The 2012 Briganti nomogram not only predicts lymph node involvement but also disease progression in surgically treated intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients with PSA <10 ng/mL, ISUP grade group 3, and clinical stage up to cT2b

ABSTRACT Purpose We assessed the prognostic impact of the 2012 Briganti nomogram on prostate cancer (PCa) progression in intermediate-risk (IR) patients presenting with PSA <10ng/mL, ISUP grade group 3, and clinical stage up to cT2b treated with robot assisted radical prostatectomy eventually associated with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Materials and Methods From January 2013 to December 2021, data of surgically treated IR PCa patients were retrospectively evaluated. Only patients presenting with the above-mentioned features were considered. The 2012 Briganti nomogram was assessed either as a continuous and a categorical variable (up to the median, which was detected as 6%, vs. above the median). The association with PCa progression, defined as biochemical recurrence, and/or metastatic progression, was evaluated by Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results Overall, 147 patients were included. Compared to subjects with a nomogram score up to 6%, those presenting with a score above 6% were more likely to be younger, had larger/palpable tumors, presented with higher PSA, underwent tumor upgrading, harbored non-organ confined disease, and had positive surgical margins at final pathology. PCa progression, which occurred in 32 (21.7%) cases, was independently predicted by the 2012 Briganti nomogram both considered as a continuous (Hazard Ratio [HR]:1.04, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.01-1.08;p=0.021), and a categorical variable (HR:2.32; 95%CI:1.11-4.87;p=0.026), even after adjustment for tumor upgrading. Conclusions In IR PCa patients with PSA <10ng/mL, ISUP grade group 3, and clinical stage up to cT2b, the 2012 Briganti nomogram independently predicts PCa progression. In this challenging subset of patients, this tool can identify prognostic subgroups, independently by upgrading issues.

Prospective Study of the Assessment of Anxiety Symptoms after Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression / Estudo prospectivo da avaliação dos sintomas de ansiedade após descompressão lombar minimamente invasiva

Summary Objective To analyze associations between anxiety and postsurgical clinical outcomes in patients who underwent minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery in addition to comparing symptoms of anxiety and depression before and after surgery. Methods This prospective cohort study of patients who underwent minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery. Clinical outcomes were measured before and 6 months after surgery using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Global Perceived Effect of Change (GPE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Based on the presurgical anxiety score, patients were categorized into anxious and non-anxious patients, and the outcomes were compared. Results The patients of both groups obtained similar results concerning the clinical outcomes evaluated. Preoperative HADS scores decreased significantly 6 months after surgery in both anxiety (8.70 ± 3.48 vs. 5.75 ± 3.91) and depression (6.95 ± 3.54 vs. 5.50 ± 2.99). The VAS scale for the back (-2.8 ± 3.64) and legs (-5.5 ± 3.5) showed a reduction in pain. Conclusion Minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery promoted clinical and functional improvement, not being affected by preoperative anxiety symptoms. Mental health indicators showed a significant reduction in symptoms 6 months after surgery.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar associações entre ansiedade e desfecho clínico pós-cirúrgico em pacientes que realizaram a cirurgia de descompressão lombar minimamente invasiva, além de comparar sintomas de ansiedade e depressão antes e após a cirurgia. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectiva de pacientes que realizaram a cirurgia de descompressão lombar minimamente invasiva. Os desfechos clínicos foram mensurados antes e 6 meses após a cirurgia, utilizando a escala visual analógica de dor (EVA); Global Perceived Effect of Change (GPE); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) e o Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A partir do escore de ansiedade précirúrgico, os pacientes foram categorizados em pacientes ansiosos e não ansiosos e os desfechos comparados. Resultados Os pacientes de ambos os grupos obtiveram resultados similares em relação aos desfechos clínicos avaliados. Os escores HADS pré-operatório diminuíram significantemente 6 meses após a cirurgia, tanto em ansiedade (8,70 ± 3,48 vs. 5,75 ± 3,91) quanto em depressão (6,95 ± 3,54 vs. 5,50 ± 2,99). Houve redução da dornaescalaEVA dascostas(-2,8 ± 3,64) e das pernas (-5,5 ± 3,5). Conclusão A cirurgia de descompressão lombar minimamente invasiva promoveu melhora clínica e funcional, não sendo afetada por sintomas pré-operatórios de ansiedade. Os indicadores de saúde mental evidenciaram redução significativa dos sintomas 6 meses após a cirurgia.

Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). Material and methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). Results: Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD −0.13; 95%CI, −0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD −0.45; 95%CI −0.84, −0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). Conclusion: Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

Caracterización de los desenlaces quirúrgicos a corto plazo en gastrectomía por laparoscopia en un centro de alto volumen: 10 años de experiencia / Short-term surgical outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in a high-volume center: 10-year experience

Introducción. El cáncer gástrico en Colombia es la segunda neoplasia más común en hombres y la cuarta en mujeres. En los últimos años se han descrito ampliamente los beneficios del abordaje laparoscópico en el cáncer gástrico frente a sangrado, recuperación postoperatoria y complicaciones, sin afectar los resultados oncológicos. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes llevados a gastrectomía laparoscópica en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia durante un período de diez años, entre 2013 y 2023. Se describieron los resultados perioperatorios en cuanto a estancia hospitalaria, sangrado operatorio, duración del procedimiento, complicaciones, causas de reintervención y mortalidad en los primeros 30 días. Resultados. Se incluyeron 418 pacientes, 58,9 % hombres, con una edad promedio de 60,8 años. Se documentó un tiempo quirúrgico promedio de 228,7 minutos, con un sangrado de 150 ml. La media de ganglios linfáticos resecados fue de 26,1 ± 11,4. La estancia hospitalaria en promedio fue de 4 ± 4 días, y se registraron complicaciones en 104 sujetos, con una tasa promedio de 24 %, de las cuales 29 (27,4 %) obtuvieron una clasificación Clavien-Dindo IIIB. Conclusiones. La gastrectomía por laparoscopia en un centro de alto volumen y con cirujanos experimentados en Colombia, tiene resultados perioperatorios similares a lo reportado en la literatura mundial. Aún se requiere de estudios de mayor fuerza de asociación para establecer recomendaciones sobre el uso rutinario de este abordaje en patología maligna avanzada.

Introduction. Gastric cancer in Colombia is the second most common neoplasm in men and the fourth in women. In recent years, the benefits of the laparoscopic approach in gastric cancer against bleeding, postoperative recovery com and complications have been widely described, without affecting oncological results. Methods. Retrospective observational study of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy at the Clínica Universitaria Colombia over a period of ten years, between 2013 and 2023. Perioperative results were described in terms of hospital stay, operative bleeding, duration of the procedure, complications, causes of reintervention, and mortality in the first 30 days. Results. 418 patients were included, 58.9% men, with an average age of 60.88 years. An average surgical time of 228.7 minutes was documented, with a blood loss of 150 ml. The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 26.1 ± 11.4. The average hospital stay was 4 ± 4 days, and complications were recorded in 104 subjects, with an average rate of 24%, of which 29 (27.4%) obtained a Clavien-Dindo IIIB classification. Conclusions. Laparoscopic gastrectomy in a high-volume center and with experienced surgeons in Colombia has perioperative results similar to those reported in the world literature. Studies with greater strength of association are still required to establish recommendations on the routine use of this approach in advanced malignant pathology.

Comparación de desenlaces a corto plazo de gastrectomía laparoscópica mínimamente invasiva en adultos mayores con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado / Comparison of short-term outcomes of minimally invasive laparoscopic gastrectomy in older adults with locally advanced gastric cancer

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los desenlaces a corto plazo de la gastrectomía laparoscópica en adultos vs. adultos mayores con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado en una cohorte de un país occidental. Métodos. Estudio de cohorte prospectivo en pacientes sometidos a gastrectomía laparoscópica por cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado, en el Hospital Universitario Erasmo Meoz, de Cúcuta, Colombia, entre noviembre de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. Se realizó análisis descriptivo, de comparación de grupos y bivariado. Resultados. De un total de 116 pacientes, 51 pacientes (44 %) tenían 65 años o más y 63 pacientes (54 %) eran hombres. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa al comparar los pacientes menores de 65 años con los de 65 años o más. La mediana del tiempo operatorio fue de 240 minutos en ambos grupos (p>0,05), la mediana de los márgenes de resección macroscópica fue 6 cm vs. 5 cm (p>0,05), la mediana de los ganglios linfáticos disecados fue 25 vs. 19 (p>0,05), la mediana de ganglios linfáticos positivos fue 4 vs. 3 (p>0,05), la mediana de estancia fue de 7 días en ambos grupos (p>0,05). La tasa general de complicaciones posoperatorias no difirió significativamente entre adultos (7%) y adultos mayores (11 %) (p>0,05) y no se observaron diferencias significativas en las tasas de complicaciones menores (Clavien-Dindo grado II; 3-5 % vs. 6-12 %; p>0,05) y graves (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa; 3-5 % vs. 4-8 %; p>0,05). Conclusiones. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los resultados a corto plazo entre los pacientes adultos y adultos mayores con cáncer gástrico localmente avanzado tratados con gastrectomía laparoscópica. Esta técnica es segura en ancianos.

Introduction. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in adults vs. older patients with locally advanced gastric cancer from a Western country cohort. Methods. Prospective cohort study in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer at the Hospital Universitario Erasmo Meoz, de Cúcuta, Colombia, between November 2014 and December 2018. Descriptive, group comparison and bivariate analysis was performed. Results. Of a total of 116 patients, 51 patients (44%) were 65 years or older and 63 patients (54%) were men. No statistically significant difference was found when comparing patients under 65 years of age with those 65 years of age or older. The median operating time was 240 minutes in both groups (p>0.05), the median macroscopic resection margins were 6 cm vs. 5 cm (p>0.05), the median number of lymph nodes dissected was 25 vs. 19 (p>0.05), the median number of positive lymph nodes was 4 vs. 3 (p>0.05), the median stay was 7 days in both groups (p>0.05). The overall rate of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between adults (7%) and older adults (11%) (p>0.05) and no significant differences were observed in the rates of minor (Clavien-Dindo grade II; 3-5% vs. 6-12%; p>0.05) and severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa; 3-5% vs. 4-8%; p>0.05). Conclusions. No statistically differences were found in short-term outcomes between adult and older patients with locally advanced gastric cancer treated with laparoscopic gastrectomy. This technique is safe in the elderly.

Protocolo de recuperación mejorada después de cirugía (ERAS) atenúa el estrés y acelera la recuperación en pacientes después de resección radical por cáncer colorrectal: Experiencia en la Clínica Universitaria Colombia / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol attenuates stress and accelerates recovery in patients after radical resection for colorectal cancer: Experience at Clínica Universitaria Colombia

Introducción. El conjunto de estrategias de recuperación mejorada después de la cirugía (ERAS, por sus siglas en inglés) constituye un enfoque de atención multimodal y multidisciplinario, cuyo propósito es reducir el estrés perioperatorio de la cirugía, disminuir la morbilidad y acortar la estancia hospitalaria. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir los resultados clínicos de pacientes sometidos a cirugía por cáncer colorrectal, identificando las complicaciones principales y los factores perioperatorios relacionados con el alta temprana. Métodos. Se analizaron los pacientes consecutivos sometidos a cirugía colorrectal entre los años 2020 y 2023, todos los cuales siguieron el protocolo ERAS institucional. Se evaluaron las características clínicas, los factores perioperatorios, los desenlaces postoperatorios y la tasa global de adherencia al protocolo. Resultados. Un total de 456 pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía colorrectal, 51% de sexo masculino, con edad media de 60 años. La mayoría de las intervenciones se realizaron por laparoscopia (78 %), con una tasa de conversión del 14,5 %. Las complicaciones postoperatorias incluyeron fuga anastomótica (4,6 %), sangrado, infección intraabdominal y obstrucción intestinal. La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 4 días y la mortalidad del 2,8 %. La tasa global de adherencia al protocolo ERAS fue del 84,7 %. Conclusiones. El enfoque combinado de cirugía laparoscópica y protocolo ERAS es factible, seguro y se asocia con una estancia hospitalaria más corta. La implementación y adherencia al protocolo ERAS no solo mejora los resultados postoperatorios, sino que también resalta la importancia de acceder a datos sólidos, permitiendo mejorar la atención perioperatoria local.

Introduction. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol is a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach to care, the purpose of which is to reduce the perioperative stress of surgery, decrease morbidity, and shorten hospital stay. This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer, identifying the main complications and perioperative factors related to early discharge. Methods. Consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery between 2020 and 2023 were analyzed, who followed the institutional ERAS protocol. Clinical characteristics, perioperative factors, postoperative outcomes, and overall protocol adherence rate were evaluated. Results. A total of 456 patients underwent colorectal surgery, 51% male, with a mean age of 60 years. Most interventions were performed laparoscopically (78%), with a conversion rate of 14.5%. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak (4.6%), followed by bleeding, intra-abdominal infection, and intestinal obstruction. The average hospital stay was 4 days and mortality was 2.8%. The overall adherence rate to the ERAS protocol was 84.7%. Conclusions. The combined approach of laparoscopic surgery and ERAS protocol is feasible, safe, and associated with a shorter hospital stay. Implementation and adherence to the ERAS protocol not only improves postoperative outcomes, but also highlights the importance of accessing solid data, allowing for improved local perioperative care.

Minimally invasive ureteroplasty with lingual mucosal graft for complex ureteral stricture: analysis of surgical and patient-reported outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate objective treatment efficacy and safety, and subjective patient-reported outcomes in patients with complex ureteral strictures (US) undergoing minimally invasive lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty (LMGU). Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients underwent robotic or laparoscopic LMGU between May 2020 and July 2022. Clinical success was defined as symptom-free and no radiographic evidence of re-obstruction. Patient-reported outcomes, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), were longitudinally evaluated before surgery, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results: Overall, 41 consecutive patients were included. All procedures were performed successfully with 32 patients in robotic approach and 9 in laparoscopic. Forty (97.56%) patients achieved clinical success during the median follow-up of 29 (range 15-41) months. Although patients with complex US experienced poor baseline HRQoL, there was a remarkable improvement following LMGU. Specifically, the 6-month and 12-month postoperative scores were significantly improved compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) in most domains. Twenty-eight (68.3%) and 31 (75.6%) patients had anxiety and depression symptoms before surgery, respectively. However, no significant decrease in the incidence of these symptoms was observed postoperatively. Moreover, there was no significant deterioration of OHRQoL at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively when compared to the baseline. Conclusions: LMGU is a safe and efficient procedure for complex ureteral reconstruction that significantly improves patient-reported HRQoL without compromising OHRQoL. Assessing patients' quality of life enables us to monitor postoperative recovery and progress, which should be considered as one of the criteria for surgical success.

Anatomical study and clinical application of osseous fixation pathway in pelvic and acetabular fracture management / 中华骨科杂志

Closed reduction percutaneous screw fixation offers significant biological and biomechanical advantages and can be employed independently for the surgical treatment of pelvic acetabular fractures, as well as serving as a complementary method to open reduction internal fixation. The osseous fixation pathway (OFP) constitutes the anatomical foundation for the minimally invasive approach to pelvic and acetabular fracture management. The pelvis's OFP can be categorized into anterior, middle, and posterior parts. The anterior OFP encompasses both the superior pubic/anterior column and inferior pubic OFPs. The former is primarily utilized for addressing transverse and T-shaped acetabular fractures, as well as anterior column and superior pubic fractures. The latter is predominantly applied to inferior pubic fractures. The middle OFP includes the anterior inferior iliac spine to the posterior iliac crest (LC-II) OFP, the gluteus medius column OFP, and the iliac crest OFP. The LC-II OFP is primarily designated for pelvic crescent, iliac wing, and select high anterior column acetabular fractures. The gluteus medius column OFP is used for the treatment of some iliac fractures or acetabular fractures. And the iliac crest OFP is used for the treatment of simple iliac wing fractures or acetabular fractures involving the iliac crest. The posterior OFP includes the posterior column of the acetabulum OFP, sacroiliac OFP, and sacral OFP. The posterior column of the acetabulum OFP is used for the treatment of acetabular fractures involving the posterior column; the sacroiliac OFP is mainly utilized for a range of pelvic injuries, including pelvic rotational or vertical unstable pelvic injury, sacroiliac dislocation or fracture dislocation; open injury of the posterior ring of the pelvis with relatively mild contamination; elderly sacral (incomplete) fractures; residual gap at the end of sacral fracture after pubic symphysis and plate internal fixation; certain traumatic spinopelvic dissociation ; in combination with lumbopelvic fixation for the treatment of pelvic fractures with lumbosacral junction injury. Sacral OFP is advised for treating bilateral sacroiliac dislocation and certain crescent-like pelvic fractures; bilateral sacral fractures; sacral fractures involving Denis III zone, osteoporotic sacral incomplete fractures. The pursuit of minimally invasive treatment modalities for pelvic and acetabular fractures comes with challenges. A comprehensive understanding of OFP morphology and intraoperative imaging, coupled with a commitment to enhancing fracture reduction quality and surgical proficiency, is imperative for the precise management of such injuries.

Simulation in pediatric minimally invasive surgery: adaptation of a simple series of exercises as part of the process of an initial implementation of a resident training program / Simulação em cirurgia minimamente invasiva pediátrica: adaptação de uma série de exercícios simples e de fácil aplicação como parte do processo de implementação inicial de um programa de treinamento de residentes

ABSTRACT Introduction: the simulation in minimally invasive surgery is fundamental for surgeon in training to learning and training skills, especially in pediatrics, due to the particularities, reduced spaces, specific and rare procedures. The aim of this study was to propose an adapted series of exercises and to simply evaluate the performance of pediatric surgery residents in the initial implementation of a training program. Method: seven basic skills exercises in video surgery, based on series and programs already published and using low-cost materials, were performed by six residents in 2 moments, with an interval of 15 days and evaluated by simple instrument. Results: there was no difficulty with models. Considering the individual averages of the seven exercises together in the two moments, five of the six residents increased the score in the second moment. The average score per exercise increased in five of the seven tasks. Despite the small number of participants and repetition, it has already been possible to observe a trend of better performance with decreased time of all residents after a single repetition. All considered the exercises capable of training essential skills of the specialty, with simple and inexpensive materials. Conclusion: given the challenges of simulated training in pediatric video surgery, it is known the benefit of a continuous program, with exercises that can simulate real situations. A pre-established schedule, more participants and repetitions, supervision of experienced surgeons and validated instruments are fundamental to evaluate surgeons in training and show statistical benefits of simulated exercises in this series.

RESUMO Introdução: a simulação em cirurgia minimamente invasiva é fundamental para treinamento e aprendizagem de habilidades ao cirurgião em formação, especialmente na pediatria, devido às particularidades da especialidade, espaços reduzidos, procedimentos específicos e raros. O objetivo deste estudo foi propor uma adaptação de uma série de exercícios em simulador e avaliar o desempenho dos residentes de cirurgia pediátrica na implementação inicial de um programa de treinamento. Método: sete exercícios de habilidades básicas em videocirurgia, baseados em séries e programas já publicados e utilizando materiais de baixo custo, foram realizados por seis residentes em 2 momentos, com intervalo de 15 dias e avaliados por instrumento simples. Resultados: não houve dificuldade em relação aos modelos. Considerando- se as médias individuais dos sete exercícios juntos nos dois momentos, cinco dos seis residentes aumentaram a pontuação no segundo momento. A pontuação média por exercício aumentou em cinco das sete tarefas. Apesar do pequeno número de participantes e repetição, já foi possível observar uma tendência de melhor desempenho com diminuição do tempo de todos os residentes após uma única repetição. Todos consideraram os exercícios capazes de treinar habilidades essenciais da especialidade, de maneira acessível e com materiais simples e baratos. Conclusão: diante dos desafios do treinamento simulado em videocirurgia pediátrica, sabe-se do benefício de um programa contínuo, com exercícios que simulam situações reais. Um cronograma pré-estabelecido, mais participantes e mais repetições, supervisão de cirurgiões experientes e instrumentos validados são fundamentais para avaliar a evolução dos cirurgiões em formação e permitir demonstrar resultados com significância estatística.

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement in Obese Patients: A Propensity-Matched Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obese patients are at risk of complications after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive approach via upper sternotomy in this setting. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 203 obese patients who underwent isolated, elective aortic valve replacement between January 2014 and January 2023 - 106 with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) and 97 with conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR). To account for baseline differences, a propensity-matching analysis was performed obtaining two balanced groups of 91 patients each. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was comparable between groups (1.1% MIAVR vs. 0% CAVR, P=0.99). MIAVR patients had faster extubation than CAVR patients (6 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 hours, P<0.01). Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was less common in the MIAVR than in the CAVR group (3.3% vs. 13.2%, P=0.03). Other postoperative complications did not differ significantly. Intensive care unit stay (1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4 days, P<0.01), but not hospital stay (6.7 ± 2.1 vs. 7.2 ± 1.9 days, P=0.09), was shorter for MIAVR than for CAVR patients. Follow-up survival was comparable (logrank P-value = 0.58). Conclusion: MIAVR via upper sternotomy has been shown to be a safe and effective option for obese patients. Respiratory outcome was promising with shorter mechanical ventilation time and reduced need for post-extubation support. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was reduced. These advantages might be important for the obese patient to whom minimally invasive surgery should not be denied.