Abstract


Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a considerable risk during emergency colorectal surgery in a pandemic epicenter. It is well known that the primary route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is through respiratory droplets. However, little is known about shedding of the virus in bodily fluids and associated risks. Although the current moratorium on elective surgery addresses multiple ongoing concerns, including the management of precious resources as well as unknown exposure risks, surgeons undeniably must face and mitigate risks related to exposure to patient airway management-related aerosols, bodily fluids, surgical smoke, contaminated insufflation, and specimen handling in emergency colorectal surgery. Given the significant concern of airborne transmission, the authors recommend conventional, in lieu of laparoscopic, access in emergency colorectal surgery in a COVID-19 pandemic epicenter.

Abstract


Background: Despite being widely adopted, the laparoscopic approach to radical and partial nephrectomy is still burdened by high rates of hemorrhagic complications, which require blood transfusions and conversion to open surgery with increased morbidity. While pre-operative renal artery embolization (PRAE) can prevent intraoperative blood loss and vascular injuries, its prophylactic use is still a matter of debate. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of PRAE in overcoming the main pitfalls of laparoscopy, which are related to the absence of tactile feedback.
Methods: Data from 48 patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy for cancer (34 laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and 14 “off-clamp” laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) after selective and superselective PRAE, respectively) were retrospectively evaluated.
Results: The overall median blood loss was 50 ml and only 2 patients (4%) required one unit of blood products. While conversion to open surgery was not required in the LPN group, one case in the LRN group was converted to open surgery due to intraoperative incoercible bleeding from an unrecognized, and thus not embolized, aberrant inferior polar artery. Post-embolization syndrome occurred in 7 patients (15%), resulting in mild flank pain and nausea. No patients in the LPN group experienced new onset of acute renal failure.
Conclusion: Our experience supports pre-operative renal embolization as a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is effective for reducing perioperative bleeding in the laparoscopic setting.