First impressions of Telesurgery robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using the Edge medical robotic platform

ABSTRACT Purpose: We reported, as a referral center in prostate cancer, our perspectives and experience performing Telesurgery using robotic surgery and 5G network. Material and methods: We described and illustrated the Telesurgery applications and outcomes to treat a patient with prostate cancer located 1300 kilometers away from the surgeon (Beijing-Harbin) in China. We used the Edge Medical Robot (MP1000) in November 2023 in a 71-year-old patient with Gleason 6 (ISUP 1) in 8 cores from 13, PSA of 14 ng/dL, and clinical stage cT2a. MRI described a PIRADS 5 nodule on the left peripheral zone at the base, and 20gr prostate. We described details about the connection between centers, perioperative outcomes, and our perspectives as a referral center in prostate cancer. Results: We had no delays, or problems with network connection between the centers. The procedure was performed in 60 minutes, with no intra- or postoperative complications. Estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The patient was ambulating soon after anesthesia recovery. Final pathology described a Gleason 6 (ISUP 1) involving the left base and left seminal vesicle, negative surgical margins, and no lymph node involvement (pT3bN0). The patient was continent soon after catheter removal (7 days). Conclusion: As technological progress introduced novel robotic platforms and high-speed networks, the concept of Telesurgery became a tangible reality while 5G technology solved latency and transmission concerns. However, with these advancements, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks should underline the importance of transparency and patient safety with responsible innovation in the field.

Patient positioning in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: strategies to prevent injuries and improve outcomes.

Effective patient positioning is a critical factor influencing surgical outcomes, mainly in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) where precise positioning facilitates optimal access to the surgical field. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the significance of strategic patient placement in MIGS, emphasizing its role in preventing intraoperative injuries and enhancing overall surgical success. The manuscript addresses potential complications arising from suboptimal positioning and highlights the essential key points for appropriate patient positioning during MIGS, encompassing what the surgical team should or shouldn't do. In this perspective, the risk factors associated with nerve injuries, sliding, compartment syndrome, and pressure ulcers are outlined to guide clinical practice. Overall, this paper underscores the critical role of precise patient positioning in achieving successful MIGS procedures and highlights key principles for the gynecological team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of Achilles tendon healing following percutaneous repair with the Dresden instrument.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous Achilles tendon (AT) repair with the Dresden instrument is a safe and effective treatment for AT rupture within 15 days after injury. Follow-up includes clinical examination and imaging to assess the healing process and detect possible complications. The findings of each control visit determine the progression of the rehabilitation of each patient. METHODS: We assessed the postoperative findings of all patients who underwent AT with the Dresden technique from May 2022 to September 2023, during a follow-up period of 6 months. The study population included 40 male patients between 18 and 59 years of age. Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in all patients at day 15 postoperatively and then monthly for 6 months. RESULTS: All patients completed 6 months follow-up and 2 (5%) presented with postoperative wound dehiscence. No sural nerve lesions, reruptures, reoperations or other complications were seen. Both imaging methods showed excellent correlation of findings at all time points. Both methods were effective to assess the hematoma and structural changes of the healing process during the first 3 months. The use of US with Doppler was a useful tool to evaluate blood flow to the tendon stumps. After 3 months no significant morphological changes were observed but the US enabled a dynamic functional assessment of the tendon. After 4 months tissues showed homogenization and decrease of volume without further major changes. CONCLUSION: Both US and MRI proved to be excellent methods to assess the healing process after percutaneous AT repair. The US performed by an experienced investigator showed advantages over MRI in evaluating the gap between the tendon stumps, the possibility of evaluating the vascularity with Doppler US and assessing the functionality of the healing tendon with dynamic examination, besides being a cheap and easily accessible imaging method.

First impressions of Telesurgery robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using the Edge medical robotic platform.

PURPOSE: We reported, as a referral center in prostate cancer, our perspectives and experience performing Telesurgery using robotic surgery and 5G network. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We described and illustrated the Telesurgery applications and outcomes to treat a patient with prostate cancer located 1300 kilometers away from the surgeon (Beijing-Harbin) in China. We used the Edge Medical Robot (MP1000) in November 2023 in a 71-year-old patient with Gleason 6 (ISUP 1) in 8 cores from 13, PSA of 14 ng/dL, and clinical stage cT2a. MRI described a PIRADS 5 nodule on the left peripheral zone at the base, and 20gr prostate. We described details about the connection between centers, perioperative outcomes, and our perspectives as a referral center in prostate cancer. RESULTS: We had no delays, or problems with network connection between the centers. The procedure was performed in 60 minutes, with no intra- or postoperative complications. Estimated blood loss was 100 mL. The patient was ambulating soon after anesthesia recovery. Final pathology described a Gleason 6 (ISUP 1) involving the left base and left seminal vesicle, negative surgical margins, and no lymph node involvement (pT3bN0). The patient was continent soon after catheter removal (7 days). CONCLUSION: As technological progress introduced novel robotic platforms and high-speed networks, the concept of Telesurgery became a tangible reality while 5G technology solved latency and transmission concerns. However, with these advancements, ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks should underline the importance of transparency and patient safety with responsible innovation in the field.

Qualitative Evaluation of Paraspinal Musculature After Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: To quantify fatty infiltration and degree of paraspinal muscle degeneration in patients submitted to tubular microdiscectomy and conventional open microdiscectomy. METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients was submitted to microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation after failure of conservative treatment. Selection of the technique was based on the surgeon's preference. Analysis of the multifidus muscle was performed using the Goutallier system and the percentage of fat in the muscle. Preoperative and 1-year postoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used, and statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation test using a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The percentage of fatty infiltration in the muscle increased on both sides of the spine 1 year after surgery, although only the ipsilateral side presented statistical significance in patients submitted to conventional microdiscectomy (43.3% preoperative and 57.8% postoperative). Muscular degeneration increased significantly ipsilateral to the disc herniation according to the Goutallier classification (grades 1-2) for both interventions. No statistically significant difference was found for fatty infiltration scores or for the degree of muscular degeneration of the multifidus in the comparative analysis of the methods. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular damage resulting from surgery of lumbar disc herniation significantly increases fatty infiltration and degeneration of the multifidus. Muscular degeneration was associated with worsening back pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While no significant difference was found between the techniques, the tubular minimally invasive approach shows a tendency for less muscle damage. These findings highlight the importance of minimizing muscle injury during surgery to improve postoperative recovery and long-term outcomes.

Global scientific production on gasless laparoscopy: a bibliometric analysis.

Objectives: To characterize the bibliometric characteristics of the global scientific production of original research on gasless laparoscopy in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) platform. Materials and methods: A bibliometric study of original articles published up to the year 2023 was carried out. Articles were included following the selection criteria in the Rayyan web application, indexed in the Scopus database. The bibliometric analysis was performed using the Bibliometrix program in the R programming language and VOSviewer. The bibliometric characteristics evaluated were articles, journals, citations, publications, ten most mentioned articles, journals with the highest number of publications, authors and institutional affiliations; and cooccurrence of terms. Results: A total of 223 publications were included, with the highest number of articles being published in the years 1999 and 2014. The publication with the most citations was found to be a randomized trial by Galizia G in 2001 with 132 citations. We identified 846 authors involved in the production of articles on gasless laparoscopy, with Nakamura H being the most productive author with 15 articles between the years 2007 and 2020, followed by Takeda A and Imoto S, all three affiliated with "Gifu Prefectural Tajimi Hospital". The country with the highest production was Japan with 64 publications, followed by China and Italy with 46 and 18 publications, respectively. In the top 10 journals with the highest number of publications, "Surgical Endoscopy-Ultrasound and Interventional Techniques" is in first place with 20 articles published on gasless laparoscopy; in addition, most of these are located in Q1 and Q2. Regarding the terms or keywords, it was found that the initial studies had terms related to the disadvantages of pneumoperitoneum and later focused on more specific topics of the application of gasless laparoscopy. Conclusions: Production on gasless laparoscopy has stagnated, with the topics of interest currently being its application in new, less invasive techniques. The most productive countries are found in the Asian and European continents, with little information collected in Latin America. This fact makes it necessary to increase the production of studies to promote this technique and its possible advantages.

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.

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.

Robot-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma.

This is a video vignette of a 57-year-old asymptomatic female patient. The patient underwent a screening colonoscopy which revealed a 10 mm scar in the rectum. Biopsy resulted in a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging confirmed tumor characteristics without distant or lymph nodal metastasis. A minimally invasive robotic transanal resection using the Da Vinci Xi platform was performed, achieving full-thickness lesion excision with uneventful recovery. Histopathology revealed intramucosal adenocarcinoma with free margins. Local resection is advocated for selected T1 lesions and demands a thorough preoperative assessment. Robotic-assisted surgery presents a valuable alternative for early rectal adenocarcinoma management.

A Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure to Harvest Palate Periosteum as a Source of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells for Bone Tissue Engineering.

The aim of this study is to validate a minimally invasive surgical procedure to harvest palate periosteum as a source of tissue for mesenchymal stromal/stem cells. We performed a standardized procedure to harvest the palate periosteum in ten subjects, which consisted of a 3 mm disposable punch and a Molt periosteal elevator to harvest a small full-thickness fragment of soft tissue at the hard palate area, between the upper bicuspids, 3 to 4 mm apical to the cement enamel junction. The one-third inner portion was fragmented, and following standard cell culture procedures, the adherent cells were cultured for three passages, after obtaining 70-90% confluence. Cell morphology analysis, flow cytometry analysis, and viability and osteogenic differentiation assays were performed. In all 10 cases, uneventful healing was observed, with no need for analgesic intake. The evaluation of cell morphology showed elongated spindle-shaped cells distributed in woven patterns. A high viability range was verified as well as an immunophenotype compatible with mesenchymal stem cell lineage. The differentiation assay showed the potential of the cells to differentiate into the osteogenic lineage. These results demonstrate that the minimally invasive proposed surgical technique is capable of supplying enough periosteum source tissue for stem cell culture and bone tissue engineering.

Extensive Pancreatic Necrosis, Successful Management with Percutaneous Endoscopic Necrosectomy / Necrosis pancreática extensa, manejo exitoso con necrosectomía endoscópica percutánea

Abstract Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy is a procedure indicated for managing extensive pancreatic necrosis. Different endoscopic and surgical alternatives have been described for drainage of peripancreatic collections and debridement of necrosis, and minimally invasive approaches have lower complications and mortality rates. We presented the case of a patient with severe pancreatitis associated with pancreatic necrosis extending to both paracolic gutters, who underwent percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy, after unsuccessful percutaneous and laparoscopic drainage, and a complete resolution of the clinical picture was achieved. Management should consider the clinical condition of the patient, the location of the collections, and the time of evolution of the pancreatitis, and thus choose which intervention will be the most effective, considering also the experience of the medical team and the available resources.

Resumen La necrosectomía endoscópica percutánea es un procedimiento indicado para el manejo de la necrosis pancreática extensa. Se han descrito diferentes alternativas endoscópicas y quirúrgicas para el drenaje de colecciones peripancreáticas y el desbridamiento de la necrosis, y los abordajes mínimamente invasivos tienen menores tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con pancreatitis grave asociada a necrosis pancreática con extensión a ambas goteras parietocólicas, que fue llevado a necrosectomía endoscópica percutánea, luego de drenajes percutáneos y laparoscópicos no exitosos, y se logró una resolución completa del cuadro clínico. Para determinar el manejo, se debe considerar el estado clínico del paciente, la localización de las colecciones y el tiempo de evolución de la pancreatitis, y de este modo elegir qué intervención será la más efectiva, considerando además la experiencia del equipo médico y los recursos disponibles.

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.

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.

Minimally invasive sagittal osteotomy-technical note.

This article describes a novel minimally invasive technique for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) that aims to reduce surgical trauma while maintaining bone overlap and rigid internal fixation for proper consolidation of the bone segments. The technique involves a small vestibular mucoperiosteal incision made on the lateral aspect of the mandible between the first and second molars, enabling a standard ramus split, surgical segment movement, and miniplate fixation. A retrospective evaluation of 67 consecutive patients who underwent BSSO using this protocol showed favorable split of the mandible with no unfavorable splits or non-union. Patients were discharged from hospital within an average of 17 h with minimal postoperative complications. This technique provides good surgical visualization with a very small incision and allows standard BSSO surgery without difficulty.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Changes in lower urinary tract function after minimally invasive nerve-sparing for complete excision of endometriosis: An observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper is to evaluate changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), severity of pain and urodynamic parameters after minimally invasive nerve-sparing surgery for patients with endometriosis. METHODS: We analyzed 143 patients undergoing minimally invasive nerve-sparing surgery for endometriosis excision (laparoscopy/robot-assisted). The endometriosis was confirmed by preoperative clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing at least one lesion deeper than 5 mm, and histological confirmation after laparoscopy. We evaluated three points prior and after surgery: LUTS parameters according to the International Urogynecological Association; urodynamic measures of storage and voiding and the severity of the dyspareunia, dyschezia and dysmenorrhea assessed on a self-reported 11-point numeric rating scale. The Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar tests were used for statistical analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We observed significant improvements in LUTS after the surgery with postoperative symptom-free probabilities in urgency (64.5%), daytime frequency (38.5%), and dysuria (87.1%). However, slow stream prevalence increased significantly postsurgery (p = 0.022), with a 20.5% risk of asymptomatic patients developing this symptom. Urodynamic responses varied; for instance, maximum cystometric capacity improved significantly (p = 0.004), while postvoiding residual worsened (p = 0.006). Significant worsening in postvoiding residual occurred in women with normal preoperative values (p = 0.002), with a 17.7% risk of normal values becoming abnormal. Compliance or maximum cystometric capacity not considered normal preoperatively showed significant improvements (p < 0.001), but the risk of normal values becoming abnormal after surgery was 14.5%. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive nerve-sparing surgery for endometriosis excision shows improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms, urodynamics parameters and severity of pain. The majority of patients became asymptomatic in the postoperative period. When compared to the benefits of the patients' surgical treatment, particularly when considering the reduction of pain, the risks of the lower urinary tract treatment seem to be acceptable. The surgical intervention seems to be a safe alternative in patients with endometriosis, although studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.