1. Case Presentation
<ol>
	<li>The patient is set up for a visit at the gynecological clinic, often due to the occurrence of bleeding disorders. A physical examination is performed.
	<ol>
		<li>If deemed appropriate, the patient is scheduled for a hysterectomy. The paperwork is prepared, and the patient is given the premedication for the day of surgery.</li>
		<li>Patients 60 years and older must first submit blood samples and monitored by electrocardiography (or ECG) prior to the procedure.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>On the day of surgery, the patient is not allowed to consume anything by mouth for six hours prior to admittance.
	<ol>
		<li>An exception is made for sweet clear drinks without pulp, which are allowed until two hours prior to admittance.</li>
		<li>The patient takes the premedication (t.Paracetemol 1 g + t.Etodolac 300 mg + t.Dexamethason 8 mg) with the last drink.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>The patient is admitted app. one hour prior to the scheduled time of surgery.
	<ol>
		<li>The ward nurse first prepares the patient for surgery.</li>
		<li>The anesthesiologist examines the patient and prepares the papers for anesthesia.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>When the operation room is prepared and the team is ready, the gynecologist transports the patient to the operating room.
	<ol>
		<li>The patient lies down on the operating table and is covered with a surgical blanket.</li>
		<li>An i.v. line is placed in the left hand and 1,000 ml of saline is started. Monitoring equipment is attached.</li>
		<li>Anesthesia is induced with propofol and remifentanil until Loss Of Consciousness (LOC) occurs, and maintained using TOF.</li>
		<li>For facilitating intubation, a small dose of rocuronium (15 mg) is administered.</li>
		<li>Direct laryngoscopy is performed. If it is difficult to visualize the vocal cord, the McGrath videolaryngoscop is used. Intubation is subsequently performed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Insufflation of the abdomen is started at 12 mm Hg CO2.
	<ol>
		<li>The ports are placed.</li>
		<li>The procedure is started.</li>
		<li>The surgeons are told when Train Of Four (TOF) ratio is &gt; 90%, corresponding to the neuromuscular blockade is weaned off.</li>
		<li>At the neck of the grasper the distance from the promontory to the surface of the skin at the umbilicus is marked.</li>
		<li>The grasper is placed on the surgical table. With measuring tape, the distance between the end of the grasper and the neck of the grasper (at surgeon's finger) is marked, and then calculated distance is measured in centimeters.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>The insufflations pressure of CO2 is lowered to 8 mm Hg.
	<ol>
		<li>At the neck of the grasper the distance from the promontory to the surface of the skin at the umbilicus is marked.</li>
		<li>The grasper is placed at the table. With measuring tape the marked distance is interpreted to centimeters.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>CO2 insufflation pressure is adjusted to 12 mm Hg.
	<ol>
		<li>Deep neuromuscular blockade is applied to a Post Tetanic Count (PTC) &lt; 2.</li>
		<li>At the neck of the grasper the distance from the promontory to the surface of the skin at the umbilicus is marked.</li>
		<li>The grasper is placed at the table. With measuring tape the marked distance is measured to centimeters.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>CO2 insufflation pressure is lowered to 8 mm Hg.
	<ol>
		<li>At the neck of the grasper the distance from the promontory to the surface of the skin at the umbilicus is marked.</li>
		<li>At the neck of the grasper the distance from the promontory to the surface of the skin at the umbilicus is marked.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>The procedure is finished.
	<ol>
		<li>Infusions of propofol and remifentanil are terminated.</li>
		<li>The patient is woken up and moved to his or her bed.</li>
		<li>The patient is transferred to the Recovery Room.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Jones, R. K., Caldwell, J. E., Sorin, C. B., Brull, J., Soto, R. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reversal+of+Profound+Rocuronium-induced+Blockade+with+Sugammadex.">Reversal of Profound Rocuronium-induced Blockade with Sugammadex.</a> Anesthesiology. 109, 816-824 (2008).</li><li>Berg, H., Roed, J., Viby-Mogensen, J., Mortensen, C. R., Enfbaek, J., Skovgaard, L. T., Krintel, J. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Residual+neuromuscular+block+is+a+risk+factor+for+post-operative+pulmonary+complications:+A+prospective,+randomized,+and+blinded+study+of+postoperative+pulmonary+complications+after+atracurium,+vecuronium+and+pancuronium.">Residual neuromuscular block is a risk factor for post-operative pulmonary complications: A prospective, randomized, and blinded study of postoperative pulmonary complications after atracurium, vecuronium and pancuronium.</a> Acta Anaesthesiol. Scand. 41, 1095-1103 (1997).</li><li>Abrishami, A., Ho, J., Wong, J., Yin, L., Chung, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sugammadex,+a+selective+reversal+medication+for+preventing+postoperative+residual+neuromuscular+blockade.">Sugammadex, a selective reversal medication for preventing postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade.</a> The Cochrane Collaborations. , (2009).</li><li>Plaud, B., Debaene, B., Donati, F., Marty, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Residual+Paralysis+after+Emergence+from+Anesthesia.">Residual Paralysis after Emergence from Anesthesia.</a> Anesthesiology. 112, 1013-1022 (2010).</li><li>Lee, D. W., Kim, M. J., Lee, Y. K., Lee, H. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Does+Intraabdominal+Pressure+Affect+Development+of+Subcutaneous+Emphysema+at+Gynecologic+Laparoscopy?.">Does Intraabdominal Pressure Affect Development of Subcutaneous Emphysema at Gynecologic Laparoscopy?.</a> Minimally Invasive Gynecology. , 761-765 (2011).</li><li>Sandhu, T., Yamada, S., Ariyakachon, V., Chakrabandhu, T., Chongruksut, W., Ko-iam, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Low-pressure+pneumoperitoneum+versus+standard+pneumoperitoneum+in+laparoscopic+cholecystectomy,+a+prospective+randomized+clinical+trial.">Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum versus standard pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a prospective randomized clinical trial.</a> Surg. Endosc. 23, 1044-1047 (2009).</li><li>Sarli, L., Coisti, R., Sansebastiano, G., Trivelli, M., Roncoroni, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prospective+randomized+trial+of+low-pressure+pneumoperitoneum+for+reduction+of+shoulder-tip+pain+following+laparoscopy.">Prospective randomized trial of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum for reduction of shoulder-tip pain following laparoscopy.</a> British Journal of Surgery. 87, 1161-1165 (2000).</li><li>Kandil, T. S., El Hefnawy, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Shoulder+pain+following+laparoscopic+cholecystectomy:+factors+affecting+the+incidence+and+severity.">Shoulder pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: factors affecting the incidence and severity.</a> J. Laparoendosc. Adv. Surg. Tech. A. 8, 677-682 (2010).</li><li>Mulier, J. P., Dillemans, B. R. S., Crombach, M., Missant, C., Sels, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=On+the+abdominal+pressure+volume+relationship.">On the abdominal pressure volume relationship.</a> The internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 21, (2009).</li><li>Srvastava, A., Niranjan, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Secrets+of+safe+laparoscopic+surgery:+Anaesthetic+and+surgical+considerations.">Secrets of safe laparoscopic surgery: Anaesthetic and surgical considerations.</a> J. Minim. Access. Surg. 6, 91-94 (2010).</li><li>Grosse-Sundrup, M., Henneman, J. P., Sandberg, W. S., Bateman, B. T., Uribe, J. V., Nguyen, N. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intermediate+acting+non-depolarizing+neuromuscular+blocking+agents+and+risk+of+postoperative+respiratory+complications:+prospective+propensity+score+matched+cohort+study.">Intermediate acting non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents and risk of postoperative respiratory complications: prospective propensity score matched cohort study.</a> BMJ. 345, e6329 (2012).</li><li>Kaneko, G., Miyajima, A., Yazawa, S., Yuge, K., Kikuchi, E., Asanuma, H., Nakagawa, K., Oya, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=What+is+the+predictor+of+prolonged+operative+time+during+laparoscopic+radical+prostatectomy?.">What is the predictor of prolonged operative time during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?.</a> Int. J. Urol. 20 (3), 330-336 (2012).</li><li>Drahonovsky, J., Haakova, L., Otcenasek, M., Krofta, L., Kucera, E., Feyereisl, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+prospective+randomized+comparison+of+vaginal+hysterectomy,+laparoscopically+assisted+vaginal+hysterectomy,+and+total+laparoscopic+hysterectomy+in+women+with+benign+uterine+disease.">A prospective randomized comparison of vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in women with benign uterine disease.</a> Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 148 (2), 172-176 (2010).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

Directly calculating the working volume available for laproscopic surgery is difficult, but the relationship between insufflating CO2 pressure and abdominal volume is easier to measure9. Here, we present a method to use the surgical grasper to estimate the space within the abdomen during insufflation, as an alternative to the method of recording the volume of insufflated CO2. These measurements have demonstrated that it is possible to maintain a steady volume when loweri...

Neuromuscular blocking agents are commonly used to facilitate tracheal intubation, and, during anesthesia, to facilitate surgery. The use of pharmacological agents to achieve deep relaxation throughout the laparoscopic procedure allows the surgeons either to proceed at the same level of CO2 insufflation while benefitting from better surgical conditions, or lowering the insufflating pressure to lower the risk of surgical complications. Several studies have shown the positive effect of lowering the working pressure 5,6,7. One symptom that is often seen after laparoscopic hysterectomies is shoulder pain, which is often stated as a major problem and the most important issue when speaking to the patient at follow up.8
Laproscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy is usually recommended when more conservative methods fail to control the symptoms caused by uterine fibroids. At our institution, these procedures are performed at an insufflating CO2 pressure of 12 mm Hg. There are two highly experienced gynecologists performing all the gynecologic cases. All our cases are anaesthetized with propofol and remifentanil, and intubation is often facilitated with a low dose of rocuronium (15 mg).
From our daily clinical work we have identified shoulder pain as one of the most disturbing side effects after laparoscopic hysterectomies, which is supported by the literature 8. Studies have shown that reducing the intraabdominal pressure can also reduce shoulder pain. In an effort to reduce the CO2 insufflation pressure, one of our prior concerns was if the surgical field and visibility during the procedure would be compromised. Trying to determine the overview during the procedure, we set up a method to compare the intraabdominal working space. However, it can be very difficult to monitor the exact intra-abdominal volume within a patient during surgery. In a Belgian study, the volume-pressure relationship has been described, but the study authors concluded that there are major inter individual variations 9. In order to get a more reliable statement of the intraabdominal space, we use the distance from the promontory to the skin as the metric.

deep neuromuscular blockade leads to a larger intraabdominal volume during laparoscopy

Shoulder pain is a commonly reported symptom following laparoscopic procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, and recent studies have shown that lowering the insufflation pressure during surgery may reduce the risk of post-operative pain. In this pilot study, a method is presented for measuring the intra-abdominal space available to the surgeon during laproscopy, in order to examine whether the relaxation produced by deep neuromuscular blockade can increase the working surgical space sufficiently to permit a reduction in the CO2 insufflation pressure. Using the laproscopic grasper, the distance from the promontory to the skin is measured at two different insufflation pressures: 8 mm Hg and 12 mm Hg. After the initial measurements, a neuromuscular blocking agent (rocuronium) is administered to the patient and the intra-abdominal volume is measured again. Pilot data collected from 15 patients shows that the intra-abdominal space at 8 mm Hg with blockade is comparable to the intra-abdominal space measured at 12 mm Hg without blockade. The impact of neuromuscular blockade was not correlated with patient height, weight, BMI, and age. Thus, using neuromuscular blockade to maintain a steady volume while reducing insufflation pressure may produce improved patient outcomes.

This pilot study of 15 patients was performed to assess the impact of deep neuromuscular blockade during laparoscopic surgery.
The method illustrated here was used to obtain measurements of intra-abdominal space in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy (Figure 1). In each patient, measurements of intra-abdominal space were taken under the following conditions: 12 mm Hg pressure without deep neuromuscular blockade, 12 mm Hg with blockade, 8 mm Hg without blockade, and ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy at JoVE.com

Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy

This article presents a method for measuring the working abdominal volume during laproscopic myomectomy using the surgical grasper, and applies this technique to obtain pilot data on whether deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) can enable the use of lower insufflation pressure. Reduced insufflation pressure during laproscopic surgery has been shown to reduce post-operative pain, and thus the use of NMB during surgery may enable improved patient outcomes.

Shoulder pain is a commonly reported symptom following laparoscopic procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, and recent studies have shown that ...

deep-neuromuscular-blockade-leads-to-larger-intraabdominal-volume

Universidad de Cartagena UDEC

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

13.1K Views.  Aleris-Hamlet Hospitals, Soeborg, Denmark.  This article presents a method for measuring the working abdominal volume during laproscopic myomectomy using the surgical grasper, and applies this technique to obtain pilot data on whether deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) can enable the use of lower insufflation pressure. Reduced insufflation pressure during laproscopic surgery has been shown to reduce post-operative pain, and thus the use of NMB during surgery may enable improved patient outcomes. 

Video: Deep Neuromuscular Blockade Leads to a Larger Intraabdominal Volume During Laparoscopy

Intraoperative Gastroscopy for Tumor Localization in Laparoscopic Surgery for Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Determining resection margins for gastric cancer, which are not exposed to the serosal surface of the stomach, is the most important procedure during totally laparoscopic gastrectomy (TLG). The aim of this protocol is to introduce a procedure for intraoperative gastroscopy, in order to directly mark tumors during TLG for gastric cancer in the middle third of the stomach. Patients who were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in the middle third of the stomach were enrolled in this case series. Before surgery, additional gastroscopy for tumor localization is not performed. Under general anesthesia, laparoscopic mobilization of the stomach is performed first. After the first portion of the duodenum is mobilized from the pancreas and clamped, the surgeon moves to the other side for the gastroscopic procedure. On the insertion of a gastroscope through the oral cavity into the stomach, 2 - 3 cc of indigo carmine is administered via an endoscopic injector into the gastric muscle layer at the proximal margin of the stomach. The location of stained serosa in the laparoscopic view is used to guide distal subtotal gastrectomy, however, total gastrectomy is performed if the tumor is too close to the esophagogastric junction. A specimen is sampled after distal gastrectomy to confirm sufficient length from resection margin to tumor before reconstruction. In our case series, all patients had tumor-free margins and required no additional resection. There was no morbidity related to the gastroscopic procedure, and the time required for the procedure has gradually decreased to about five minutes. Intraoperative gastroscopy for tumor localization is an accurate and tolerated method for gastric cancer patients undergoing totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

In early gastric cancer, the aim of surgery is to precisely remove the distal stomach including the primary tumor. To do this, accurate localization of the tumor is crucial, especially in totally laparoscopic surgery. This protocol describes a procedure for intraoperative gastroscopy in totally laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy.

Determining resection margins for gastric cancer, which are not exposed to the serosal surface of the stomach, is the most important procedure during ...

Laparoscopic Technique for Serial Collection of Liver and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Macaques

The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and the liver are exposed to microbes and microbial products from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, making them immunologically unique. The GI tract and associated MLN are sites of early viral replication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the MLN are likely important reservoir sites that harbor latently-infected cells even after prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART). The liver has been shown to play a significant role in immune responses to lentiviruses and appears to play a significant role in clearance of virus from circulation. Nonhuman primate (NHP) models for HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) closely mimic these aspects of HIV infection and serial longitudinal sampling of primary sites of viral replication and the associated immune responses in this model will help to elucidate critical events in infection, pathogenesis, and the impact of various intervention strategies on these events. Current published techniques to sample liver and MLN together involve major surgery and/or necropsy, which limits the ability to investigate these important sites in a serial fashion in the same animal. We have previously described a laparoscopic technique for collection of MLN. Here, we describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique for serial longitudinal sampling of liver and MLN through the same two port locations required for the collection of MLN. The use of the same two ports minimizes the impact to the animals as no additional incisions are required. This technique can be used with increased sampling frequency compared to major abdominal surgery and reduces the potential for surgical complications and associated local and systemic inflammatory responses that could complicate interpretation of results. This procedure has potential to facilitate studies involving NHP models while improving animal welfare.

Here, we describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique for serial sampling of liver and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) in macaques that allows for increased sampling frequency, and reduces the potential for surgical complications when compared to performing a laparotomy.

The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and the liver are exposed to microbes and microbial products from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, making them ...

Retrograde Neuroanatomical Tracing of Phrenic Motor Neurons in Mice

Phrenic motor neurons are cervical motor neurons originating from C3 to C6 levels in most mammalian species. Axonal projections converge into phrenic nerves innervating the respiratory diaphragm. In spinal cord slices, phrenic motor neurons cannot be identified from other motor neurons on morphological or biochemical criteria. We provide the description of procedures for visualizing phrenic motor neuron cell bodies in mice, following intrapleural injections of cholera toxin subunit beta (CTB) conjugated to a fluorophore. This fluorescent neuroanatomical tracer has the ability to be caught up at the diaphragm neuromuscular junction, be carried retrogradely along the phrenic axons and reach the phrenic cell bodies. Two methodological approaches of intrapleural CTB delivery are compared: transdiaphragmatic versus transthoracic injections. Both approaches are successful and result in similar number of CTB-labeled phrenic motor neurons. In conclusion, these techniques can be applied to visualize or quantify the phrenic motor neurons in various experimental studies such as those focused on the diaphragm-phrenic circuitry.

Here, we describe a protocol for identifying phrenic motor neurons in mice after intrapleural delivery of fluorophore conjugated cholera toxin subunit beta. Two techniques are compared to inject the pleural cavity: transdiaphragmatic versus transthoracic approaches.

Phrenic motor neurons are cervical motor neurons originating from C3 to C6 levels in most mammalian species. Axonal projections converge into phrenic ...

Neuroscience

Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is one of the most widely used minimally invasive methods for repairing incisional hernias. The laparoscopic IPOM involves implanting the mesh into the abdominal cavity through laparoscopy to repair an abdominal wall hernia. In the IPOM surgery, after the closure of the hernia ring, an anti-adhesion mesh is placed laparoscopically. The correct placement of this mesh is critical to the success of the method, and surgical skills are required to achieve perfect placement. If the mesh placement is not mastered properly, the operation and anesthesia time will be prolonged. In addition, improper placement of the mesh can lead to serious consequences, such as intestinal obstruction and mesh infection. A "contraposition and alignment" mesh fixation method is described in this study, which involves pre-marking the fixation position of the mesh to reduce the difficulty of mesh placement. A properly placed mesh is completely flat on the peritoneum, the edges are not curled or wrapped, and the mesh is adhered firmly such that there is no displacement after removing the pneumoperitoneum pressure. The "contraposition and alignment" mesh fixation technique offers the advantages of reliable placement of the mesh and fewer complications than other techniques, and it is easy to learn and master. It also allows for positioning the nail gun in advance based on the anatomy of the incisional hernia. This enables the use of the minimum number of nails possible while still ensuring good fixation, which can reduce the occurrence of complications and reduce the cost of surgery. Thus, the mesh fixation method described here is highly suitable for clinical applications based on the aforementioned advantages.

Presented here is a method for improving the mesh placement in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, which can shorten the time required for mesh fixation and reduce the occurrence of postoperative chronic pain.

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is one of the most widely used minimally invasive methods for repairing ...

Clinical Application of Single-Surgeon, Three-Port, Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Cancer with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction

Reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS) has been widely used for the radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors. Single-surgeon, three-port, laparoscopic radical resection for sigmoid colon or high rectal cancer with natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has the advantage of a small incision, quick postoperative recovery, and short hospital stay. Yet, there are still only a few reports on NOSES. This paper describes the indications, preoperative preparations, surgical steps, and precautions for single-surgeon, three-port, laparoscopic radical resection of the sigmoid colon and high rectal cancer, and intraoperative specimen collection through the natural orifice. 
The protocol focuses on the steps of radical dissection and the main technical points of resection and reconstruction. At the same time, a procedure for fixing an anvil seat by self-traction of extracorporeal silk thread, used for purse-string suture fixation after the proximal anvil was placed in the abdominal cavity, was creatively improved. This operation could effectively avoid problems such as an insufficient proximal intestinal tube, shaking off the anvil seat, and weak purse-string suture during a single operation. The surgical care had less variability and was easy to perform, effectively avoiding postoperative anastomotic leakage and bleeding due to excessive intraoperative anastomotic tissue. This surgery could be widely promoted in primary hospitals.

Here, we present a protocol to successfully perform single-surgeon, three-port, laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer with natural orifice specimen extraction.

Reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS) has been widely used for the radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors. Single-surgeon, three-port, ...

Management of the Uncinate Process in No-Touch Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) is a demanding abdominal operation that necessitates meticulous surgical skills and teamwork. The management of the pancreatic uncinate process is one of the most important and difficult processes in LPD because of its deep anatomical location and difficult exposure. Complete resection of the uncinate process and mesopancreas has become the cornerstone of LPD. In particular, it is even more difficult to avoid positive surgical margins and incomplete lymph node dissection when the tumor is located in the uncinate process. No-touch LPD, which is an ideal oncological operation process fitting the "tumor-free" principle, has been reported by our group previously. This article introduces the management of the uncinate process in no-touch LPD. Based on the multi-angle arterial approach, in this protocol, the median-anterior and left-posterior approaches to the SMA are used to correctly deal with the important vascular structure, the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA), in order to ensure the safe and complete excision of the uncinate process and mesopancreas. For the achievement of the no-touch isolation technique in LPD, the pancreatic head and the blood supply to the duodenal region must be severed at the very early stage of the operation; after that, the tumor can be isolated intact, resection can be performed in situ, and finally, the tissue can be removed en bloc. This paper aims to show the distinctive ways to manage the uncinate process in no-touch LPD and investigate the viability and safety of this approach. Moreover, the technique may increase the R0 resection rate.

Complete resection of the uncinate process and mesopancreas is one of the most important and difficult processes in laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD). This article presents a method for managing the uncinate process in no-touch LPD using the median-anterior and left-posterior approaches to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) is a demanding abdominal operation that necessitates meticulous surgical skills and teamwork. The management of ...

Clinical Application of Microscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

This study aims to investigate the technical aspects of microscope-assisted anterior decompression fusion and to introduce a spreader system suitable for minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion (Mini-ALIF). This article is a technical description of anterior lumbar spine surgery under a microscope. We retrospectively collected information on patients who underwent microscope-assisted Mini-ALIF surgery at our hospital between July 2020 and August 2022. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare imaging indicators between periods. Forty-two patients were included in the study. The mean volume of intraoperative bleeding was 180 mL, and the mean operative time was 143 min. The mean follow-up time was 18 months. Apart from one case of peritoneal rupture, no other serious complications occurred. The postoperative foramen and disc height were both higher on average than before surgery. The spreader-assisted micro-Mini-ALIF is simple and easy to use. It can provide good intraoperative disc exposure, good discrimination of important structures, adequate spreading of the intervertebral space, and the restoration of the necessary intervertebral height, which is very helpful for less experienced surgeons.

The technique described in this article is well-suited to the Mini-ALIF procedure, allows for excellent exposure and decompression, and facilitates microscope-assisted manipulation.

This study aims to investigate the technical aspects of microscope-assisted anterior decompression fusion and to introduce a spreader system suitable for ...

Modified Laparoscopic Anatomic Hepatectomy: Two-Surgeon Technique Combined with the Simple Extracorporeal Pringle Maneuver

Laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy (LAH) has become increasingly prevalent worldwide in recent years. However, LAH remains a challenging procedure due to the anatomical characteristics of the liver, with intraoperative hemorrhage being a primary concern. Intraoperative blood loss is the leading cause of conversion to open surgery; therefore, effective management of bleeding and hemostasis is crucial for a successful LAH.
The two-surgeon technique is proposed as an alternative to the traditional single-surgeon approach, with potential benefits in reducing intraoperative bleeding during laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, there remains a lack of evidence to determine which mode of the two-surgeon technique yields superior patient outcomes. Besides, to our knowledge, the LAH technique, which involves the use of a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) by the primary surgeon while an ultrasonic dissector by the second surgeon, has been rarely reported before.
Herein, we present a modified, two-surgeon LAH technique, wherein one surgeon employs a CUSA while the other uses an ultrasonic dissector. This technique is combined with a simple extracorporeal Pringle maneuver and low central venous pressure (CVP) approach. In this modified technique, the primary and secondary surgeons utilize a laparoscopic CUSA and an ultrasonic dissectorconcurrently to achieve precise and expeditious hepatectomy. A simple extracorporeal Pringle maneuver, combined with the maintenance of low CVP, is employed to regulate the hepatic inflow and outflow in order to minimize intraoperative bleeding. This approach facilitates the attainment of a dry and clean operative field, which allows for the precise ligation and dissection of blood vessels and bile ducts. The modified LAH procedure is simpler and safer due to its effective control over bleeding as well as the seamless transition between the roles of primary and secondary surgeons. It holds great promise for future clinical applications.

Here, we present a protocol to perform a modified laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy using improved techniques and instruments.

Laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy (LAH) has become increasingly prevalent worldwide in recent years. However, LAH remains a challenging procedure due to ...

A Non-Intubation Protocol for Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Preserved Autonomic Breathing

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Double-lumen intubation under general anesthesia is currently the most commonly performed intubation technique for pneumonectomy, wedge resection of the lung, and lobectomy. However, there is a high incidence of pulmonary complications arising from general anesthesia with tracheal intubation. Non-intubation with the preservation of voluntary breathing is an alternative to anesthesia. Non-intubation procedures minimize the adverse effects of tracheal intubation and general anesthesia, such as intubation-related airway trauma, ventilation-induced lung injury, residual neuromuscular blockade, and post-operative nausea and vomiting. However, the steps for non-intubation procedures are not detailed in many studies. Here, we present a concise non-intubated protocol for the performance of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with preserved autonomic breathing. This article identifies the conditions necessary to convert from non-intubated to intubated anesthesia and also discusses the advantages and limitations of non-intubated anesthesia. In this work, this intervention was performed on 58 patients. In addition, the results of a retrospective study are presented. Compared with intubated general anesthesia, patients in the non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery group had lower rates of post-operative pulmonary complications, shorter operative times, less intraoperative blood loss, shorter PACU stays, a lower number of days to chest drain removal, less post-operative drainage, and shorter hospital stays.

Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia 

Here, we present a non-intubated protocol for performing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with preserved autonomic breathing.

Double-lumen intubation under general anesthesia is currently the most commonly performed intubation technique for pneumonectomy, wedge resection of the ...

Laparoscopic Sectionectomy Using Ligamentum Teres for Bloodless Hepatectomy

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS), a mainstream procedure in liver surgery, often utilizes controlled low central venous pressure (CLCVP) to reduce bleeding in the hepatic venous system. However, anesthesiologists may avoid the use of CLCVP in patients with concurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases to prioritize the maintenance of vital organ perfusion. In this report, we present an LLLS guided by the ligamentum teres hepatis (LTH) for dissection of the Glissonian pedicles for segments 2/3 outside the liver, followed by hepatic parenchymal dissection along the falciform ligament and umbilical fissure vein (UFV) while approaching the left hepatic vein root. Guided by LTH and UFV, this LLLS procedure effectively controlled intraoperative bleeding, even in the absence of CLCVP. Additionally, hepatectomy guided by extrahepatic and intrahepatic anatomical landmarks prevents loss of direction during liver dissection and ensures precise hepatic resection. These attributes suggest that the potential benefits extend beyond patients with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions, making it applicable in a wide range of LLLS cases.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor Treatment with Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy guided by the ligamentum teres hepatis and umbilical fissure vein effectively controls intraoperative bleeding even without controlled low central venous pressure and prevents loss of direction during parenchymal dissection.

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS), a mainstream procedure in liver surgery, often utilizes controlled low central venous pressure (CLCVP) to ...