Robotic Versus Conventional Minimal-Invasive Inguinal Hernia Repair: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Randomized and Blinded Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Inguinal hernia repairs are commonly performed procedures. The surgical techniques vary from open procedures to minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries and include totally extra-peritoneal hernia repairs (TEP) and robotic transabdominal pre-peritoneal hernia repairs (rTAPP). So far, there is no randomized and blinded clinical trial comparing these two surgical approaches. Our objective is to investigate whether rTAPP is associated with a decreased postoperative level of pain. Methods: This is a prospective, single center, randomized and blinded clinical trial. Patients will receive either rTAPP or TEP for uni- or bilateral inguinal hernias. All patients and assessors of the study are blinded to the randomization. The perioperative setting is standardized, and all surgeons will perform both rTAPP and TEP to eliminate surgeons` bias. Primary endpoint is the assessment of pain while coughing 24 hours after surgery using the numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary endpoints include the assessment of multiple pain and quality of life questionnaires at several defined times according to the study schedule. Furthermore, intra- and postoperative complications, duration until discharge, procedure time, duration of postoperative sick leave and the recurrence rate will be evaluated. Registry: The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the registry number NCT05216276. Highlights: Trial comparing robotic and conventional minimal-invasive inguinal hernia repairRandomized and patient/assessor blinded trialEarly postoperative pain as primary outcome (24 hours)Secondary patient outcomes include pain and quality of life scores up to one yearFurther secondary outcomes: complications, costs, surgeon's stress level.

Perioperative outcomes of esophageal cancer surgery in a mid-volume institution in the era of centralization.

BACKGROUND: Centralization of esophageal cancer surgery to high-volume institutions has been shown to improve perioperative outcomes in several studies. However, there is an ongoing debate, whether defined minimal annual hospital volumes for esophagectomies are required for quality assurance. The aim of the study was to assess perioperative outcomes of esophagectomies in a single institution in Switzerland. METHODS: Data from a database of esophagectomies performed between 2004 and 2013 was analyzed. Perioperative morbidity of esophagectomies due to cancer was assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Postoperative mortality was defined as death from any cause within the same hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 143 operations (125 transthoracic esophagectomies, 18 extended transhiatal gastrectomies) were performed in the surveyed 10-year period. Two surgeons performed 91 % of all procedures. Postoperative morbidity was 43.4 %. Complications with a Clavien-Dindo score of III/IV (requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiological intervention) occurred in 19 cases (13.4 %). The overall anastomotic leak rate was 3.5 %. Pulmonary complications were the most frequent postoperative problems involving 21 % of patients. In-hospital mortality was 0.7 %. Mean length of hospital stay was 17 days in patients with no complications and 22 days if there were any complications (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Esophageal cancer surgery is complex and has a significant risk of morbidity. The most common postoperative problems are pulmonary complications, usually responding well to non-invasive treatment. Appropriate patient selection and preparation, high surgeon volume, and a comprehensive multidisciplinary care pathway can provide a low perioperative mortality rate in a mid-volume institution.

Long-term quality of life after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy has a potentially high impact on physical, emotional, and social functions. The aim of this study was to assess long-term health-related quality of life (QOL) after esophageal cancer surgery. METHODS: We analyzed all patients who underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer in our hospital from 1999 to 2010. QOL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer general questionnaire QLQ-C30 and esophagus-specific questionnaire QLQ-OES18. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were operated in the surveyed 12-year period. At the time of analysis, 46 patients (31 %) were eligible for assessment, 97 patients (65 %) had died or experienced tumor recurrence, and seven patients (5 %) were lost to follow-up. Of the 46 eligible patients, 43 (94 %) returned the questionnaires. The median observation interval between the operation and QOL assessment was 40 (range 21-135) months. The QLQ-C30 mean score of global health status and general QOL was similar to that of a healthy reference population. Most of the QLQ-C30 mean scores of functional and symptom scales and QLQ-OES18 symptom scales showed a worse result than for a healthy reference population. The highest mean scores were reflux and eating problems. CONCLUSIONS: In the long term, Ivor Lewis esophagectomy provides a generally good QOL for patients with esophageal cancer, which is comparable to a healthy reference population. However, some patients suffer from significant symptoms. Reflux and eating problems were the most relevant complaints. Dietary counseling is therefore important in the postoperative course.

[Rectal erosion caused by a prosthesis for treatment of vaginal prolapse (Prolift)]. / Érosion rectale d'une prothèse pour cure de prolapsus vaginal (Prolift).

Contexte : La place des prothèses non résorbables dans la chirurgie du prolapsus vaginal a pris beaucoup d'ampleur ces dernières années. Les complications tardives commencent à apparaître. Cas : Nous vous présentons le cas d'une érosion tardive dans le bas rectum. Pour autant que nous sachions, il s'agit de la première mention de cette complication tardive de la prothèse Prolift. Dans ce cas, il s'agit probablement d'une nécrose de décubitus attribuable à une prothèse trop longue. Conclusion : Les prothèses non résorbables sont certainement une option dans le traitement des prolapsus vaginaux; toutefois, les complications de ces implants devraient être connues et les patientes devraient être avisées des risques.