Skill Transfer from Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy to the Hugo™ RAS System: A Novel Proficiency Score to Assess Surgical Quality during the Learning Curve.

Background/Objectives: The absence of validated tools to assess the skill transfer from laparoscopy to robotic surgery remains an unsolved issue in the context of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). We aimed to describe and validate a novel proficiency score to critically evaluate the surgical quality of RAPN with the Hugo™ RAS System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Methods: Between October 2022 and September 2023, 27 consecutive patients underwent off-clamp RAPN for localized renal tumors at our institution. To analyze the learning curve (LC), the cohort was chronologically divided into two phases of 6 months each. Proficiency was defined as the achievement of trifecta while maintaining a comparable intraoperative time in the interquartile range of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed by the same surgeon. A logistic binary regression model was built to identify predictors of proficiency achievement. Results: A proficiency score was achieved in 14 patients (74.1%). At univariable analysis, number of consecutive procedures > 12 (OR 13.7; 95%CI 2.05-21.1, p = 0.007), pathological tumor size (OR 0.92; 95%CI 0.89-0.99, p = 0.04) and essential blood hypertension (OR 0.16; 95%CI 0.03-0.82, p = 0.02) were found to be predictors of proficiency score. At multivariable analysis, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, number of consecutive procedures > 12 (OR 8.1; 95%CI 1.44-14.6, p = 0.03) was the only independent predictor of proficiency score achievement. Conclusions: Our results showed that the skills of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon are transferrable to the novel Hugo™ RAS System in the context of nephron-sparing surgery. Improved surgical quality may be expected after completing the first 12 consecutive procedures.

Trifecta Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Using the New Hugo™ RAS System Versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy.

(1) Background: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is still performed in many referred urological institutions, representing a valid alternative to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). We aimed to compare trifecta outcomes of LPN and RAPN with the Hugo™ RAS System. (2) Methods: Between October 2022 and September 2023, eighty-nine patients underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (group A, RAPN = 27; group B, Laparoscopic PN = 62) for localized renal tumors at our Institution. Continuous variables were presented as median and IQR and compared by means of the Mann-Whitney U test, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies (%) and compared by means of the χ2 test. (3) Results: Group A showed a higher rate of male patients (81.5% vs. 59.7%, p = 0.04) and a higher trend towards larger clinical tumor size (34 vs. 29 mm, p = 0.14). All the other baseline variables were comparable between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Regarding post-operative data, group A displayed a lower operative time (92 vs. 149.5 min, p = 0.005) and a shorter hospital stay (3 vs. 5, p = 0.002). A higher rate of malignant pathology was evidenced in group A (77.8% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.07) as well as a lower trend towards positive surgical margins (3.7% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.82), even if not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: The rate of trifecta achievement was 92.6% and 82.3% for group A and B (p = 0.10), respectively. In terms of trifecta outcomes, RAPN using the Hugo™ RAS System showed comparable results to LPN performed by the same experienced surgeon.

Robot-Assisted Renal Surgery with the New Hugo Ras System: Trocar Placement and Docking Settings.

The current literature relating to the novel HugoTM RAS System lacks consistent data concerning the bedside features of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). To describe the trocar placement and docking settings for RAPN with a three-arm configuration to streamline the procedure with HugoTM RAS, between October 2022 and April 2023, twenty-five consecutive off-clamp RAPNs for renal tumors with the HugoTM RAS System were performed. We conceived a trouble-free three-arm setting to ease and standardize RAPN trocar placement and docking settings with HugoTM RAS. Perioperative data were collected. Post-operative complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The eGFR was calculated according to the CKD-EPI formula. Continuous variables were presented as the median and IQR, while frequencies were reported as categorical variables. Off-clamp RAPNs were successfully performed in all cases without the need for conversion or additional port placement. The median age and BMI were 69 years (IQR, 60-73) and 27.3 kg/m2 (IQR, 25.7-28.1), respectively. The median tumor size and R.E.N.A.L. score were 32.5 mm (IQR, 26-43.7) and 6 (IQR, 5-7), respectively. Two patients were affected by cT2 renal tumors. The median docking and console time were 5 (IQR, 5-6) and 90 min (IQR, 68-135.75 min), respectively, with slightly progressive improvements in the docking time achieved. No intraoperative complications occurred alongside clashes between instruments or with the bed assistant. In experienced hands, this simplified three-instrument configuration of the HugoTM RAS System for off-clamp RAPN resulted in feasible and safe practice, providing patient-tailored trocar placement and docking with non-inferior peri-perioperative outcomes to other robotic platforms.

State of the Art in Robotic Surgery with Hugo RAS System: Feasibility, Safety and Clinical Applications.

Since its introduction in the early 2000s, robotic surgery has represented a significative innovation within a minimally invasive surgery approach. A variety of robotic platforms have been made available throughout the years, and the outcomes related to those platforms have been described in the literature for many types of surgeries. Medtronic's HugoTM RAS system is one of the newest robotic generations launched, but because of its recent placing on the field, comprehensive clinical data are still lacking. The aim of the present state of the art is to address the current literature concerning the use of the HugoTM RAS robot in order to report its feasibility, safety and clinical applications in different surgical branches. Two reviewers independently conducted a search on the "PubMed" electronic database, using the keywords "Hugo" and "Hugo RAS". After the initial screening of 35 results, a total of 15 articles concerning the Hugo RAS system were selected for the review, including both oncological and benign surgery. Patients' demographic and baseline data were compared including, when available, docking system times, complications and oncological outcomes in the fields of urologic, gynecologic and general surgery. With reference to urological procedures, a total of 156 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies, 10 robot-assisted partial nephrectomies, and 5 robot-assisted adrenalectomies were performed, involving a total of 171 patients. The surgical branch in which the Hugo system found its major application was urology, which was followed by gynecology and general surgery. The Hugo RAS system by Medtronic represents an innovative and safe surgical platform, with excellent perspective for the future and different clinical applications in many surgical branches. More studies are needed to validate the safety and results from this new robotic platform.

Clinical Outcomes Comparison of Combined Small Incision Lenticule Extraction with Collagen Cross-Linking Versus Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Only.

Purpose: To evaluate clinical outcome during 24 months follow-up between small incision lenticule extraction combined with cross-linking (SMILE Xtra) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) only. Setting. Ophthalmology Division of San Rossore Medical Center, Pisa, Italy. Design: Retrospective comparative case series. Methods: The study comprised 70 eyes (35 patients); 40 eyes were corrected using SMILE and 30 eyes were corrected using SMILE Xtra using a low energy protocol. The outcomes were compared at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results: The mean spherical equivalent (SEQ) reduced from -7.18 ± 1.21 D to -0.01 ± 0.09 D in the SMILE group and from -6.20 ± 2.99 D to -0.04 ± 0.1 D postoperatively in SMILE Xtra (p < 0.05). At 24 months the mean SEQs were -0.01 ± 0.24 D for SMILE and -0.15 ± 0.33 D for SMILE Xtra (p > 0.05). At 1, 6, 12, and 24 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the SMILE and SMILE Xtra groups in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), safety, and efficacy index (p > 0.05). The mean average keratometry (K-avg) at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery did not shown any statistically significant difference between SMILE and SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). The mean maximum keratometry (K-max) readings at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months were not statistically significant between SMILE and SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). The preoperative mean thinnest point pachymetry (TTP) was 543.90 ± 22.85 µm in the SMILE group and 523.40 ± 37.01 µm in the SMILE Xtra group (p < 0.05). At 1, 6, 12, and 24 months the mean TTP was not statistically significant between the SMILE and SMILE Xtra groups (p > 0.05). At 24 months, the TTP was 408.29 ± 38.75 µm for the SMILE group and 402.22 ± 37 µm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). In the preoperative period, the mean maximum posterior elevation (MPE) was 8.63 ± 4.35 µm for SMILE and 8.13 ± 2.54 µm for SMILE Xtra (p > 0.05). After the surgical procedure, both groups showed a statistically significant increase of the MPE (p < 0.05). At 24 months, the MPE was 11.00 ± 4.72 µm for SMILE Xtra and 10.14 ± 3.85 µm for the SMILE group (p > 0.05). In the preoperative period, the means of the root mean square (RMS) of high-order aberration (HOA) were 0.08 ± 0.03 µm for the SMILE group and 0.08 ± 0.03 µm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). At 24 months, the RMS of HOA was 0.13 ± 0.07 µm for the SMILE group and 0.14 ± 0.07 µm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). In the preoperative period, the root mean square of coma aberration (RMS-Coma) aberration was 0.06 ± 0.09 µm for the SMILE group and 0.04 ± 0.03 µm for the SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). At 24 months, the coma aberration of SMILE group was 0.12 ± 0.21 µm and 0.16 ± 0.25 µm for SMILE Xtra group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: SMILE Xtra procedure is a safe and simple procedure that can be offered to patients with high corneal ectasia risk because there were no differences in the indices of ectasia compared to the group treated only with SMILE which has a low corneal ectatic risk.

Bifocal refractive corneal inlay implantation to improve near vision in emmetropic presbyopic patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Flexivue Microlens corneal inlay for the improvement of near vision in emmetropic presbyopic patients. SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, Misericordia e Dolce Hospital, Prato, Italy. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Corneal inlay implantation was performed in nondominant eyes using a 150 kHz femtosecond laser (iFS). Refraction, uncorrected (UNVA) and corrected (CNVA) near visual acuities, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, slitlamp evaluation, wavefront aberrometry, photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, endothelial cell density, and central corneal thickness measurements were assessed preoperatively and at each postoperative visit. RESULTS: The study evaluated 81 eyes. In 26 eyes, the mean preoperative UNVA and UDVA were 0.76 logMAR and 0.00 logMAR, respectively, compared with 0.10 logMAR and 0.15 logMAR, respectively, 36 months postoperatively. Sixteen (62%) of 26 treated eyes lost more than 1 line of UDVA, and 5 (19%) lost more than 2 lines of UDVA. Two eyes (8%) lost more than 1 line of CDVA at 36 months. The mean binocular UDVA was 0.00 logMAR preoperatively and 0.02 logMAR at 36 months. The mean spherical aberration increased after surgery. Statistically significant differences in the mean mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivities at higher spatial frequencies were found between treated eyes and nontreated eyes. Explantation was performed in 6 treated eyes because of halos, glare, and a reduced UDVA. CONCLUSION: The corneal inlay might be a safe and effective method of improving UNVA in emmetropic presbyopic patients. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Fantozzi is a member of the Presbia medical advisory board. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Corneal ray tracing versus simulated keratometry for estimating corneal power changes after excimer laser surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the refractive changes induced by excimer laser surgery can be accurately measured by corneal ray tracing performed by a combined rotating Scheimpflug camera-Placido-disk corneal topographer (Sirius). SETTING: Private practices. DESIGN: Evaluation of diagnostic test. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study comprised patients who had myopic or hyperopic excimer laser refractive surgery. Preoperatively and postoperatively, 2 corneal power measurements--simulated keratometry (K) and mean pupil power--were obtained. The mean pupil power was the corneal power calculated over the entrance pupil by ray tracing through the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using Snell's law. Agreement between the refractive and corneal power change was analyzed according to Bland and Altman. Regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate agreement between measurements. RESULTS: The study evaluated 72 eyes (54 patients). The difference between the postoperative and preoperative simulated K values underestimated the refractive change after myopic correction and overestimated it after hyperopic correction. Agreement between simulated K changes and refractive changes was poor, especially for higher amounts of correction. A proportional bias was detected (r = -0.77; P<.0001), and the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were -0.15 -0.14 × ±0.62 diopters (D). The difference between the postoperative and preoperative mean pupil power showed an excellent correlation with the refractive change (r(2) = 0.98). The mean pupil power did not overestimate or underestimate the refractive change. The 95% LoA ranged between -0.97 D and +0.56 D. CONCLUSION: Corneal ray tracing accurately measured corneal power changes after excimer laser refractive surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Dr. Calossi is consultant to Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici. Dr. Carones is consultant to Wavelight Laser Technologie AG. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Morphologic study of the cornea by in vivo confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography after bifocal refractive corneal inlay implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biocompatibility of the Flexivue Microlens intracorneal inlay based on healing of corneal wounds and analysis of corneal structural features using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, Misericordia e Dolce Hospital, Prato, Italy. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: The intracorneal inlay was inserted in a stromal pocket created in the nondominant eye of emmetropic presbyopic patients using a femtosecond laser. In vivo confocal microscopy and AS-OCT examinations were performed preoperatively and 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 7.6 months. In the early postoperative period, IVCM showed intense cellular activity in the stroma around the inlay, edema, inflammation, and degenerative material deposition but normal regularity after 12 months. Anterior segment OCT showed a regular planar shape of the corneal pocket in all eyes. The mean of the side-cut angles was 30.7 degrees. The mean difference between the measured and planned pocket depth was 9.77 µm. At 1 month, hyperreflective areas beneath the inlay and microfolds were observed in 21 of the 52 eyes. After 12 months, the anterior segment profile was regular and interface pocket reflectivity decreased over time. Six patients had inlay removal postoperatively (3 before 6 months; 3 before 12 months); after removal, IVCM and AS-OCT showed clear corneas without signs of irregularity. CONCLUSION: In vivo confocal microscopy and AS-OCT analysis showed that the inlay elicited a low-level wound-healing response in its immediate vicinity with no alteration in the corneal structures. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. M. Fantozzi is a member of the Presbia medical advisory board. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.