Outcomes in robotic-assisted compared to laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery in a newly established colorectal tertiary center: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

The robotic platform matches or surpasses laparoscopic surgery in postoperative results. However, limited date and slow adoption are noticed in the middle east. We aimed to report outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed by fellowship-trained robotic colorectal surgeons and compare it to larger more experienced centers. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data between 2021 and 2023 of 107 patients who had robotic-assisted or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery was included in the study. The outcomes were overall morbidity, serious morbidity, mortality, conversion to open, length of hospital stay, and the quality of oncological specimen. Of 107 patients, 57 were in the robotic and 50 were in the laparoscopic surgery groups. Overall, there were no significant differences in overall morbidity (46.8 vs. 53.2%, p = 0.9), serious morbidity (10.5 vs. 8%, p = 0.7), or mortality (0 vs. 4%, p = 0.2). Regarding oncological outcomes, there were no significant difference between the two groups regarding the number of lymph node harvested (17.7 ± 6.9 vs 19.0 ± 9.7, p = 0.5), R0 resections (92.7 vs. 87.1%, p = 0.5), and the rate of complete mesorectal excision (92.7 vs. 71.4%, p = 0.19). The study found that the robotic group had an 86% reduction in conversion rate to open surgery compared to the laparoscopic group, despite including more obese and physically dependent patients (OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.7, p = 0.01). Robotic surgery appears to be a safe and effective as laparoscopic surgery in smaller colorectal surgery programs led by fellowship-trained robotic surgeons, with outcomes comparable to those of larger programs.

Outcome of Colorectal Robotic Surgery in Newly Established Robotic Surgery Center: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: The robotic platform compared to laparoscopy has proven to have similar postoperative outcomes, however its adoption in the Middle East has been slow and there is limited data regarding outcomes with its use in small newly established robotic colorectal programs. Our aim was to report our experience and outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery performed by fellowship-trained robotic colorectal surgeons and compare them to larger, more experienced centers. METHODS: This is retrospective review of data collected between November 2021 and March 2023 from a tertiary health care referral center. The series included 51 patients who had elective or urgent robotic colorectal surgery. Patients who had emergency surgery were excluded. The outcomes were overall morbidity, serious morbidity, mortality, conversion to open, length of hospital stay, and quality of oncological specimen. RESULTS: The overall morbidity was 31.4% (n = 16 patients). Only 9.8% (n = 5) had serious morbidity of which three required interventions under general anesthesia. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR = 4), and there was no mortality. Of 17 rectal cancer resections, 88% had complete mesorectal excision, 15 of them were R0 resections, median lymph node harvested was 14 (IQR = 7) and two cases were converted to open. All the colon cancer resections had R0 resection, median lymph nodes harvested was 21 (IQR = 4) and none were converted to open. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation and integration of robotic colorectal surgery at a newly established center in a small country, when led by fellowship trained robotic colorectal surgeons, is safe and effective in terms of morbidity, mortality, conversion to open and specimen pathological quality.

Management of unusual complications of modified rhomboid/Limberg procedure by interventional radiology guidance; A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Fragmentation of the surgical drain is an unusual negative consequence of using a drainage system postoperatively. Even though it is rare, multiple management approaches were documented in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old male patient who had a history of recurrent pilonidal sinus disease that was operated on twice 4 months apart. He presented to our hospital for postoperative follow-up, during which the inserted drain was assessed. While withdrawing the drain, part of it was damaged and missed. The location of the misplaced drain was assessed by a lumbosacral region computed tomography (CT) scan. The decision was made to proceed with less invasive methods using interventional radiology techniques to avoid wide excision and incision reopening complications and prolonged healing time. A fluoroscopy procedure was performed to create three-dimensional anterolateral, frontal posterior views. Then the fragmented drain was retrieved successfully by a minimally invasive technique. The postoperative period was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Drain fragmentation and/or dislodgement is a highly challenging event that requires highly innovative intervention. Multiple treatment options are available as open surgery techniques and endoscopic approaches. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the potential role of fluoroscopy as an outstanding effective choice that could be carried out promptly and safely at the bedside under local anesthetic and reduce the patient's hospital stay.

Rare case of rectal perforation by an intrauterine device: Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are safe, highly effective and reversible forms of contraception. Reliance on IUD has been increasing and as such, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to be aware of the complications associated with it. IUD rectal migration is one of the rare but serious complications that may lead to detrimental sequelae. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old asymptomatic woman presented to the gynaecology clinic two months after a difficult insertion of an IUD. On examination, the device was not localised in utero with transvaginal sonography. Computed tomography scan and colonoscopy revealed the position of the IUD within the rectum. It was successfully retrieved with a combined laparoscopic-colonoscopic approach. Follow-up flexible sigmoidoscopy showed a well-healed rectal wall. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: IUD perforation can increase the risk of morbidity and necessitates early surgical intervention even if the patient is asymptomatic. Combined laparoscopic-colonoscopic approach allows for safe retrieval of IUD that has perforated the intraperitoneal rectal segment or is firmly embedded within the mucosa. Recognising the risk factors and adhering to the principles of IUD insertion could significantly lower the risk of perforation. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the importance of a physician's vigilance regarding a perforating IUD in a patient with a history of a difficult insertion. It is imperative to undertake additional steps to rule out such a complication in these cases. Uterine perforation can be avoided with implementation of safe IUD insertion practice.

Predictors of intensive care unit admission and mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infection: A cross sectional study at a tertiary care hospital.

Background: The transmissibility and associated morbidity and mortality of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2), have overwhelmed worldwide healthcare systems, resulting in an urgent need to understand this virus and its associated effects. The aim of our study was to identify patient symptoms, clinical characteristics, laboratory, and radiology findings that are associated with serious morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Jaber Al Ahmad Hospital, the designated COVID-19 center in Kuwait between August 1st, 2020 and January 31st, 2021. The main outcomes measured in this study were to identify variables associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission, as proxy for serious morbidity, and in hospital mortality. Results: Two hundred and seventy-six patients were included in the study. Thirty-six (13%) patients were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and 33 (12%) patients expired. On multivariate analysis we found having elevated fibrinogen [OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.64, P = 0.04], low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.95, P = 0.02], and having bilateral patchy lung shadowing [OR 6.68, 95% CI 1.85-15.28, P < 0.01] to be significantly associated with increase odds of ICU admission. Elevated CRP [OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.98, P < 0.01], low eGFR [OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90-0.99, P = 0.05] and having ischemic heart disease [OR 7.03, 95% CI 1.60-46.42, P = 0.04] were independently associated with increased odds of mortality. Conclusion: Certain inflammatory and coagulopathy markers, and having certain lung radiological features, in addition to having medical comorbidities, specifically, ischemic heart disease and renal impairment are key predictors for serious morbidity and mortality in patients infected with COVID-19. These should be incorporated into medical institutes risk assessment tools used by physicians and policy makers to instigate, prioritize, and reprioritize care in patients with COVID-19 and instigate preventative strategy to reduce the impact of future outbreak.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgeons' and Surgical Residents' Caseload, Surgical Skills, and Mental Health in Kuwait.

INTRODUCTION: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in governments implementing new regulations to divert healthcare resources, which in return led to the postponement of elective and semi-elective surgical procedures. Therefore, many surgeons and as well as surgeons in training reported feeling redundant, which eventually resulted in psychological distress. This study aimed to assess the sociodemographic differences in the psychological impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and outline the effect it had on surgical training. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Kuwait. Data were collected by distributing a questionnaire electronically to surgeons and surgeons in training. The survey included questions aimed at assessing both the effect of the pandemic on surgical training and the psychological impact it had on surgeons, assessing the latter using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 screening tool. RESULTS: The response rate for the study was 52%, with the majority being junior male surgeons. A majority of surgeons in training reported postponement of their scheduled academic teaching sessions (78.9%) and pre-assigned surgical rotations (65.8%). In terms of the psychological impact of the pandemic, a majority of the participants reported an element of depression and stress, 61.2% and 55%, respectively, while approximately half, 48.1%, had symptoms associated with anxiety. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative association with the psychological well-being of a significant proportion of surgeons and associated surgical training programs.

Prevalence, predictors and outcomes of bleeding events in patients with COVID-19 infection on anticoagulation: Retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine risk factors and complications associated with bleeding events in patients with COVID-19 who are on anticoagulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted retrospective review of all patients who were admitted with COVID-19 and developed bleeding events between March and June 2020. Data were analyzed in accordance with three major outcomes. Mortality within 30 days of bleeding episode, resolution of the bleeding event, and the type of bleeding event. RESULTS: Of 122 bleeds, there was 55 (28 %) gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds. Overall mortality was 59 % (n = 72). The prevalence of therapeutic invasive interventions was 11.5 % (n = 14) all were successful in resolving the bleeding event. We found that having a GI bleeds was associated with higher risk of mortality compared to non-GI bleeds (p = 0.04) and having occult bleeds to be associated with 15 times increased risk of mortality (OR 15, 95%CI 1.97-29.1, p = 0.01). Furthermore, patients who were on no anticoagulation (none) (OR 0.1, 95%CI 0.01-0.86, p < 0.00), on prophylactic dose anticoagulation (OR 0.07, 95%CI 0.02-0.28, p = 0.03) or intermediate dose anticoagulation (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.09-1.34, p = 0.13) were less likely to die than patients on therapeutic dose. CONCLUSIONS: The best approach to manage COVID-19 bleeding patients is to prioritize therapies that manage sepsis induce coagulopathy and shock over other approaches. In COVID-19 patients' routine prescription of supra-prophylactic dose anticoagulation should be revisited and more individualized approach to prescription should be the norm. Regardless of the cause of bleeding event it appears that the majority of bleeding events resolve with noninvasive interventions and when invasive interventions were necessary, they were associated with high success rate despite the delay.

Comparative Evaluation of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Pulpotomy and Laser-Assisted Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Pulpotomy: An Original Research Article.

CONTEXT AND AIM: Formocresol has been used as the material of choice (gold standard) for pulpotomy procedures because of the ease of use but was discouraged due to its potential immune sensitization and mutagenic effects. Laser irradiation was first applied for pulpotomy procedure in the year 1985. Recently, diode lasers have been used for pulpotomy in primary teeth and have shown clinical success rates comparable to formocresol. The present in vivo study was carried out to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy and diode laser-assisted pulpotomy in human primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a randomized clinical trial in design wherein 40 primary teeth requiring pulpotomy treatment which met the selection criteria (clinical and radiographic) were divided into two groups, Group 1 (n = 20) wherein the pulpotomy was performed with MTA alone and Group 2 (n = 20) wherein laser-assisted pulpotomy was performed with MTA (L-MTA). The patients were recalled after 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively and evaluated clinically and radiographically. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22 (IBM corporation, Washington DC, United States). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data while the Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the statistical correlation between the overall success rates observed in the clinical and radiographic findings of both the groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The clinical success rate in the MTA group was 90%, 84.21%, and 88.23% at 3, 6, and 9 months, respectively, with no clinical signs or, symptoms reported at the said follow-up visits while the radiographic success rate was found to be 85%, 84.21%, and 82.3%, respectively. On the contrary, the clinical success rate in the L-MTA group was found to be 95%, 94.74%, and 94.44% at 3, 6, and 9, months, respectively with the radiographic success rate reported being 90%, 89.47%, and 88.89%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of diode laser and MTA yielded better clinical and radiographic success rates over the pulpotomy procedures done with the help of MTA alone, thereby, concluding that lasers may be considered as adjuvant alternatives for vital pulp therapy on human primary teeth.

Outcomes of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect in patients younger than 2 years of age.

BACKGROUND: Early surgical management of complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defect is the optimal treatment option. Since the published evidence on outcomes is inconclusive, we retrospectively studied the outcomes of patients in our institution. OBJECTIVE: Study outcomes of complete AV canal repair. DESIGN: Retrospective, descriptive. SETTINGS: Single institute. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients under 2 years of age who underwent complete AV canal repair from January 2004 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postoperative morbidity and mortality. SAMPLE SIZE: 140 patients. RESULT: The median (IQR) age at the time of surgery was 5.4 (3.9-8.2) months. Down syndrome was diagnosed in 98 (70%) of patients. AV valve regurgitation was found preoperatively in 129 (92%) and postoperatively in 135 (96%) patients. There was a significant association between preoperative pulmonary hypertension and the development of pulmonary hypertension in the postoperative period ( P=.04). Thirty-three patients needed reoperation. Arrhythmia was found in 19 patients, 16 of whom required pacemaker insertion. Seven patients died (5%). CONCLUSION: The presence of preoperative and postoperative AV valve regurgitation was common in this cohort but did not significantly affect patient survival. Our findings suggest an acceptable outcome for repair of complete AV septal defect with few complications postoperatively. LIMITATION: Retrospective in single institute. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.