New horizons in gynecological surgery: first-year experience with HUGO™ robotic-assisted surgery system at two tertiary referral robotic centers.

The HUGO™ robotic-assisted surgery system (RAS, Medtronic, CA) consists of a 3D open console, four independent carts, and an integrated laparoscopic and robotic tower. Approved in 2021, it represents a novel alternative platform for robotic procedures. The aim of our study is to report the first-year experience with this system for gynecological procedures at two tertiary referral robotic centers. We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed data from patients underwent gynecological robot-assisted surgery with the HUGO™ RAS, at San Paolo University Hospital (Milan, Italy), and Onze Lieve Vrouw (OLV) Hospital (Aalst, Belgium), March 2022-April 2023. Demographic characteristics, intraoperative settings, and perioperative outcomes were investigated. A total of 32 procedures were performed: 20 (62.5%) hysterectomies, 7 (21.9%) adnexal surgeries, and 5 (15.6%) pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries. In 2022 and 2023, 13 (40.6%) and 19 (59.4%) procedures were carried out, respectively. The median docking time was 8 min (IQR 5.8-11.5). The median console and skin-to-skin time was 52.5 min (IQR 33.8-94.2) and 108.5 min (IQR 81.5-157.2), respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred. Two conversions to laparoscopy managed without any additional complications were needed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first global series of gynecological procedures performed with the HUGO™ RAS. Our preliminary findings showed the system's feasibility reporting promising results. The observed upward trend in the total number of procedures during the analyzed period is encouraging. Further studies are needed to assess a standardized method in the gynecological field with the novel platform.

Insights from telesurgery expert conference on recent clinical experience and current status of remote surgery.

Remote surgery provides opportunity for enhanced surgical capabilities, wider healthcare reach, and potentially improved patient outcomes. The network reliability is the foundation of successful implementation of telesurgery. It relies on a robust, high-speed communication network, with ultra-low latency. Significant lag has been shown to endanger precision and safety. Furthermore, the full-fledged adoption of telerobotics demands careful consideration of ethical challenges too. A deep insight into these issues has been investigated during the first Telesurgery Consensus Conference that took place in Orlando, Florida, USA, on the 3rd and 4th of February, 2024. During the Conference, the state of the art of remote surgery has been reported from robotic systems displaying telesurgery potential. The Hinotori, a robotic-assisted surgery platform developed by Medicaroid, experienced remote surgery as pre-clinical testing only; the Edge Medical Company, Shenzen, China, reported more than one hundred animal and 30 live human surgeries; the KanGuo reported human telesurgical cases performed with distances more than 3000 km; the Microport, China, collected more than 100 human operations at a distance up to 5000 km. Though, several issues-cybersecurity, data privacy, technical malfunctions - are yet to be addressed before a successful telesurgery implementation. Expanding the discussion to encompass ethical, financial, regulatory, and legal considerations is essential too. The Telesurgery collaborative community is working together to address and establish the best practices in the field.

Perceived usefulness of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship in the rehabilitation journey of people with urinary incontinence: A mixed-method study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite various studies on the impact of incontinence on patients' lives, the existing literature has not investigated the contribution of nursing care during rehabilitation in terms of quality of life. Fewer data, therefore, exist on the characteristics and perceived impact of the therapeutic relationship as part of the rehabilitation program. AIMS: To investigate the characteristics of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship and its impact throughout the rehabilitation program; to describe the levels of patient burden on everyday activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A monocentric, retrospective, multimethod descriptive study was conducted in the nurse-led continence clinic of a major teaching hospital in Northern Italy. A phenomenological approach with semistructured interviews was adopted after 6 weeks of rehabilitation, following the method of phenomenological enquiry by Giorgi. The short form 12 questionnaire was administered upon admission of patients to the clinic, after 6 weeks, and during the last consultation to investigate the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on daily activities and physical and psychological quality of life. RESULTS: Ninety-one adult patients of both genders presenting for nonneurogenic nonpostpartum UI were consecutively enrolled. Physical scores (PCS-12) and MCS-12 scores significantly increased over time. Psychological scores showed great variability upon admission, which was reduced halfway through the rehabilitation program. The thematic analysis highlighted four categories based on data saturation: the impact of UI on daily activities, strategies to face the problem, feelings, and the role of nurses. CONCLUSIONS: This mixed-method investigation suggests the importance of therapeutic nursing relationships, clinical expertise, and rehabilitative skills. Quality of life is arguably related to the positive results of the rehabilitation program but also to the environment, patients perceive in terms of support, honesty, and trust.

The use of Versius CMR for pelvic surgery: a multicentric analysis of surgical setup and early outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Versius CMR is a novel robotic system characterized by an open surgical console and independent bedside units. The system has potentials of flexibility and versatility, and has been used in urological, gynecological, and general surgical procedure. The aim is to depict a comprehensive analysis of the Versius system for pelvic surgery. METHODS: This is a study involving two Institutions, ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo, Milan, and Apuane Hospital, Massa, Italy. All interventions performed in the pelvic area with the Versius were included. Data about indications, intra-, and post-operative course were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 171 interventions were performed with the Versius. Forty-two of them involved pelvic procedures. Twenty-two had an oncological indication (localized prostate cancer), the remaining had a non-oncological or functional purpose. The mostly performed pelvic procedure was radical prostatectomy (22) followed by annexectomy (9). No intra-operative complication nor conversion to other approaches occurred. A Clavien II complication and one Clavien IIIb were reported. Malfunctioning/alarms requiring a power cycle of the system occurred in 2 different cases. An adjustment in trocar placement according to patients' height was required in 2 patients undergoing prostatectomy, in which the trocar was moved caudally. In two cases, a pelvic prolapse was repaired concomitant with other gynecological procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic surgery with the Versius is feasible without major complications; either dissection and reconstructive steps could be accomplished, provided a proper OR setup and trocar placement are pursued. Versius can be easily adopted by surgeons of different disciplines and backgrounds; a further multi-specialty implementation is presumed and long-term oncological and functional outcomes are awaited.

A comparative analysis of the HUGOTM robot-assisted surgery system and the Da Vinci® Xi surgical system for robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse treatment.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the outcomes of Robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) performed using the novel HUGOTM Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS) System with the Da Vinci® Xi surgical system. METHODS: Data from 38 women undergoing RASC for a ≥ 2-grade pelvic organ prolapse were collected (2021-2023). RESULTS: Overall, 23 (60.5%) and 15 (39.5%) procedures were performed using the DaVinci® Xi and the HUGOTM RAS system, respectively. The median total operative time was 123 (IQR:106.5-140.5) minutes for the DaVinci® Xi versus 120 (IQR:120-146) minutes for the HUGOTM RAS cases (p = 0.5). No conversion to open/laparoscopic surgery, perioperative complications, or system failures occurred. No differences were recorded according to day of catheter removal and length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first worldwide comparison of RASC executed using the HUGOTM RAS versus the Da Vinci® Xi System. Our data suggest that RASC might be performed with both robotic platforms with similar perioperative outcomes.

Robotic multiple sigmoid and rectal mucosa skinning in a multicentric deep infiltrating bowel endometriotic nodules: a case report.

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The eradication of non-gynecological localizations represents the real surgical challenge. A 29-year-old woman underwent robotic surgery with the Da Vinci system (Intuitive Surgical Inc.) for a diagnosis of stage IV deep endometriosis. The patient presented with 5 cm left ovarian endometrioma, an infiltration of the left posterior parametrium, and bilateral ureteral endometriosis. Once inside the pelvic cavity, deep intestinal infiltrating endometriosis implants were confirmed as triple, multicentric, and multifocal lesions, affected distal sigmoid, rectosigmoid junction, and upper rectum. An expert multiple excision, sparing the intestinal mucosa, was performed. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a multiple robotic shaving of multicentric endometriotic intestinal lesions. After the surgery, a normal diet was quickly restored, accelerating the recovery of the physiological peristalsis and the overall recovery time.

Multimodular robotic systems (Hugo RAS and Versius CMR) for pelvic surgery: tasks and perspectives from the bed-side assistant.

The Hugo RAS and Versius are new robotic systems with a multimodular configuration, requiring a dedicated positioning of units, arms and trocars. While promising flexibility and multiquadrant opportunities-with an enhanced range of motion-the presence of multiple units around the patient should be effectively managed by the assistant and requires a new background of tasks. The article represents a practical guide while providing an overview on assistants' perspectives.

Prior Robotic Console Expertise May Improve Basic Skills at the New Hugo RAS Simulator: Results from a Cohort Trial and Implications for Skill Transference Across Platforms.

Background: Robot-assisted surgery ensures minimal invasiveness; since the expiry of the Da Vinci patent, new robotic systems have entered the market. Recently, the Hugo RAS received CE approval for several surgical procedures. However, more is needed to know about skill acquisition at the new simulator. Objective: This study aims to analyse the factors impacting basic surgical skills at the Hugo RAS simulator. Design setting and participants: We present a cross-sectional study involving 71 participants of different backgrounds invited to a hands-on session with the Hugo RAS simulator voluntarily. All of them had no prior expertise with the system. Participants were recruited among medical/nurse students, residents, and laparoscopic and robotic surgeons. Intervention: All participants underwent a hands-on "pick and place" exercise at the Hugo RAS simulator; the metrics of a second-round pick and place exercise were recorded. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Metrics were analysed with regard to the following variables: demographics, videogame use, and prior surgical experience (no surgical expertise, experience with laparoscopy, and experience with robotic console). Results and limitations: All participants completed the test. Of them, 77.5% were naïve to surgery, 8.5% had prior laparoscopic expertise, and 14.1% had prior robotic console experience. The time to complete the pick and place exercise was significantly lower (p < 0.001) among prior robotic surgeons (38 s, interquartile range [IQR] 34-45) compared with both naïve participants (61 s, IQR 53-71) and laparoscopists (93 s, IQR 53-162). The overall score of the exercise decreased with age (p = 0.046); however, the overall scores were significantly and steadily higher among surgeons experienced in robotic consoles across all age groups (p = 0.006). Neither gender (p = 0.7) nor videogame use (p = 0.9) correlated significantly with the metrics. Conclusions: This is the first study analysing factors impacting basic skill acquisition at a new robotic simulator. Experience with robotic consoles may represent a major factor, raising the hypothesis of the transferability of basic robotic skills across different robotic systems. Further studies are required to explore this issue. Patient summary: In the present study, we analysed which characteristics may affect the basic surgical skills at a novel robotic platform.

First case of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction with the Hugo RAS system: step-by-step surgical setup and technique.

Robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is a standard option for the treatment of bladder cancer. Currently, novel platforms are entering the market and the Hugo RAS (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a new system consisting of an open console with 3D-HD screen and a multi-modular fashion. Even if several series are already available for radical prostatectomy, to now a full description of RARC performed with Hugo RAS is still lacking. We report the first case of RARC with intracorporeal neobladder performed with the Hugo RAS-and another case of RARC with ureterostomy. Both patients were affected by MIBC. Case 1 was a 61-year-old patient without comorbidities (CCI 4), in which a Bordeaux ileal neobladder was scheduled after previous NAC. The second was the case of a 70-year-old one with CCI 7 and BMI 35; in this case, a ureterostomy was planned. Details of the robotic system: one 11 mm endoscope port was placed on the midline 2 cm above the umbilicus. Another two 8 mm robotic ports were symmetrically placed under vision on a transversal line-located 1 cm below the umbilicus. A third robotic port was positioned on the left side in a W configuration. All ports were located at least 9 cm between each other. Finally, two assistant ports were positioned in the right abdominal site. All arm-carts were parked 45-60 cm from the operative bed, before the docking process begins. Three arm-carts were parked on the left side, the assistant and the scrub nurse worked on the right side, while the energy tower stayed at the foot of the bed, according to the previous description of Hugo RAS robotic radical prostatectomy. The endoscope arm-cart is docked first, then the adjacent left carts are docked; finally, the surgeon's right-hand cart is docked from the right side of the bed. The docking angles and tilt we applied were: endoscope: 175°; minus 45°; surgeon left hand 140°; minus 30°; surgeon right hand 225°; minus 30°; fourth arm 125°; plus 15°. The instruments we used were those fitting our conventional four-instrument setup for RARC: monopolar shears, Maryland forceps, needle driver and Cadiere as the fourth arm. The procedures were completed without technical errors or technological failures-requiring a change in surgical strategy. Docking time was approximately 35 min; console time up to urethral dissection was 150 and 140 min in Case 1 and 2. The time for pelvic nodal dissection was approximately 37 min for both. The multi-modularity fashion of the Hugo RAS allowed an easy management of the bowel in Case 1; the absence of robotic staplers required the use of the laparoscopic ones, managed by an adjunctive assistant with room within the cart. In conclusion, RARC with the Hugo RAS is a feasible procedure able to reproduce all surgical steps without critical errors or complications requiring a change in surgical planning. Urinary diversion with intracorporeal reconstruction is feasible as well, with adequate preliminary outcomes.

Corrigendum to "Rectal Perforation During Pelvic Surgery" [Eur Urol Open Sci 44 (2022) 54-59].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2022.04.006.].

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: A Single-Center Experience and a Narrative Review of Recent Evidence.

Radical cystectomy represents one of the most challenging surgical procedures, exhibiting a high morbidity rate. The transition to minimally invasive surgery in the field has been steep, due to either the technical complexity and prior concerns of atypical recurrences and/or peritoneal spread. More recently, a larger series of RCTs has proven the oncological safety of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Beyond survival outcomes, the comparison between RARC and open surgery in terms of peri-operative morbidity is still ongoing. We present a single-center experience of RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion. Overall, 50% of patients had an intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction. The series confirms a low rate of complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ IIIa 7.5%) and wound infections (2.5%) and the absence of thromboembolic events. No atypical recurrences were found. To discuss these outcomes, we reviewed the literature related to RARC including level-1 evidence. PubMed and Web of Science searches were performed using the medical subject terms "robotic radical cystectomy" and "randomized controlled trial (RCT)". Six unique RCTs comparing robot and open surgery were found. Two clinical trials dealt with RARC with an intracorporeal reconstruction of UD. Pertinent clinical outcomes are summarized and discussed. In conclusion, RARC is a complex but feasible procedure. The transition from extracorporeal urinary diversion (UD) to a complete intracorporeal reconstruction could be the key to improving peri-operative outcomes and reducing the whole morbidity of the procedure.

Impact of hands-on practice with HugoRAS and Versius System simulators on the attractiveness of robotic surgery among medical and nurse undergraduate students.

The scenario of robotic surgery is rapidly evolving with the introduction of new robotic systems. A structured learning program in robotic surgery during academic education is often lacking, especially for undergraduates; as a result, many students may be unaware of indications to robotic surgery and technological progress. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge and interest toward robotic surgery of medical and nurse students, and to analyze how the attractiveness may change after a hand-on training course with new simulators of Hugo RAS and Versius System. We performed a cross-sectional study involving medical and nurse students recruited on a voluntary basis at ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo, Milan; participants were invited to join a hands-on practice simulation with the Hugo RAS and/or Versius Trainer Simulator. Before the hand-on exercise, students were asked to fulfill an online anonymous questionnaire addressing knowledge and interest toward robotic surgery. After a 2-h hands-on exercises at the Hugo RAS and/or at the Versius Trainer simulator (preceded by a brief lecture on robotic surgery and new systems), participants were asked to complete a second-round questionnaire to evaluate changes in attractiveness toward robotic surgery. Data were recorded in a database; after a descriptive analysis of the variables, median values were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test, frequencies with the Fisher's exact test and in the case of paired observations (before and after the simulation), the Mc Nemar test was used. Forty-one undergraduates agreed to participate. Twenty-three nursing students and 18 medical students were recruited. Some of them had a basic knowledge in robotic surgery and were able to figure out some surgical indications, given the presence of a robotic program already settled up at the institution. Before the hands-on course, 44.0% nurse students and 36.6% of medical students were interested in surgical disciplines and robotic surgery. After the simulation, all students (100%) reported a high level of interest in robotic surgery and some of them required for a dedicated internship (p < 0.001). The students provided also feedback on the perceived ease-of-use of the robotic simulators (on a scale 0-10); overall, the median score was 8, IQR [7-8], with no differences between nursing and medical students (p = 0.482). In conclusion, the study demonstrates a great interest toward robotic surgery as a part of medical and nurse education. A hands-on simulation further improved the interest of undergraduates from both backgrounds. The technological progress with the availability of new surgical systems will be the future challenge of training programs and should be considered at all levels of education.

Reproducibility of a modified posterior reconstruction during robotic intracorporeal neobladder reconfiguration

ABSTRACT Objective: Robotic intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction is a complex procedure in which the approximation of the reservoir to the urethral stump can be a demanding step. The aim of the study is to evaluate the reproducibility of a modified posterior reconstruction (PR) during the reconfiguration of intracorporeal neobladder after robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Materials and Methods: From July 2021 to July 2022, 35 RARC were performed, and 17 patients underwent intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction. A PR was planned in males (14). Intra- and peri-operative data were collected. Surgical technique: RARC and node dissection are performed. Afterwards, 40-cm ileal segment is isolated; the portion with the more adequate mesenteric length is brought down to the pelvis. A modified PR is performed with a double-armed barbed suture: a first layer connects the Denonvillier's fascia to the rhabdosphincter in a running fashion; the second layer is created with the other arm and approximates the posterior side of the ileal segment towards the urethral stump. In the anterior caudal part of the ileum, a 1.5-cm incision is made to realize the neobladder neck; the neovesical-urethral anastomosis is performed with a second bidirectional suture. Results: Anastomotic and PR time were 14 (range 7-20) and 5 minutes (4-8), respectively. A single Clavien IIIa complication was recorded in a patient who underwent NAC and had a C. albicans superinfection in the post-operative course. All patients were discharged with complete or acceptable bladder voiding. Twelve patients with follow-up >90-days reported a satisfying daytime continence. Conclusions: PR represents a simple technical refinement that improves neobladder-urethral anastomosis by favoring ileal approximation to the urethral stump and decreasing anastomotic tension.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pelvic pain: A scoping review of treatment protocols, practical indications, and caveats.

BACKGROUND: Neuromodulation (NM) is a family of therapies based on electrical stimulation to target specific nerves that control LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) and pain. The aim is to modulate what is happening within the nervous system to achieve therapeutic effects. A particular type of neuromodulation, called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), has proven effective for treating pelvic pain. The available evidence provides indications regarding the many aspects of TENS that influence therapeutic effects, but a comprehensive review has yet to be conducted. METHODS: Scoping review on Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, including clinical trials, reviews, case studies or series, and other descriptive studies, according to the Joanna Briggs and PRISMA methodology. RESULTS: The 31 papers retrieved allowed the formulation of precise indications about the DOs and DON'Ts of electrode placement, waveform, pulse duration, pulse frequency, amplitude, session duration, and frequency of sessions. This paper also discusses the biochemical and neuro urological mechanisms of TENS. CONCLUSION: TENS effectiveness is influenced by many factors, some self-evident, others subtle, which this paper elucidates. Pelvic pain requires a multimodal approach, of which TENS is just a part. TENS should therefore be viewed as one of the components of the rehabilitation program in the frame of thorough and continuous patient assessment.

Reproducibility of a modified posterior reconstruction during robotic intracorporeal neobladder reconfiguration.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction is a complex procedure in which the approximation of the reservoir to the urethral stump can be a demanding step. The aim of the study is to evaluate the reproducibility of a modified posterior reconstruction (PR) during the reconfiguration of intracorporeal neobladder after robot assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2021 to July 2022, 35 RARC were performed, and 17 patients underwent intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction. A PR was planned in males (14). Intra- and peri-operative data were collected. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: RARC and node dissection are performed. Afterwards, 40-cm ileal segment is isolated; the portion with the more adequate mesenteric length is brought down to the pelvis. A modified PR is performed with a double-armed barbed suture: a first layer connects the Denonvillier's fascia to the rhabdosphincter in a running fashion; the second layer is created with the other arm and approximates the posterior side of the ileal segment towards the urethral stump. In the anterior caudal part of the ileum, a 1.5-cm incision is made to realize the neobladder neck; the neovesical-urethral anastomosis is performed with a second bidirectional suture. RESULTS: Anastomotic and PR time were 14 (range 7-20) and 5 minutes (4-8), respectively. A single Clavien IIIa complication was recorded in a patient who underwent NAC and had a C. albicans superinfection in the post-operative course. All patients were discharged with complete or acceptable bladder voiding. Twelve patients with follow-up >90-days reported a satisfying daytime continence. CONCLUSIONS: PR represents a simple technical refinement that improves neobladder-urethral anastomosis by favoring ileal approximation to the urethral stump and decreasing anastomotic tension.