Incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting after endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapy procedures and the role of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Both the transoral gastric reduction (TORe) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedures are novel endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMT). Our practice has an aggressive approach to prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for EBMT cases, but there is divergence of practice regarding use of prophylactic neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1) antagonists (aprepitant, fosaprepitant). Herein, we determined the incidence of PONV and its potential association with NK-1 antagonist administration following EBMT. METHODS: We identified and reviewed medical records of patients who underwent EBMT between 2018 and 2023. Patients were divided into those administered or not administered an NK-1 antagonist. We analyzed rates of PONV, which was defined as rescue antiemetics during anesthesia recovery. A propensity score was calculated, and outcomes were assessed using generalized estimating equations with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). RESULTS: We identified 404 patients undergoing EBMT (256 [63%] TORe, 148 [37%] ESG), and of these 253 patients developed PONV, (62.6% [95% CI: 57.9% to 67.3%]). NK-1 antagonists were administered to 119 (29.5%) patients. PONV was experienced by 42 (35%) and 211 (74%) of patients who were or were not administered an NK-1 antagonist, respectively (IPTW OR = 0.18, [95%CI: 0.10 to 0.31], P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EBMT has a high incidence of PONV during anesthesia recovery. Administration of a NK-1 antagonist as part of a multiagent PONV prophylaxis regimen dramatically reduces risk for this common adverse event.

Is single-port laparoscopy or vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery the better option for salpingo-oophorectomy?

AIM: To compare postoperative pain and recovery in patients undergoing oophorectomy with single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) versus vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES). METHOD: Patients who underwent salpingo-oophorectomy with SPLS or vNOTES between 2016 and 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Oophorectomy was performed based on the presence of an adnexal mass or breast cancer susceptibility gene mutation. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent oophorectomy with SPLS and 35 underwent vNOTES. Although the mean mass size was slightly larger in the SPLS group than in the vNOTES group (8.0 ± 4.1 vs. 6.8 ± 3.3 cm), the difference was not significant. There was no difference in operating times between SPLS and vNOTES. The mean visual analog scale and faces pain scale scores 2 and 6 h postoperatively were lower in the vNOTES group. The mean quality of recovery-40 (QoR-40) score was higher in the vNOTES group (156 ± 14 vs. 148 ± 11; p = 0.009). This analysis identified vNOTES as an independent predictor of a high QoR-40 score. CONCLUSION: The vNOTES group experienced less pain during the early postoperative period than the SPLS group. Although the operating and removal times were similar, the port setup time was longer for the vNOTES group.

Transperineal minimally invasive surgery during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer could improve short-term outcomes: A single-institution retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Transperineal minimally invasive surgery (TpMIS) during laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) is an emerging approach that allows for the precise treatment of lower rectal cancer. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of TpMIS is insufficient. This study evaluated the efficacy of TpMIS during laparoscopic APR for patients with lower rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic APR with TpMIS (TpMIS group; n = 12) and those who underwent conventional laparoscopic APR for low rectal cancer (conventional group; n = 13) were enrolled consecutively in this retrospective study. Standardized TpMIS was performed at our institution. Patient and tumor characteristics and intraoperative, postoperative, and pathological outcomes were compared between groups. The primary outcome was postoperative perineal wound infection. RESULTS: No patients in the TpMIS group experienced postoperative perineal wound infection; however, five (38.5%) patients in the conventional group experienced postoperative perineal wound infection (significant difference; p = 0.016). The estimated blood loss (median, 81 mL vs. 463 mL) and incidence of postoperative urinary dysfunction (8.3% vs. 46.1%) were significantly lower in the TpMIS group than in the conventional group. The postoperative hospital stay (median, 13 vs. 20 days) of the TpMIS group was significantly shorter than that of the conventional group. Pathological outcomes did not differ between groups. The positive circumferential resection margin rates of the TpMIS and conventional groups were 8.3% and 15.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TpMIS during laparoscopic APR was associated with significant improvements in the postoperative outcomes of patients with low rectal cancer.

Endoscopic Resection of Pituitary Macroadenomas Extending Into the Nasal Cavity: A Case Report and Literature Analysis.

Pituitary macroadenomas are benign tumors that typically present with symptoms of hormonal imbalance or visual disturbances due to their location and size. However, in rare instances, these tumors can extend beyond the sellar region into the nasal cavity, leading to unusual clinical presentations. This case report describes a 63-year-old woman who presented with progressive nasal obstruction, episodes of dizziness, and occasional headaches. Physical examination revealed a large, firm mass in the nasopharynx. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed the presence of a pituitary macroadenoma measuring 7.3 x 4 x 4.9 cm, extending from the pituitary gland through the sphenoid sinus into the nasal cavity. The tumor did not affect the optic chiasm despite its significant size, as evidenced by normal visual field tests. The patient underwent successful endoscopic transnasal resection of the tumor, a minimally invasive procedure that allowed for complete removal with minimal morbidity. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and follow-up imaging showed no residual tumor. The patient reported a significant improvement in symptoms, particularly the resolution of nasal obstruction and headaches. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a pituitary macroadenoma. This case highlights the rare presentation of pituitary macroadenomas as nasal masses and emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with atypical nasal symptoms. The successful outcome following endoscopic transnasal surgery demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach in managing complex pituitary adenomas with extensive extracranial extension.

Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy.

Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) is a novel and minimally invasive technological alternative for the management of acute or chronic appendicitis. Through endoscopic appendiceal intubation, obstructions such as appendiceal feces and parasites within the appendiceal lumen can be effectively eliminated, leading to patient recovery. Additionally, in cases where the orifices are swollen or complicated appendicitis is present, a stent may be inserted following appendiceal flushing. Due to the utilization of endoscopy for accessing the orifices of the appendix in order to alleviate appendiceal obstruction, patients were able to avoid undergoing appendectomy and experienced a reduced likelihood of recurrence when compared to antibiotic therapy. Additionally, the ERAT provided alternative options for individuals with appendicitis and comorbidities. Recent advancements in techniques, such as the "mother-baby" endoscopic system and the use of microbubble contrast agents, have expanded the range of indications and the eligible patient populations. The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the development, procedural aspects, therapeutic principles, treatment efficacy, therapeutic applications, and potential complications associated with ERAT.

Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy The objective of this review is to present a comprehensive overview of the development, procedural aspects, therapeutic principles, treatment efficacy, therapeutic applications, and potential complications associated with endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT).

Lacrimal duct Surgery: Different Techniques and Long-Term Postoperative Results.

Pre-saccal obstructions of the lacrimal duct can be solved with a conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy while saccal or post-saccal obstructions are restored with an external, endoscopic or laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The aim of the present study is to review the indications for each technique and to compare the results achieved. Retrospective review of 335 patients in whom 440 surgeries of the lacrimal duct were performed, with at least 4 months of follow-up. Outcomes in terms of symptoms and endoscopic findings during follow-up were considered. Successful results understood as resolution of symptoms were observed in 85% of cases treated with endoscopic DCR and in 62% of cases after laser DCR (p < 0.001). Among patients with recurrence of epiphora after surgery, 32% showed a visible ostium during endoscopy. Sixty-eight conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomies were performed, 68% of which required a tube replacement due to obstruction or extrusion. The mean duration of the tubes replaced was 10 months (range 3 days - 95 months). Endoscopic DCR shows better success rates than laser DCR. A considerable percentage of failures after DCR surgery present a visible ostium on endoscopic examination. This fact should lead to reconsider the initial diagnosis, ruling out functional problems or canalicular obstructions.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With a Comparison to Full-Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy.

OBJECTIVE: The unilateral biportal endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy (UBE-PCF) has been recently adopted for unilateral radiating arm pain due to cervical herniated intervertebral disc or foraminal stenosis. We systematically meta-analyzed clinical outcomes and complications of the UBE-PCF and compared them with those of full-endoscopic PCF (FE-PCF). METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until February 29, 2024. Clinical outcomes and complications of the UBE-PCF and FE-PCF were collected and analyzed using the fixed-effect or random-effects model. Clinical outcomes of the UBE-PCF were compared with minimal clinically important difference (MCID) following PCF to evaluate the efficacy of UBE-PCF. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the random-effects meta-analysis, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) neck, and VAS arm were significantly decreased after the UBE-PCF (p<0.001). The improvement of NDI, VAS neck, and VAS arm were significantly higher than MCID (p<0.05). The improvement of NDI, VAS neck, and VAS arm were not significantly different between the UBE-PCF and FE-PCF (p>0.05). Overall incidence of complications of the UBE-PCF was 6.2% (24 of 390). The most common complication was dura tear (2.1%, 8 of 390). The incidence in overall complications was not significantly different between the UBE-PCF and FE-PCF (p=0.813). CONCLUSION: We found that the UBE-PCF significantly improved clinical outcomes. Regarding clinical outcomes and complications, the UBE-PCF and FE-PCF were not significantly different. Therefore, the UBE-PCF would be an advantageous surgical option comparable to FE-PCF for unilateral radiating arm pain.

Update on endoscopic surgery in Japan: Results of the 16th National Survey of endoscopic surgery by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery.

This article reports the results of the 16th National Survey conducted by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) for 2020 and 2021. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was first introduced to Japan in 1990 and has rapidly become popular because of its minimally invasive nature. Since then, the number of objective organs and indications for laparoscopic surgery have gradually expanded. In 2021, 290 787 patients underwent endoscopic surgery in all surgical domains. Of these, 124 614, 110 757, 23 156, 21 771, 6543, 2614, 535, 465, 247, and 58 underwent abdominal, obstetric and gynecologic, thoracic, urological, pediatric, orthopedic, bariatric, mammary and thyroid gland, cardiovascular, and plastic surgery, respectively. Owing to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection spread, the incidence of many surgeries decreased in 2020, and levels are only now gradually recovering. However, despite the impact of COVID-19, robot-assisted surgeries were increasingly applied. The rate of complications did not change significantly, indicating that the procedure was performed safely, even with the spread of COVID-19.

[Complications and technical aspects of safe tissue dissection in endoscopic hemithyroidectomy]. / Oslozhneniya i tekhnicheskie aspekty bezopasnoi dissektsii tkanei pri provedenii endoskopicheskoi gemitireoidektomii.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the complications following endoscopic hemithyroidectomy and to develop the principles of tissue dissection for safe surgical intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of surgical treatment of 136 patients were studied. The main group consisted of 44 patients who underwent endoscopic hemithyroidectomy through a «gasless¼ axillary approach (EH group). The first control group consisted of 45 patients who underwent minimally invasive video-assisted hemithyroidectomy (MIVAH group). The second control group consisted of 47 patients who underwent open hemithyroidectomy (OH group). RESULTS. O: Verall complication rate was significantly higher in the EH group (20.5% vs. 6.4% in the OH group and 4.4% in the MIVAH group; p<0.05). In the EH group, Clavien-Dindo grade I complications occurred in 11.4% of cases. There were no similar complications in the control groups (p<0.05). Clavien-Dindo grade II complications occurred in 9.1% of patients in the EH group, 4.3% in the OH group and no similar events were identified in the MIVAH group (p>0.05). Clavien-Dindo grade III complications occurred in 1 (2.1%) case in the OH group and 2 (4.4%) cases in the MIVAH group. There were no Clavien-Dindo grade III complications in the EH group. Thus, minor complications prevailed in the EH group. Their incidence decreased along with accumulation of experience. Moreover, endoscopic procedure is safer regarding the risk of severe complications. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic hemithyroidectomy is safe, and the proposed principles of tissue dissection can further increase surgical safety.

TWO-YEAR FOLLOW-UP ON SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF vNOTES HIGH UTEROSACRAL LIGAMENT SUSPENSION FOR THE PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT OF PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE: A MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) with vaginal-assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in patients either suffering from pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or undergoing routine prophylaxis to prevent post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective cohort study SETTING: Three tertiary care hospitals PATIENTS: Patients who received vNOTES-HUSLS between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2023, were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: vNOTES-HUSLS MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The data collected included surgery duration, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative Visual Analog Scores (VAS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) pain subdomain scores. The changes in prolapse levels were measured using modified POP-Q scores, including the C, Ba, and Bp scores recorded prior to surgery and during the postoperative follow-up examination. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire. The final analysis included 55 women. Of these, vNOTES-HUSLS was performed in 43 patients (78.2%) to treat apical prolapse, while the remaining 12 patients (21.8%) underwent prophylaxis following hysterectomy to prevent vaginal vault prolapse. The median follow-up period was 23.5 months, with a range of 12-37 months. Ba,C, and Bp points significantly improved in patients who underwent surgery for prolapse (p<0.001). There was no recurrence in the apical compartment following vNOTES-HUSLS for both performed prophylactic and treatment purposes after hysterectomy. Two (3.6%) patients were diagnosed with stage 3 anterior compartment prolapse. The overall vNOTES-HUSLS success rate was 96.4% at approximately two years follow-up. Bladder injury was detected as an intraoperative complication in one patient (1.8%). The overall satisfaction rate was 98.1% at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: vNOTES-HUSLS was effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of apical prolapse, demonstrating high anatomical success rates. The procedure demonstrated a low complication rate, with intraoperative and postoperative complications each observed in 1.8%(n=1) of patients. SYNOPSIS: The Medium-Term Outcomes of vNOTES High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension.

Reconstruction of Anterior Skull Base After Cleaver Trauma: Combined Use of Fascia Lata and Middle Turbinate Flap in a Patient with Concha Bullosa.

This video article presents a 47-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department after a cleaver bounced off the grinding wheel and lodged between his eyebrows. The patient complained of clear nasal drainage since the trauma. Computed tomography showed a comminuted displaced fracture starting from the right frontonasal recess and extending along the right ethmoid roof. The patient underwent surgery. The skull base defect was reconstructed with a free fascia lata graft in the first operation. In the second session, the reconstruction of the skull base was reinforced with a flap that was prepared from the middle turbinate with the concha bullosa. The patient was followed for eight months. The patient's symptoms resolved completely and there was no evidence of rhinorrhoea or any other complication at the control examination. No complications were seen on control magnetic resonance imaging.

Vaginal natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for benign ovarian cysts is safe and feasible in same-day discharge: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Advances in minimally invasive surgery and the development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) have favored the spread of day-surgery programs. Even though Vaginal natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is accepted as an innovative treatment for benign ovarian cysts that is rapidly gaining recognition worldwide, the safety and feasibility of same-day surgery (SDS) have yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of day surgery compared to inpatient surgery of patients undergoing vNOTES for benign ovarian cysts by determining perioperative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 213 patients who underwent vNOTES for ovarian cystectomy at a single institution from January 2020 to November 2022. Based on the hospital stay, patients were classified into the same-day surgery group (SDSG) and the inpatient surgery group (ISG); after data processing and screening considering the balance of the two groups, SDSG has 83 samples(n = 83), and ISG has 113 samples(n = 113). The patient's demographic characteristics and follow-up data were collected during the perioperative period by doctors and nurses for medical tracking and analysis purposes and 1-month postoperatively by doctors in charge of their operation. Independent sample t-tests were performed to verify if there was any major difference between these two groups for continuous data like age, BMI, and cyst diameter, and Pearson's chi-squared tests were used to test whether there was a major difference between these two groups for categorical data like cyst count, abdominal surgery history and whether their cyst is bilateral ovarian cysts or not. The association between exhaust time and postoperative characteristics and the association between levels of pain and postoperative characteristics were further analyzed to unveil the confounding factors contributing to the same-day discharge method's quick recovery nature. RESULTS: Upon performing propensity score matching, 196 patients were finally enrolled in this study for the matched comparison, including 83(42.3%) patients in the SDSG and 113(57.7%) patients in the ISG. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of duration of operation (85.0 ± 41.5 min vs. 80.5 ± 33.5 min), estimated blood loss (27.7 ± 28.0 ml vs. 36.3 ± 33.2 ml), preoperative hemoglobin levels (128.8 ± 13.2 g/L vs. 128.6 ± 14.0 g/L), postoperative hemoglobin difference at 24 h (16.5 ± 15.4 g/L vs. 19.3 ± 9.1 g/L), pelvic adhesions (42 (50.6%) vs. 47 (41.6%)), and postoperative complications (7(8.4%) vs. 4(3.5%)). The SDSG group showed less time of feeding/off-bed/exhaust/urination after surgery, shorter hospitalization duration, a lower postoperative 6-hour pain score, and a lower incidence of analgesic drug use. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that advancing the time of postoperative off-bed activity and feeding reduced the postoperative exhaust time by 0.34 (95% CI: 0.185-0.496, 0.34 h, p < 0.001) and 0.299(95% CI: 0.158-0.443, 0.229 h, p = 0.036) hours. In addition, Ordinal logistic regression revealed a correlation between pain scores and bilaterality of cyst, increasing about 25.98 times the risk of pain levels when ovarian cysts are bilateral (OR: 26.98, 95% CI: 1.071-679.859, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, same-day discharge after vaginal natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic ovarian cystectomy is safe and feasible. The vNOTES for ovarian cystectomy combined with the same-day discharge shorten the exhaust time and duration of hospitalization, reduce postoperative pain, and lower the use incidence of analgesic drugs.

Comparison of Endoscopic and Microscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Acquired Cholesteatoma by EAONO/JOS Staging.

Cholesteatoma is a benign tumor of the middle ear. Tympanoplasty is performed to remove cholesteatoma, prevent recurrence, and avoid complications. Previously, microscopy was used for tympanoplasty; however, endoscopy has become increasingly popular for this procedure. The effectiveness of endoscopy and the appropriate candidacy for endoscopic ear surgery remain controversial. In this retrospective chart review study, we enrolled 107 patients with cholesteatoma who underwent tympanoplasty and compared the microscopic approach (71 patients) and the endoscopic approach (36 patients) at different stages to clarify the benefits of using endoscopy and to determine candidacy for endoscopic ear surgery. Approach selection, complication rate, recurrence rate, and postoperative hearing threshold were compared between microscopic and endoscopic approaches in stages I, II, and III. Endoscopy was used more often than microscopy for early-stage (stage I) cholesteatoma (p = 0.005) and less frequently for advanced-stage (stage II) cholesteatoma (p = 0.02). Endoscopy surgery resulted in chorda tympani injury less often than microscopic surgery (p = 0.049); however, there were no significant differences between these two groups in terms of recurrence rate or postoperative hearing outcome. Endoscopy is particularly useful for early-stage cholesteatoma, and both approaches show no difference in hearing outcome in stage I and II; nevertheless, further research is required to determine an appropriate approach for more advanced stages (stage III).

Early surgical outcomes of 550 consecutive patients treated for benign gynecological conditions by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence about intra- and postoperative complication rates related to transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for benign gynecological conditions is still limited. We report and analyze data from a large cohort of patients operated in a single institution during 3.5 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of vNOTES for benign gynecological indications, we performed a single-center observational study reporting and analyzing perioperative outcomes of 550 consecutive patients operated between 2020 and 2024. RESULTS: Of the 550 included patients, 365 (66.4%) underwent a vNOTES hysterectomy, 167 (30.4%) a procedure limited to the adnexa, and 18 (3.3%) other interventions, including myomectomy, pelvic adhesiolysis, post-hysterectomy pelvic hematoma drainage, pelvic organ prolapse repair, and appendectomy. The mean age was 49.4 ± 12.2 years, and the mean BMI was 26.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2. The total complication rate was 6.5% (36 cases), of which 2.7% (15 cases) were intraoperative complications and 4.0% (22 cases) were postoperative complications. Patients presented postoperative complications classified as Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade I in 4 cases (0.7%), grade II in 10 cases (1.8%), and grade III in 8 cases (1.5%). We observed no CD grade IV and V complications. Three patients (0.5%) were rehospitalized for postoperative complications management. The conversion rate was 1.6%, with nine cases of conversion to conventional laparoscopy and none to laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The application of vNOTES appears safe and feasible for most benign gynecological surgeries. Our study focused on surgical complications and demonstrated a profile similar to those reported in previous studies.

Biportal Endoscopic Resection of Intradural Meningioma in the Cervical Spine: A Case Report.

Cervical intradural meningioma are rare central nervous system neoplasms. Surgical resection is the primary treatment due to the tumor's benign nature and clear demarcation from the spinal cord, although the posterior surgical approach can result in complications such as neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. We present a case of a 78-year-old woman with progressive clumsiness, gait disturbance, and weakness. She was diagnosed with an intradural extramedullary meningioma at the C2 to C3 level through magnetic resonance imaging. The tumor was excised using a cervical biportal endoscopic spine surgery approach, a minimally invasive technique that utilizes 2 small portals for endoscope and instrument access. The procedure, performed under general anesthesia, involved a hemilaminectomy and partial laminectomy to access and remove the tumor. Postoperative assessments indicated significant neurological recovery, with the patient regaining independent mobility and fine motor skills. Follow-up magnetic resonance images at 18 months confirmed the absence of tumor recurrence. This case demonstrates the efficacy of cervical biportal endoscopic spine surgery in managing high cervical intradural tumors, highlighting its potential for reducing surgical complications and promoting rapid patient recovery.

Dissection layer selection based on an understanding of pelvic fascial anatomy in transanal total mesorectal excision.

This study aimed to review the historical transition of rectal cancer surgery and recent evidence regarding transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Additionally, it outlined the anatomical landmarks and technical considerations essential for successful TaTME. Anatomical studies and surgical techniques were analyzed to identify key landmarks and procedural steps crucial for TaTME. TaTME offers improved visibility and maneuverability even in the deep and narrow pelvis and is expected to contribute to tumor radical cure rates. By securing the circumferential resection margin and distal margin while preserving pelvic autonomic nerve function, TaTME holds promise for maintaining postoperative urinary and sexual functions. Key anatomical landmarks include the endopelvic fascia posteriorly, the S4-pelvic splanchnic nerve laterally, and the prostate or posterior vaginal wall anteriorly. Selecting the appropriate dissection layer based on tumor depth and ensuring precise incision of the tendinous arch of the pelvic fascia contributes to successful TaTME outcomes. TaTME represents a significant advancement in rectal cancer surgery, offering improved outcomes through meticulous attention to anatomical detail and precise dissection techniques. Understanding the historical context of rectal cancer surgery alongside recent evidence on TaTME is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and expanding the safe implementation of this innovative approach.

Optimizing Management of Cavernous Sinus Meningiomas: A Novel Strategy Integrating Endoscopic Endonasal and Transorbital Surgery with Adjuvant Stereotactic Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs) are challenging skull base tumors due to their proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Traditional aggressive transcranial resection often leads to significant morbidities with limited improvement of cranial nerve (CN) deficits. Recent advancements in endoscopic skull base surgery and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) offer a more conservative approach, facilitating tumor decompression while preserving critical structures. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed medical records of patients with symptomatic CSMs who underwent endoscopic endonasal and/or transorbital surgery, followed by adjuvant SRT, at our institution between January 2017 and April 2022. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical approaches, radiation, treatment outcomes, complications, and follow-up time were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with CSMs were included. Endoscopic endonasal approach was performed in 24 patients (61.5%), endoscopic transorbital approach in 10 patients (25.6%), and combined approaches in 5 patients (12.8%). Adjuvant SRT was administered to 79.5% of patients. Postoperative outcomes showed recovery of CN 3-6 deficits and vision in 60.9% and 65% of cases, respectively. Complications included postoperative CN 3-6 deficits in 5 cases and postradiation visual deterioration in 1 case. During a mean follow-up period of 44 months, tumor progression occurred in 4 patients (10.3%), with 3 diagnosed as World Health Organization grade II meningiomas and 1 as World Health Organization grade I. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of endoscopic skull base surgery combined with adjuvant SRT for symptomatic CSMs, demonstrating both safety and efficacy. This approach yielded favorable outcomes in symptom improvement, tumor control, and positive safety profile.

Management of frontal sinus and frontal recess inverted papilloma: our experience and systematic review.

Objective: For frontal sinus inverted papilloma (FSIP) management, an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) can be combined (or not) with an external approach by an osteoplastic flap (OPF) or with a more conservative open approach. The present study aims to describe our experience in the management of FSIP, focusing on disease-related and anatomical features influencing outcomes and recurrence. Methods: This case series of FSIP investigated anatomical and disease-related predictors of recurrence associated with EEA or a combined EEA-OPF approach. A systematic review was also performed, selecting publications on IP with the insertion point in the frontal sinus or frontal recess. Results: Among 30 patients included, 18 underwent EEA, while 12 received a combined EEA-OPF approach. During a median follow-up of 37 months, the frontal sinus was cleared of IP in all cases except 2 in the EEA group, who presented a complex posterior wall shape of the frontal sinus. From the systematic review, a combined EEA-OPF approach was associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Conclusions: A correct indication for a combined EEA-OPF approach is paramount and should integrate all disease-related and anatomical features, including posterior wall shape.

Comparison of different types of single-port laparoscopic surgery in posterior uterine fibroid resection.

This study aims to objectively assess the effect of three surgical approaches for posterior uterine fibroid resection: transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in prone position (vNOTES-P), and vNOTES in the lithotomy position (vNOTES-L). A retrospective analysis was conducted on data pertaining to all patients who underwent vNOTES and LESS for single posterior fibroids at our institution from January 2023 to July 2023. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the surgical approach: vNOTES-P group (n = 30), vNOTES-L group (n = 17), and LESS group (n = 32). Comparative analysis was performed on the demographic characteristics and perioperative outcomes among the three groups of patients. All 79 patients underwent surgery without the need for conversion to laparotomy. There were no statistically significant differences among the LESS group, vNOTES-P group, and vNOTES-L group in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative complication rates. In the vNOTES-L group, two patients required conversion to LESS during surgery. Patients had faster return of bowel function (less time to flatus) in the vNOTES group compared to the LESS group (P < 0.05). However, three cases of postoperative infection occurred in the vNOTES group, while none were reported in the LESS group. Compared to LESS, vNOTES demonstrates significant advantages in alleviating postoperative pain, shortening time to passage of flatus, speeding recovery and enhancing cosmetic outcomes. Particularly, vNOTES-P for posterior uterine fibroid resection, as an emerging surgical approach, offers certain advantages in facilitating surgical maneuverability and reducing operative time, rendering it more suitable for posterior uterine fibroid resection.

Unilateral biportal endoscopic versus microscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in China: study protocol for a prospective, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of low back or leg pain and disability in the elderly population. Patients with spinal stenosis who fail to respond to conservative treatment often require surgical interventions. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with microscopic tubular technique (MT-TLIF) is a well-established procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis. Recently, a novel MIS technique, unilateral biportal endoscopic TLIF (UBE-TLIF), has been frequently performed to treat spinal stenosis. However, the efficacy and safety of using UBE-TLIF in this population have not been well examined. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A total of 96 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis will be randomly assigned to the UBE-TLIF group or the MT-TLIF group at a 1:1 ratio to receive UBE-TLIF or MT-TLIF treatment respectively. The primary outcome is the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score at 1 year after receiving the surgery. Secondary outcomes include the ODI scores at additional time points, Visual Analogue Scale score, 36-Item Short Form Survey questionnaire, EuroQol 5 Dimensions questionnaire, radiological measurements (disc height, lumbar lordosis angles and vertebral fusion rate) and general condition during hospitalisation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. All participants of the study will be well informed and written informed consent will be requested. Findings from this trial will be published in peer-reviewed publications, specifically in orthopedic and spinal journals. The completion of this study will not only examine the use of UBE-TLIF in lumbar spinal stenosis but also provide helpful clinical references. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300069333.