Conversion to open surgery in obese patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: results from a multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is considered a standard approach it still presents a non-negligible rate of conversion to open that is mainly related to some difficulty factors, as obesity. The aim of this study is to analyze the preoperative factors associated with conversion in obese patients with MIDP. METHODS: In this multicenter study, all obese patients who underwent MIDP at 18 international expert centers were included. The preoperative factors associated with conversion to open surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 436 patients, 91 (20.9%) underwent conversion to open, presenting higher blood loss, longer operative time and similar rate of major complications. Twenty (22%) patients received emergent conversion. At univariate analysis, the type of approach, radiological invasion of adjacent organs, preoperative enlarged lymphnodes and ASA ≥ III were significantly associated with conversion to open. At multivariate analysis, robotic approach showed a significantly lower conversion rate (14.6 % vs 27.3%, OR = 2.380, p = 0.001). ASA ≥ III (OR = 2.391, p = 0.002) and preoperative enlarged lymphnodes (OR = 3.836, p = 0.003) were also independently associated with conversion. CONCLUSION: Conversion rate is significantly lower in patients undergoing robotic approach. Radiological enlarged lymphnodes and ASA ≥ III are also associated with conversion to open. Conversion is associated with poorer perioperative outcomes, especially in case of intraoperative hemorrhage.

Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Although robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) has a lower conversion rate to open surgery and causes less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), clear evidence on the impact of the surgical approach on morbidity is lacking. Prior studies have shown a higher rate of complications among obese patients undergoing pancreatectomy. The primary aim of this study is to compare short-term outcomes of RDP vs. LDP in patients with a BMI ≥ 30. METHODS: In this multicenter study, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for any indication between 2012 and 2022 at 18 international expert centers were included. The baseline characteristics underwent inverse probability treatment weighting to minimize allocation bias. RESULTS: Of 446 patients, 219 (50.2%) patients underwent RDP. The median age was 60 years, the median BMI was 33 (31-36), and the preoperative diagnosis was ductal adenocarcinoma in 21% of cases. The conversion rate was 19.9%, the overall complication rate was 57.8%, and the 90-day mortality rate was 0.7% (3 patients). RDP was associated with a lower complication rate (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.89; p = 0.005), less blood loss (150 vs. 200 ml; p < 0.001), fewer blood transfusion requirements (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.50; p < 0.001) and a lower Comprehensive Complications Index (8.7 vs. 8.9, p < 0.001) than LPD. RPD had a lower conversion rate (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.19-0.39; p < 0.001) and achieved better spleen preservation rate (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.13-3.39; p = 0.016) than LPD. CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients, RDP is associated with a lower conversion rate, fewer complications and better short-term outcomes than LPD.

Open vs robotic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis on 1469 patients from the IMIGASTRIC prospective database.

BACKGROUND: Comparative data on D2-robotic gastrectomy (RG) vs D2-open gastrectomy (OG) are lacking in the Literature. Aim of this paper is to compare RG to OG with a focus on D2-lymphadenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Data of patients undergoing D2-OG or RG for gastric cancer were retrieved from the international IMIGASTRIC prospective database and compared. RESULTS: A total of 1469 patients were selected for inclusion in the study. After 1:1 propensity score matching, a total of 580 patients were matched and included in the final analysis, 290 in each group, RG vs OG. RG had longer operation time (210 vs 330 min, p < 0.0001), reduced intraoperative blood loss (155 vs 119.7 ml, p < 0.0001), time to liquid diet (4.4 vs 3 days, p < 0.0001) and to peristalsis (2.4 vs 2 days, p < 0.0001), and length of postoperative stay (11 vs 8 days, p < 0.0001). Morbidity rate was higher in OG (24.1% vs 16.2%, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: RG significantly expedites recovery and reduces the risk of complications compared to OG. However, long-term survival is similar.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program in octogenarian patients: a propensity score matching analysis on the "Lazio Network" database.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and compliance with the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in octogenarian patients undergoing colorectal surgery in 12 Italian high-volume centers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in a consecutive series of patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery between 2016 and 2018. Patients were grouped by age (≥ 80 years vs < 80 years), propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed, and the groups were compared regarding clinical outcomes and the mean number of ERAS items applied. RESULTS: Out of 1646 patients identified, 310 were octogenarians. PSM identified 2 cohorts of 125 patients for the comparison of postoperative outcomes and ERAS compliance. The 2 groups were homogeneous regarding the clinical variables and mean number of ERAS items applied (11.3 vs 11.9, p-ns); however, the application of intraoperative items was greater in nonelderly patients (p 0.004). The functional recovery was similar between the two groups, as were the rates of postoperative severe complications and 30-day mortality rate. Elderly patients had more overall complications. Furthermore, the mean hospital stay was higher in the elderly group (p 0.027). Multivariable analyses documented that postoperative stay was inversely correlated with the number of ERAS items applied (p < 0.0001), whereas age ≥ 80 years significantly correlated with the overall complication rate (p 0.0419). CONCLUSION: The ERAS protocol is safe in octogenarian patients, with similar levels of compliance and surgical outcomes. However, octogenarian patients have a higher rate of overall complications and a longer hospital stay than do younger patients.

Correction to: Standard (8 weeks) vs long (12 weeks) timing to minimally-invasive surgery after NeoAdjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled parallel group trial (TiMiSNAR).

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that the family name of the author, Ludovica Baldari, was misspelled.

Impact of implementation of the ERAS program in colorectal surgery: a multi-center study based on the "Lazio Network" collective database.

BACKGROUND: ERAS implementation improved outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The process of incorporating this pathway in clinical practice may be challenging. This observational study investigated the impact of systematic ERAS implementation on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal resections in a regional network of 10 institutions. METHODS: Implementation of ERAS pathway was designed using regular audits and a common protocol. All patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery between 2016 and 2017 were considered eligible. A collective database including 18 ERAS items, clinical and surgical data, and outcomes was designed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for the following outcomes: morbidity, anastomotic leak, reinterventions, hospital stay, and readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 827 patients were included, and a mean of 11.3 ERAS items applied/patient was reported. Logistic regression indicated that an increased number of ERAS items applied reduced overall and severe morbidity (OR 0.86 and 0.87, respectively 95%CI 0.8197-0.9202 and 95%CI 0.7821-0.9603), hospitalization (OR 0.53 95%CI 0.4917-0.5845) and reinterventions (OR 0.84 95%CI 0.7536-0.9518) in the entire series. The same results were obtained for a prolonged hospitalization differentiating right-sided (OR 0.48 95%CI 0.4036-0.5801), left-sided (OR 0.48 95%CI 0.3984-0.5815), and rectal resections (OR 0.46 95%CI 0.3753-0.5851). An inverse correlation was found between the application of ERAS items and morbidity in right-sided and rectal procedures (OR 0.89 and 0.84, respectively 95%CI 0.7976-0.9773 and 95%CI 0.7418-0.9634). CONCLUSIONS: Systematic implementation of the ERAS pathway using multi-institutional audits can increase protocol adherence and improve surgical outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Standard (8 weeks) vs long (12 weeks) timing to minimally-invasive surgery after NeoAdjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled parallel group trial (TiMiSNAR).

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of surgery in relation to chemoradiation is still controversial. Retrospective analysis has demonstrated in the recent decades that the regression of adenocarcinoma can be slow and not complete until after several months. More recently, increasing pathologic Complete Response rates have been demonstrated to be correlated with longer time interval. The purpose of the trial is to demonstrate if delayed timing of surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy actually affects pathologic Complete Response and reflects on disease-free survival and overall survival rather than standard timing. METHODS: The trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled, unblinded, parallel-group trial comparing standard and delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for the curative treatment of rectal cancer. Three-hundred and forty patients will be randomized on an equal basis to either robotic-assisted/standard laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery after 8 weeks or robotic-assisted/standard laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery after 12 weeks. DISCUSSION: To date, it is well-know that pathologic Complete Response is associated with excellent prognosis and an overall survival of 90%. In the Lyon trial the rate of pCR or near pathologic Complete Response increased from 10.3 to 26% and in retrospective studies the increase rate was about 23-30%. These results may be explained on the relationship between radiation therapy and tumor regression: DNA damage occurs during irradiation, but cellular lysis occurs within the next weeks. Study results, whether confirmed that performing surgery after 12 weeks from neoadjuvant treatment is advantageous from a technical and oncological point of view, may change the current pathway of the treatment in those patient suffering from rectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT3465982.

Current status of laparoscopy for acute abdomen in Italy: a critical appraisal of 2012 clinical guidelines from two consecutive nationwide surveys with analysis of 271,323 cases over 5 years.

BACKGROUND: Several authors have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy in selected cases of abdominal emergencies. The aim of the study was to analyse the current Italian practice on the use of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies and to evaluate the impact of the 2012 national guidelines on the daily surgical activity. METHODS: Two surveys (42 closed-ended questions) on the use of laparoscopy in acute abdomen were conducted nationwide with an online questionnaire, respectively, before (2010) and after (2014) the national guidelines publication. Data from two surveys were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and data were considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Two-hundred and one and 234 surgical units answered to the surveys in 2010 and 2014, respectively. Out of 144,310 and 127,013 overall surgical procedures, 23,407 and 20,102, respectively, were abdominal emergency operations. Respectively 24.74 % (in 2010) versus 30.27 % (in 2014) of these emergency procedures were approached laparoscopically, p = 0.42. The adoption of laparoscopy increased in all the considered clinical scenarios, with statistical significance in acute appendicitis (44 vs. 64.7 %; p = 0.004). The percentage of units approaching Hinchey III acute diverticulitis with laparoscopy in 26-75 % of cases (14.0 vs. 29.7 %; p = 0.009), those with >25 % of surgeons confident with laparoscopic approach to acute diverticulitis (29.9 vs. 54 %; p = 0.0009), the units with >50 % of surgeons confident with laparoscopic approach to acute appendicitis, cholecystitis and perforated duodenal ulcer, all significantly increased in the time frame. The majority of respondents declared that the 2012 national guidelines influenced their clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The surveys showed an increasing use of laparoscopy for patients with abdominal emergencies. The 2012 national guidelines profoundly influenced the Italian surgical practice in the laparoscopic approach to the acute abdomen.

Total mesorectal excision: a comparison of oncological and functional outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Long-term data from the CLASICC study demonstrated the oncologic equivalence of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery despite an increased circumferential resection margin involvement in the laparoscopic group in the initial report. Moreover, laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) may be associated with increased rates of male sexual dysfunction compared to conventional open TME. Robotic surgery could potentially obtain better results than laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic surgery in a single-center experience. METHODS: This study was based on 100 patients who underwent minimally invasive anterior rectal resection with TME. Fifty consecutive robotic rectal anterior resections with TME (R-TME) were compared to the first 50 consecutive laparoscopic rectal resections with TME (L-TME). RESULTS: Median operative time was 270 min in R-TME and 275 min in L-TME. No conversions occurred in the R-TME group whereas six conversions occurred in the L-TME group. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 16.5 ± 7.1 for R-TME and 13.8 ± 6.7 for L-TME. The circumferential margin (CRM) was <2 mm in six L-TME patients, whereas no one in R-TME group had a CRM <2 mm. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scores were significantly increased 1 month after surgery in both the L-TME and R-TME groups, but they normalized 1 year after surgery. Erectile function worsened significantly 1 month after surgery in both the groups but it was restored completely 1 year after surgery in the R-TME group and partially in the L-TME group. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic TME is oncologically safe and adequate for rectal cancer treatment, showing better results than laparoscopic TME in terms of CRM, conversions, and hospital length of stay. Better recovery in voiding and sexual function is achieved with the robotic technique.

Therapeutic Strategies and Oncological Outcome of Peritoneal Metastases from Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

The peritoneum is an unusual site of metastases from lung cancer, and optimal management at the moment remains unclear and mostly based on palliative strategies. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate demographic characteristics, management and overall survival of patients with peritoneal metastases from lung cancer (PCLC). A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and pooled analysis was performed searching all English studies published until December 2022. PROSPERO, CRD42022349362. Inclusion criteria were original articles including patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from lung cancer, specifying at least one outcome of interest. Exclusion criteria were being unable to retrieve patient data from articles, and the same patient series included in different studies. Among 1746 studies imported for screening, twenty-one were included (2783 patients). Mean overall survival was between 0.5 and 5 months after peritoneal carcinomatosis diagnosis and 9 and 21 months from lung cancer diagnosis. In total, 27% of patients underwent first-line or palliative chemotherapy and 7% of them surgery. Management differs significantly among published studies. The literature on PCLC is scarce. Its incidence is low but appears to be substantially rising and is likely to be an underestimation. Prognosis is very poor and therapeutic strategies have been limited and used in a minority of patients. Subcategories of PCLC patients may have an improved prognosis and may benefit from an aggressive oncological approach, including cytoreductive surgery. Further investigation would be needed in this regard.

Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is associated with a lower conversion rate and less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). LDP has similar oncological outcomes as open surgery in PDAC. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes in obese patients with RDP versus LDP for PDAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for PDAC between 2012 and 2022 at 12 international expert centres were included. RESULTS: out of 372, 81 patients were included. All baseline features were comparable between the two groups. RDP was associated with decreased blood loss (495mlLDP vs. 188mlRDP; p = 0.003), lower conversion rate (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019) and lower rate of Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complications (13.5%RDP vs. 36.4%LDP; p = 0.019). Overall and disease-free survival were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients with left-sided PDAC, the robotic approach was associated with improved intraoperative outcomes and fewer severe complications.

Laparoscopic approach to acute abdomen from the Consensus Development Conference of the Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e nuove tecnologie (SICE), Associazione Chirurghi Ospedalieri Italiani (ACOI), Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC), Società Italiana di Chirurgia d'Urgenza e del Trauma (SICUT), Società Italiana di Chirurgia nell'Ospedalità Privata (SICOP), and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

BACKGROUND: In January 2010, the SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery), under the auspices of the EAES, decided to revisit the clinical recommendations for the role of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies in adults, with the primary intent being to update the 2006 EAES indications and supplement the existing guidelines on specific diseases. METHODS: Other Italian surgical societies were invited into the Consensus to form a panel of 12 expert surgeons. In order to get a multidisciplinary panel, other stakeholders involved in abdominal emergencies were invited along with a patient's association. In November 2010, the panel met in Rome to discuss each chapter according to the Delphi method, producing key statements with a grade of recommendations followed by commentary to explain the rationale and the level of evidence behind the statements. Thereafter, the statements were presented to the Annual Congress of the EAES in June 2011. RESULTS: A thorough literature review was necessary to assess whether the recommendations issued in 2006 are still current. In many cases new studies allowed us to better clarify some issues (such as for diverticulitis, small bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, hernias, trauma), to confirm the key role of laparoscopy (such as for cholecystitis, gynecological disorders, nonspecific abdominal pain, appendicitis), but occasionally previous strong recommendations have to be challenged after review of recent research (such as for perforated peptic ulcer). CONCLUSIONS: Every surgeon has to develop his or her own approach, taking into account the clinical situation, her/his proficiency (and the experience of the team) with the various techniques, and the specific organizational setting in which she/he is working. This guideline has been developed bearing in mind that every surgeon could use the data reported to support her/his judgment.

Fully robotic treatment of an epiphrenic diverticulum: report of a case.

Epiphrenic diverticula are rare protrusions of the distal esophagus attributed to esophageal motility disorders or obstructive diseases. In presence of a relevant symptomatology, surgery is mandatory. Although many reports confirm the feasibility of the laparoscopic transhiatal approach, the mobilization of the esophagus and the myotomy appear challenging. The intrinsic characteristics of the da Vinci Robotic System could facilitate the approach to the esophagogastric junction and an extended mobilization of the esophagus. We describe a robotic transhiatal surgical treatment of an epiphrenic diverticulum with a Dor antireflux procedure. Robotic-assisted diverticulectomy appears feasible and safe with a low risk of esophageal perforation and pleura damage.

Robotic Heller-Dor procedure for oesophageal achalasia: Fluorescence-guided intraoperative assessment of myotomy. A retrospective single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The robotic Heller-Dor (RHD) procedure for oesophageal achalasia (EA) is safe and effective. We aim to evaluate the intraoperative use of fluorescence imaging, as an alternative means to intraoperative endoscopy, to assess myotomy at the end of the procedure. METHODS: Thirty-four patients affected with EA underwent RHD. The myotomy was assessed intraoperatively by endoscopy in group A (17 patients), and by fluorescence imaging in group B (17 patients). Perioperative and long-term results were compared. RESULTS: In group A, one mucosal tear was identified during intraoperative endoscopy. In group B, indocyanine green (ICG) helped identify residual muscle fibres in three cases. No perforation of the oesophageal mucosa occurred in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence-imaging improved the identification of residual muscle fibres and made it possible to verify the integrity of the mucosa without the use of intraoperative endoscopy. A significant reduction in operative times has been related to the use of this technique.

The role of telemedicine in the postoperative home monitoring after robotic colo-rectal cancer surgery: a preliminary single center experience.

The telemedicine studies, takes care and prevents diseases at distance basing on the interaction among physicians and patients remotely. Few data are available on its application to early postoperative after surgery. The endpoints of our preliminary experience were the detection, as primary, of feasibility and safety of home telemonitoring after robotic colo-rectal resection and, as secondary, perception and satisfaction of the patients. From December 2019 to March 2020, at the Division of Robotic Surgery of San Giovanni Hospital of Rome, 20 of 29 colorectal cancer patients, submitted to Robotic resection, were prospectively included in a program of postoperative home telemonitoring. Telemonitoring was considered feasible if at least 75% of data were available and safe if morbidity ≤ II by Clavien-Dindo classification. Perception and patients' satisfaction were evaluated through a dedicated questionnaire. Out of 20 patients, the median age was 68 years, overall postoperative morbidity was 30%, all events classified Clavien-Dindo Grade I or II. Only 2 patients were corresponded to surgical consult without readmission during home telemonitoring. Compliance of patients was > 80%, overall grade of satisfaction was very high: 4.2 as median (range 0-5). In this preliminary study, the procedures of postoperative home telemonitoring were feasible and safe and high rate of patients' satisfaction was observed. The telemedicine could enhance the role of robotic technique in decrease the hospital stay and improving postoperative recovery after surgery. Further structured prospective trial are needed to validate the routine application of telemedicine in healthcare.

Functional results after mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: comparative study among surgical approaches.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the evolution of genitourinary dysfunctions in patients undergoing surgical treatment for rectal cancer, and compared open surgery, laparoscopy, robotic and TaTME. METHODS: Functional outcomes were evaluate using standardized questionnaires, compiled at the start of treatment, after the end of Radiotherapy, at 1 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In 72 patients 37.5% had low, 27.8% middle, and 34.7% high rectal cancers. Open technique was performed in 25% of cases, while 29.2% underwent laparoscopy, 20.8% TaTME and 25% robotic. We noted a deterioration in urogenital function: surgical technique can influence the result both in urinary and male sexual function but not ejaculation. Robotics and laparoscopy bring better outcomes than open surgery and TaTME. Female sexuality worsening seems not influenced by the technique. In general age, stage, complications, and anastomotic leakage appear to be predictive factors for functional dysfunctions. As reported in literature rectal cancer treatment leads to urogenital worsening: this seems to be progressive in male sexuality only, while female one and urinary function show a slight improvement in the first months, although a full recovery possibility is discussed. Is also reported how robotic and laparoscopy have a lower functional impact. TaTME has gained consensus thank to the excellent oncological and function outcomes, but in our study leads to worse results. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-invasive techniques guarantee the same oncological result than more invasive ones, but with better functional outcomes and tolerability; robotic surgery seems to be slight superior to laparoscopy, but with longer operative time.

Full robotic gastrectomy with extended (D2) lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: surgical technique and preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Widespread diffusion of minimally-invasive surgery for gastric cancer treatment is limited by the complexity of performing an extended D2-lymphadenectomy. This surgical step can be facilitated by using robot-assisted surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our technique and short-term results of a consecutive series of full robotic gastrectomies with D2-lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer, using the da Vinci Surgical System. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2004 and December 2009, we performed 24 consecutive full robot-assisted total and subtotal gastrectomies with extended D2-lymphadenectomy for histologically-proven gastric adenocarcinoma. Data referring to 11 robot-assisted total gastrectomies and 13 subtotal gastrectomies were collected in a database and analyzed. RESULTS: Median operative time was 267.50 min (255-305). Median intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL. Median number of harvested lymph nodes was 28 (23-34). Resection margins were negative in all cases. No conversions occurred. Surgery-related morbidity was 8%. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Liquid diet started on postoperative d 5 (2-5). Median length of stay was 6 d (5-8). CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy is a safe technique and allows achieving an adequate lymph node harvest and optimal R0-resection rates with low postoperative morbidity and the learning curve appears to be shorter than in laparoscopic surgery. Longer follow-up and randomized clinical trials are needed to define the role of robot-assistance in gastric cancer surgery.

Laparoscopic treatment of a carcinoma of the cecum incarcerated in a right groin hernia: report of a case.

A carcinoma in a groin hernia is uncommon. We herein report a case of an intrasaccular carcinoma of the cecum in a right inguinoscrotal hernia with a simultaneous left inguinal hernia treated by a laparoscopic approach. A 70-year-old man presented with a painful, not completely reducible bilateral hernia. Blood examinations showed severe anemia. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen confirmed the presence of the cecum in the hernia sac, showing a round wall thickening of the herniated portion of the colon. A standard laparoscopic right colectomy with radical oncological purpose was performed. An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a relatively common surgical problem. In the case of anemia or other signs suggestive of malignancy, a specific preoperative work-up should be assessed. This case demonstrates that it is possible to perform an oncologically correct laparoscopic resection when the presence of malignancy is confirmed while performing an open traditional hernioplasty to avoid any possible contamination of the mesh.

ICG-NIR-guided lymph node dissection during robotic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) allows intraoperative visualisation of the lymph nodes (LNs) draining the tumour. METHODS: We included in our study 20 patients who underwent robotic subtotal gastrectomy + D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. In 10 cases, intraoperative ICG-guided lymphography has been used (Group A). We compared the number of LNs retrieved with the use of NIR imaging and the number of LNs retrieved without the use of this technique (Group B, historical group). RESULTS: No complications related to ICG injection or near-infrared imaging were observed. The mean number of overall LNs retrieved was significantly greater in Group A than in group B (40 vs. 24). No statistically significant difference in operative time was observed. CONCLUSIONS: ICG-guided fluorescent lymphography can help in performing a more accurate locoregional lymphadenectomy during robotic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. This technique represents a precious contribution to gastric cancer surgery.

Laparoscopic Compared with Open D2 Gastrectomy on Perioperative and Long-Term, Stage-Stratified Oncological Outcomes for Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the IMIGASTRIC Database.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach in gastric cancer surgery is being increasingly adopted worldwide. However, studies focusing specifically on laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy are still lacking in the literature. This retrospective study aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: The protocol-based, international IMIGASTRIC (International study group on Minimally Invasive surgery for Gastric Cancer) registry was queried to retrieve data on patients undergoing laparoscopic or open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer with curative intent from January 2000 to December 2014. Eleven predefined, demographical, clinical, and pathological variables were used to conduct a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to investigate intraoperative and recovery outcomes, complications, pathological findings, and survival data between the two groups. Predictive factors of long-term survival were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 3033 patients from 14 participating institutions were selected from the IMIGASTRIC database. After 1:1 PSM, a total of 1248 patients, 624 in the laparoscopic group and 624 in the open group, were matched and included in the final analysis. The total operative time (median 180 versus 240 min, p < 0.0001) and the length of the postoperative hospital stay (median 10 versus 14.8 days, p < 0.0001) were longer in the open group than in the laparoscopic group. The conversion to open rate was 1.9%. The proportion of patients with in-hospital complications was higher in the open group (21.3% versus 15.1%, p = 0.004). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the laparoscopic approach (median 32 versus 28, p < 0.0001), and the proportion of positive resection margins was higher (p = 0.021) in the open group (5.9%) than in the laparoscopic group (3.2%). There was no significant difference between the groups in five-year overall survival rates (77.4% laparoscopic versus 75.2% open, p = 0.229). CONCLUSION: The adoption of the laparoscopic approach for gastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy shortened the length of hospital stay and reduced postoperative complications with respect to the open approach. The five-year overall survival rate after laparoscopy was comparable to that for patients who underwent open D2 resection. The types of surgical approaches are not independent predictive factors for five-year overall survival.