Primary flap closure of perineal defects to avoid empty pelvis syndrome after pelvic exenteration in gynecologic malignancies: An old question to explore a new answer.

Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical oncological surgical procedure proposed in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecological cancers. The radical alteration of pelvic anatomy and of pelvic floor integrity can cause major postoperative complications. Fortunately, PE can be combined with reconstructive procedures to decrease complications and functional and support problems of pelvic floor, reducing morbility and mortality and increasing quality of life. Many options for reconstructive surgery have been described, especially a wide spectrum of surgical flaps. Different selection criteria have been proposed to select patients for primary perineal defect flap closure without achieving any strict indication of the best option. The aim of this review is to focus on technical aspects and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, providing an overview of those most frequently used for the treatment of pelvic floor defects after PE. Flaps based on the deep inferior epigastric artery, especially vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flaps, and gracilis flaps, based on the gracilis muscle, are the most common reconstructive techniques used for pelvic floor and vaginal reconstruction. In our opinion, reconstructive surgery may be considered in case of total PE or type II/III PE and in patients submitted to prior pelvic irradiation. VRAM could be used to close extended defects at the time of PE, while gracilis flaps can be used in case of VRAM complications. Fortunately, numerous choices for reconstructive surgery have been devised. As these techniques continue to evolve, it is advisable to adopt an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach within a tertiary medical center.

Influence of uterine manipulator on oncological outcome in minimally invasive surgery of endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The endoscopic approach for early-stage endometrial cancer (EC) treatment is considered gold standard. Some authors expressed their concern regarding uterine manipulator (UM) as a risk factor for tumor spillage and dissemination allowing peritoneal or lympho-vascular spaces invasion (LVSI). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of UM on the presence of LVSI, recurrence rate and presence of atypical or malignant peritoneal cytology in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: We searched electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The pooled results were used to evaluate the association between the use of UM and oncological outcomes. This systematic review was reported according to PRISMA statement 2020. Statistical meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software. RESULTS: This systematic review included 18 studies (3 prospective studies, 13 retrospective studies, and 2 RCT). The pooled results showed no significant difference (RR: 0.86, 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.08) in the incidence of LVSI between manipulated hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) and between UM group and non-UM group in minimally invasive surgery (RR: 1.18, 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.85), no significant difference in the rate of recurrence (RR: 1.11, 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.74), in the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology between manipulated and non-manipulated hysterectomies in minimally invasive surgery (RR: 1.89, 95% CI, 0.74 to 4.83) and before and after the use of uterine manipulator (RR: 1.21, 95% CI, 0.68 to 2.16). We found a positive association between malignant cytology and hysterectomies in which a uterine manipulator had been used in a sub-group analysis where LH/LAVH were compared to TAH. (RR = 2.26, 95% CI, 1.08-4.71. P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis supports that the use of uterine manipulator for minimally invasive treatment of endometrial cancer does not increase the rate of recurrence and LVSI. Therefore, the opportunity of any other studies on its use in endometrial cancer women should be questioned.

Surgical outcomes of diaphragmatic resection during cytoreductive surgery for advanced gynecological ovarian neoplasia: A randomized single center clinical trial - DRAGON.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian cancer (OC) represent nearly 4% of gynecologic malignancies and it is often diagnosed at advanced stage. Diaphragmatic surgery, a fundamental step of advanced stage ovarian cancer (ASOC) debulking surgery, is associated with a high post-operative complication incidence, which is supposedly reduced with thoracostomy tube placement. We assessed the role of intra-operative thoracostomy tube placement, as a prevention measure for post-operative complications, after diaphragmatic resection. METHODS: This was a single center prospective randomized trial. Ovarian cancer patients, who underwent mono-lateral diaphragmatic resection, were randomized 1:1 into two arms. Arm A included patients receiving intra-operative thoracostomy tube placement (TP); Arm B patients did not receive thoracostomy tube placement (NTP). After surgery, all patients underwent seriate chest x-ray and ultrasound to record thoracic complications. Statistical analysis included uni- and multivariable logistic regression model (proportional odds model). RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-one patients were screened and 88 patients were enrolled: 44 in arm A and B, respectively. No statistically significant differences for intra-operative (p = 0.291) and any grade of post-operative complication (p = 0.072) were detected, while 6.8% of patients in arm A and 22.7% in arm B experienced severe respiratory symptoms (p = 0.035); 18.2% of patients in arm A had a moderate/large pleural effusion versus 65.9% in arm B (p < 0.0001). At multivariable analysis, results confirmed that the NTP-group had a higher risk to receive post-operative thoracostomy tube placement due to pleural effusion than the TP-group (odds ratio [95% Confidence Interval] = 14.5 [3.7-57.4]). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracostomy intra-operative tube placement after diaphragmatic resection is effective to prevent post-operative thoracic complications. The extension of resection does not influence outcomes and the risk of post-operative thoracentesis or TP remain elevated.

Hysteroscopic treatment of submucosal fibroids in perimenopausal women: when, why, and how?

Uterine fibroids are a common finding in premenopausal women. They considerably reduce the quality of life by provoking abnormal uterine bleeding and consequent anemia and pelvic pain. Over the past 20 years, radical surgery (hysterectomy) for symptomatic fibroids has been partially replaced with minimally invasive surgical procedures that spare the uterus, with lower costs and reduced morbidity. Outpatient and inpatient operative hysteroscopy have been validated as safe and effective minimally invasive treatment options for both submucosal and intramural fibroids. In such a scenario, several technological innovations and the possibility of pharmacological pretreatment have enhanced the hysteroscopic approach. However, the counseling and treatment of perimenopausal women remain a challenge for the gynecologist. The main purpose of this review is to provide an updated guide to the management of submucosal fibroids in perimenopausal women, depicting how, when, and why hysteroscopic treatment is a valuable choice to eliminate symptoms and satisfy the patient's wish to improve their overall quality of life.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief for office hysteroscopy: an up-to-date review.

In-office hysteroscopy is considered the standard technique for visualization of the uterine cavity and the diagnosis of intrauterine pathologies. Moreover, nowadays, it is possible to treat a vast number of intracavitary diseases in the office, without the need for the inpatient setting. However, in some cases, pain might occur, and this is the most common reason for not completing the procedure. Over the last 20 years, many efforts have been carried out to miniaturize the instrumentation and to improve the techniques in order to avoid discomfort. Nonetheless, hysteroscopy still provokes distress for many patients. For this reason, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for intraoperative and postoperative pain relief have been widely used for in-office hysteroscopy, with different results in various groups of women. The purpose of this review was to analyze the current literature on pharmacological aids (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, antispasmodics, local anesthetics, prostaglandins, opioids) and non-pharmacological interventions (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, uterine stretching, uterine pressure, warming of distension medium, hypnosis, music, vocal-local) and to evaluate their impact on the relief from pain experienced during in-office hysteroscopy.

Laparoscopic vs percutaneous hysterectomy in obese patients: a prospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of obese female patients represents a real challenge. Indeed, obesity among women has reached epidemic levels not only elevating the cardiovascular and endocrinological risks, but also increasing the incidence of various gynecological pathologies (e.g. endometrial cancer and hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, genital prolapse) which commonly require hysterectomy as a surgical solution. In the last decade, minimally invasive surgery has emerged as an approach reducing the invasiveness of the standard laparoscopic surgical procedures while maintaining efficacy and feasibility. As such, in this study we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous hysterectomy (PSS-H) approach in obese patients by reporting the first prospective comparison between the PSS-H to laparoscopic hysterectomy (LPS-H). METHODS: In this multicentric comparative prospective study, 45 patients affected by benign and malignant gynecological conditions were considered eligible for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Fifteen patients received PSS-H and 30 LPS-H. All patients enrolled received a total hysterectomy ± bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with or without lymph nodal staging. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted in operative time and estimated blood loss between the two groups. Four patients in PSS-H group and 3 in LPS-H group received lymph node staging. A multifunctional energy device was used in all PSS-H and 73.3% of LPS-H procedures (p=0.038). There were no conversions to laparotomy in either group and similarly there were no conversions to conventional laparoscopy in the PSS-H group. In the LPS-H group, there was one (3.3%) case of major bleeding( ≥ 500 mls). We recorded one vaginal cuff bleeding in PSS-H, whereas for LPS-H we reported 4 (13.3%) 30-days complications (p=0.651). No differences in visual analogue scale (VAS) score were recorded. A significant disparity was noted in cosmetic outcome at discharge (p=0.001), but not after 30 days. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time, in a prospective comparison between PSS and LPS approaches, that PSS-H may represent a valid alternative to performing total hysterectomy in obese patients.

Comparison of minimally invasive surgery with laparotomic approach in the treatment of high risk endometrial cancer: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze all published studies comparing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with laparotomic one in the surgical treatment of high-risk endometrial cancer (EC) in term of operative, peri-operative and oncological outcomes. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed between January 1995-March 2019. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Titles and abstracts were analyzed by two reviewers. A set of explicit criteria was used for selection of literature: 1) randomized controlled trials (RCT), prospective or retrospective cohort studies, given the rarity of this tumor and the concomitant lack of data in the form of large trials, all reviewed original report publications with an appropriate number of subjects were considered and included; 2) participants of interest being patients who have suffered from high risk EC 3) the outcome measures including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence, (4) English language, (5) abstract available. RESULTS: Thirty relevant articles were selected for full reading. For final analysis 20 studies were selected. Then, as second step, the full articles were evaluated to determine whether full inclusion criteria were met. In total, 9 papers were identified and included. CONCLUSION: MIS appears to be safe in the management of high-risk EC patients, showing better perioperative and postoperative outcomes and comparable oncological outcomes than open surgery. Prospective randomized trial would be needed to confirm this data.

Robotic Single-Port Platform in General, Urologic, and Gynecologic Surgeries: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robotic platforms have recently acquired progressive importance in different surgical fields, such as urology, gynecology, and general surgery. Through the years, new surgical robots have become available as single-port robotic platform. The study is aimed to value the single-port robotic platform characteristics in different surgical specialties. METHODS: The terms "LESS" OR "single port" OR "single site" AND "robot" OR "robotic" were systematically used to search the PubMed and Scopus databases. A total of 57 studies were considered eligible for the present review. The articles included were divided according to the surgical field in which the study was conducted: General surgery (29 articles), Gynecology (18 articles), Urology (10 articles). RESULTS: Most part of the articles showed the feasibility of robotic single-port surgical procedures and described advantages in terms of cosmetic, hospital stay, and in some series even cost reduction. A meta-analysis was conducted, showing a significant increment of complications using RSP if compared with SLPS and a trend (P = 0.008) when RSP was compared with LESS. The comparison of different techniques in terms of conversion to laparotomy did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSION: Robotic single port potentially furnishes an important surgical and post-operatory improvement; however, some limits still prolong the surgical time and complication rate.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for enlarged uteri: factors associated with the rate of conversion to open surgery.

A hysterectomy for enlarged uteri is considered a challenge for gynaecologic surgeons, due to the limit of exposure to surgical spaces. Our objective is to investigate the different variables that may have an impact on the risk of conversion to open surgery. This is a retrospective cohort study consisting of 133 women who were submitted to surgery for uterine fibroids and who underwent total hysterectomy by laparoscopic approach attempt. The median uterus weight was 622 grams (range 301-3882) and the median maximum diameter of the bigger fibroid was 74 mm (range 33-148). We registered 13 (9.8%) cases of conversion to laparotomy. Minor and major post-operative complications were recorded in 4 (3%) and in 4 (3%) cases, respectively. After multivariable analysis, the surgeon's experience (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.94, p = .027) and a maximum diameter of the biggest fibroid ≥10 cm (4.7; 1.39-15.87; p = .046), but not the uterus weight were associated with the risk of conversion to open surgery. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Laparoscopic procedures for enlarged uteri are well described in literature; however, the only parameters that have been studied for the success of a laparoscopic procedure have been the uterus weight and the surgeon's experience. What do the results of this study add? This study aimed to value all the possible variables related to the successful of laparoscopic procedures; in fact, we investigated not only the uterine weight, but in our multivariate analysis, the position of the fibroids, the trocar's setting, etc. were analysed. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study reported novel data about the feasibility of laparoscopic hysterectomy for enlarged uteri. In opposition to the literature, the uterine weight is not a predictive value for laparotomic conversion. Moreover, we discussed the possible reasons of our novel findings. It opens new perspective to create a predictive value of laparoscopic feasibility for the different types of enlarged uteri.

Technological innovation and personalized surgical treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer patients: A prospective multicenter Italian experience to evaluate the novel percutaneous approach.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, feasibility and oncological adequacy of the Percutaneous Surgical System - PSS in a consecutive series of low-risk endometrial cancer staging. STUDY DESIGN: From May 2015 to April 2017, we prospectively performed 30 consecutive percutaneous staging for low/intermediate risk endometrial cancer (FIGO stage IA G1-G2, IB G1-G2, IA G3). All patients were divided in two different groups on the basis of surgical procedure received: Group A included patients submitted to radical Class A hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; Group B concerned patients that received a lymph nodal assessment also. RESULTS: The time needed to install percutaneous instruments and suprapubic trocar was 4 min. (range 2-10). The recorded median operative time (OT) was 80 min. (range 65-120) for Gr.A and 143 min. (range 107-190) for Gr.B, in which the median time of lymph nodal assessment was 55 min. (range 20-76). The median time for hysterectomy was 60 min. (range 40-110) in all cases. Lymph nodal assessment was performed in 14 (46.6%) cases: 7 sentinel node mapping, 7 pelvic lymphadenectomy. No intraoperative complications or LPS/LPT conversions were recorded. Median discharge time was 2 days (range 1-4), 5 patients were discharged in 3rd post-op day, and only 1 patient was discharged in 4th day for fever. All patients conveyed high satisfaction with the cosmetic results. A progressive overall reduction of pain perception was observed at 24 h after surgery. Median follow-up was of 14 months (range 12-36), no recurrences have been detected. CONCLUSIONS: PSS seems to be a feasible approach for endometrial cancer staging. Larger experiences and prospective comparative studies are important to assess our assumptions and further investigate the real benefits of percutaneous surgical system.

The Senhance™ surgical robotic system ("Senhance") for total hysterectomy in obese patients: a pilot study.

This pilot study was aimed to value the feasibility and safety of Senhance Robotic Platform for hysterectomy in obese patients. Ten obese patients (30 < BMI < 40) underwent elective Senhance total extrafascial hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the Division of Gynecologic Oncology of "Policlinico A. Gemelli" Foundation, Rome, Italy. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes data were recorded. The median age was 60 years (range 51-75) and the median BMI was 33.3 kg/m2 (range 30.4-38.3). The median uterine weight was 112.5 g (range 77-225). Indication to total hysterectomy was early-stage (FIGO Stage IA) endometrial cancer in 100% of patients. The median operative time (OT) was 110 min (70-200). The median docking time was 10.5 min (5-25). The median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (50-200). No conversions to laparotomy were recorded. No intra- and 30-day postoperative complications were registered. The median ileus was 17 h (12-36) and the median time to discharge was 2 days (1-4). The median VAS scores registered at 2, 4, 12, and 24 h were, respectively, 2 (1-3), 2 (1-3), 4 (1-8), and 3 (1-5). Our study results suggest that Senhance platform could be safe for hysterectomy even in obese patients. More clinical data are needed to determine whether this approach would offer any additional benefits in a new middle line between standard laparoscopy and robotics.

Laparoscopic, minilaparoscopic, single-port and percutaneous hysterectomy: Comparison of perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive approaches in gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: During the last decade endoscopic surgical procedures have been constantly evolving. The latest innovation in ultra-minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is the percutaneous technology (Percuvance™ Percutaneous Surgical System (PSS), Teleflex Inc., USA). We compared surgical outcome of hysterectomy, in a retrospective cohort study using the most recent MIS techniques as single-site (LESS) surgery, 3mm laparoscopy (MiniLPS) and percutaneous system (PSS) with standard laparoscopy (LPS). STUDY DESIGN: This is a matched retrospective cohort study. Endometrial Hyperplasia/Early stage endometrial cancer or benign pathology were the indication for surgery. Data of laparoscopic hysterectomies performed between May 2013 and April 2016 using PSS, LPS, MiniLPS, and LESS were collected and compared. RESULTS: The characteristics of each group were similar. The median Operative time (OT) was significantly longer in LESS compared to all other groups (120min [range 55-165] in LESS, 91min [range 60-180] in MiniLPS, 70min [range 55-230] in LPS and 65 [range 40-180] in PSS; p=0.0001). No significant differences among the 4 groups were observed in terms of estimated blood loss, conversion to laparoscopy or laparotomy, and intra e post-operative complications. Statistically significant differences were recorded in median VAS 24h (2 [range 0-3] in PSS, 2 [range 0-3] in MiniLPS, 3 [range 2-5] in LESS and 2 [range 1-5] in LPS; p=0.0001). The average time of discharge was (1day [range 1-3] in PSS, 1day [range 1-2] in MiniLPS, 1days [range 1-2] in LESS and 1day [range 1-3] in LPS; p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Data show that the effort to minimize the impact of surgical invasiveness can be feasible and could improve the advantages, not only in terms of aesthetic outcomes, even if the differences among the endoscopic approaches have not a relevant clinical impact. The technology innovations like PSS maintain the same triangulation between instruments as standard LPS with an evident decrease of the invasiveness thanks to reduced instruments size, even if the lack of suitability of bipolar energy, that require a multifunction instrument, remain a limit of these instruments.

Effects of nutraceuticals on quality of life and sexual function of perimenopausal women.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of nutraceuticals containing Equol, Resveratrol, Quecitine and Passiflora (Zemiar®, Avantgarde, Pomezia, Rome, Italy) on quality of life (QoL) and sexual function in perimenopausal women. METHODS: Sixty perimenopausal women having vasomotor symptoms and being in the -1, +1a of the STRAW system (amenorrhea for longer than 60 days and FSH < 20 UI/L) were enrolled. The modified Kupperman Index (KI) was used to evaluate menopause symptoms. The Short Form-36 (SF-36), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to assess QoL, sexual function and sexual distress, respectively. The study had two follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The women reported an improvement in the KI total score from the baseline (35 ± 4) to the 1st (21 ± 3, p < 0.05) and the 2nd (18 ± 2, p < 0.01) follow-ups. At the 1st follow-up, the women reported QoL improvements in some functions (p < 0.05); at the 2nd follow-up, they reported improvements in all categories (p < 0.001). At baseline, the total FSFI score was 23.1 ± 1.2 and the FSDS score was 18.1 ± 1.4, both indicating sexual dysfunction with sexual distress. FSFI and FSDS total scores did not change at the 1st follow-up (p = NS). On the contrary, at the 2nd follow-up, the FSFI score had risen to (27.6 ± 1.5) (p < 0.001) and the FSDS score had dropped to (11.3 ± 1.2) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nutraceuticals can be effective in modulating the perimenopausal symptoms in women. The progressive reduction of the vasomotor symptoms reported by women over the nutraceutical usage could contribute to improve their QoL and sexual life.

Comparative, open-label prospective study on the quality of life and sexual function of women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain on 2 mg dienogest/30 µg ethinyl estradiol continuous or 21/7 regimen oral contraceptive.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of a continuous regimen combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 2 mg dienogest and 30 µg ethinyl estradiol (DNG/EE) compared to a 21/7 regimen on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function in women affected by endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. METHODS: Sixty-three women constituted the Study group treated with DNG/EE COC continuous regimen; 33 women were given DNG/EE COC in a 21/7 regimen. To define the endometriosis-associated pelvic pain, the Visual Analogic Scale was used. The Short Form-36, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to assess QoL, sexual function and sexual distress, respectively. The study included two follow-ups. RESULTS: At 3 and 6 months of treatment there was an improvement in pain of the Study group (p < 0.001). The Control group underwent pain improvement at the second follow-up (p < 0.05). At the first and the second follow-ups, the Study group reported QoL improvements in all categories (p < 0.001). The Control group reported QoL improvements in all categories at the second follow-up (p < 0.05). At the first and the second follow-ups of the Study group, the FSFI total score had risen (p < 0.001), and the FSDS score had dropped (p < 0.001). An improvement of the FSFI score and a reduction of the FSDS score of the Control group was observed at the second follow-up (p < 0.001), but not at the first follow-up (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Women on DNG/EE COC continuous regimen reported a reduction of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and there was an improvement of their sexual activity and their QoL that was better than the DNG/EE 21/7 conventional regimen.

Long-Term Survival for Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with Secondary Cytoreductive Surgery Plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

BACKGROUND: To analyze the 5- and 7-year survival outcomes for women with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (REOC) who underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) plus platinum-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: From the electronic databases of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome and of the S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, a consecutive series of REOC patients were selected using the following inclusion criteria: primary platinum-free interval (PFI-1) of 6 months or longer, completeness of secondary cytoreduction score (CC) of 1 or lower, minimum follow-up period of 48 months, Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) performance status at recurrence of 1 or less, and platinum-based HIPEC. Progression-free survival (PFS) and post-relapse survival (PRS) were calculated as the time between SCS + HIPEC and secondary recurrence or death, respectively. RESULTS: The final study population included 70 women with platinum-sensitive REOC. The median follow-up time was 73 months (range 48-128 months), and the median PFI-1 was 19 months (range 6-100 months). At the time of recurrence, the median peritoneal cancer index was 7 (range 1-21), and a CC score of 0 was achieved for 62 patients (88.6 %). As the HIPEC drug, we used oxaliplatin in 17 cases (38.6 %) and cisplatin in 43 cases (61.4 %). No postoperative deaths were observed, and the complication rate for grades 3 and 4 disease was 8.6 %. The median PFS duration was 27 months (range 5-104 months), and the 5- and 7-year PRS rates were respectively 52.8 and 44.7 %, (median PRS 63 months). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated favorable 5- and 7-year PRS rates for platinum-sensitive REOC patients undergoing SCS + HIPEC, which encourages the inclusion of patients in randomized clinical trials for definitive conclusions to be drawn.