or affecting surgeon's satisfaction with surgical field in the patients receiving laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Trocar Entry Site Hernias in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction There is insufficient data regarding trocar access site hernias (TSH) in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This retrospective study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for hernia development in patients who did not undergo fascia repair at trocar entry sites. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 284 patients with morbid obesity who underwent LSG between January 2016 and December 2021. The fascia of the trocar entry site was not closed in any of the patients. Weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), comorbidities, and the occurrence of complications were recorded at one, six, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Ultrasonography (USG) was performed and supplemented with computed tomography (CT) when necessary. Results All patients underwent a 24-month follow-up, during which four patients developed trocar site hernias, resulting in an overall prevalence of 1.4%. Of the total hernias, two occurred within the first 30 days. A single patient required surgical intervention for an incarcerated hernia on the 18th day. Before undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), the mean weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 124.2 ± 16.7 kg and 43.4 ± 5.7 kg/m², respectively. After one year, the participants experienced a mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) of 77.1 ± 12.2% and a mean total weight loss (TWL) of 33.2 ± 6.2%. Hernia formation has been found to be associated with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and female gender. Conclusion In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), repair of the trocar port closure is not always necessary. The rates of hernia at port entry sites were similar between cases with and without fascial repair.

Safety and Efficacy of Trocar Port-Site Closure Using a Biological Plug Closure in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Study

PURPOSE

Port-site trocar closure is a challenging procedure in laparoscopic surgeries, especially in morbidly obese patients, and complications (herniation, bleeding, pain, and nerve trapping) have potentially severe consequences. This paper provides an overview of existing techniques of suturing and closure in intra-abdominal laparoscopic surgery, outlines the complications associated with port-site closure, and presents a novel technique designed to address those problems by using a sterile absorbable gelatin sponge with strong hemostatic properties (Cutanplast® Plug).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 83 successive obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, sleeve plication, gastric bypass), using a standardized skin incision for trocar insertion, had port-site closure using the Cutanplast plug procedure (n = 42) or conventional suturing techniques (n = 41).

RESULTS

The incidence of early complications was lower in the Cutanplast group; no patients had infections compared with 9.8% of Controls (p = 0.055) and no bleeding, ecchymosis, erythema, or redness occurred. Late complications during 2 years of follow-up were significantly lower in the Cutanplast group (0 vs. 7 hernias, p = 0.005). Most patients in the Cutanplast group required only 1-2 procedures (78.6% vs. 58.5%, p = 0.049), whereas 41.5% of controls required 3 procedures. In total, 82 trocars were used in the Cutanplast group versus 99 in controls. The single-step Cutanplast plug technique reduced operating times compared with two-step suturing techniques.

CONCLUSION

Closure of port-site trocar incisions using Cutanplast plug is fast, efficient, with potential to reduce operating times and decrease bleeding and herniation from port-site trocars insertion, particularly in obese patients.