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A.V. Hayman and E.J. Dozois
Fig. 8.15 ( a ) Ligation of marginal artery in sigmoid colon mesentery; ( b ) Intracorporeal transection of sigmoid colon with laparoscopic stapler to create a rectal stump (inset: position of surgeon and assistants around patient) ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
Fig. 8.16 Ligation of proximal sigmoid mesentery with vessel sealer after transection ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
approached open, as minimal counter tension can be applied intra-abdominally. If using a Pfannenstiel, the laparoscopy camera cable can be disconnected and used as a “fl ashlight”
Fig. 8.17 Ligation of sigmoid mesentery prior to transection (inf. rec­tal a.: inferior rectal artery) ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
to identify the ileal stump (if not already grasped with a lock­ing bowel grasper) to be delivered to the ileostomy site. It is of paramount importance at this point to make sure that the ileum and ileal mesentery are not twisted or rotated. When in proper orientation for a right-sided end ileostomy, the cut
loops are seen in the right upper quadrant to prevent internal herniation. A Brooke ileostomy is then made after closing all port sites (Fig. 8.23 ).
edge of the ileal mesentery should be seen going directly to the head of the pancreas and splayed out fl at. Moreover, all of the small bowel should be placed in the left side of the abdomen and pulled out from under the ileal mesentery if
Ileorectostomy
If performing an ileorectal anastomosis (end-to-end), the ileal stump is delivered through the extraction site, and a run-
8 Total Abdominal Colectomy: Straight Laparoscopic Approach
97
Fig. 8.18 Open transection of sigmoid colon to create rectal stump (inf. rectal a.: inferior rectal artery) ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
Fig. 8.19 Transection of remaining proximal colon mesentery after sigmoid colon transection ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
Fig. 8.20 Specimen extraction via planned ileostomy site ( With per- mission from Mayo Clinic )
Fig. 8.21 ( a ) Transvaginal extraction of specimen and transection of the ileum with a GIA stapler; ( b ) Transvaginal insertion of anvil into the ileum for planned ileorectal anastomosis with an EEA stapler ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
ning purse string is created with 2.0 PDS suture. The anvil from the 28 mm EEA is inserted intraluminally and secured with the purse-string suture. The EEA stapler is carefully maneuvered transanally to the end of the rectal stump after using rectal sizers to dilate the sphincter. The pin is advanced
through the rectal stump, usually just superior to the rectal staple line, and the anvil secured with a click, after ensuring the colon mesentery is not twisted. Generally, the splayed taeniae will be positioned anteriorly. The stapler is closed completely and fi red. If desired, interrupted sutures can be
98
A.V. Hayman and E.J. Dozois
placed at the crossing staple lines to better secure the “dog­eared” areas (Fig.
8.24a, b ). An alternative anastomotic
approach is the side (the ileum) to end (the rectum) ileorectal anastomosis. The end of the ileum is stapled and oversewn with interrupted 3.0 Lambert silk sutures. An enterotomy to place the anvil must be made on the antimesenteric side of the ileum 3–4 cm proximal to the transected end of the ileum to avoid an ischemic segment between the circular staple line and the transected end of the ileum. A purse-string stitch is used to secure the anvil. Finally, a proctoscope is introduced into the distal rectum to insuffl ate the anastomosis under a
water bath after occlusion of the ileum above the anastomo­sis. In the event of a “positive leak test,” we generally revise the anastomosis instead of suture repairing it, but ultimately this decision is made on a case-by-case basis. If technically satisfi ed with the operation, and if there is no tension and an excellent blood supply, we do not perform a defunctioning loop ileostomy. In very rare cases where patient factors and tissue quality are not ideal, a diverting loop ileostomy is done.
Fig. 8.22 ( a ) Insertion of anvil into the ileum via laparoscopic port site extraction after intracorporeal transection and transvaginal extraction in setting of shortened mesentery; ( b ) Creation of ileorectal anastomosis using an EEA stapler after vaginotomy repair ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
Fig. 8.23 Creation of a Brooke ileostomy ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
Fig. 8.24 ( a ) Creation of ileorectal anastomosis using an EEA stapler; ( b ) Sutures used to secure lateral “dog ears” on rectal side of ileorectal anastomosis ( With permission from Mayo Clinic )
8 Total Abdominal Colectomy: Straight Laparoscopic Approach

Postoperative Care

At our institution, almost all patients are enrolled in an enhanced recovery pathway that has been reported previ­ously [ 8 ]. Key components of the pathway include:
– Absence of mechanical bowel preparation – Preoperative intrathecal injection (when appropriate) – Intraoperative fl uid restriction – General diet (apart from fresh fruits and vegetables) start-
ing the night of surgery
– Routine pre- and postoperative oral NSAIDs and acet-
aminophen administration – Avoidance of intravenous opioids – Early ambulation – Removal of urinary catheter on the fi rst postoperative day
– Cessation of intravenous fl uids on the fi rst postoperative day
We check electrolytes and a complete blood count on the
fi rst postoperative day and then only when indicated after­ward. For patients who have an ileostomy, postoperative stoma teaching is essential. Patients with stomas are not dis­charged until the stoma output is between 500 and 1,500 ml per day. In the ileorectostomy patients, a bowel movement prior to discharge is required.

Complications

Intraoperative
First and foremost, conversion to an open procedure should never be viewed as a failure, but instead, as the appropriate measure to take to avoid major complications. In some cases, we have converted from straight to hand-assisted laparoscopy if for technical reasons a hand inside will make the operation safe and still provide the benefi ts of minimally invasive sur­gery. Intraoperative complications during straight TAC are similar to that of minimally invasive colectomy and include: trochar or cautery injury to hollow or solid organs or vessels, inadvertent ligation of the ureter, vascular pedicle bleeding, and delayed thermal injury to the small bowel from cautery. Thermal injuries when noticed are treated with intracorporeal Lembert sutures of the bowel to seal the site of injury.
Care must be used when using vessel-sealant devices in
patients with severe atherosclerotic diseases, as these devices will not be as effective or reliable when sealing large calci­fi ed vessels. When mobilizing the splenic fl exure, injudi­cious retraction can lead to splenic capsular bleeding and, occasionally, the need for emergent splenectomy [ 9 ].
Another important safety issue is to ensure that the patient
is properly secured to the table. Given the extreme changes in table angulation during this case, it is important to confi rm that
99
the patient is both properly padded and secured, using chest and/or shoulder straps. One tip is to have the anesthetist simu­late extreme Trendelenburg and lateral positions prior to prep­ping and draping to confi rm no excessive patient movement.
Delay in diagnosis of an intraoperative injury usually results in greater morbidity for the patient than when recog­nized at the time of operation. It is essential to be prepared for the unexpected and to be vigilant about exploring the abdomen at the end of the procedure to search out potential problems. We have found that most intraoperative injuries can be avoided by ensuring that the surgeon stays in the cor­rect plane of dissection at all times, avoids excessive and blind retraction, and always visualizes the critical anatomy.
Postoperative
Ileorectostomy is notorious for an increased risk of postop­erative complications when compared to other anastomoses, both for anastomotic leaks [ 10 , 11 ] and postoperative bowel obstructions [ 12 ]. Reasons are manifold but likely include diffi culty with size mismatch, ischemia, or excessive mobil­ity of the small intestine mesentery leading to volvulus.
For all straight laparoscopic TAC cases, there are risks of an unrecognized enterotomy, small bowel thermal injury (leading to a delayed enterotomy), and ureterotomy. Postoperative bleeding can result from poorly sealed or tied mesenteric vessels, from splenic capsular bleeding, or from the abdominal wall where ports have been placed. Ports placed through the inferior epigastric vessels that bleed in the postoperative period can lead to life-threatening bleeding when the tamponade effect of the trocar is gone. Other post­operative complications specifi c to a subtotal colectomy also include mesenteric or portal vein thrombosis [ 13 ] or, most frequently, early small bowel obstruction from adhesions, mesenteric volvulus, or at the site of the ileostomy (either from edema or too small of a fascial aperture). Postoperative bowel obstruction requiring reoperation has been reported in up to 8 % of patients [ 14 ]. In cases of fulminant colitis (i.e., ulcerative colitis or Clostridium diffi cile ), rupture of a high- risk rectal stump can occur, resulting in abdominal sepsis. If a high-risk sigmoid stump was tacked in the suprafascial posi­tion, it may later rupture, resulting in a wound infection. The wound can be opened, and controlled mucus fi stula can be managed with a stoma appliance. As mentioned previously, one may consider leaving a urinary catheter with infl ated bal­loon or red rubber catheter in the rectum for a day or so to promote drainage of bloody stool and mucus and release of air in order to decrease subsequent risk of “stump blow out.” Meticulous technique is essential as postoperative bleeding or anastomotic leaks can result in pelvic hematomas or subse­quent abscesses, which may compromise future surgery.
100

Outcomes

Studies confl ict over the absolute benefi ts of laparoscopy versus open approach to TAC in regard to postoperative com­plications [ 1518 ]. One of the purported, but not proven, benefi ts of laparoscopic TAC is the prevention of adhesions, which is especially relevant if a future ileoanal pouch is planned [
17 , 19 ]. Multiple studies have shown that laparo-
scopic TAC is safe and feasible in experienced hands and results in shorter lengths of stay and a decrease in wound infections compared to open approaches [ 17 ].

Pearls and Pitfalls

Perhaps the most important consideration for surgeons to recognize is that a laparoscopic TAC is a technically chal­lenging procedure, necessitating the ligation of multiple ves­sels and working in multiple quadrants of the abdomen. Moreover, straight laparoscopy requires advanced knowl­edge of embryologic planes and regional anatomy to avoid collateral damage. An experienced laparoscopic camera operator and frequent table adjustments are required to maxi­mize visualization. Surgeons at the beginning of their learn­ing curve may want to consider getting more experience with straight laparoscopic segmental colectomy and hand-assisted TAC early in their career prior to undertaking a straight lapa­roscopic approach to the entire colon when independent operating experience is limited. Having a senior colleague that can mentor can greatly facilitate the learning curve.
For the most challenging cases (obese, adhesions from prior surgery), adding more ports can greatly facilitate suc­cessful completion of the operation [
7 ]. Traction and coun-
tertraction are critical to make the straight laparoscopic approach successful, and one should not hesitate adding ports to facilitate this. Patient selection (less obese patients, no previous surgery) and staying consistent with a standard­ized technical approach will improve effi ciency as the sur­geon’s experience grows.

Conclusion

A straight laparoscopic approach to TAC with either end ileostomy or restorative ileorectal anastomosis can be uti­lized as the surgical procedure of choice for a number of colorectal conditions. This approach is highly technical and requires advanced laparoscopic skills. In most cases, the operation is associated with shorter length of stay and fewer wound complications and may prove to decrease adhesion burden, giving the patient a greater chance to benefi t from laparoscopic procedures in the future. There are many
A.V. Hayman and E.J. Dozois
technical approaches to straight laparoscopic TAC, and the best approach for each surgeon is individualized. This chap­ter serves as a guide to what we believe to be a safe, effi cient, and effective approach. For the surgeon early in the learning curve for advanced laparoscopy, we hope that the systematic approach we have outlined here will facilitate further learn­ing leading to confi dence in performing a straight laparo­scopic TAC.

References

1. Holubar SD, Larson DW, Dozois EJ, Pattana-Arun J, Pemberton JH, Cima RR. Minimally invasive subtotal colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for fulminant ulcerative colitis: a reason­able approach? Dis Colon Rectum. 2009;52(2):187–92.
2. Fichera A, Zoccali M, Gullo R. Single incision (“scarless”) laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy for ulcerative colitis. J Gastrointest Surg. 2011;15(7):1247–51 [Comparative Study].
3. Paranjape C, Ojo OJ, Carne D, Guyton D. Single-incision laparo­scopic total colectomy. JSLS. 2012;16(1):27–32 [Case Reports Review].
4. Cahill RA, Lindsey I, Jones O, Guy R, Mortensen N, Cunningham C. Single-port laparoscopic total colectomy for medically uncon­trolled colitis. Dis Colon Rectum. 2010;53(8):1143–7 [Comparative Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t].
5. Ozturk E, Kiran RP, Remzi F, Geisler D, Fazio V. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery may be a useful tool for surgeons early in the learning curve performing total abdominal colectomy. Colorectal Dis. 2010;12(3):199–205 [Comparative Study].
6. Boushey RP, Marcello PW, Martel G, Rusin LC, Roberts PL, Schoetz Jr DJ. Laparoscopic total colectomy: an evolutionary expe­rience. Dis Colon Rectum. 2007;50(10):1512–9.
7. Dozois EJ, Larson DW, Dowdy SC, Poola VP, Holubar SD, Cima RR. Transvaginal colonic extraction following combined hysterec­tomy and laparoscopic total colectomy: a natural orifi ce approach. Tech Coloproctol. 2008;12(3):251–4 [Case Reports].
8. Lovely JK, Maxson PM, Jacob AK, Cima RR, Horlocker TT, Hebl JR, et al. Case-matched series of enhanced versus standard recov­ery pathway in minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Br J Surg. 2012;99(1):120–6.
9. Merchea A, Dozois EJ, Wang JK, Larson DW. Anatomic mecha­nisms for splenic injury during colorectal surgery. Clin Anat. 2012;25(2):212–7.
10. Hyman N, Manchester TL, Osler T, Burns B, Cataldo PA. Anastomotic leaks after intestinal anastomosis: it’s later than you think. Ann Surg. 2007;245(2):254–8.
11. Alves A, Panis Y, Trancart D, Regimbeau JM, Pocard M, Valleur P. Factors associated with clinically signifi cant anastomotic leakage after large bowel resection: multivariate analysis of 707 patients. World J Surg. 2002;26(4):499–502.
12. Pemberton JH, Rath DM, Ilstrup DM. Evaluation and surgical treatment of severe chronic constipation. Ann Surg. 1991; 214(4):403–11. [Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, P.H.S.]; discussion 11–3.
13. Broucek JR, Francescatti AB, Swanson GR, Keshavarzian A, Brand MI, Saclarides TJ. Unusual thrombotic complications. Am Surg. 2012;78(6):728–9 [Case Reports].
14. Alves A, Panis Y, Bouhnik Y, Maylin V, Lavergne-Slove A, Valleur P. Subtotal colectomy for severe acute colitis: a 20-year experience of a tertiary care center with an aggressive and early surgical policy. J Am Coll Surg. 2003;197(3):379–85.
8 Total Abdominal Colectomy: Straight Laparoscopic Approach
101
15. Parnaby C, Ramsay G, Macleod C, Hope N, Jansen J, McAdam T. Complications after laparoscopic and open subtotal colectomy for infl ammatory colitis: a case-matched comparison. Colorectal Dis. 2013;15(11):1399–405.
16. Frid NL, Bulut O, Pachler J. Acceptable short-term outcome of laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for infl ammatory bowel disease. Dan Med J. 2013;60(6):A4645.
17. Tilney HS, Lovegrove RE, Purkayastha S, Heriot AG, Darzi AW, Tekkis PP. Laparoscopic vs open subtotal colectomy for
benign and malignant disease. Colorectal Dis. 2006;8(5):441–50 [Meta-Analysis].
18. Seshadri PA, Poulin EC, Schlachta CM, Cadeddu MO, Mamazza J. Does a laparoscopic approach to total abdominal colectomy and proctocolectomy offer advantages? Surg Endosc. 2001;15(8):837– 42 [Comparative Study].
19. Fowkes L, Krishna K, Menon A, Greenslade GL, Dixon AR. Laparoscopic emergency and elective surgery for ulcerative colitis. Colorectal Dis. 2008;10(4):373–8.

Total Abdominal Colectomy: Hand- Assisted Approach

Kiyokazu Nakajima , Tsunekazu Mizushima , and Riichiro Nezu
9
Key Points
• Don’t make the minilaparotomy wound too small.
• Select a hand-access device and energy device carefully to suit your needs.
• Don’t do everything under HALS. Use straight laparo­scopic as well as both “open” and “HALS” techniques effectively.
• Consider “lateral-to-medial” rather than “medial-to­lateral” approach for infl ammatory conditions. The mes­entery can bleed easily.
• Don’t use your hand randomly. The “palm-up” and “palm-down” are different techniques. Be comfortable with both and use them effectively.
• Communicate with your surgical crew consciously. You are the only person with tactile feedback, so ensure they are aware of what you are doing and your next steps.

Introduction

Total abdominal colectomy (TAC) is one of the most complex and extensive operations. It requires a full mobilization of the entire abdominal colon, division of the mesentery with safe ligature of all major colonic vessels, colonic resection, and anastomosis (or ileostomy) while exposing all necessary
Electronic supplementary material: Supplementary material is avail- able in the online version of this chapter at
. Videos can also be accessed at http://www.springerimages.com/
1_9 videos/978-1-4939-1580-4
K. Nakajima , M.D., F.A.C.S. (*) • T. Mizushima , M.D. Department of Gastroenterological Surgery , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , 2-2, E-2, Yamadaoka , Suita, Osaka 565-0871 , Japan
knakajima@gesurg.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
e-mail: R. Nezu , M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Surgery , Nishinomiya Municipal Central Hospital , 8-24, Hayashida-cho , Nishinomiya, Hyogo , Japan
.
10.1007/978-1-4939-1581-
anatomical structures effectively in each of the abdominal quadrant [ lenging when using laparoscopy, since TAC is mostly indi­cated for patients with infl ammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, where anatomy is often distorted with adhesions, abscesses, and fi stulae [ 2 , 3 ].
proposed as a practical alternative to both open and straight laparoscopic surgery. With HALS, surgeons regain their tac­tile sensation and gentle handling of the bowel, which may enhance effi cacy and safety of complex colorectal operations such as laparoscopic TAC and total proctocolectomy [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]. In this chapter we describe our recent technique of HALS TAC and discuss its potential advantages over straight lapa­roscopic TAC.
1 , 2 ]. These steps become further technically chal-
Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been

Indications

The indications for HALS TAC are basically similar to open or laparoscopic TAC, such as UC and Crohn’s extensive coli­tis. In fulminant UC, TAC with end ileostomy is indicated as fi rst-stage operation. In Crohn’s colitis, ileorectal anastomo­sis can be considered when the perianal disease is absent or well controlled with local therapy [ 2 ]. HALS can be consid- ered even in “semi-emergent” settings in patients with infl ammatory bowel disease when the hemodynamic status remains stable. However, open TAC should be selected when safe pneumoperitoneum is not physiologically achievable. Currently the authors do not use HALS for cases with mega­colon, since laparoscopic exposure is not optimal due to dis­tended colonic segments.
Other indications involve slow transit constipation resis­tant to medical treatment, familial adenomatous polyposis with rectal sparing, and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. TAC is not usually indicated for colorectal cancers, expect for limited cases with synchronous multiple lesions located in two or more separated colonic segments.
H.M. Ross et al. (eds.), Minimally Invasive Approaches to Colon and Rectal Disease: Technique and Best Practices, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4939-1581-1_9, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015
103
104

Patient Positioning

Under general anesthesia, the patient is placed in the modi­fi ed lithotomy position with the legs positioned in padded stirrups. The trunk should remain fi xed adequately on an operating table even in a steep Trendelenburg position. The operating surgeon stands between the patient’s legs. The assisting surgeon(s) stands on the both sides of the patient. The surgeon fi rst stands on the patient’s right side and then moves to the left side, as the procedure proceeds from the left colon to the right colon (Fig.
9.1 ).

Hand-Access Device Placement

A 7–8 cm minilaparotomy is made. We exclusively use muscle- splitting Pfannenstiel incision for UC cases, though we prefer a lower midline incision for Crohn’s patients to keep the lateral abdomen free of incisions for possible future ostomy [ 1 , 2 ]. Too small of a wound may complicate free and deep insertion of the device, therefore, interfering with the HALS procedure. After confi rming the adequacy of wound size by inserting surgeon’s hand into the abdomen, a hand-access device is assembled to the
K. Nakajima et al.
wound. Our favorite device is GelPort laparoscopic system (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), which provides stable wound retraction during open procedure and enables unlimited hand exchanges into every abdomi­nal quadrant without signifi cant gas leakage during laparo­scopic procedure [ 5 , 6 ].

Surgical Ports and Energy Devices

Two standard trocars are used: one in the periumbilical region for laparoscopy and the other in the left mid-abdomen for the energy device, respectively (Fig. 9.2 ). We currently prefer bipolar vessel-sealing device (LigaSure™, Covidien, Mansfi eld, MA) for colonic mobilization, takedown of the omentum, and mesenteric division. We do not fi nd that the LigaSure™ device gets too hot, even after repeated activa­tions, and thus enables safe use of surgeon’s hand simultane­ously [ 6 ]. We do not use monopolar electrocautery or ultrasonically driven scalpel since these devices may make hand assist diffi cult with an inability to take large vessels (monopolar) and increased heat production. We also do not routinely use any laparoscopic clips. However, device and instrumentation selection is up to the individual surgeon, and preferences differ pending experience and comfort level.
Fig. 9.1 Patient positioning and OR setup. The operating surgeon stands between patient’s legs. The surgeon stands on patient’s right side for left colon procedure and then moves to left side for right colon procedure
9 Total Abdominal Colectomy: Hand-Assisted Approach

The “Palm-Down” and “Palm-Up” Techniques

HALS requires logical and systemic use of surgeon’s hand. A random use of hand may interfere with the procedure, rather than assist the procedure. The authors have system­atized and categorized the use of hand into two simple tech­niques: “palm-down” and “palm-up” techniques.
Most of HALS procedures can be performed using “palm­down” technique (Video 9.1 ). This technique facilitates free and delicate use of the 2nd/3rd fi ngers. This is best suited for extending an avascular plane under continuous traction, e.g., colonic mobilization (Fig. 2nd fi nger is possible, as needed.
9.3a ). A blunt dissection using
105
In “palm-up” position, on the contrary, the surgeon can more positively use his/her 1st fi nger (Video 9.2 ). This tech­nique is effective for palpation and for dividing structures containing vessels. In mesenteric division, for example, a fi ne palpation and rapid division is possible by pinching the mesentery with 1st and 2nd fi ngers (Fig. 9.3b ). Additionally, a wider displacement/retraction is possible with intentional use of dorsal surface of the hand. This is extremely useful in dividing the mesentery while keeping small-bowel loops out from the operative fi eld.

Technical Aspects Step-by-Step

Our technical principles of TAC are similar either in open, straight laparoscopic or HALS approach, which involve entire colonic mobilization followed by the mesenteric divi­sion, both in an inferior-to-superior fashion initially, fol­lowed by counterclockwise approach. Since the high ligation of major colonic arteries is often unnecessary (except in the rare situation of multiple synchronous cancers), the authors exclusively use a “lateral-to-medial” approach for colonic mobilization. A “medial-to-lateral” approach can still be used; however, it is not as straightforward as in usual cancer cases due to infl amed mesentery and fragile peri-colonic tis­sue. The key is to maximally utilize the minilaparotomy to facilitate “open” procedures, i.e., procedures achievable under direct vision, such as small-bowel exploration, partial colonic mobilization, and anastomosis.
Step 1. Partial Colonic Mobilization Under Direct Vision (Fig.
Fig. 9.2 The sites for hand-access device, laparoscope, and energy
device
Fig. 9.3 Schematic representations of ( a ) “palm-down” and ( b ) “palm-up” techniques
The procedure begins under direct vision with the hand­access device left uncapped (opened). First, the small bowel
9.4 )
106
K. Nakajima et al.
Fig. 9.4 Step 1 (partial colonic mobilization under direct vision)
Fig. 9.5 Mobilizing the sigmoid-descending colon junction under
direct vision
is identifi ed and exteriorized to evaluate any “extracolonic” pathologies. This step is extremely important in Crohn’s patients, since additional strictureplasty and/or small-bowel resection can be immediately performed under direct vision when a signifi cant lesion is identifi ed during the exploration. This exploration is also important in UC patients to exclude any possibility of “Crohn’s disease mimicking UC.”
While the hand-access device is kept uncapped, the descending colon and its junction to the sigmoid colon is exposed and partially mobilized (Fig. 9.5 ). The left ureter can be identifi ed as it crosses over the iliac bifurcation in thin patients (Video 9.3 ). The dissection can be extended towards the splenic fl exure as long as the exposure is ade­quate and constant. The ileocecal mobilization is then per­formed on the right side as well (Fig.
9.4 ). The key is to use
long retracting devices for effective displacement of the small-bowel loops.
Fig. 9.6 Step 2 (completion of colonic mobilization under HALS)
Step 2. Completion of Colonic Mobilization Under HALS (Fig.
The hand-access device is then sealed, and a pneumoperito­neum is established. HALS begins with the insertion of sur­geon’s nondominant hand into the abdominal cavity. The colonic mobilization under HALS is initiated from the left side by extending the dissecting plane made at Step 1 (Fig. 9.7 ). The descending colon is medially retracted using “palm-down” technique. The 2nd and 3rd fi ngers are used to maintain the dissecting plane onto the lateral attachment. After mobilizing the descending colon, the splenic fl exure is cupped with the palm and gently retracted caudally (Fig. 9.8 ). The splenocolic ligament is thus stretched and effectively taken down with LigaSure™ device. Care is taken to avoid too much traction at this stage to avoid an inadvertent tearing of the splenic capsule.
The omentum is then freed from the transverse colon at its attachment, from the left side to the right side, by inserting the hand between the omentum and transverse mesocolon using “palm-down” technique. During the omental dissection, each fi nger can be used for effective retraction: stretching the omentum with 2nd and 3rd fi ngers, while dis­placing the transverse colon with 4th fi nger (Fig. 9.9 ). Alternatively, the lesser sac is fi rst opened at the mid-trans­verse colon, and the window is then extended to the left side to meet the initial dissecting plane over the splenic fl exure.
As the omentum takedown proceeds beyond the mid­transverse colon, the dissection gradually becomes challeng­ing due to mismatch of the working axis of LigaSure™ device and the direction of dissection. This can be solved simply by moving the dissecting area into the effective work­ing area of LigaSure™ device. This so-called “move-the­ground” technique is also useful when the operative fi eld is too close to the laparoscope (Fig.
9.6 )
9.10 ). The overview can be