Robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection for advanced rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral pelvic node dissection (LPND) poses significant technical challenges. Despite the advent of robotic surgery, determining the optimal minimally invasive approach remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between robotic total mesorectal excision with LPND (R-LPND) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with LPND (L-LPND). METHODS: This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) guidelines. Utilizing the RevMan 5.3.5 statistical package from the Cochrane Collaboration, a random-effects model was employed. RESULTS: Six eligible studies involving 652 patients (316 and 336 in the R-LPND and L-LPND groups, respectively) were retrieved. The robotic approach demonstrated favourable outcomes compared with the laparoscopic approach, manifesting in lower morbidity rates, reduced urinary complications, shorter hospital stays, and a higher number of harvested lateral pelvic lymph nodes. However, longer operative time was associated with the robotic approach. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding major complications, anastomotic leak, intra-abdominal infection, neurological complications, LPND time, overall recurrence, and local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the robotic approach is a safe and feasible alternative for Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) with LPND in advanced rectal cancer. Notably, it is associated with lower morbidity, particularly a reduction in urinary complications, a shorter hospital stay and increased number of harvested lateral pelvic nodes. The trade-off for these benefits is a longer operative time.

Stapled Anastomosis Versus Hand-Sewn Anastomosis With Mucosectomy for Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Postoperative Outcomes, Functional Outcomes, and Oncological Safety.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes between stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and hand-sewn IPAA with mucosectomy in cases of ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis) guidelines 2020 and AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews) guidelines. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the indication for surgery. RESULTS: The bibliographic research yielded 31 trials: 3 RCTs, 5 prospective clinical trials, and 24 CCTs including 8872 patients: 4871 patients in the stapled group and 4038 in the hand-sewn group. Regarding postoperative outcomes, the stapled group had a lower rate of anastomotic stricture, small bowel obstruction, and ileal pouch failure. There were no differences between the 2 groups in terms of operative time, anastomotic leak, pelvic sepsis, pouchitis, or hospital stay. For functional outcomes, the stapled group was associated with greater outcomes in terms of seepage per day and by night, pad use, night incontinence, resting pressure, and squeeze pressure. There were no differences in stool Frequency per 24h, stool frequency at night, antidiarrheal medication, sexual impotence, or length of the high-pressure zone. There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of dysplasia and neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to hand-sewn anastomosis, stapled ileoanal anastomosis leads to a large reduction in anastomotic stricture, small bowel obstruction, ileal pouch failure, seepage by day and night, pad use, and night incontinence. This may ensure a higher resting pressure and squeeze pressure in manometry evaluation. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered at PROSPERO under CRD 42022379880.

How to prevent postoperative ileus in colorectal surgery? a systematic review.

Postoperative ileus (PI) after colorectal surgery is a common surgical problem. This systematic review aimed to investigate the available data in the literature to reduce the PI in the area of colorectal surgery out of the enhanced recovery after surgery principles, referring to published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, and to provide recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The authors conducted bibliographic research on 1 December 2022. The authors retained meta-analyses and RCTs. The authors concluded that when we combined colonic mechanical preparation with oral antibiotic decontamination, the authors found a significant reduction in PI. The open approach was associated with a higher PI rate. The robotic and laparoscopic approaches had similar PI rates. Low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery presented a PI similar to that of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery. There was no difference between the isoperistaltic and antiperistaltic anastomoses or between the intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomoses. This study summarized the available data in the literature, including meta-analyses and RCTs. For a higher level of evidence, additional multicenter RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs remain necessary.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of hernia sac management in laparoscopic groin hernia mesh repair: reduction or transection?

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding hernia sac management during laparoscopic hernia repair, and this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of sac reduction (RS) and sac transection (TS) during laparoscopic mesh hernia repair. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) guidelines. We used the RevMan 5.4 statistical package from the Cochrane collaboration for meta-analysis. A random effects model was used. RESULTS: The literature search yielded six eligible studies including 2941 patients: 821 patients in the TS group and 2120 patients in the RS group. In the pooled analysis, the TS group was associated with a lower incidence of seroma (OR = 1.71; 95% CI [1.22, 2.39], p = 0.002) and shorter hospital stay (MD = -0.07; 95% CI [-0.12, -0.02], p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of morbidity (OR = 0.87; 95% CI [0.34, 2.19], p = 0.76), operative time (MD = -4.39; 95% CI [-13.62, 4.84], p = 0.35), recurrence (OR = 2.70; 95% CI [0.50, 14.50], p = 0.25), and Postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis showed that hernia sac transection is associated with a lower seroma rate and shorter hospital stay with similar morbidity, operative time, recurrence, and postoperative pain compared to the reduction of the hernia sac. PROTOCOL: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID CRD42023391730.

Correction: Oweira et al. Kynurenine Is the Main Metabolite of Tryptophan Degradation by Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase in HepaRG Tumor Cells. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 4794.

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Banded versus non-banded sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic banded sleeve gastrectomy (LBSG) has been compared to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in terms of anthropometric results and postoperative complications, which are controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of LBSG and LSG. METHODS: We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis according to preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis 2020 and assessing the methodological quality of systematic review 2 guidelines. We included studies that systematically searched electronic databases and compared LBSG with LSG conducted until August 10, 2021. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 8 comparative studies. Seven hundred forty-three patients were included: 352 in the LBSG group and 391 in the LSG group. LBSG group allowed greater anthropometric parameters (body mass index [BMI] after 1 year (mean difference [MD] = -3.18; 95% CI [-5.45, -0.92], P = .006), %EWL after 1 year (MD = 8.02; 95% CI [1.22, 14.81], P = .02), and %EWL after 3 years (MD = 10.60; 95% CI [5.60, 15.69], P < .001) and similar results with LSG group in terms of operative time (MD = 1.23; 95% CI [-4.71, 7.17], P = .69), food intolerance (OR = 1.72; 95% CI [0.84, 3.49], P = .14), postoperative vomiting (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [0.69, 6.35], P = .19), and De novo GERD (OR = 0.65; 95% CI [0.34, 1.26], P = .2). Nevertheless, major postoperative complications did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis comparing LBSG and LSG concluded that banding sleeve gastrectomy (SG) may ensure a lower BMI and %EWL after 1 year of follow-up, and a significant reduction in %EWL after 3 years of follow-up. There is no evidence to support LBSG in vomiting, de novo GERD, food intolerance, or operative time.

Robotic versus open total pancreatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Limited data are available on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of RTP and open total pancreatectomy (OTP). We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis according to the PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines. We included studies conducted through August 10, 2022, that systematically searched electronic databases and compared RTP with OTP. We retained four controlled clinical trials in the literature search, including 156 patients: 65 in the RTP group and 91 in the OTP group. There was no difference between the RTP group and OTP group in terms of mortality, severe complications, morbidity, bleeding, biliary leak, delayed gastric emptying, reoperation, operative time, length of stay, harvested lymph nodes, and positive resection margin. The RTP reduces the delay of the first liquid diet, first oral diet, and out of bed. RTP is feasible and safe in selected patients. Robotic surgery allows for a quicker recovery. In cases of major vessel invasion, conversion to laparotomy should be preoperatively considered.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of liver venous deprivation versus portal vein embolization before hepatectomy: future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and oncological safety.

Introduction: This systematic review aimed to compare liver venous deprivation (LVD) with portal vein embolization (PVE) in terms of future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and oncological safety before major hepatectomy. Methods: We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines. Comparative articles published before November 2022 were retained. Results: The literature search identified nine eligible comparative studies. They included 557 patients, 207 in the LVD group and 350 in the PVE group. This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that LVD was associated with higher future liver remnant (FLR) volume after embolization, percentage of FLR hypertrophy, lower failure of resection due to low FLR, faster kinetic growth, higher day 5 prothrombin time, and higher 3 years' disease-free survival. This study did not find any difference between the LVD and PVE groups in terms of complications related to embolization, FLR percentage of hypertrophy after embolization, failure of resection, 3-month mortality, overall morbidity, major complications, operative time, blood loss, bile leak, ascites, post hepatectomy liver failure, day 5 bilirubin level, hospital stay, and three years' overall survival. Conclusion: LVD is as feasible and safe as PVE with encouraging results making some selected patients more suitable for surgery, even with a small FLR. Systematic review registration: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO before conducting the study (CRD42021287628).

Kynurenine Is the Main Metabolite of Tryptophan Degradation by Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase in HepG2 Tumor Cells.

There are two main enzymes that convert tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn): tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Kyn accumulation can promote immunosuppression in certain cancers. In this study, we investigated Trp degradation to Kyn by IDO and TDO in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and tumoral HepG2 cells. To quantify Trp-degradation and Kyn-accumulation, using reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, the levels of Trp and Kyn were determined in the culture media of PHH and HepG2 cells. The role of IDO in Trp metabolism was investigated by activating IDO with IFN-γ and inhibiting IDO with 1-methyl-tryptophan (1-DL-MT). The role of TDO was investigated using one of two TDO inhibitors: 680C91 or LM10. Real-time PCR was used to measure TDO and IDO expression. Trp was degraded in both PHH and HepG2 cells, but degradation was higher in PHH cells. However, Kyn accumulation was higher in the supernatants of HepG2 cells. Stimulating IDO with IFN-γ did not significantly affect Trp degradation and Kyn accumulation, even though it strongly upregulated IDO expression. Inhibiting IDO with 1-DL-MT also had no effect on Trp degradation. In contrast, inhibiting TDO with 680C91 or LM10 significantly reduced Trp degradation. The expression of TDO but not of IDO correlated positively with Kyn accumulation in the HepG2 cell culture media. Furthermore, TDO degraded L-Trp but not D-Trp in HepG2 cells. Kyn is the main metabolite of Trp degradation by TDO in HepG2 cells. The accumulation of Kyn in HepG2 cells could be a key mechanism for tumor immune resistance. Two TDO inhibitors, 680C91 and LM10, could be useful in immunotherapy for liver cancers.

Ketamine as a component of multimodal analgesia for pain management in bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Anaesthesia in morbidly obese people is challenging with a high dose of opioid consumption. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) summaries evidence comparing ketamine to placebo for pain management after bariatric surgery. Methods: We used PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines to conduct this study. The random-effects model was adopted using Review Manager Version 5.3 for pooled estimates. Results: Seven RCTs published between 2009 and 2021 were eligible, including a total of 412 patients (202 patients in the ketamine group and 210 patients in the control group). In the ketamine group total opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively was reduced (mean difference, MD = -5.89; 95% CI [-10.39, -1.38], p = 0.01), lower pain score at 4 h (MD = -0.81; 95% CI [-1.52, -0.10], p = 0.03), pain score at 8 h (MD = -1.00; 95% CI [-1.21, -0.79], p < 0.01), and shorter hospital stay (MD = -0.10; 95% CI [-0.20, -0.01], p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding duration of anaesthesia (MD = -3.42; 95% CI [-8.62, 1.82], p = 0.20), or sedation score (MD = -0.02; 95% CI [-0.21, 0.17], p = 0.84). As concern the postoperative complications, risks of postoperative nausea and vomiting(OR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.27, 2.04], p = 0.56), hallucinations (OR = 5.47; 95% CI [0.26, 117.23], p = 0.28), dizziness (OR = 1.05; 95% CI [0.14, 7.78], p = 0.96), and euphoria (OR = 5.77; 95% CI [0.65, 51.52], p = 0.12) were not different between the two groups either. Conclusion: Ketamine could be an effective and safe technique for pain management following bariatric surgery. It reduces opioid consumption, postoperative pain, and hospital stay.RegistrationThis review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022296484).

Using a Reinforced Stapler Decreases the Incidence of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the pancreatic transection during distal pancreatectomy (DP) to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of a reinforced stapler on the postoperative outcomes of DP. METHODS: We systematically searched electronic databases and bibliographic reference lists in The PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library's Controlled Trials Registry and Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, and Scopus. Review Manager Software was used for pooled estimates. RESULTS: Seven eligible studies published between 2007 and 2021 were included with 553 patients (267 patients in the reinforced stapler group and 286 patients in the standard stapler group). The reinforced stapler reduced the POPF grade B and C (OR = 0.33; 95% CI [0.19, 0.57], p < 0.01). There was no difference between the reinforced stapler group and standard stapler group in terms of mortality rate (OR = 0.39; 95% CI [0.04, 3.57], p = 0.40), postoperative haemorrhage (OR = 0.53; 95% CI [0.20, 1.43], p = 0.21), and reoperation rate (OR = 0.91; 95% CI [0.40, 2.06], p = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Reinforced stapling in DP is safe and seems to reduce POPF grade B/C with similar mortality rates, postoperative bleeding, and reoperation rate. The protocol of this systematic review with meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021286849).

Risk Factors of Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Narrative Review.

Multiple factors influence graft rejection after kidney transplantation. Pre-operative factors affecting graft function and survival include donor and recipient characteristics such as age, gender, race, and immunologic compatibility. In addition, several peri- and post-operative parameters affect graft function and rejection, such as cold and warm ischemia times, and post-operative immunosuppressive treatment. Exposure to non-self-human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) prior to transplantation up-regulates the recipient's immune system. A higher rate of acute rejection is observed in transplant recipients with a history of pregnancies or significant exposure to blood products because these patients have higher panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels. Identifying these risk factors will help physicians to reduce the risk of allograft rejection, thereby promoting graft survival. In the current review, we summarize the existing literature on donor- and recipient-related risk factors of graft rejection and graft loss following kidney transplantation.

Regional techniques for pain management following laparoscopic elective colonic resection: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Pain management is an integral part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) following laparoscopic colonic resection. A variety of regional and neuraxial techniques were proposed, but their efficacy is still controversial. This systematic review evaluates published evidence on analgesic techniques and their impact on postoperative analgesia and recovery for laparoscopic colonic surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted bibliographic research on May 10, 2021, through PubMed, Cochrane database, and Google scholar. We retained meta-analysis and randomized clinical trials. We graded the strength of clinical data and subsequent recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. Thoracic epidural analgesia improved postoperative analgesia and bowel function following laparoscopic colectomy. However, it lengthens the hospital stay. Transversus abdominis plane block was as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia concerning pain control but with better postoperative recovery and lower length of hospital stay. Moreover, Lidocaine intravenous infusion improved postoperative pain management and recovery; Quadratus lumborum block provided similar postoperative analgesia and recovery. Finally, wound infiltration reduced postoperative pain without improving recovery of bowel function, and it could be proposed as an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Several analgesic techniques have been investigated. We found that abdominal wall blocks were as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia for pain management but with lower hospital stay and better recovery. We registered this review on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021279228).

Early salvage total mesorectal excision (sTME) after organ preservation failure in rectal cancer does not worsen postoperative outcomes compared to primary TME: systematic review and meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: While oncological outcomes of early salvage total mesorectal excision (sTME) after local excision (LE) have been well studied, the impact of LE before TME on postoperative outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to compare early sTME with a primary TME for rectal cancer. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines with the random-effects model were adopted using Review Manager Version 5.3 for pooled estimates. RESULTS: We retrieved eleven relevant articles including 1728 patients (350 patients in the sTME group and 1438 patients in the TME group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mortality (OR = 0.90, 95%CI [0.21 to 3.77], p = 0.88), morbidity (OR = 1.19, 95%CI [0.59 to 2.38], p = 0.63), conversion to open surgery (OR = 1.34, 95%CI [0.61 to 2.94], p = 0.47), anastomotic leak (OR = 1.38, 95%CI [0.50 to 3.83], p = 0.53), hospital stay (MD = 0.23 day, 95%CI [- 1.63 to 2.10], p < 0.81), diverting stoma rate (OR = 0.69, 95%CI [0.44 to 1.09], p = 0.11), abdominoperineal resection rate (OR = 1.47, 95%CI [0.91 to 2.37], p = 0.11), local recurrence (OR = 0.94, 95%CI [0.44 to 2.04], p = 0.88), and distant recurrence (OR = 0.88, 95%CI [0.52 to 1.48], p = 0.62). sTME was associated with significantly longer operative time (MD = 25.62 min, 95%CI[11.92 to 39.32], p < 0.001) lower number of harvested lymph nodes (MD = - 2.25 lymph node, 95%CI [- 3.86 to - 0.65], p = 0.006), and higher proportion of incomplete TME (OR = 0.25, 95%CI [0.11 to 0.61], p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: sTME is not associated with increased postoperative morbidity, mortality, or local recurrence. However, the operative times are longer and yield a poor specimen quality.

Irrigation during laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis increases the operative time and reoperation rate: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

This meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT) aimed to compare peritoneal irrigation followed by suction with aspiration only during laparoscopic surgery for complicated appendicitis (LA). PRISMA guidelines with the random-effects model were adopted using Review Manager Version 5.3 for pooled estimates. We retained six eligible RCT published between 2012 and 2019. They involved a total of 1019 patients (541 patients in the aspiration group and 478 patients in the irrigation group). Aspiration only during LA is associated with shorter operative time (MD = 8.50 min, 95% CI [- 12.97 to - 4.02], p = 0.0002) and lower reoperation rate (OR = 0.37 95% CI [0.14-0.96], p = 0.04). There was no difference between aspiration group and irrigation group in terms of Intraperitoneal abscess (IPA) (OR = 0.99 95% CI [0.54-1.81], p = 0.95), morbidity rate (OR = 1.14 95% CI [0.44-2.98], p = 0.79), wound infection (OR = 0.94 95% CI [0.20-4.40], p = 0.94), and hospital stay (MD = 0.65 day, 95% CI [- 0.52 to 1.82], p = 0.27). Irrigation during LA prevents post-appendectomy IPA in neither adults nor pediatric patients. However, it lengthens the operative time and involves a higher reoperation rate.

Meta-analysis of the effect of the pringle maneuver on long-term oncological outcomes following liver resection.

Hepatic pedicle clamping reduces intraoperative blood loss and the need for transfusion, but its long-term effect on survival and recurrence remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of the Pringle maneuver (PM) on long-term oncological outcomes in patients with primary or metastatic liver malignancies who underwent liver resection. Literature was searched in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline (via PubMed), and Web of Science databases. Survival was measured as the survival rate or as a continuous endpoint. Pooled estimates were represented as odds ratios (ORs) using the Mantel-Haenszel test with a random-effects model. The literature search retrieved 435 studies. One RCT and 18 NRS, including 7480 patients who underwent liver resection with the PM (4309 cases) or without the PM (3171 cases) were included. The PM did not decrease the 1-year overall survival rate (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.67-1.09; P = 0.22) or the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates. The PM did not decrease the 1-year recurrence-free survival rate (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.75-1.50; P = 0.75) or the 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates. There is no evidence that the Pringle maneuver has a negative effect on recurrence-free or overall survival rates.