Toshio Harumatsu1, Taichiro Nagai1, Keisuke Yano1, Shun Onishi1, Koji Yamada1, Waka Yamada1,2, Makoto Matsukubo1, Mitsuru Muto1, Tatsuru Kaji1,2, Satoshi Ieiri3. 1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Field in Medical and Health Sciences, Medical and Dental Area, Research and Education Assembly, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1, Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City, 890-8520, Japan. 2. Clinical Training Center, Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan. 3. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Field in Medical and Health Sciences, Medical and Dental Area, Research and Education Assembly, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1, Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City, 890-8520, Japan. sieiri@m.kufm.kagoshima-u.ac.jp.
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: Liver retraction during laparoscopic fundoplication is important for obtaining an optimal space. Several methods have been developed, but the risks and benefits are unclear. We compared three different approaches and evaluated their safety and utility. METHODS: Forty-three neurologically impaired patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2018 were classified into three groups: A, snake retractor method, n = 18; B, crural suture method, n = 13; C, needle grasper method, n = 12. Patients' characteristics and outcomes were reviewed. MAIN RESULTS: The liver retraction time was significantly shorter in group C than in A or B (p < 0.05). The operative times were shorter in groups B and C than in A. There were no significant differences in the liver enzyme levels. The liver enzyme levels increased temporarily but improved within a week. The C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in group B than in A or C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most convenient method was the needle grasper method, as the other two approaches create conflict with the operator's forceps. The crural suture method damages the liver less, but requires higher surgical skill levels. It is important to select the appropriate method according to the operator's skill and the patient's size and deformity.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Liver retraction during laparoscopic fundoplication is important for obtaining an optimal space. Several methods have been developed, but the risks and benefits are unclear. We compared three different approaches and evaluated their safety and utility. METHODS: Forty-three neurologically impairedpatients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication between 2005 and 2018 were classified into three groups: A, snake retractor method, n = 18; B, crural suture method, n = 13; C, needle grasper method, n = 12. Patients' characteristics and outcomes were reviewed. MAIN RESULTS: The liver retraction time was significantly shorter in group C than in A or B (p < 0.05). The operative times were shorter in groups B and C than in A. There were no significant differences in the liver enzyme levels. The liver enzyme levels increased temporarily but improved within a week. The C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in group B than in A or C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most convenient method was the needle grasper method, as the other two approaches create conflict with the operator's forceps. The crural suture method damages the liver less, but requires higher surgical skill levels. It is important to select the appropriate method according to the operator's skill and the patient's size and deformity.