Suture versus tacks in minimally invasive transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: There is uncertainty regarding the method of mesh fixation and peritoneal closure during transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for inguinal hernias, with no definitive guidelines to guide surgeon choice. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane, Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs published until November 2023. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, with p values inferior to 0.10 and I2 > 25% considered significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager version 5.4 and RStudio version 4.1.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, comprising 624 patients, of whom 309 (49.5%) patients were submitted to TAPP with the use of tacks, and 315 (50.5%) received suture fixation. The use of tacker fixation was associated with a significant increase in postoperative pain at 24 h (MD 0.79 [VAS score]; 95% CI 0.38 to 1.19; p < 0.0002; I2 = 87%) and one week (MD 0.42 [VAS score]; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.79; p < 0.03, I2 = 84%). The use of tacks was associated with shorter operative time (MD-25.80 [min]; 95% - 34.31- - 17.28; P < 0.00001; I2 = 94%). No significant differences were found in overall complications, chronic pain, seromas, hematomas, and urinary retention rates. CONCLUSION: In patients who underwent TAPP hernia repair, tacks are associated with decreased operative time but increased postoperative pain at 24 h and one week.

Desarda versus Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The Lichtenstein technique is the gold standard for adult open inguinal hernia repair with mesh. The Desarda technique emerged in 2001 as a novel, promising non-mesh technique that has demonstrated low recurrence and postoperative complications. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until April 2024. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, with p-values <0.10 and I2>25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software, version 4.1.2. RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs comprising 1756 patients were included, of whom 861 (49%) were submitted to Desarda and 895 (51%) were submitted to Lichtenstein. Desarda was associated with lower seroma rates (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.35-0.89; and p = 0.014), less operative time (MD -8.6 min; 95% CI -14.5 to -2.8; and p < 0.01), lower postoperative pain on day one (MD -1.3 VAS score; 95% CI -2.3 to -0.3; p < 0.01) or chronic pain (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.12-0.88; and p = 0.028), and faster return-to-work activities (MD -2.1 days; 95% CI -3.7 to -0.6; and p < 0.01). The recurrence rate was 1.4% for Desarda versus 2.1% for Lichtenstein, with no statistical difference between techniques. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, Desarda significantly decreases seroma operative time, postoperative pain on day 1, chronic pain, and return-to-work activities.

Shouldice versus Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The Lichtenstein technique is the standard treatment for adult open inguinal hernia repair. Among the non-mesh repair techniques, Shouldice has shown the best results and is comparable to mesh repairs in selected cases. Due to the risk of chronic groin pain associated with the Lichtenstein technique, Shouldice has increased in popularity, and some surgeons have adopted it as a viable first-line option. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane, Central Register of Clinical Trials, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until February 2024. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics with p-values <0.10 and I2 > 25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using R Software, version 4.1.2. RESULTS: Fourteen RCTs comprising 2784 patients were included, of whom 1379 (47.5%) were submitted to the Shouldice hernia repair and 1513 (52.5%) to the Lichtenstein technique. Shouldice was associated with a significant increase in the recurrence rate (4.2% vs. 0.9%; RR 3.68; 95% CI 2.05-6.60; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) compared with Lichtenstein. The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one Shouldice recurrence was 30.3. There were no significant differences between groups in chronic pain, urinary retention, bladder injury, testicular atrophy, wound infection, hematoma-seroma, or hypesthesia. CONCLUSION: The Lichtenstein technique was associated with reduced recurrence rates compared with Shouldice in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. However, the overall recurrence rate with the Shouldice technique was still low (4.2%), suggesting that it may be a viable option in selected patients.

Turnbull-Cutait pull-through coloanal anastomosis versus standard coloanal anastomosis plus diverting ileostomy for low anterior resection: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: Coloanal anastomosis with loop diverting ileostomy (CAA) is an option for low anterior resection of the rectum, and Turnbull-Cutait coloanal anastomosis (TCA) regained popularity in the effort to offer patients a reconstructive option. In this context, we aimed to compare both techniques. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched for studies published until January 2024. Odds ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, with p-values inferior to 0.10 and I2 >25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was conducted in RStudio version 4.1.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Registered number CRD42024509963. RESULTS: One randomized controlled trial and nine observational studies were included, comprising 1,743 patients, of whom 899 (51.5%) were submitted to TCA and 844 (48.5%) to CAA. Most patients had rectal cancer (52.2%), followed by megacolon secondary to Chagas disease (32.5%). TCA was associated with increased colon ischemia (OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.13 to 11.14; p < 0.031; I2 = 0%). There were no differences in postoperative complications classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIb, anastomotic leak, pelvic abscess, intestinal obstruction, bleeding, permanent stoma, or anastomotic stricture. In subgroup analysis of patients with cancer, TCA was associated with a reduction in anastomotic leak (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.97 p = 0.04; I2 = 34%). CONCLUSION: TCA was associated with a decrease in anastomotic leak rate in subgroups analysis of patients with cancer.

Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the established gold standard treatment for benign gallbladder diseases. However, robotic cholecystectomy is still controversial. Therefore, we aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in LC and robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RAC) in patients with nonmalignant gallbladder conditions. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies comparing RAC to LC in patients with benign gallbladder disease. Only randomized trials and non-randomized studies with propensity score matching were included. Mean differences (MDs) were computed for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (ORs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Statistical analysis was performed using Software R, version 4.2.3. A total of 13 studies comprising 22,440 patients were included, of whom 10,758 patients (47.94%) underwent RAC. The mean age was 48.5 years and 65.2% were female. Compared with LC, RAC significantly increased operative time (MD 12.59 min; 95% CI 5.62-19.55; p < 0.01; I2 = 79%). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in hospitalization time (MD -0.18 days; 95% CI - 0.43-0.07; p = 0.07; I2 = 89%), occurrence of intraoperative complications (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.38-1.15; p = 0.14; I2 = 35%) and bile duct injury (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.64, 1.55; p = 0.97; I2 = 0%). RAC was associated with an increase in operative time compared with LC without increasing hospitalization time or the incidence of intraoperative complications. These findings suggest that RAC is a safe approach to benign gallbladder disease.

Prophylactic ureteral stent in colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: Accidental ureteric injury during colorectal surgery is a rare but dreadful event. It is associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Prophylactic placement of double J stents could improve ureteral identification and decrease the chance of accidental ureteral injury. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Web of Science for studies published until March 2024. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled with a random-effects model. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, with p-values inferior to 0.10 and I2 > 25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was conducted in RStudio version 4.4.1. RESULTS: Eleven observational studies were included, comprising 71,784 patients. Among them, 11,723 (16.4%) were submitted to a prophylactic ureteral stent while 59,961 (83.6%) were not. There was no significant difference in ureteral injury between the groups (0.66% vs 0.8%; OR 1.45; 95% CI 0.43-4.87; p = 0.552; I2 = 56%). Prophylactic stent placement was associated with an increase in AKI (1.7% vs. 0.56%; OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.24-1.91; p < 0.001; I2 = 44%), operative time (MD 24.8 min; 95% CI 4.9-44.8; p = 0.01; I2 = 91%), and a decrease in mortality (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.05-0.23; p < 0.001; I2 = 42%). No differences were observed in UTI, hematuria, length of hospital stays, and reoperation. CONCLUSION: In colorectal surgery, prophylactic ureteral stents were associated with increased AKI and operative time. No significant difference was observed in ureteral injury, UTI, hematuria, length of hospital stays, and reoperation.

The histological rarity of thyroid cancer.

UNLABELLED: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, accounting for about 1% of all cancers. Sarcomas, lymphomas and metastases to the thyroid gland are rare and only with a handful of descriptions in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe rare histological types of thyroid cancer found in a reference center. METHODS: Medical chart review from admitted patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the period from 1977 to 2010. Demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and histopathological information were collected. RESULTS: 3,018 records of patients admitted with thyroid disease were reviewed. Among the cases diagnosed with rare tumors there was a predominance of: anaplastic carcinoma: 22 cases (0.7%), followed by 11 cases of medullary carcinoma (0.36%); 2 cases of sarcoma (0.07%), 2 cases of lymphoma (0.07%) and one case of metastatic carcinoid tumor (0.03%). There were more females diagnosed (57%) as well as Caucasians (84%). The most frequent clinical presentation was a palpable thyroid nodule. All patients with lymphoma, sarcoma and anaplastic carcinoma died. CONCLUSION: Sarcomas, lymphomas and thyroid metastases are uncommon and tend to worse outcomes.

A raridade histológica no câncer da tireoide / The histological rarity of thyroid cancer

O câncer da tireoide é a neoplasia endócrina mais comum, correspondendo a cerca de 1% de todos os tipos de câncer. Sarcomas, linfomas e metástases para a glândula tireoide são raros e pouco descritos na literatura. OBJETIVO: Descrever tipos histológicos raros de câncer de tireoide em serviço de referência. MÉTODOS: Revisão de prontuários de pacientes admitidos com diagnóstico de câncer de tireoide no período de 1977 a 2010. Foram coletadas informações demográficas, diagnósticas, terapêuticas e histopatológicas. RESULTADOS: Foram revisados 3018 prontuários de pacientes admitidos com doença tireoidiana. Dos casos com diagnóstico de tumores raros, predominou o tipo histológico carcinoma anaplásico, com 22 casos (0,7%), seguido por 11 casos de carcinoma medular (0,36%), dois de sarcoma (0,07%), dois de linfoma (0,07%) e um de tumor carcinoide metastático (0,03%). Houve predomínio do gênero feminino (57%) e de caucasianos (84%). A apresentação clínica com nódulo tireoídeo palpável foi a mais frequente. Todos os casos de linfoma, sarcoma e carcinoma anaplásico evoluíram a óbito. CONCLUSÃO: Sarcomas, linfomas e metástases em tireoide são incomuns e tendem à evolução desfavorável.

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer, accounting for about 1% of all cancers. Sarcomas, lymphomas and metastases to the thyroid gland are rare and only with a handful of descriptions in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe rare histological types of thyroid cancer found in a reference center. METHODS: Medical chart review from admitted patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the period from 1977 to 2010. Demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and histopathological information were collected. RESULTS: 3,018 records of patients admitted with thyroid disease were reviewed. Among the cases diagnosed with rare tumors there was a predominance of: anaplastic carcinoma: 22 cases (0.7%), followed by 11 cases of medullary carcinoma (0.36%); 2 cases of sarcoma (0.07%), 2 cases of lymphoma (0.07%) and one case of metastatic carcinoid tumor (0.03%). There were more females diagnosed (57%) as well as Caucasians (84%). The most frequent clinical presentation was a palpable thyroid nodule. All patients with lymphoma, sarcoma and anaplastic carcinoma died. CONCLUSION: Sarcomas, lymphomas and thyroid metastases are uncommon and tend to worse outcomes.