Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Articles

Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Paradigm Shift in Surgical Procedures

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and microsurgery have significantly transformed periodontal treatment by reducing tissue trauma and improving patient outcomes. MIS focuses on minimizing flap reflection and tissue manipulation, preserving blood supply, and ensuring the stability of blood clots at the wound site, which collectively reduce postoperative complications such as shrinkage and discomfort. Microsurgery, enabled by advancements in surgical microscopes, enhances visual acuity and allows for precise surgical interventions. In periodontology, the integration of MIS and microsurgery has led to refined surgical techniques that prioritize minimal tissue disruption, passive wound closure, and the use of specialized microsurgical instruments. These approaches offer significant advantages over conventional flap surgeries, which were often associated with extensive tissue damage, prolonged healing times, and aesthetic compromises. The evolution of MIS in periodontology represents a shift from resection-based procedures to those focused on regeneration, emphasizing the importance of skill enhancement and the adoption of advanced technologies. As MIS techniques continue to develop, they hold the potential to become the standard of care, providing patients with effective, less invasive treatment options that result in better clinical and aesthetic outcomes. The current article's goal was to gather and record different minimally invasive periodontology techniques. Peer-reviewed materials from journals, Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, and other reviews served as the foundation for the research.

Oncological outcomes of minimally invasive surgery in non-endometrioid endometrial Cancer patients with varying prognostic risks: a retrospective cohort study based on the ESGO/ESTRO/ESP 2020 guidelines

BackgroundNon-endometrioid endometrial carcinomas (NEEC) are characterized by their rarity and adverse prognoses. This study evaluates the outcomes of open versus minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in NEEC patients stratified by prognostic risks according to the 2020 ESGO-ESTRO-ESP risk classification guidelines.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 99 NEEC patients who underwent initial surgery at Fujian University Cancer Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups: those undergoing MIS and those undergoing open surgery. We compared disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between these groups. Cox regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for DFS, which were further validated via bootstrap statistical methods.ResultsThe study included 31 patients in the MIS group and 68 in the open surgery group. The demographics and clinical characteristics such as age, body mass index, comorbidities, histological subtypes, and FIGO stage were similar between groups (P > 0.05). The MIS group experienced ten recurrences (1 vaginal, 2 lymph nodes, 7 distant metastases), whereas the open surgery group had seven recurrences (1 vaginal, 3 lymph nodes, 1 pelvis, 2 distant metastases), yielding recurrence rates of 10.3% versus 25.6% (P = 0.007). Besides lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), surgical approach was also identified as an independent prognostic factor for DFS in high-risk patients (P = 0.037, 95% CI: 1.062–7.409). The constructed nomogram demonstrated a robust predictive capability with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.767. Survival analysis for high- and intermediate-risk patients showed no significant differences in OS between the two groups (Phigh risk = 0.275; Pintermediate−risk = 0.201). However, high-risk patients in the MIS group exhibited significantly worse DFS (P = 0.001).ConclusionThis investigation is the inaugural study to assess the impact of surgical approaches on NEEC patients within the framework of the latest ESGO-ESTRO-ESP risk classifications. Although MIS may offer clinical advantages, it should be approached with caution in high-risk NEEC patients due to associated poorer DFS outcomes.

A passive convex optimal control algorithm for teleoperating a redundant robotic arm in minimally invasive surgery

AbstractIn recent years, the remote center of motion (RCM) constraint has moved from purely mechanical to software implementation, enabling the use of serial manipulators in robotic‐assisted minimal invasive surgery. However, ensuring safety with software‐based RCM presents challenges. This article addresses this issue by introducing a novel control algorithm for a 7‐DOF redundant robotic arm, taking into account a software RCM while considering system passivity and kinematic constraints. The algorithm is both a control optimizer and a robot kinematics inversion, enabling precise and dexterous control for various surgical tasks and other control applications. By formulating a quadratic optimization problem under linear constraints, the algorithm guarantees the robotic arm's performance, safety, and stability under communication delay. Experimental validation demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the control algorithm in executing a surgical training task (peg‐and‐ring) during bilateral teleoperation. The results highlight the successful implementation of the RCM constraint, ensuring patient safety and optimizing the manipulation capabilities of the robotic arm.

Spring-reinforced pneumatic actuator and soft robotic applications

Abstract Compared to rigid-structure robots, soft robots possess higher degrees of freedom and stronger environmental adaptability, which has aroused increasing attention in the robotic field. Among them, soft pneumatic robots have excellent performances in various practical applications. However, the nonlinearity and instability of pressure response of soft actuators caused by lateral expansion come to a great challenge. To address this problem, we proposed to embed a spring constraint layer around each single air chamber. Following the design concept, we obtained single-cavity and multi-DoF pneumatic actuators and evaluated their elongation and bending characteristics. Experimental results demonstrated that our proposed actuators have more linear pressure response as well as higher consistency. Eventually, through robotic applications, including soft robotic hand and gripper our proposed actuators could facilitate flexible manipulation and elaborate performance.

ThP2.12 - Evaluation of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery of small intestine neuroendocrine tumors as an alternative surgical treatment for open surgery

Abstract Aims Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumor (SI-NETs) is the most common malignancy of the small bowel. Curative treatment is exclusively operative and explorative laparotomy is still considered to be the standard procedure. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the outcome of minimally invasive surgery in patients with SI-NETs, at our endocrine surgery unit in 2019, compared to the open approach. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for SI-NETs between 2013 and 2023 were included. Descriptive variables such as operative time, length of hospital stay, use of analgesia and radiciality were compared primarily between groups of patients operated before and after 2019 and secondarily between open and hand-port assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). Results Of 97 patients with SI-NET included in the study, 58 (59.8 %) had an open and 39 (40.2 %) minimal invasive surgery. While difference in the operative time, 121 min (91.3-150.3) vs 108 min (83-141), the length of hospital stay, 6 days (4-7) vs 5 days (4-8) and surgical radicality in patients with stage II-III, 79.3% vs 85%, (p-value 0.313) was not significant, 86.2% of patients with explorative laparotomy required epidural analgesia compared to 23.1% with HALS (p-value = <0.001). Conclusion Hand-port assisted laparoscopic surgery of SI-NETs was assessed to be a feasible approach without compromising radical resection and enhancing postoperative recovery with lower amount of required analgesia postoperatively.

Impact of innovations in surgical techniques and advanced imaging on postoperative recovery and reduction of complications in patients with long bone fractures: a systematic review

Long bones fracture is one of the most complicated surgeries in orthopedics and the progress in the techniques as well as technologies used has recorded a steady progression in the last few years. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), computer-assisted surgery and improved imaging techniques can all be cited as impacting on emerging practices. Conversely, the success of such techniques and their influences on the performance results should continue to be assessed in order to adjust the treatment approaches and patients’ conditions. This paper aimed at reviewing and researching current journals and literature on the topic of managing long bone fractures with specific emphasis on the new developments in surgery, imaging, and after care. Included articles were randomized control trials, cohort studies, meta-analysis, from reputable orthopedic journals and evaluated both effectiveness, and adverse outcomes of these advancements. In light of the study, it emerges that less invasive procedures in thoracic surgery lead to fewer postoperative complications and quicker convalescence time among the patients; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative fluoroscopy improves diagnostic accuracy and also surgical localization. Computer assisted surgery and augmented reality have been recognized as useful adjuncts in both the preoperative planning and intra operative navigation through the surgical field but they are still not widely used due to the costs associated with the purchase of equipment and initial technical difficulties. In particular, the use of these technologies successfully advanced the clinical efficiency in the treatment of long bone fractures.

Comparative efficacy of unilateral biportal and percutaneous endoscopic techniques in unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) for lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundUnilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) has yielded positive results in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Unilateral biportal ULBD (UB-ULBD) and percutaneous endoscopic ULBD (PE-ULBD) are gaining popularity because of the progress that has been made in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the radiographic and clinical results of UB-ULBD and PE-ULBD.MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent ULBD surgery for LSS. The patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of the surgical method: the UB-ULBD group and the PE-ULBD group. Data on the general demographic data, surgical details, clinical efficacy, radiography and complications were compared between the two groups were compared. The minimum follow-up duration was 12 months.ResultsA total of 113 LSS patients who had undergone ULBD at our institution were included, of whom 61 patients underwent UB-ULBD surgery and 52 underwent PE-ULBD surgery. The UB-ULBD group had a significantly shorter operation time (P < 0.05). The facet was significantly better preserved in the UB-ULBD group than in the PE-ULBD group, and the angle of ipsilateral facet joint resection in the UE-ULBD group was significantly smaller (P < 0.05). The ODI score, VAS score and modified Macnab criteria improved postoperatively in both groups. The UB-ULBD group had a 95.08% rate of excellent or good patient outcomes, whereas the PE-ULBD group had a 92.30% rate.ConclusionBoth UB-ULBD and PE-ULBD can provide favourable clinical outcomes when used to treat LSS. UB-ULBD is beneficial because of its shorter operation time, smaller angle of ipsilateral facet joint resection and better facet preservation, making it a viable and safe option for treating LSS while ensuring spinal stability.

Prognosis and treatment of uterine sarcoma found incidentally after myomectomy

ObjectiveTo determine prognosis and factors associated with survival of women with uterine sarcoma found incidentally after myomectomy. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study for patients who had previously undergone myomectomy for presumed benign uterine fibroid disease and were found to have uterine confined sarcoma after myomectomy surgery. ResultsIn total, 50 patients were identified. There were 23 (46.0 %) patients undergoing myomectomy were performed by minimal invasive surgery: laparoscopic (Lap, n = 22, 44.0 %) or transvaginal (TV, n = 1, 2.0 %) approach; while, 24 (48.0 %) and 3 (6.0 %) patients had myomectomy through abdominal (Abd) or hysteroscopic (Hys) approach. All patients received the re-exploration and staging surgery in our center. The median time from myomectomy to the staging surgery was 43 days (range 15–90 days). 17 patients had remnant sarcomas on the remaining uterus and 6 patients had disseminated disease after re-exploration. In the entire cohort, 5-year RFS and 5-year OS was 79.4 % and 88.0 %, respectively. Patients who received initial Lap/TV myomectomy had a tendency towards a worse 5-year RFS compared with Abd/Hys approach (63.0 % vs 88.9 %, P = 0.080). No difference in 5-year OS was found between the two groups (90.3 % vs 91.8 %, P = 0.768). For stage I disease (n = 44), patients who received Lap/TV myomectomy had a worse 5-year RFS compared with Abd/Hys approach (58.3 % vs 95.7 %, P = 0.009). No difference in 5-year OS was found (P = 0.121). ConclusionPatients with incidental uterine sarcoma who received primary Lap/TV myomectomy may have a worse RFS. Re-exploration can detect remnant or disseminated sarcomas.

Novel Design and Performance Analysis of 1R1T Remote Center-of-Motion Mechanisms With Partially Decoupled T- and R-Motions

Abstract Remote center-of-motion (RCM) mechanisms provide a way for surgical instruments to pass through a remote center (e.g., skin incision) under geometrical constraints, facilitating safer operations in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). One rotation and one translation (1R1T, pitch and insertion) are the basic requirements for RCM mechanisms. To make the structure simpler and control easier, a novel concept of 1R1T RCM mechanisms with partially decoupled motions, inspired by the double-parallelogram 1R RCM mechanisms, is proposed in this article, by investigating and proving its motion combination principle based on the screw theory. New evolution procedures based on the configuration evolution method have been derived to design 1R1T RCM mechanisms based on two approaches of inserting the T-motion in an original 1R RCM mechanism, resulting in two types of 1R1T RCM mechanisms with partially decoupled motions and base-locating actuators. The kinematic models of one typical proposed mechanism (including the forward and inverse kinematics) and its Jacobian matrix are derived. The performance analysis is presented, including RCM validation, velocity, singularity, and workspace analysis. Then, the dimensional optimization based on the discrete solution method is derived. Finally, a prototype of the proposed mechanism is presented with preliminary experiments performed to verify the feasibility of the synthesized RCM mechanisms. The results show that the RCM mechanism performs the 1R1T partially decoupled motion, and it can be used as the basic element of an active manipulator of an MIS robot.

Efficacy study of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic drilling of urokinase drainage versus craniotomy in the treatment of massive intracerebral haemorrhage in elderly patientsa

To evaluate the efficacy of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic drilling drainage compared with that of craniotomy in the treatment of massive intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in elderly patients. This was a randomized, controlled, blind endpoint clinical study. Elderly patients with massive ICH treated at our neurosurgery department, without the formation of brain herniation preoperatively, all underwent neurosurgical intervention. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group, which received neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic drilling drainage, and the craniotomy haematoma removal surgery (CHRS) group. Patient characteristics, surgical anaesthesia methods, surgery duration, intraoperative bleeding volume, duration of ICU stay duration of hospital stay, complications, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at 90 days posttreatment were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data. A total of 67 patients were randomly assigned, with 33 (49.25%) in the MIS group and 34 (50.75%) in the CHRS group. Compared with the CHRS group, the MIS group had advantages, including the use of local anaesthesia, shorter surgery duration, less intraoperative bleeding, shorter ICU stay, and fewer complications (P < 0.05). The MIS group had a significantly improved patient prognosis at 90 days (mRS 0–3). However, there were no significant differences in hospital stay or 90-day survival rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). For elderly patients with massive ICH without brain herniation, stereotactic drilling drainage is a simple surgical procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia. Patients treated with this approach seem to have better outcomes than those treated with craniotomy. In clinical practice, neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic drilling drainage is recommended for surgical treatment in elderly patients with massive ICH without brain herniation.Clinical trial registration number: NCT04686877

Active constraint control for the surgical robotic platform with concentric connector joints

Robotic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has changed numerous surgical techniques in the past few years and enhanced their results. Haptic feedback is integrated into robotic surgical systems to restore the surgeon's perception of forces in response to interaction with objects in the surgical environment. The ideal exact emulation of the robot's interaction with its physical environment in free space is a very challenging problem to solve completely. Previously, we introduced the surgical robotic platform (SRP) with a novel concentric connector joint (CCJ). This study aims to develop a haptic control system that integrates an active constraint controller into a surgical robot platform. We have successfully established haptic feedback control for the surgical robot using constraint control and inverse kinematic relationships integrated into the overall positioning structure. A preliminary feasibility study, modelling, and simulation were presented.

Design and validation of a high-speed hyperspectral laparoscopic imaging system.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has shown vast improvement over open surgery by reducing post-operative stays, intraoperative blood loss, and infection rates. However, in spite of these improvements, there are still prevalent issues surrounding MIS that may be addressed through hyperspectral imaging (HSI). We present a laparoscopic HSI system to further advance the field of MIS. We present an imaging system that integrates high-speed HSI technology with a clinical laparoscopic setup and validate the system's accuracy and functionality. Different configurations that cover the visible (VIS) to near-infrared (NIR) range of electromagnetism are assessed by gauging the spectral fidelity and spatial resolution of each hyperspectral camera. Standard Spectralon reflectance tiles were used to provide ground truth spectral footprints to compare with those acquired by our system using the root mean squared error (RMSE). Demosaicing techniques were investigated and used to measure and improve spatial resolution, which was assessed with a USAF resolution test target. A perception-based image quality evaluator was used to assess the demosaicing techniques we developed. Two configurations of the system were developed for evaluation. The functionality of the system was investigated in a phantom study and by imaging ex vivo tissues. Multiple configurations of our system were tested, each covering different spectral ranges, including VIS (460 to 600nm), red/NIR (RNIR) (610 to 850nm), and NIR (665 to 950nm). Each configuration is capable of achieving real-time imaging speeds of up to 20 frames per second. RMSE values of , , and 3.47% were achieved for the VIS, RNIR, and NIR systems, respectively. We obtained sub-millimeter resolution using our demosaicing techniques. We developed and validated a high-speed hyperspectral laparoscopic imaging system. The HSI system can be used as an intraoperative imaging tool for tissue classification during laparoscopic surgery.

Robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery for gallbladder cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Minimally invasive oncological resections have become increasingly widespread in the surgical management of cancers. However, the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unclear. We aim to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the management of GBC compared to open surgery (OS) by comparing outcomes. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE (2000 to December 2021) and EMBASE (2000 to December 2021) databases was conducted. The primary outcome studied was overall survival, and secondary outcomes studied were postoperative morbidity, severe complications, incidence of bile leak, length of hospital stay, operation time, R0 resection rate, local recurrence and lymph node yield. Thirty-two full-text articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis with a total of 5883 patients undergoing either OS or MIS (laparoscopic or robotic) for GBC. 1- and 2-stage meta-analyses did not reveal any significant differences between OS, laparoscopic and robotic surgery in terms of overall survival, R0 resection, lymph node harvest, local recurrence and post-operative complications. Patients who underwent OS had significantly longer hospitalization stay and intra-operative blood loss compared to those who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Network meta-analysis did not reveal any significant differences between post-operative and survival outcomes of laparoscopic vs robotic surgery groups. This network meta-analysis suggests that both laparoscopic and robotic surgery are safe and effective approaches in the surgical management of GBC, with post-operative and survival outcomes comparable to OS. An MIS approach may also lead to shorter hospitalization stay, less intraoperative blood loss and post-operative complications compared to OS. There was no obvious benefit of either MIS approach (laparoscopic versus robotic) over the other.

510. INNOVATIVE ROBOTIC-ASSISTED ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH THREE-FIELD LYMPHADENECTOMY: A NOVEL APPROACH TO ESOPHAGEAL CANCER SURGERY

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant form of esophageal cancer in Thailand, often presents at advanced stages (III - IV), necessitating surgical intervention. Radical esophagectomy, including three-field lymphadenectomy, stands as one of the most invasive gastrointestinal surgeries. However, in the era of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), robotic systems have emerged as a formidable approach to achieve radical treatment goals while minimizing surgical invasiveness. This video showcases a novel surgical technique and its challenges. Methods A case of mid-thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, clinically staged III, treated via robotic-assisted esophagectomy and three-field lymphadenectomy using the Da Vinci Xi system. The operation encompassed three phases: Initially, the thoracic phase with patient in semi-prone position with three robotic and one assistant trocars for complete esophageal mobilization and mediastinal lymph node retrieval. The abdominal phase, followed by the cervical phase, utilized four robotic trocars and one assistant trocar in supine position with hyperextended neck, facilitating perigastric lymph node retrieval, gastric tube reconstruction via the posterior mediastinal route, and cervical esophago-gastric tube anastomosis using a circular stapler. Results The patient experienced an uneventful recovery. Postoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy on day 1 revealed the integrity of the anastomosis and normal vocal cord function. Imaging conducted on day 7 confirmed that the anastomosis was patent without any leakage. Surgical outcomes included an operative time of 615 minutes, estimated blood loss of 150 ml, a 14-day hospital stay, and recovery without complications. This video highlights the intricacies of the procedure and the robotic system's ability to access anatomically challenging spaces, thereby minimizing surgical invasiveness and enhancing recovery. Conclusion The robotic system is capable of performing radical procedures in anatomically challenging areas, such as narrow spaces and areas requiring precise maneuverability among vital structures. It enables a comprehensive approach spanning from the upper to the lower thoracic regions and diversity of surgery in thoracic and abdominal cavity. Additionally, this presentation highlights unique surgical tips and techniques that enhance the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted esophagectomy. By significantly reducing surgical errors and optimizing outcomes for both oncologic and minimally invasive surgeries, it thereby marks a significant leap forward in the field of esophageal surgery. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vrmu2D8TGoetnplcREPWQocXJle4PrOX/view?usp=share_link

Effect of simulating training of the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery on the attitude of operating room nurses students: an intervention study

Abstract Objective Clinical education plays a key role in preparing students for patient care. Laparoscopy is one of the most important minimally invasive surgeries (MISs) wherein surgical technologists are responsible for camera navigation and assistant surgeons are responsible for peg transfer. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the attitude of the operating room students toward these skills during their study period. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of simulating training in the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) on the attitude of the operating room students. Methods This interventional study was conducted on 28 operating room students of Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The census sampling method was used. The data-collection tool included the “Intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI) questionnaire.” The educational intervention was carried out in theoretical (booklet design) and practical (simulation) sections. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential analyses including the paired t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and independent t-test. The collected data were analyzed using R and SPSS software. P-value &lt;0.05 was considered as the significant level. Results The mean ± SD of the participants’ age was 22.93 ± 2.14 years, and the majority of them were women (67.9%). There was a significant difference in the mean scores of students’ attitudes toward the FLS before and after the educational intervention (P &lt; 0.001) in all dimensions (interest, perceived competence, perceived choice, and tension). There was also a significant correlation between gender and interest dimension (P = 0.005). Conclusions The results of the present study showed that simulating the training FLS curriculum positively affects students’ attitudes. Therefore, the researchers suggest that for creating a positive attitude, increasing students’ interest in laparoscopic surgery, and ensuring a more effective presence in the operating room, this training should be considered in the operating room curriculum.

Extraction Laparotomy for Specimen Retrieval Does Not Alter Same-day Discharge Plans

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate if extraction laparotomy (EL) for intact specimen removal adversely impacted the feasibility or safety of same-day discharge (SDD) in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for confirmed or suspected gynecologic malignancies. DesignRetrospective study SettingSingle institution study PatientsPatients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic malignancy at a single institution, who underwent extraction laparotomy (N=67) and age matched controls (N=134) InterventionsComparing same day discharge rates, complications, readmission and outpatient follow up after between patients requiring extraction laparotomy to those that did not after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 1224 patients were identified. Sixty-seven patients underwent EL for specimen extraction. From the remainder, 134 patients were selected as age matched controls. SDD rate was 83% (EL) vs. 87% (no EL) (p=.39). There was no difference in median pain scores (1.8 vs. 1.9 p=.86), length of stay (LOS) (0 days for both) (p=.41), 30-day readmission rate (6% vs. 3%) (p=.45), ED visit (13% vs. 10%) (p=.76) or any patient contact (34% vs. 39%) (p=.53), between the groups. Specimen weight was higher for EL (524g vs 142g, p<.001), as was estimated blood loss (EBL) (104ml vs. 46ml, p<.001), and surgery time was increased by 22 minutes in the EL group (121 min vs. 99 min, p<.001). Patients who underwent EL did require more narcotics in PACU 20.5 vs 12.2 OME p=.033, however this did not translate to increased number of narcotics prescribed at discharge. On logistic regression a higher specimen weight trended to increase the likelihood of admission (OR 1.04 CI 1.01-1.08), however, surgery time, time in PACU, race, BMI, surgery type or need for EL did not predict SDD or need for admission. ConclusionsMinimally invasive surgery patients who require extraction laparotomy can still achieve SDD. Same-day discharge is safe and feasible without increased risk of readmission, pain score, or unscheduled patient contact post-operatively.

The use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in preventing postoperative bile leakage of the hepaticojejunostomy in robot-assisted pancreatic surgery

BackgroundPostoperative bile leakage (POBL) due to insufficiency of the hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) after pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the clinical relevance of ICG in detecting and preventing POBL of the HJ in robotic minimal invasive pancreatic surgery (R-MIPS). MethodsAll consecutive robot- and ICG-assisted HJ-anastomoses between 2019 and 2022 were included. Biliary leakage was objectified with near infrared technology. Only clinically relevant POBL were considered in this study. ResultsSixty patients who underwent a PD between 2019 and 2022 were included. In ten patients, fluorescence imaging revealed an intra-operative hepaticojejunostomy insufficiency (HJI). Five of these patients developed POBL despite revision but preventing POBL in five patients. Detection of HJI with ICG predicted POBL with a sensitivity and specificity of 41.6% and 89.6% respectively. There was a significant higher chance of developing a POBL if the hepatic duct diameter was less than 5 mm (relative risk = 4.68 (p = 0.0345)), or if an intra-operative HJI was detected (relative risk = 3.57 (p = 0.009)). ConclusionICG is a simple and useful tool for detecting intra-operative bile leakage. This study shows that bile illumination with ICG in R-MIPS could prevent postoperative bile leakage.

Enhanced recovery and reduced conversion rates in robotic rectal cancer surgery: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic-assisted rectal resection with conventional laparoscopic and open approaches, focusing on complication rates, conversion rates, length of hospital stay, and oncologic outcomes. A retrospective single-center cohort study included 106 patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer (UICC stages I-III) who underwent rectal resection from January 2013 to December 2023. Patients were assigned to open surgery (n = 23), conventional laparoscopic surgery (n = 55), or robotic-assisted surgery (n = 28). Robotic surgery demonstrated significantly lower conversion rates compared to minimal-invasive surgeries (p = 0.047) and shorter hospital stays (11.5 ± 8days) compared to open (17.91 ± 12days) and laparoscopic (17.2 ± 14days) surgeries (p = 0.001). The quality of the specimen was significantly better (Score 1) in robotic (85.71%) and open (89.09%) cases compared to laparoscopic approaches (47.83%) (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic surgery was identified as a risk factor for worse specimen quality (p < 0.001). Older patients (> 63years) had a higher risk for conversion in univariate analysis (p = 0.049). Morbidity was comparable between the groups (p = 0.131), and the anastomotic leakage rate did not differ significantly (laparoscopic: 18.18%, open: 13.04%, robotic: 17.86%). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no significant differences in overall survival probabilities among the groups. Robotic-assisted rectal resection provides significant advantages in terms of lower conversion rates, better specimen quality, and shorter hospital stays while maintaining comparable complication rates and oncologic outcomes to conventional laparoscopic and open approaches. These findings support robotic surgery as a standard treatment option for rectal cancer.

Traditional craniotomy versus current minimally invasive surgery for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage: A propensity-matched analysis.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and craniotomy (CI) are the current treatments for spontaneous supratentorial cerebral haemorrhage (SSTICH). To compare the efficacy and safety of MIS and CI for the treatment of SSTICH. Clinical and imaging data of 557 consecutive patients with SSTICH who underwent MIS or CI between January 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into two subgroups: The MIS group and CI group. Propensity score matching was performed to minimise case selection bias. The primary outcome was a dichotomous prognostic (favourable or unfavourable) outcome based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months; an mRS score of 0-2 was considered favourable. In both conventional statistical and binary logistic regression analyses, the MIS group had a better outcome. The outcome of propensity score matching was unexpected (odds ratio: 0.582; 95%CI: 0.281-1.204; P = 0.144), which indicated that, after excluding the interference of each confounder, different surgical modalities were more effective, and there was no significant difference in their prognosis. Deciding between MIS and CI should be made based on the individual patient, considering the hematoma size, degree of midline shift, cerebral swelling, and preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score.

Recent advances on application of continuum robots in minimally invasive surgery

Continuum robots have emerged as pivotal tools in advancing minimally invasive surgery (MIS), offering enhanced flexibility and precision compared to traditional rigid instruments. This review categorizes continuum robots based on structural designs and actuation strategies, highlighting their ability to navigate complex surgical environments with minimal invasiveness. The integration of advanced sensing technologies for shape and environmental perception is examined, underscoring their role in improving surgical accuracy and patient safety. Specific applications in bronchoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and orthopedic procedures demonstrate the diverse capabilities of continuum robots in clinical settings. Despite challenges in material stiffness and sensor miniaturization, continuum robots show promising potential to reshape the landscape of MIS through continued innovation and research advancements.