Does a prior hysterectomy complicate transvaginal/transumbilical hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy?—a comparative analysis of prospectively collected data

Purpose Hysterectomy alters the anatomy of the posterior vaginal vault used as access for transvaginal/transumbilical hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy (NC), creating potential consequences for the feasibility and complication rate of the procedure. Therefore, the aim of our retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was to analyze the postoperative course after NC in previously hysterectomized (PH) patients compared with patients who had not undergone hysterectomy (NH). Methods A total of 126 NH patients and 50 PH patients aged over 42 who had an NC from 12/2008 to 04/2021 were compared regarding age, body mass index (BMI), ASA classification, number of percutaneous trocars, need for intraoperative urinary bladder catheterization, length of procedure, conversion rate, and intraoperative and postoperative complication rate according to the Clavien/Dindo classification, Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI), mortality, and hospital length of stay. Results PH patients were older than NH patients (63.0 vs 51.5 years; P < 0.001) but did not differ significantly in ASA classification (P = 0.595) and BMI (26.8 vs 27.9 kg/m2; P = 0.480). They required more percutaneous trocars (P = 0.047) and longer procedure time (66.0 vs. 58.5 min; P = 0.039). Out of all 287 scheduled NC only one had to be “converted” to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, Clavien/Dindo classification, CCI, need for intraoperative urinary bladder catheterization, and length of stay did not differ significantly. Conclusion Our results indicate an increased degree of difficulty of NC in PH patients, although there is no major impact on intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Urinary bladder perforation is a specific access-related complication in PH patients.

Comparative analysis of postoperative pain after transvaginal hybrid NOTES versus traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in obese patients

Purpose Even though obesity is a known risk factor for needing cholecystectomy, most research excludes patients with higher degrees of obesity. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in obese patients, who underwent either transvaginal hybrid Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) cholecystectomy (NC) or traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods Between 12/2008 and 01/2017, 237 NC were performed, of which 35 (14.8%) showed a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or more (obesity II and III according to the World Health Organization). Of these, procedural time, postoperative pain, analgesic requirements, and other early postoperative parameters were collected and compared with 35 matched LC patients from the same time period. Results There were no differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups, but we found significant benefits for the hybrid NOTES technique in terms of less pain (P = 0.006), coherent with significantly less intake of peripheral (paracetamol; P = 0.005), and of centrally acting analgesics (piritramide; P = 0.047) within the first two-day post-surgery. We also found that those in the NC group had shorter hospital stays (P < 0.001). The postoperative complication rates and the procedural time did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion With regard to postoperative pain and analgesic requirements and without an increase in postoperative complications, obese patients experience short-term benefits from the hybrid NOTES technique compared to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Transvaginal Hybrid-NOTES procedures—do they have a negative impact on pregnancy and delivery?

Purpose We conducted a retrospective observational study in order to identify negative effects of NOTES procedures (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery) with transvaginal specimen removal on pregnancy and delivery. Methods From the total population of 299 patients in our NOTES registry, we tried to contact the 121 patients who were of reproductive age (≤ 45 years) at the time of a transvaginal NOTES procedure. They were interviewed by telephone regarding their desire for children, post NOTES-operation pregnancies, and type of delivery using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed and compared with current data. Results We were able to contact 76 patients (follow-up rate: 62.8%) with a median follow-up of 77 months after surgery (33–129 months). Twenty of 74 participating patients had a desire for children (27.0%). One of them and another's male partner were diagnosed as infertile. Regarding the remaining 18 patients, 14 became pregnant, and three of them became pregnant twice. Considering these 17 pregnancies, there was one miscarriage (5.9%) and one twin birth (5.9%). On average, childbirth occurred 44 months after the NOTES procedure. With regard to the type of delivery, 10 vaginal births (58.8%) and 7 caesarean sections (41.2%) occurred. Thus, the rate of fulfilled desire for children was 77.8%. Compared with the literature, no difference to the normal course could be detected. Conclusion There is no sign that the transvaginal approach in Hybrid-NOTES, with removal of the specimen through the vagina, has a negative effect on conception, the course during pregnancy, or the type of delivery.

Transvaginal hybrid-NOTES vs. traditional laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticulitis: a short-term comparative study

The aim was to compare short-term results of transvaginal hybrid-NOTES (NSR) with traditional laparoscopic technique in sigmoid resection (LSR) in cases of diverticulitis. Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery has been evolved as a minimally invasive procedure to reduce the operative trauma due to the absence of specimen extraction through the abdominal wall causing less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay. Despite the increasing use and published case series of NSR for diverticulitis as a laparoscopic procedure with transvaginal stapling and specimen extraction, there are no studies comparing this procedure with LSR. Twenty NSR patients operated at the Cologne-Merheim Medical Center have been documented and compared with 20 female LSR patients matched for body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists-classification (ASA), Hansen/Stock classification, and age. To ensure comparability regarding peri- and postoperative care, only procedures performed by the same surgeon were included. Procedural time, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion rate, postoperative pain, the duration of an epidural catheter, analgesic consumption, and postoperative length of hospital stay were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the sum of pain levels (p = 0.930), length of procedure (p = 0.079), intra- and postoperative complications, as well as duration of an epidural catheter. On the contrary, there were significant positive effects for NSR on morphine requirement at day seven and eight (p = 0.019 and p = 0.035 respectively) as well as the postoperative length of hospital stay (p = 0.031). This retrospective study reveals significant positive effects for NSR compared to LSR regarding length of hospital stay as well as morphine consumption after removal of the epidural catheter, whereas there were no significant differences in complication rate and procedural time. In summary, NSR is an adequate alternative to traditional laparoscopic sigmoid resection considering the surgeons experience and the patient’s personal preferences.

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery: Long-Term Experience with Hybrid Transvaginal Cholecystectomies

Objective. To assess outcome and safety of 571 hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) cholecystectomies. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive NOTES cholecystectomies performed at our center between June 2009 and January 2018. All procedures were performed using a hybrid transvaginal technique, including an umbilical small-size trocar. End points, calculated at discharge, 30 and up to 90 days postoperatively, included intra- and postoperative morbidity assessed by the validated Clavien–Dindo classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Special focus was held on outcome and necessity of pre- and postoperative gynecological examinations. Results. We performed 571 hybrid NOTES cholecystectomies within 9 years. The vast majority were elective, 9.6% were emergency cholecystectomies. 6.7% of patients developed at least one complication until discharge, most of them minor (≤grade II). 30- and 90-day complication rates were 10.7% and 11%, respectively. Mean CCI at discharge and postoperative days 30 and 90 was 1.45 (±6.4), 2.3 (±7.7), and 2.4 (±7.8), respectively. Major complications (≥grade IIIa) occurred in 1.6% of patients, and 4 patients required emergency reoperation. No mortality was observed. In 9.8%, an additional abdominal trocar was placed. All patients underwent routine gynecological examination, whereof only 5 were rejected for transvaginal access preoperatively. In no case transvaginal access was discontinued intraoperatively due to gynecological disease. Conclusion. Hybrid NOTES transvaginal cholecystectomy represents a safe and feasible alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative gynecological examination is no longer routinely necessary, as intraoperative assessment is adequate.

Transvaginal laparoscopic appendectomy using innovative submucosal tunnels: a conducive modification for improving hybrid NOTES access and its critical appraisal

Currently, transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), the most minimally invasive option for laparoscopic surgery, suffers various technological restraints limiting its implementation. We discuss a simple modification for vaginal access to improve the existing hybrid NOTES technique. We retrospectively studied 18 women at our rural hospital in central India, who, under defined criteria, underwent transvaginal appendicectomy using innovative strategically designed submucosal tunnels. The procedure was successfully completed in all but the first three cases. None required additional abdominal trocar or analgesia beyond the first 6 h. The mean operative and hospitalisation times were 27.5 min and 18.5 h, respectively. We had no intraoperative complications and only one patient experienced postoperative self-limiting vaginal spotting. All patients were very pleased with the cosmetic results and sexual life as assessed by locally devised scales. On regular follow-up, all were progressing well. We recommend the method presented, as it is not only feasible and safe but has the potential to improve overall results. Clearly, a larger volume randomised trial would be optimal to confirm our conclusion.

Application of transanal extraction of specimen by laparoscopic surgery in treatment of rectal cancer

Tóm tắt Đặt vấn đề: Phẫu thuật nội soi qua đường tự nhiên (NOTES: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) và phẫu thuật nội soi truyền thống nhưng lấy bệnh phẩm qua ngả tự nhiên (Hybrid NOTES) là bước phát triển mới trong phẫu thuật ít xâm lấn điều trị ung thư đại trực tràng. Song nó vẫn chưa được phát triển rộng rãi trên thế giới cũng như ở Việt Nam. Nghiên cứu này nhằm mục đích đánh giá kết quả bước đầu phẫu thuật cắt ung thư trực tràng nội soi lấy bệnh phẩm qua đường tự nhiên. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: nghiên cứu tiến cứu. Đối tượng nghiên cứu gồm 32 người bệnh ung thư biểu mô tuyến trực tràng giai đoạn T≤3, N≤1, M0 được phẫu thuật từ 10/2012 đến 09/2015 tại BVTW Huế. Phương pháp nghiên cứu: phẫu thuật được tiến hành trên hai phương thức Hybrid NOTES(A) và NOTES(B) với ba kỹ thuật: cắt trước (AR: anterior resection), trước thấp (LAR: low anterior resection) và xuyên cơ thắt (Pull-through). Kết quả: Tất cả 32 người bệnh đều được phẫu thuật thành công cắt ung thư trực tràng nội soi lấy bệnh phẩm qua đường tự nhiên, không có trường hợp nào phải chuyển mổ mở. 3 trường hợp trong nhóm NOTES có tai biến chảy máu và thủng niệu đạo, phải đặt thêm trocar hỗ trợ và không có trường hợp nào tử vong. Thời gian phẫu thuật nhóm Hybrid NOTES là 194±47(120-280) phút, nhóm NOTES là 258±40(190-300) phút. Thời gian nằm viện: 9±2,7(4-19) ngày. Kết luận: Phẫu thuật cắt ung thư trực tràng nội soi lấy bệnh phẩm qua đường tự nhiên bước đầu cho thấy khả thi và an toàn trên cả hai phương thức: phẫu thuật nội soi đường bụng lấy bệnh phẩm qua ngả tự nhiên Hybrid NOTES và phẫu thuật hoàn toàn qua lỗ tự nhiên NOTES. Abstract Introduction: Transanal extraction of specimen by laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer composed of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and Hybrid NOTES nowadays is an important evaluation in minimally invasive for colorectal cancer surgery. However, it has not implemented commonly on over the world. This research is to evaluate the outcome of the technique in treatment of rectal cancer. Material and Methods: Prospective study was conducted from 10/2012 to 09/2015 in 32 patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma staging T≤3, N≤1, M0 and were operated using one of two modalities Hybrid NOTES (A) and NOTES (B) with three techniques: AR, LAR and Pull-through. Results: Thirty-two patients with rectal cancer were successfully operated by Hybrid NOTES and NOTES procedures. Three cases in group NOTES that had per-operative complications such as bleeding or urethra injury were required one or two additional trocars to complete the procedure, no conversion to open surgery and no mortality. The operation duration: group A (Hybrid NOTES): 194±47 (120-280) minutes; group B (NOTES): 258±40 (190-300) minutes. The length of hospital stay: 9±2.7 (4-19) days. Conclusion: Laparoscopic rectal resection with natural orifice specimen extraction for rectal cancer composed of Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and Hybrid NOTES is feasible and safe. However, a study in a large number of patient and long follow-up is necessary. Keyword: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), Hybrid NOTES, rectal cancer.

TRANSANAL TOTAL MESORECTAL EXCISION OF RECTAL CANCER TREATMENT

Purpose: To evaluate the early results of the feasibility and safety on technology and oncologic transanal total mesorectal excision (down to up). Materils and method: Prospective study from 2012 to 2018. Patients: 23 rectum adenocarcinoma staging T ≤ 3, N ≤ 1, M0 were operated using one of two modalities Hybrid NOTES (A) and NOTES (B). Results: Twenty three patients with Rectal cancer were sucessfully in total mesorectal excision performed by Hybrid NOTES and NOTES procedures. Three cases in group NOTES had per-operative complications such as bleeding or urethra injury required one or two trocarts for assistance, no conversion to open surgery and no mortality. The operation time: group A (Hybrid NOTES): 190 ± 47 (120-280) mins; group B (NOTES): 258 ± 40 (190-300) mins. The hospital stay: 9 ± 2.7 (4-19) day. Conclusions: transanal total mesorectal excision (down to up) endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and Hybrid NOTES is feasible and safe.However, a study in a large number of patient and long follow-up is necessary. Key words: Mesorectum, Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), Hybrid NOTES, rectal cancer