Resultados de la esofaguectomía mínimamente invasiva por cáncer de esófago a medio y largo plazo

Introducción: La esofagectomía es actualmente el tratamiento curativo del cáncer de esófago. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer los resultados de la esofaguectomía mínimamente invasiva a corto y medio plazo en pacientes intervenidos de carcinoma epidermoide y adenocarcinoma de esófago en nuestro hospital. Material y Métodos: Se recogieron 19 pacientes desde enero de 2020 hasta junio de 2021 y se realizó el seguimiento a todos ellos durante 20 meses. Se recogieron diferentes variables relacionadas con el paciente, el tumor, la cirugía y referentes al postoperatorio. Los datos fueron almacenados y procesados usando el software estadístico R-Comander asumiendo un error α de 0,05. Resultados: La mediana de estancia hospitalaria total fue de 29 días. Seis pacientes, precisaron de reingreso en Reanimación: dos por shock séptico secundario a la fuga de anastomosis grado III, uno por hemorragia digestiva alta y los tres por insuficiencia respiratoria. A los 90 días reingresaron un 5,3% del total de pacientes. No se produjeron fallecimientos en los tres meses siguientes a la cirugía. Todos los pacientes presentaron una supervivencia mayor de seis meses. La supervivencia global a seis, 12 y 18 meses se sitúa en 100, 84 y 63%. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los tres meses fue del 84%, a los 6 meses del 63% y al año el 58%. Discusión: Los resultados obtenidos en nuestro estudio coinciden con lo que hay reflejado en la literatura. Por tanto, la esofagectomía mínimamente invasiva es una técnica efectiva en el tratamiento del cáncer de esófago.

Introduction: Oesophagectomy is currently the curative treatment for oesophageal cancer. The aim of this study is to know the results of minimally invasive oesophagectomy in the short and medium term in patients operated on for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus in our hospital. Material and Methods: 19 patients were collected from January 2020 to June 2021 and all of them were followed up for 20 months. Different variables related to the patient, tumour, surgery and postoperative period were collected. Data were stored and processed using R-Comander statistical software assuming an α-error of 0.05. Results: The median total hospital stay was 29 days. Six patients required readmission to resuscitation: two for septic shock secondary to grade III anastomotic leak, one for upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and three for respiratory failure. At 90 days, 5.3% of the total number of patients were re-admitted. There were no deaths in the three months following surgery. All patients had a survival of more than six months. Overall survival at six, 12 and 18 months was 100, 84 and 63%. Disease-free survival at three months was 84%, at six months 63% and at one year 58%. Discussion: The results obtained in our study coincide with those reported in the literature. Minimally invasive oesophagectomy is therefore an effective technique in the treatment of oesophageal cancer.

Hidden blood loss in minimally invasive surgery for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. / [Artículo traducido] Sangrado oculto intraoperatorio en cirugía mínimamente invasiva de fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the spine prevents the collapse of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) with lower complication and bleeding rates than open surgery. However, the possibility of hidden blood loss (HBL) has been recently described, referring to the loss of blood diffused into tissues and lost through hemolysis. This study aimed to estimate the postoperative impact of HBL in patients undergoing MIS for OVF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a series of patients who had MIS for OVF. A descriptive analysis of recorded variables was performed, and total blood volume, total bleeding, HBL, and hemoglobine drop were calculated. This was followed by a comparative analysis between HBL (<500ml vs. ≥500ml) and the variables of hospital stay and postoperative evolution. Binary logistic regression models were performed to rule out confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included, 8 men and 32 women, with a mean age of 76.6 years. The mean HBL was 682.5ml. An HBL greater than 500ml is found to be an independent risk factor for torpid postoperative evolution (P=0.035), while it does not predict a longer hospital stay (P=0.116). In addition, a higher HBL was observed in surgeries of greater technical complexity and longer surgical time. CONCLUSIONS: Although MIS techniques have shown less intraoperative bleeding than open surgery, HBL should be diagnosed because it is associated with a torpid evolution. The use of a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm may help minimize its impact.

Laparoscopic approach for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and pyonephrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGPN) is a rare form of chronic renal inflammation, caused by long-term obstruction of the urinary tract. Pyonephrosis is a severe suppurative complication of acute obstructive pyelonephritis. Although minimally invasive approaches have many advantages, the safe dissection of the kidney may not be always achievable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 27 cases diagnosed with either XGPN or pyonephrosis, who underwent laparoscopic total nephrectomy between October 2016 and March 2022 in our department. All interventions were performed using the Karl Storz 3D laparoscopic system. The surgical approach was standard transperitoneal nephrectomy for the majority of XGPN, while pyonephrosis cases were carried out in a retroperitoneally. All procedures were performed or supervised by the same surgeon. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 269.85 minutes (range 145-360). The mean hemoglobin drop after surgery was 1.41 g/dl (range 0.3-2.3 g/dl). Difficult dissection was encountered in 13 cases (48.14%). Nine out of 13 interventions were carried out in a complete intracorporeal fashion, while conversion to open surgery was needed in 4 cases. Vascular complications involving the major blood vessels comprised of one case of inferior vena cava (IVC) tear. Digestive tract-related complications comprised two fistulas of the descending colon and one peritoneal breach. Multiorgan resection was performed in 6 cases. CONCLUSION: Total nephrectomy in cases of XGPN and pyonephrosis is a challenging procedure. The laparoscopic approach is feasible, as most complications are resolved intracorporeally. However, it may remain reserved for large-volume centers with experienced surgeons.

[Minimally invasive offloading osteotomy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: Analysis of 25 patients]. / Osteotomía de descarga ambulatoria mínimamente invasiva en el tratamiento de la úlcera de pie diabético: análisis de 25 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus and its complications are one of the main burdensome health problems at the present time. The diabetic foot is one of the most characteristic complications. MATERIAL, METHODS AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to describe the results and complications obtained in a series of 25 cases of diabetic foot treated by minimally invasive offloading osteotomies. RESULTS: Of the total number of interventions, 18 were performed on refractory ulcers with prior conservative treatment, for a mean (±SD) duration of 29.28±18.42 months. The mean follow-up period was 26.46±4.89 months. Weighted pooled rates of response to treatment were as follows: 100% for ulcer healing (with a mean healing time of 22.41±7.01 days), 5.56% for ulcer recurrence, and 16.67% for ulcer transfer. In 7cases, a preventive intervention was performed on areas with pre-ulcerative lesions. Of the total number of cases, only 3presented mild infection in the intervention area. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive offloading osteotomy is a technically simple intervention, which presents a high success rate with minimal complications in our series.

Hidden blood loss in minimally invasive surgery for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) of the spine prevents the collapse of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) with lower complication and bleeding rates than open surgery. However, the possibility of hidden blood loss (HBL) has been recently described, referring to the loss of blood diffused into tissues and lost through hemolysis. This study aimed to estimate the postoperative impact of HBL in patients undergoing MIS for OVF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of a series of patients who had MIS for OVF. A descriptive analysis of recorded variables was performed, and total blood volume (TBV), total bleeding (TB), HBL, and Hb drop were calculated. This was followed by a comparative analysis between HBL (<500mL vs. ≥500mL) and the variables of hospital stay and postoperative evolution. Binary logistic regression models were performed to rule out confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included, 8 men and 32 women, with a mean age of 76.6 years. The mean HBL was 682.5mL. An HBL greater than 500mL is found to be an independent risk factor for torpid postoperative evolution (p=0.035), while it does not predict a longer hospital stay (p=0.116). In addition, a higher HBL was observed in surgeries of greater technical complexity and longer surgical time. CONCLUSIONS: Although MIS techniques have shown less intraoperative bleeding than open surgery, HBL should be diagnosed because it is associated with a torpid evolution. The use of a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm may help minimize its impact.

Comparación de los resultados oncológicos entre cirugía radical por laparotomía versus la de mínima invasión en cáncer temprano de cérvix / Comparison of oncologic outcomes between radical laparotomy surgery versus minimally invasive surgery for early cervical cancer

Introducción: la histerectomía radical con linfadenectomía pélvica es el tratamiento estándar para las pacientes con cáncer de cérvix en estadios tempranos que no desean preservar la fertilidad. Objetivos: comparar tasas de supervivencia global, periodo libre de enfermedad y recurrencia entre histerectomía radical por mínima invasión (CMI) versus cirugía abierta. Además analizar las características histopatológicas, complicaciones intraoperatorias, posoperatorias tempranas y tardías entre ambas técnicas. Metodología: estudio observacional de cohorte retrospectivo entre 2011 y 2017. Se incluyeron mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de carcinoma de cuello uterino en estadios IA1 (invasión del espacio linfovascular) a IB1 (FIGO 2009) con seguimiento hasta diciembre 2020. Se hizo análisis bivariado utilizando chi cuadrado, prueba exacta de Fisher o U Mann Whitney para determinar las diferencias entre las técnicas quirúrgicas frente a características sociodemográficas, clínicas, complicaciones intraoperatorias, tempranas y tardías. Se calcularon tasas de supervivencia global y densidades de recurrencia con el tiempo aportado por las pacientes. Resultados: de 113 pacientes llevadas a histerectomía radical, 75 se excluyeron del análisis. La supervivencia global fue 100% para las del grupo de laparotomía versus 97.6% en CMI. La tasa de recurrencia global fue de 8 casos y la del grupo de CMI 14.1 por 1.000 personas/año de observación. El grupo de laparotomía no presentó recaídas. Hubo diferencia significativa en la mediana de sangrado intraoperatorio (600 cc laparotomía versus 100 cc laparoscopia, p= 0.002); 11.4% requirieron transfusión intraoperatoria (25% laparotomía versus 2.4% mínima invasión, p=0,006). Conclusiones: las pacientes llevadas a cirugía por laparoscopia tuvieron una mayor proporción de recurrencia y mortalidad en comparación con el abordaje por técnica abierta.

Introduction: radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is the standard treatment for early cervical cancer patients who do not wish to preserve fertility. Objetives: this study compares overall survival, disease-free survival, and recurrence rates of patients undergoing minimally invasive radical hysterectomy (MIS) versus open surgery. Likewise, the histopathological characteristics, intraoperative complications, early and late postoperative complications, are analyzed for both techniques, Methodology: an observational retrospective cohort study between 2011 and 2017. Patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with cervical carcinoma in stages IA1 (lymph vascular space invasion) and IB1 (FIGO 2009) receiving follow-up care until December 2020, were included. The Chi-square test, Fisher ́s exact test or Mann Whitney U test were used for bivariate analysis, to determine the differences between the techniques with regards to sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and intraoperative early and late complications. Overall survival rates and recurrence densities were calculated with data provided by the patients. Results: of the 113 patients undergoing radical hysterectomy, 75 were excluded from the analysis. Overall survival was 100% in the laparotomy group versus 97.6% in the MIS group. The overall recurrence rate was of 8 cases, 14.1 per 1.000 person-years of observation in the MIS group. Patients in the laparotomy group developed no recurrences. There was a significant difference in median intraoperative blood loss (600 cc in laparotomy versus 100 cc in laparoscopy, p= 0.002); 11.4% of patients required intraoperative transfusion (25% in the laparotomy group versus 2.4% in the MIS group, p=0.006). Conclusions: patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery had a higher recurrence and mortality rate than that of open approach

Is laparoscopic TAPP the preferred approach for the treatment of inguinal hernia? Technique, indications and future perspectives.

The repair of inguinal hernia is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in General Surgery units. The laparoscopic approach for these hernias will be clearly considered as the gold standard, based on its advantages over the open approach. There are no clear advantages of the transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) over the totally preperitoneal approach (TEP), although it has been shown to be more reproducible, presenting a shorter learning curve, although it presents more possibilities of developing trocar site hernias. Laparoscopic TAPP could be superior to TEP in the following indications: incarcerated hernias, emergencies, previous preperitoneal surgery, previous Pfanestiel-type incision, recurrent hernias, inguinoscrotal hernias and obese, being also a better alternative for females. Robotic TAPP is a safe approach with similar results to laparoscopy; however, it is related to an increase in costs and operating time. The value of this technology for the repair of complex hernias (multiple recurrences, inguino-scrotal or after previous preperitoneal surgery) remains to be determined, since they represent a certain challenge for the conventional laparoscopic approach. On the other hand, robotic repair of inguinal hernias may be a way to reduce the learning curve before addressing complex ventral hernias. Finally, artificial intelligence applied to the laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia will undoubtedly have a significant impact in the future especially to determine the best the indications for this approach, on the performance of a safer technique, on the correct selection of meshes and fixation mechanisms, and on learning curve.

EHS guidelines for inguinal hernia repair. The reality of the current situation in Spain. A proposal to standardize its implementation during surgical training.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs are underused in our country and do not fulfil to the recommendations of the European Hernia Society (EHS) guidelines. Thus, it is essential to establish measures that increase its use. We propose that the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC) promote these actions and that they should be incorporated into the specialty program. The proposed measures include Standardization of learning; reinforce anatomical knowledge; regulated practices with simulators; promote the use of the open posterior approach; rotations through centers of excellence; accreditation of specialized units and use a registry of activity as quality control.

Gastroesophageal reflux after sleeve gastrectomy: The dimension of the problem.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective bariatric surgery in terms of weight loss and longterm improvement or resolution of comorbidities. However, its achilles heel is the possible association with the development with the novo and/or worsening of pre-existing gastroesophageal reflux disease. The anatomical and mechanical changes that this technique induces in the esophagogastric junction, support or contradict this hypothesis. Questions such as «what is the natural history of gastroesophageal reflux in the patient undergoing gastric sleeve surgery?¼, «how many patients after vertical gastrectomy will develop gastroesophageal reflux?¼ and «how many patients will worsen their previous reflux after this technique?¼ are intended to be addressed in the present article.

Hernia obturatriz izquierda, obstrucción intestinal y hernia inguinal bilateral: Reporte de caso / Left obturator hernia, intestinal obstruction and bilateral inguinal hernia: a case report

RESUMEN La hernia obturatriz tiene una incidencia de menos del 1% de todas las hernias de la pared abdominal, se presentan predominantemente en mujeres de edad avanzada y se caracteriza por la protrusión de las vísceras intraabdominales hacia el agujero obturador. El diagnóstico preoperatorio suele ser difícil debido a la falta de manifestaciones externas obvias, síntomas y signos inespecíficos y falta de sospecha clínica. El retraso en el diagnóstico y en el tratamiento de esta afección generalmente conduce a una alta tasa de mortalidad. Reportamos el caso de una paciente con hernia obturatriz complicada y hernia inguinal bilateral, la cual fue resuelto por cirugía mínimamente invasiva, no hubo complicaciones en la evolución postoperatoria, siendo su estancia hospitalaria siete días.

SUMMARY Obturator hernia has an incidence of less than 1% of all abdominal wall hernias, it is predominantly observed in elder women and it is characterized by protrusion of intra-abdominal viscera into the shutter hole. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to the lack of external manifestations, nonspecific symptoms and lack of clinical suspicion. Delaying diagnosis and treatment is associated with high mortality. We report the case of a female patient with a complicated obturator hernia with concomitant bilateral inguinal hernias that underwent minimally invasive surgery with no complications and a seven day stay in hospital.

La escisión total del mesorrecto transanal en el tratamiento del cáncer del recto como nueva técnica en Cuba / Total Excision of the Transanal Mesorectum as a New Technique for Treating Rectal Cancer in Cuba

Introducción: Las indicaciones de la Microcirugía Transanal Endoscópica han evolucionado desde la cirugía de tumoraciones rectales hasta otras enfermedades pélvicas. La asociación de esta y la escisión total del mesorrecto transanal ofrece una serie de ventajas. Objetivo: Determinar las indicaciones, describir la técnica quirúrgica y mostrar los resultados a largo plazo obtenidos en la realización de la escisión total del mesorrecto transanal en el tratamiento del cáncer del recto medio y bajo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y prospectivo de los pacientes con cáncer del recto medio y bajo sometidos a esta técnica quirúrgica en el período comprendido entre febrero de 2017 y febrero de 2022 en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Resultados: Se operaron 13 pacientes, 9 con cáncer del recto bajo y 4 con cáncer del recto medio y un promedio de edad de 56,2 años (rango 28-76). El promedio de tiempo quirúrgico fue de 183 minutos (rango 120-270) y las pérdidas hemáticas estimadas de 68 mililitros. La incidencia de morbilidad mayor fue de 15,4 por ciento y la media de estadía hospitalaria de 5,4 días. La media del período de seguimiento fue de 35 (rango 9-69) meses con una recidiva local de 7,7 por ciento y una supervivencia global a los 5 años de 100 por ciento. Conclusiones: La escisión total del mesorrecto transanal combinado con cirugía laparoscópica es una técnica factible y segura. La introducción de la variante técnica utilizando el instrumental de la Microcirugía Transanal Endoscópica es más ergonómica y disminuye los costos(AU)

Introduction: The indications for transanal endoscopic microsurgery have evolved from surgery of rectal tumors to other pelvic diseases. The association between this and total excision of the transanal mesorectum offers a series of advantages. Objective: To determine the indications, to describe the surgical technique and to show the long-term outcomes obtained in the performance of total excision of the transanal mesorectum for treating cancer of the middle and lower rectum. Methods: A descriptive and prospective observational study was carried out of patients with cancer of the middle and lower rectum who underwent this surgical technique in the period from February 2017 to February 2022 at Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Results: Thirteen patients were operated on, 9 with cancer of the lower rectum and 4 with cancer of the middle rectum, as well as an average age of 56.2 years (range 28-76). The average surgical time was 183 minutes (range 120-270) and estimated blood loss was 68 milliliters. The incidence of highest morbidity was 15.4 percent and mean hospital stay was 5.4 days. The median follow-up period was 35 (range 9-69) months, with a local recurrence of 7.7 percent and an overall 5-year survival of 100 percent . Conclusions: Total excision of the transanal mesorectum combined with laparoscopic surgery is a feasible and safe technique. The introduction of the variant technique using the instruments of endoscopic transanal microsurgery is more ergonomic and reduces costs(AU)

[Translated article] The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of vertebral metastasis: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Spinal metastases are a very common problem which dramatically affects the quality of life of cancer patients. The objective of this review is to address the issue of how minimally invasive surgery can play an important role in treating this pathology. METHODS: A literature review was performed, searching in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Relevant and quality papers published within the last 10 years were included in the review. RESULTS: After screening the 2184 initially identified registers, a total of 24 articles were included for review. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive spine surgery is specially convenient for fragile cancer patients with spinal metastases, because of its reduced comorbidity compared to conventional open surgery. Technological advances in surgery, such as navigation and robotics, improve accuracy and safety in this technique.

[Translated article] The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of vertebral metastasis (Part 1): A clinical review.

Spinal metastases represent a significant burden on the quality of life in patients affected by active oncological disease due to the high incidence of pain syndromes, spinal deformity, and neurological impairment. Surgery plays a decisive role in improving quality of life by controlling pain, restoring neurological function and maintaining spinal stability, as well as contributing to the response to medical therapy. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a treatment option in certain patients with high surgical risk since it has a low rate of complications, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and offers similar results to open surgery. In this review, we present the role of MIS in this pathology and some cases treated in our hospital.

Robotic pelvic exenteration in males: systematization of the technique.

Male pelvic exenteration is a challenging procedure with high morbidity. In very selected cases, the robotic approach could make dissection easier and decrease morbidity due to the better vision provided and higher range of movements. In this paper, we describe port placement, instruments, minilaparotomy location, and the stepwise sequence of these procedures. We address 3 different situations: total pelvic exenteration with abdominoperineal resection, colostomy and urostomy; pelvic exenteration with colorectal/anal anastomosis and urostomy; and pelvic exenteration with abdominoperineal resection, colostomy and urinary tract reconstruction.

The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of vertebral metastasis (part 1): A clinical review. / El papel de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva de columna en el tratamiento de las metástasis vertebrales (parte 1): una revisión clínica.

Spinal metastases represent a significant burden on the quality of life in patients affected by active oncological disease due to the high incidence of pain syndromes, spinal deformity, and neurological impairment. Surgery plays a decisive role in improving quality of life by controlling pain, restoring neurological function and maintaining spinal stability, as well as contributing to the response to medical therapy. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a treatment option in certain patients with high surgical risk since it has a low rate of complications, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and offers similar results to open surgery. In this review, we present the role of MIS in this pathology and some cases treated in our hospital.

The role of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of vertebral metastasis: A narrative review. / El papel de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva de columna en el tratamiento de las metástasis vertebrales: una revisión narrativa.

BACKGROUND: Spinal metastases are a very common problem which dramatically affects the quality of life of cancer patients. The objective of this review is to address the issue of how minimally invasive surgery can play an important role in treating this pathology. METHODS: A literature review was performed, searching in the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Relevant and quality papers published within the last 10 years were included in the review. RESULTS: After screening the 2184 initially identified registers, a total of 24 articles were included for review. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive spine surgery is specially convenient for fragile cancer patients with spinal metastases, because of its reduced comorbidity compared to conventional open surgery. Technological advances in surgery, such as navigation and robotics, improve accuracy and safety in this technique.

Robotic liver surgery: A new reality. Descriptive analysis of 220 cases of minimally invasive liver surgery in 182 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The level of recommendation of the robotic approach in liver surgery is controversial. The objective of the study is to carry out a single-center retrospective descriptive analysis of the short-term results of the robotic and laparoscopic approach in liver surgery during the same period. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of the short-term results of the robotic and laparoscopic approach on 220 resections in 182 patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery. RESULTS: Between April 2018 and June 2022, a total of 92 robotic liver resections (RLR) were performed in 83 patients and 128 laparoscopic (LLR) in 99 patients. The LLR group showed a higher proportion of major surgery (P < .001) and multiple resections (P = .002). The two groups were similar in anatomical resections (RLR 64.1% vs. LLR 56.3%). In the LLS group, the average operating time was 212 min (SD 52.1). Blood loss was 276.5 mL (100-1000) and conversion 12.1%. Mean hospital stay was 5.7 (SD 4.9) days. Morbidity was 27.3% and 2% mortality. In the RLS group, the mean operative time was 217 min (SD 53.6), blood loss 169.5 mL (100.900), and conversion 2.5%. Mean hospital stay was 4.1 (SD 2.1) days. Morbidity was 15%, with no mortality. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive liver surgery is a safe technique, and in particular, RLS allows liver resections to be performed safely and reproducibly; it appears to be a non-inferior technique to LLS, but randomized studies are needed to determine the minimally invasive approach of choice in liver surgery.

Laparoscopic and robotic distal pancreatectomy: the choice and the future.

INTRODUCTION: Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is currently well established as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure, using either a laparoscopic (LDP) or robotic (RDP) approach. METHODS: Out of 83 DP performed between January 2018 and March 2022, 57 cases (68.7%) were performed using MIS: 35 LDP and 22 RDP (da Vinci Xi). We have assessed the experience with the two techniques and analyzed the value of the robotic approach. Cases of conversion have been examined in detail. RESULTS: The mean operative times for LDP and RDP were 201.2 (SD 47.8) and 247.54 (SD 35.8) minutes, respectively (P = NS). No differences were observed in length of hospital stay or conversion rate: 6 (5-34) vs. 5.6 (5-22) days, and 4 (11.4%) vs. 3 (13.6%) cases, respectively (P = NS). The readmission rate was 3/35 patients (11.4%) treated with LDP and 6/22 (27.3%) cases of RDP (P = NS). There were no differences in morbidity (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III) between the two groups. Mortality was one case in the robotic group (a patient with early conversion due to vascular involvement). The rate of R0 resection was greater and statistically significant in the RDP group (77.1% vs. 90.9%) (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is a safe and feasible procedure in selected patients. Surgical planning and stepwise implementation based on prior experience help surgeons successfully perform technically demanding procedures. RDP could be the approach of choice in distal pancreatectomy, and it is not inferior to LDP.

Combined endoscopic endonasal & transoral approach to transpatial lesion involving the infratemporal fossa and masticator space: A case study and literature review.

Transpatial skull base lesions involving the infratemporal fossa (ITF) are challenging due to the complex neurovascular structures of the region. Open approaches have traditionally been utilized to access these spaces. We present a 55-year-old woman presented with a mesenchymal mass involving the left ITF and masticator space. A combined endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach was performed followed by an endoscopic transoral-transmandibular corridor to access and resect the tumor. The post-operative course was unremarkable with no recurrence during her follow-up. Combined endoscopic approaches for transpatial tumor resection offered sufficient exposure to access safely each space.

Multicenter clinical trial for the resection of rectal polyps using a new laparoendoscopic hybrid transanal access device.

INTRODUCTION: Complex polyps require the use of advanced endoscopic techniques or minimally invasive surgery for their approach. In rectal polyps it is of special relevance to reach a consensus on the best approach to avoid under- or overtreatment that increases unnecessary morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We describe a prospective, multicenter, pilot clinical trial with a first-in-human medical device. It is hypothesized that UNI-VEC® facilitates transanal laparoendoscopic surgery for the removal of early rectal tumors. The primary objective is to evaluate that it is safe and meets the established functional requirements. Secondary objectives are to evaluate results, complications and level of satisfaction. RESULTS: 16 patients were recruited in 12 months with a minimum follow-up of 2 months. The mean size was 3.4 cm with the largest polyp being 6 cm. Regarding location, the mean was 6.6 cm from the anal margin. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) (6.3%), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection ESD (43.8%), REC (6.3%) and TAMIS (43.8%) were performed. The mean time was 73.25 min. The 56.3% used a 30° camera and 43.8% used the flexible endoscope as a viewing instrument. The 56.3% were benign lesions and 43.8% malignant. Complete resection is achieved in 87.5%. Regarding complications, mild bleeding (Clavien I) occurred in 25%, 6.3% and 21.4% at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days respectively. Continence was assessed according to the Wexner scale. At 7 days, 60% showed perfect continence, 26.7% mild FI and 13.3% moderate FI. At 30 days, 66.7% had perfect continence, 20% mild FI and 13.3% moderate FI. At 2 months, 4 patients were reviewed who at 30 days had a Wexner's degree higher than preoperative and perfect continence was demonstrated in 25% of the patients, 50% mild and 25% moderate. In no case did rectal perforation or major complications requiring urgent reintervention occur. As for the level of reproducibility, safety, level of satisfaction with the device and evaluation of the blister, the evaluation on a scale of 0-10 (9.43, 9.71, 9.29 and 9.50 respectively). All the investigators have previous experience with transanal devices. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of UNI-VEC® for the treatment of rectal lesions. It will facilitate the implementation of hybrid procedures that seek to solve the limitations of pure endoscopic techniques by allowing the concomitant use of conventional laparoscopic and robotic instrumentation with the flexible endoscope.