Robotic-assisted repair of colovesical anastomosis after Hartmann's reversal procedure

ABSTRACT Purpose Hartmann's procedure is the resection of the rectosigmoid colon with an end colostomy formation and closure of the anorectal stump (1). Its reversal has a morbidity rate up to 58% (2, 3) with an incidence of fistulae formation of 4.08% (1). Herein, we present a robotic-assisted repair of a complex fistula that occurred as complication of Hartmann's reversal when the stapler was introduced inadvertently through the vaginal canal. Patient and methods Eighty-three-year-old female with past medical history of hysterectomy and ischemic colitis that required colectomy and colostomy placement in December 2020. In March 2022, the patient underwent a colostomy takedown, after which she reported fecaluria, urine leakage per vagina, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Cystoscopy and vaginoscopy revealed a large colovesical fistula, a staple in the bladder trigone, and several staples in the anterior vaginal wall. Robotically, extensive adhesiolysis was performed, the sigmoid was separated from the bladder, and the intact rectal stump was dissected free. The staple from the bladder trigone was removed. Bladder was closed in two layers with 3-0 V-Loc. Colorectal anastomosis was not feasible due to the short length of both ends. Therefore, a permanent colostomy was placed. Results Operative time was 454min., and estimated blood loss was 100cc. Discharged on postoperative day 4 with a JP drain and a 20Fr Foley catheter. Drain, and Foley were removed on postoperative days 9 and 23, respectively. No postoperative complications were reported. Conclusion Robotic-assisted repair represents an effective approach for the management of colovesical fistulae after Hartmann's reversal.

Distal ureter and bladder cuff excision using the "Keyhole Technique" during Robotic Radical Nephroureterectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5-10% of all urothelial tumors (1). Radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) remains the standard treatment for high, and low-grade UTUC (2). Although the open approach has been considered the gold standard, robotic techniques have shown comparable oncological outcomes with potential advantages in terms of peri-operative morbidity (3). Materials and Methods: We present a novel "Keyhole" technique for management of distal ureter and bladder cuff during robotic RNU. This technique allows the surgeon to directly visualize the ureteric orifices, delineate resection borders, and maintain oncologic principles of en-bloc excision without necessitating secondary cystotomy incision or concomitant endoscopic procedure. Descriptive demographic characteristics, surgical, pathological, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. Complications were reported using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Results: Between 2015 and 2020, ten patients underwent robotic RNU with bladder cuff excision using the Keyhole technique (single-dock, single-position). Median age was 75 years. Eight patients underwent surgery for right-sided tumors. Median operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 287 min, 100 mL, and 3 days, respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred, and one grade II complication occurred during the 90-day postoperative period. All patients had high-grade UTUC, being 90% pure urothelial. Bladder recurrences occurred in 30% of patients with an overall median follow-up of 11.2 months. Conclusions: Keyhole technique for the management of distal ureter and bladder cuff during RNU represents a feasible approach with minimal 90-day complications and low bladder recurrence rate at centers of experience.

Neurofibromatosis associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

We present a case of an 18-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with systolic anteward movement of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Gradient in the left ventricular outflow was 85 mm Hg secondary to subvalvular aortic stenosis with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The possibility of a coincidence, or a causal relationship of these 2 conditions is mentioned

Prognostic cytogenetic markers in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) showing resistance to immediate induction chemotherapy in relation to conventional and advanced cytogenetic analysis. METHODS: This work was conducted on 63 ALL children (40 males and 23 females) with age range 4.5 months-16 years (mean = 7.76 years). They included 37 cases attained true remission and 26 complicated by failure of remission, early relapse or death. They were subjected to history, clinical examination and investigations including CBC, BM examination, karyotyping, FISH for translocations and flowcytometry for immunophenotyping and minimal residual disease diagnosis. RESULTS: Cases aged 50.000/mm3 also showed better but non-significant remission rates. Most of the present cases were L2 with better remission compared to other immunophenotypes. Forty informative karyotypes were subdivided into 15 hypodiploid, 10 pseudodiploid, 8 normal diploid and 7 hyperdiploid cases; the best remission rates were noticed among the most frequent ploidy patterns. Chromosomes 9, 11 and 22 were the most frequently involved by structural aberrations followed by chromosomes 5, 12 and 17. Resistance was noted with aberrations not encountered among remission group; deletions involving chromosomes 2p, 3q, 10p and 12q; translocations involving chromosome 5; trisomies of chromosomes 16 and 21; monosomies of 5 and X and inversions of 5 and 11. CONCLUSION: Some cytogenetic and molecular characterizations of childhood ALL could add prognostic criteria for proper therapy allocation.

Surgical hemisection and orthodontic management of permanent double tooth: a New technique

Two cases of maxillary permanent double teeth, the left central incisor and the right lateral incisor, are described. Treatment comprised of surgical separation, orthodontic alignment and conservative pulp therapy. Surgical splitting and removal of one half of the double tooth resulted in an acceptable shaped tooth. Orthodontic treatment involved alignment of teeth and relief of anterior crowding. No root canal therapy was performed, and the teeth showed no evidence of increased mobility. The intervened teeth remained vital and their periodontal health was maintained. At 28 months follow-up, examination revealed good prognosis and stability