Mechanical Viability and Functionality Assessment of a New Sutureless Endoluminal Microvascular Device: A Preliminary In Vivo Rabbit Study.

Our group has developed a new nitinol endoluminal self-expandable device for microvascular anastomosis. It attaches to each vessel ending with opposite directed microspikes and reaches complete expansion at body temperature, using the nitinol shape memory capacity. The main purpose of this first in vivo trial is to evaluate the mechanical viability of the device and its immediate and early functionality. A recuperation study with seven New Zealand White rabbits was designed. A 1.96 mm outer diameter prototype of the new device was placed on the right femoral artery of each rabbit. Each anastomosis was reassessed on the seventh postoperative day to reevaluate the device function. The average anastomosis time with the new device was 18 min and 45 seg (±0.3 seg). It could be easily placed in all the cases with an average of 1.14 (1) complementary stitches needed to achieve a sealed anastomosis. Patency test was positive for all the cases on the immediate assessment. On the 1 week revision surgery, patency test was negative for the seven rabbits due to blood clot formation inside the device. The new device that we have developed is simple to use and shows correct immediate functionality. On the early assessment, the presence of a foreign body in the endoluminal space caused blood clot formation. We speculate that a heparin eluting version of the device could avoid thrombosis formation. We consider that the results obtained can be valuable for other endoluminal sutureless devices.

Biliopancreatic limb obstruction after one-anastomosis gastric bypass; a very rare and fatal event: A case report and literature review.

The biliopancreatic limb (BPL) obstruction occurrence after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has not been well described in the literature. A 65-year-old female with a history of OAGB surgery presented with acute weight loss and abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed a bezoar in the duodenal diverticulum obstructing the small bowel. An urgent laparoscopic intervention was performed to remove the bezoar and alleviate the obstruction. The patient experienced postoperative complications, including gastrostomy drainage and subsequent biliobezoar migration. additional surgeries were required to address these complications. This is a rare condition, and it is usually seen in patients with predisposing factors like DM, previous surgery, and duodenal diverticulum. CT scan study is the useful diagnostic modality, and laparoscopic intervention is the choice treatment; this case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing bezoars as a potential complication following bariatric surgery.

Reasons for reduced reproduction after colectomy in women with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVES: Colectomy and subsequent bowel reconstruction in women with ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with decreased fertility, this survey aims to investigate possible reasons for this. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women with UC aged 18-44 years at colectomy 2000-2020 were identified and data were retrieved from the Swedish inflammatory bowel disease register (SWIBREG). Additional information was obtained using a study-specific questionnaire. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 214 (72.8%) out of 294 eligible women. Mean age at disease onset was 22.9 years (standard deviation 0.5). No reconstruction was made in 67 (31.3%) women, whereof 24 (35.8%) had a completion proctectomy. Reconstruction was performed with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in 66 (30.8%) women and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) in 81 (37.9%). Included women had on average 1.67 children (95% confidence interval 1.53-1.81) at the end of follow-up. The desire to have children was negatively affected by disease onset (59.4%), colectomy (44.9%) and reconstruction (36.7%). Altogether, 39.4% estimated that they had fewer children and 9.5% restrained completely from having children because of the disease. Difficulties to conceive were reported by 36.5% including 18.9% who expressed that they could not conceive at all. Difficulties to conceive was more common after reconstruction with IPAA (Odds Ratio [OR] 5.54) than IRA (OR 2.57). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of women with UC and colectomy expressed that the disease affected their desire to have children, more often limiting the number of children than completely refraining. For childless patients, difficulties to conceive was more common than voluntary childlessness.

The effect of rewarming ischemia on tissue transcriptome and metabolome signatures: a clinical observational study in lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In lung transplantation (LuTx), various ischemic phases exist, yet the rewarming ischemia time (RIT) during implantation has often been overlooked. During RIT, lungs are deflated and exposed to the body temperature in the recipient's chest cavity. Our prior clinical findings demonstrated that prolonged RIT increases the risk of primary graft dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms of rewarming ischemic injury in this context remain unexplored. We aimed to characterize the rewarming ischemia phase during LuTx by measuring organ temperature and comparing transcriptome and metabolome profiles in tissue obtained at the end versus the start of implantation. METHODS: In a clinical observational study, 34 double-LuTx with ice preservation were analyzed. Lung core and surface temperature (n=65 and 55 lungs) was measured during implantation. Biopsies (n=59 lungs) were wedged from right middle lobe and left lingula at start and end of implantation. Tissue transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling were performed. RESULTS: Temperature increased rapidly during implantation, reaching core/surface temperatures of 21.5°C/25.4°C within 30min. Transcriptomics showed increased pro-inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress at the end of implantation. Upregulation of NLRP3 and NFKB1 correlated with RIT. Metabolomics indicated elevated levels of amino acids, hypoxanthine, uric acid, cysteineglutathione disulfide alongside decreased levels of glucose and carnitines. Arginine, tyrosine, and 1-carboxyethylleucine showed correlation with incremental RIT. CONCLUSIONS: The final rewarming ischemia phase in LuTx involves rapid organ rewarming, accompanied by transcriptomic and metabolomic changes indicating pro-inflammatory signaling and disturbed cell metabolism. Limiting implantation time and lung cooling represent potential interventions to alleviate rewarming ischemic injury.

Postoperative Morbidity Outcomes Associated With Superficial Temporal Versus Cervical Vessels as Recipient Vessels in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the surgical outcomes of head and neck reconstruction via free flap surgery, with neck vessels versus superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were systematically searched via the following keywords: ("superficial temporal" OR "temporal") AND ("free flap" OR "free tissue transfer") AND ("head and neck" OR "face"). The following data were extracted: first author, publication year, flap type, reconstruction region, concordant vein graft, recipient vessel, and postoperative complications, including thrombosis, partial necrosis, and flap failure. The recipient vessels were divided into two groups: the superficial temporal artery (STA)/V group and the neck group. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty-five studies that met the inclusion criteria were included and reviewed systematically for a meta-analysis. Compared with the neck vessel group, the STA/V vessel group had a significantly greater risk of flap failure (odds ratio: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.32-3.60; p = 0.002), with low heterogeneity (p = 0.84; I2 = 0%). However, there were no significant differences in the rates of thrombosis or partial necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the use of neck vessels, the use of STA/V vessels as recipient vessels for head and neck reconstruction could increase the risk of total flap necrosis. Considering these findings, surgeons should exercise caution when selecting the STV as the recipient site, and as some authors have suggested, proximal dissection may be necessary during surgery.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei DG® after ileostomy closure in restorative proctocolectomy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial (microbiota and immune microenvironment in pouchitis -MEP1).

Pouchitis is an idiopathic inflammatory disease that may occur in ileal pouches, and it can lead to ileal pouch failure. This was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that assessed the effect of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) DG®, a probiotic strain, on the ileal pouch mucosa to determine the crosstalk between microbiota and mucosal immune system. Fifty-two patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy were recruited and randomly assigned to receive a daily oral supplementation of L. casei DG® (n = 26) or placebo (n = 26) for 8 weeks from the ileostomy closure (T0) to a pouch endoscopy after 8 weeks (T1) and 1 year (T2). Ileal pouch mucosa samples were collected at T0, T1, and T2. At T1, the L. casei DG®-supplemented group showed a significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines levels compared to T0 baseline levels in the pouch mucosa, whereas in the placebo group cytokines levels resulted stable. In conclusion, probiotic manipulation of mucosal microbiota by L. casei DG®-supplementation after stoma closure in patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy has a beneficial impact on the ileal pouch microenvironment. Registration number: NCT03136419 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

One anastomosis gastric bypass in a patient with situs inversus totalis and severe obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a widespread health concern, and bariatric surgery has shown promise as an effective treatment for addressing this issue. The increasing global prevalence of obesity has led to a rise in the occurrence of obesity alongside rare conditions such as situs inversus totalis (SIT). One of the most effective bariatric surgeries, one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), has gained popularity in recent years. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We report a successful case of OAGB in a patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 51.48 kg/m2 and SIT. DISCUSSION: It is worth noting that in skilled hands, OAGB can be both effective and safe for patients with anatomical abnormalities like SIT.

Contemporary Marking Technique of End-to-Side Venous Anastomosis with Internal Jugular Vein in Head and Neck Free Flap Cases: An Experience of 200 Cases.

Background: Microvascular free tissue transfer is a popular option for reconstruction of the head and neck defects following tumor ablation. Many factors are involved in the achievement of a satisfactory outcome, namely, adequate selection of the donor flap and recipient vessels, proficient anastomosis technique and postoperative care including flap monitoring. Preferential use of end-to-side anastomosis to the internal jugular vein in head and neck reconstruction offers various advantages and has consistently yielded outstanding results. Purpose: Presented is a series of 200 consecutive cases at one institution over 1 year. Method: In our institution, the internal jugular vein (IJV) has had the first priority in the selection of a recipient vein in free-flap head and neck reconstruction. An end-to-side anastomosis with the internal jugular vein has several advantages. Results: We have devised a simple technique of marking the point of anastomosis with a needle prick at two points taking the diameter of pedicle vein to aid in identification of point of anastomosis. Conclusion: This method is very reliable to ascertain the suitable lie of the pedicle vein. The diameter of the lumen for anastomosis is maintained. We had a success rate of 100% with all the cases we applied this technique on.

The safety profile of one-anastomosis gastric bypass compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program analysis.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)-endorsed bariatric surgery. As utilization of OAGB increases, it is important that the safety profile of OAGB be rigorously assessed. OBJECTIVES: We studied the 30-day safety of OAGB compared to a similar gastro-jejunal anastomotic procedure, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). SETTING: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) participating bariatric centers in the United States. METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted of patients who underwent primary gastric bypass surgery 2021-2022, identified in the MBSAQIP database. Each patient who underwent OAGB was matched to 4 controls who underwent RYGB on age (±10), sex, race, body mass index (BMI) (±5 kg/m2), preoperative functional status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and 13 comorbidities. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1569 patients who underwent OAGB were matched to 6276 controls. Matched baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Operative time, length of stay (LOS), and overall complication rate were lower in the OAGB cohort (P < .001) with higher 30-day BMI loss percentage (P = .048). Specifically, OAGB was associated with a significantly lower bowel obstruction rate, as compared to RYGB (.1% versus 1.0%, P < .001). On logistic regression adjusting for all variables used in matching, OAGB was associated with a 27% decrease in overall complication rate (odds ratio [OR] .73, 95% confidence interval [CI] .62-.87, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although OAGB is minimally utilized, the 30-day safety profile appears favorable. As compared to RYGB, OAGB was associated with shorter operative time and LOS, and a lower complication rate, partially due to minimization of small bowel obstructions with a loop anatomy. Further evidence in the comparative long-term safety profile is still needed.

Proposal of classification and terminology of interventional endoscopic ultrasonography/endosonography.

Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography/endosongraphy (I-EUS) procedures have rapidly evolved since their introduction three decades ago; however, the classification and terminology for these procedures remain unstandardized. To address this, the Subcommittee for Terminology of I-EUS in the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society was established to define classifications and a glossary of I-EUS terms. They categorized I-EUS procedures into five types based on purpose and method: (i) EUS-guided sampling; (ii) EUS-guided through-the-needle examination; (iii) EUS-guided drainage/anastomosis (EUS-D/A); (iv) trans-endosonographically/EUS-guided created route (ESCR) procedures; and (v) EUS-guided delivery. EUS-guided sampling includes tissue acquisition and fluid sampling, classified by needle type into fine needle aspiration and fine needle biopsy. Through-the-needle examinations include imaging, measurements, and biopsies. EUS-D/A includes organ drainage/anastomosis, fluid collection drainage, and digestive tract anastomosis. In the EUS-D/A route, "anastomosis" is used for organ-to-organ procedures, whereas "tract" is for fluid drainage. ESCR is a newly proposed term for procedures via anastomosis or tract, such as endoscopic necrosectomy and EUS-guided antegrade stenting. The term "trans-luminal drainage/anastomosis stent" is used for stents that maintain the ESCR rather than treating strictures. EUS-guided delivery involves the delivery of substances, such as fluids, drugs, medical devices, and energy. This proposed categorization and terminology aimed to clarify I-EUS procedures and will require updates as new techniques and concepts emerge.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery: a comprehensive survey-based analysis of ERABS actual clinical implementation in Italian bariatric centers.

The escalating global prevalence of bariatric procedures necessitates an enhanced focus on optimizing perioperative care for improved patient outcomes. This study focuses on the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery (ERABS) protocols in Italian bariatric centers to optimize perioperative care. An online survey comprising 19 items was conducted in October 2023, targeting managing surgeons in 139 registered bariatric centers. This survey explored geographic and center-type variations, knowledge, and application of ERABS protocols, along with perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative practices. Statistical analysis employed included one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Responses from 72 centers (51.8%) revealed a strong awareness of ERABS protocols among managing surgeons. Adherence rates varied geographically (46.3-63%) and among center types (60.8-56.3%). Perioperative practices, including the abandonment of antibiotics for perioperative prophylaxis by 77.5% of surgeons and the adoption of the TAP block technique in 69% of centers, aligned well with ERABS recommendations. However, inconsistencies were noted in abdominal drain usage (61.5% after SG; 70.5% after RYGB/OAGB), with a substantial percentage not adhering to ERABS guidelines. Intraoperative habits generally adhered to ERABS protocols, yet preferences for certain tests, particularly the methylene blue test (70.4%), deviated. Postoperative practices displayed positive trends, with early reintroduction of oral feeding (71.8%) and opioid-free pain management (71.8%). Variations existed in discharge timing and patient monitoring, indicating areas for further improvement. This study offers a comprehensive snapshot of ERABS protocol adherence in Italy, emphasizing the positive trend toward optimizing recovery and reducing patient stress. Despite variations, a majority of centers demonstrated commitment to ERABS principles. Ongoing education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nationwide dialogue are essential for standardizing ERABS protocols and advancing bariatric-metabolic surgery outcomes in Italy.

Total removal of anaplastic meningioma infiltrating an artery by performing an A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis.

Background: Meningiomas are histologically benign tumors and generally have a good prognosis. However, some are classified as high-grade meningiomas due to their strong invasion of surrounding tissues and high postoperative recurrence rates, resulting in a poor prognosis. Postoperative radiotherapy is often administered for the most malignant anaplastic meningiomas; however, its contribution to improving prognosis and reducing recurrence rates in patients with residual tumors is limited. Case Description: We present here a 48-year-old man with an anaplastic meningioma that recurred repeatedly and had invaded the right anterior cerebral artery (ACA) despite two postoperative radiotherapy sessions. Dissecting the tumor from the blood vessels was extremely difficult and would only have achieved a partial resection. However, we achieved complete resection by performing a pericallosal artery-pericallosal artery (A3-A3) side-to-side anastomosis and excising the infiltrated blood vessels along with the tumor en bloc. No neurological deficits or complications, such as cerebral infarction, were detected postoperatively. Conclusion: Although reports of performing an A3-A3 side-to-side anastomosis to enable complete resection of tumors invading the ACA are extremely rare worldwide, this procedure should be recognized as a safe and effective treatment option when complete tumor resection is strongly desired, as in the present patient.

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.

Tubular adenoma at the hepatico-jejunal anastomosis in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) following pancreaticoduodenectomy: challenges in adenoma surveillance and management.

Upper gastrointestinal tumors, including ampullary adenomas, occur frequently in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Guidelines recommend upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in FAP for surveillance of gastric and duodenal adenomas. However, adenomas can rarely arise from biliary epithelium in patients with FAP. Here, we describe a case of tubular adenoma at the hepatico-jejunal anastomosis with intraductal extension in a patient with FAP and previous pancreaticoduodenectomy. This report illustrates a unique case and emphasizes the need for data on postoperative surveillance in patients with FAP, particularly following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

National Trends in the Creation of Diverting Ileostomy at the Time of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Adults With Ulcerative Colitis.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of diverting ileostomy in adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is unclear. This study uses a novel approach with population-level data to identify patients with diverting ileostomy at the time of IPAA and determine the impact of diverting ileostomy on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Using the International Business Machines (IBM) MarketScan® database, adults (18-64 years old) with a diagnosis of UC who underwent IPAA between 2000 and 2019 were examined. Patients were assigned to the diverting ileostomy (DI) cohort or no-DI cohort based on the presence of an ostomy closure code in the 1-year following their IPAA. Rates of ileostomy formation and readmissions were quantified and outcomes between cohorts compared. RESULTS: There were 540 patients in the no-DI and 2494 in the DI cohort. There were regional differences in the rate of ostomy creation, but the overall rate of ostomy creation remained stable across years. Patients with no-DI vs DI had a longer index length of stay (LOS) (7 vs 6 days, P = .001). Adverse postoperative outcomes did not differ between cohorts. Diversion did not independently affect the likelihood of a 30-day readmission, and since 2000, readmission rates have declined for all IPAA patients. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to capture population-level data on the effect of diversion at the time of IPAA for adult UC patients. This study demonstrates that the rate of fecal diversion at the time of IPAA has remained stable over time, but readmission rates have declined.

Twisted Troubles: A Rare Case of Intestinal Obstruction Due to Endometriosis and a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intestinal endometriosis is an exceptionally rare cause of intestinal obstruction. This case report and literature review aim to highlight the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and surgical management of this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 50-year-old female patient who presented diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a distended abdomen, and an absence of intestinal transit for gas and faeces. Initial symptoms included flatulence and constipation, which gradually worsened for two months prior to the patient's hospital admission, leading to acute intestinal obstruction. Diagnostic investigations, including blood tests, ultrasound (USG), X-ray, and a contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) scan, revealed significant small bowel dilatation and an ileal volvulus. The patient underwent urgent hydro-electrolytic and metabolic rebalancing followed by a median laparotomy surgical procedure. Intraoperative findings included a distended small intestine and an obstructive ileal volvulus, and required an 8 cm segmental enterectomy and terminal ileostomy. RESULTS: Postoperative recovery was slow but favourable, with a gradual digestive tolerance. Histopathological examination of the resected ileum revealed intestinal endometriosis characterized by a fibro-conjunctive reaction and nonspecific chronic active inflammation. Five months later, the patient underwent a successful reversal of the ileostomy with a mechanical lateral anastomosis of the cecum and ileum, resulting in a favourable postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the importance of considering intestinal endometriosis in women presenting with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and highlights the need for timely surgical intervention and careful postoperative management. Further research is required to better understand the pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies for intestinal endometriosis.

Neurosurgical Microvascular Anastomosis: Systematic Review of the Existing Simulators and Proposal of a New Training Classification System.

BACKGROUND: The literature lacks a combined analysis of neurosurgical microvascular anastomosis training models. We performed a systematic literature search to provide an overview of the existing models and proposed a classification system based on the level of simulation and reproducibility of the microvascular anastomosis. METHODS: The systematic literature search followed the PRISMA guidelines. We consulted MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, and EMBASE independently for papers about bypass training models. Every training model was analyzed according to six tasks supposed to esteem their fidelity to the real operative setting by using a scoring system from zero to two. Finally, authors classified the models into five classes, from A to E, by summing the individual scores. RESULTS: This study included 109 papers for analysis. Training models were grouped into synthetic tubes, ex vivo models (animal vessels, fresh human cadavers, human placentas) and in vivo simulators (live animals-rats, rabbits, pigs). By applying the proposed classification system, live animals and placentas obtained the highest scores, falling into class A (excellent simulators). Human cadavers and animal vessels (ex vivo) were categorized in class B (good simulators), followed by synthetic tubes (class C, reasonable simulators). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed classification system helps the neurosurgeon to analyze the available training models for microvascular anastomosis critically, and to choose the most appropriate one according to the skills they need to improve.

Robotic Rectosigmoid Resection with Totally Intracorporeal Colorectal Anastomosis (TICA) for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Case Series and Description of the Technique.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with ovarian cancer relapse within 2 years. Prospective randomized trials, such as DESKTOP III and SOC-I, have shown the role of secondary cytoreduction in improving oncological outcomes in selected patients, when complete tumor resection is achieved. Recent retrospective series suggest that minimally invasive surgery is a feasible option in oligometastatic recurrences, such as rectal ones. METHODS: Five patients with an isolated rectal recurrence infiltrating the bowel wall underwent a robotic rectosigmoid resection with totally intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis. The procedure began with retroperitoneal access to manage the vascular structures, followed by visceral resection with a minimally invasive approach. The standard steps of an en-bloc pelvic resection, including intracorporeal end-to-end anastomosis, were performed. The treatment data were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54 years, and their mean body mass index was 30. All patients had at least one previous abdominal surgery and 60% had high-grade serous ovarian cancer at their initial diagnosis. Their mean platinum-free interval was 17.4 months. Complete secondary cytoreduction was achieved in all cases, with histopathology confirming bowel infiltration. The mean procedure duration was 294 min, with an estimated blood loss of 180 mL. No intraoperative complications occurred. The mean hospital stay was 8 days. One patient had a grade 2 postoperative complication. The mean follow-up period was 14 months, with only one patient experiencing a recurrence at the level of the abdominal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic rectosigmoid resection is a viable option for complete cytoreduction in isolated recurrent ovarian cancer.

Case series of genital lymphaticovenous anastomosis for genital lymphatic vesicles.

BACKGROUND: The management of lymphatic vesicles is challenging. This study aimed to clarify the lymphatic flow around the genitals and assess the effect of genital lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) on lymphatic vesicles. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 34 patients who underwent lymphatic vesicle resection and LVA. In patients with genital lymphedema, 2 types of lymphatic inflow existed around the genital area; from the lower extremities (type 1) and from the buttocks (type 2). Lymphoscintigraphy was performed to detect type 1 lymphatics injecting isotope into the first interdigital area. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was performed to detect type 2 lymphatics injecting ICG into the ischial tuberosity. Lymphatic vesicles were resected, and LVA was performed on the legs and/or genitals. Postoperative recurrence rate of lymphatic vesicles and the frequency of cellulitis were evaluated. RESULTS: Type 1 lymphatics were observed in 38.2% of the patients. ICG lymphography showed a linear inflow to the genitals in 40.9% and dermal backflow inflow in 24.2%. Both type 1 and 2 lymphatic vessels were observed in 10 patients (29.4%). Genital LVA was performed in 31 patients and lower extremity LVA was performed in 15 patients. The average follow-up period was 332 days, and recurrence was observed in 8 (25.8%) of 31 patients who underwent total resection. The average number of cellulitis episodes decreased significantly from 2.8 times before surgery to 0.31 times after surgery (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: LVA in the genital area and lower limbs was effective in preventing postoperative recurrence of lymphatic vesicles after resection.

Rectal stenosis after circular mechanical anastomosis; the influence of stapler size.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of benign anastomotic stenosis (BAS) after radical surgery for rectal cancer ranges from 2 to 30%. There are few data regarding the factors related to its occurrence. One of these factors is the diameter of the circular mechanical staplers (CMS) used. METHODS: Observational study with prospective data recording of consecutive patients with non-disseminated rectal cancer operated on at two hospitals with special dedication to rectal cancer. Patients underwent low anterior resection (LAR) of the rectum with colorectal anastomosis created using CMS of diameters of either 28-29 or 31-33 mm. The primary endpoint was BAS. Secondary variables were demographic and patient-dependent data, and preoperative, intraoperative, immediate postoperative and mid-term data. The incidence of BAS was compared in the groups in which the different stapler diameters were used. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2022, 239 patients were included. BAS was recorded in 39 (16.3%). In the analysis of factors related to its occurrence, the only significant variable was stapler diameter (p = 0.002, 95% CI 7.27-23.53), since rates of BAS were lower in the 31-33 mm group. Similarly, in the logistic regression analysis, stapler size was not associated with postoperative complications or anastomotic dehiscence (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2-10.5). Comparing stapler groups, BAS was detected in 35 of 165 patients (21%) in the 28-29 mm group but in only four out of 74 (5.6%) in the 31-33 mm group (p = 0.002, 95% CI 7.27-23.53). Ileostomy closure took longer and was less frequent in the 28-29 mm group. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of BAS after LAR was not negligible, since it was recorded in 39 of 239 patients (16.3%). The use of a 31-33 mm CMS was associated with a lower incidence of BAS. Therefore, the use of larger staplers is tentatively recommended; however, clinical trials are now required to confirm these results.