An experimental study was carried out to evaluate heat production by an ultrasonically activated device (USAD) using an animal model. In an anesthetized living pig, the gastroepiploic and mesenteric vessels were coagulated and cut by an USAD at a power level of 70% (n = 8) or 100% (n = 8). During the division, the time-discrete temperature change on the surface of the animal tissue adjacent to the blade was measured by thermography. To compare the USAD with conventional electrocautery (EC), a full-thickness incision of the gastric wall was performed by each device, and the temperature change was measured. With the USAD, the temperature increased gradually and remained below 150 degrees C during the entire activating time at both power levels. By contrast, with EC at 30 W, the temperature increased rapidly and exceeded 350 degrees C within only a few seconds. The area above 60 degrees C reached a final width of 10 mm for the USAD, as compared with 22 mm for EC. Microscopically, thermal alterations such as carbonization and vaporization were much more severe and extensive in the adjacent tissue when using EC rather than the USAD. With the USAD, heat production is much slower and more limited than with conventional EC; thus, the USAD causes fewer thermal alterations in adjacent tissue. USAD should be preferred for tissue coagulation and cutting during endscopic surgery.

LSG/DJB is a feasible, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with the risk of gastric cancer.

ObjectiveTo investigate the suitable combination ratio of low-residue diet (LRD) and parenteral nutrition (PN) for nutritional support of surgical patients. Summary Background DataBacterial translocation (BT) is a severe complication of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). However, it is sometimes impossible to supply sufficient amounts of nutrients to surgical patients by the enteral route. The authors reported previously that concomitant use of LRD with PN provided preferable nutritional support for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. MethodsNinety male Donryu rats were used for three experiments. In experiment 1, rats were divided into two groups to receive TPN or total enteral nutrition with LRD. In experiment 2, rats were divided into six groups, receiving variable amounts of LRD. In experiment 3, rats were divided into five groups to receive isocaloric nutritional support with variable proportions of PN and LRD. Intestinal permeability was assessed by monitoring urinary excretion of phenolsulfonphthalein. BT was assessed in tissue cultures of mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. ResultsIn experiment 1, increases in intestinal permeability and BT were observed in rats maintained on 7-day TPN, but not in those maintained on total enteral nutrition for up to 14 days. In experiment 2, the changes in body weight of rats were correlated with the dose of LRD. However, the intestinal permeability was increased only in rats receiving LRD at 15 kcal/kg per day. In experiment 3, additive LRD corresponding to 15% of total caloric intake prevented increases in intestinal permeability and BT. ConclusionCombined nutritional therapy consisting of PN and small amounts of LRD can provide better nutritional support than TPN for surgical patients.

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The results indicate that TEM is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for the local excision of rectal carcinoid tumors, particularly those in the proximal rectum. Furthermore, for patients with microscopic positive margins after endoscopic polypectomy, TEM can be an effective surgical option for complete removal of residual tumors.

The data suggest the improbability that small- to medium-size arteries appropriately occluded and divided by the USAD can burst when exposed to intravascular pressures commonly found in living animals.

The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is a potential site of leakage after a sleeve gastrectomy which is usually difficult to treat conservatively. Two patients underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. A subphrenic abscess due to a staple line leakage was detected by CT at 3 weeks and 10 days after the operation, respectively. The abscess was drained laparoscopically. Intractable leakage required several endoscopic treatments, including clipping and sealing. However, a persisting fistula was found on radiographic studies. A covered self-expandable and retrievable stent (HANAROSTENT) was finally placed over the leakage site at 15 and 6 weeks after the reoperation, respectively. Oral intake was achieved from poststent day 1, and they were discharged 2 weeks after stenting. Three months later, the stent was endoscopically removed and the leakage was successfully sealed. The HANAROSTENT is therefore considered to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for the management of staple line leakage at the EGJ.

Rectovesical fistulas associated with wide, tough scar tissue due to multi-time attempt of surgical repair or any type of energy ablation should not be indicated for repair by TEM. However, for simple fistulas without tough, fibrotic surroundings, TEM can be indicated as a minimally invasive surgical option with very low morbidity, without any incision in healthy tissue for approach.