A multimodal concept for vaginal cuff closure by modification of the Bakay technique in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomized clinical study

Background The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of modified Bakay technique (MT) to standard colpotomy (ST) and cuff closure in total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Methods This two-centre, randomized-controlled study included a total of 160 patients who were scheduled for TLH for benign diseases (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT05080114 and the first posted date was 15/10/2021). The patients were allocated into two groups by a computer-based randomization programme as ST group and MT group. Total operative time, cuff closure time, length of hospital stay, intra- and postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, pre- and postoperative vaginal length, and patient satisfaction according to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire were assessed. Results Seventy-seven patients in the ST group and 80 patients in the MT group underwent TLH. The total operative time was significantly shorter in the MT compared to the ST (55.5 vs. 59 min, respectively; p = 0.001). The median total operative time for colpotomy, extraction of uterus, and vaginal cuff closure steps was 9 (range 6–12 in MT vs. 6 to 11 in ST) min in both groups. The median hospital stay was 2 (range 1–4) days in both groups. Intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the groups (90 mL in ST vs. 80 mL in MT; p = 0.456). The mean uterine weight for the ST group and MT group was comparable (258.6 ± 88.6 g vs. 232.9 ± 102.5 g, respectively; p = 0.107). The preoperative vaginal length was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.502). The median postoperative vaginal length was significantly higher in the MT group compared to the ST group on Day 90 (8 cm vs. 7,5 cm, respectively; p = 0.001). The PGI-I questionnaire score on Day 90 postoperatively was 2 (range 1–5) in both groups (p = 0.636). The complication rates were similar between the groups (p = 0.230). Conclusion The MT can be safely performed in most of the cases requiring TLH with the advantages of vaginal cuff closure before the alteration of pelvic anatomy, support to primary healing of the vaginal cuff, and routine concomitant apical support.

One surgeon’s experience with r-TAPP: a retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive robotic inguinal hernia cases

There is a tremendous paucity of literatures regarding the long-term surgical outcomes of the r-TAPP procedure for inguinal hernia repair. Additionally, much of the existing literatures regarding this procedure have limited follow-up of to 12 months. This article presents the outcomes of 150 consecutive r-TAPP inguinal hernia repairs performed on 111 patients using Progrip mesh without fixation, with up to 24 months of follow-up. The initial 150 consecutive r-TAPP inguinal hernia repairs were performed from February 2017 to April 2018 using Progrip without fixation. All patients were seen at 2 weeks, followed by phone follow-up at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Of the 111 patients, 39 had bilateral hernias (35%) and 72 had unilateral hernias (65%). The age range was 18–93 years. The BMI range was 20.7–50.2, with a mean of 26.4 and median of 25.8. Total operative time ranged from 28 to 138 min with a mean of 62.4 min and median of 56 min. ASA classification ranged from 1 to 4, with a mean of 2.1. No significant blood loss was observed in any of the cases. There were no conversions to open surgery. All patients were discharged the same day of the operation. We were able to follow up with 100% of the hernias at 2 weeks, 88% at 6 months, 87% at 1 year, and 80% at 2 years. No recurrences were recorded at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years. There were no reports of chronic pain up to 2 years in any of the patients. These results indicate that r-TAPP inguinal hernia repair using Progrip without further fixation is safe, effective, and can be performed with minimal recurrences or chronic pain.

Laser Surgery for Treating Retarded Teeth Eruption in Children

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of laser surgery in treating retarded eruption in children.Method: Sixty-three children (age：7-13 ，30 boys and 33 girls)were selected and according to the random number table divided into three groups: Laser surgery group (group A), electrosurgery group (group B), and routine surgery group (group C).The total operative time, the duration of pain after gingival excision, and VAS pain intensity scores, gingival healing time, and intraoperative coordination were all recorded . Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (0 to 100mm). At six months during the follow-up, this physician checked and recorded the periodontal indicators of permanent teeth, including gum index (GI), plaque index (PLI), and probing depth (PD).Results: All teeth erupted normally in three groups after treatment, showing normal pulp and periodontal tissue. There was no significant difference in operative time, pain duration, pain intensity, healing time between group A and group B. There was a significant difference in total operative time, pain duration, pain intensity, and healing time between electrosurgery group (group B) and routine surgery group (group C) (P<0.05).There was a significant difference in total operative time, pain duration, pain intensity, and healing time between laser surgery group (group A) and routine surgery group (group C) (P<0.05).Periodontal indexes, including gingival indexes, plaque indexes, were examined in three groups at six months after treatment by the same periodontist. Then, the efficacy of the three methods was compared.Conclusion: Laser surgery and high-frequency electrosurgery has favorable efficacy, less pain, and higher operability. However, in the use of the electric knife, the paste flavor may discomfort the children, make them less cooperative, and prolong the procedures.

The initial learning curve for the ROSA® Knee System can be achieved in 6-11 cases for operative time and has similar 90-day complication rates with improved implant alignment compared to manual instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the learning curve for total operative time using a novel cutting guide positioning robotic assistant for total knee arthroplasty (raTKA). Additionally, we compared complications and final limb alignment between raTKA and manual TKA (mTKA), as well as accuracy to plan for raTKA cases. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study on a series of patients (n = 180) that underwent raTKA (n = 90) using the ROSA Total Knee System or mTKA (n = 90) by one of three high-volume (> 200 cases per year) orthopaedic surgeons between December 2019 and September 2020, with minimum three-month follow-up. To evaluate the learning curve surgical times and postoperative complications were reviewed. Results The cumulative summation analysis for total operative time revealed a change point of 10, 6, and 11 cases for each of three surgeons, suggesting a rapid learning curve. There was a significant difference in total operative times between the learning raTKA and both the mastered raTKA and mTKA groups (p = 0.001) for all three surgeons combined. Postoperative complications were minimal in all groups. The proportion of outliers for the final hip-knee-ankle angle compared to planned was 5.2% (3/58) for the mastered raTKA compared to 24.1% (19/79) for mTKA (p = 0.003). The absolute mean difference between the validated and planned resections for all angles evaluated was < 1 degree for the mastered raTKA cases. Conclusion As the digital age of medicine continues to develop, advanced technologies may disrupt the industry, but should not disrupt the care provided. This cutting guide positioning robotic system can be integrated relatively quickly with a rapid initial learning curve (6-11 cases) for operative times, similar 90-day complication rates, and improved component positioning compared to mTKA. Proficiency of the system requires additional analysis, but it can be expected to improve over time. Level of evidence Level III Retrospective Therapeutic Cohort Study.

TP6.2.6 A meta-analysis and systematic review of Laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for malignant liver tumours in the elderly patients

Aims To evaluate comparative outcomes of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for malignant liver tumours in elderly patients. Methods A systematic online search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane database, The Virtual Health Library, Clinical trials.gov and Science Direct. Comparative studies comparing laparoscopic (LH) versus open hepatectomy (OH) for both primary and metastatic malignant liver tumours in the elderly were included. Total operative time (minutes), need to perform Pringle’s manoeuvre, blood loss (ml), requirement for blood transfusion intra-operatively/post-operatively, post-operative complications, R0 resection rate, specimen resection margin (mm), re-operation rate, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 90-day mortality were the evaluated outcome parameters. Results Twelve studies reporting a total number of 1762 patients who underwent laparoscopic (n = 831) or open (n = 931) hepatectomy were included. OH group was associated with a significantly higher number of post-operative complications compared to LH (P = 0.00001). Complications such as post-operative liver failure (P = 0.02), ascites formation (P = 0.002), surgical site infection (P = 0.02), blood loss (P = 0.03), blood transfusion rate (P = 0.05) and LOS (P = 0.00001) were significantly higher in the OH group when compared to LH. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of total operative time (P = 0.53), bile leak (P = 0.12), R0 resection rate (P = 0.36), re-operation (P = 0.70) and 90-day mortality (P = 0.11). Conclusion Laparoscopic liver resections are safe with at least equal or superior peri-operative outcomes in the elderly population. Importantly, oncological outcomes are also comparable with open surgery. This approach needs to be utilised wherever possible to provide optimal healthcare in an aging population.

Sternal Fixation with Synthes® Titanium Sternal Fixation System Using Preoperative 3-Dimensional Planning and a Patient-Specific Surgical Guide: A Pilot Study

Sternal refixation or reconstruction of a median sternotomy can be indicated after treatment of deep sternal wound infection or bony non-union. Synthes® Titanium Sternal Fixation System is routinely used for sternal refixation. To perform a stable reconstruction, the titanium plates need to be bent to the anatomical shape of the sternum and adjacent ribs. The procedure offers good results, but can be, especially in the case of a complex non-union or a complex anatomy, time-consuming. Based on pre-operative CT-scan a 3D model of the sternum was printed (Materialise, Belgium). The operation was simulated using 3D software (Materialise, Belgium) and the two parts were aligned. The titanium plates were bent to fit the anatomical shape of the 3D model pre-operatively. During surgery the plates were fitted and if necessary additional bending was performed. Case 1: Total pre-operative bending time for the relatively simple anatomic shape and mal-union was 53 minutes. Total operative time was 1 hour 19 minutes. Case 2: Total pre-operative bending time for a complicated non-union and anatomy was 1 hour 21 minutes. Total operative time was 1 hour 43 minutes. Because of pre-operative bending, total operative time could be reduced by approximately 40-45%. Additional bending was rarely necessary. This case series demonstrates that the use of 3- dimensional planned patient-specific guides and preoperative preparations can help reduce operating time with satisfactory preliminary results.

Evaluation of the learning curve for totally robotic single-anastomosis duodenal–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy by CUSUM analysis

Single-anastomosis duodenal–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) has similar efficacy and lower complication rate in the treatment of morbid obesity and obesity-associated metabolic diseases compared with the biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch. The use of a robotic surgical system reduces surgical difficulties and improves surgical outcomes. The learning curve reflects the rate of skills or knowledge acquired in a certain period of time. However, the learning curve for robotic SADI-S has not been estimated.We used the cumulative sum analysis method to investigate the learning curve of totally robotic SADI-S. Textbook outcome analysis was performed to comprehensively define surgical success or failure.Multivariate analysis was performed to predict independent risk factors for complications and operative time. The moving average method was used to reflect the trends in operative time.This study showed that the learning curve for totally robotic SADI-S was 27 cases. Surgeon experience (case number and successful case number) was an independent predictor of the total operative time. A successful case number was the only independent predictor of surgical success or failure in this study (β = 0.084; P = 0.001). Except for the first assistant level, scrubbed nurse level, operative time, and proportion of abdominal drainage tube, there was no significant difference between the learning stage and mastery stage groups.The learning curve for totally robotic SADI-S was 27 cases. Surgeon experience including case number and successful case number were identified as independent predictors affecting the total operative time. A successful case number was the only independent predictor of surgical success or failure.

Reduction of Anastomotic Time Through the Use of Cyanoacrylate in Microvascular Procedures

Background: Ever since the description of the first microvascular anastomosis, numerous alternative methods have been described to the classical approach. Tissue adhesive has shown promising result in previous studies and can be a fast and efficient alternative which still requires more studies to allow its clinical implementation. Methods: A randomized comparative experimental study was conducted on rats’ femoral arteries and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed in order to compare 2 anastomosis techniques. In one group, a simple interrupted suture was utilized, whereas in the second group a combination between fewer sutures and tissue adhesive was used. The anastomotic time, total operative time, blood flow velocity before, immediately after and 48 hours after the procedure, as well as an independent grading of the anastomosis immediately after the procedure were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in order to assess the degree of stenosis. After euthanasia, histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on the vessels in order to assess possible complications. Results: A total of 24 anastomoses were performed, of which 12 with a classic technique and 12 with an adhesive technique. All the anastomoses were patent with a significant reduction of anastomotic and total operative time. The grading of the anastomoses showed better results in the classic suture group. The blood flow velocities were not statistically significant between the 2 groups. On MRI there was one stenotic anastomosis, whereas histology and SEM showed more complications on the adhesive group. Conclusion: Anastomotic times were significantly lower with a non-significant trend toward more thrombotic complications in the adhesive group. Further improvement of the glue properties and refinement of the technique will likely make it a viable alternative to interrupted suturing in the future.

Robotic single-site versus multi-port myomectomy: a case–control study

Background This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of robotic single-site (RSS) myomectomy in comparison with the conventional robotic multi-port (RMP) myomectomy to achieve successful surgical outcomes with reliability and reproducibility. Methods This retrospective case–control study was performed on 236 robotic myomectomies at a university medical center. After 1:1 propensity score matching for the total myoma number, total myoma diameter, and patient age, 90 patients in each group (RSS: n = 90; RMP: n = 90) were evaluated. Patient demographics, preoperative parameters, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcome measures were analyzed. Results The body mass index, parity, preoperative hemoglobin levels, mean maximal myoma diameter, and anatomical type of myoma showed no mean differences between RSS and RMP myomectomies. The RSS group was younger, had lesser number of myomas removed, and had a smaller sum of the maximal diameter of total myomas removed than the RMP group. After propensity score matching, the total operative time (RSS: 150.9 ± 57.1 min vs. RMP: 170 ± 74.5 min, p = 0.0296) was significantly shorter in the RSS group. The RSS group tended to have a longer docking time (RSS: 9.8 ± 6.5 min vs. RMP: 8 ± 6.2 min, p = 0.0527), shorter console time (RSS: 111.1 ± 52.3 min vs. RMP: 125.8 ± 65.1 min, p = 0.0665), and shorter time required for in-bag morcellation (RSS: 30.1 ± 17.2 min vs. RMP: 36.2 ± 25.7 min, p = 0.0684). The visual analog scale pain score 1 day postoperatively was significantly lower in the RSS group (RSS: 2.4 ± 0.8 days vs. RMP: 2.7 ± 0.8 days, p = 0.0149), with similar consumption of analgesic drugs. The rate of transfusion, estimated blood loss during the operation, and length of hospital stay were not different between the two modalities. No other noticeable complications were observed in either group. Conclusions Da Vinci RSS myomectomy is a compatible option with regard to reproducibility and safety, without significantly compromising the number and sum of the maximal diameter of myomas removed. The advantage of shorter total operative time and less pain with the same amount of analgesic drugs in RSS myomectomy will contribute to improving patient satisfaction.

Securing the surgical field for mobilization of right-sided colon cancer using the duodenum-first multidirectional approach in laparoscopic surgery

Background The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of the duodenum-first multidirectional approach (DMA) in laparoscopic right colectomy with those of the conventional medial approach to assess its safety and feasibility. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 120 patients who had laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer in our institution between April 2013 and December 2019. Fifty-four patients underwent colectomy using the multidirectional approach; among these, 20 underwent the DMA and 34 underwent the caudal-first multidirectional approach (CMA). Sixty-six patients underwent the conventional medial approach. Complications within 30 days of surgery were compared between the groups. Results There were 54 patients in the multidirectional group [29 females, median age 72 years (range 36–91 years)] and 66 in the medial group [42 females, median age 72 years (range 41–91 years)]. Total operative time was significantly shorter in multidirectional approach patients than conventional medial approach patients (208 min vs. 271 min; p = 0.01) and significantly shorter in patients who underwent the DMA compared to the CMA (201 min vs. 269 min; p < 0.001). Operative time for the mobilization procedure was also significantly shorter in patients who underwent the DMA (131 min vs. 181 min; p < 0.001). Blood loss and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ. In 77 patients with advanced T3/T4 tumors, the DMA, CMA, and conventional medial approach were performed in 13, 21, and 43 patients, respectively. Total operative time and operative time of the mobilization procedure were significantly shorter in patients undergoing DMA. Blood loss and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ. R0 resection was achieved in all patients with advanced tumors. Conclusions The DMA in laparoscopic right colectomy is safe and feasible and can achieve R0 resection with a shorter operative time than the conventional medial approach, even in patients with advanced tumors.