Robot-assisted Approaches Research Articles

Sacrocolpopexy: Alternatives to Mesh Grafts.

The ongoing pelvic mesh controversy, coupled with a regulatory pause in using pelvic mesh in some countries, has created a need for mesh-free alternatives for sacrocolpopexy (SCP). This article provides an overview of mesh-free alternatives for SCP. MEDLINE and PubMed searches were conducted to identify studies reporting on autologous and non-autologous biologic grafts for SCP. Identified studies were reviewed by two of the authors (CY and MR). Emerging evidence on autologous fascia lata (AFL) and rectus sheath (ARS) for SCP is promising, with low donor site morbidity. Non-autologous biologic grafts for SCP are mostly reported to be inferior to mesh. Emerging evidence suggests that AFL and ARS might be safe and effective alternative options to mesh SCP. The main advantages of AFL for SCP over ARS are laparoscopy or robot-assisted laparoscopy approaches, and that a larger graft can be safely harvested. The benefits of utilising allografts and xenografts are limited by their reduced durability compared with mesh and patient acceptability.

Challenges With Robot-Assisted Surgery Setup for Complex Minimally Invasive Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery.

The utilization of robot-assisted approaches to surgery has increased significantly over the last two decades. This has introduced novel complexities into the operating room environment, requiring management of new challenges and workflow adaptation. This study aimed to analyze challenges in the surgical setup for complex upper gastrointestinal robot-assisted surgery (UGI-RAS) and identify opportunities for solutions. Direct observations of surgical setup processes for UGI-RAS were performed by a trained Human Factors researcher at a non-profit academic medical center in Southern California. Setup tasks were subdivided into five phases: (1) before wheels-in; (2) patient transfer and anesthesia induction; (3) patient preparation; (4) surgery preparation; and (5) robot docking. Start/end times for each phase/task were documented along with workflow disruption (FD) narratives and timestamps. Setup tasks and FDs were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Twenty UGI-RAS setup procedures were observed between May-November 2023: sleeve gastrectomy +/- hiatal hernia repair (n = 9, 45.00%); para-esophageal hernia repair +/- fundoplication (n = 8, 40.00%); revision to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 2, 10.00%); and gastric band removal (n = 1, 5.00%). Frequent FDs included planning breakdowns (n = 20, 29.85%), equipment/supply management (n = 17, 25.37%), patient care coordination (n = 8, 11.94%), and equipment challenges (n = 8, 11.94%). Eleven of 20 observations were first-start cases, of which 10 experienced delayed starts. Interventions aimed at improving workflows during UGI-RAS setup include performing pre-operative team huddles and conducting trainings aimed at team coordination and equipment challenges. These solutions could result in improved teamwork, efficiency, and communication while reducing case start delays and turnover time.

PE080 Perioperative outcomes after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testis cancer: A comparison between open and robot-assisted approaches

PE080 Perioperative outcomes after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testis cancer: A comparison between open and robot-assisted approaches

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for small renal masses

Background: Due to the increased use of imaging modalities in daily medical practices, more and more small renal masses are detected. For these SRMs, nephron sparing procedures are more commonly opted rather than radical nephrectomy for the sake of preservation of renal function and proven similar oncological outcomes. This surgery has evolved from open, laparoscopic to Robot-assisted approaches. This article summarizes our institutional experience of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients with small renal masses who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital from January 2023 to June 2024 were retrospectively retrieved. Altogether 23 case notes fulfilled the criteria for analysis. All the demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative data were collected form the notes and plotted. All the issues within 30 days of surgery were defined as early complications. Clavein-Dindo Classification used for analysis. SPSS 25 software was used. Results: Twenty three patients underwent partial nephrectomy with lapascopic method. All were done trans-peritoneally. Average age of patient was 50.96±12.8 years with range of 33-76. Male were 14 and 9 were females. Average hospital stay was 8 days. The majority of patients after PN recovered well. Nonetheless, 8 developed postoperative complications. GI complications were 8.7%, infections related 13%, Wound related 8.7% and others. Two patients (8.3%) were required to undergo reoperation and nephrectomy for haematuria. Conclusion: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a surgery with steep learning curve. As it requires advanced laparoscopic suturing skills, complications in early period was common. After maturity the complications are as par to open PN.

Preliminary comparative study of spinal robot-assisted pedicle screw placement using different surgical approaches

To compare the effectiveness of spinal robot-assisted pedicle screw placement through different surgical approaches and to guide the clinical selection of appropriate robot-assisted surgical approaches. The clinical data of 14 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral diseases who met the selection criteria between January 2023 and August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and all of them underwent pedicle screw placement under assistant of the Mazor X spinal surgery robot through different surgical approaches. The patients were divided into posterior median approach (PMA) group ( n=6) and intermuscular approach (IMA) group ( n=8) according to the surgical approaches, and there was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, disease type, and fixed segment between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, screw-related complications, and reoperation rate were recorded and compared between the two groups; the inclination angle of the screw, the distance between the screw and the midline, and the caudal inclination angle of the screw were measured based on X-ray films at immediate after operation. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no screw-related complication such as nerve injury in both groups, and no patients underwent secondary surgery. At immediate after operation, the inclination angle of the screw, the distance between the screw and the midline, and the caudal inclination angle of the screw in the IMA group were significantly greater than those in the PMA group ( P<0.05). There are differences in the position and inclination angle of screws placed with robot-assisted surgery through different surgical approaches, which may be due to the obstruction of the screw path by soft tissues such as skin and muscles. When using spinal robot-assisted surgery, selecting the appropriate surgical approach for different diseases can make the treatment more reasonable and effective.

Comparative Outcomes of Open Radical Cystectomy vs. Robot-Assisted Approaches with Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Urinary Diversion: A Meta-Analysis and Network Meta-Analysis of Perioperative and Quality of Life Outcomes.

Background: To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs that compare outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intra- or extracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD or ECUD) and the standard open approach (oRC). Methods: A systematic review identified RCTs including patients aged >18 years with non-metastatic bladder cancer treated with RARC (ICUD or ECUD) vs. oRC and reporting peri- and post-operative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) assessment. Standard and network metanalyses were performed. Results: Data from 1024 patients included in eight RCTs were analyzed. The standard meta-analysis found that RARC had longer OT, lower EBL, and a lower transfusion rate compared to oRC (all p < 0.001). No significant differences in terms of LOS between the ICUD vs. ECUD vs. ORC were recorded. RARC patients demonstrated better scores in fatigue, insomnia, pain, physical functioning, and role functioning-according to QoL assessment-compared to ORC at early follow-up, despite no difference at baselines. Finally, at network metanalysis, ICUD (OR = 0.74, p < 0.001) but not ECUD (OR = 0.92, p < 0.08) yielded a lower rate of high-grade 90-day complications compared to ORC despite longer OT (MD = 89.56, p = 0.0351). Conclusions: RARC represents a safe and feasible option to reduce perioperative bleeding with no definitive impact on LOS compared to ORC. Interestingly, ICUD may reduce the burden of 90-day complications to a greater extent than ECUD. Nonetheless, surgeons should be aware of the extended OT and steep learning curve of ICUD. Finally, RARC may provide some short-term benefits in terms of QoL, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effects.

Pudendal Nerve Neurolysis in Patients Afflicted With Pudendal Nerve Entrapment: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques and Their Efficacy.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of various techniques of pudendal nerve neurolysis (PNN) in patients with pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE). A comprehensive literature search was conducted on May 20th, 2023, using Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases. Only studies in English involving adults were accepted, while meeting abstracts and preclinical studies were excluded. A total of 34 papers were included. Transperineal PNN emerged as a promising technique, demonstrating significant potential in alleviating pain, restoring erectile function in males, and improving the resolution of urinary stress incontinence in females. Furthermore, the bilateral approach consistently yielded positive outcomes in addressing urinary symptoms. The transgluteal technique appeared particularly suitable for cases of posterior PNE, situated between the sacrospinous ligament and the lesser sciatic foramen. A progressive amelioration of painful symptoms was observed during follow-up. Minimally invasive PNN is evolving and enables decompression along the entire proximal tract up to the Alcock canal, minimizing the risk of comorbidities. In addition to reducing pudendal neuralgia, robot-assisted and laparoscopic approaches determined a reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms and an improvement in erectile function, though further studies are required to corroborate these findings. PNN emerges as an effective treatment for PNE with minimal morbidity. Therefore, PNN should be tailored according to the site of PNE to enhance functional outcomes and improve patient quality of life.

Robot-assisted vs open retropubic radical prostatectomy: a propensity score-matched comparative analysis based on 15 years and 18,805 patients.

To compare oncological, functional, and surgical outcomes of a large cohort of patients who underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP) or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Data from 18,805 RPs performed with either the open or the robot-assisted approaches at a single tertiary referral center between 2008 and 2022 were analyzed. The impact of surgical approach on biochemical recurrence-free survival, salvage radiotherapy-free survival, and metastasis-free survival was analyzed by log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier analysis in a propensity score (PS)-based matched cohort. Intraoperative and postoperative surgical outcomes were assessed. One-week, 3-month, and 12-month continence rates and 12-month erectile function (EF) were analyzed. No statistically significant differences in oncological outcomes were found between ORP and RARP. A slight statistically significant difference in favor of RARP was noted in urinary continence at 3 months (RARP vs. ORP: 81% vs. 77%, p = 0.007) and 12 months (91% vs. 89.3%, p = 0.008), respectively. The rate of EF was statistically significantly higher (60%) after RARP than after ORP (45%, p < 0.001). Both RARP and ORP yielded similar oncological outcomes. RARP offered a slight advantage in terms of continence recovery, but its clinical significance may be less meaningful. RARP resulted in significantly improved postoperative EF, suggesting a potential influence of both surgical experience and minimally invasive approach.

Ileal ureter replacement and ileocystoplasty for the treatment of bilateral ureteral strictures and bladder contracture: technique and outcomes.

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of ileal ureter replacement and ileocystoplasty for the treatment of bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures combined with bladder contracture. A retrospective review of clinical data from seven patients who underwent bilateral Ileal Ureter Replacement and ileocystoplasty from April 2019 to February 2023 was conducted. The surgeries were performed using open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches. Baseline characteristics, perioperative, and mid-term results of the patients were collected. Follow-up period of 3-28 months. A detailed description of the technique was reported. The mean age of the patients was 52.86±6.06 years. The average duration of surgery was 365±28.54 minutes, and the estimated intraoperative blood loss was 357.14±184.06 mL. The mean length of harvested ileum was 37.86±8.40 cm. The preoperative serum creatinine level was 88.02±18.05 μmol/L, postoperative day 1 creatinine level was 90.7±12.93μmol/L, postoperative 3-month creatinine level was 93.77±33.34 μmol/L, and the mean creatinine level at the last follow-up was 94.89±27.89μmol/L. The postoperative bladder capacity was 249.43±32.50 mL on average. The average length of hospital stay was 26.57±15.46 days. No complications of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher were observed. During the follow-up period, no patients experienced deterioration of renal function after surgery. Bilateral ileal ureter replacement and ileocystoplasty are effective surgical technique for the treatment of bilateral long-segment ureteral strictures combined with bladder contracture caused by radiation therapy.

Laparoscopic and Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Reimplantation for Lower Ureter Pathology. A Multi-institutional Comparative Study in 1343 Patients

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and obstructive megaureter (OM) utilizing various laparoscopic and robot assisted approaches. Materials and methodsRetrospective review of all pediatric laparoscopic and robot assisted cases for lower ureter pathology was performed between 2016-2022 in 13 academic centers worldwide. Five surgical approaches were assessed: LEUR,LVCUR,LDECUR,RALUR and RADECUR. Results1343 patients (490 boys and 853 girls) with a median age of 30 month (IQR 12-63) were treated at 13 centers. 908 patients (68%) underwent reimplantation due to VUR (unilateral in 818 and bilateral in 90 patients). 435 (32%) had a surgery due to UVJ obstruction. Mean length of follow up was 14 month (IQR 8-33). Median operative time was 202 minutes (IQR 142-220) in the robotic arm compared to 240 minutes (IQR 160-267) in the laparoscopic (p=0.45). Intracorporeal excisional tapering was performed in 118 (8%) of the patients. 6 patients in the OM group required additional surgery due to progressive obstruction. In the VUR group, 84% underwent VCUG postoperatively. 5.6% showed residual reflux. Grade 1-2 Clavien-Dindo complications occurred in 10 patients (0.7%) and 6 (0.4%) in the laparoscopic and robotic arm respectively. Grade 3 complication occurred in 17 (1.2% and 8 (0.5%) in both arms respectively. Surgical success was achieved in 96% of patients. ConclusionLaparoscopic and robot assisted laparoscopic approaches are simple, safe, and effective for treating all grades of VUR and OM. Robot assisted approach is beneficial in terms of operative time, intracorporeal suturing and lower complications rate.

Robot-assisted vs laparoscopic bariatric procedures in super-obese patients: clinical and economic outcomes

The increased operative time and costs represent the main limitations of robotic technology application to bariatric surgery. Robotic platforms may help the surgeon to overcome the technical difficulties in super-obese (SO, BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) patients, in which multi-quadrant operations could be challenging. We aimed to evaluate the effect of robot-assisted (R) versus laparoscopic (L) approaches in Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in SO and Super-Super Obese (SSO, BMI ≥ 60 kg/m2) patients in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Bariatric procedures performed from 2012 to 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, primary SADI-S or RYGB. Operative time (OT), early complications, post-operative stay (POS), overall costs and follow-up data were analyzed. A subgroup analysis for surgical procedures and SSO patients was also performed. Among 4596 patients, 174 RYGB and 91 SADI-S in BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 patients were selected. After Propensity Score Matching analysis, two groups of patients were identified (laparoscopic and robot-assisted), each one composed of 18 RYGB and 26 SADI-S. Intraoperative and post-operative complication rates and POS were comparable. Mean OT was longer in robotic procedures compared with laparoscopy (199.1 ± 65.7 and 109.5 ± 39.1 min, respectively, p < 0.001). The difference in OT was eliminated after only SSO patients were included in the analysis (172.7 ± 24.1 vs 152.6 ± 26.2 min for R-SADI-S and L-SADI-S, respectively, p = 0.107). Robotic surgeries were associated with higher costs (8134.6 ± 1886.7 and 2386.7 ± 388.2 € in R-RYGB and L-RYGB, respectively; 7996.6 ± 873.1 and 3954.6 ± 631.1 € in R-SADI-S and L-SADI-S). Despite increased costs, robotic approach may represent an added value in more complex cases such as SSO patients.

Clinical outcomes of stereotactic biopsy on children with pontine diffuse midline glioma.

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) of the pons occurs in pediatric patients and carries a dismal prognosis. Biopsy is not necessary for diagnosis but provides information, particularly H3K27M status, with prognostic implications. Additionally, biopsy information may open therapeutic options such as clinical trials that require mutation status. Therefore, we sought to assess the safety of surgical biopsy in DMG patients as well as its potential impact on clinical course. Retrospective analysis of patients who were radiographically and clinically diagnosed with pontine DMG in the last 5years was performed. We assessed demographic, clinical, radiographic, surgical, and follow-up data. 25 patients were included; 18 (72%) underwent biopsy while 7 (28%) declined. 12 biopsies (67%) were performed with robotic arm and 5 (27%) with frameless stereotaxy. Three biopsied patients (17%) experienced new post-operative neurologic deficits (1 facial palsy, 1 VI nerve palsy and 1 ataxia) that all resolved at 2-week follow-up. All biopsies yielded diagnostic tissue. Fourteen patients (78%) had H3K27M mutation. Median OS for H3K27M patients was 10months compared to 11months in the wild-type patients (p = 0.30, log-rank test). Median OS for patients enrolled in clinical trials was 12months compared to 8months for non-trial patients (p = 0.076). In our series, stereotactic pontine DMG biopsies did not carry any permanent deficit or complication and yielded diagnostic tissue in all patients. Similar post-operative course was observed in both robot-assisted and frameless stereotactic approaches. There was no significant difference in survival based on mutation status or clinical trial enrollment.

Autonomous System for Vaginal Cuff Closure via Model-Based Planning and Markerless Tracking Techniques

Autonomous robotic suturing has the potential to improve surgical outcomes compared to manual operations due to better accuracy and consistency of suture placement. In this paper, we develop an autonomous system with model-based planning and markerless tissue tracking techniques for autonomous vaginal cuff closure. The proposed planning method constructs an optimal suture plan that minimizes tissue collisions with the robotic suturing tool. Moreover, DeepLabCut is utilized for autonomous markerless soft-tissue tracking in robotic vaginal cuff closure. Furthermore, an instruction-based autonomous surgery interface (ASI) is designed to automate the complex suturing workflow. The proposed planning method is evaluated via a robotics simulator and real-world suture-placement tests. End-to-end vaginal cuff closure via Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) on synthetic tissues was carried out and compared to the suturing results via conventional laparoscopic and robot-assisted approaches performed by experienced surgeons. The comparison results indicate that by using the proposed planning pipeline, STAR outperforms conventional laparoscopic and robotic-assisted methods with better accuracy and consistency, thus achieving a higher success rate of autonomous suture placement.

Single-port vs multi-port robot-assisted renal surgery: analysis of perioperative outcomes for excision of high and low complexity renal masses.

There is emerging but limited data assessing single-port (SP) robot-assisted surgery as an alternative to multi-port (MP) platforms. We compared perioperative outcomes between SP and MP robot-assisted approaches for excision of high and low complexity renal masses. Retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing robot-assisted partial or radical nephrectomy using the SP surgical system (n = 23) at our institution between November 2019 and November 2021. Renal masses were categorized as high complexity (7+) or low complexity (4-6) using the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring system. Adjusting for baseline characteristics, patients were matched using a prospectively maintained MP database in a 2:1 (MP:SP) ratio. For high complexity tumors (n = 12), SP surgery was associated with a significantly longer operative time compared to MP (248.4 vs 188.1min, p = 0.02) but a significantly shorter length of stay (1.9 vs 2.8days, p = 0.02). For low complexity tumors (n = 11), operative time (177.7 vs 161.4min, p = 0.53), estimated blood loss (69.6.0 vs 142.0mL, p = 0.62), and length of stay (1.6 vs 1.8days, p = 0.528) were comparable between SP and MP approaches. Increasing nephrometry score was associated with a greater relative increase in operative time for SP compared to MP renal surgery (p = 0.07) using best of fit linear modeling. SP robot-assisted partial and radical nephrectomy is safe and feasible for low complexity renal masses. For high complexity renal masses, the SP system is associated with a significantly longer operative time compared to the MP technique. Careful consideration should be given when selecting patients for SP robot-assisted kidney surgery.

A Cost Overview of Minimally Invasive Total Mesorectal Excision in Rectal Cancer Patients: A Population-based Cohort in Experienced Centres.

Total mesorectal excision has been the gold standard for the operative management of rectal cancer. The most frequently used minimally invasive techniques for surgical resection of rectal cancer are laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal total mesorectal excision. As studies comparing the costs of the techniques are lacking, this study aims to provide a cost overview. This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent total mesorectal resection between 2015 and 2017 at 11 dedicated centers, which completed the learning curve of the specific technique. The primary outcome was total in-hospital costs of each technique up to 30 days after surgery including all major surgical cost drivers, while taking into account different team approaches in the transanal approach. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization and complication rates. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariable linear regression analysis. In total, 949 patients were included, consisting of 446 laparoscopic (47%), 306 (32%) robot-assisted, and 197 (21%) transanal total mesorectal excisions. Total costs were significantly higher for transanal and robot-assisted techniques compared to the laparoscopic technique, with median (interquartile range) for laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and transanal at €10,556 (8,642;13,829), €12,918 (11,196;16,223), and € 13,052 (11,330;16,358), respectively (P < 0.001). Also, the one-team transanal approach showed significant higher operation time and higher costs compared to the two-team approach. Length of stay and postoperative complications did not differ between groups. Transanal and robot-assisted approaches show higher costs during 30-day follow-up compared to laparoscopy with comparable short-term clinical outcomes. Two-team transanal approach is associated with lower total costs compared to the transanal one-team approach.

Trial in progress: PRESTIGE—Primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for clinical stage II (CSII) testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

TPS433 Background: As cure rates for patients with advanced TGCT improve, there is increasing focus on quality of survival. Increasingly, primary RPLND is being used as an alternative to chemotherapy (and radiotherapy) as primary treatment for selected individuals, due to the development of low morbidity surgical techniques (robot-assisted and extraperitoneal approaches), and recognition of acute and long-term toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We hypothesise that primary RPLND compared to chemotherapy and radiotherapy will have less detrimental impact on HRQoL with comparable oncological outcomes. Methods: PRESTIGE is a prospective cohort study among adults with histologically confirmed advanced TGCT planned for primary RPLND, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Eligible patients may have de novo advanced disease, or relapse within two- (NSGCT) or three-years (seminoma) following orchidectomy, without prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy (including adjuvant), and able to complete HRQoL questionnaires in English. See table for cohort-specific eligibility. Surgical approach (modality, template, adjuvant chemotherapy), chemotherapy regimen and radiotherapy dose will be administered at physician discretion and captured in Australia’s national multi-centre TGCT registry, iTestis, with clinical data in follow-up. Participants will complete HRQoL questionnaires focusing on physical, social, emotional, and functional domains commencing prior to treatment and continuing for 24 months. Questionnaires include EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-TC26, Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory and specific questions focusing on retrograde ejaculation and fertility. Patients undergoing RPLND will also have miR-371 evaluation pre-operatively and serially for 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome is change in EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status over 24 months for participants undergoing primary RPLND. Key secondary outcomes are changes in HRQoL, patterns of recurrence, surgical complications, retrograde ejaculation, and infertility. A sample size of 90 participants (30 for RPLND, 60 for chemotherapy) provides &gt;80% power to detect a mean difference of 28% in global health status at 0.05 significance favouring RPLND. Up to 30 individuals receiving radiotherapy may also be enrolled. The first site was activated 4-Aug-22; 2 of 3 study sites are active and 5 out of a planned 120 (4%) participants have enrolled. [Table: see text]

Recent Advances in the Management of Localized and Locally Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review.

To review the current status of surgical and procedural treatments for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), focusing on oncological and functional outcomes, and the use of techniques for advanced disease over the last 10 years. Partial nephrectomy (PN) has become the reference standard for most T1 and T2 masses. In cT2 RCC, PN exhibits oncological equivalence and improved functional outcomes compared to radical nephrectomy (RN). Additionally, emerging data suggest that PN may be used to treat cT3a RCC. The robot-assisted platform is increasingly used to treat locally advanced RCC. Studies suggest safety and feasibility of robotic RN and robotic inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy. Additionally, single-port robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches are comparable to multiport approaches in select patients. Long-term data show that cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave ablation are equipotent in management of small renal masses. Emerging data suggest that microwave may effectively treat cT1b masses.

Partial adrenalectomy: evaluation and management—a clinical practice review

: Since the initial description of adrenalectomy, surgical management of adrenal masses has continued to evolve. In this article, the clinical evaluation, indications for partial adrenalectomy, surgical approaches and technical aspects of partial adrenalectomy, and outcomes are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of different operative approaches are discussed in the context of performance of pADX, including anterior, posterior, laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery and robot-assisted approaches. Finally, post-operative management and outcomes are reviewed. The published literature (English language) was reviewed by searching PubMed between the years January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2021. Expert consensus and personal experiences were included to highlight nuances in planning and management. Partial adrenalectomy, in specific situations, is preferred to bilateral total adrenalectomy to avoid the need for long-term steroid supplementation, as steroid dependence is associated with decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. Various types of adrenal pathology may involve both adrenal glands, either concurrently or sequentially, especially in those with hereditary syndromes. Advancements in understanding the underlying disease processes, indications and contraindications to pADX, and minimally invasive surgery, including robotic assistance and other intraoperative adjuncts, have allowed for more widespread offering of pADX to appropriate patients. Partial adrenalectomy is a safe and effective operation in patients who otherwise would be relegated to bilateral adrenalectomy, permanent postoperative adrenal insufficiency and the need for lifelong steroid supplementation. Preoperative planning and intraoperative conduct of the operation are key to selecting appropriate patients and managing patients over the long-term, especially for those expected to have disease recurrence due to genetic mutations.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in semi-prone position utilising direct endobronchial intubation for oesophagus leiomyoma excision.

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumours of oesophageal smooth muscle origin. In this era of constantly evolving medical technology, video-assisted, robot-assisted and endoscopic approaches are the minimally invasive strategies for the excision of these lesions. Here, we report our modification of this surgery. The lesion was excised with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in a semi-prone position with single-lumen endobronchial intubation.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: laparoscopic vs. robot assisted

There is controversy over the possible advantages of the robotic technology in revisional bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to report the experience of a high-volume bariatric center on revisional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with robot-assisted (R-rRYGB) and laparoscopic (L-rRYGB) approaches, with regards to operative outcomes and costs. Patients who underwent R-rRYGB and L-rRYGB between 2008 and 2021 were included. Patients’ baseline characteristics and perioperative data were recorded. The primary endpoint was the overall postoperative morbidity. A full economic evaluation was performed. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed on laparoscopic anastomotic leak and reoperation rates. A total of 194 patients were included: 44 (22.7%) L-rRYGB and 150 (77.3%) R-rRYGB. The robotic approach was associated with lower overall complication rate (10% vs. 22.7%, p = 0.038), longer operative time, and a reduced length of stay compared to L-rRYGB. R-rRYGB was more expensive than L-rRYGB (mean difference 2401.1€, p < 0.001). The incremental cost-effective ratio (ICER) was 18,906.3€/complication and the incremental cost-utility ratio was 48,022.0€/QALY (quality-adjusted life years), that is below the willingness-to-pay threshold. Decision tree analysis showed that L-rRYGB was the most cost-effective strategy in the base-case scenario; a probability of leak ≥ 13%, or a probability of reoperation ≥ 14% following L-rRYGB, or a 12.7% reduction in robotic costs would be required for R-rRYGB to become the most cost-effective strategy. R-rRYGB was associated with higher costs than L-rRYGB in our base-case scenario. However, it is an acceptable alternative from a cost-effectiveness perspective.