Self-assembled viologens on HOPG: solid-state NMR and AFM unravel the location of the anions.

The controlled growth of self-assembled networks on surfaces based on viologen salts is a major scientific challenge due to their unique electronic properties. The combination of solid-state NMR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy at ambient conditions can unravel the fine organization of the supramolecular network on a graphitic surface by positioning the counter-ions relative to the viologen cation.

Robotic-Assisted Management of Ureteral Complications in Post-Renal Transplant Patients: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Introduction: Urologic complications are thought to be the most common surgical complication of renal transplantation. Ureteral pathology, including stenosis, urine leak, and vesicoureteral reflux, predominates. Although endourologic and interventional radiological management may be utilized, failure rates remain relatively high and surgical reconstruction remains the definitive management. Robotic ureteral reconstruction has been demonstrated to provide patient benefit in nontransplant populations, but the literature on transplant reconstruction is very limited. This study reports an additional series of patients with a focus on surgical technique, as well as reviews the available evidence for robotic reconstruction for post-transplant ureteral complications. Methods: All institutional patients undergoing robotic-assisted reconstruction for post-transplant ureteral complications for the years 2019-2022 were included. Intra- and postoperative variables, patient demographics, and follow-up data were obtained retrospectively from parsing of patient records. Statistics were tabulated descriptively. Results: Eleven patients underwent ureteral reconstruction. Of the 11, 9 (81%) were male with a mean age of 51.9 years (16-70) and BMI of 33.8 (24.3-49.1). The most common (10/11) indication for reconstruction was stricture; the most common (10/11) technique used was Lich-Gregoir reimplantation. Mean operative time was 288 minutes (143-500). There were no intra- or immediate postoperative complications. Median length of stay was 2 days (1-22). There were two incidences of mortality at 2 and 5 months postoperatively unrelated to surgery. There were four readmissions within 30 days, three for urinary tract infection (UTI) and one for a pelvic abscess which required washout. The remainder of the cohort has been followed for a mean of 14.6 months (6-41) without any incidences of graft loss or recurrence of ureteral pathology. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted ureteral reconstruction is a technically challenging but highly feasible technique that may provide the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while still allowing definitive reconstruction. Centers with extensive robotic capabilities should consider the technique.

Integrated Place-Based Primary Interventions: Levers and Tensions Related to Multilevel Governance for Community Integrated Pathways, A Multiple Case Study.

Integrated Place-Based Primary Interventions (IPPIs) are considered an innovative response to the challenges and complex issues faced in disadvantaged areas where traditional institutional services have difficulty reaching people in vulnerable situations. IPPIs are an innovative approach to the delivery of in services, conceived as an original community-based local care and service pathways. However, these intervention practices require adaptive modes of governance. In this article, we explore how and to what extent the mode of governance of IPPIs influences the performance of community-integrated pathways. To this end, using a qualitative exploratory multiple-case study design (observation and semi-structured interviews), we describe 4 IPPIs in 3 territories in Quebec. This includes an examination of the levers of action and tensions related to their governance and the performance levels of the community-integrated pathways. We conclude that collaborative and shared multilevel governance, despite its demanding nature, appears to contribute to the longevity of the actions and benefits of IPPIs and could prevent their relevance from being questioned.

Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification by Simple Scoring of the Current pT3 Lesions: A Proposal for a New Pathologic T-Staging System.

Cancer spread beyond the prostate, including extraprostatic extension (other than seminal vesicle or bladder invasion; EPE)/microscopic bladder neck invasion and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) currently classified as pT3a and pT3b lesions, respectively, does not uniformly indicate poor oncologic outcomes. Accurate risk stratification of current pT3 disease is therefore required. We herein further determined the prognostic impact of these histopathologic lesions routinely assessed and reported by pathologists, particularly their combinations. We assessed consecutive 2892 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for current pT2 (n = 1692), pT3a (n = 956), or pT3b (n = 244) disease at our institution between 2009 and 2018. Based on our preliminary findings, point(s) were given (1 point to focal EPE, microscopic bladder neck invasion, or unilateral SVI; 2 points to nonfocal/established EPE or bilateral SVI) and summed up in each case. Our cohort had 0 point (n = 1692, 58.5%; P0), 1 point (n = 243, 8.4%; P1), 2 points (n = 657, 22.7%; P2), 3 points (n = 192, 6.6%; P3), 4 points (n = 76, 2.6%; P4), and 5 points (n = 32, 1.1%; P5). Univariate analysis revealed associations of higher points with significantly worse biochemical progression-free survival, particularly when P4 and P5 were combined. In multivariable analysis (P0 as a reference), P1 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; P = .033), P2 (HR, 3.25; P < .001), P3 (HR, 4.01; P < .001), and P4 + P5 (HR, 5.99; P < .001) showed significance for the risk of postoperative progression. Meanwhile, Harrell C-indexes for the current pT staging, newly developed point system, and the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical (CAPRA-S) score were 0.727 (95% CI, 0.706-0.748), 0.751 (95% CI, 0.729-0.773), and 0.774 (95% CI, 0.755-0.794), respectively, for predicting progression. We believe our data provide a logical rationale for a novel pathologic T-staging system based on the summed points, pT1a (0 point), pT1b (1 point), pT2 (2 points), pT3a (3 points), and pT3b (4 or 5 points), which more accurately stratifies the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Complications of single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: multi-institutional analysis from the Single-Port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative complications of single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on the prospectively maintained, Institutional Review Board-approved, multi-institutional Single-Port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC) database. A total of 1103 patients were identified who underwent three different approaches of SP-RARP between 2019 and 2022 using the purpose-built SP robotic platform. In addition to baseline clinical, perioperative outcomes, this study comprehensively analysed for any evidence of intraoperative complication, as well as postoperative complication and readmission within 90 days of the respective surgery. RESULTS: Of the 244, 712, and 147 patients who underwent transperitoneal, extraperitoneal, and transvesical SP-RARP, respectively, intraoperative complications were noted in five patients (0.4%), all of which occurred during the transperitoneal approach. Two patients had bowel serosal tears, two had posterior button-holing of the bladder necessitating repair, and one patient had an obturator nerve injury. Postoperative complications were noted in 143 patients (13%) with major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III) only identified in 3.7% of the total cohort. The most common complications were lymphocele (3.9%), acute urinary retention (2%), and urinary tract infection (1.9%). The 90-day re-admission rate was 3.9%. CONCLUSION: The SP-RARP is a safe and effective procedure with low complication and readmission rates regardless of the approach. These results are comparable to current multi-port RARP literature.

Can preoperative planning using IRIS™ three-dimensional anatomical virtual models predict operative findings during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy?

Objective: To evaluate the predictive validity of IRIS™ (Intuitive Surgical®, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) as a planning tool for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) by assessing the degree of overlap with intraoperative execution. Methods: Thirty-one patients scheduled for RAPN by four experienced urologists were enrolled in a prospective study. Prior to surgery, urologists reviewed the IRIS™ three-dimensional model on an iphone Operating System (iOS) app and completed a questionnaire outlining their surgical plan including surgical approach, and ischemia technique as well as confidence in executing this plan. Postoperatively, questionnaires assessing the procedural approach, clinical utility, efficiency, and effectiveness of IRIS™ were completed. The degree of overlap between the preoperative and intraoperative questionnaires and between the planned approach and actual execution of the procedure was analyzed. Questionnaires were answered on a 5-point Likert scale and scores of 4 or greater were considered positive. Results: Mean age was 65.1 years with a mean tumor size of 27.7 mm (interquartile range 17.5-44.0 mm). Hilar tumors consisted of 32.3%; 48.4% of patients had R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of 7-9. On preoperative questionnaires, the surgeons reported that in 67.7% cases they were confident that they can perform the procedure successfully, and on intraoperative questionnaires, the surgeons reported that in 96.8% cases IRIS™ helped achieve good spatial sensation of the anatomy. There was a high degree of overlap between preoperative and intraoperative questionnaires for the surgical approach, interpreting anatomical details and clinical utility. When comparing plans for selective or off-clamp, the preoperative plan was executed in 90.0% of cases intraoperatively. Conclusion: A high degree of overlap between the preoperative surgical approach and intraoperative RAPN execution was found using IRIS™. This is the first study to evaluate the predictive accuracy of IRIS™ during RAPN by comparing preoperative plan and intraoperative execution.

Low Risk of Postoperative Hernia Following Single-port Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Report From the Single-port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of postoperative hernia following different approaches of single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent SP-RARP between February 2019 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical information was collected from the multi-institutional, prospectively-maintained Single-Port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC) database. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 with descriptive statistics as presented. RESULTS: A total of 1103 patients were identified, consisting of 244 (22.1%), 712 (64.6%), and 147 (13.3%) cases performed via transperitoneal, extraperitoneal (EP), and transvesical (TV) approaches, respectively. During a median follow-up time of 11 months (interquartile range 5.7-17.1 months), only two cases of incisional hernia were reported. Both cases occurred following transperitoneal SP-RARP with one patient requiring surgical repair. There remains no evidence of postoperative hernia following EP and TV SP-RARP at the completion of our review. CONCLUSION: SP-RARP was associated with low risk for postoperative hernia. The risk was lower following TV and EP SP-RARP where the peritoneum is preserved.

Quality of routine health data at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia, Haiti, Laos, Nepal, and South Africa.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and researchers have used routine health data to estimate potential declines in the delivery and uptake of essential health services. This research relies on the data being high quality and, crucially, on the data quality not changing because of the pandemic. In this paper, we investigated those assumptions and assessed data quality before and during COVID-19. METHODS: We obtained routine health data from the DHIS2 platforms in Ethiopia, Haiti, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nepal, and South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal province) for a range of 40 indicators on essential health services and institutional deaths. We extracted data over 24 months (January 2019-December 2020) including pre-pandemic data and the first 9 months of the pandemic. We assessed four dimensions of data quality: reporting completeness, presence of outliers, internal consistency, and external consistency. RESULTS: We found high reporting completeness across countries and services and few declines in reporting at the onset of the pandemic. Positive outliers represented fewer than 1% of facility-month observations across services. Assessment of internal consistency across vaccine indicators found similar reporting of vaccines in all countries. Comparing cesarean section rates in the HMIS to those from population-representative surveys, we found high external consistency in all countries analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: While efforts remain to improve the quality of these data, our results show that several indicators in the HMIS can be reliably used to monitor service provision over time in these five countries.

Insight to urology patients' preferences regarding telemedicine.

INTRODUCTION: Due to COVID-19, telemedicine has become a common method of healthcare delivery. Our goal was to evaluate urology patients' satisfaction with telemedicine, examine patient preferences, and identify opportunities for improvement in readiness, access, and quality of care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 285 adult urology patients who completed at least one telemedicine visit from September to December 2020 were eligible. A paper survey was disseminated by postal mail with an option to complete electronically. Those who returned completed surveys received a $15 gift card. RESULTS: Seventy-six subjects completed the survey (response rate of 27%). The most common age bracket of the respondents was 70-79 years (37%). Readiness - To prepare, many subjects (49%) read the provided instructions. Most (91%) thought they were adequately prepared. A majority (82%) were satisfied with the ease of set up. Access - Types of visits included established patients (71%), new patient visits (17%), and postoperative visits (9%). Most respondents (84%) did not have difficulty accessing the visit. Quality of care - All respondents were satisfied with the length of visit, and 90% were satisfied with the overall experience. Patient preferences - Compared to office visits, most patients found telemedicine equal or superior in several areas. Preference to utilize telemedicine in the future was dependent on the nature of the complaint, length of their drive and their schedule. CONCLUSIONS: Patients reported high levels of satisfaction and a willingness to engage with telemedicine visits. To minimize future technical disruptions, we offer mock telehealth visits before their scheduled appointment and improved our clinicians' work flow.

Tracking health system performance in times of crisis using routine health data: lessons learned from a multicountry consortium.

COVID-19 has prompted the use of readily available administrative data to track health system performance in times of crisis and to monitor disruptions in essential healthcare services. In this commentary we describe our experience working with these data and lessons learned across countries. Since April 2020, the Quality Evidence for Health System Transformation (QuEST) network has used administrative data and routine health information systems (RHIS) to assess health system performance during COVID-19 in Chile, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Republic of Korea and Thailand. We compiled a large set of indicators related to common health conditions for the purpose of multicountry comparisons. The study compiled 73 indicators. A total of 43% of the indicators compiled pertained to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH). Only 12% of the indicators were related to hypertension, diabetes or cancer care. We also found few indicators related to mental health services and outcomes within these data systems. Moreover, 72% of the indicators compiled were related to volume of services delivered, 18% to health outcomes and only 10% to the quality of processes of care. While several datasets were complete or near-complete censuses of all health facilities in the country, others excluded some facility types or population groups. In some countries, RHIS did not capture services delivered through non-visit or nonconventional care during COVID-19, such as telemedicine. We propose the following recommendations to improve the analysis of administrative and RHIS data to track health system performance in times of crisis: ensure the scope of health conditions covered is aligned with the burden of disease, increase the number of indicators related to quality of care and health outcomes; incorporate data on nonconventional care such as telehealth; continue improving data quality and expand reporting from private sector facilities; move towards collecting patient-level data through electronic health records to facilitate quality-of-care assessment and equity analyses; implement more resilient and standardized health information technologies; reduce delays and loosen restrictions for researchers to access the data; complement routine data with patient-reported data; and employ mixed methods to better understand the underlying causes of service disruptions.

Single-port Extraperitoneal and Transperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy: A Multi-Institutional Propensity-Score Matched Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative and early postoperative outcomes between single-port (SP) extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EPRP) and SP transperitoneal radical prostatectomy (TPRP), in a multi-institutional setting. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent SP robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at 6 different institutes. Data of 650 patients were collected and divided into 2 groups based on the surgical approach: SP EPRP or SP TPRP. A Propensity-score matched-pair analysis for body mass index (BMI), prostate size, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk was performed with a 1:1 ratio. Analysis of perioperative and postoperative outcomes was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: After matching, 238 patients were included in each arm. The median follow-up period was 7 and 6 months for EPRP and TPRP groups, respectively. The total operative time was longer in the EPRP group (206 vs 155 minutes, P < .001). The EPRP group had a shorter length of hospitalization and same-day discharge rate compared to the TPRP approach (P < .001). There was no difference in the overall intraoperative or postoperative complications rate between the 2 groups, nor positive surgical margin rates. CONCLUSION: The SP extraperitoneal approach is associated with a shorter hospital stay and higher rate of same-day discharge, with no difference in the surgical margin, or complication rates.

Do Skills Naturally Transfer Between Multiport and Single-Port Robotic Platforms? A Comparative Study in a Simulated Environment.

Introduction and Objective: With introduction of the da Vinci single-port (SP) system, we evaluated which multiport (MP) robotic skills are naturally transferable to the SP platform. Methods: Three groups of urologists: Group 1 (5 inexperienced in MP and SP), Group 2 (5 experienced in MP without SP experience), and Group 3 (2 experienced in both MP and SP) were recruited to complete a validated urethrovesical anastomosis simulation using MP followed by SP robots. Performance was graded using both GEARS and RACE scales. Subjective cognitive load measurements (Surg-TLX and difficulty ratings [/20] of instrument collisions camera and EndoWrist movement) were collected. Results: GEARS and RACE scores for Groups 1 and 3 were maintained on switching from MP to SP (Group 3 scored significantly higher on both systems). Surg-TLX and difficulty scores were also maintained for both groups on switching from MP and SP except for a significant increase in SP camera movement (+7.2, p = 0.03) in Group 1 compared to Group 3 that maintained low scores on both. Group 2 demonstrated significant lower GEARS (-2.9, p = 0.047) and RACE (-5.1, p = 0.011) scores on SP vs MP. On subanalysis, GEARS subscores for force sensitivity and robotic control (-0.7, p = 0.04; -0.9, p = 0.02) and RACE subscores for needle entry, needle driving, and tissue approximation (-0.9, p = 0.01; -1.0, p = 0.02; -1.0, p < 0.01) significantly decreased. GEARS (depth perception, bimanual dexterity, and efficiency) and RACE subscores (needle positioning and suture placement) were maintained. All participants scored significantly lower in knot tying on the SP robot (-1.0, p = 0.03; -1.2, p = 0.02, respectively). Group 2 reported higher Surg-TLX (+13 pts, p = 0.015) and difficulty ratings on SP vs MP (+11.8, p < 0.01; +13.6, p < 0.01; +14 pts, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The partial skill transference across robots raises the question regarding SP-specific training for urologists proficient in MP. Novices maintained difficulty scores and cognitive load across platforms, suggesting that concurrent SP and MP training may be preferred.

Implementing an outpatient clinical trial on COVID-19 treatment in an emergency epidemic context: a mixed methods study among operational and research stakeholders within the Coverage trial, Bordeaux (France).

BACKGROUND: The emergency set-up and implementation of outpatient clinical trials on epidemic emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 raise many issues in terms of research structuration, regulations, and health systems organization. We aimed to describe the experience and points of view of different stakeholders involved in a French home-based outpatient trial on COVID-19 and to identify the early barriers and facilitators to the trial implementation. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study in July 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was emailed to 213 clinical, operational and research stakeholders involved in the Coverage trial; individual semi-directed interviews were conducted among 14 stakeholders. Questionnaire data and written interview notes are presented together by key theme. RESULTS: One hundred fifty six stakeholders responded to the questionnaire. 53.4% did not have prior experience in clinical research. The motivation of most stakeholders to participate in the Coverage trial was to feel useful during the pandemic. 87.9% agreed that the trial had an unusual set-up timeframe, and many regretted a certain lack of regulatory flexibility. Mobile medical teams and specific professional skills were perceived as instrumental for outpatient research. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a home-based outpatient clinical trial on COVID-19 was perceived as relevant and innovative although requiring important adaptations of usual professional responsibilities and standard research procedures. Lessons learned from the Coverage trial underline the need for improved networks between hospital and community medicine, and call for a dedicated and reactive outpatient research platform on emerging or threatening infectious diseases.

Acceleration strategies for Tridimensional Coupled hydromechanical problems based on CPU and GPU programming in MATLAB.

Large-scale fluid flow in porous media demands intense computations and occurs in the most diverse applications, including groundwater flow and oil recovery. This article presents novel computational strategies applied to reservoir geomechanics. Advances are proposed for the efficient assembly of finite element matrices and the solution of linear systems using highly vectorized code in MATLAB. In the CPU version, element matrix assembly is performed using conventional vectorization procedures, based on two strategies: the explicit matrices, and the multidimensional products. Further assembly of the global sparse matrix is achieved using the native sparse function. For the GPU version, computation of the complete set of element matrices is performed with the same strategies as the CPU approach, using gpuArray structures and the native CUDA support provided by MATLAB Parallel Computing Toolbox. Solution of the resulting linear system in CPU and GPU versions is obtained with two strategies using a one-way approach: the native conjugate gradient solver (pcg), and the one provided by the Eigen library. A broad discussion is presented in a dedicated benchmark, where the different strategies using CPU and GPU are compared in processing time and memory requirements. These analyses present significant speedups over serial codes.

Going Up the Ladder: Stacking Four 4,4'-Bipyridine Moieties within a Ti(IV)-Based Tetranuclear Architecture.

Biphenol-based ligands have proven their ability to bind titanium(IV) centers and generate sophisticated self-assembled structures in which auxiliary nitrogen ligands often complete the coordination sphere of the metal and improve stability. Here, a central 4,4'-bipyridine, which acts as both a spacer and a source of monodentate nitrogen to complete the coordination sphere of the Ti(IV) complex, was incorporated within two bis-2,2'-biphenol strands, 3H4 and 4H4. Both proligands possess structural features that are well adapted to form self-assembled structures built from titanium-oxygen-nitrogen units; however, their different degrees of torsional freedom strongly influenced the nuclearity of the complexes formed. The presence of a phenyl spacer between the bipyridine and the biphenol moieties of 3H4 provided enough flexibility for the ligand to wrap around one titanium(IV) center to form a mononuclear complex Ti(3)(DMF)2 in the presence of dimethylformamide (DMF). Assembly of the more rigid ligand 4H4 with Ti(OiPr)4 afforded a tetranuclear complex Ti4(4)2(4H)2(OEt)2 containing four stacked 4,4'-bipyridine units as shown by the X-ray structure of the complex. Density functional theory studies suggested that the assembly of this tetrametallic complex involves a dimetallic intermediate with TiO6 nodes that is converted to the thermodynamically stable tetranuclear complex with two TiO6 nodes and two TiO5N units with enhanced covalent character.

Evidence-based optimisation of empirical antibiotic regimens in paediatric complicated appendicitis: a retrospective study of 94 patients.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical emergency in the paediatric population. Complicated appendicitis accounts for 30% of cases and is inextricably linked to postoperative infectious complications. A study at our institution showed that amoxicillin-clavulanate resistant Escherichia coli in complicated appendicitis was significantly linked to postoperative infectious complications. These findings led to a change in the empirical antibiotic protocol (amoxicillin-clavulanate changed to ceftriaxone + metronidazole as of 2017), intending to reduce postoperative infectious complications in complicated appendicitis in our institution. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to analyse the microbiology and resistance profiles of pathogens of complicated appendicitis at our institution since implementing the new antibiotic protocol and the postoperative infectious complications rate. METHODS: We designed a retrospective comparative cohort study. During the defined study period (01 January 2017 to 31 July 2020), medical records were analysed for cases of acute appendicitis, complicated appendicitis and postoperative infectious complications, retaining only those who fulfilled inclusion criteria. Postoperative outcomes, microbiology and antibiotic resistance of peritoneal swabs were analysed. RESULTS: During the study period, 95 patients presented with a complicated appendicitis, and 11 (12%) developed postoperative infectious complications. The most frequent pathogens found in complicated appendicitis were E. coli (66%), Streptococcus anginosus (45%), and Bacteroides fragilis (22%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was present in 17% of complicated appendicitis. Pathogens involved in postoperative infectious complications mirrored the distribution found in complicated appendicitis without postoperative infectious complications. Antibiotic susceptibility analysis showed that 10 (15%) of E. coli strains were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate but sensitive to ceftriaxone + metronidazole, with only one strain responsible for causing a postoperative infectious complication. Six additional strains of E. coli (9%) were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate and our empirical antibiotic regimen but were not associated with an increase in postoperative infectious complications. Compared with our previous study, there was a decrease in postoperative infectious complications from 16% to 12%. Postoperative infectious complications caused by amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant E. coli decreased from 28% to 9%. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study demonstrated a decrease in the rate of postoperative infectious complications due to amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant E. coli in complicated appendicitis. These findings accentuate the need to implement evidence-based treatment protocols based on local microbiology profiles and resistance rates to optimise post-operative antibiotics in complicated appendicitis.

Da Vinci SP radical prostatectomy: a multicentric collaboration and step-by-step techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction Several techniques of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the da Vinci SP (SP) have been described since its clearance by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2018 ( 1 , 2 ). Even with the expanding literature about this robot, the SP technology has been restricted to a few centers in the US and Asia due to the recent release of this robot in the marked.3 In this scenario, we provided, in this video compilation, a consensus of SP referral centers describing the current approaches and techniques of da Vinci SP Radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP). Surgical Technique We have illustrated five different techniques, including transperitoneal, extraperitoneal, Retzius-sparing, transvesical, and transperineal ( 4 - 6 ). Each surgery demonstrated crucial steps from the trocar placement until anastomosis. All approaches follow anatomic concepts and landmarks to minimize positive surgical margins, optimize oncological outcomes and promote optimal functional recovery. The trocar placement and the use of an assistant port were selected according to the operative technique of each institution. None of these surgeries had intra- or postoperative complications, and the pain management until discharge was controlled without using narcotics. All patients were discharged in less than 16 hours of surgery. Conclusion Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy performed with the da Vinci SP is feasible and safe with optimal perioperative outcomes. Five different approaches were described in this video compilation, and we believe that the technical details provided by this multicentric collaboration are crucial for centers willing to initiate the SP approach to radical prostatectomy.

Contemporary techniques of da Vinci SP radical prostatectomy: multicentric collaboration and expert opinion

ABSTRACT Background The da Vinci SP robot consists of an innovative single port trocar that houses a flexible camera and three biarticulated arms, which minimizes the number of incisions to assess the surgical site, allowing a less invasive procedure. However, due to its recent release in the market, the current literature reporting SP-RARP is still restricted to a few centers. In this scenario, after performing a literature search with all available techniques of SP-RARP, our objective is to report a multicentric opinion of referral centers on different techniques to approach SP-RARP. Results The SP literature is provided by only a few centers due to the limited number of this new console in the market. Five different approaches are available: transperitoneal, extraperitoneal, Retzius-Sparing, transperineal and transvesical. None of the current studies describe long-term functional or oncological outcomes. However, all approaches had satisfactory operative performance with minimum complication rates. Conclusions Several techniques of SP-RARP have been reported in the literature. We performed a multicentric collaboration describing and illustrating the most challenging steps of this surgery. We believe that the details provided in this article are useful teaching material for new centers willing to adopt the SP technology.

Operative Planning of Chest Wall Reconstructions Illustrated by a Large Defect in a Child.

Reconstruction of large chest wall defects is challenging. Here we discuss the process of decision-making in planning chest wall reconstruction, considering the requirements of tumor removal, stabilization of the chest wall, and soft tissue coverage, illustrated by a case of a hemi-chest wall defect in a child. Ewing sarcoma measuring 10 × 9 × 13 cm was resected in a 9-year-old boy, followed by stabilization using a Gore-Tex patch. Due to extension of the oncologic resection far into the superomedial quadrant of the chest, tension-free coverage with a classical latissimus-dorsi flap could not be achieved. Integrating the serratus-anterior muscle into the flap creating a chimeric latissimus-dorsi/serratus-anterior flap allowed for excellent soft tissue coverage of the foreign body. As the skin could be preserved, careful incision planning was necessary to allow for best possible exposure during oncologic resection and flap harvest, while ensuring skin vascularization impaired by underlying tumor resection. Two vertical skin incisions were chosen, one presternal and a second in the mid-axillary fold delineating a large bipedicled skin flap. Postoperative recovery was excellent. Solid skin vascularization and adequate soft tissue coverage of the alloplastic material allowed for the patient to receive two cycles of postoperative radiotherapy without developing wound dehiscence. Careful interdisciplinary planning of skin incisions allowed for good exposure for tumor resection and flap harvest while preserving skin vascularization. Choosing a chimeric latissimus-dorsi/serratus-anterior flap provided larger coverage than a classical latissimus-dorsi flap with minimal additional donor site morbidity. Taken together, we here present a pragmatic solution to a complex problem.

Medicare Accountable Care Organizations: Post-acute Care Use and Post-surgical Outcomes in Urologic Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate association between Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs) participation of hospitals on post-acute care (PAC) use and spending, and post-surgical outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries undergoing urologic cancer surgeries. Despite increasing prevalence of urologic cancer and surgical care contributing to a large proportion of total health care costs, and recent Medicare payment reforms such as accountable care organizations, the role of ACOs in urologic cancer care has been unexplored. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal analysis of 2011-2017 Medicare claims data to compare post-surgical outcomes between Medicare ACO and non-ACO patients before and after implementation of Medicare shared savings program (MSSP). Our outcomes of interest were Post-acute care (PAC) use (overall, institutional, and home health), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) length of stay and Medicare spending for SNF patients, 30-day and 90-day unplanned readmissions and complications after index procedure. RESULTS: Study sample included a total of 334,514 Medicare patients undergoing bladder, prostate, kidney cancer surgeries at 524 Medicare ACO and 2066 non-ACO hospitals. For bladder cancer surgery, Medicare ACO participation was associated with significantly reduced overall post-acute care use, but not with changes in readmission or complication rate. For prostate cancer and kidney cancer surgery, we found no significant association between hospital participation in Medicare ACOs and PAC use or post-surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Hospital participation in MSSP ACOs leads to lower post-acute care use without compromising patient outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing bladder cancer surgery. Future research is needed to understand longer-term impact of ACO participation on urologic cancer surgery outcomes.