Controversy of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Laparoscopically assisted colorectal procedures are time-consuming and technically demanding and hence have a long steep learning curve. In the technical demand, surgeons need to handle a long mobile organ, the colon, and have to operate on multiple abdominal quadrants, most of the time with the need to secure multiple mesenteric vessels. Therefore, a new surgical innovation called hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was introduced in the mid 1990s as a useful alternative to totally laparoscopic procedures. This hybrid operation allows the surgeon to introduce the non-dominant hand into the abdominal cavity through a special hand port while maintaining the pneumoperitoneum. A hand in the abdomen can restore the tactile sensation which is usually lacking in laparoscopic procedures. It also improves the eye-to-hand coordination, allows the hand to be used for blunt dissection or retraction and also permits rapid control of unexpected bleeding. All of those factors can contribute tremendously to reducing the operative time. Moreover, this procedure is also considered as a hybrid procedure that combines the advantages of both minimally invasive and conventional open surgery. Nevertheless, the exact role of HALS in colorectal surgery has not been well defined during the advanced totally laparoscopic procedures. This article reviews the current status of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery as a minimally invasive procedure in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

Surgical outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection vs. open liver resection: A retrospective propensity scorematched cohort study

Objective: Hand-assisted laparoscopic liver resection has the advantages of open and laparoscopic surgeries.There is still lack of comparison of surgical outcomes between hand-assistied laparoscopic liver resection(HALLR)and open liver resection(OLR). This study compared the surgical outcomes of the two approaches between wellmatched patient cohorts.Methods: Patients who received liver resection during January 2014 and October 2017 in Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College were included in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching(PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias between the two groups. Operation and short-term surgical outcomes were compared between the well matched groups.Results: During this period, 232 patients with a median age of 55.1 years old received OLR, while 49 patients with a median age of 54.7 years old received HALLR. Compared with HALLR group, OLR group has a higher proportion in male patients(190/232, 81.9% vs. 34/49, 69.4%, P=0.048) and lower albumin(43.2±4.5 vs. 44.8±3.7,P=0.020). After PSM, 49 patients from each group were included in the following analysis. Two groups were well balanced in their baseline characteristics, liver functions, preoperative treatments, abdominal surgery history, and surgical difficulty. None perioperative mortality was observed in both groups. Operation time and postoperative complications were similar in two groups(P=0.935, P=0.056). The HALLR group showed less bleeding amount(177.8±217.1 mL vs. 283.1±225.0 mL, P=0.003) and shorter postoperative stay period(6.9±2.2 d vs. 9.0±3.5 d,P=0.001).Conclusions: We demonstrated that hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe for liver resection,including some difficult cases. HALLR can provide better bleeding control and faster recovery after surgery.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy is a useful surgical treatment method for patients with excessive splenomegaly: A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy(HALS) can help overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic splenectomy(LS) while maintaining its advantages.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and advantages of HALS for splenomegaly.METHODS The relevant literature was reviewed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane,Ovid Medline, and Wanfang databases to compare the clinical outcomes of HALS and LS. Odds ratios or mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals for fixed-effects and random-effects models. Overall, 754 patients from16 trials who met the inclusion criteria were selected.RESULTS In pure splenectomy, blood loss volume(P < 0.001) and conversion rate(P =0.008) were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group.Conversely, for splenomegaly, the operative time(P = 0.04) was shorter and blood loss volume(P < 0.001) and conversion rate(P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the HALS group than in the LS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, blood transfusion, time to food intake, complications, or mortality rate between the two groups. Moreover, in splenectomy and devascularization of the upper stomach(DUS), the operative time(P = 0.04) was significantly shorter and blood loss volume(P < 0.001) andconversion rate(P = 0.05) were significantly lower in the HALS + DUS group than in the LS + DUS group. However, no significant difference was observed in hospital stay length, timing of diet, and complications between the two groups.CONCLUSION HALS is an ideal surgical treatment method for splenomegaly because it can maximize the benefits for patients while maintaining the advantages of LS.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

AIM To evaluate the utility of hand-assisted laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy(HALS-RP) compared with the conventional open procedure(OPEN-RP).METHODS Fifty-one patients who underwent restorative total proctocolectomy with rectal mucosectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis between January 2008 and July 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.Twentythree patients in the HALS-RP group and twentyfour patients in the OPEN-RP group were compared.Four patients who had purely laparoscopic surgery were excluded.Restorative total proctocolectomy was performed with mucosectomy and a hand-sewn ilealpouch-anal anastomosis.Preoperative comorbidities,intraoperative factors such as blood loss and operative time,postoperative complications,and postoperative course were compared between two groups.RESULTS Patients in both groups were matched with regards to patient age,gender,and American Society of Anesthesiologists score.There were no significant differences in extent of colitis,indications for surgery,preoperative comorbidities,and preoperative medications in the two groups.The median operative time for the HALS-RP group was 369(320-420) min,slightly longer than the OPEN-RP group at 355(318-421) min; this was not statistically significant.Blood loss was significantly less in HALS-RP [300(230-402) m L] compared to OPEN-RP [512(401-1162) m L,P = 0.003].Anastomotic leakage was noted in 3 patients in the HALS-RP group and 2 patients in the OPEN-RP group(13% vs 8.3%,NS).The rates of other postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay were not different between the two groups.CONCLUSION HALS-RP can be performed with less blood loss and smaller skin incisions.This procedure is a feasible technique for total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis.

Learning curve for hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy

AIM:To describe the learning curves of hand-assisted laparoscopic D2 radical gastrectomy(HALG) for the treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS:The HALG surgical procedure consists of three stages:surgery under direct vision via the port for hand assistance,hand-assisted laparoscopicsurgery,and gastrointestinal tract reconstruction.According to the order of the date of surgery,patients were divided into 6 groups(A-F) with 20 cases in each group.All surgeries were performed by the same group of surgeons.We performed a comprehensive and indepth retrospective comparative analysis of the clinical data of all patients,with the clinical data including general patient information and intraoperative and postoperative observation indicators.RESULTS:There were no differences in the basic information among the patient groups(P > 0.05).The operative time of the hand-assisted surgery stage in group A was 8-10 min longer than the other groups,with the difference being statistically significant(P = 0.01).There were no differences in total operative time between the groups(P = 0.30).Postoperative intestinal function recovery time in group A was longer than that of other groups(P = 0.02).Lengths of hospital stay and surgical quality indicators(such as intraoperative blood loss,numbers of detected lymph nodes,intraoperative side injury,postoperative complications,reoperation rate,and readmission rate 30 d after surgery) were not significantly different among the groups.CONCLUSION:HALG is a surgical procedure that can be easily mastered,with a learning curve closely related to the operative time of the hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery stage.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for complex gallstone disease: A report of five cases

AIM:To describe the use of hand-assisted laparoscopic surg-ery(HALS) as an alternative to open conversion for complex gall-stone diseases, including Mirizzi syndrome (MS) and mimic MS. METHODS: Five patients with MS and mimic MS of 232 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecyst-ectomies were analyzed. HALS without a hand-port device was performed as an alternative to open conversion if the anatomy was still unclear after the neck of the gallbladder was reached. RESULTS: HALS was performed on three patients with MS type I and 2 with mimic MS owing to an unclear or abnormal anatomy, or an unusual circumstance in which an impacted stone was squeezed out from the infundibulum or the aberrant cystic duct impossible with laparoscopic approach. The median operative time was 165 min (range, 115-190 min). The median hand-assisted time was 75 min (range, 65-100 min). The median postoperative stay was 4 d (range, 3-5 d). The postoperative course was uneventful, except for 1 patient complicated with a minor incision infection. CONCLUSION: HALS for MS type I and mimic MS is safe and feasible. It simplifies laparoscopic procedure, and can be used as an alternative to open conversion for complex gallstone diseases.

Comparison of hand-assisted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Gastrectomy is the optimal treatment for gastric cancer.Laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy(LAG)has been extensively employed,while hand-assisted laparoscopic gastrectomy(HALG),which is similar to LAG,remains controversial.Although HALG is popular in China,some surgeons do not accept it as a minimal-access technique.AIM To assess the safety and practicability of HALG by comparing the short-term outcomes of HALG and LAG.METHODS The electronic databases of EMBASE,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Cochrane Library were thoroughly searched,and randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing HALG and LAG were included.The study results,including surgery time,blood loss,retrieved lymphatic nodes,incision length,time to first flatus,hospitalization duration,and all postsurgical complications,were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Five RCTs,which included 302 cases with HALG and 298 cases with LAG,were considered eligible for inclusion.Meta-analysis showed that HALG significantly reduced surgery time(P<0.01),hospital duration(P<0.01),and overall postsurgical complications(P<0.01).Additionally,HALG significantly increased the number of retrieved lymphatic nodes(P=0.01)and incision length(P<0.01)compared with LAG.The blood loss and time to first flatus were similar between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with LAG,HALG is a simpler and safer technique.Additionally,HALG should be used as a minimal-access technique,especially in technologically undeveloped areas.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic approach for the treatment of gastrosplenic fistula:A case report and review of the literature

Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare complication of gastric or splenic lymphoma.Here we report the case of a 48 years old man who developed a gastrosplenic fistula secondary to splenic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,successfully managed with hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy and gastric wedge resection.A review of the available literature is also presented,33 cases of gastrosplenic fistula associated to gastric or splenic lymphoma were found,of which 25 were treated surgically.This case represents the first report of laparoscopic treatment of lymphoma-related gastrosplenic fistula described to our knowledge in the available literature.

Machine learning identifies the risk of complications after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is widely used,and perioperative complications have become a highly concerned issue.AIM To develop a predictive model for complications in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer to better predict the likelihood of complications in gastric cancer patients within 30 days after surgery,guide perioperative treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients,and prevent serious complications.METHODS In total,998 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 16 Chinese medical centers were included in the training group for the complication model,and 398 patients were included in the validation group.The clinicopathological data and 30-d postoperative complications of gastric cancer patients were collected.Three machine learning methods,lasso regression,random forest,and artificial neural networks,were used to construct postoperative complication prediction models for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and laparoscopic total gastrectomy,and their prediction efficacy and accuracy were evaluated.RESULTS The constructed complication model,particularly the random forest model,could better predict serious complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.It exhibited stable performance in external validation and is worthy of further promotion in more centers.CONCLUSION Using the risk factors identified in multicenter datasets,highly sensitive risk prediction models for complications following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were established.We hope to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of preoperative and postoperative decision-making by using these models.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy guided by indocyanine green fluorescence: A cranial-dorsal approach

BACKGROUND Advancements in laparoscopic technology and a deeper understanding of intra-hepatic anatomy have led to the establishment of more precise laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH)techniques.The indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence navi-gation technique has emerged as the most effective method for identifying hepatic regions,potentially overcoming the limitations of LH.While laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy(LLH)is a standardized procedure,there is a need for innova-tive strategies to enhance its outcomes.important anatomical markers,surgical skills,and ICG staining methods.METHODS Thirty-seven patients who underwent ICG fluorescence-guided LLH at Qujing Second People's Hospital between January 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The cranial-dorsal approach was performed which involves dissecting the left hepatic vein cephalad,isolating the Arantius ligament,exposing the middle hepatic vein,and dissecting the parenchyma from the dorsal to the foot in order to complete the anatomical LLH.The surgical methods,as well as intra-and post-surgical data,were recorded and analyzed.Our hospital’s Medical Ethics Committee approved this study(Ethical review:2022-019-01).RESULTS Intraoperative blood loss during LLH was 335.68±99.869 mL and the rates of transfusion and conversion to laparotomy were 13.5%and 0%,respectively.The overall incidence of complications throughout the follow-up(median of 18 months;range 1-36 months)was 21.6%.No mortality or severe complications(level IV)were reported.CONCLUSION LLH has the potential to become a novel,standardized approach that can effectively,safely,and simply expose the middle hepatic vein and meet the requirements of precision surgery.

"Five steps four quadrants" modularized en bloc dissection technique for accessing hepatic hilum lymph nodes in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND Although en bloc dissection of hepatic hilum lymph nodes has many advantages in radical tumor treatment,the feasibility and safety of this approach for laparo-scopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)require further clinical evaluation and investigation.AIM To explore the application value of the"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique for accessing hepatic hilum lymph nodes in LPD patients.METHODS A total of 52 patients who underwent LPD via the"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique for hepatic hilum lymph nodes from April 2021 to July 2023 in our department were analyzed retrospectively.The patients'body mass index(BMI),preoperative laboratory indices,intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were recorded.The relationships between preoperative data and intraoperative lymph node dissection time and blood loss were also analyzed.RESULTS Among the 52 patients,36 were males and 16 were females,and the average age was 62.2±11.0 years.There were 26 patients with pancreatic head cancer,16 patients with periampullary cancer,and 10 patients with distal bile duct cancer.The BMI was 22.3±3.3 kg/m²,and the median total bilirubin(TBIL)concentration was 57.7(16.0-155.7)µmol/L.All patients successfully underwent the"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique without lymph node clearance-related complications such as postoperative bleeding or lymphatic leakage.Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between preoperative BMI(r=0.3581,P=0.0091),TBIL level(r=0.2988,P=0.0341),prothrombin time(r=0.3018,P=0.0297)and lymph node dissection time.Moreover,dissection time was significantly correlated with intraoperative blood loss(r=0.7744,P<0.0001).Further stratified analysis demonstrated that patients with a preoperative BMI≥21.9 kg/m²and a TIBL concentration≥57.7μmol/L had significantly longer lymph node dissection times(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION The"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique for accessing the hepatic hilum lymph node is safe and feasible for LPD.This technique is expected to improve the efficiency of hepatic hilum lymph node dissection and shorten the learning curve;thus,it is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Performance in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery: Does it reflect global rating scales in the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in porcine laparoscopic surgery?

Objective:To correlate the utility of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery(FLS)manual skills program with the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills(OSATS)global rating scale in evaluating operative performance.Methods:The Asian Urological Surgery Training and Educational Group(AUSTEG)Laparoscopic Upper Tract Surgery Course implemented and validated the FLS program for its usage in laparoscopic surgical training.Delegates’basic laparoscopic skills were assessed using three different training models(peg transfer,precision cutting,and intra-corporeal suturing).They also performed live porcine laparoscopic surgery at the same workshop.Live surgery skills were assessed by blinded faculty using the OSATS rating scale.Results:From March 2016 to March 2019,a total of 81 certified urologists participated in the course,with a median of 5 years of post-residency experience.Although differences in task time did not reach statistical significance,those with more surgical experience were visibly faster at completing the peg transfer and intra-corporeal suturing FLS tasks.However,they took longer to complete the precision cutting task than participants with less experience.Overall OSATS scores correlated weakly with all three FLS tasks(peg transfer time:r=0.331,r^(2)=0.110;precision cutting time:r=0.240,r^(2)=0.058;suturing with intracorporeal knot time:r=0.451,r^(2)=0.203).Conclusion:FLS task parameters did not correlate strongly with OSATS globing rating scale performance.Although FLS task models demonstrated strong validity,it is important to assimilate the inconsistencies when benchmarking technical proficiency against real-life operative competence,as evaluated by FLS and OSATS,respectively.

Laparoscopic surgery for trans-anal barotrauma: a case report

Trans-anal barotrauma resulting from the use of air guns is rare in the emergency department.Early diagnosis and timely treatment can yield a good prognosis.The first published case of trans-anal barotrauma caused by a manually operated force pump was reported in 1904.[1]Colorectal injuries have the potential to progress to high-mortality complications,such as abdominal infection,peritonitis,and septic shock.[2,3]Herein,we report a case of trans-anal barotrauma in a man who presented with pneumoperitoneum,pneumomediastinum,and pneumoscrotum.We performed laparoscopic exploration and loop ileostomy on this patient.

Laparoscopic enucleation for pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma

To the Editor : Pancreatic hamartoma is an extremely rare and benign disease and accounts for less than 1% of all pancreatic tumors [1]. Pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma(PLH), a distinct variant of pancreatic hamartoma, is always easily misdiagnosed as other pancreatic tumors with lipomatous components, including pancreatic lipoma, liposarcoma, teratoma and malignant tumors with fatty degeneration. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic enucleation for the pancreatic head lipomatous hamartoma and provide new treatment strategies for surgeons who encounter similar diseases in the future.

Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with gastro-pancreatic anastomosis for symptomatic serous cystadenoma:A case report and literature review

Surgery for lesions of the proximal part of the pancreatic body or neck can be challenging,and when enucleation is not possible,central pancreatectomy is an option.Laparoscopic central pancreatic resection is rarely described worldwide;it is considered a difficult procedure mainly because of the risk of double pancreatic fistula developing at two sites of resection.However,it seems to be an excellent alternative to distal pancreatectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy,with the advantages of preserving functioning parenchyma and reducing endocrine and exocrine failure.Nevertheless,patients with pancreatic lesions requiring central resection are often managed with the open approach in many hospitals due to the complexity of total laparoscopic central pancreatectomy,which requires advanced laparoscopic skills,expertise and experience.Here,we report a case of a 29-year-old female who underwent total laparoscopic central pancreatic resection with gastro-pancreatic anastomosis for symptomatic serous cystadenoma.We discuss the details of case management and review the relevant literature.

Colorectal resections for malignancy: A pilot study comparing conventional vs freehand robot-assisted laparoscopic colectomy

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic colectomy is widely accepted as a safe operation for colorectal cancer,but we have experienced resistance to the introduction of the FreeHandffrobotic camera holder to augment laparoscopic colorectal surgery.AIM To compare the initial results between conventional and FreeHandffrobot-assisted laparoscopic colectomy in Trinidad and Tobago.METHODS This was a prospective study of outcomes from all laparoscopic colectomies per-formed for colorectal carcinoma from November 29,2021 to May 30,2022.The following data were recorded:Operating time,conversions,estimated blood loss,hospitalization,morbidity,surgical resection margins and number of nodes har-vested.All data were entered into an excel database and the data were analyzed using SPSS ver 20.0.RESULTS There were 23 patients undergoing colectomies for malignant disease:8(35%)FreeHandff-assisted and 15(65%)conventional laparoscopic colectomies.There were no conversions.Operating time was significantly lower in patients under-going robot-assisted laparoscopic colectomy(95.13±9.22 vs 105.67±11.48 min;P=0.045).Otherwise,there was no difference in estimated blood loss,nodal harvest,hospitalization,morbidity or mortality.CONCLUSION The FreeHandffrobot for colectomies is safe,provides some advantages over conventional laparoscopy and does not compromise oncologic standards in the resource-poor Caribbean setting.

Enhancing clinical proficiency through laparoscopic training using Japanese origami

Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic training using origami,a traditional Japanese papercraft,using laparoscopic forceps to create origami cranes.Methods In this retrospective study,4 surgeons were randomly divided into 2 groups:The training group,consisting of surgeons 1 and 2,and the non-training group,consisting of surgeons 3 and 4.Over the course of a one-year study period,the training group regularly underwent laparoscopic surgery training with a dry box,wherein they folded a total of 1000 origami cranes using laparoscopic instruments.The non-training group periodically underwent common laparoscopic surgery training of techniques such as suturing and ligation.Each surgeon regularly performed the transabdominal preperitoneal approach for inguinal hernias.Each training was conducted concurrently with the surgeries.The procedure time(peritoneum detachment,mesh placement,and closure of the peritoneum),total operation time(time from peritoneum detachment to closure of the peritoneum),and surgical outcomes were examined.Results The training group showed greater improvement in the total operation time and more stable performance than the non-training group.Additionally,the time taken for peritoneum detachment was significantly shorter in the training group.Conclusion Laparoscopic training using origami has the potential to enhance laparoscopic surgical skills and improve surgical outcomes.

Comparison efficacy and safety of total laparoscopic gastrectomy and laparoscopically assisted total gastrectomy in treatment of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The development of laparoscopic technology has provided a new choice for surgery of gastric cancer(GC),but the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG)and laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy(LATG)in treatment effect and safety are still controversial.The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of the two methods in the treatment of GC,and to provide a basis for clinical decision-making.AIM To compare the efficacy of totally LTG(TLTG)and LATG in the context of radical gastrectomy for GC.Additionally,we investigated the safety and feasibility of the total laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy technique.METHODS Literature on comparative studies of the above two surgical methods for GC(TLTG group and LATG group)published before September 2022 were searched in the PubMed,Web of Science,Wanfang Database,CNKI,and other Chinese and English databases.In addition,the following search keywords were used:Gastric cancer,total gastrectomy,total laparoscopy,laparoscopy-assisted,esophagojejunal anastomosis,gastric/stomach cancer,total gastrectomy,totally/completely laparoscopic,laparoscopic assisted/laparoscopy assisted/laparoscopically assisted,and esophagojejunostomy/esophagojejunal anastomosis.Review Manager 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis after two researchers independently screened the literature,extracted the data,and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.RESULTS After layer-by-layer screening,258 pieces of literature were recovered,and 11 of those pieces were eventually included.This resulted in a sample size of 2421 instances,with 1115 cases falling into the TLTG group and 1306 cases into the LATG group.Age or sex differences between the two groups were not statistically significant,according to the meta-analysis,however the average body mass index of the TLTG group was considerably higher than that of the LATG group(P=0.01).Compared with those in the LATG group,the incision length in the TLTG group was significantly shorter(P<0.001),the amount of intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower(P=0.003),the number of lymph nodes removed was significantly greater(P=0.04),and the time of first postoperative feeding and postoperative hospitalization were also significantly shorter(P=0.03 and 0.02,respectively).There were no significant differences in tumor size,length of proximal incisal margin,total operation time,anastomotic time,postoperative pain score,postoperative anal exhaust time,postoperative anastomosis-related complications(including anastomotic fistula,anastomotic stenosis,and anastomotic hemorrhage),or overall postoperative complication rate(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TLTG and esophagojejunostomy are safe and feasible.Compared with LATG,TLTG has the advantages of less trauma,less bleeding,easier access to lymph nodes,and faster postoperative recovery,and TLTG is also suitable for obese patients.

Identification of clinical subphenotypes of sepsis after laparoscopic surgery

Objective:Some patients exhibit septic symptoms following laparoscopic surgery,leading to a poor prognosis.Effective clinical subphenotyping is critical for guiding tailored therapeutic strategies in these cases.By identifying predisposing factors for postoperative sepsis,clinicians can implement targeted interventions,potentially improving outcomes.This study outlines a workflow for the subphenotype methodology in the context of laparoscopic surgery,along with its practical application.Methods:This study utilized data routinely available in clinical case systems,enhancing the applicability of our findings.The data included vital signs,such as respiratory rate,and laboratory measures,such as blood sodium levels.The process of categorizing clinical routine data involved technical complexities.A correlation heatmap was used to visually depict the relationships between variables.Ordering points were used to identify the clustering structure and combined with Consensus K clustering methods to determine the optimal categorization.Results:Our study highlighted the intricacies of identifying clinical subphenotypes following laparoscopic surgery,and could thus serve as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers seeking to explore disease heterogeneity in clinical settings.By simplifying complex methodologies,we aimed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and clinical application,fostering an environment where professional medical knowledge is effectively utilized in subphenotyping research.Conclusion:This tutorial could primarily serve as a guide for beginners.A variety of clustering approaches were explored,and each step in the process contributed to a comprehensive understanding of clinical subphenotypes.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus cholangioscopy for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND Currently,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is the main treatment for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.However,the treatment is unsatisfactory,and the development of better therapies is needed.AIM To determine the clinical efficacy of LC plus cholangioscopy for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.METHODS Patients(n=243)with cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis admitted to The Affiliated Haixia Hospital of Huaqiao University(910th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force)between January 2019 and December 2023 were included in the study;111 patients(control group)underwent ERCP+LC and 132 patients(observation group)underwent LC+laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE).Surgical success rates,residual stone rates,complications(pancreatitis,hyperamylasemia,biliary tract infection,and bile leakage),surgical indicators[intraoperative blood loss(IBL)and operation time(OT)],recovery indices(postoperative exhaust/defecation time and hospital stay),and serum inflammatory markers[C-reactive protein(CRP)],tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)were compared.RESULTS No significant differences in surgical success rates and residual stone rates were detected between the observation and control groups.However,the complication rate,IBL,OT,postoperative exhaust/defecation time,and hospital stays were significantly reduced in the observation group compared with the control group.Furthermore,CRP,TNF-α,and IL-6 Levels after treatment were reduced in the observation group compared with the levels in the control group.CONCLUSION These results indicate that LC+LCBDE is safer than ERCP+LC for the treatment of cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.The surgical risks and postoperative complications were lower in the observation group compared with the control group.Thus,patients may recover quickly with less inflammation after LCBDE.