Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones(CBDS)or choledocho-lithiasis due to advancements in instruments,surgical intervention,known as common bile duct exploration(CBDE),is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS,failed endoscopic treatment,or altered anatomy.Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes.This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy,selection indications,and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding.The selection between trans-cystic(TC)vs trans-choledochal(TD)approaches is described,along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure.Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches,including instrument selection,is also provided.Additionally,this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage,stricture,and entrapment,and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies.This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE,with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on gastric cancer survival: Peritoneal metastasis and cytology perspectives

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer presenting with peritoneal metastasis is notably associated with diminished survival prospects.The use of cytoreductive surgery in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)has been shown to increase survival rates in these patients.Despite these advancements,debates persist regarding the magnitude of survival improvement attributed to this treatment modality.The present investigation examined survival outcomes following HIPEC in individuals diagnosed with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,and it took a comparative analysis of patients exhibiting positive and negative cytological findings.Between April 2013 and March 2020,84 patients with advanced gastric cancer treated at our institution were categorized into three cohorts:HIPEC(20 patients with peritoneal metastasis),cytology-positive(23 patients without peritoneal nodules but with positive wash cytology),and cytology-negative(41 patients with advanced gastric cancer,no peritoneal nodules,and negative wash cytology).The HIPEC cohort underwent gastrectomy with HIPEC,while the cytology-positive and cytology-negative groups received gastrectomy alone.The demographic,pat-hological,and survival data of the groups were compared.RESULTS The HIPEC cohort-predominantly younger females-exhibited relatively extended surgical durations and high blood loss.Nevertheless,the complication rates were consistent across all three groups.Median survival in the HIPEC group was 20.00±4.89 months,with 1-year,2-year,and 3-year overall survival rates of 73.90%,28.70%,and 9.60%,respectively.These figures paralleled the survival rates of the cytology-positive group(52.20%at 1 year,28.50%at 2 years,and 19.00%at 3 years).Notably,47%of patients experienced peritoneal recurrence.CONCLUSION HIPEC may offer a modest improvement in short-term survival for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastasis,mirroring the outcomes in cytology-positive patients.However,peritoneal recurrence remained high.

Is fascial closure required for a 12-mm trocar?A comparative study on trocar site hernia with long-term follow up

BACKGROUND Despite the infrequency of trocar site hernias(TSHs),fascial closure continues to be recommended for their prevention when using a≥10-mm trocar.AIM To identify the necessity of fascial closure for a 12-mm nonbladed trocar incision in minimally invasive colorectal surgeries.METHODS Between July 2010 and December 2018,all patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit of Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.All patients underwent cross-sectional imaging for TSH assessment.Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded.Incidence rates of TSH and postoperative results were analyzed.RESULTS Of the 254 patients included,70(111 ports)were in the fascial closure(closed)group and 184(279 ports)were in the nonfascial closure(open)group.The median follow up duration was 43 mo.During follow up,three patients in the open group developed TSHs,whereas none in the closed group developed the condition(1.1%vs 0%,P=0.561).All TSHs occurred in the right lower abdomen.Patients whose drains were placed through the same incision had higher rates of TSHs compared with those without the drain.The open group had a significantly shorter operative time and lower blood loss than the closed group.CONCLUSION Routine performance of fascial closure when using a 12-mm nonbladed trocar may not be needed.However,further prospective studies with cross-sectional imaging follow-up and larger sample size are needed to confirm this finding.

Comparison of early pre-cutting vs standard technique for biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A personal experience

AIM： To compare the results and complications of early pre-cutting technique with standard technique. METHODS： From January 2003 to December 2004, a total of 426 consecutive therapeutic biliary ERCP procedures were performed by one endoscopist （T.A.）. Data were retrospectively collected according to procedure indication and results. Of these, 293 procedures （70.4%） were done with standard technique （group A） and 223 procedures （29.6%） with early pre-cutting technique in case of difficult cannulation （group B）. The results and complications of ERCP were compared. RESULTS： Success rate of first attempt cannulation was 98.0% in group A and 87.8% in group 13. The overall incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforation and cholangitis was 0%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 0.5%, respectively. Morbidity rate was not significantly different. No procedure-related mortality was occurred. CONCLUSION： For an experienced hand, the early pre-cutting technique for biliary cannulation is safe and effective as standard technique.

Role of endoscopy in caustic injury of the esophagus

Caustic injury of the esophagus is a problematic condition challenging endoscopists worldwide. Althoughthe caustic agents and motives are different among countries and age groups, endoscopy still plays an invaluable role in diagnosis and treatment. Endoscopy can determine the severity of caustic ingestion which is of great importance in choosing appropriate treatment. However, some aspects of endoscopy in diagnosis of caustic injury remain controversial. Whether or not all patients need endoscopy, when to perform endoscopy and how to assess the severity are just some examples of these controversies. Due to lack of randomized controlled trials, many findings and suggestions are inconclusive. Computerized tomography scan of the chest and abdomen gains popularity in assessing the severity of caustic injury and avoiding unnecessary surgery. If esophageal stricture eventually develops, endoscopic dilatation is a mainstay. Maneuvers such as steroid injection and esophageal stent may be used in a refractory stricture. Nevertheless, some patients have to undergo surgery in spite of vigorous attempts with esophageal dilatation. To date, caustic injury remains a difficult situation. This article reviews all aspects of caustic injury of the esophagus focusing on endoscopic role. Pre-endoscopic management, endoscopy and its technique in acute and late phase of caustic injury including the endoscopic management of refractory stricture, and the treatment outcomes following each endoscopic intervention are thoroughly discussed. Finally, the role of endoscopy in the long term follow-up of patients with esophageal caustic injury is addressed.