Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection for rectal cancer: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIR) fluorescence-guided video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) for rectal cancer with inguinal lymph node metastasis (ILNM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 patients with rectal cancer who underwent ICG-NIR fluorescence-guided VEIL, assessing various parameters such as operation time, intraoperative bleeding, number of harvested lymph nodes, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up. RESULTS: Regarding surgical procedures for ILNM, unilateral surgery was performed in 7 cases (54.5%) and bilateral surgery in 4 cases (45.5%). Among these 15 ICG-NIR-guided VEIL surgeries in 11 patients, positive fluorescence visualization was achieved in 13 operations (86.7%). The median estimated blood loss was 10 ml, and the median operation time was 90 min. One case (6.7%) required conversion to open surgery. The median duration of the drain tube was 12 days, and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was 20 days. Postoperative complications were observed, including incisional infection in 2 cases (18.2%), lymphatic leakage in 5 cases (45.5%), urinary infection in 1 case (9.1%), and pneumonia in 3 cases (27.3%). Complications such as skin necrosis, lower limb venous thrombosis, lower limb swelling, or impaired movement were observed during the postoperative follow-up period. No cases of primary lesion, groin, or pelvic lymph node recurrence were observed. CONCLUSION: ICG-NIR fluorescence-guided VEIL is a safe and feasible surgical treatment for rectal cancer with ILNM. ICG fluorescence guidance holds promise as a more personalized and precise approach for VEIL in rectal cancer surgery.

[Implementation of fluorescent imaging technology in endovideosurgical treatment of colorectal endometriosis]. / Vnedrenie tekhnologii fluorestsentnoi vizualizatsii v endovideokhirurgicheskoe lechenie kolorektal'nogo endometrioza.

The article includes a clinical case of a patient with deep infiltrating endometriosis with rectum involving and using intraoperative controlled fluorescence in order to increase the radicality of surgery and improve the prognosis of the disease. Surgical excision of the endometrioitic nodules is the only effective way of treating patients with colorectal endometriosis in terms of relieving pain, improving quality of life and restoring reproductive function. The possible types of surgical interventions can be performed: endometrioid lesion shaving, discoid or circular intestinal resection with anastomosis. The extent of the operation is determined by the following morphological parameters: the number of endometrioid infiltrates of the intestinal wall, the size of each of them, the degree of involvement of the intestine circumference, the depth of the intestinal wall lesion, the distance from the level of anus to the endometriotic nodule and lymphatic dissemination.

Video versus Direct Laryngoscopy for Urgent Intubation of Newborn Infants.

BACKGROUND: Repeated attempts at endotracheal intubation are associated with increased adverse events in neonates. When clinicians view the airway directly with a laryngoscope, fewer than half of first attempts are successful. The use of a video laryngoscope, which has a camera at the tip of the blade that displays a view of the airway on a screen, has been associated with a greater percentage of successful intubations on the first attempt than the use of direct laryngoscopy in adults and children. The effect of video laryngoscopy among neonates is uncertain. METHODS: In this single-center trial, we randomly assigned neonates of any gestational age who were undergoing intubation in the delivery room or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to the video-laryngoscopy group or the direct-laryngoscopy group. Randomization was stratified according to gestational age (<32 weeks or ≥32 weeks). The primary outcome was successful intubation on the first attempt, as determined by exhaled carbon dioxide detection. RESULTS: Data were analyzed for 214 of the 226 neonates who were enrolled in the trial, 63 (29%) of whom were intubated in the delivery room and 151 (71%) in the NICU. Successful intubation on the first attempt occurred in 79 of the 107 patients (74%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 66 to 82) in the video-laryngoscopy group and in 48 of the 107 patients (45%; 95% CI, 35 to 54) in the direct-laryngoscopy group (P<0.001). The median number of attempts to achieve successful intubation was 1 (95% CI, 1 to 1) in the video-laryngoscopy group and 2 (95% CI, 1 to 2) in the direct-laryngoscopy group. The median lowest oxygen saturation during intubation was 74% (95% CI, 65 to 78) in the video-laryngoscopy group and 68% (95% CI, 62 to 74) in the direct-laryngoscopy group; the lowest heart rate was 153 beats per minute (95% CI, 148 to 158) and 148 (95% CI, 140 to 156), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among neonates undergoing urgent endotracheal intubation, video laryngoscopy resulted in a greater number of successful intubations on the first attempt than direct laryngoscopy. (Funded by the National Maternity Hospital Foundation; VODE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04994652.).

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) combined with ozonide oil dressing: standardization of technique in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Anal fistula and perianal abscess are commonly acquired anorectal pathologies in children. Surgical treatment options commonly adopted are fistulotomy, fistulectomy, cutting seton placement, and more recently video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). Optimal postoperative wound dressing remains debated. This study aimed to report our series of pediatric patients, who received VAAFT and postoperative wound dressing using ozonide oil. METHODS: All patients who underwent VAAFT between August 2018 and May 2023 were included in the study. Demographics, clinical features, pre-operative imaging, surgical details, outcome, and mid-term outcome data were retrospectively reviewed for each patient. All VAAFT procedures were performed under general anesthesia and using a 10-Ch fistuloscope. RESULTS: Thirty-three VAAFT procedures were performed in 30 patients over the study period. The median patient age was 5.7 years (range 1.75-14). Anal fistula was idiopathic in 26/30 (86.6%), iatrogenic in 2/30 (6.7%), and secondary to Crohn's disease in 2/30 (6.7%). The median duration of surgery was 23 min (range 18-40). All patients received ozonide oil dressing twice a day for 5 weeks postoperatively. The median hospital stay was 24 h (range 9-36). The median healing time was 28 days (range 17-39). With a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5-5), disease recurrence occurred in 3/30 (10%) patients with idiopathic fistula, who were re-operated using the same technique, with no further recurrence. No fecal incontinence or soiling was observed. CONCLUSION: Our series confirmed that VAAFT is a safe and effective technique to treat children with perianal fistula. The technique is versatile, allowing to treat fistulae of different etiologies. Postoperative course was painless and fast. Future comparative prospective studies are needed to better establish these conclusions.

Video-Assisted Telescope Operating Monitor 3D System in Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: A Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted telescope operating monitor (VITOM®) with 3D Visualization technology was developed and has been used with favorable results by several surgical specialties. Our study aims to be a preliminary report for initial experience using the VITOM® 3D system for microsurgical varicocelectomy on varicocele patients. METHODS: We performed 35 microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures using the VITOM® 3D system on varying types and grades of varicoceles. The surgeon had the option of using either a 2.5 or 3.5 magnifying loupe in addition to the exoscope for each operation evaluated. The exoscope is a standalone camera head with an integrated 3D telescope and remote control with zoom and focus functions. It is connected to the 3D monitor via a mechanical holding arm. During the procedure, surgeons, assistants, and observers were able to view the 3D high-definition stream displayed on a 26-inch 3D monitor at a convenient viewing angle and distance. The varicocele ligation was performed using a Carl Zeiss Meditec AG microscope. RESULTS: There were 35 patients with varicocele aged 31.51 years old on average, which were included in this report. Most patients had grade 3 bilateral varicocele (n = 13, 37.1%). All procedures were performed without any intraoperative complications. After the procedures, only a few patients suffered from postoperative complications. Three patients suffered scrotal edema (8.6%), while another had hydrocele (2.9%). The postoperative pain results were also very minimal from .89 1 day after the operation to .26 3 days after the operation. CONCLUSION: The VITOM® 3D system showed promise in microsurgical varicocelectomy.

OBJECTIVE QUANTIFICATION OF DEPTH-OF-FIELD ADVANTAGE IN 3D SURGICAL VIDEO SYSTEM FOR VITREORETINAL SURGERY: Safety and Efficacy in Macular Diseases.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate, based on objective clinical indicators, the advantages of depth of field provided by the 3D surgical video system compared with the traditional microscope during vitrectomy for treating epiretinal membranes or macular holes. METHODS: A total of 38 patients were included in this study and randomly assigned to either the 3D surgical video group or the conventional microscope group. Surgical parameters, such as the focal plane adjustment frequency, membrane peeling time, and number of attempts to peel the membrane, were recorded for each patient. In addition, patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in age, sex, operated eyes, or follow-up rates between the groups. The 3D group had significantly lower focal plane adjustment frequency in macular hole surgery and epiretinal membrane surgery. No significant differences were observed in peeling maneuvers, time, or total surgical time. Postoperative follow-up data showed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the 3D surgical video system exhibits potential advantages in depth of field. The 3D surgical video system is a safe and effective technology in vitrectomy for macular diseases.

Long-term follow-up of comparative study of open and endoscopic lymphadenectomy in patients with penile carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Penile carcinoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the penis tissue. The standard surgical method to manage regional lymph nodes after local excision is radical inguinal lymphadenectomy, but it has a high rate of complications. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term outcomes of endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy and open inguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with penile carcinoma. METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with penile carcinoma who underwent open inguinal lymphadenectomy (n = 23) or endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (n = 27) at a single hospital between January 2013 and January 2021. Operation time, blood loss, drainage, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and survival rates were assessed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of age, tumor size and stage, inguinal lymph nodes, and follow-up. The endoscopic group had significantly lower blood loss (27.1 ± 1.5 ml vs 55.0 ± 2.7 ml, P < 0.05), shorter drainage time and hospital stay (4.7 ± 1.1 days vs 8.1 ± 2.2 days, and 13.4 ± 1.0 days vs 19 ± 2.0 days, respectively, P < 0.05), and longer operation time compared to the open group (82.2 ± 4.3 min in endoscopic group vs 53.1 ± 2.2 min in open group, P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the incidence of incisional infection, necrosis, and lymphorrhagia in both groups (4 vs 0, 4 vs 0, and 2 vs 0, respectively, P < 0.05). The inguinal lymph node harvested was comparable between the two groups. The mean follow-up time was similar for both groups (60.4 ± 7.7 m vs 59.8 ± 7.3 m), and the recurrence mortality rates were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that both open and endoscopic methods work well for controlling penile carcinoma in the long term. But the endoscopic approach is better because it has fewer severe complications. So, the choice of surgery method might depend on factors like the surgeon's experience, what they like, and what resources are available.

Driver-Activated VIDeoscopic Surgery: An Innovation Journey from Idea to Industry-Ready.

Introduction: Innovation is not a straightforward path. While surgeons are intimately familiar with clinical problems and often devise clever solutions to address them, the journey from idea to a marketable product is opaque. We describe our experience developing a novel video navigation system to help streamline collaboration and enhance surgeon control of their video image in minimally invasive surgery. Materials and Methods: Our idea began with recognizing the primary clinical challenge: "one bad image for all" in laparoscopic surgery, when the least experienced member of the surgical team is often expected to hold the camera. Results: Through multiple iterations and pivots, including hardware-based solutions like head-mounted displays and individualized monitors, we arrived at a hardware-agnostic software algorithm to process laparoscopic video for real-time image navigation. As we explain why, how, and when to pivot, we provide brief overviews of protecting intellectual property and financing innovation. Finally, collaboration with professional societies, such as the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group, provides fertile testing grounds for new ideas. Conclusion: Our experience may help future surgeon-innovators go from their ideas to industry-ready.

Long term results of video-assisted anal fistula treatment for complex anal fistula: another shattered dream?

AIM: Complex anal fistula represents a burden for patients, and its management is a challenge for surgeons. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is one sphincter-sparing technique. However, data on its long-term effectiveness are scant. We aimed to explore the outcomes of VAAFT in a retrospective cohort of patients referred to a tertiary centre. METHOD: Consecutive adult patients with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up after VAAFT were reviewed. Patients were followed up to 5 years postoperatively. Failure was defined as incomplete healing of the external orifice(s) during the first 6 months. Recurrence was defined as new radiologically and/or clinically confirmed onset of the fistula after primary healing. A generalized linear model was fitted to evaluate the association between failure and sociodemographic characteristics. Predictors of recurrence were determined in a subgroup analysis of patients found to be free from disease at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, 106 patients (70% male; mean age 41 years) were reviewed. Of these 86% had a previous seton placement. Fistulas were either high trans-sphincteric (74%), suprasphincteric (12%) or extrasphincteric (13%). Eight (7%) patients experienced postoperative complications, none of which required reintervention. Mean follow-up was 53 ± 13.2 months. VAAFT failed in 14 (13%) patients. The overall recurrence rate ranged from 29% at 1 year to 63% at 5 years. Multiple external orifices, suprasphincteric fistula, younger age, previous surgery and higher complexity of the fistulous tract were independent risk factors for recurrence. CONCLUSION: VAAFT is a safe sphincter-sparing technique. The initially high success rate decreases over time and relates to a higher degree of complexity.

A pilot study on staged surgery by delta video-assisted anal fistula treatment (dVAAFT) for complex anal fistula.

Complex anal fistulas (CAF) present a challenge in achieving healing while preserving anal sphincter function. This study aims to introduce a novel staged approach for CAF treatment, combining video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), seton placement, and other staged approaches. Consecutive patients with CAF underwent the staged approach involving VAAFT and seton placement. Data on patient demographics, fistula characteristics, and operative findings were collected. Pre-operative work-up included clinical evaluation, endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical techniques and outcomes were evaluated. Eighteen patients (median age 38 years) were included. Misplacement of a previously placed seton was observed in 64% of cases. VAAFT combined with seton placement achieved simplification and healing of secondary tracts in 66% of cases. Operative times significantly decreased across interventions. At a median follow-up of 14 months, complete healing was achieved in 2 patients, with 1 patient demonstrating persistence of the fistula. Post-operative complications were observed in 11% of patients, with no deterioration in continence. The staged approach combining VAAFT, seton placement, and staged procedures offers a potential solution for treating CAF. VAAFT provides diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, simplifying the fistula anatomy and optimizing seton placement. The approach allows subsequent procedures based on individual fistula characteristics.

Long-term oncological and surgical outcomes after Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL) in patients with penile cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes from the largest multicenter series of penile cancer patients undergoing video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter analysis. Authors of 21 centers from the Penile Cancer Collaborative Coalition-Latin America (PeC-LA) were included. All centers performed the procedure following the same previously described standardized technique. Inclusion criteria included penile cancer patients with no palpable lymph nodes and intermediate/high-risk disease and those with non-fixed palpable lymph nodes less than 4 cm in diameter. Categorical variables are shown as percentages and frequencies whereas continuous variables as mean and range. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2020, 210 VEIL procedures were performed in 105 patients. Mean age was 58 (45-68) years old. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (60-120). Mean lymph node yield was 10 nodes (6-16). Complication rate was 15.7%, including severe complications in 1.9% of procedures. Lymphatic and skin complications were noted in 8.6 and 4.8% of patients, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed lymph node involvement in 26.7% of patients with non-palpable nodes. Inguinal recurrence was observed in 2.8% of patients. 10y- overall survival was 74.2% and 10-y cancer specific survival was 84.8%. CSS for pN0, pN1, pN2 and pN3 were 100%, 82.4%, 72.7% and 9.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: VEIL seems to offer appropriate long term oncological control with minimal morbidity. In the absence of non-invasive stratification measures such as dynamic sentinel node biopsy, VEIL emerged as the alternative for the management of non-bulky lymph nodes in penile cancer.

Efficacy of McGRATH®MAC videolaryngoscope blade 1 for tracheal intubation in small children: a randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Videolaryngoscopes may not be as effective in small children as they are in older children and in adults. The size 1 blade is commercially available for the McGRATH®MAC videolaryngoscope (Covidien, Medtronic, Tokyo, Japan), but its efficacy in comparison with a Macintosh laryngoscope blade 1 is not known. AIM: The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of McGrath®MAC blade 1 in comparison with a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope blade 1, in children aged less than 24 months. METHODS: Thirty-eight children aged less than 24 months were randomly allocated to one of two groups, and tracheal intubation was attempted using either a direct laryngoscope with a Macintosh blade 1 or a videolaryngoscope with a McGRATH®MAC blade 1. In another 12 children aged 2-4 years, the same comparisons were made with blade 2. The primary outcome measure was time to tracheal intubation using a size 1 blade. RESULTS: Tracheal intubation took significantly longer with a McGRATH®MAC blade 1 (median (interquartile range): 38.0 (31.8-43.5) s) than with the Macintosh blade 1(27.4 (25.9-29.2) s) (p < 0.0001; median difference (95% CI for the median difference): 10.6 (6.4-14.0) s), mainly due to difficulty in advancing a tube into the trachea. No significant difference was observed for the size 2. CONCLUSIONS: In small children without predicted difficult airways, time to intubate the trachea was significantly longer for a McGRATH®MAC blade 1 than a Macintosh blade 1. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: jRCT1032220366.

Endoscopic sinusectomy: 'a rose by any other name'. A systematic review of different endoscopic procedures to treat pilonidal disease.

AIM: Pilonidal sinus or Pilonidal Disease (PD) is a relatively common, benign but challenging condition. Although commonly encountered in practice, its ideal treatment is controversial. One of the most validated treatments is video-assisted surgery. In this context, very similar endoscopic techniques have been published under different names. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the differences among these proposed techniques and their outcomes. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed during all stages of this systematic review. A systematic search of the English literature was performed on multiple databases from 1 January 2014 to 3 April 2022. The primary outcome measure was the IDEAL framework stage of innovation. The key secondary outcome measures were the adherence to the IDEAL reporting guidelines, the Blencowe framework and the core outcome set (COS) for studies evaluating the introduction and evaluation of novel surgical techniques, the qualitative assessment using appropriate tools, the procedural variations and outcomes of each technique. RESULTS: A total of 38 articles were included reporting a very similar technique under eight different acronyms. The number of patients varied from 9 to 250. Mean follow-up ranged from 1 to 60 months. There was only one published study of IDEAL 3. The majority (58%) were IDEAL 2a studies. Reporting of domains in the IDEAL reporting guidelines and Blencowe framework was poor, with most studies not reporting the component steps of procedures or efforts to standardize them. Half of COS domains were markedly underreported. The quality of the evidence was categorized as having a risk of bias from moderate to critical level in all nine comparative non-randomized series. Postoperative complications occurred in 0%-6% of cases, including surgical site infection, poor or failed wound healing bleeding, granuloma, haematoma, and pain requiring intervention. The recurrence rate varied from 0% to 22%. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that reporting on technical aspects of interventions for PD is poor, thus warranting a better-quality control of surgical techniques. It is advisable to group all endoscopic procedures under the umbrella term of 'endoscopic sinusectomy', thus embracing the two main principles of this technique, that is, video assistance and PD ablation.

Inguinal lymph node dissection in the era of minimally invasive surgical technology.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is an essential step in both treatment and staging of several malignancies including penile and vulvar cancers. Various open, video endoscopic, and robotic-assisted techniques have been utilized so far. In this review, we aim to describe available minimally invasive surgical approaches for ILND, and review their outcomes and complications. METHODS: The PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct databases were reviewed in February 2020 to find relevant studies published in English within 2000-2020. FINDINGS: There are different minimally invasive platforms available to accomplish dissection of inguinal nodes without jeopardizing oncological results while minimizing postoperative complications. Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy and Robotic Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy are safe and achieve the same nodal yield, a surrogate metric for oncological adequacy. When compared to open technique, Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy and Robotic Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy may offer faster postoperative recovery and fewer postoperative complications including wound dehiscence, necrosis, and infection. The relatively high rate and severity of postoperative complications hinders utilization of recommended ILND for oncologic indications. Minimally invasive approaches, using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted platforms, show some promise in reducing the morbidity of this procedure while achieving adequate short and intermediate term oncological outcomes.

Robot-Assisted Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection for Carcinoma Penis.

Inguinal lymph node status is the single most important prognostic factor for survival in patients with carcinoma penis. Various modifications and alternatives to open inguinal lymph node dissection have been developed as the same is associated with high postoperative morbidity such as wound infection, skin flap necrosis, lymphorrhea, and lymphedema. Robot-assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection (RA-VEIL) has the potential to accomplish thorough inguinal lymph node dissection with definitively reduced postoperative morbidity. In this video, we demonstrate our technique of RA-VEIL: The fascia lata first approach and highlight our technical modifications of the conventionally described procedure.

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) versus conventional parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective multicenter study.

To compare minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP) versus conventional surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT). Between 2006 and 2020, 53 patients underwent MIVAP and 182 underwent conventional parathyroidectomy for rHPT at the Kliniken Essen-Mitte and Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, respectively. Two propensity score-matched groups were retrospectively analyzed: the MIVAP group (VG; n = 53) and the conventional group (CG; n = 53). To assess long-term results, the patients were questioned prospectively (VG; n = 17, and CG; n = 26). The VG had a smaller incision (2.8 vs. 4.8 cm), shorter operation duration (81.0 vs. 13.9 min), and shorter duration of stay (2.4 vs. 5.7 days) (p < 0.0001) but a smaller drop in parathyroid hormone (PTH) postoperatively (81.3 vs. 85.5%. p = 0.022) than the CG. The conversion rate was 9.4% (n = 5). The VG had better Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) scores (10.8 vs. 11.7 p = 0.001) but worse SF-12 health survey scores (38.7 vs. 45.8 for physical health and 46.7 vs. 53.4 for mental health) (p < 0.0001). The PTH level at follow-up was higher in the VG (162.7 vs. 59.1 ng/l, p < 0.0001). There were no differences in morbidity, number of removed parathyroid glands, disease persistence, late rHPT relapse and need for repeat surgery between groups. MIVAP was superior to conventional parathyroidectomy regarding aesthetic outcomes and cost effectiveness. Conventional surgery showed better control of PTH levels and health scores on follow-up than MIVAP, without any impact on rHPT relapse and need for repeat surgery.Trail registration number and date of registration: DRKS00022545 on 14.12.2020.

Vaaft (Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment); Novel Technique For The Treatment Of Anal Fistula.

BACKGROUND: VAAFT (Video Assisted Anal Fistula Treatment) is a novel minimally invasive technique for treatment of Fistula in Ano, which claims superior results compared to current treatment modalities due to the added advantage of real time visualization of the fistula tract and internal opening of the fistula using a fistuloscope. METHODS: This is cross sectional study in which 84 patients were selected using consecutive non probability sampling. They underwent VAAFT and were followed to assess for primary healing and continence at 6 weeks, and recurrence at 1 year. RESULTS: In this study, 97.6% participants were male. Mean operating time was 24 minutes while Mean VAS was 3.7±2.2. Healing was observed in 83.2% whereas recurrence was found in 10% at one year. All of the patients had normal sphincteric function post operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study affirm other studies in terms of cure rates, sphincter preservation and fistula recurrence. Studies with larger sample size and long term follow up are required to establish the superiority of VAAFT over the other currently available treatment options for anal fistula.

Video-assisted anal fistula treatment for complex anorectal fistulas in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) has gained increasing acceptance as a sphincter-sparing procedure for treating complex anorectal fistulas (CAF), but no unequivocal conclusions can yet be drawn regarding its ultimate effectiveness. We reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VAAFT in CAF patients. METHODS: The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42021279085). A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2021 with no restriction on language based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We used the keywords video-assisted surgery, video-assisted anal fistula treatment, and complex anorectal fistula to identify relevant studies. RESULTS: Fourteen trials (7 prospective and 7 retrospective) with a total of 1201 patients (mean age 43.5 years) were included. The median follow-up duration was 16.5(8-48) months. Pooled analysis showed that the rates of success, recurrence and postoperative complication across the studies were 83% (95% CI 81-85%, I2 = 37.9%), 16% (95% CI 14-18%, I2 = 4.8%), 11% (95% CI 7-15%, I2 = 72.1%), respectively. The postoperative Jorge-Wexner score used to assess the level of anal incontinence was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.9-1.27, I2 = 74.6%). The internal opening detection rate was 97.6% (95% CI 96.1-99.6%, I2 = 48.2%). Recurrence rates varied according to the closure method of internal opening from 21.4% after using staplers, 18.7% after suturing, to 23.5% after advancement flap. The hospital stay was 3.15 days (95% CI 2.96-3.35, I2 = 49.7%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the risk of heterogeneity in the urine retention group was higher  compared with that of the overall group and that retrospective studies may be the source of heterogeneity for postoperative anal incontinence. r . Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the pooled results. Begg's and Egger's tests showed no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: According to the available evidence, VAAFT may be a valuable alternative to fistulotomy or seton in treating CAF and has the additional long-term benefits of reducing anal incontinence and surgical morbidity, permitting earlier healing and accelerated rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy in dogs: Technique description and feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a minimally invasive approach to the parathyroid gland for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. STUDY DESIGN: Surgical technique description and clinical case report. ANIMALS: Five canine cadavers and 5 client-owned dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: A surgical technique for minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP), described for humans, was adapted for dogs. With the dog in dorsal recumbency, a 15 mm incision was made on the midline, 1 finger width caudal to the cricoid cartilage of the larynx. A 5 mm 30° rigid endoscope was inserted into the peritracheal space with the aid of a blunt suction dissector, and fine elevators. The parathyroid was subsequently removed using electrocautery and blunt and sharp dissection. The technique was refined in 5 cadaver dogs to assess feasibility, and was subsequently performed in 5 clinical cases. RESULTS: A minimally invasive approach to the parathyroid gland was possible and allowed successful removal of a parathyroid mass in 5 dogs without complication. The use of fluid ingress was trialed in 1 cadaver and not found to be helpful. The use of a blunt suction dissector greatly facilitated dissection of the peritracheal space. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy is feasible in dogs and was not associated with complications in 5 clinical cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Minimally invasive techniques tend to reduce morbidity and are popular with pet owners. This study demonstrates that a minimally invasive technique may be considered for parathyroidectomy in dogs.

RAVAL trial: Protocol of an international, multi-centered, blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing robotic-assisted versus video-assisted lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective data demonstrates that robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery provides many benefits, such as decreased postoperative pain, lower mortality, shorter length of stay, shorter chest tube duration, and reductions in the incidence of common postoperative pulmonary complications, when compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Despite the potential benefits of robotic surgery, there are two major barriers against its widespread adoption in thoracic surgery: lack of high-quality prospective data, and the perceived higher cost of it. Therefore, in the face of these barriers, a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing robotic- to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is needed. The RAVAL trial is a two-phase, international, multi-centered, blinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial that is comparing robotic- to video-assisted lobectomy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that has been enrolling patients since 2016. METHODS: The RAVAL trial will be conducted in two phases: Phase A will enroll 186 early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients who are candidates for minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy; while Phase B will continue to recruit until 592 patients are enrolled. After consent, participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either robotic- or video-assisted lobectomy, and blinded to the type of surgery they are allocated to. Health-related quality of life questionnaires will be administered at baseline, postoperative day 1, weeks 3, 7, 12, months 6, 12, 18, 24, and years 3, 4, 5. The primary objective of the RAVAL trial is to determine the difference in patient-reported health-related quality of life outcomes between the robotic- and video-assisted lobectomy groups at 12 weeks. Secondary objectives include determining the differences in cost-effectiveness, and in the 5-year survival data between the two arms. The results of the primary objective will be reported once Phase A has completed accrual and the 12-month follow-ups are completed. The results of the secondary objectives will be reported once Phase B has completed accrual and the 5-year follow-ups are completed. DISCUSSION: If successfully completed, the RAVAL Trial will have studied patient-reported outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and survival of robotic- versus video-assisted lobectomy in a prospective, randomized, blinded fashion in an international setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02617186. Registered 22-September-2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02617186.