Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques Research Articles

Water vapor thermal therapy (Rezūm System) in patients with large prostates: results from a prospective comparative study.

Rezūm is a novel minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) useful for BPH patients with medium-sized prostate (30-80 cm3) refractory to medical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rezūm as a treatment option in large-sized prostates (>80 cm3). We performed a prospective, comparative, single-center study from June 2022 to June 2023, including consecutive patients undergoing surgery with the Rezūm System. Enrolled men were classified into two subgroups based on prostate size: medium prostate (MP) (30-80 cm3) and large prostate (LP) (≥80 cm3). Inclusion criteria included an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Total score of ≥ 8 points. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR), and International Index of Erectile Function 5-item version (IIEF-5) were collected at baseline and at three, six, and 12 months post-procedure. Ejaculation presence was assessed at 3 months. Post-operative complications were described using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. The primary outcome was the IPSS-Total score, with intraoperative and postoperative CD grade ≥III complications as secondary outcomes. One hundred and twenty-one patients (PV 78.2±32.1 mL) were included in the study, 51 large prostate (LP) and 70 medium prostate (MP). The IPSS-Total score and Q<inf>max</inf> showed a statistically significant (P<0.0001) improvement at 3, 6, and 12 months respectively. PVR decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months; however, only at 3 months this variation was statistically significant (P<0.0001). At 3-month follow-up, anejaculation was detected in (3; 5.8% and 1; 1.4%) patients in LP and MP group respectively (P=0.86). IIEF-5 significantly improved 3 months after surgery in the LP subgroup (P<0.0001). Rezūm water vapor therapy appears to be effective for treating BPH in larger prostates. Additionally, it demonstrates a low risk of impairing sexual function, indicating a favorable safety profile.

Minimally Invasive vs Open First Ray Dorsiflexion Osteotomy: Radiographic Outcomes and Early Complications Report.

There is limited literature comparing open and minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for first ray dorsiflexion osteotomy (DFO). This study is the first of its kind to report early healing and complication rates of patients undergoing MIS vs open first ray DFO. A retrospective cohort review of 28 patients who underwent a first ray DFO procedure at an academic medical center between 2015 and 2024 was conducted. Demographic factors and medical comorbidities were recorded. Radiologic parameters were measured along with healing. Postoperative healing and outcomes were identified through medical record review. Thirteen open and 15 MIS DFO procedures were performed. At follow-up, all osteotomies were healed with no wound or infection complications. There was no significant difference in hardware removal rates, 7.7% for open and 6.7% for MIS. The change in lateral Meary angle was 10.5 ± 3.9 and 9.7 ± 4.3 for the open and MIS groups, respectively (P = .61). The calculated dorsal closing wedge resection was 3.5 mm and 4.1 mm for open and MIS, respectively (P = .26). This study showed no significant differences in healing or complication rates in the short term between MIS and open surgery, with comparable magnitude of correction, suggesting similar ability for the MIS technique to correct first ray alignment. Further studies are needed to determine long-term outcomes.

532. OPERATIVE TRENDS AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF OPEN, LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC APPROACHES TO HIATAL AND PARAOESOPHAGEAL HERNIAS-A STUDY OF 1834 PATIENTS

Abstract Background Indications for repair of hiatal and paraesophageal hernia (HH/PEH) repair evolved significantly over the past two decades, impacted by the increasing application of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches. This transition underscores the importance of evaluating the operative trends and clinical outcomes associated with open (open), laparoscopic (lap), and robotic surgeries especially in cases of giant hernias (over 50% intrathoracic stomach). Understanding these dynamics is crucial, especially as MIS becomes increasingly prevalent in managing complex cases, including giant hernias. The aim of this study is to assess critical outcomes achieved during the evolution from open to lap to robotic HH/PEH repair in a high volume center. Methods This is a retrospective review of 1834 patients undergoing open (958), lap (390), and robot (486), consecutive HH/PEH repairs prospectively entered into an IRB approved database from 2000 to 2023 at a high-volume center. Patient demographics, operative techniques, and top three most common presenting symptoms were studied overtime. Impact of operative technique, hernia type and size, operative outcomes including length of stay (LOS), radiographic recurrence (esophagram at 3 and 12 months), revisional surgery, on post-operative symptom resolution was evaluated. Results Annual volume increased overtime, with 418 repairs (78% robotic) in the last two years. Average hernia size decreased over the study period. The majority of patients (99.1%) presented with symptoms (Fig 1) and robotic repair had significantly better symptomatic resolution than open surgery (p&amp;lt;0.05). This advantage persists with symptoms in giant hernias (p&amp;lt;.001) LOS decreased over the study period (Fig 1). Overall radiographic recurrence (8.6%) and reoperative rate (2.4%) did not differ among operative techniques, however robotic repair had higher radiographic recurrence rate in case of giant hernia (18%, p&amp;lt;.001). Conclusion The operative volume of HH/PEH repair has increased overtime associated with the increased application along with advancements in MIS and robotic operative techniques. Surgical interventions markedly ameliorate HH/PEH symptoms, with greater improvement observed in large hernia cases. Significant improvement in LOS and at least equivalent clinical results favors MIS, particularly robotic surgery. Although the incidence of anatomic recurrent hernia and reoperation is relatively low continued assessment of especially robotic operations to decrease this incidence further is warranted.

Effect of minimally invasive treatment for intrabony defects using Bio-Oss® collagen.

The potential of Bio-Oss® collagen xenograft for treating intrabony defects using minimally invasive surgical methods is of interest. Hence, 30 defect sites in individuals with mild to severe chronic periodontitis were investigated. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each. Group A underwent regenerative MIST (minimally invasive surgical technique) with a bovine-derived xenograft, while Group B received only MIST. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment levels, and intrabony defect fill, were evaluated at three and six-month intervals. Significant improvements in periodontal parameters were observed in both groups, with Group A showing significantly better results.

P-738 Reproductive surgery for fertility preservation: Robotic single-port myomectomy (da Vinci® SP) versus robotic single-site myomectomy (da Vinci® Xi or Si)

Abstract Study question To compare clinical and surgical outcomes of robotic single-port myomectomy using da Vinci® SP and robotic single-site myomectomy with Xi or Si for fertility preservation. Summary answer The robotic single-port myomectomy (da Vinci® SP) might be feasible, even if the myoma is deep-seated, compared to robotic single-site myomectomy (Xi or Si system). What is known already Myomas are clinically apparent in about 25% of women and become symptomatic in their reproductive age. Myomectomy is the choice of treatment for women desiring uterine preservation, especially in deep-seated fibroid that can affect pregnancy. Although young women prefer minimal invasive surgical technique with less scar, single-port laparoscopic myomectomy has some limitations. Adoption of the da Vinci® system made it possible to overcome the weaknesses of laparoscopy. Owing to the ability of single-port laparoscopy to reduce pain and improve patient satisfaction, robotic single-site surgery was developed in order of the da Vinci® Si, Xi and the latest new SP system. Study design, size, duration We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 214 patients who underwent robotic single-port myomectomy (RSPM, n = 111) using the da Vinci® SP surgical system or robotic single-site myomectomy (RSSM, n = 103) with the da Vinci® Xi or Si system between October 2015 and September 2023 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. Baseline characteristics and operative outcomes were compared and analyzed between the RSPM and RSSM groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods We assessed FIGO classification and maximum diameter of fibroid. The incision time, docking time, console time, wound closure time, total operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), chopping time for specimen removal, the number and weight of removed myoma were measured. Main results and the role of chance Mean age (38.5±6.6 vs 37.3±6.6 years) and anthropometric index were not significantly different between RSPM and RSSM groups. Although the diameter (7.1±1.4 vs 7.2±2.0 cm), number (3.1±2.7 vs 2.5±2.2), and weight (149.1±107.1 vs 146.4±130.6 g) of myoma were not significantly different between the two groups, the more deep-seated myoma diagnosed by FIGO classification (2.9±1.5 vs 4.6±2.0, p&amp;lt;0.0001) could be resected in RSPM group. The incision (3.6±1.9 vs 7.3±4.4 min, p &amp;lt;0.0001) and docking time (2.7±1.4 vs 4.6±1.6 min. p&amp;lt;0.0001) were less in the group of RSPM compared to RSSM that was earlier implementation. Depending on the differences in da Vinci® SP and Xi or Si systems, the wound was slightly larger, requiring shorter chopping time (6.4±5.0 vs 8.4±7.2 min, p=0.022) and longer closure time (12.8±4.4 vs 10.9±3.6 min, p=0.001) in the RSPM group. Additionally, more complex surgeries with larger blood loss (264.1±140.2 vs 176.8±132.0 ml, p&amp;lt;0.0001), longer console time (60.5±33.2 vs 49.7±22.6 min, p=0.016) and hospitalization (4.6±0.9 vs 4.3±0.6 days, p=0.005) were performed in the RSPM group, but the difference in hemoglobin (2.5±1.0 vs 2.6±0.9 g/dL) before and after surgery was not significant. Limitations, reasons for caution All surgeries underwent using the da Vinci systems by one gynecologic surgeon who had experience performing almost 2,000 gynecologic robotic surgeries and the follow-up period was not enough to conclude the reproductive outcome. Wider implications of the findings The RSPM using the da Vinci® SP surgical system could be recommended for patient who planned future pregnancy. However, the optimal surgical technique should be selected for successful fertility preservation of reproductive surgery. Trial registration number 2023-03-038

Surgical treatment of thymic epithelial tumors: a narrative review.

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are scarce neoplasms of the prevascular mediastinum. Included in this diverse category of lesions are thymomas and thymic carcinomas (TCs). Surgery is the mainstay of treatment of tumors that are deemed resectable. However, up till now, optimal surgical access has been a subject of debate. The advent of new techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), challenged the median sternotomy which was traditionally considered the access of choice. This review aims to demonstrate the current evidence concerning the surgical treatment of TET and to enlighten other controversial issues about surgery. PubMed research was conducted using the terms [surgery] AND [thymic epithelial tumors] OR [thymomas] and [surgical treatment] AND [thymic epithelial tumors] OR [thymomas]. Papers concerning pediatric cases and non-English literature papers were excluded. Individual case reports were also excluded. Minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIST) such as VATS and RATS are increasingly applied in early-stage TET. Although numerous published studies have demonstrated better perioperative outcomes in early-stage TET, long-term follow-up data are still required to demonstrate the oncological equivalent of MIST to open surgery. Resection of stage III TET is more challenging. Thymectomy can be expanded en bloc to include the major vascular structures, lung, pleura, phrenic, or vagus nerve in these individuals. There is no agreement on the ideal surgical access and traditionally these patients underwent open sternotomy, sometimes combined with a thoracic access. Evidence concerning the treatment of stage IVA disease is mainly derived from retrospective case series which are highly heterogeneous in terms of the number of enrolled patients, histology, degree of pleural involvement, and timing of presentation. New techniques in the field of minimally invasive surgery are gaining acceptance for early-stage TET but longer follow-up periods are warranted to prove their oncological outcomes. On the contrary, these techniques should be used cautiously in case of locally advanced tumors. Surgeons must not forget that the main objective is the complete resection of the lesion, which is one major predictive factor for increased survival.

The use of a minimally invasive integrated endoscopic system to perform hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusions.

The objective was to evaluate the use of a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach to perform hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusions (IVDE). Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the degree of soft tissue trauma using the endoscopic procedure compared to the standard open approach. Eight client-owned dogs presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with acute onset thoracolumbar IVDE were included in this study. This was a prospective, randomized case-series. Patients were assigned to undergo an endoscopic (group 1; n = 4) or a standard open approach (group 2; n = 4) for a hemilaminectomy. A post-operative MRI was performed in all cases. Conversion to an open approach was not necessary for any case in group 1. All cases had adequate spinal cord decompression on post-operative MRI. There was no significant difference in soft tissue changes noted on post-operative MRI between the two groups. The MIS approach to hemilaminectomies in chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar IVDE can successfully be performed to decompress the neural tissue and appears to lead to similar clinical outcomes in the early postoperative period compared to the standard open approach. Larger studies are needed to determine the potential advantages of the MIS technique compared to the standard open approach in veterinary medicine.

Efficacy of Bovine-derived Xenograft and Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique in the Treatment of Human Periodontal Intrabony Defects - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) with the use of bovine-derived xenograft (BDX) in the treatment of intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: An electronic search using PUBMED, Google Scholar, Google, Clinical Trials Registry, and Web of Science and manual search using Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College library resources was conducted. Randomized controlled trials and case cohorts were included in this study. Case reports, reviews, and in vitro studies were excluded from the study. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess differences in clinical parameters (pocket probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival recession) between MIST and MIST with BDX. Results: Both MIST alone and with xenograft showed statistically significant improvements in all the clinical and radiographic parameters. However, MIST alone showed marginally better improvement as compared to MIST with xenograft. Conclusions: MIST with or without BDX improves clinical, radiographic, and patient-related outcomes for treating intrabony defects. The improvement in the outcomes of MIST alone is found to be comparatively similar when used along with BDX suggesting that the benefits of MIST are not improved by xenograft.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review.

Background: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques have gained popularity as a safe and effective alternative to open surgery for degenerative, traumatic, and metastatic spinal pathologies. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, MIS techniques comprise anterior thoracoscopic surgery (ATS), posterior minimally invasive surgery (PMIS), and vertebral body tethering (VBT). In the current systematic review, the authors collected and analyzed data from the available literature on MIS techniques in AIS. Methods: The articles were shortlisted after a thorough electronic and manual database search through PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Results: The authors included 43 studies for the review; 14 described the outcomes with ATS, 13 with PMIS, and 16 with VBT. Conclusions: While the efficacy of the ATS approach is well-established in terms of comparable coronal and sagittal correction to posterior spinal fusion, the current use of ATS for instrumented fusion has become less popular due to a steep learning curve, high pulmonary and vascular complication rates, implant failures, and increased non-union rates. PMIS is an effective alternative to the standard open posterior spinal fusion, with a steep learning curve and longer surgical time being potential disadvantages. The current evidence, albeit limited, suggests that VBT is an attractive procedure that merits consideration in terms of radiological correction and clinical outcomes, but it has a high complication and re-operation rate, while the most appropriate indications and long-term outcomes of this technique remain unclear.

Minimally-Invasive Surgical Techniques (MIST): Shedding Light on the Mist

As life expectancy increases and there is growing demand for BPH treatments, innovative technologies have been developed, allowing for swift recovery, symptom relief, low complication rates, and the possibility of performing procedures on an outpatient basis, often under local anaesthesia. This review aims to describe the outcomes of newly developed minimally-invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for BPH treatment in terms of functional voiding parameters and sexual function. These therapies are categorized into primarily ablative (Aquablation [Aquabeam]), non-ablative (Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL, Urolift), temporary implantable devices [iTind]), and secondarily ablative procedures (convective water vapor ablation, Rezum, Prostate Artery Embolization [PAE]). All MIST technologies have advanced the medical care of patients with BPH while preserving ejaculation. However, there is a shortage of long-term data specifically addressing re-intervention rates and the preservation of functional voiding parameters. Although there is promising data from regulatory trials and randomized studies, all MIST therapies are potentially associated with severe complications. Patients considering such methods must be thoroughly informed about their inferiority compared with established transurethral procedures like TUR-P and enucleation.

Assessing Knowledge Gaps in Minimal Invasive Surgical Techniques : A Survey of Surgical Residents

Background: Minimal invasive surgical techniques have gained prominence for their safety and efficiency compared to traditional open surgeries. These techniques, including laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery, offer advantages such as reduced postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays. However, successful adoption relies on extensive training and knowledge among surgical residents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted among surgical residents in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. Stratified random sampling ensured representation from government and private healthcare institutions. A structured questionnaire collected data on demographic information, knowledge levels, training experiences, and perceived knowledge gaps. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among 50 participants, 80% received formal training, 70% attended workshops/seminars, and 96% observed live surgeries in minimally invasive techniques. However, only 60% had hands-on experience. Perceived knowledge gaps included lack of hands-on training (24\%), limited exposure to complex cases (36%), and difficulty in applying techniques (24%). Knowledge levels improved with years of residency, which is consistent with Indian studies. Conclusion: Addressing knowledge gaps and enhancing training in minimally invasive surgery is essential for surgical residents in Muzaffarpur. Increasing hands-on opportunities, diverse case exposure, and mentorship programs can improve proficiency and patient outcomes.

Minimally invasive techniques in quest of Holy Grail of surgical management of enlarged prostates: a narrative review.

Past decade has seen a renewed interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for management of enlarged prostate. This narrative review aims to explore newer MIST for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which are not yet integrated into established societal guidelines. We conducted a literature search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and FDA ClinicalTrials.gov databases on June 1st, 2023, to identify studies published within the past decade exploring various MISTs for BPH. Additionally, we gathered insights from abstracts presented in meetings of professional associations and corporate websites. We broadly classified these procedures into three distinct categories: energy-based, balloon dilation, and implant/stent treatments. We collected detail information about the device, procedure details, its inclusion and exclusion criteria, and outcome. Our review reveals that newer energy-based MISTs include Transperineal Laser Ablation, Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. In the sphere of balloon dilation, Transurethral Columnar Balloon Dilation and the Optilume BPH Catheter System were gaining momentum. The noteworthy implants/stents that are on horizon include Butterfly Prostatic Retraction Device, Urocross Expander System, Zenflow Spring System, and ProVee Urethral Expander System. The exploration of various MISTs reflects ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and address limitations of existing treatments. This review provides a bird-eye view and valuable insights for urologists and researchers seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of MISTs in the quest for effective and minimally invasive solutions for enlarged prostates.

Minimally invasive periodontal regeneration with the buccal approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies.

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical periodontal parameters after treatment using the Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique (MIST), Modified Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique (M-MIST), and/or any technique for papilla preservation, such as Entire Papilla Preservation (EPP), modified-papilla preservation technique (M-PPT), or simplified-papilla preservation technique (SPPT). The focus question was "For patients with periodontal intrabony defects (P), what is the best minimally invasive regenerative approach (I), comparing MIST, M-MIST, and papilla preservation techniques' outcomes (C) to improve PD, CAL, GR, and periodontal stability(O)?" An online search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Only randomized clinical trials and case series with a minimum of 10 enrolled patients were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal tools in JBI Systematic Reviews. The meta-analysis compared the data obtained for the periodontal parameters analyzed, and the heterogeneity was verified. After the screening, nine articles were included. Seven studies applied MIST and its modifications; two used M-PPT, one SPPT, and one approached EPP. A general statistically significant PD reduction and CAL gain were noted between the groups, comparing baseline and follow-up for all articles, independently of the technique or materials used. Also, all studies showed a non-significant increase in the gingival recession. Four studies had a low risk of bias, four had a moderate risk, and only 1 had a high risk. Moderate heterogeneity was found in one analysis for CAL (65.73%); moderate and substantial heterogeneity was found in the PD results (71.91% and 89.19%); and no heterogeneity was found within all analyses for gingival recession (0%). MIST, M-MIST, and papilla preservation techniques demonstrated their potential and efficacy to improve periodontal conditions of sites with intrabony defects with minimal morbidity.

Finite element analyses of three minimally invasive fixation techniques for treating Sanders type II intra-articular calcaneal fractures

Background and objectiveCalcaneal Sanders type II or III fractures are highly disabling with significant burden. Surgical treatment modalities include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) techniques and a variety of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches. ORIF techniques are associated with complications and traditional MIS techniques need extensive intraoperative fluoroscopic procedures. The present study aims to investigate the effects of three different minimally invasive internal fixation (MIIF) techniques used to treat Sanders type II intra-articular calcaneal fractures using finite element analyses.MethodsA 64-row spiral computed tomography scan was used to observe the calcaneus of a healthy adult. The scanning data were imported into Mimics in a DICOM format. Using a new model of a Sanders type II-B intra-articular calcaneal fracture, three minimally invasive techniques were simulated. Technique A involved fixation using an isolated minimally invasive locking plate; Technique B used a minimally invasive locking plate with one medial support screw; and Technique C simulated a screw fixation technique using four 4.0-mm screws. After simulating a 640-N load on the subtalar facet, the maximum displacement and von Mises stress of fragments and implants were recorded to evaluate the biomechanical stability of different fixation techniques using finite element analyses.ResultsAfter stress loading, the maximum displacements of the fragments and implants were located at the sustentaculum tali and the tip of sustentaculum tali screw, respectively, in the three techniques; however, among the three techniques, Technique B had better results for displacement of both. The maximum von Mises stress on the fragments was < 56 Mpa, and stress on the implants using the three techniques was less than the yield strength, with Technique C having the least stress.ConclusionAll three techniques were successful in providing a stable fixation for Sanders type II intra-articular calcaneal fractures, while the minimally invasive calcaneal locking plate with medial support screw fixation approach exhibited greater stability, leading to improved enhancement for the facet fragment; however, screw fixation dispersed the stress more effectively than the other two techniques.

A comparison of Er,Cr:YSGG laser to minimally invasive surgical technique in the treatment of intrabony defects: Twelve-month results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled study.

The purpose of this publication is to report on the 12-month clinical and radiographic results comparing the surgical use of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser (ERL) and minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) for the treatment of intrabony defects in subjects with generalized periodontitis stage III, grade B. Fifty-three adult subjects (29 females and 24 males; 19-73 years) with 79 intrabony defects were randomized following scaling and root planing (SRP) to receive ERL monotherapy (n=27) or MIST (n=26). Fifty subjects completed the study. Recession (REC), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), treatment time, and standardized radiographs were assessed and compared for each treatment group. Clinical measurements were recorded at baseline, 4-6weeks following SRP, and 6 and 12months following surgical therapy. Radiographic results were compared to baseline at 6 and 12months following surgical therapy. The following primary and secondary outcome variables were non-inferior with the following margins: CAL with a non-inferiority margin of 0.7 mm (p=0.05), PD with a non-inferiority margin of 0.7mm (p=0.05), and REC with a non-inferiority margin of 0.4mm (p=0.05). Standardized radiographs suggest similar bone fill of 1.14±1.73mm for MIST and 1.12±1.52mm for ERL. This is the first multicenter, randomized, masked, and controlled study demonstrating the ERL is not inferior to MIST at 12 months in terms of clinical outcomes and similar to MIST in terms of radiographic bone fill for the surgical treatment of intrabony defects.

Post-Operative Complications after Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A Survival Analysis of Minimally Invasive vs Open Techniques

Category: Sports; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) can be treated surgically through either open repair or minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIS). While the relative complication rates between these techniques, including wound dehiscence, re-rupture, and sural nerve injury, have been debated, many studies demonstrate no significant difference between these two approaches. In this study, we conducted a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to compare the incidence and timing of complications between open and MIS repair of acute ATRs and examine factors that may influence these rates. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of patients (≥18 years) who underwent surgical intervention for acute ATR within a four-week period following injury, with a minimum follow-up of three months. Data on demographic variables, type of surgical procedure (MIS or open approach), and the occurrence and timing of postoperative complications were collected. Postoperative complications were classified as venous thromboembolism (VTE), re-rupture, surgical site infecti+D2on (SSI), wound dehiscence, and sural nerve injury.The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to compare the complication rates between the MIS and open repair groups. The log-rank test was used to test the equality of survivor functions. The Cox proportional hazards model was employed to determine predictors of complications. Results: In total, 417 patients were included in the final analysis. The MIS group had a higher proportion of patients with tobacco use. Fifty-two complications in 50 patients were recorded (Table 1). We found no significant difference in the complication rates between the MIS and open repair groups. However, Cox proportional hazards modeling revealed that body mass index (BMI) was a significant predictor of re-ruptures (HR 1.2, 95% CI = 1.05–1.4) and that surgical delay was found to be a significant predictor of wound dehiscence (HR 1.2, 95% CI =1.01–1.3) and sural nerve injury (HR 1.2, 95% CI =1.1–1.3). A surgical delay of more than 2 weeks was noted to have a positive likelihood ratio of 2.3 for wound dehiscence and 3.1 for sural nerve injury. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that MIS and open repair techniques for acute ATRs demonstrate comparable complication rates. However, patients with elevated BMI exhibit an increased risk of re-rupture. Those with surgical delay beyond two weeks have an elevated likelihood of wound dehiscence and sural nerve injury, presumptively due to associated scaring and the requisite tissue manipulation. Surgeons and patients may consider these variables when formulating a surgical treatment plan.

Minimally Invasive Surgery in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Where Do We Stand?

In the last two decades, robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) has gained popularity as a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) alternative to multi- and uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). With this approach, the surgeon obviates the known drawbacks of conventional MIS, such as the reduced in-depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and freedom of motion of the instruments. Previous studies have shown that a robotic approach for operable lung cancer has treatment outcomes comparable to other MIS techniques such as multi-and uniportal VATS, but with less blood loss, a lower conversion rate to open surgery, better lymph node dissection rates, and improved ergonomics for the surgeon. The thoracic surgeon of the future is expected to perform more complex procedures. More patients will enter a multimodal treatment scheme making surgery more difficult due to severe inflammation. Furthermore, due to lung cancer screening programs, the number of patients presenting with operable smaller lung nodules in the periphery of the lung will increase. This, combined with the fact that segmentectomy is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for small peripheral lung lesions, indicates that the future thoracic surgeons need to have profound knowledge of segmental resections. New imaging techniques will help them to locate these lesions and to achieve a complete oncologic resection. Current robotic techniques exist to help the thoracic surgeon overcome these challenges. In this review, an update of the latest MIS approaches and nodule detection techniques will be given.

A Retrospective Study of Far Lateral Midline Microlumbar Discectomy in 20 Patients at a Single Center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND Microdiscectomy is a minimally-invasive surgical technique for treating far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH). This retrospective study from a single center in Turkey aimed to evaluate midlinelumbar discectomy in 20 patients with far lateral lumbar disc herniation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We collected clinical data of 20 patients (11 men, 9 women) operated for FLDDH between January 2006 and January 2022. Patients' age, sex, surgical level, examination findings, motor deficit, duration of operation, complications during the operation and preoperative/postoperative 6 month visual analogue Scala (VAS), preoperative/postoperative 6th month Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were evaluated. RESULTS The patients were 11 men (55%) and 9 women (45%), with a mean age of 52.08±11.21 years. The mean duration of symptoms before the operation was 3.4 weeks. Laseque sign positivity was found in 86.4% of the patients. Motor deficit was present in 30% of the patients. After 6-month follow-up, preoperative VAS value decreased from 9.35±0.75 to 0.84±0.75. Preoperative and postoperative VAS score averages were significantly different (P=0.0001). Operation ODI values were 73.63±3.76 before and after surgery, and decreased to 14.81±3.63 at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS The term distal lateral disc herniation was first defined in the literature in 1974 when the disc was seen in a different location than the normal location compared to the facet. Far lateral disc herniation can be operated on successfully with midline skin incision.

Ejaculation physiology and dysfunction after BPH surgery: the role of the new MISTs.

Human ejaculation can be defined as a complex and still largely unknown function. Since decades, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) surgery-associated loss of antegrade ejaculation has been reported as a bother by many patients. New technologies and modified surgical techniques were developed, to reduce the impact of ejaculatory dysfunction on patients' perceived quality of life. Recently, the emerging of the new Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques (MISTs) empowered the urological surgeons with the technological means to introduce the ejaculation-sparing principles into everyday clinical practice. Our paper was conceived as a state-of-the-art analysis about the anatomical and physiological premises of the human ejaculation and their clinical application in the field of ejaculation-sparing surgery for the treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Moreover, we proposed an innovative physiological model for antegrade ejaculation. We analysed the elements of the "ejaculatory apparatus" from an anatomical point of view. We investigated the physio-pathological models of the human ejaculation, from the classical "combustion chamber" paradigm to the new evidences by which it could be overcome. Finally, we provided a synthetic literature review about the ejaculation-sparing techniques for BPH surgery. Particularly, we distinguished them between classical techniques, modified for ejaculation-preserving purposes, and the new MISTs, characterized by the introduction of new technologies and different treatment modalities. Modified surgical techniques and new technologies opened new perspectives about human ejaculation. Previously established functional paradigms were questioned and overcome by recent clinical evidence. The new MISTs gained a prominent role in the process, opening a whole new era for BPH surgery.

Thymectomy in myasthenia gravis.

Thymectomy has long been used in the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis and antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. However, its effectiveness has only been proven a few years ago in a randomized controlled trial in patients under the age of 65. Here, we review the current literature focusing on patient subgroups, potential biomarkers for outcome prediction and the choice of surgical approach. Long-term follow-up studies after thymectomy confirmed that the benefits regarding clinical outcome parameters and a reduced need for immunosuppressive treatment persist. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of patients in real-world cohorts do not reach complete stable remission after thymectomy indicating that the underlying autoimmune process is sustained in the periphery. Our understanding of the responsible mechanisms has improved with recent studies. Presently, outcome data after thymectomy in several patient subgroups, such as those aged over 50 years, those with juvenile onset or those with purely ocular symptoms are limited and have been the focus of recent research activities. Similarly, biomarkers guiding an appropriate patient selection for thymectomy are under investigation. A number of cohort studies demonstrated that minimal invasive surgical techniques such as extended robotic thymectomy lead to similar positive outcomes as a transsternal approach with potentially fewer short-term adverse effects. Thymectomy is an effective treatment option in adult patients with early onset acetylcholine-receptor positive myasthenia gravis but uncertainty remains with regard to certain patient subgroups.