Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy: a surgical alternative to reduce complications in complex cases. / Colecistectomía laparoscópica subtotal como alternativa quirúrgica segura en casos complejos.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common procedure in general surgery, and in complex cases it is important for the surgeon to know all the alternatives with low associated morbidity. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy should be considered as an option when a critical view of safety cannot be obtained, because it has a low complication rate and gives the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. METHODS: Retrospective study of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomies in an eight years period. RESULTS: A total of 1,059 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed; 22 were subtotal cholecystectomies, without conversion. Biliary fistula (9%) and intraabdominal collections (4.5%) were the most common complications described. No iatrogenic bile duct injuries or deaths were reported. Our follow-up period was 32months, no recurrences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure. It should be considered as an option in complex cases.

Development of a robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) program. Lessons learned after 2500 cases.

Robotic surgery provides significant advantages in terms of an optimal three-dimensional and magnified view of the surgical field, superior maneuverability of surgical instruments, removal of surgeon's tremor and excellent ergonomics. Nonetheless, the adoption of this technology in thoracic surgery has been slower than in other specialties such as urology, gynecology or digestive surgery. In this article we describe our institution's experience in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) in the span from 2012 to 2020. During this time the average annual growth of the program has been 55%. Among the most frequently procedures performed were lobectomies, wedge resection and segmentectomies. Surgical time and length of stay decreased as the number of procedures performed increased, relative to the learning curve. Additional important elements considered relevant to the success of the program are the resources available, leadership, motivation of the surgical team, adequate and stepwise training, as well as the collection of data for periodic analysis of results. All those initiatives have led to a relevant improvement of financial variables reflecting a cost reduction.

The SC10-RNase promoter displays changes in DNA methylation patterns through pistil development in self-incompatible Nicotiana alata.

In Solanaceae, self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism that prevents endogamy in plant populations. Expression of the S-determinants, S-RNase, and SLF, is tightly regulated during pistil and pollen development. However, the molecular mechanism of gene expression regulation in S-RNase-based self-incompatibility systems must be better understood. Here, we identified a 1.3 Kbp sequence upstream to the coding region of the functional SC10-RNase allele from the self-incompatible Nicotiana alata, which directs SC10-RNase expression in mature pistils. This SC10-RNase promoter includes a 300 bp region with minimal elements that sustain the SC10-RNase expression. Likewise, a fragment of a transposable element from the Gypsy family of retrotransposons is also present at the -320 bp position. Nevertheless, its presence does not affect the expression of the SC10-RNase in mature pistils. Additionally, we determined that the SC10-RNase promoter undergoes different DNA methylation states during pistil development, being the mCHH methylation context the most frequent close to the transcription start site at pistil maturity. We hypothesized that the Gypsy element at the SC10-RNase promoter might contribute to the DNA methylation remodeling on the three sequence contexts analyzed here. We propose that mCHH methylation enrichment and other regulatory elements in the S-RNase coding region regulate the specific and abundant SC10-RNase expression in mature pistils in N. alata.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration four-task training model: construct validity.

BACKGROUND: Training models in laparoscopic surgery allow the surgical team to practice procedures in a safe environment. We have proposed the use of a 4-task, low-cost inert model to practice critical steps of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. METHODS: The performance of 3 groups with different levels of expertise in laparoscopic surgery, novices (A), intermediates (B), and experts (C), was evaluated using a low-cost inert model in the following tasks: (1) intraoperative cholangiography catheter insertion, (2) transcystic exploration, (3) T-tube placement, and (4) choledochoscope management. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to identify differences among the groups. RESULTS: A total of 14 individuals were evaluated: 5 novices (A), 5 intermediates (B), and 4 experts (C). The results involving intraoperative cholangiography catheter insertion were similar among the 3 groups. As for the other tasks, the expert had better results than the other 2, in which no significant differences occurred. The proposed model is able to discriminate among individuals with different levels of expertise, indicating that the abilities that the model evaluates are relevant in the surgeon's performance in CBD exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Construct validity for tasks 2 and 3 was demonstrated. However, task 1 was no capable of distinguishing between groups, and task 4 was not statistically validated.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with gallstones and choledocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: This is a descriptive, comparative study. Patients with an indication of common bile duct exploration between February 2005 and October 2008 were included. We studied 2 groups: Group A: patients with failed ERCP who underwent LCBDE plus LC. Group B: patients with common bile duct stones managed with the 1-step approach (LCBDE + LC) with no prior ERCP. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included. Group A: 9 patients, group B: 16 patients. Success rate, operative time, and hospital stay were as follows: group A 66% vs group B 87.5%; group A 187 minutes vs 106 minutes; group A 4.5 days vs 2.3 days; respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with failed ERCP should be considered as high-complex cases in which the laparoscopic procedure success rate decreases, and the conversion rate increases considerably.

Development of a training model for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND: Training and experience of the surgical team are fundamental for the safety and success of complex surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. METHODS: We describe an inert, simple, very low-cost, and readily available training model. Created using a "black box" and basic medical and surgical material, it allows training in the fundamental steps necessary for laparoscopic biliary tract surgery, namely, (1) intraoperative cholangiography, (2) transcystic exploration, and (3) laparoscopic choledochotomy, and t-tube insertion. RESULTS: The proposed model has allowed for the development of the skills necessary for partaking in said procedures, contributing to its development and diminishing surgery time as the trainee advances down the learning curve. Further studies are directed towards objectively determining the impact of the model on skill acquisition. CONCLUSION: The described model is simple and readily available allowing for accurate reproduction of the main steps and maneuvers that take place during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, with the purpose of reducing failure and complications.

[Laparoscopic management of symptomatic urachal anomalies]. / Manejo laparoscópico de las anomalías sintomáticas del uraco.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired urachal anomalies are a rare pathology. Gold-standard treatment for this clinical situation remains the resection of the urachus in its entire tract with or without partial resection of the bladder. Our aim is to up-date authors's experience in the minimally invasive surgical treatment of acquired urachal disease. METHODS: From 2001 to 2007, 14 patients were operated for acquired urachal disease at our institution. A three portal technique previously described by the authors was employed. The diagnosis of acquired uracal disease was confirmed in all cases and the resection of the urachus in its entire tract performed in cephalocaudal direction onto the bladder. Operative and demographic data was prospectively collected and analysis retrospectively performed. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 63 minutes (45,110), minimal blood loss, and no conversions to open surgery or perioperative complications were verified. The majority of the patients were discharged in the first 24 hours. At a follow-up of 22 months no recurrences of urachal pathology recurrences have been verified. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy plays a significant role in the management of symptomatic urachus anomalies. It allows objective confirmation of clinical diagnosis and adequate resection of the urachus in a safe and efficient fashion, while providing the well-known advantages of minimally acces surgery. Preoperative evaluation work-up has minimal impact of therapeutical decision.

Robot-assisted surgery and incisional hernia: a comparative study of ergonomics in a training model.

Over the years, incisional hernia repair has evolved. Currently, primary closure of the defect before placing the mesh is a critical step in incisional hernia repair and minimally invasive surgery incorporation has an important role due to great advantages. Despite its benefits, laparoscopic closure with suture intracorporeal knotting is physically demanding and technically complex. Robotic technology provides an optimal three-dimensional view, maneuverability of the instruments but no study has assessed the impact of the DaVinci system in the ergonomics which is the objective in this study. Fourteen surgeons were able to achieve surgical repair of a defect in an incisional hernia inanimate model. The task was performed with conventional laparoscopy and robotic assistance. The mental effort was registered and physical disturbances were measured with the Local Experienced Discomfort scale. The subjects expressed discomfort mainly in the dominant side (p = 0.006). In the comparative analysis between the two approaches, upper limb less disturbance (p = 0.04) and lower mental effort (p = 0.001) were reported with robotic approach. Robotic assistance decreases mental and physical effort during the primary closure of a defect in an incisional hernia inanimate model.

Rol de la simulación en el entrenamiento de cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Artículo de revisión / Role of simulation in minimally invasive surgery training

La cirugía laparoscópica ha sido uno de los grandes adelantos de la medicina moderna, sin embargo, la incorporación de esta tecnología a la práctica quirúrgica trajo consigo implicaciones en la enseñanza de la cirugía. La cirugía laparoscópica es una técnica más difícil de dominar que la cirugía abierta, en la cual se realizan procedimientos y maniobras particulares que requieren de laadquisición de habilidades específicas. La tendencia en la enseñanza de nuevas técnicas o procedimientos se ha enfocado en el uso de la simulación como una herramienta que permite adquirir las destrezas necesarias en un ambiente seguro, sin comprometer la seguridad y eficacia de los procedimientos. Por otro lado, decidir el momento en el cual el cirujano en entrenamiento ha alcanzado las destrezas necesarias para incorporarse a cirugíasin vivo, requiere de objetivos métodos de evaluación . En la búsqueda de alternativas de mayor objetividad, la tendencia mundial durante los últimos años ha sido dirigir la atención hacia el estudio depatrones de movimientos al momento de realizar determinada tarea o procedimiento(AU)

Laparoscopic surgery has been one of the great advances in modern medicine, however the incorporation of this technology into surgical practice brought with it implications in the teaching of surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a more difficult technique than open surgery, in which particular procedures and maneuvers are performed that require the acquisition of specific skills. The trend in the teaching of new techniques or procedures has focused on the use of simulation as a tool that allows acquiring the necessary skills in a safe environment, without compromising the safety and effectiveness of the procedures. On the other hand, deciding the moment in which the surgeon in training has reached the necessary skills to join in vivo surgeries requires objective evaluation methods. In the search for more objective alternatives, the global trend in recent years has been to direct attention towards the study of movement patterns when performing a certain task or procedure(AU)

Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for melanoma.

Inguinal lymphadenectomy is the indicated procedure in the regional lymph node management for patients with lower limb melanoma and positive nodes. This procedure is commonly associated with surgical site complications. Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy is a minimally invasive alternative with oncological principles and lower wound-related morbidity. Incorporation of robotic surgery with optimal vision and great maneuverability would offer great advantages. A 42-year-old male patient was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma and palpable inguinal nodes T2 N1 M0. The patient was scheduled for robot-assisted left inguinal video endoscopic lymphadenectomy. The working space is created using blunt-finger dissection and then extended with the endoscope by sweeping with the lens. Two 8-mm robotic trocars and a 10-mm trocar for assistant are placed. The lymphadenectomy is carried out with Maryland and scissors. The operative time was 130 min, estimated blood loss 70 ml and hospital stay 2 days. The robot-assisted inguinal video endoscopic lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible procedure for lower limb melanoma treatment. The incorporation of the robotic system to this approach where there is a limited working space would offer advantages to the technique.

Robotic surgery training: construct validity of Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS).

The objective of this study is to determine the ability of the GEARS scale (Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills) to differentiate individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery, as a fundamental validation. This is a cross-sectional study that included three groups of individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery (expert, intermediate, novice) their performance were assessed by GEARS applied by two reviewers. The difference between groups was determined by Mann-Whitney test and the consistency between the reviewers was studied by Kendall W coefficient. The agreement between the reviewers of the scale GEARS was 0.96. The score was 29.8 ± 0.4 to experts, 24 ± 2.8 to intermediates and 16 ± 3 to novices, with a statistically significant difference between all of them (p < 0.05). All parameters from the scale allow discriminating between different levels of experience, with exception of the depth perception item. We conclude that the scale GEARS was able to differentiate between individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery and, therefore, is a validated and useful tool to evaluate surgeons in training.

Treatment of urachal anomalies: a minimally invasive surgery technique.

BACKGROUND: Urachal disease is uncommon. The surgical treatment consists of the resection of the urachus throughout its entire length. Our objective is to demonstrate the use of minimally invasive surgery to treat this disease. METHODS: Six patients were studied and diagnosed. The technique used three 10-mm ports on the right hemi abdomen, through which the dissection of the urachus was performed from the umbilical extreme to the bladder. We evaluated the perioperative records to assess morbidity and outcome. RESULTS: Most patients suffered from episodes of umbilical discharge. The diagnosis was made mainly through clinical history and confirmed during the laparoscopic procedure. The urachus was resected throughout its entire length, and we did not perform a segmentary bladder resection in any patient. The average operative time was 66 minutes (range, 42 to 123), and no operative complications were associated with the technique. DISCUSSION: Minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective procedure that allows the dissection of the urachus through its entire length, providing optimal postoperative results.

Laparoscopic surgery skills evaluation: analysis based on accelerometers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Technical skills assessment is considered an important part of surgical training. Subjective assessment is not appropriate for training feedback, and there is now increased demand for objective assessment of surgical performance. Economy of movement has been proposed as an excellent alternative for this purpose. The investigators describe a readily available method to evaluate surgical skills through motion analysis using accelerometers in Apple's iPod Touch device. METHODS: Two groups of individuals with different minimally invasive surgery skill levels (experts and novices) were evaluated. Each group was asked to perform a given task with an iPod Touch placed on the dominant-hand wrist. The Accelerometer Data Pro application makes it possible to obtain movement-related data detected by the accelerometers. Average acceleration and maximum acceleration for each axis (x, y, and z) were determined and compared. RESULTS: The analysis of average acceleration and maximum acceleration showed statistically significant differences between groups on both the y (P = .04, P = .03) and z (P = .04, P = .04) axes. This demonstrates the ability to distinguish between experts and novices. The analysis of the x axis showed no significant differences between groups, which could be explained by the fact that the task involves few movements on this axis. CONCLUSION: Accelerometer-based motion analysis is a useful tool to evaluate laparoscopic skill development of surgeons and should be used in training programs. Validation of this device in an in vivo setting is a research goal of the investigators' team.

Construct validity of an inanimate training model for laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of training models in laparoscopic surgery allows the surgical team to practice procedures in a safe environment. The aim of this study was to determine the capability of an inanimate laparoscopic appendectomy model to discriminate between different levels of surgical experience (construct validity). METHODS: The performance of 3 groups with different levels of expertise in laparoscopic surgery--experts (Group A), intermediates (Group B), and novices (Group C)--was evaluated. The groups were instructed of the task to perform in the model using a video tutorial. Procedures were recorded in a digital format for later analysis using the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score; procedure time was registered. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test. RESULTS: Twelve subjects were evaluated, 4 in each group, using the GOALS score and time required to finish the task. Higher scores were observed in the expert group, followed by the intermediate and novice groups, with statistically significant difference. Regarding procedure time, a significant difference was also found between the groups, with the experts having the shorter time. The proposed model is able to discriminate among individuals with different levels of expertise, indicating that the abilities that the model evaluates are relevant in the surgeon's performance. CONCLUSIONS: Construct validity for the inanimate full-task laparoscopic appendectomy training model was demonstrated. Therefore, it is a useful tool in the development and evaluation of the resident in training.

Colecistectomía laparoscópica: impacto de la implementación de una lista de chequeo en la adecuada preparación del quirófano / Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: impact of the implementation of a checklist in the adequate preparation of the operating room

Evaluar el impacto de la implementación de una lista de chequeo en la adecuada preparación del quirófano para realización de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, controlado, no aleatorio, donde se estudió el impacto del uso de una lista de chequeo en la incidencia de eventos adversos relacionados con la preparación del quirófano para realización de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Se compararon dos grupos, grupo A, en el cual se utilizó lista de chequeo y grupo B (control) donde la preparación del quirófano se llevó a cabo sin el uso de la lista. Para el estudio, los eventos adversos se clasificaron según su naturaleza en "ausencia y/o posición" y "defecto y/o configuración". El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo utilizando el test exacto de Fisher considerando diferencia significativa p<0,05. Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 40 procedimientos, (grupo A: 20, grupo B: 20). La incidencia de eventos adversos relacionados con la preparación del quirófano fue de 45 %, en contraste con el grupo control, en el cual en el 100 % de los procedimientos se documentaron eventos (p<0,001). La mayoría de los eventos documentados estuvo en relación con equipo o instrumental de hemostasia. La lista de chequeo fue útil en reducir significativamente los eventos adversos relacionados con "ausencia y/o posición" (70 % vs 5 %, p<0,001) pero no los relacionados "defecto y/o configuración" (70 % vs 40 %; p=0,057). Conclusiones: La lista de chequeo es una herramienta útil para la reducción de eventos adversos relacionados con la preparación de quirófano para colecistectomía laparoscópica, pero no elimina completamente el riesgo de su aparición(AU)

to evaluate the impact of the implementation of a checklist to obtain an optimal setting of the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries. Methods: it's a prospective, controlled, non-randomized study. The usefulness of checklist implementation was studied to know the incidence of adverse events related to operating room preparation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Two groups, group A (checklist group), and group B (control, without the implementation of a checklist) were compared. For statistical purposes, adverse events were classified according to their nature in "Absence and/or position" and "defect and/or configuration". Statistical analysis was carried out using Fisher's exact test considering significant difference a p value<0.05. Results: A total of 40 procedures were studied (group A: 20, group B: 20). The incidence of adverse events related to operating room preparation was 45 %, in contrast to the control group, in which events were documented in 100 % of the procedures (p<0.001). Most of the documented events were related to hemostasis equipment or instruments. The checklist was useful in reducing adverse events related to "absence and/or position" (70 % vs. 5 %, p<0.001) but not related to "defect and/or configuration" (70 % vs. 40 %; p=0.057). Conclusions: The checklist is a useful tool in order to reduce adverse events related to the preparation of an operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but does not completely eliminate the risk of its occurrence(AU)

Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of esophageal achalasia: a case-control study.

Minimally invasive surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of achalasia. The incorporation of robotic technology can improve many limitations of laparoscopic surgery, through, for example, the availability of three-dimensional vision, increasing the degrees of movement, avoiding the fulcrum effect and optimizing ergonomics. The aim of this study was to compare robotic-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy (RAHM) with laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) in terms of efficacy and safety. Thirty-one patients with diagnosis of achalasia confirmed by esophagogram and manometry were included. Dysphagia and weight loss were the main complaints in both groups. 18 patients were treated with LHM and 13 patients with RAHM. There was no difference in mean operative time (76 ± 13 vs. 79 ± 20 min; P = 0.73). Intraoperative complications were less frequent in the robotic-assisted procedures (5.5% vs. 0%); however, this was a non-significant difference. 94.5-100% of patients had relief of their symptoms. We conclude that RAHM is a safe and effective procedure. The operative time is no longer than in LHM, but it is necessary to evaluate the technique in randomized clinical trials to determine its advantages in terms of intraoperative complications.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: case report and proposed training model.

We present a case of a 32-year-old female patient with the diagnosis of gallstone disease and choledocholithiasis. Prior to in vivo surgery, we practiced the critical steps of the procedure using a proposed inert training model. We performed a robot-assisted laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, obtaining one stone. The operating time was 140 min (console time: 120 min) with no complications during the procedure. The patient was discharged 2 days after the operation. Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery of the common bile duct is a safe and effective procedure and seems to have some benefits over conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Entrenamiento en cirugía robótica: validación de una escala para la evaluación objetiva de destrezas / Training in robotic surgery: validation of a scale for objective skills evaluation

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio consiste en determinarla capacidad de la escala GEARS (global evaluative assessment of robotic skills) para diferenciar individuos con distinto nivel de experiencia en cirugía robótica, como un parámetro fundamental para la validación de la misma. Método: Es un estudio transversal que incluye a tres grupos de individuos con diferente nivel de experiencia en cirugía robótica (expertos, intermedios, novatos), a los cuales se les asignó una tarea sobre un modelo de entrenamiento, siendo evaluados mediante la escala en estudio (GEARS), aplicada por dos evaluadores. La diferencia entre los grupos se determinó mediante el método no paramétrico de Mann Whitney y la consistencia interobservador se estudió mediante el coeficiente W de Kendall. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 15 evaluaciones, correspondientes a 5 individuos de cada grupo. La concordancia inter-observador de la escala GEARS fue de 0,96. El puntaje obtenido al realizar la evaluación fue de 29,8±0,4; 24±2,8 y 16±3; para los expertos, intermedios y novatos respectivamente, siendo la diferen-cia entre ellos estadísticamente significativa. Todos los parámetros de la escala permiten diferenciar entre los distintos niveles de expe-riencia, con la excepción del ítem percepción de profundidad. Conclusión:Se concluye que la escala GEARS demostró ser capaz de diferenciar entre individuos con distinto nivel de experiencia en cirugía robótica, validándose como una herramienta útil en el entrenamiento y evaluación del cirujano en formación(AU)

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the ability of the GEARS scale (global evaluative assessment of robotic skills) to differentiate individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery, as a fundamental validation of the same para-meter. Method: This is a cross-sectional study that included three groups of individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery (expert, intermediate, novice) to which they were assigned a task on a training model, and was assessed by the GEARS scale applied by two reviewers. The difference between groups was determined by a nonparametric method from Mann Whitney and the consistency between the reviewers was studied by Kendall W coefficient. Results: A total of 15 evaluations were performed to all the individuals in each group. The agreement between the reviewers of the scale GEARS was 0.96. The score of the assessment was 29.8±0.4 to experts, 24 ±2.8 to intermediates and 16 ±3 to novices,with a statistically significant difference between all of them(p<0.05). All parameters from the scale allow discriminating between different levels of experience, with exception of the depth perception item. Conclusion: We conclude that the scale GEARS was able to differentiate between individuals with different levels of experience in robotic surgery. Therefore is a validated and useful tool to evaluate surgeons in training(AU)