The 2012 Briganti nomogram predicts disease progression after surgery in high-risk prostate cancer patients.

Objectives: We tested whether the 2012 Briganti nomogram for the risk of pelvic lymph node invasion (PLNI) may represent a predictor of disease progression after surgical management in high-risk (HR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients according to the European Association of Urology. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2021, HR PCa patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) were identified. The 2012 Briganti nomogram was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable, which was dichotomized using the median. The risk of disease progression, defined as the event of biochemical recurrence and/or local recurrence/distant metastases was assessed by Cox regression models. Results: Overall, 204 patients were identified. The median 2012 Briganti nomogram score resulted 12.0% (IQR: 6.0-22.0%). PLNI was detected in 57 (27.9%) cases. Compared to patients who had preoperatively a 2012 Briganti nomogram score ≤12%, those with a score >12% were more likely to present with higher percentage of biopsy positive cores, palpable tumors at digital rectal examination, high-grade cancers at prostate biopsies, and unfavorable pathology in the surgical specimen. At multivariable Cox regression analyses, disease progression, which occurred in 85 (41.7%) patients, was predicted by the 2012 Briganti nomogram score (HR: 1.02; 95%CI: 1.00-1.03; p = 0.012), independently by tumors presenting as palpable (HR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.10.2.88; p = 0.020) or the presence of PLNI in the surgical specimen (HR: 3.73; 95%CI: 2.10-5.13; p = 0.012). Conclusions: The 2012 Briganti nomogram represented an independent predictor of adverse prognosis in HR PCa patients treated with RARP and ePLND. As the score increased, so patients were more likely to experience disease progression, independently by the occurrence of PLNI. The association between the nomogram, unfavorable pathology and tumor behavior might turn out to be useful for selecting a subset of patients needing different treatment paradigms in HR disease.

3D monitors improve performance on the HUGO™ RAS system: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted surgery is used worldwide, allowing surgeons to perform complex surgeries with increased precision and flexibility. It offers technical benefits compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery due to its utilization of both 3D vision and articulated instruments. The objective was to investigate the isolated effect of 3D- versus 2D monitors when working with articulated instruments in robot-assisted surgery. METHODS: Surgical novices (medical students, n = 31) were randomized to simulation-based training with either the 3D vision switched on or off. Both groups completed each of the four exercises six times over two sessions on the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system simulator. The outcome was the simulator performance parameters and a visual discomfort questionnaire. RESULTS: For the efficiency parameters, we found that both groups improved over time (p < 0.001) and that the intervention group (3D) consistently outperformed the control (2D) group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, we didn't find any significant difference in the error metrics, such as drops (p-values between 0.07 and 0.57) and instrument collisions (p-values between 0.09 and 0.26). Regarding Visual Discomfort, it was significantly more difficult for the 3D group to focus (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D monitors for an open robotic console improve efficiency and speed compared to 2D monitors in a simulated setting when working with articulated instruments.

How i do it: Robot-assisted transcerebellar stereotactic approach for brainstem lesion.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic approaches to diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) remain essential due to advances in molecular biology and management, necessitating tissue sampling. Here we present an effective technique with a biopsy by robot-assisted transcerebellar approach. METHOD: Our procedure was performed using the ROSA robotic system and the OARM CT scan, which provided stereotactic conditions for this transcerebellar approach to brainstem lesions. CONCLUSION: The robot-assisted transcerebellar stereotactic approach remains essential to provide complications for biopsy of brainstem lesions.

Implementation and Utility of the Da Vinci SP (Single Port) in Pediatric Urology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Detail the evolution, utility, and future directions of the da Vinci SP® in pediatric urology, focusing on perioperative outcomes and intraoperative details. RECENT FINDINGS: The SP has been safely and successfully utilized in various pediatric urological procedures, from pyeloplasty to nephroureterectomy to appendicovesicostomy. Reports indicate mixed operative times but similar hospital stays and postoperative outcomes compared to multiport (MP) robotic surgery. The learning curve for transitioning from MP to SP systems in pediatric patients appears manageable, though the smaller abdominal circumference in children poses a notable challenge. This review assumes that SP systems will primarily be acquired for adult services, not considering initial and ongoing costs to hospital systems. The SP serves as a complementary option, rather than a replacement, for MP robotic surgery in pediatric urology, offering potential advantages in specific scenarios. Cosmetic outcomes with the SP appear at least as favorable as MP surgery, but further research is needed. Future research should focus on patient-centered outcomes to optimize SP robotic surgery use in pediatric patients.

Transoral Robotic Approach to Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Changes in Paradigm of Surgery.

PPS space tumors are extremely rare, accounting for 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. Trans-oral, Trans-cervical, Trans-parotid, Trans-cervical-trans-mandibular, and infratemporal are various surgical approaches that have been described for PPS tumors. Of late, with the advent of robotic surgery, Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for PPS tumors is being increasingly advocated with promising results. To establish both efficacy and safety of Trans Oral Robotic Surgery, Five cases of pleomorphic adenoma of parapharyngeal space with sizes varying between 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm were evaluated and removed using Trans oral robotic approach using the Da Vinci system. Three were removed in toto and two in piecemeal fashion. There was capsule breach in 2 cases, no major complication was reported in any of the cases. Transoral Robotic Approach for PPS tumors can provide the much-required bridge between Transcervical and Trans mandibular Oral Approach. It provides a better direct approach. Carefully selected patients with well encapsulated tumors are more amenable to this approach.

A Comparative Study of Laparoscopic Versus Robotic Cholecystectomies Based on the Parkland Grading Scale.

Background Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is a common procedure performed to treat conditions like gallstone disease and cholecystitis. Among the various techniques available, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and robotic cholecystectomy (RC) are minimally invasive methods, while open cholecystectomy (OC) involves a more extensive incision and is reserved for cases where less invasive options are unsuitable. This study focuses on evaluating and comparing the safety and efficacy of LC and RC across different grades of cholecystitis, categorized by the Parkland Grading Scale. The goal is to determine whether RC provides significant benefits over LC, particularly in cases of higher-grade cholecystitis. Methodology This ambispective observational case-control study was conducted from January to June 2024 at Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, India. It included patients aged 18 or older with acute cholecystitis who underwent LC or OC. Exclusions were made for chronic cholecystitis, prior surgeries affecting the procedure, incomplete records, or severe complications. Data, including demographics, preoperative symptoms, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes, were extracted from electronic medical records. Laparoscopic procedures used standard techniques, while robotic procedures employed the da Vinci surgical system. Outcomes measured included operative time, complications, conversion rates, length of stay, and readmission rates. Results There was no significant difference in pre-operative parameters like age, white blood cell (WBC) count, total bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), or history of previous surgery according to the Parkland Grading Scale. However, differences were noted in the Parkland Grading Scale regarding the thickness of the gallbladder wall, incidence of pericholecystic collection, and history of acute cholecystitis (p < 0.05). The most common complication was bleeding during the operation, which was more frequent in LC and was significant. Other complications, such as bile duct injury and vascular injury, were not observed in either procedure. Conclusion This study highlights that RC provides notable benefits compared to LC, especially for higher grades of cholecystitis, as per the Parkland Grading Scale. Although robotic procedures have longer operative times, they result in fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications, reduced conversion rates, and lower readmission rates. These advantages make RC a promising choice for treating complex cases of cholecystitis.

Tubeless ureteroenteric anastomosis in robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion does not increase the risk of anastomotic stenosis or postoperative complications.

The objective is to demonstrate that omitting ureteral stent placement in robotic intracorporeal urinary diversion does not lead to increased risk of perioperative complications, namely ureteral strictures or anastomotic leaks. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 68 consecutive patients who underwent robotic radical cystectomy with ileal conduit creation or orthotopic neobladder by a single surgeon between January 2020 and September 2023. Chronologically, the first cohort of patients had ureteral stents placed to bridge the ureteroenteric anastomosis, and in the second cohort, stenting was omitted. Cohort 1 consisted of 28 patients with surgeries performed between January 2020 and April 2021, while cohort 2 had 40 patients who underwent surgery from April 2021 to September 2023. The cohorts were well matched with regard to patient age, gender, ASA score and rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The choice of urinary diversion was left to surgeon and patient preference, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of ileal conduits versus orthotopic neobladders within each cohort. Estimated blood loss, total operative time, inpatient length of stay and pathologic T and N staging did not statistically differ between the cohorts. Overall, there was no difference in the rates of postoperative ileus, ureteral stricture, anastomotic leak, infectious complications, and 30-day readmission rates between the groups. Tubeless ureteroenteric anastomosis in patients undergoing robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal diversion does not appear to increase the risk of anastomotic strictures or postoperative complications. Further prospective evaluation is warranted.

Robotic kidney transplant has superior outcomes compared to open kidney transplant: results of a propensity match analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of robotic kidney transplant (RKT) as a safe alternative to open kidney transplant (OKT). However, significant selection bias in RKT patient selection limits meaningful comparison between the two techniques. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective review of a prospectively maintained kidney transplant database (2021-2024). Outcomes after the first 50 "non-selected" RKTs are compared with a contemporary cohort of 100 OKTs after propensity score matching for age, gender, BMI and type of donation (living vs deceased). Data pertinent to recipient demographics, intraoperative parameters, and short-term post-operative outcomes were collected and compared. RESULTS: Both groups were well-matched for recipient age, gender, BMI, and donation type. RKT group had significantly longer total operative time (RKT 258 min vs. OKT 183 min; p < 0.0001) and warm ischemia time (RKT 37 min vs. OKT 31 min; p < 0.0001) but significantly less blood loss (OKT 155 ml vs. RKT 93 ml). Average length of hospital stay for both groups was 5 days, with OKT group demonstrating significantly higher rates of post-operative complications (OKT 31% vs. RKT 14%; p = 0.028), return to OR (OKT 15% vs. RKT 2%; p = 0.021), hematoma (OKT 13% vs. RKT 2%; p = 0.0355), and lymphocele (OKT 25% vs. RKT 6%; p = 0.0039). OKT group also had higher 30-day readmission rate (OKT 31% vs. RKT 14%) and post-operative opioid requirement (OKT 93 MME vs. RKT 65; p = 0.0254). There were no differences in rates of wound infection, urine leaks, delayed graft function, acute rejection, graft loss, and patient death between the two groups. CONCLUSION: RKT is a safe and viable alternative to OKT as a first-choice procedure for all patients with ESRD. RKT offers many advantages over OKT which can lead to its wider adoption in the coming years as the new standard of care for ESRD patients.

Impact of tongue base mucosectomy on quality-of-life outcomes: systematic review and single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Tongue base mucosectomy (TBM) is a well-established procedure in investigating cervical squamous cell carcinoma of occult primary. However, its risks have not been balanced against its benefits with validated tools. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted for reported complications and quality-of-life outcomes following TBM. The complications and quality-of-life outcomes following TBM at our institution are then reported using objective metrics and validated assessment tools, including Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HNS), University of Washington Quality-of-life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) and M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). RESULTS: Eighteen studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Of these, 9 addressed swallowing outcomes described in text, without using validated assessment tools. No studies reported taste, speech and pain outcomes after TBM. Post-operative bleeding was not consistently reported. 20 patients underwent robotic TBM at our institution between 2017 and 2023. The primary tumour was identified in 50% (10/20) of cases. The median time to commencing soft diet and median time of NG feeding was 0 days. The median return to normalcy of diet score was 95. Median post-treatment UW-QOL pain and swallowing scores were 100 and 70 respectively. The median speech score was 100, saliva 70, and taste 70. The median normalised MDADI scores were: global 80; emotional 67; functional 80 and physical 65. CONCLUSIONS: Validated assessment tools better inform patients about treatment options and can help compare post-TBM results across institutions. Our data demonstrates that TBM patients have a functional post-operative swallow, are pain and gastrostomy free, even after adjuvant treatment. Routine post-operative insertion of NG tube is not necessary.

Comparison of outcomes between single-port and multiport retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Single-port (SP) robotic surgical system performs well in small anatomical spaces, which makes it suitable for retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). However, there is limited evidence comparing the safety and feasibility of SP RPN to multiport (MP) RPN. To address this gap in evidence, we sought to analyze and compare the safety of retroperitoneal RPN between SP and MP approaches. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the Single Port Advanced Research Consortium (SPARC) and a multicenter database of patients who underwent retroperitoneal RPN using either SP or MP between 2017 and 2023. Baseline, perioperative, and postoperative data were compared using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, and Fisher exact test. Multivariable analyses were conducted using robust and Poisson regressions. RESULTS: A total of 286 patients (SP RPN, n = 86 [30%]; MP RPN, n = 200 [70%]) underwent retroperitoneal RPN. R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score and tumor location were significantly different between the 2 groups. Notably, the ischemia time was significantly shorter in the MP group (16 vs. SP, 22 minutes, P < 0.001). Adjusting for baseline characteristics, the ischemia time was approximately 7.89 minutes longer for patients in the SP group compared to the MP group, on average (95% CI: 5.87, 9.92; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in operative time, EBL, blood transfusion, conversion rates, LOS, PSM, and overall 30-day postoperative complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that retroperitoneal SP and MP RPN have comparable perioperative and postoperative outcomes, except for the longer ischemia time in the SP platform. SP RPN is a safe and viable alternative; however, further research is needed to explore its potential benefits, cost-effectiveness, and long-term oncologic outcomes.

Extraperitoneal robotic approach to the uretero-vesical junction in children: Initial experience and a step-by-step video presentation.

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: The use of transperitoneal robotic-assisted procedures for ureterovesical junction (UVJ) anomalies in pediatric patients is increasing. However, the extra-peritoneal approach potentially less invasive, remains underexplored with robotic approach in pediatric patients. We present our experience of robot-assisted extra-vesical laparoscopic extra-peritoneal UVJ surgery. MATERIALS & METHODS: Extraperitoneal access was made through a 1,5 cm horizontal incision below the umbilicus. Digital dissection was performed under the rectus fascia to the pubic symphysis. The space was further developed under direct vision with laparoscope. The Da Vinci Xi platform was docked after the placement of 4 robotic 8 mm-trocars and an 8 mm assistant port. RESULTS: We performed extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic UVJ surgery in 3 patients: - Case 1: 9-year-old boy: left-sided ureterectomy, UV reimplantation (UVR) with psoas hitch for a symptomatic mega-ureter. - Case 2: 13-year-old girl: right-sided VUR on a duplex system treated with an extravesical Lich-Gregoir antireflux plasty. - Case 3: 8-year-old boy: left-sided bladder diverticulectomy with UVR. There is no complication above Clavien 2 and no recurrence of febrile UTI during the follow-up period (from 6 to 17 months). CONCLUSIONS: Extra-peritoneal robotic approach for UVJ surgery further for UVR in pediatric urology seems feasible with good short-term result even for the complex ones.

Robotic availability, not payor status, determines access to robotic emergency general surgery hernia repair in California and Florida.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that access to robotic surgery is influenced by socioeconomic factors, including insurance status. The 2010 Affordable Care Act established an avenue for states to expand Medicaid coverage, which has increased access to surgical care for many conditions. We hypothesized that socioeconomic disparities in access to robotic repair of non-elective emergency general surgery (EGS) hernias are less prevalent in California, a Medicaid expansion state, compared to Florida, which has not adopted Medicaid expansion. METHODS: The 2021 California and Florida State Inpatient Databases were used to identify all EGS admissions with an ICD-10 procedure code for ventral or inguinal hernia repair. Elective procedures and those with concurrent unrelated abdominal procedures were excluded. Patient demographics, comorbidity burden, payor status, and income quartile were abstracted. Aggregation of hospital data identified high-volume trauma, robotic, and EGS centers. RESULTS: There were 15,683 EGS hernia procedures of which 11% underwent robotic repair: 14% in Florida and 8% in California. On multivariable logistic regression, older age, male sex, lower income, and Medicare insurance were associated with reduced odds of robotic hernia repair in California, but not in Florida, despite an uninsured rate of 10%. The greatest predictor of robotic surgery in both states was treatment at a robotic surgery center. Overall, accounting for patient- and hospital-level factors, hernia surgeries in Florida were more likely to involve robotics (OR 1.61, CI 1.42-1.81, p < 0.001) compared to California. CONCLUSION: There were fewer disparities in access to EGS robotic hernia repairs in Florida than in California. This suggests that robotic surgery access for EGS hernia repairs is primarily determined by institutional adoption of robotic surgery, not income or payor status. Compared to California, Florida appears to have greater market penetration of robotic surgery, which has increased access to robotic EGS for all patients.

[Transoral robotic surgery in pharyngolaryngeal surgery].

The rise of minimally invasive surgery and the concept of rapid recovery have led to transoral surgery becoming increasingly vital in pharyngolaryngeal surgery. In 2009, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the da Vinci Surgical Robot for transoral robotic surgery（TORS）. Due to its high-definition lens and flexible, precise operation, TORS is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide and expanding its indications. Although some experts in China have attempted to apply TORS to treat pharyngolaryngeal diseases, compared to European and American countries, TORS in China is still in its exploratory stage. This paper briefly reviews the application of TORS in pharyngolaryngeal surgery.

Proficiency in bariatric surgery may shorten the learning curve for minimally-invasive D2 gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence from Asian studies suggests that minimally-invasive gastrectomy achieves equivalent oncological but improved perioperative outcomes compared to open surgery. Oncological gastric resections are less frequent in European countries. Index procedures may play a role for the learning curve of minimally-invasive gastrectomy. The aim of our study was to evaluate if skills acquired in bariatric surgery allow a safe and oncologically adequate implementation of minimally-invasive gastrectomy in a cohort of european patients. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, all patients who received primary bariatric surgery between January 2015 and December 2018 and minimally-invasive surgery for gastric cancer treated from June 2019 to January 2023 were evaluated. Primary endpoints were operation time, lymph node yield and lymph node fractions. Secondary endpoints included postoperative complications and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Learning curves for two surgeons with 350 bariatric procedures and 44 minimally-invasive gastrectomies were analyzed. For bariatric surgery, the mean operation time decreased from initially 82 ± 27 to 45 ± 21 min and 118 ± 28 to 81 ± 36 min for sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), while the complication rate remained within the international benchmark. For laparoscopic gastrectomy (n = 30), operation times decreased but then remained stable over time. Operation times for the robotic platform were longer (302 ± 60 vs. 390 ± 48 min; p < 0.001) with the learning curve remaining incomplete after 14 procedures. R0 status was achieved in 95.5% of patients; the mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 37 ± 14 with no differences between the groups. Complete mesogastric excision was more frequently achieved during the later laparoscopic cases whereas it occurred earlier for the robotic group (p = 0.004). Perioperative morbidity was comparable to the European benchmark. Textbook outcome was achieved in 54.4% of the cases. CONCLUSION: In summary, we could demonstrate a successful skill transfer from bariatric surgery to minimally-invasive laparoscopic oncological gastric surgery enabling safe and oncologically adequate minimally-invasive D2 gastrectomy in a central European patient collective.

Outcomes of robotic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease using the Medtronic Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgical platform: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent surgery performed through laparoscopy or using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS. METHODS: This is a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database comparing laparoscopic vs. robotic-assisted surgery for IBD from 01/11/2017 to 15/04/2024. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon robotic-naïve with a large experience in laparoscopic surgery for IBD. The robotic procedures were performed using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS platform. Outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications, operative time, conversion rate, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and readmission rate. RESULTS: Among 121 consecutive patients, 80 underwent laparoscopic (LG) and 41 robotic-assisted surgery (RG). Baseline, preoperative and disease-specific characteristics were comparable except for older age (50 [38-56] vs. 38 [28-54] years; p = 0.05) and higher albumin level (42 [40-44] vs. 40 [38-42] g/L, p = 0.006) in the RG. The intracorporeal anastomosis was more frequent in the RG (80% vs. 6%; p < 0.001) with longer operative time (240 vs. 205 min; p = 0.006), while the conversion rate was not different (5% vs. 10%, p = 0.49). Surgical procedure types were equally distributed between the two groups, and the rate of intra-abdominal septic complication (IASC) was comparable across the different procedures. Postoperative complications were similar, including the rate of IASC (5% vs. 5%, p = 1), postoperative ileus (5% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.71), bleeding (2% vs. 5%, p = 0.66), and Clavien-Dindo > 2 complications (7% vs. 6%; p = 1). CONCLUSION: IBD surgery performed using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS is safe and feasible, with similar postoperative outcomes when compared to the laparoscopic approach.

Are all robotic technologies created equal? Comparing one of the latest image-free robotic technologies to all other robotic systems for total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted technologies have been developed to increase surgical precision and reduce surgical variability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several different robotic systems have been introduced in the last decade for TKA. The DePuy Synthes VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution (VRAS) is an imageless system designed to eliminate the need for preoperative CT scans and is one of the latest entrants in the rapidly evolving field of robotic technology in TKA. This study compared the clinical and economic outcomes associated with VRAS and other robotic-assisted technologies for primary TKA. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the Premier Healthcare Database included patients who underwent primary TKA with VRAS or other robotic-assisted technologies from January 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. The primary outcome for the study was hospital follow-up visits (revisits) within 90 days post-TKA. Secondary outcomes included readmission and revision rates within 90 days post-TKA, operating room time, length of stay, discharge status and hospital costs. Cohorts were balanced using propensity score fine stratification, and generalized linear models were constructed to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: This study included 827 VRAS TKA patients and 16,428 TKA patients treated with other robotic-assisted technologies. The 90-day all-cause and knee-related revisit rates were significantly lower for VRAS than for other robotic-assisted technologies (all-cause 13.9% vs. 22.8% and knee-related 2.8% vs. 5.4%, respectively; p value < 0.01). The all-cause and knee-related 90-day readmission rates were also lower for VRAS, although the differences were not statistically significant. The 90-day revision rates were similar for VRAS and other robotic-assisted technologies (0.48% vs. 0.45%), as was the operating room time (138 vs. 137 min). The 90-day knee-related cost for the VRAS cohort was $15,048 compared to $16,867 for other robotic technologies. CONCLUSIONS: This database study demonstrated that early postoperative revisit rates and total cost of care are lower for VRAS than for all other robotic-assisted technologies for TKA, while operating room time and discharge status were similar. These are important findings in ever-evolving healthcare systems that are increasingly cost conscious and cognizant of principles associated with value-based care.

Racial disparities in the utilization and outcomes of robotic bariatric surgery: an 8-year analysis of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program data.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery utilization has been increasing across surgical specialties; however, racial disparities in patient access to care and outcomes have been reported. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined racial disparities in the utilization and outcomes of robotic bariatric surgery over an 8-year period. SETTING: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) centers of excellence across the United States. METHODS: The MBSAQIP database was used to identify adult patients who underwent robotic bariatric surgery between 2015 and 2022. Patients were stratified according to race and ethnicity into non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black or African American (AA), Indigenous, Asian, and Hispanic patients. Multivariable analyses were used to assess predictors of robotic surgery use, odds of minor and major complications, prolonged length of stay (prolonged length of stay (pLOS): ≥3 days), readmissions, reoperations, and mortality within 30 days. RESULTS: Out of 1,288,359 patients included, robotic surgery was utilized in 196,314 patients (15.2%), with a mean age of 44 ± 12 years and 80.6% females. Rates of robotic surgery increased to 30% by 2022. Compared to White patients, Black/AA patients were more likely to undergo robotic surgery (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21-1.24, P < .001). The safety of robotic bariatric surgery improved for both White and Black patients with decreased odds of major complications, readmissions, reoperations, and pLOS over the study period. However, Black/AA patients were more likely to experience minor and major complications, readmissions and have pLOS compared with White patients in 2022 (aOR:1.26, 95% CI:1.19-1.34, P < .001; aOR:1.22, 95% CI:1.06-1.41, P = .006; aOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.28-1.62, P < .001; aOR:2.26, 95% CI:2.06-2.47, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The utilization of robotic bariatric surgery has increased significantly over the past 8 years with continued improvements in its safety profile. While Black/AA patients have improved access to robotic surgery, their clinical outcomes continue to be worse than those of White patients. Efforts to address racial disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes must remain a priority to achieve health equity.

Closed-chest robotic mitral repair using a semi-rigid ring inserted through a trocar.

There are several types of annuloplasty devices for mitral repair. We present a totally-thoracoscopic robotic mitral repair using a new semi-rigid ring with a nitinol core that makes it malleable so that it can be inserted through a trocar. This technique combines the advantages of semi-rigid rings and a totally-thoracoscopic approach, which may further expand this approach to other aetiologies.

Trans Oral Robotic Surgery for HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Follow-Up on Oncological and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers (OPSCC) is less explored, especially regarding long-term outcomes and prognostic factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study on 37 patients with HPV-negative OPSCC treated with TORS with a median follow-up of 3 years, assessing survival outcomes using Kaplan-Meyer statistics and swallowing function via the functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS). Histopathological parameters were collected either from medical records or histology slides were re-evaluated. RESULTS: Patients demonstrated high disease-specific survival (DSS) but lower overall survival (OS), with a cohort characterized by high comorbidity rates. Vascular invasion was a significant adverse factor for relapse-free survival (RFS) and OS, while lymphatic invasion was not. Most patients demonstrated significant preservation of swallowing function. CONCLUSIONS: TORS for HPV-negative OPSCC demonstrates high DSS and preserved swallowing function. Vascular invasion is a key prognostic factor for survival outcomes.