Extraperitoneal Approach Research Articles

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach for lateral lymph node dissection for patients with metachronous lateral pelvic lymph node metastases following surgery for rectal cancer: a case series and short-term outcomes.

There have been few reports of a totally extraperitoneal approach for laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for patients with metachronous lateral pelvic lymph node metastases following surgery for rectal cancer. Therefore, this study reports the short-term outcomes of LLND via an extraperitoneal approach. A total of 10 patients underwent LLND through a laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach in our hospital since October 2018. Patients with suspected resectable lateral lymph node recurrence after surgery for rectal cancer on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) were selected for this procedure. Nine of the 10 cases were completed using this procedure, but one case was converted to an intraperitoneal approach. The median operative time was 231min, and the median estimated blood loss was 10ml. There was one case of wound infection, but no other postoperative complications were seen. In one patient, no metastases were found in the retrieved lymph nodes. The short-term outcomes of LLND through a laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach were acceptable. Because this procedure can be performed without violating the peritoneum, it is less invasive than the conventional intraperitoneal approach and is useful for metachronous lateral pelvic lymph node metastases.

Inguinal Hernia Repair: Comparative Study between TEP versus Extended Totally Extraperitoneal.

Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure, with laparoscopic techniques offering advantages over open surgery. The extended Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique provides a larger working space compared to the traditional Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) approach, potentially improving outcomes. A prospective study was conducted comparing eTEP and TEP techniques for inguinal hernia repair at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Forty patients (20 in each group) aged 15-65 with uncomplicated inguinal hernias were included. Surgical procedures were performed based on patient preference. Data on surgical duration, pain scores, hospital stay, and complications were collected and analyzed using statistical methods. eTEP surgery had a significantly shorter mean duration (48.70 ± 7.505 minutes) compared to TEP surgery (74.20 ± 7.78 minutes; P = 0.00). Patients undergoing eTEP experienced lower mean pain scores (3.75 ± 0.55) compared to those undergoing TEP (5.15 ± 0.745; P = 0.00). Hospital stay following eTEP surgery was shorter (1.70 ± 0.657 days) than following TEP surgery (3.65 ± 1.137 days; P = 0.00). eTEP had lower incidences of hematoma and surgical emphysema but higher seroma complications. TEP surgeries were associated with more post-operative complications and a higher likelihood of requiring conversion to open surgery. The eTEP technique offers several advantages over TEP, including shorter surgical duration, less post-operative pain, and shorter hospital stays. However, TEP had more complications related to seroma. Individual patient factors and surgeon experience should guide the choice of technique. The eTEP technique appears to be a promising option for inguinal hernia repair, offering advantages over TEP in terms of surgical outcomes. However, further studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and complication rates comprehensively.

Single-port versus multi-port laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The evolution of minimally invasive surgery has transformed inguinal hernia repair (IHR). The innovative single-port technique reduces the number of surgical incisions. However, the benefits of single-port IHR remain controversial. Our systematic review and network meta-analysis assess the efficacy and clinical outcomes of single-port laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (SPL-IHR), multi-port laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (MPL-IHR), single-port robotic inguinal hernia repair (SPR-IHR), and multi-port robotic inguinal hernia repair (MPR-IHR). A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Ovid for articles published before January 2024, focusing on complication rates, recurrence, seroma, hematoma, operative time, post-operative pain, and cosmetic outcomes of laparoscopic or robotic IHR. Both extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal (TAPP) approaches were analyzed using MetaInsight. MPL-TAPP was used as the standard for comparison. Thirty-seven studies, including 5,038 patients, 36.92% (1,860 patients) underwent MPL-TEP, 23.64% (1,191 patients) SPL-TEP, 22.23% (1,120 patients) MPR-TAPP, 10.08% (508 patients) MPL-TAPP, 5.40% (272 patients) SPL-TAPP, and 1.73% (87 patients) SPR-TAPP. There were no significant differences in the rates of post-operative complications, hernia recurrence, hematoma, or seroma among the techniques when compared to MPL-TAPP. For secondary outcomes, MPR-TAPP significantly increased the operative time for unilateral hernia repair by a mean difference (MD) of 10.60 min [95% CI: 2.16-19.04]. Conversely, for bilateral hernia repair, there was no significant difference. Post-operative pain was significantly higher for MPL-TEP and SPL-TEP, with MDs of 1.44 [95% CI: 0.43 to 2.44] and 1.22 [95% CI: 0.18 to 2.26], respectively. SPL-TEP was significantly favored in cosmetic outcomes over MPL-TEP, with an MD of 0.65 [95% CI: 0.07 to 1.24]. In our network meta-analysis, the risk of post-operative complications, including recurrence, hematoma, and seroma, does not significantly vary among single-port and multi-port laparoscopic or robotic techniques. This suggests that surgical technique selection can rely on surgeon expertise and resource availability, without compromising outcomes.

Enhanced view totally extraperitoneal approach: The best available option for recurrent incisional hernias following previous laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus repairs.

The available options for recurrent incisional hernias (RIH) following previous laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) plus were open onlay repair, open Rives-Stoppa (RS), laparoscopic enhanced view totally extraperitoneal-RS (ETEP-RS) and laparoscopic subcutaneous onlay mesh repair. Majority of these RIH were managed by open onlay mesh repairs or laparoscopic Redo IPOM plus. There are not much data available in the literature on the ETEP approach for RIH following previous IPOM plus with the placement of mesh in the retrorectus space. In this article, I would like to share technical aspects, challenges faced and tips to overcome these challenges of performing ETEP for RIH following previous IPOM plus repairs.

Extraperitoneal robotic approach to the uretero-vesical junction in children: Initial experience and a step-by-step video presentation

The use of transperitoneal robotic-assisted procedures for ureterovesical junction (UVJ) anomalies in pediatric patients is increasing. However, the extra-peritoneal approach potentially less invasive, remains underexplored with robotic approach in pediatric patients. We present our experience of robot-assisted extra-vesical laparoscopic extra-peritoneal UVJ surgery. Extraperitoneal access was made through a 1,5cm horizontal incision below the umbilicus. Digital dissection was performed under the rectus fascia to the pubic symphysis. The space was further developed under direct vision with laparoscope. The Da Vinci Xi platform was docked after the placement of 4 robotic 8mm-trocars and an 8mm assistant port. We performed extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic UVJ surgery in 3 patients: - Case 1: 9-year-old boy: left-sided ureterectomy, UV reimplantation (UVR) with psoas hitch for a symptomatic mega-ureter. - Case 2: 13-year-old girl: right-sided VUR on a duplex system treated with an extravesical Lich-Gregoir antireflux plasty. - Case 3: 8-year-old boy: left-sided bladder diverticulectomy with UVR. There is no complication above Clavien 2 and no recurrence of febrile UTI during the follow-up period (from 6 to 17 months). Extra-peritoneal robotic approach for UVJ surgery further for UVR in pediatric urology seems feasible with good short-term result even for the complex ones.

Extraperitoneal Single Port vs Transperitoneal Multiport Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Frail Patients: A Propensity Score Matched Comparative Analysis

PurposeThe rise of frail patients in the worldwide population poses a challenge in the prostate cancer surgical care. In this light, we aimed to compare perioperative and early surgical outcomes of Extraperitoneal Single Port (SP)- vs Transperitoneal Multiport (MP) - Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RALP) in different frailty settings. Materials and methodsClinical and surgical data of all consecutive patients treated with RALP between March 2014 and October 2023 were gathered. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for potential baseline pre-operative confounders. The 5-miFI score was calculated for each patient and then three risk categories were identified (5-mFI score = 0, 1 and >2). ResultsA total of 549 patients were assessed in the unmatched analysis. After the propensity score, 126 patients for each treatment group were matched. When stratified in different frailty-groups, 30-days postoperative complications occurred significantly more frequently in case of 5-mFI score >2 (p=0.001). Moreover, higher rate of both overall (52 vs 23%, p=0.01) and major (19.6 vs 8.2%, p=0.02) postoperative complications was found in these patients in case of transperitoneal MP RARP as compared to the extraperitoneal SP procedures. Exploring predictors of postoperative early complications in patients with 5-mFI score >2, extraperitoneal SP robotic approach showed a significant protective role on both overall (OR 0.21, p=0.001) and major (OR 0.33, p=0.001) complications occurrence. ConclusionsIn a matched cohort of patients treated with Robot Assisted Radical Prostatectomy, extraperitoneal Single Port approach significantly reduced the overall and major early complications rate in frail patients.

Single-port extra-peritoneal robotic radical prostatectomy in a patient with hostile abdomen

ABSTRACT This video explores the technique and outcomes of robotic radical prostatectomy (RP) using the da Vinci single-port robot in a 42-year-old obese male with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer and a prior history of extensive abdominal surgeries. The patient was placed in a supine position, with minimal Trendelenburg, and an extraperitoneal approach was taken, the abdominal cavity was not entered, and standardized steps of robotic RP were executed. The surgery lasted 190 min and the blood loss was 100 mL. The patient was discharged on the postoperative day 1, and the prostate-specific antigen was undetectable after 6 months and he had excellent functional outcomes.

Total extra-peritoneal approach to radical cystectomy with ureterostomy: A novel technique for the elderly and frail

ObjectivesRadical cystectomy with urinary diversion is the gold standard treatment for bladder cancer (high-risk/muscle invasive). The transperitoneal approach is associated with significant gastrointestinal complications like ileus. In the elderly and frail with a single functional kidney, we describe an extraperitoneal technique of radical cystectomy, with a ureterostomy, to be performed without general anesthesia. Materials and methodsThe elderly, frail, and high-risk candidates for general anesthesia, with a prior history of nephroureterectomy with a second primary muscle-invasive bladder cancer, were chosen. All patients underwent the described procedure under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia. The posterior dissection was retrograde, caudal to cranial, with the peritoneum being opened only for resection of the dome. A cutaneous ureterostomy was fashioned on the side of the functional kidney. Peri-operative parameters were assessed for early recovery in this high-risk group. ResultsThe mean age was 82 years (range: 73–91), with Charleson Comorbidity Index 5, and were all deemed unfit for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. With a median duration of 127.5 minutes, an average blood loss of 225ml, and no patient requiring general anesthesia; early ambulation, early return of bowel function, and a lesser hospital stay (7 days) with minimal morbidity were achieved. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all cases, with a mean harvest of 29 lymph nodes. Only 1 patient developed stomal stenosis. The cause-specific survival (CSS) is 100% at 2 years. ConclusionsThe highlighting features are the early return of bowel function (flatus passage on day 1) and the avoidance of the cardio-pulmonary complications of general anesthesia. The extraperitoneal cystectomy offers a promising alternative in this select group and warrants further studies to extrapolate this technique for bilateral urinary drainage.

Eleven-Year Experience With Midline Extraperitoneal Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Germ Cell Tumors.

A midline extraperitoneal approach for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (EP-RPLND) has been associated with decreased morbidity compared to the transperitoneal approach. We aimed to review our 11-year experience in patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) who underwent EP-RPLND at a single institution. All patients with GCT who underwent EP-RPLND between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Surgical, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes were reported. A logistic regression model was developed to evaluate variables predictive of early discharge. Oncologic outcomes included 2-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and recurrence patterns, which were analyzed according to pathology. Overall, 237 patients underwent EP-RPLND, of which 72% were administered in the postchemotherapy (PC) setting. Median follow-up was 16.7 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.9-39.6). Median size of retroperitoneal disease was 2.8 cm (IQR 1.8-5.4), of which 16 cases were ≥ 10 cm. There were no cases of postoperative ileus or readmission due to small-bowel obstruction. Median hospital stay was 2 days (IQR 1-3). From 2020 to 2021, 73% of patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 and 89% by postoperative day 2. Thirty-one complications occurred, including 4% grade III to IV complications. In the primary setting, 2-year RFS for seminoma and nonseminomatous GCT was 0.93 (95% CI 0.84-1.00) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.72-1.00), respectively. In the PC setting, 2-year RFS for seminoma and nonseminomatous GCT was 0.88 (95% CI 0.74-1.00) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.95), respectively. Overall, only 7 patients had in-field recurrence. Midline EP-RPLND is safe and associated with rapid gastrointestinal recovery, short hospital stay, and low complication rates. It also demonstrates acceptable oncologic outcomes in the primary and PC settings, with low rates of in-field relapse.

PJY09 Choosing the right surgical approach in overweight patients undergoing single-port robotic radical prostatectomy: A comparative study of extraperitoneal, transvesical, and transperitoneal approaches

PJY09 Choosing the right surgical approach in overweight patients undergoing single-port robotic radical prostatectomy: A comparative study of extraperitoneal, transvesical, and transperitoneal approaches

Extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy by the da Vinci and Versius System: first comparative analysis.

Robotic-assisted surgery (particularly with the da Vinci Surgical System) has revolutionized urological interventions. The advent of the Versius Surgical System introduces a compelling alternative. This study compares outcomes of extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (eRARP) using da Vinci and Versius, presenting the largest case series to date. A retrospective analysis of 106 consecutive patients undergoing eRARP (July 2021-July 2023) with da Vinci and Versius. Surgical techniques involved extraperitoneal approaches, with a single surgeon ensuring consistency. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and pathology results were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were comparable between da Vinci and Versius groups. While no significant differences were observed in overall operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay, variations were noted in pelvic lymphadenectomy rates and nerve-sparing procedures. Pathology results revealed no significant disparities in International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades and positive surgical margins. However, a notable difference emerged in pathological N stage, with Versius showing a higher percentage of positive lymph nodes. This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of da Vinci and Versius in eRARP, representing the largest case series to date. While overall outcomes were similar, nuances in lymphadenectomy rates and Pathological N stage merit attention. Ongoing research and longer-term follow-up will refine our understanding, guiding urological surgeons in optimal robotic system selection.

Robotic-assisted surgery for lateral ventral hernias - experience of robot-assisted methods for retromuscular and preperitoneal abdominal wall reconstruction.

Due to the proximity to bony structures and the complex anatomy of the three-layered lateral abdominal wall, the surgical treatment of lateral ventral hernias is technically demanding. With this study we would like to demonstrate how lateral abdominal wall hernias can be treated using new robotic surgical techniques with extraperitoneal mesh placement. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the application of the robot in minimally invasive treatment of lateral abdominal wall hernias is safe and efficient. A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent robotically-assisted lateral ventral hernia repair surgery from June 2019 to December 2023 was performed. A total of 50 ventral hernias were operated robotically due to a lateral hernia in the study period. 45 patients had an incisional hernia and 5 patients a primary spighelian hernia. 27 patients had only lateral findings, whereas 23 patients had combined hernias with lateral and medial hernial defects. 18 patients were treated with a preperitoneal mesh (r-vTAPP). 31 patients required TAR to achieve complete fascial closure and sufficient mesh overlap (24 extraperitoneal approach r-eTAR/7 transperitonel approach r-TAR). One patient had to be converted intraoperatively from a planned preperitoneal mesh to an intraperitoneal mesh repair (r-IPOM). The median hernia defect area was 71cm² (3-375cm²). The median mesh size was 600cm² (150-1290cm²). The median mesh defect ratio (MDR) was 10 (2,33-133,33). Five postoperative complications were encountered (10%). Two reoperations (4%) were required. The utilization of new robotic surgical techniques provides a safe minimally invasive treatment option even for complex lateral ventral hernias that previously posed difficulties in surgical management. The early postoperative results show promising outcomes.

Combining Innovative Techniques: Total Extraperitoneal Approach in Orthopedic Surgery (O-TEP) and Percutaneous Both Column Screw (BCS) Fixation Technique in a Geriatric Acetabular Fracture Case.

The concepts of both column fixation corridor (BCFC) and both column screws (BCS) along with the orthopedic total extraperitoneal approach (O-TEP) are highly innovative approaches in orthopedic surgery. However, the orthopedic literature lacks sufficient studies on these topics, indicating a significant gap. This case report aims to highlight how combining these innovative techniques can facilitate the use of BCFC and BCS in the treatment of acetabular fractures with O-TEP, thereby enhancing the feasibility of endoscopic techniques. Furthermore, we aim to discuss the potential advantages of BCFC and BCS concepts when used in O-TEP.For this purpose, we present a case of a 74-year-old geriatric patient with a transverse acetabular fracture involving the posterior column. The quadrilateral surface was exposed using the O-TEP approach, and the fracture was reduced using a fully endoscopic approach. The fixation was achieved using BCS and a Magic screw through percutaneous screw placement.The patient's clinical condition was followed for at least 13 months. The clinical outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of combining these innovative techniques in the treatment of acetabular fractures, with satisfactory healing and functional recovery observed.This case report illustrates that combining BCFC and BCS with the O-TEP approach can facilitate the treatment of acetabular fractures with minimally invasive techniques and enhance the feasibility of endoscopic procedures. These findings suggest potential advantages of using BCFC and BCS concepts in O-TEP, warranting further investigation and study.

An extraperitoneal single-port robotic approach to low anterior resection-Cadaveric experience.

A minimally invasive surgery (MIS) extraperitoneal (XP) approach to left-sided colorectal resection utilizing the laparoscopic approach has recently been shown to be safe and feasible and to have potential advantages over the transperitoneal approach, especially in high-risk surgical patients. The aim of this article is to provide a first cadaveric demonstration of the use of a single-port robotic platform in performing XP low anterior resection by MIS. A single-port robotic platform (DaVinci®SP™) was used to perform XP single-port low anterior resection in two cadavers with body mass indexes (BMIs) of 19 and 40 kg/m2. The single-port robotic platform with versatile arms was successfully used to perform a complete low anterior resection with splenic flexure mobilization and total mesorectal excision through a single port. A single-port robotic platform enhances complete XP dissection in the supine patient in extreme BMI ranges. Clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Novel laparoscopic “lateral three-port technique” of extended totally extra peritoneal approach for ventral hernias: Short-term results and technical aspects of 100 consecutive cases from a single center

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a simplified technical modification with an attempt to standardize the extended totally view extraperitoneal–Rives Stoppa (ETEP-RS) procedure. In this article, we present the technical aspects to perform this procedure by using novel lateral three ports and the short-term results of our experience in this subset of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic ETEP-RS using the lateral three-port technique between January 2022 and July 2023 was done. In this technique, three lateral ports were placed for both midline and lateral ventral hernias (VH), with no need to shift camera, working ports, and monitor positions throughout the procedure. It can be coupled with repair of associated right inguinal hernia, divarication of recti (DR), and transversus abdominis release (TAR). RESULTS: Of 100 consecutive patients who underwent ETEP approach for VH by using our lateral three-port technique, 84 patients underwent ETEP-RS and 16 patients underwent ETEP-TAR. Out of these 100 patients, 4 patients underwent ETEP for associated right inguinal hernia. The mean operating time was 119.9 min with a range from 45 min to 185 min. The mean defect width was 7.24 cm. We used 20 cm × 15 cm medium weight polypropylene mesh for most of our patients. There were no recurrences in the follow-up period. One patient required laparoscopic re-exploration for posterior rectus sheath rupture. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic novel lateral three-port ETEP-RS technique is safe, feasible, cost-effective, and reproducible. This can be combined with right-sided TAR, right inguinal hernias, and repair of DR. It can be standardized; however, larger studies and longer follow-up are needed to have an evidence-based answer.

ETEP AND TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS RELEASE IN A M5W3 INCISIONAL HERNIA

Abstract A 59-year-old female who underwent hysterectomy and exploratory laparotomy secondary to seromucinous ovarian carcinoma presents with discomfort in a partially reducible M5W3 incisional hernia. The patient is operated using a full endoscopic minimally invasive extraperitoneal approach (e-TEP + TAR). A 2 cm incision on the right subcostal region is made, exposing and opening the anterior rectal sheath (ARS), medializing the right rectus muscle. A dissection balloon is introduced to release the retromuscular space on the right side. A 10 mm trocar is placed in the right flank and a 5 mm trocar in the right iliac fossa. First, we access the medial posterior rectus sheath (PRS) of the right side, which is then incised, and the preperitoneal dissection is performed doing the crossover above the umbilicus. Once the hernia is completely reduced we connect both the retrorectus space with the preperitoneal spaces on both sides of the hernia. A modified posterior components separation (TAR) is performed on the left side, sectioning the aponeurosis of the transverse muscle (TM) and accessing the preperitoneal space laterally without sectioning the TM. The posterior and anterior defects are then closed separately using a barbed suture. A wide pore mesh, covering both retrorectus and preperitoneal spaces is placed and fixated using glue. An aspiration drainage was placed and removed 24 h after surgery. The patient was discharged the day after and no complications, where reported. In the CT scan 6 months after surgery the correction of the defects where confirmed.

Faster both in operative time and functional recovery by the extraperitoneal daVinci SP-based robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a propensity score matching analysis compared to transperitoneal multiport counterpart.

We aim to investigate the peri-operative outcomes after extraperitoneal single-port based robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (eSP-RARP) utilizing the da Vinci SP system compared to conventional transperitoneal multi-port counterparts (tMP-RARP), in an era when pelvic lymph node dissection (PNLD) was omitted for the node-negative case. With exclusion criteria of volume + 50g, suspicious rectal invasion, and node-positive disease given relatively weak grasping power and limited range of motion from the current SP system, 50 consecutive patients (Since December 2021) with localized prostate cancer underwent eSP-RARP by a single urologist maintaining identical surgical technique for 100 consecutive tMP-RARP cases (Since December 2020). Given initial selection criteria, each group was matched to a 1:1 ratio based on the risk-stratification parameters and the prostate volume. The operative time, which was maintained in each group during the study period, was significantly faster in eSP-RARP groups than in tMP-RARP (149.2 vs. 163.2min, p = 0.025), while the weight of the removed specimen (27.1 vs. 29.0g, p = 0.420) and margin positivity (14.7% vs. 11.7% in pT2, p = 0.812) were similar. The gas-out (1.5 vs. 1.88days, p = 0.003) and solid diet dates (2.26 vs. 3.22days, p < 0.001) were faster in the eSP-RARP group. The single-pad continence dates (30.5 vs. 51.9days, p = 0.145) and zero-pad continence dates (105.5 vs. 146.2days, p = 0.210) were identical. 90-day single-pad continence rate was 92% vs. 82% (p = 0.142, 52% vs. 56% in zero-pad continence). Based on these, daVinci SP-based RARP restored bowel function faster with shorter operative time through an extraperitoneal approach than the conventional transperitoneal multi-port counterpart while maintaining similar incontinence outcomes in cases without a routine PNLD.

Single Port Radical Prostatectomy as a Viable Option for Highly Complex Patients: A Single Center Experience

ObjectiveTo explore the safety and feasibility of the Da Vinci® Single-Port (SP) platform in Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (SP-RARP), aiming to provide a viable option for patients with surgical and medical complexities that might otherwise limit their access to common minimally invasive technique. MethodsData from 60 medically and surgically highly complex patients undergoing SP-RARP between December 2018 and December 2023 were analyzed. Variables included patient characteristics, surgical history, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata® 17.0. ResultsFifty-three percent of cases had a hostile abdomen (HA) (≥1 major abdominal surgery), and 47% were medically highly complex (American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3, Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5 and a Body Mass Index ≥30). The extraperitoneal approach was used in 56% of HA cases and 68% of MHC cases. Intraoperative complications occurred in 12%, exclusively with the transperitoneal approach in HA cases. Postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo ≥3) were 6% and 14%, respectively, with no significant difference between approaches. Same-day discharge was possible in 44% of HA cases and 54% of MHC cases, with significant statistical differences favoring the extraperitoneal approach in both groups. ConclusionSP-RARP, particularly the extraperitoneal approach, is a viable option for highly complex and challenging cases, providing acceptable oncological and functional outcomes. Prospective studies are crucial for further validating the safety and feasibility of SP-RARP in this patient population.

Surgical training in extraperitoneal laparoscopic para‑aortic lymphadenectomy for the treatment of gynecological cancer using a Thiel‑embalmed cadaver.

The extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach (ELPAN) for para-aortic lymphadenectomy provides excellent visibility of the left side of the aorta, thus facilitating surgery in the retroperitoneal space. This technique is highly complex compared with the transperitoneal approach. In particular, advanced techniques are required to develop an appropriate surgical field in the narrow retroperitoneal space; therefore, surgeons need to undergo a significant amount of training to become competent. A variety of tools are available for surgical training but are limited by their ability to reproduce complex anatomy. Thus, cadavers may represent the most suitable tool for learning this unique technique. The present study describes a surgical training protocol for the ELPAN technique using a Thiel-embalmed human cadaver and provides a step-by-step description of the ELPAN technique performed at Okayama University (Okayama, Japan). A 72-year-old Thiel-embalmed female cadaver was used to develop a protocol for surgical training in the ELPAN technique that effectively reproduced the methodology required in clinical practice. A training method for ELPAN surgery was developed and successfully completed using the Thiel-embalmed cadaver that secured the surgical field in the retroperitoneal space and permitted resection of the lymph nodes. The Thiel-embalmed cadaver tissue possessed excellent properties for surgical training, including color tone, flexibility, and the membrane structure of connective and fat tissues. In addition, this method of fixation preserved stiffness and elasticity of the peritoneum, although large vessels were slightly fragile and poorly extensible. Surgical training using a Thiel-embalmed human cadaver represents a valuable option for learning the ELPAN surgical technique. However, this technique may be unsuitable for training in perivenous manipulation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the use of Thiel-embalmed cadavers as a tool for surgeons to undergo training in the ELPAN technique.

Low anterolateral incision for single-port extraperitoneal robot-assisted pyeloplasty: description of technique and initial experience

PurposeThis study aims to describe the surgical steps for the single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal approach to pyeloplasty, report its feasibility, and share the initial outcomes of our experience.MethodsWe analyzed all consecutive patients who underwent single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). The surgical steps included a pure single-port approach through a 3.5 cm low anterolateral incision two fingerbreadths above the superior pubic ramus. The ureter was localized and followed cranially, a dismembered pyeloplasty was performed, and a running ureteropelvic anastomosis was completed. No drains were placed. The urinary catheter was removed upon discharge, and the ureteral stent after 3–5 weeks.ResultsA total of eight cases (two adults and six children) were completed successfully, without complications or conversions. Median operative time, console time, and estimated blood loss were 208.5 min, 114.5 min, and 10.0 ml, respectively. All patients were discharged within 24 h, except for one that required urinary output observation due to retention. There were no major postoperative complications. The median pain score at discharge was 0/10. Only one patient was prescribed PRN opioids at discharge. The readmission rate was 0.0%. All patients were asymptomatic on their last follow-up with no definitive obstruction on imaging, and no requirement for additional procedures or stents.ConclusionSingle-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal pyeloplasty is a feasible alternative for surgical treatment of UPJO in adult and pediatric patients with improved recovery outcomes.