Laparoendoscopic single-site versus conventional laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess the current evidence regarding the efficiency, safety, and potential advantages of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for treating gynecologic diseases.

STUDY DESIGN

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to December 2012. Two authors screened out duplicates and independently reviewed eligibility of each study. We included randomized controlled trials comparing LESS with conventional laparoscopy (CL) for treating gynecologic diseases. The primary outcomes were perioperative complication rate, conversion rate, postoperative pain, and cosmetic satisfaction.

RESULTS

We included 6 randomized controlled trials with 439 participants in the final analysis. There were no significant differences between LESS and CL in terms of perioperative complication rate (15.5% and 14.3%; risk ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.67; P = .61), conversion rate (3.8% and 1.1%; risk ratio, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.73-10.33; P = .13), postoperative pain (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.22; 95% CI, -1.29 to 0.85; P = .68), analgesic requirement (WMD, 0.41; 95% CI, -1.69 to 2.51; P = .70), and cosmetic satisfaction (WMD, 0.19; 95% CI, -0.30 to 0.68; P = .46). There were also no differences in terms of operative time (P = .65), hemoglobin change (P = .23), time to first flatus (P = .17), and length of hospital stay (P = .99) between both techniques.

CONCLUSION

This metaanalysis provides evidence that LESS is comparable in the efficacy and safety, but does not offer potential advantage such as better cosmesis and lesser pain compared with CL for treating gynecologic diseases.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: comparison between laparoendoscopic single-site and three-portal access

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic safety of laparoendoscopic single-site ovariectomy (LESS-OVE) and 3-portal laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap-OVE) in dogs. Ten female mixed breed dogs were included in the study. Dogs were divided into group 1 (LESS-OVE; n = 5) and group 2 (Lap-OVE; n = 5). All procedures were performed by laparoscopic-skilled surgeons, and the anesthetic protocol was the same for all patients. In both groups, the ovarian vascular pedicle and ligaments were transected using a bipolar vessel sealer/divider device. The mean total surgical time was slightly longer in LESS-OVE (36.6 ± 3.5 min) than Lap-OVE (32.0 ± 3.0 min); however, the differences were not significant. Perioperative complications were not reported in any group. Both laparoscopic techniques were shown to be equally feasible and safe for patients. However, surgeons found LESS-OVE to require more skill than Lap-OVE. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted to evaluate this novel approach in clinical veterinary practice, and a proper laparoscopic training program for veterinary surgeons should be developed.

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy using a custom-made single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments: technical considerations and surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

We previously reported our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy using a custom-made single-port device and conventional straight laparoscopic instruments.

METHODS

Between December 2010 and February 2012, LESS retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomies were performed in 11 patients. Six patients had aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) and five patients had nonfunctioning tumors. A single-port access was created with an Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA) through an incision of 2-3 cm beneath the tip of the 12th rib. All procedures were performed with straight laparoscopic instruments.

RESULTS

All LESS procedures were successfully completed without conversion to traditional laparoscopic conversion. The tumors ranged from 1 cm to 4.7 cm (mean, 2.3 cm). The operative time was 71-257 minutes (mean, 121 minutes). Most patients (n = 8) had minimal blood loss; the other three patients had a blood loss of 150 mL, 100 mL, and 100 mL. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-6 days). There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. Pathological examinations revealed negative surgical margins in all specimens. All patients with Conn's syndrome had an improvement in blood pressure and normalization of plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels; all patients were free of potassium supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Our results clearly demonstrate that LESS retroperitoneal partial adrenalectomy can be performed safely and effectively using a custom-made single-access platform and standard laparoscopic instruments.

Current status of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy

Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is increasingly carried out in an attempt to improve the cosmetic outcome of minimally-invasive procedures. However, the actual role of this novel technique remains to be determined. The present article reviews evidence and examines updates of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy outcomes reported in more contemporary studies. A comprehensive online systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria recommendations was carried out in January 2014, identifying data from 2008 to 2014 regarding robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy. The majority of medical evidence to date is based on case reports or retrospective studies. Current studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is a feasible procedure carried out in an acceptable length of operative time, and resulting in a desirable cosmetic outcome and less postoperative pain. However, comparable studies show that robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy is inferior to the conventional approach, especially with regard to warm ischemia time. Furthermore, the numerous limitations that exist with the utilization of the current commercial single-site devices make robotic laparoendoscopic single-site PN more challenging and more complicated for surgeons compared with conventional procedures. Further significant improvements, along with more studies, are required in order to develop the ideal robotic laparoendoscopic single-site robotic platform and overcome the current limitations. For the time being, robotic laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy procedures could be applicable in patients with low tumor size and complexity, and should not be routinely applied in all cases.

Surgical complications of laparoendoscopic single-site donor nephrectomy: a retrospective study

The single-port approach has been associated with an unacceptably high rate of umbilical port hernias in large series of patients undergoing single-port cholecystectomy and colectomy and with additional surgical risks thought secondary to technical and ergonomic limitations. A retrospective review of 378 consecutive laparoendoscopic single-site(LESS) donor nephrectomies performed between 04/15/2009 and 04/09/2014 was conducted. Twelve patients (3%) developed an umbilical hernia. Eleven (92%) were female and eight (73%) of these patients had a prior pregnancy. Hernias were reported 13.5 ± 6.9 months after donation, and the mean size was 5.1 ± 3.7 cm. Seven additional cases (1.9%) required a return to the operating room for internal hernia (2), evisceration (1), bleeding (1), enterotomy (1), and wound infection (2). The original incision was utilized for reexploration. One patient required emergent conversion to an open procedure for bleeding during the initial donation. There were no mortalities. Recipient patient and graft survival were 99% and 99% at 1 year, respectively. Although reports associated with earlier experiences with single-site procedures suggested an unacceptably high rate of hernias at the surgical site, this does not seem to be the case at our center. This technique is a reliable surgical technique for left donor nephrectomy at this institution.

Feasibility of Single-Port Access (SPA) Laparoscopy for Large Ovarian Tumor Suspected to Be Borderline Ovarian Tumor

Objectives

To compare the surgical, pathological and oncological outcomes of single-port access (SPA) laparoscopy against laparotomy for large ovarian tumor (>15 cm) suspected to be a borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) on preoperative imaging.

Methods

A retrospective review of the patients who underwent SPA laparoscopy (SPA Group) or laparotomy (Laparotomy Group) for suspected BOT was performed. Surgical outcomes, including the rates of iatrogenic spillage of tumor contents, and oncological outcomes, such as recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), were compared between the two groups. Correlation between intraoperative frozen section analysis and permanent pathology results was also assessed.

Results

A total of 178 patients underwent surgical treatment for suspected large BOT. Among them, 105 patients with a mean tumor diameter of 20.9 ± 6.5 cm underwent SPA laparoscopy, and the other 73 patients, with a mean tumor diameter 20.2 ± 5.9 cm, underwent laparotomy. The mean operation time did not differ between the two groups (99.1 ± 41.9 min for SPA Group vs. 107.3 ± 35.7 min for Laparotomy Group, p = 0.085). There was no difference in the occurrence of iatrogenic spillage of tumor contents between the groups either (11.4% in the SPA Group vs. 6.8% in the Laparotomy Group, p = 0.381). However, the postoperative complication rates were significantly higher in the Laparotomy Group compared with SPA Group (16.4% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.025). The surgical approach was not associated with the misdiagnosis rates of frozen section analysis (19% in the SPA Group vs. 26% in the Laparotomy Group, p = 0.484). The most common histologic type of the tumors was mucinous in both groups.

Conclusion

SPA laparoscopy is feasible, safe, and not inferior to laparotomy for surgical treatment of large ovarian tumors that suspected to be BOT on preoperative imaging.

Retroperitoneoscopic debridement and internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis

To describe the retroperitoneoscopic debridement technique and evaluate the clinical outcome of internal fixation for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis.Twenty-eight patients were performed conventional laparoendoscopic technique (n = 17) or laparoendoscopic single-site technique (n = 11). Antituberculosis chemotherapy and thoracolumbosacral orthosis were given to all patients. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative Visual Analog Scale, and radiographs with respect to sagittal angle and fusion status.Average time of the 28 procedures was 220.6 ± 50.9 min (180-365 min). The average intraoperative blood loss was 108.6 ± 95.3 mL (50-400 mL). All patients showed significant improvement of their Visual Analog Scale back pain score at follow-up and were classified as having a radiographic fusion in this study. The mean sagittal angle was 11.2 ± 3.6° before operation, significantly improved to 3.7 ± 2.4° after operation. There were no recurrent infections during the follow-up period. Complications included loosening of anterior fixation and temporary deficit of the sympathetic nerve.Retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach with CO2 insufflation technique is a challenging but safe and effective procedure for lumbar spine tuberculosis. Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site can be used for anterior lumbar spine surgery, offer exposure for L1 through L5.

Comparison of modified transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site nephroureterectomy and retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy: initial experience

Introduction

Owing to the development of the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) procedure, transumbilical LESS nephroureterectomy (LESS-NU) has become a new approach for treating upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Aim

The aim of this study is to introduce a modified LESS-NU procedure with bladder cuff excision for treating upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). We compared its clinical efficacy and postoperative outcomes in terms of follow-up time with traditional retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (RL-NU).

Material and methods

From May 2014 to May 2019, we performed nephroureterectomy on 42 patients using the retroperitoneal approach and a modified LESS approach. A retrospective analysis was conducted for the evaluation of the clinical and postoperative outcomes between the two groups.

Results

The study included 25 LESS-NU and 17 RL-NU patients. All the procedures were completed successfully. The LESS-NU group had a significantly shorter mean operative time than the RL-NU group (204.4 min, 236.18 min, p = 0.005). The differences in skin incision length (2.88 cm, 8.94 cm, p < 0.001) and oral analgesic dose (n = 1.12, n = 2.75, p < 0.001) between LESS-NU and RL-NU were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Modified LESS-NU is a feasible and safe procedure. Compared with the retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach, the single-site approach did not alter the patients' position. LESS-NU is a better procedure for treating UTUC than RL-NU in terms of cosmetic result and postoperative pain.

Comparison of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Adrenalectomy with the Aid of Intracavitary Retractors and Multiport Laparoendoscopic Adrenalectomy

Objective: To evaluate the operative outcome of the use of intracavitary retractors in transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) adrenalectomy in comparison with the conventional multiport laparoendoscopic procedure. Methods: Between July 2021 and December 2023, 34 patients underwent transumbilical LESS adrenalectomy with intracavitary retractors, while 47 patients underwent conventional multiport laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Comprehensive data were compared, including demographics, intraoperative outcomes, perioperative complications, postoperative visual analog pain scale score, analgesic requirement, and short-term measures of convalescence. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. All procedures were successfully completed without additional access or open conversion. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss for LESS adrenalectomy were comparable with multiport adrenalectomy. The LESS group had significantly shorter incision length (3.07 cm versus 5.16 cm, P < .01), lower postoperative pain scores (3.29 versus 4.91, P < .01), less analgesic drug use (29% versus 53%, P = .03), and better cosmetic scores (9.29 versus 7.28, P < .01). No significant differences were observed in time to resume oral intake, time to ambulation, or postoperative hospital stay. Complication rates were similar between the groups. Conclusion: The utilization of intracavitary retractors in transumbilical LESS adrenalectomy has demonstrated feasibility, effectiveness, and the potential to reduce technical complexities with satisfactory cosmetic effects. This technique enhances visualization of the surgical field without the need for extra ports.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Partial Nephrectomy for Nonfunctioning Moieties of Renal Duplication and Fusion Anomalies in Infants and Children

Objectives: To report on long-term follow-up and outcomes of infants and small children who have undergone laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) partial nephrectomy to manage upper urinary tract duplication and fusion anomalies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed evaluating outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent LESS partial nephrectomy for upper urinary tract duplication and fusion anomalies from January 2012 to July 2015, by a single surgeon at a tertiary pediatric referral center. Demographic and perioperative data were reviewed as well as follow-up imaging. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: A total of 18 patients were identified. Additional access was used for two patients to complete the procedure. Median follow-up was 39 months. No short-term complications were encountered. Three patients were noted to have abnormal postoperative ultrasounds: two perinephric fluid collections and one atrophy of the remaining ipsilateral moiety. One fluid collection resolved completely, and the other decreased in size. Complete atrophy of the ipsilateral moiety occurred. No secondary procedures were required. Conclusions: LESS partial nephrectomy is safe for renal duplication and fusion anomalies with good long-term outcomes. Although it can be safely performed, it is a technically demanding procedure and has been discontinued in favor of robotic partial nephrectomy.

Retroperitoneal laparoendoscopic single-site approach for renal cyst decortication - first experience and a review of literature

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach has been successfully employed for a number of urologic procedures. The retroperitoneal approach further limits the working space and instrument movement during LESS surgery, but has the advantage of a faster post-operative recovery and lower complications rate. We present our first experience using retroperitoneal LESS approach for a renal cyst decortication in a 40-year-old patient. The operative time was 40 minutes, the blood loss was minimal and we did not encounter significant conflicts between the instruments. The patient was discharged 2 days after the procedure and returned to full normal activity within one week. We consider that the retroperitoneal LESS approach is feasible for upper tract urologic surgery. Pre-bent instruments might further improve surgical gestures and extend the indications for more complex procedures. Nevertheless, the advent of reusable devices is expected to increase the cost-effectiveness of LESS and expand its use.