Laparoscopic management of remnant gall bladder with stones: Lessons from a tertiary care centre's experience

Objective:Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently the gold standard for treating symptomatic gallstone disease.Despite its success,approximately 10%of patients may experience persistent biliary symptoms,leading to the post-cholecystectomy syndrome.A remnant gallbladder with cystic duct or bile duct stones is one of the causes of this syndrome.The objective of this study was to shed light on the clinical manifestations,evaluation,therapeutic strategies,and outcomes associated with laparoscopic management of symptomatic remnant gallbladders.Methods:This was a retrospective study,conducted over a five-year period(January 2017 to December 2022)at Apollo Hospitals in South India.All patients who underwent laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for a remnant gall bladder were included.The following data were collected:patient demographics,symptoms,preoperative investigations,intraoperative details and post operative outcomes.Results:In total,36 patients were included and analysed.The majority of patients were male(25,69.4%),with a mean age of 50.7±12.1 years.The most common presentation was pain in the upper abdomen or right upper quadrant region(24,66.7%).The laparoscopic approach was attempted in all patients,with a success rate of 94.4%.Two patients required conversion to open surgery.Cholecystoenteric fistula to the colon was observed in one patient.Choledocholithiasis was observed in 7 patients(19.4%),and stone clearance was successfully achieved using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in all patients preoperatively.Conclusion:Incomplete gall bladder removal either intentionally or unintentionally leaves a remnant gall bladder that is at risk for stone formation and infection.Patients who have this clinical entity with symptoms require a redo or complete cholecystectomy,a complex procedure associated with certain risks.This study highlights the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for the management of remnant gallbladder with cystic duct or bile duct stones.

Intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis in the treatment of distal rectal cancers

Objective:In the evolving era of minimal access surgery,low rectal cancers still pose a challenge to laparoscopic or robotic surgeons.Hence,at our institute we intended to demonstrate the oncological efficacy of intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis in the treatment of distal rectal cancers,performing the abdominal part of the procedure which includes rectal mobilization,laparoscopically.Methods:From February 2017 to March 2021,125 patients who had undergone intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis via the perineal approach at Galaxy Care Laparoscopic Institute,Pune,were included in this study.Transabdominal mobilization of the rectum was performed laparoscopically.All patients had a diversion ileostomy and a pelvic drain.Patients were followed-up for a period of 18 months post-surgery.Data on clinical and oncological outcomes were collected and analysed.The pre-operative and post-operative Wexner incontinence scores were compared.Results:The mean time taken for surgery was 181.57±30.00 min.The mean blood loss was 119.76±42.53 mL.Most patients(103,82.4%)had their tumour at a distance of 1e2 cm from the anal verge.A loco-regional recurrence rate of 12.8%(16/125)was noted in our study.For the post-surgery Wexner score,74.4% of patients(93/125)had a score of 5 or less,depicting that three-quarters of the study population had satisfactory continence.Overall,81.6%of patients were satisfied with the functional results of surgery.Conclusion:Intersphincteric resection and coloanal anastomosis,with a 12.8%recurrence rate,can now be considered an oncological and technically feasible procedure with sphincter salvage and good continence.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms:a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms present a complex diagnostic scenario encompassing low-and high-grade malignancies.Their prevalence varies widely,notably increasing with age,reaching 75%in individuals older than 80 years.Accurate diagnosis is crucial,as errors occur in approximately one-third of resected cysts discovered incidentally.Various imaging modalities such as computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and endoscopic techniques are available to address this challenge.However,risk stratification remains problematic,with guideline inconsistencies and diagnostic accuracy varying according to cyst type.This review proposed a stepwisemanagement approach,considering patient factors,imaging results,and specific features.This patient-centered model offers a structured framework for optimizing the care of individuals with pancreatic cystic neoplasms.

Robotic assisted Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in a post-cholecystectomy type E2 bile duct injury

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis is the treatment of choice for common hepatic duct injury type E2.It has been performed laparoscopically with the advancement of laparoscopic skill.Recently,a telemanipulative robotic surgical system was introduced,providing laparoscopic instruments with wrist-arm technology and 3-dimensional visualization of theoperative field.We present a case of 36-year-old female patient who had undergone elective cholecystectomy2 mo ago for gall stones and had a common bile duct injury during surgery.As the stricture was old and complete it could not be tackled endoscopically.We did a laparoscopic assisted adhesiolysis followed by robotic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.No intraoperative complications or technical problems were encountered.Postoperative period was uneventful and she was discharged on the 4th postoperative day.At followup,she is doing well without evidence of jaundice or cholangitis.This is the first reported case of robotic hepaticojejunostomy following common bile duct injury.The hybrid technique gives the patient benefit of laparoscopic adhesiolysis and robotic suturing.

Instrumental detection of cystic duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Residual cystic duct stones (CDSs) after cholecystectomy have been recognized as a cause of post cholecystectomy pain. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of CDSs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC). A cohort of 330 consecutive patients (80 males and 250females) undergoing LC between November 2006 and May2010 was studied. Their age ranged between 16 and 88 years(median 50, IQR: 36.62). The data were prospectively collected of preoperative liver function tests, imaging, the presence of intraoperative CDSs, and common bile duct stones at on-table cholangiogram. CDSs were detected intraoperatively in 64 of the 330 patients (19%). Ultrasound failed to detect CDSs in any of these cases. Deranged liver function tests were noted in 73% of the patients with CDSs and in 57% without CDSs Common bile duct stones were detected in 9% (29) of the 330patients. CDSs occur commonly at routine cholecystectomy, and preoperative investigations are not helpful in their diagnosis As CDSs may lead to postoperative morbidity, they should be actively sought out during surgery if present.

Evolution of stereoscopic imaging in surgery and recent advances

In the late 1980s the first laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed prompting a sudden rise in technological innovations as the benefits and feasibility of minimal access surgery became recognised.Monocular laparoscopes provided only two-dimensional(2D) viewing with reduced depth perception and contributed to an extended learning curve.Attention turned to producing a usable three-dimensional(3D) endoscopic view for surgeons;utilising different technologies for image capture and image projection.These evolving visual systems have been assessed in various research environments with conflicting outcomes of success and usability,and no overall consensus to their benefit.This review article aims to provide an explanation of the different types of technologies,summarise the published literature evaluating 3D vs 2D laparoscopy,to explain the conflicting outcomes,and discuss the current consensus view.

Is intra-operative cholangiography necessary during laparoscopic cholecystectomy? A multicentre rural experience from a developing world country

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in nonteaching rural hospitals of a developing country without intra-operative cholangiography (IOC). To evaluate the possibility of reduction of costs and hospital stay for patients undergoing LC.METHODS: A prospective analysis of patients with symptomatic benign diseases of gall bladder undergoing LC in three non-teaching rural hospitals of Kashmir Valley from Jan 2001 to Jan 2007. The cohort represented a sample of patients requiring LC, aged 13 to 78 (mean 47.2) years. Main outcome parameters included mortality, complications, re-operation, conversion to open procedure without resorting to IOC, reduction in costs borne by the hospital, and the duration of hospital stay.RESULTS: Twelve hundred and sixty-seven patients (976 females/291 males) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Twenty-three cases were converted to open procedures; 12 patients developed port site infection, nobody died because of the procedure. One patient had common bile duct (CBD) injury, 4 patients had biliary leak, and 4 patients had subcutaneous emphysema. One cholecystohepatic duct was detected and managed intraoperatively, 1 patient had retained CBD stones, while 1 patient had retained cystic duct stones. Incidental gallbladder malignancy was detected in 2 cases. No long-term complications were detected up to now.CONCLUSION: LC can be performed safely even in non-teaching rural hospitals of a developing country provided proper equipment is available and the surgeons and other team members are well trained in the procedure. It is stressed that IOC is not essential to prevent biliary tract injuries and missed CBD stones. The costs to the patient and the hospital can be minimized by using reusable instruments, intracorporeal sutures, and condoms instead of titanium clips and endobags.

Single incision laparoscopic surgery

As a complement to standard laparoscopic surgery and a safe alternative to natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery,single incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity.There are expensive ports,disposable hand instruments and flexible endoscopes that have been suggested to do this surgery and would increase the cost of operation.For a simple surgery like laparoscopic cholecystectomy,these extras are not needed and the surgery can be performed using standard ports,instruments and telescopes.Triangular port insertion and use of instruments by the "chop stick method" are recommended to successfully do the procedure as we have done in our so far small series of 40 cases.

Delayed Mesh Infection: A Rare Complication of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP—Totally Extra-Peritoneal Repair)

Hernias are amongst the oldest afflictions of mankind. The tension-free mesh repairs revolutionized and radically changed the whole concept of anatomical tissue repairs. The introduction of mesh, though beneficial, posed a new set of postoperative problems with the mesh infection being the most morbid one. Laparoscopic surgery has been able to reduce the incidence of mesh infection as opposed to the open hernia repairs. The infection occurs mostly early but rarely does it present several years after the surgery. Herein we report our case of delayed mesh infection developing 6 years postoperatively. This is our first such case in a series of more than 1000 laparoscopic hernia repairs over a period of 6 years (2010-2016). The patient needed an open exploration which revealed a large preperitoneal cavity containing 770 ml of pus with a mesh floating in it. The mesh was removed and the thorough toileting of the wound was done.

Etiology and Management of Small Bowel Obstruction with Special Reference to Role of Laparoscopy—A Single Centre Experience

Background: Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is the commonly diagnosed disease in the emergency department. The diagnosis and management of small bowel obstruction varies among institutions. The role of laparoscopy in the management of small bowel obstruction is debatable. Aim: To study the profile, clinical features and management options of patients of small bowel obstruction with special emphasis on role of laparoscopy. Material and Methods: 51 consecutive patients with documented small bowel obstruction admitted in our department were studied from June 2016 to December 2018. All the patients above 12 years of age with small bowel obstruction were included. The diagnosis of small bowel obstruction (SBO) was made in these cases by detailed history, clinical examination and investigations. All these patients were received and adequately resuscitated. Non-operative (conservative) treatment was confirmed to those who met the standard parameters for such treatment and early surgical treatment was carried out whenever indicated. The operative procedure done was laparoscopy or open depending on the clinical features and condition of patient. Results: In our study, 51 patients mean age was 44.7 years with 27 Males and 24 females. 28 (54.9%) patients of our study presented with continuous abdominal pain followed by colicky pain in 23 (45.1%) patients. 34 (66.7%) patients on admission gave history of effortless vomiting. Distension of abdomen was present in 30 (58.8%) patients and constipation was present in 40 (78.4%) of our studied patients. On CT scan interloop fluid was present in 23 (45.1%) patients while transition point was present in 31 (60.8%) patients. Adhesion obstruction was found to be most common cause of obstruction 27 (52.9%) patients, followed by malignancy in 8 (15.7). 25 (49.0%) patients were managed conservatively and 26 (51%) were operated. 11 (21.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis and 15 (29.4%) underwent exploratory laparotomy. The average operative time, recovery of bowel moments, hospital stay, and post-operative complications were less in the laparoscopic group than open group with statically significant difference between the two. Conclusion: Post-operative adhesion obstruction is the most common cause of small bowel obstruction. Laparoscopy is a safe and effective tool for the management of acute intestinal obstruction provided it is performed in selected patients by skilled surgeon.

Laparoscopic stapler repair of high rectovaginal fistula: A case report

For thousands of years, women simply tolerated the distressing symptoms generated by rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs). This is no longer necessary because most RVFs can be surgically corrected via a number of approaches. Most rectovaginal fistulas are acquired;obstetric injury alone accounts for nearly 88% of the cases. The high fistulas are repaired by abdominal approach, while middle or low fistulas are best approached perineally. There are only few case reports of laparoscopic RVF repair noted in literature till date. Laparoscopic repair of RVF is challenging and requires advanced laparoscopic skill. Laparoscopy is a better alternative in selected cases of RVF and yields faster recovery and good patient compliance. We present a case of high RVF managed laparoscopically by using stapler.

Lumbar Hernia: An Unusual Presentation of Bear Maul

Introduction: Typical lumbar hernias are very rare surgical conditions. Lumbar hernias can be congenital or acquired. About 25% of all lumbar hernias have a traumatic etiology. Case-Report: We here reported a case of a 55-year-old male who was mauled by a bear. The patient developed an atypical lumbar hernia after 6 months of sustaining craniofacial and abdominal trauma. Open hernioplasty, which was a very challenging job, was done in this patient. Conclusion: Post traumatic lumbar hernias have been reported but till today no case of lumbar hernia following an attack by a bear has been reported in literature. Both acute and long-standing post-traumatic lumbar hernias are rare but challenging conditions. The corrective surgical procedure becomes more complex as hernial defect enlarges. Reconstruction is a challenging aspect of lumbar hernia surgery.

Prospective Assessment of Direction of Cervical Canal in Routine Hysteroscopy

Introduction: If the direction of the cervical canal is known, the commonly performed procedures as sono salpingography, embryo transfer, IUD insertion, cervical dilation etc. will be easier. The reported resultant trauma to the cervical canal and uterus during these procedures also can be avoided. As we know the cervical canal is tortuous in majority of cases, but the exact course is not yet reported or known. Objective: The objective of the present study was to try to identify the various directions of cervical canal while performing routine hysteroscopic surgeries. Methods: Four-point cervical canal direction was assessed while performing routine hysteroscopic procedures using 5fr Bettocchi operative assembly with 2.9 mm 12-degree telescope (Karl-Storz). The study group was patients with infertility who required hysteroscopy and laparoscopic evaluation as per infertility treatment protocol or else required hysteroscopy for AUB. The study was carried out at tertiary care referral hospital for minimal access surgeries for a period was of 2 yr. 9 months year from May 2017 to Feb 2020. Results: Down-right or left-up-straight combination of movement (DRUS, DLUS) was the most common cervical direction found in 72 % patients. If DURS (down-up-right-straight) movement is added these 3 movements together are seen in about 82% of patients. No cervical dilation is required when 5 fr hysteroscopic assembly was used in study group. No operative complications were found. Conclusion: DRUS and DLUS (down-right or left-up and straight) combination of movements are most frequent direction of cervical canal observed in 72% of patients.

Pouch of Douglas Liposarcoma—A Rarity

Introduction: This case report is one of a fairly common tumour in an extremely uncommon anatomic location. Statistically liposarcoma is the commonest type of soft issue malignancy, but publications of such a tumour arising from the pouch of Douglas (POD) to involve the uterus, are very few and far between. Case details: A 52-year-old woman presented with a mass in the lower abdomen, post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, and lower abdominal discomfort. Investigations revealed a large pelvic tumour that was attached to the posterior wall of a bulky uterus. There was no evidence of dissemination of the tumour to distant sites, and a laparotomy was performed. A massive soft tissue tumour occupied the POD. The tumour was dissected out from the surrounding structures, and the uterus and its appendages were removed in to. The histopathological examination revealed a liposarcoma of the pleomorphic type which was arising from the pouch of Douglas (POD), and was attached to the posterior wall of the uterus. Extensive leiomyomatous changes were seen in the uterus. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the liposarcoma to be of pleomorphic type. Conclusion: This case report is being published for its rarity and to illuminate the specific issues in the treatment of this ubiquitous tumour in an unusual site. The involvement of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) helps to choose the optimal combination of cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for a given case with a POD malignancy.

Robotic Assisted Surgery for Endometriosis—“Is the Way Forward?”

Endometriosis is a chronic and progressive gynecologic disorder that affects 10% - 50% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Chronic pain and infertility are the most debilitating problems associated with it requiring both medical and surgical treatment. Laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment. However, a 10% rate of conversion to laparotomy has been reported when performed by skilled laparoscopic surgeons and much higher in low volume less skilled surgeons. To improve surgical outcomes, robotic assistance is the logical next step in performing minimally invasive gynecological surgeries, especially in complex endometriosis cases. Enhanced 3D visualization and 10× magnification along with Endowrist instruments with seven degrees of freedom facilitates precise and careful dissection. Firefly technology using ICG green dye can improve detection of small and invisible lesions. Robotics is useful in deep infiltrating disease manifesting as lesions deeper than the superficial tissues of rectovaginal septum, vaginal fornix, pelvic sidewalls, parametrium, bowel or ureter and bladder. Trials show no increase in surgical time, blood loss, or intra- or postoperative complications and similar clinical outcome when robotics is compared with laparoscopy. At present, it is more appropriate to compare it with laparotomy rather than laparoscopy. Robotics can be used to manage recurrence of endometriosis after hysterectomy. Surgeons experienced in conventional laparoscopy can utilize robotic platform for deep infiltrating endometriosis for performing complex surgical dissection and achieving the surgical goals in mind and reduce conversions to open surgery. Robotic assistance can bridge the gap in performance of laparoscopic surgery in advanced endometriosis.

Applying the Passot technique in the surgical treatment of severe gynecomastia:A case report and literature review

Gynecomastia is emerging as a major cosmetic and physiological concern among adolescents, especially in relation to obesity, acute weight loss following surgery, and other endocrine illnesses. Surgical treatment involves liposuction(mechanical, power-assisted, or ultrasound-assisted), nipple-conserving subcutaneous mastectomies, or nipple transpositions via various techniques. Unsightly scarring, with visible scar hypertrophy and nipple necrosis, continues to plague postoperative cosmetic outcomes;hence, different techniques of performing nipple transposition have been devised, ranging from free grafts to pedicled flaps. In this case report,we draw attention to an old technique, described by Passot in 1925, that was applied primarily for reduction mammoplasty in women at that time. This technique is still not as frequently used as the Wise pattern mastopexy technique in gynecomastia surgery, and we wish to convey that better cosmesis would be achieved in patients with Simon ⅡB/Ⅲ and ptotic gynecomastia using this technique, avoiding a vertical scar.