Median Total Operative Time Research Articles

Comparison of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Using the Made-in-Japan Robotic System Hinotori Versus Da Vinci: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

We compared the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using hinotori with those of patients who underwent RARP using da Vinci Xi through propensity score matching to evaluate the potential benefits and efficacy of hinotori. Perioperative data of patients who underwent RARP between 2017 and 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. After adjusting for preoperative risk factors, each group comprised 118 propensity score-matched patients. Both median total operative time and median console time were significantly longer in the hinotori group (median differences, 26 and 23min, respectively). Although the hinotori group had lower estimated blood loss, no significant differences were noted between the groups in postoperative complications, positive surgical margin rates, 12-month biochemical recurrence rates, and urinary continence recovery rates. Although RARP requires more time with hinotori, our study demonstrated that RARP can be performed safely and effectively immediately after the installation of hinotori.

Safety and feasibility of single-incision robotic totally extra-peritoneal repair for inguinal hernia using the da Vinci Xi platform: a single-center prospective pilot study.

This study aimed to report the safety and feasibility of single-incision robotic totally extra-peritoneal repair (TEP) with the da Vinci Xi platform. We prospectively included patients with unilateral inguinal hernia who underwent elective single-incision robotic TEP between August 10, 2021 and December 12, 2022. The primary outcome was the determination of postoperative complications, and secondary outcomes were quality of life and recurrence rate. Twenty patients were included in this study. The median age of patients was 60 (interquartile range [IQR], 44.8-62) years, and most were male (90%). Eighteen patients had an indirect hernia. The median total operative time was 70 (IQR, 60.5-82.0) min, the median docking time was 5 (IQR, 3.3-6.0) min, and the median console time was 42 (IQR, 30.3-49.8) min. No postoperative complications occurred within six months postoperatively. We observed an upward trend in quality of life, which was low preoperatively, with improvement noted one month postoperatively. During the six-month follow-up period, there were no cases of recurrence. For uncomplicated inguinal hernias, single-incision robotic TEP using the da Vinci Xi platform can be selectively and safely attempted.

Initial Experience of Single-Port Robotic Lobectomy for Large-Sized Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Single-port robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (SP-RATS) lobectomy using the da Vinci Xi system has been performed by several pioneers. However, due to the severe collisions and the steep learning curve, this approach is not yet widely used. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of SP-RATS lobectomy for large-sized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As we believe that for large-sized tumors it is reasonable to make a slightly larger incision, we performed SP-RATS lobectomy for large-sized NSCLC (greater than 5 cm) through a single incision (6-8 cm). Eleven patients underwent SP-RATS lobectomy using the da Vinci Xi system at our institution from April 2022 to May 2024. The median tumor size on computed tomography and on pathology was 6.6 cm [interquartile range (IQR), 6.1-7.5 cm] and 6 cm [IQR, 5.1-7.1], respectively. The median total operative time was 198 min [IQR, 159-260 min], and the median postoperative length of stay was 4 days [IQR, 4-10 days], with no major postoperative complications (≥grade III on the Clavien-Dindo classification). Our approach may combine the benefits of single-port surgery with those of robotic surgery and is safe, feasible, and may promote better outcomes in patients with large-sized NSCLC.

Utilization of a Single-Site Port as an Adjunct for Multi-Port Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Children.

Introduction: The focused use of a single-site port as an adjunct designed to decrease overall port site number and/or assist with specimen extraction in pediatric robotic surgery has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to describe the feasibility of using the single-site port as an adjunct during multi-port robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery (RA-MIS). Methods: A single institution retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent multiport RA-MIS with an adjunctive single-site (SS) port from August 2018 to October 2022 was performed. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative variables were collected; descriptive analysis was performed. Results: A total of 13 patients were included; 46% were female, and 47% were Caucasian. Median age at surgery was 14.9 years of age (interquartile range [IQR] 10.6, 18); median weight was 61.1 kg (IQR 39.7, 73.6). Eleven patients (85%) underwent splenectomy; 2 patients (15%) underwent adrenalectomy. Four patients had a combined procedure (SS cholecystectomy with multi-port splenectomy [n = 3], multi-port bilateral adrenalectomy [n = 1]). The median total operative time was 197 minutes (IQR 131, 316); median console time was 59 minutes (IQR 40, 126). Two 8 mm robotic ports were utilized for all but 1 patient who required a third 8 mm port. The median length of stay was 2.1 days (IQR 2.0, 3.1). One readmission for fever occurred following a combined cholecystectomy/splenectomy. No hernias or wound infections were identified at the single-site port. Conclusion: Use of a SS port as an adjunct is a feasible option and should be considered for those with splenomegaly or need for combined procedures in different quadrants of the abdomen.

Evaluation of the suitability of using ArtiSential in various renal surgery: IDEAL stage 1 study

BackgroundArtiSential, a new articulating laparoscopic instruments, addresses the limited movement associated with conventional laparoscopic instruments. This study was conducted to assess the clinical effectiveness of ArtiSential in detailed steps of various renal surgery.MethodsThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of our institution and registered on the Clinical Research Information Service site of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Participants meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the clinical trial and underwent renal surgery. The clinical effectiveness of ArtiSential was assessed in terms of the feasibility and objective and subjective parameters across 9 detailed steps.ResultsOf the 15 potential candidates enrolled from October 2021 to November 2021, 1 patient dropped out due to anaphylaxis from an anesthetic agent, and 14 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery using ArtiSential. Of the 14 patients, 2 patients were converted to laparoscopic surgery using straight-shaped instruments due to the ischemia time exceeding 30 min, and 1 patient due to excessive bleeding. The feasibility for most steps was more than 90%, except the renorrhaphy step. The median total operation time and ischemia time were 161 and 23 min, respectively. The median estimated blood loss was 58.5 mL. Two cases of venous injury occurred during renal pedicle dissection step. The accuracy of the procedure judged by reviewers and usability judged by the operator were acceptable in all steps. The surgeon’s quantitatively measured stress score was the highest during renorrhaphy step.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery using ArtiSential is feasible for most steps except the renorrhaphy step. The difficulty of performing renorrhaphy is attributed to prolonged ischemia time, which could be addressed by overcoming the learning curve.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service site of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, KCT0006532. Registered 03/09/2021, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=24071.

Major colorectal surgery with Hugo™ RAS: initial experience of a German center and a review of the literature

The recently introduced Hugo RAS robotic platform has mostly been used for well standardized urologic and gynaecologic procedures. Experience with this new system in general surgery and especially in major colorectal surgery is very limited. This is a retrospective series of the first 25 consecutive non-selected colorectal surgeries performed at a single German center. The lessons learned from our initial experience are presented along with a systematic review of the currently available literature on this topic. Ten sigmoid and seven rectal resections, four right and one left hemicolectomies, two Hartmann’s reversals and an abdominoperineal resection were performed in 14 women and 11 men at the median age of 66 years for 12 benign findings and 13 malignancies. All procedures were performed using four robotic ports and a single 12 mm assistant port. Median docking, console and total operative times were 12, 170 and 270 min. Median blood loss was < 100 ml, and median stay was 8 days. The literature review identified five case series with a total of 23 colorectal procedures: 9 right and 1 left hemicolectomies, 5 ileocaecal, and 4 rectal and 4 sigmoid resections. Results corresponded to ours despite variations in setup used by different authors. A wide spectrum of major colorectal surgery can be safely and effectively performed with the Hugo RAS, even in a cohort of non-selected patients. Ongoing software and hardware upgrade, introduction of robotic energy devices and increasing surgical experience are expected to facilitate procedures and reduce duration of surgery.

Full Robotic Whole Graft Liver Transplantation: A Step Into The Future.

To report the first European series of full robotic whole liver transplantation (RLT) with technical details and future perspectives. Few cases of liver transplantation with a minimally invasive approach using partial grafts have been reported so far, and no cases of robotic whole liver transplantation have been reported in the scientific literature. The adopted technique was full robotic liver hepatectomy, followed by robotic implantation after graft introduction through a small midline incision. Patients presenting with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in liver cirrhosis with a small caudate lobe, low degree of portal hypertension, no porto-mesenteric thrombosis, as well as low MELD patients have been considered ideal candidates. Six patients underwent RLT between February and March 2024 at Lisbon and Modena University Liver Transplant Centers. Warm ischemia time during RLT ranged between 55 and 90 min, with a total surgery duration between 440 and 710 min. The median total operative time was 595 (±111,3) minutes. Only one recipient had prolonged hyperbilirubinemia, which was safely treated. The median in-hospital stay was 7.5 days, (±4.8 days). RLT is a promising technique to further reduce the impact of liver transplantation thanks to smaller incision, gentle tissue manipulation, high magnification and precision for vascular and biliary anastomosis, and reduced postoperative pain. This is the first step toward the demonstration of the feasibility of minimally invasive surgery in liver transplantation, although further selection and technical refinements are needed to improve reproducibility.

Feasibility of articulating laparoscopic instrument use in laparoscopic adnexectomy: a multicenter prospective observational study.

Ovarian cysts, common in women of reproductive age, often require surgical intervention, with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery becoming the preferred method due to its reduced complications and faster recovery. Despite its benefits, challenges such as instrument collisions and operational difficulties limit the use of single- or two-port approaches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic adnexa surgery using an articulating laparoscopic instrument, which offers flexible and ergonomic movements similar to robotic systems. This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in South Korea and Taiwan. The electronic medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic adnexectomy using the articulating laparoscopic instrument (ArtiSential®, LIVSMED Inc., Seongnam-si, South Korea) between October 2022 and September 2023 were analyzed. Data on patient demographics, operative and pathologic data were collected prospectively. A total of 66 patients underwent laparoscopic adnexal surgery using the articulating instrument. The median age of the patients was 43 (range, 23-76) years, and the median body mass index (BMI) was 22.5 (range, 17.1-43.4) kg/m2. Thirty-five (53.0%) patients underwent oophorectomy or salpingectomy, while 31 (47.0%) underwent cystectomy of the ovary or fallopian tube. The final pathology after surgery was benign in 61 patients (92.4%), borderline in 3 patients (4.5%), and malignant in 2 patients (3.0%). During surgery, pelvic adhesions were found in 13 patients (19.7%) and adhesiolysis was performed. The median total operation time was 53.5 (range, 26-174) minutes, and median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 50 (range, 10-200) mL. Median length of hospital stay was 1 (range, 0-3) days. Only two patients experienced a postoperative complication, which was trocar site wound dehiscence in both cases. The results of this study demonstrated the feasibility of using the articulating laparoscopic instrument during laparoscopic adnexectomy.

Intraoperative Complications and Perioperative and Surgical Outcomes of Single-Port Robotics-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy.

The objective was to assess intraoperative and postoperative complication rates, along with perioperative and surgical outcomes, following single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexy. This retrospective case series included 200 patients who underwent single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexy to treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) stage 2-4 symptomatic prolapse between April 2020 and August 2023 by a single surgeon. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and perioperative outcomes were evaluated for all the patients, whereas surgical outcomes for 74 patients were assessed at 1-year follow-up. Surgical failure was defined as the presence of any of the following: the presence of vaginal bulging symptoms, any prolapse beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse. During the study period, 200 single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexies were performed. The median age and body mass index were 65.0 years and 24.6kg/m2 respectively. Most patients had POPQ stage 3 or 4 prolapse and underwent concomitant total hysterectomy. The median total operation time was 212.0min, and none of the patients required conversion to laparoscopy or laparotomy. The intraoperative cystotomy rate was 2.5%, and one patient had a blood transfusion owing to presacral vessel injury. Postoperative complications of mesh exposure and wound hernia were 0.5% and 2.0% respectively. At 1 year postoperatively, the rate of composite surgical failure was 9.5%, with a 5.4% anatomical recurrence rate. None of the patients experienced apical prolapse recurrence, and one received anterior colporrhaphy for anterior compartment prolapse recurrence. Single-port robotics-assisted sacrocolpopexy is safe and effective, with low complication rates and favorable perioperative and surgical outcomes.

An initial experience of robot-assisted breast conserving surgery: A multicenter study of the Korea Robot-Endoscopy Minimal Access Breast Surgery Study Group (KoREa-BSG).

543 Background: Robot-assisted breast conserving surgery (RABCS) have cosmetic benefit without any scar on the breast over conventional breast conserving surgery (CBCS). However, data on the feasibility and safety of the RABCS are limited. The aim of this study was to present the results of early experience of RABCS. Methods: A multi-center retrospective review was conducted to identify women who underwent RABCS as part of the Korea Robot-Endoscopy &amp; Minimal Access Breast Surgery Study Group (KoREa-BSG) between August 2019 and October 2023. Information of the clinicopathologic characteristics, perioperative complications, operation time, recurrence, and re-operation were collected. Results: A total of150 patients underwent the RABCS procedure conducted by 10 breast surgeons at seven institutions. Invasive breast cancer was noted in 121 cases and ductal carcinoma in-situ was detected in 29 cases. Further, 75.3% and 65.3% of the patients had an estrogen and progesterone receptor positive status, respectively. A total of 35.3% of the patients had a HER2-positive status. In terms of the surgical technique, the Da Vinci SP system was more frequently used (60%). Gas insufflation was applied in 97.33% of the cases, and s entinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only was the most common axillary surgery (89.3%). The median duration of postoperative days was 5.4 days (range, 1.0-15.0 days). The incision location was the mid-axillary line and the median incision length was 37.1 mm (range, 27.0-60.0 mm). The median total operation time was 133.8 minutes (range, 62.0-295.0 minutes). 11 cases (7.3%) showed frozen margin positive, however only one case (0.7%) required re-operation because of permanent margin positive. Six patients (4%) developed surgical complications. Postoperative bleeding was found in one case and skin burn was found in five cases (3.3%); two cases (1.3%) required skin excision and three cases (2.0%) showed spontaneous resolution. There were no cases of conversion to open surgery or mortality. Only one case (0.7%) had recurrence. Conclusions: This was the first multicenter report of RABCS in the world. RABCS could be a technically feasible and safe. Further subsequent comparative study with CBCS and prospective research are needed to evaluate the surgical and oncologic outcomes.

VNOTES retroperitoneal sentinel lymph node dissection for endometrial cancer staging: First multicenter, prospective case series.

The current standard treatment for endometrial cancer is a laparoscopic hysterectomy with adnexectomies and bilateral sentinel node resection. A retroperitoneal vNOTES sentinel node resection has several theoretical potential advantages. These include being less invasive, leaving no visible scars, operating without Trendelenburg, and therefore offering the anesthetic advantage of easier ventilation in obese patients and following the natural lymph node trajectory from caudally to cranially and therefore a lower risk of missing the sentinel node. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of a retroperitoneal vNOTES approach to sentinel lymph node dissection for staging of endometrial cancer. A prospective multicenter case series was performed in four hospitals. A total of 64 women with early-stage endometrial carcinoma suitable for surgical staging with sentinel lymph node removal were operated via a transvaginal retroperitoneal vNOTES approach. The paravesical space was entered through a vaginal incision after injecting the cervix with indocyanine green. A vNOTES port was placed into this space and insufflation of the retroperitoneum was performed. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified bilaterally using near-infrared light followed by endoscopic removal of these nodes. A total of 64 women with early-stage endometrial cancer underwent sentinel lymph node removal by retroperitoneal vNOTES technique. All patients also underwent subsequent vNOTES hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The median age was 69.5 years, median total operative time was 126 min and the median estimated blood loss was 80 mL. In 97% of the cases bilateral sentinel nodes could be identified. A total of 60 patients had negative sentinel nodes, three had isolated tumor cells and one had macroscopically positive sentinel nodes. No complications with sequel occurred. This prospective multicenter case series demonstrates the feasibility of the vNOTES approach for identifying and removing sentinel lymph nodes in women with endometrial carcinoma successfully and safely. vNOTES allows sole transvaginal access with exposure of the entire retroperitoneal space, following the natural lymph trajectory caudally to cranially, and without the need for a Trendelenburg position.

Natural airway as an alternative to intubation for pediatric endoscopic esophageal foreign body removal: A retrospective cohort study of 326 patients.

Anesthesia is required for endoscopic removal of esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) in children. Historically, endotracheal intubation has been the de facto gold standard for airway management in these cases. However, as more elective endoscopic procedures are now performed under propofol sedation with natural airway, there has been a move toward using similar Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) for select patients who require endoscopic removal of an EFB. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we compared endoscopic EFB removal with either MAC or endotracheal intubation. Descriptive statistics summarized factors stratified by initial choice of airway technique, including intra- and postanesthesia complications and the frequency of mid-procedure conversion to endotracheal intubation in those initially managed with MAC. To demonstrate the magnitude of associations between these factors and the anesthesiologist's choice of airway technique, univariable Firth logistic and quantile regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (95% CI) and beta coefficients (95% CI). From the initial search, 326 patients were identified. Among them, 23% (n = 75) were planned for intubation and 77% (n = 251) were planned for MAC. Three patients (0.9%) who were initially planned for MAC required conversion to endotracheal intubation after induction. Two (0.6%) of these children were admitted to the hospital after the procedure and treated for ongoing airway reactivity. No patient experienced reflux of gastric contents to the mouth or dislodgement of the foreign body to the airway, and no patient required administration of vasoactive medications or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Patients had higher odds that the anesthesiologist chose to utilize MAC if the foreign body was a coin (OR, 3.3; CI, 1.9-5.7, p < .001) or if their fasting time was >6 h. Median total operating time was 15 min greater in intubated patients (11 vs. 26 min, p < .001). This study demonstrates that MAC may be considered for select pediatric patients undergoing endoscopic removal of EFB, especially those who have ingested coins, who do not have reactive airways, who have fasted for >6 h, and in whom the endoscopic procedure is expected to be short and uncomplicated. Prospective multi-site studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Subcostal uniportal robotic anatomic lung resection: A pilot trial

ObjectiveRobot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery typically necessitates the use of multiple ports. The new single-port robotic system (da Vinci SP system) platform is designed to perform uniportal surgery. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the da Vinci SP system when used for anatomical lung resection. MethodsPatients diagnosed with clinical stage I lung cancer requiring anatomical lung resections were considered eligible for this trial. The primary outcome measure was the rate of conversion, whereas the secondary objective focused on assessing the incidence of perioperative complications. ResultsThe study included 35 patients with a median age of 63 years (range, 48-74 years). Of these, 30 underwent lobectomy and 5 received segmentectomy. All surgeries were successfully performed using a subcostal approach, except for 1 patient, who required a thoracotomy conversion due to bleeding (conversion rate: 2.9%). The median docking time was 2 minutes (range, 1-8 minutes). For the 34 patients who completed uniportal surgery, the median total operating time was 194 minutes (range, 63-405 minutes), whereas the console time was 153 minutes (range, 93–267 minutes). The median number of harvested nodes was 13 (range, 5-37), while the median number of nodal stations was 6 (rang, 4-8). There were no in-hospital fatalities, and the median postoperative stay was 3 days (range, 2-12 days). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of using the da Vinci SP system for anatomical lung resection through a subcostal approach. ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT05535712.

Robotic portal resection for mediastinal tumours: a prospective observational study

BackgroundTo demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of robotic portal resection (RPR) for mediastinal tumour using a prospectively collected database.MethodsData from 73 consecutive patients with mediastinal tumours who underwent RPRs were prospectively collected from August 2018 to April 2023. All patients underwent chest and abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) and preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion. The patients were stratified into two groups based on tumour size: Group A (tumour size < 4 cm) and Group B (tumour size ≥ 4 cm). General clinical characteristics, surgical procedures, and short outcomes were promptly recorded.ResultsAll of the cases were scheduled for RPRs. One patient (1/73, 1.4%) was switched to a small utility incision approach because of extensive pleural adhesion. Two patients (2.8%) converted to sternotomy, however, no perioperative deaths occurred. Most of the tumours were located in the anterior mediastinum (51/73, 69.9%). Thymoma (27/73, 37.0%) and thymic cyst (16/73, 21.9%) were the most common diagnoses. The median diameter of tumours was 3.2 cm (IQR, 2.4–4.5 cm). The median total operative time was 61.0 min (IQR, 50.0–90.0 min). The median intraoperative blood loss was 20 mL (IQR, 5.0–30.0 ml), and only one patient (1.4%) experienced an intraoperative complication. The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR, 2–4 days). Compared with Group A, the median total operative time and console time of Group B were significantly longer (P = 0.006 and P = 0.003, respectively). The volume of drainage on the first postoperative day was greater in group B than in group A (P = 0.013).ConclusionRPR is a safe and effective technique for mediastinal tumour treatment, which can expand the application of minimally invasive surgery for the removal of complicated mediastinal tumours.

Colorectal procedures with the novel Hugo™ RAS system: training process and case series report from a non-robotic surgical team.

The landscape of robotic surgery is evolving with the emergence of new platforms. However, reports on their applicability in different surgical fields are still limited and come from teams with robotics experience. This study aims to describe the training process for colorectal surgery with the Hugo™ RAS system of a robotics-inexperienced surgical team and present the initial patient series. The training process is depicted, and data from the first 10 consecutive patients operated on for colorectal conditions with the Hugo™ RAS system by a surgical team with no prior experience in robotic surgery were prospectively recorded and analysed. The team received intensive training in robotic surgery and specifically in the Hugo™ RAS system previously to the first case. Between May 2023 and December 2023, 10 patients underwent colorectal procedures: 5 right colectomies, 3 sigmoid resections, 1 high rectal resection and 1 ventral mesh rectopexy. The first case was proctored by an expert. Median docking time was 14 min and median total operative time was 185 min. The only technical difficulty during the procedures was occasional clashing of robotic arms. None had to be converted, and no intraoperative or postoperative morbidity was recorded. Hospital stays ranged from 2 to 4 days. A median of 21 lymph nodes were yielded in the operations for malignant conditions. Common colorectal procedures can be safely performed using the Hugo™ RAS platform. Prior experience in robotic surgery is not a necessary requirement, but following a structured training program is essential.

Partial nephrectomy series using Versius robotic surgical system: technique and outcomes of an initial experience.

Partial nephrectomy (PN) represents a procedure where the use of a robot has further enabled successful completion of this complex surgery. The results of this procedure using Versius Robotic Surgical System (VRSS) still need to be evaluated. Our working group described the technique and reported the initial results of a series of PN using VRSS. We presented our setting, surgical technique and outcomes for PN, using VRSS. Between 2022 and 2023, 15 patients underwent PN performed by two surgeons in two different centers. Fifteen patients underwent PN. The median lesion size identified on preoperative imaging was 4 (IQR 2.3-5) cm. Median PADUA score was 8 (IQR 7-9). Two procedures were converted to radical nephrectomy for enhanced oncological disease control. Of the 13 nephrectomies that were completed as partial, 7 were performed clampless and 6 with warm ischemia clamping. Median clamping time was 10 (IQR 9-11) minutes. No procedure was converted to open. Median blood loss was 200 (IQR 100-250) mL. Median total operative time was 105 (IQR 100-110) minutes. Median console time was 75 (IQR 66-80) minutes. Median set-up time was 13 (IQR 12-14) minutes. No intraoperative complications were reported. The median hospitalization time was 4 (IQR 3.5-4) days. None of the patients were transfused and none of the patients required readmission. In a pathology report, one patient had a positive surgical margin. Our initial experience suggests that performing PN using VRSS is feasible with good short-term outcomes.

Reducing patient’s perception of postoperative vaginal bleeding after laparoscopic hysterectomy via independent closure of the vaginal cuff angles (RCT)

Study ObjectiveDetermine if independently suturing the vaginal cuff angles in addition to running barbed suture has an effect on patients’ perception of postoperative bleeding after laparoscopic hysterectomy. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingUniversity-based medical center. PatientsFemales ages 18–60 undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to either cuff closure via single layer of barbed suture (control) vs adding figure-of-eight stitches at each angle (intervention). A survey was given between 10 and 25 days after surgery inquiring about bleeding and dyspareunia. A second survey was given between postoperative days 90–114. Chart review was performed to record emergency room visits, complications, infections, and reoperations during the first 90 postoperative days. Resultsn = 117 patients were analyzed. 62 (control) and 55 (intervention). Groups were similar in terms of age (42.92 v 44.29p =.35), BMI (33.79 v 34.06p =.85), diabetes (5.26 % (3/55) v 15.09 % (8/53) p =.08) p =.97). Bleeding was decreased in intervention arm (24.19 % (15/62) v 9.09 % (5/55) p =.03). Median (IQR) pelvic pain score was similar (2.0 (0–5.0) v 2.0 (0–4.0) p =.26). Median total operative time (IQR) (129 min (102, 166) v 139 min (120, 163) p =.39) and median EBL (IQR) (50 mL (30–75) vs 50 mL (20–75) p =.43) were similar. Cuff closure in seconds (IQR) was higher in intervention group (373 sec (323, 518) v 571 sec (520, 715) p <.01). 8/60 control patients visited the ED (13.33 %) v 7/54 (12.96 %) p =.95. Readmissions (1.67 % (1/60) v 1.85 % (1/55) p = 1), re-operations (0 % (0/60) v 1.85 % (1/55) p =.47) and postoperative infections (5.0 % (3/60) v 1.85 % (1/54) p =.62) were similar. Secondary survey showed no significant difference in bleeding (15.38 % (4/26) v 4.35 % (1/23) p =.35) and SF-36 results were similar. ConclusionIndependently suturing the vaginal cuff angles reduces patients’ perception of vaginal bleeding in the early postoperative period. Incidence of complications, reoperations, and long-term quality of life are similar.

Introduction of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy following phase 2a IDEAL guidelines.

Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) is a newly introduced procedure, which is still evolving and lacks standardization. An objective assessment is essential to investigate the feasibility of RPD. The current study aimed to assess our initial ten cases of RPD based on IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long-term study) guidelines. This was a prospective phase 2a study following the IDEAL framework. Ten consecutive cases of RPD performed by two surgeons with expertise in open procedures at a single center were assigned to the study. With objective evaluation, each case was classified into four grades according to the achievements of the procedures. Errors observed in the previous case were used to inform the procedure in the next case. The surgical outcomes of the ten cases were reviewed. The median total operation time was 634 min (interquartile range [IQR], 594-668) with a median resection time of 363 min (IQR, 323-428) and reconstruction time of 123 min (IQR, 107-131). The achievement of the whole procedure was graded as A, "successful", in two patients. In two patients, reconstruction was performed with a mini-laparotomy due to extensive pneumoperitoneum, probably caused by insertion of a liver retractor from the xyphoid. Major postoperative complications occurred in two patients. One patient, in whom the jejunal limb was elevated through the Treitz ligament, had a bowel obstruction and needed to undergo re-laparotomy. RPD is feasible when performed by surgeons experienced in open procedures. Specific considerations are needed to safely introduce RPD.

The new surgical robot Hugo™ RAS for total hysterectomy: a pilot study.

With the rising popularity of robotic surgery, Hugo™ RAS is one of the newest surgical robotic platforms. Investigating the reliability of this tool is the first step toward validating its use in clinical practice; and presently there arelimited data available regarding this. The literature is constantly enriched with initial experiences, however no study has demonstrated the safety of this platform yet. This study aimed to investigate its reliability during total hysterectomy. A series of 20 consecutive patients scheduled for minimally invasive total hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy for benign disease or prophylactic surgery were selected to undergo surgery with Hugo™ RAS. Data regarding any malfunction or breakdown of the robotic system as well as intra- and post-operative complications were prospectively recorded. Fifteen of the twenty patients (75.0%) underwent surgery for benign uterine diseases, and five (25.0%) underwent prophylactic surgery. Among the entire series, an instrument fault occurred in one case (5.0%). The problem was solved in 4.8 minutes and without complications for the patient. The median total operative time was 127 min (range, 98-255 min). The median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range:30-125 mL). No intraoperative complications were observed. One patient (5.0%) developed Clavien-Dindo grade 2 post-operative complication. In this pilot study, Hugo™ RAS showed high reliability, similar to other robotic devices. Present findings suggest that Hugo™ RAS is a viable option for major surgical procedures and deserves further investigation in clinical practice.

"Single-Surgeon" versus "Dual-Surgeon" Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Pelvic Lymph-nodes Dissection: Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes.

To compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with pelvic lymph-nodes dissection (PLND) when the same surgeon performs RARP and PLND versus one surgeon performs RARP and another surgeon performs PLND. From January 2022 to March 2023, data of consecutive patients who underwent RARP with PLND were prospectively collected. The surgeries were performed by two "young" surgeons with detailed profile. Specifically for the study purpose, one surgeon performed RARP, and the other surgeon performed PLND. A set of surgeries performed according to the standard setup (i.e., the same surgeon performing both RARP and PLND) was retrieved from the institutional database and used as comparator arm. To test the study hypothesis, patients were divided into two groups: "dual-surgeon" versus "single-surgeon". Fifty patients underwent RARP and PLND performed according to dual-surgeon setup and were compared to the last 50 procedures performed according to the standard single-surgeon setup. Patients in the groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Dual-surgeon interventions had significantly shorter median total operative (194 [IQR 178-215] versus 174 [IQR 146-195] minutes, p<0.001) and console time (173 [IQR 158-194] versus 154 [IQR 129-170] minutes, p<0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of blood loss, intraoperative complications, postoperative outcomes, and final pathology results. The present analysis found that when RARP and PLND are split onto two surgeons, the operative time is shorter by 20 minutes compared to when a single surgeon performs RARP and PLND. This is an interesting finding that could sponsor further studies.