Right Colectomy with Intracorporeal Anastomosis: A European Multicenter Propensity Score Matching Retrospective Study of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Procedures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic (RRC-IA) versus laparoscopic (LRC-IA) right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis based on a large European multicentric cohort of patients with nonmetastatic right colon cancer. METHODS: Elective curative-intent RRC-IA and LRC-IA performed between 2014 and 2020 were selected from the MERCY Study Group database. The two PSM-groups were compared for operative and postoperative outcomes, and survival rates. RESULTS: Initially, 596 patients were selected, including 194 RRC-IA and 402 LRC-IA patients. After PSM, 298 patients (149 per group) were compared. There was no statistically significant difference between RRC-IA and LRC-IA in terms of operative time, intraoperative complication rate, conversion to open surgery, postoperative morbidity (19.5% in RRC-IA vs. 26.8% in LRC-IA; p = 0.17), or 5-yr survival (80.5% for RRC-IA and 74.7% for LRC-IA; p = 0.94). R0 resection was obtained in all patients, and > 12 lymph nodes were harvested in 92.3% of patients, without group-related differences. RRC-IA procedures were associated with a significantly higher use of indocyanine green fluorescence than LRC-IA (36.9% vs. 14.1%; OR: 3.56; 95%CI 2.02-6.29; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the present analyses, there is no statistically significant difference between RRC-IA and LRC-IA performed for right colon cancer in terms of short- and long-term outcomes.

Impact of operation duration on postoperative outcomes of minimally-invasive right colectomy.

AIM: Operation time (OT) is a key operational factor influencing surgical outcomes. The present study aimed to analyse whether OT impacts on short-term outcomes of minimally-invasive right colectomies by assessing the role of surgical approach (robotic [RRC] or laparoscopic right colectomy [LRC]), and type of ileocolic anastomosis (i.e., intracorporal [IA] or extra-corporal anastomosis [EA]). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the Minimally-invasivE surgery for oncological Right ColectomY (MERCY) Study Group database, which included adult patients with nonmetastatic right colon adenocarcinoma operated on by oncological RRC or LRC between January 2014 and December 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 1549 patients who were divided into three groups according to the OT quartiles: (1) First quartile, <135 min (n = 386); (2) Second and third quartiles, 135-199 min (n = 731); and (3) Fourth quartile ≥200 min (n = 432). The majority (62.7%) were LRC-EA, followed by LRC-IA (24.3%), RRC-IA (11.1%), and RRC-EA (1.9%). Independent predictors of an OT ≥ 200 min included male gender, age, obesity, diabetes, use of indocyanine green fluorescence, and IA confection. An OT ≥ 200 min was significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative noninfective complications (AOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.15-2.13; p = 0.004), whereas the surgical approach and the type of anastomosis had no impact on postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Prolonged OT is independently associated with increased odds of postoperative noninfective complications in oncological minimally-invasive right colectomy.

Does conversion during minimally invasive rectal surgery for cancer have an impact on short-term and oncologic outcomes? Results of a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive rectal surgery (MIRS) for cancer provides better recovery for similar oncologic outcomes over open approach, conversion is still required in 10% and its impact on short-term and long-term outcomes remains unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of conversion on postoperative and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing MIRS for cancer. METHODS: From June 2011 to March 2020, we reviewed 257 minimally invasive rectal resections for cancer recorded in a prospectively maintained database, with 192 robotic and 65 laparoscopic approaches. Patients who required conversion to open (Conversion group) were compared to those who did not have conversion (No conversion group) in terms of short-term, histologic, and oncologic outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors for postoperative morbidity were performed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (7%) required conversion. The conversion rate was significantly higher in the laparoscopic approach than in the robotic approach (16.9% vs 3.6%, p < 0.01). Among the 4 reactive conversions, 3 (75%) were required during robotic resections. Patients in the Conversion group had a higher morbidity rate (83.3% vs 43.1%, p = 0.01) and more severe complications (38.9%, vs 18.8%, p = 0.041). Male sex [HR = 2.46, 95%CI (1.41-4.26)], total mesorectal excision [HR = 2.89, 95%CI (1.57-5.320)], and conversion (HR = 4.87, 95%CI [1.34-17.73]) were independently associated with a higher risk of overall 30-day morbidity. R1 resections were more frequent in the Conversion group (22.2% vs 5.4%, p = 0.023) without differences in the overall (82.7 ± 7.0 months vs 79.4 ± 3.3 months, p = 0.448) and disease-free survivals (49.0 ± 8.6 months vs 70.2 ± 4.1 months, p = 0.362). CONCLUSION: Conversion to laparotomy during MIRS for cancer was associated with poorer postoperative results without impairing oncologic outcomes. The high frequency of reactive conversion due to intraoperative complications in robotic resections confirmed that MIRS for cancer is a technically challenging procedure.

Value of Neurostimulation Plus Laryngeal Palpation to Predict Postoperative Vocal Fold Motility.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of intraoperative neuromonitoring through recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation and simultaneous laryngeal palpation (NSLP) in predicting postoperative vocal cord palsy and in providing useful information in the decision to perform a staged surgery in initially planned total thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed involving 552 patients for whom a total thyroidectomy was planned. In all patients, preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy was performed. The incidence of vocal cord palsy was calculated on 1104 nerves at risk. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of NSLP were 0.9411 and 0.9925 respectively. The positive predictive value was 0.7804, the negative predictive value was 0.9981, the false positive rate was 0.8%. In 41 patients (7.4%) the initial surgical strategy was changed into a staged procedure. Nine patients (21.9%) were false positive, 32 patients (78.1%) were true positive. Finally, a two-stage thyroidectomy was performed in 27 of 41 patients. CONCLUSIONS: High sensitivity and specificity confirm the validity of NSLP in predicting postoperative vocal cord palsy and in driving a possible staged thyroidectomy, both in benign thyroid disease and in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Laparoscopic versus robotic right colectomy with extra-corporeal or intra-corporeal anastomosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) versus robotic right colectomy (RRC) using homogeneous subgroup analyses for extra-corporeal anastomosis (EA) and intra-corporeal anastomosis (IA). METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 2020 for prospective or retrospective studies comparing LRC versus RRC on at least one short- or long-term outcome. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay (LOS). The secondary outcomes included operative and pathological results, survival, and total costs. LRC and RRC were compared using three homogeneous subgroups: without distinction by the type of anastomosis, EA only, and IA only. Pooled data analyses were performed using mean difference (MD) and random effects model. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of 448 studies were selected. The included patients were 21,397 for the LRC group and 2796 for the RRC group. Regardless for the type of anastomosis, RRC showed shorter LOS, lower blood loss, lower conversion rate, shorter time to flatus, and lower overall complication rate compared with LRC, but longer operative time and higher total costs. In the EA subgroup, RRC showed similar LOS, longer operative time, and higher costs compared with LRC, the other outcomes being similar. In the IA subgroup, RRC showed shorter LOS and longer operative time compared with LRC, with no difference for the remaining outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most included articles are retrospective, providing low-quality evidence and limiting conclusions. The more frequent use of the IA seems to explain the advantages of RRC over LRC.

What are the risk factors of failure of enhanced recovery after right colectomy? Results of a prospective study on 140 consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting is the main cause of failure of enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) after right hemicolectomy. METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2018, all patients undergoing right hemicolectomy were prospectively included. Patients undergoing emergency surgery, additional complex procedure or temporary stoma, nasogastric tube (NGT) maintenance, or abdominal drainage were excluded. Failure of ERP was defined as nausea/vomiting precluding oral feeding after POD3 and/or the occurrence of postoperative ileus requiring NGT and/or length of stay (LOS) ≥ 8 days except for patients awaiting admission in rehabilitation unit. Risk factors of failure of ERP were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 306 patients undergoing right hemicolectomy, 140 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Postoperative morbidity was 31%, and the mortality rate was nil. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (range 2-30). Successful ERP was achieved in 83 patients (59%). Causes of failure were major nausea/vomiting precluding oral feeding after POD3 in 36, postoperative ileus requiring NGT in 16 and LOS ≥ 8 days in 36. On multivariate analysis, preoperative anemia (OR 5.2; CI 95%, 1.3-21.1, p = 0.02) and platelet anti-aggregant/anti-coagulant (OR 4.5; CI 95%, 1.7-12.1, p = 0.003) were associated with the risk of failure of ERP. CONCLUSION: This study shows that anemia and medication with antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy increase the risk of failure of ERP after right hemicolectomy that translates most of the time by nausea/vomiting and postoperative ileus. The presence of these factors should lead to adapt the strategy to improve outcome rather than be considered as contraindication to ERP.

Solitary splenic metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Solitary splenic metastases are a rare occurrence, and the nasopharyngeal carcinoma represents one of the most uncommon primary sources. The present study aimed to describe a rare case of a solitary single splenic metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to assess the number of cases of isolated nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastases to the spleen reported in the literature. MAIN BODY: We describe the case of a 56-year-old man with a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and complete remission after chemo-radiotherapy. Three months after complete remission, positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan revealed a hypermetabolic splenic lesion without increased metabolic activity in other areas. After laparoscopic splenectomy, the pathology report confirmed a single splenic metastasis from undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharyngeal type. The postoperative period was uneventful. We also performed a systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. All articles reporting cases of splenic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with or without histologic confirmation, were evaluated. The literature search yielded 15 relevant articles, which were very heterogeneous in their aims and methods and described only 25 cases of splenic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The present review shows that solitary splenic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma are a rare event, but it should be considered in patients presenting with splenic lesions at imaging and a history of primary or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. No evidence supports a negative impact of splenectomy in patients with solitary splenic metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Surgery for Infrarenal Retroperitoneal Node Metastases from Colon Cancer.

PURPOSE: Treatment of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases (RPN) from colon cancer (CC) is a therapeutic challenge. Available evidence supporting a curative approach is weak and uncertainties remain concerning the extent of the dissection, the optimal timing for surgery, and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. We report the outcomes of a curative intent strategy in a recent monocentric series of patients. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of all curative intent surgical treatment of RPN from CC performed consecutively in a French university hospital from June 2015 to April 2021. Demographics, clinicopathological, and molecular characteristics were evaluated. We describe recurrence-free and overall survival and factors related to recurrence. RESULTS: Records from 18 patients were reviewed. The median age was 69 years. Most of the patients were male (55%), ASA 1-2 (94%), had a left-sided primary colon cancer (73%), and had metachronous RPN (62%). Thirteen patients (72%) experienced recurrence. Recurrence was often limited to RPN (27%) or liver (22%). Four patients underwent a second surgery for RPN recurrence. Median disease-free and overall survival were 22 months and 50 months after RPN surgery. We did not find any factor associated with recurrence. Short-term recurrence (< 6 months) was associated with shorter overall survival (0.031). CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that RPN resection is feasible and associated with long survival in selected patients. Further studies evaluating the benefit of curative strategies including radical surgery for patients with potentially resectable RPN are warranted.

Contemporary Outcomes for the Curative Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Pulmonary Metastases.

PURPOSE: Treatment of pulmonary metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) is the standard of care by several guidelines from Europe and the USA, but the validity of this strategy has been recently questioned, and the available evidence supporting this strategy is weak. We report the outcomes of a curative intent strategy in a very recent and homogenous series of patients. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of all curative intent surgical or ablative treatment of PM from CRC performed consecutively in 3 French institutions from January 2015 to December 2019. Demographics, clinicopathological, and molecular characteristics were evaluated. Cox regression models were used to identify prognostic factors related to local recurrence and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Records from 152 patients were reviewed. One-hundred thirty-five patients (88%) had surgical metastasectomy. Median age was 67 years. Most of the patients had a single lesion (66%), and 16% had synchronous PM. Eighty-one patients (53%) experienced recurrence, and the thorax was the most common site of recurrence. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 35 months and 78 months after PM treatment. At the end of the study, only 17% of the patients died. Pulmonary tumor burden was correlated with disease-free survival in univariate analysis, but multivariate analysis did not find any prognostic factor independently associated with local recurrence or survival. CONCLUSION: Our finds corroborate existing recommendation for the invasive treatment of PM from CRC in selected patients.

Outcomes of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Patients With Node-positive Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Clinical trials have shown that the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is feasible for patients with cN1 breast carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed to evaluate the technical outcomes of SLNB by assessing the volume of residual nodal disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with cT1-3 cN1 breast cancer undergoing NAC from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively identified from our institutional database. We assessed the outcomes of preoperative clinical examination, ultrasonography, and other imaging to predict the axillary nodal status after NAC for patients converted to cN0 and undergoing SLNB; both adequate mapping and false-negative rate (FNR) at intraoperative evaluation of SLN were assessed. RESULTS: Overall 160 patients were included in the study; 98 were converted to cN0 and underwent SLNB. No difference was found in the adequate mapping rate nor in the mean number of SLNs retrieved compared to the residual LN burden. The intraoperative SLN FNR was 38.2%, with smaller nodal volume being associated with lower FNR (p<0.01). The positive predictive values of physical examination and imaging-based nodal assessment post-NAC were 87.1% and 68.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In a significant percentage of patients with cN1 disease converted to cN0 after NAC, it was possible to recover three or more SLNs. The residual volume of LN disease did not impact the SLN mapping rate. However, we found a high FNR for intraoperative SLN evaluation, particularly for patients with small residual nodal disease. It seems that only a small proportion of patients eligible for SLNB after NAC can be spared ALND.

Conversion to Open Surgery During Minimally Invasive Right Colectomy for Cancer: Results from a Large Multinational European Study.

Background: The risk of conversion to open surgery is inevitably present during any minimally invasive colorectal surgical procedure. Conversions have been associated with adverse postoperative and oncologic outcomes. No previous study has evaluated the specific causes and consequences of conversion during a minimally invasive right colectomy (MIS-RC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed the Minimally invasivE surgery for oncologic Right ColectomY (MERCY) study database including patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic RC because of colon cancer between 2014 and 2020. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine the different reasons for conversion. Uni- and multivariate logistic regressions were run to identify potential variables associated with this outcome. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of conversion on tumor recurrence. Results: Over a total of 1574 MIS-RC, 120 (7.6%) were converted to open surgery. The main reasons for conversion were procedural difficulties related to adherences from previous abdominal surgical procedures (39.2%), or owing to large tumor size or infiltration of adjacent structures (26.7%). Only 16.7% of the conversions were caused by intraoperative medical or surgical complications. Converted patients required longer operative times and developed more postoperative complications, both overall (39.2% versus 27.5%; P = .006) and severe ones (13.3% versus 8.3%; P = .061). Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89 [95% confidence interval: 1.31-2.71]), obesity (OR = 1.99 [1.4-2.83]), prior abdominal surgery (OR = 1.68 [1.19-2.37]), and pT4 cancers (OR = 4.04 [2.86-5.69]) were independently associated with conversion. Conversion to open surgery was not significantly associated with tumor recurrence (hazard ratios = 1.395 [0.724-2.687]). Conclusions: Although conversion to open surgery during MIS-RC for cancer is associated with worsened postoperative outcomes, it seems not to impact on the oncologic prognosis.

Effectiveness of early administration of a single dose of steroids and escin after loss of signal on electromyographic signal recovery during neuromonitored thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single early administration of dexamethasone and escin after loss of signal (LOS) during a neuromonitored total thyroidectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of results concerning consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy was performed. Patients included in the study were divided into two groups: Group 1 for which a "wait and see" strategy was used; Group 2, receiving dexamethasone and escin immediately after LOS detection. RESULTS: Overall 37 patients were included in Group 1 and 35 in Group 2. LOS recovery occurring in 29.7% of cases (n. 11) versus 65.7% (n. 23) respectively (p < 0.001). Postoperative fibrolayngoscopy for patients without LOS recovery showed normal cord function in 4 out of 26 cases (15.4%) in Group 1 and in 7 out of 12 (58.3%) in Group 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The early administration of dexamethasone and escin after LOS detection may achieve greater EMG signal recovery than a "wait and see" strategy.

Safeness of Simultaneous Colonic Resection and Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablation.

Background and Objectives: Previous reports showed an increased risk of infectious complications when liver radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is performed simultaneously to colorectal resection. The aim of this study was to compare early and long-term outcomes of simultaneous versus staged strategy. Methods: Data from colorectal cancer liver metastases consecutively treated by surgery of the primary tumor with an associated liver RFA procedure between January 1, 2010 and January 31, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: RFA performed during colorectal surgery (simultaneous) or in a different moment (staged). Patients were manually matched (1:1) to minimize influence of known covariates. Results: Seventy-two patients were included. After matching, there was no difference between the two groups in morbidity or mortality. Hospital stay was 2 days shorter in the simultaneous group. Conclusions: Early or long-term outcomes were identical between the two strategies. The simultaneous strategy was associated with a shorter duration of hospitalization although not significant. Simultaneous colorectal resection and liver RFA is safe and must be included in surgeons' armamentarium.

Unexplained neoplastic anastomotic recurrence after right hemicolectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic recurrences of the colon are postulated to arise due to inadequate margins, tumor implantation by exfoliated cells, altered biological properties of bowel anastomosis, and missed synchronous lesions. In this paper, a case of unexpected early local recurrence after surgery for colon cancer is presented. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old Caucasian man underwent right hemicolectomy for invasive G2 adenocarcinoma. Two months later, endoscopy revealed a wide and well-functioning anastomosis with a hyperemic, hard, and thickened mucosal area of about 2 cm in diameter. Biopsies showed the presence of an adenocarcinoma with the same grading of the previous lesion. Ten days later, the patient underwent a new intervention; the last 10 cm of the ileum and half of the remaining transverse colon were resected, and the patient started adjuvant therapy. Specimen examination confirmed the presence of an adenocarcinoma (G2) penetrating the muscular layer of the wall; also, in this case, resection edges were free from tumoral invasion, and the removed lymph nodes were exempt from neoplastic colonization. The patient was seen in follow-up for about 5 years, and he did not show local or systemic manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever a neoplastic recurrence on the anastomotic line occurs, in the presence of negative intestinal margins, as usual in right colectomies, the implantation of neoplastic cells could be the possible cause.

Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization versus Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy in grade III/IV hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: Grade III-IV hemorrhoids require surgical treatment. The Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MM) - still considered the gold standard - is now flanked by less invasive surgical methods such as Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorroids (PPH) and Transanal Hemorroidal Dearterialization (THD). The authors wanted to compare in a prospective, randomized trial the MM hemorrhoidectomy and the THD in the treatment of grade III-IV hemorrhoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and March 2013 they were recruited 87 patients with grade III-IV hemorrhoids. All patients did not previously undergo surgical treatment. From the time of recruitment, for a period of six months the patients evaluated the extent of the symptoms of which were suffering expressing in simple and subjective questionare how hemorrhoidal disease accounted on their social life and wellness. After six months of the 52 patients with grade III hemorrhoids 27 were randomly treated with THD and 25 with Milligan Morgan; of 37 grade IV 18 they were treated with THD and 19 with MM. It was evaluated in particular the post-operative pain recovery, the reaching the feeling of wellness (evaluated with a modified VAS scale), the presence of bleeding and soiling. The patients then underwent follow-up to at three months, one year and three years. RESULTS: Grade III-IV hemorrhoids treated with THD showed a more rapid achievement of the wellness with a lower incidence of post-operative pain and faster recovery and return to work activities and social life compared to MM cases. In grade IV hemorrhoids treated with THD or MM these objectives have been reached later compared to grade III. However in cases of grade IV hemorrhoids THD procedure resulted more difficult respect to cases of grade III and there has been an incidence of recurrence at 3 years equal to 15% of cases. In grade IV hemorrhoids treated with MM no recurrence occurred during the three-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: For grade III hemorrhoids THD technique provides the same results of MM, while for grade IV hemorrhoids we believe that better result can be achieved with MM technique. However, we deem that in cases of grade IV hemorrhoids the choice between THD and MM can be more rationally made on the basis of objective examination with the patient in the operating position and already anesthetized and therefore in complete relaxation. KEY WORDS: Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization THD, Milligan-Morgan Hemorrhoidectomy, Post-operative Pain, Hemorrhoids.

Comparison of Different Nodal Staging in Patients With Locally Advanced Mid-low Rectal Cancer After Long-term Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the ability of different lymph nodal staging systems to predict cancer recurrence in a multicenter European series of patients who underwent proctectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data on 170 consecutive patients undergoing proctectomy after neoadjuvant therapy for cT3-4 or cN+ rectal adenocarcinoma were retrieved from the European MRI and Rectal Cancer Surgery database. The prognostic role of the number of retrieved and examined nodes, nodal ratio, and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) was analyzed and compared by receiver operating characteristic curves, Pearson test, and univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: At multivariate analysis, ypN, nodal ratio, and LODDS were all significantly associated with disease-free survival, but LODDS showed the strongest association (hazard ratio(HR)=2.39; 95% confidence interval(CI)=1.05-5.48; p=0.039). CONCLUSION: LODDS appears to be a useful prognostic indicator in the prediction of disease-free survival of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and proctectomy for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Educational value of surgical videos on YouTube: quality assessment of laparoscopic appendectomy videos by senior surgeons vs. novice trainees.

Background: To prepare for surgery, surgeons often recur to surgical videos, with YouTube being reported as the preferred source. This study aimed to compare the evaluation of three surgical trainees and three senior surgeons of the 25 most viewed laparoscopic appendectomy videos listed on YouTube. Additionally, we assessed the video conformity to the published guidelines on how to report laparoscopic surgery videos (LAP-VEGaS). Methods: Based on the number of visualization, the 25 most viewed videos on laparoscopic appendectomy uploaded on YouTube between 2010 and 2018 were selected. Videos were evaluated on the surgical technical performance (GOALS score), critical view of safety (CVS), and overall video quality and utility. Results: Video image quality was poor for nine (36%) videos, good for nine (36%), and in high definition for seven (28%). Educational content (e.g., audio or written commentary) was rarely present. With the exception of the overall level of difficulty, poor consistency was observed for the GOALS domains between senior surgeons and trainees. Fifteen videos (60%) demonstrated a satisfactory CVS score (≥ 5). Concerning the overall video quality, agreement among senior surgeons was higher (Cronbach's alpha 0.897) than among trainees (Cronbach's alpha 0.731). The mean overall videos utility (Likert scale, 1 to 5) was 1.92 (SD 0.88) for senior examiners, and 3.24 (SD 1.02) for trainee examiners. The conformity to the LAP-VEGaS guidelines was weak, with a median value of 8.1% (range 5.4-18.9%). Conclusion: Laparoscopic videos represent a useful and appropriate educational tool but they are not sufficiently reviewed to obtained standard quality. A global effort should be made to improve the educational value of the uploaded surgical videos, starting from the application of the nowadays-available LAP-VEGaS guidelines.

Impact of Conversion from Laparoscopy to Open Surgery in Patients with Right Colon Cancer.

Conversion to open surgery is reported in up to 20 per cent of laparoscopic colectomies for cancer. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes and survival between converted and successful laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer. Records of patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer between 2005 and 2015 were retrieved from the CLermontFerrand Ircad Mondor Hopital European Tours (CLIMHET) database. Perioperative, postoperative, and survival outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for conversion. Overall, 445 patients underwent a successfully completed laparoscopic right colectomy and 28 (5.9%) were converted to open surgery. A higher rate of minor complications was found in the conversion group, whereas patient recovery outcomes were similar. Previous open and laparoscopic surgeries were significant predictors of conversion. No significant difference was found in overall and disease-free survival rates between converted and nonconverted procedures. In the setting of laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer, the conversion rate is low and does not have an impact on patient survival. Conversion is associated with higher rates of minor postoperative complications but recovery and survival outcomes are comparable with successful laparoscopic colectomies. The present results support the use of laparoscopy for right colon resection even in patients at risk of conversion.

Erratum to "Gastric and Rectal Metastases from Malignant Melanoma Presenting with Hypochromic Anemia and Treated with Immunotherapy".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/2079068.].

2017 WSES guidelines for the management of iatrogenic colonoscopy perforation.

Iatrogenic colonoscopy perforation (ICP) is a severe complication that can occur during both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Although 45-60% of ICPs are diagnosed by the endoscopist while performing the colonoscopy, many ICPs are not immediately recognized but are instead suspected on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms that occur after the endoscopic procedure. There are three main therapeutic options for ICPs: endoscopic repair, conservative therapy, and surgery. The therapeutic approach must vary based on the setting of the diagnosis (intra- or post-colonoscopy), the type of ICP, the characteristics and general status of the patient, the operator's level of experience, and surgical device availability. Although ICPs have been the focus of numerous publications, no guidelines have been created to standardize the management of ICPs. The aim of this article is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines for the management of ICP, which are intended to be used as a tool to promote global standards of care in case of ICP. These guidelines are not meant to substitute providers' clinical judgment for individual patients, and they may need to be modified based on the medical team's level of experience and the availability of local resources.