Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and lymph nodes dissection using Senhance robotic system and Senhance ultrasonic energy device: A case report.

Using the Senhance robotic system and Senhance ultrasonic energy device for robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy with hilum lymph node dissection demonstrated safety and feasibility in managing a large renal tumor without the need for open conversion or transfusion, offering a cost-effective solution.

Smart Operating Room in Digestive Surgery: A Narrative Review.

The introduction of new technologies in current digestive surgical practice is progressively reshaping the operating room, defining the fourth surgical revolution. The implementation of black boxes and control towers aims at streamlining workflow and reducing surgical error by early identification and analysis, while augmented reality and artificial intelligence augment surgeons' perceptual and technical skills by superimposing three-dimensional models to real-time surgical images. Moreover, the operating room architecture is transitioning toward an integrated digital environment to improve efficiency and, ultimately, patients' outcomes. This narrative review describes the most recent evidence regarding the role of these technologies in transforming the current digestive surgical practice, underlining their potential benefits and drawbacks in terms of efficiency and patients' outcomes, as an attempt to foresee the digestive surgical practice of tomorrow.

Feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted surgical approach in median arcuate ligament syndrome-a systematic review.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is rare syndrome and is diagnosis of exclusion. Though first robotic median arcuate ligament release (MALR) was described in 2007, there are only a few case reports (CR), case series (CS), and retrospective cohort studies (RCS) in the published literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted MALR (r-MALR). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched (last search December 2023) for articles reporting r-MALR. All studies including CR, CS, RCS reporting technical feasibility (operating time and rate of conversions), safety (intra-operative complications, blood loss, post-operative complications), and outcome (length of stay [LoS]) were included (PROSPERO: CRD42024502792). A total of 23 studies (8-CR, 5-CS, 10-RCS) with total 290 patients were available in the literature. Except 1-RCS, all studies reported age and mean age for CR was 40.38 ± 17.7, 36.08 ± 15.12 for CS, 39.72 ± 7.35 years for RS; except 2-RCS, all studies reported gender distribution and there were 57 males and 214 females. Operating time: 3-CR, 4-CS, 9-RCS reported operating time, and mean time was 111 ± 54, 131.69 ± 7.51, 117.34 ± 35.03 min, respectively. Conversion rate: All studies reported data on conversion and only four (1.37%) cases were converted-one to laparoscopic approach, three to open approach (1-inadvertent celiac arteriotomy, 2-reasons not mentioned). Intraoperative complications: only 5-CR, 4-CS, and 9-RCS reported data on intra-operative complications, and there were only 6 complications (1.5%): 1-inadvertent celiac arteriotomy converted to open; 3-unnamed vascular injuries (2 managed robotically, 1 converted to open); 1-bleeding managed robotically; there were no other reported injuries. Estimated blood loss ranged from 5 to 30 ml. Post-operative complications: 5-CR, 4-CS, 8-RCS described post-operative complications in 21 (7%) patients. Twenty cases were grade I, one was grade IIIa, and all managed successfully. LoS stay: 2-CR, 4-CS, 10-RCS reported LoS and overall, it was 2 days. r-MALR is reasonable, technically feasible, safe, and has acceptable outcomes. In addition, robotic approach provided superior vision, improved dexterity, precise, and easy circumferential dissection.PROSPERO registration: The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024502792).

Comparative analysis of robotic and laparoscopic techniques in hiatal hernia and crural repair: a review of current evidence and outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the implementation of robotic surgery in hiatal hernia and crural repair, based on the existing literature and to compare this approach to other established techniques. METHODS: We performed a non- systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE on February 25, 2024 for papers published to date focusing on the surgical repair of hiatal hernias using the robotic platform. After eliminating publications based on eligibility criteria, 13 studies were selected for analysis. RESULTS: Robotic surgery is increasingly utilized in hiatal hernia repair due to its enhanced ergonomics and superior visualization capabilities. Operative times vary, with some studies indicating longer durations for robotic surgery (e.g., Giovannetti et al. demonstrated median operative time of 196 min for robotic compared to 145 min for laparoscopic) while others report shorter times (e.g., Lang F et al. demonstrated 88 min for robotic versus 102 min for laparoscopic). Recurrence rates between robotic and laparoscopic repairs are comparable, with reported recurrence rates of 1.8% for robotic and 1.2% for laparoscopic approaches by Benedix et al. Robotic surgery offers potential advantages, including reduced intraoperative blood loss (e.g., Giovannetti et al. mentioned median blood loss of 20 ml for robotic versus 50 ml for laparoscopic). The length of hospital stay and postoperative complication rates also vary, with some studies suggesting shorter stays and fewer complications for robotic surgery as surgeons become more proficient. Soliman et al. reported a statistically significant reduction in complication rates with robotic surgery (6.3% versus 19.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery presents promising results regarding the length of hospital stay, conversion rate to open surgery and postoperative complication rates when compared to laparoscopy based on the existing literature. Despite the lack of striking differences, robotic hiatal hernia repair is a valid and evolving approach.

Assessment of the evolution of psychomotor skills in the robotic surgery simulation process.

Robotic surgery is a rapidly expanding field, given the wide variety of new robotic platforms emerging. Looking at the training of surgeons in robotic surgery is of extreme necessity and urgency, considering the ongoing technological advancements. In this research, the performance during the virtual reality simulation phase of training for robotic surgery was analyzed. It was observed that, in addition to the lack of consensus among societies regarding the required simulation hours, there is no guidance on the best curriculum to be adopted. From the data in this study, it can be inferred that the more advanced skills have fewer proficient individuals, meaning that fewer surgeons in training have reached proficiency in all skill exercises. Even with differences in the number of exercises performed proficiently between groups that underwent varying amounts of simulation time, there is no statistically significant difference in the proportion between them.

Experiences of Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Cardiac Surgery: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Over the last two decades, the use of robotic surgery in cardiac procedures has become increasingly prevalent. Typically, assessments of patient outcomes for robot-assisted surgery concentrate on patient morbidity and mortality, surgical complications, and length of hospital stay. However, there is limited research on patients' perceptions of robot-assisted surgery. Therefore, this study aims to determine the experiences of patients undergoing robot-assisted cardiac surgery. DESIGN: The study used a qualitative design. METHODS: The study was conducted with 12 patients who underwent robot-assisted heart surgery at an educational and research hospital. Ethical approval and written informed consent were obtained before the study. FINDINGS: 66.7% of the participants were male with an average age of 38.25 ± 16.06 years. The analysis of qualitative data identified three themes: Robotic surgery, Post-Surgical Experience, and Homecoming. CONCLUSIONS: Patients expressed satisfaction with robotic surgery and recommended it to others undergoing surgery. Based on the findings, we may suggest that nurses may conduct personalized education programs about robotic surgery and develop programs to follow up with patients at home.

Automated task-level autonomy assessment in robotic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical autonomy for trainees has remained elusive to quantify. Proportion of active control time (ACT) of a trainee during a robotic case can be used as a broad measure of autonomy. However, this metric lacks in the granular detail of quantifying at what specific steps trainees were actively participating. We aim to quantify trainee involvement during robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repair at a task-specific level. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of surgical performance data from robotic-assisted hiatal hernia repairs performed. These cases were segmented into 5 tasks by AI-assisted annotation with human review. The segmented tasks included: hiatal dissection, gastric fundus mobilization, mediastinal dissection, cruroplasty and fundoplication. Tasks were excluded if video segmentation of tasks was incorrect. During each task, ACT was recorded for resident, fellow and attending. Resident and fellow ACT per task was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Residents had the highest %ACT in the hiatal dissection (53%), gastric fundus mobilization (84%) and fundoplication (57%) tasks. Fellows had greater than 80% ACT in all 5 tasks, with the highest %ACT in the gastric fundus mobilization (100%) and hiatal dissection (88%). There was a significant difference between resident and fellow ACT during mediastinal dissection and cruroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates how objective performance metrics and automated case segmentation can quantify trainee participation at a task-specific level. By utilizing data afforded by a robotic surgery platform, we are able to provide an objective and automated form of assessment with minimal impact on the workflow of attendings and residents. Our findings can serve to inform residents on what steps they can expect to be involved in during the procedure, appropriate to their PGY level. With this task-level data, we can provide a roadmap for trainee progression to achieve full surgical autonomy.

Objective evaluation, using computed tomography, of round window access for cochlear implantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine optimal radiological parameters for assessment of the round window approach in cochlear implantation surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology in Szczecin, between 2015 and 2022 inclusive, were eligible for the study. Radiological assessments were performed according to eight parameters (seven proposed in the literature) and visibility clinical assessments were made intra-operatively on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 - not visible, 5 - fully visible). Visibility assessments of the round window niche (RWN) and round window membrane (RWM) allowed the difference (RWN minus RWM) to be used as a clinical assessment of the size of the overhang over the round window. RESULTS: Computed tomography images of 57 ears from 52 patients were analyzed in terms of round window access. The study group included 26 females and 26 males, ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years, with a median age of 41 years. In clinical assessment, round window visibility was rated as 5, after removal of the bone overhang, in 69% of patients. Cochlear access through the round window was achieved in 39 (68%) cases, extended access through the round window in 13 (23%) cases and cochleostomy was performed in 5 (9%) cases. Statistically significant ordinal correlations with round-window access were found using one parameter from the literature (Chen_Angle) and from our proposal (RWM_prediction). From parameters describing the bone overhang of the round window, positive correlations (using Kendall rank tests) were found using parameters from the literature (Sarafraz_OH and Mehanna_OH). CONCLUSIONS: Radiological measurements describing access to the round window which determine the angle based on the anatomy of the posterior wall of the auditory canal and the position of the facial nerve were found to be of the highest value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In the future, the use of algorithms for computed tomography evaluation and robot-assisted surgery will require parameters for assessing round window access, for surgery planning and choice of electrode. The parameters proposed by various authors are summarized, allowing researchers to assess their usefulness in further clinical practice.

Robotic Evaluation and Repair of Penetrating Injury of the Abdominal Wall.

This case demonstrated the feasibility of robotic-assisted exploratory laparoscopy in a hemodynamically stable trauma patient and abdominal wall repair with a favorable outcome. The patient presented with a stab wound at the left middle posterior flank. A computer tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated penetrating soft tissue injury to the left lateral abdominal wall with herniation of the omentum. A robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach was implemented to evaluate for visceral injury and to repair the abdominal wall. Diagnostic laparoscopy ruled out visceral and diaphragmatic injuries, and robotic primary tissue repair of the abdominal wall was performed. The patient was discharged home the following day. Laparoscopy for hemodynamically stable trauma patients has shown the benefit of decreased morbidity and decreased hospital stay compared to laparotomy. In turn, the robotic surgical approach has all the benefits of laparoscopy while bringing additional benefits of improved surgical dexterity, visualization, range of motion, and ergonomics.

Differences in coaching in single- versus dual-console robotic cases: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: A growing importance has been placed on development of trainee robotic surgical skills through simulation curricula and intraoperative experience. However, few studies have examined how console case type impacts learning outcomes. We sought to evaluate how intraoperative coaching and resident autonomy differ based on the use of a single- versus dual-console robot. METHODS: Robotic single- and dual-console cases from February to September 2023 at a single institution were included. Faculty and trainees wore microphones to capture audio during the case. Pre/post surveys were administered, which included metrics on faculty coaching based on the Wisconsin Surgical Coaching Rubric (WiSCoR) and on trainee technical performance based on the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS). Statistical analysis of survey data was performed using SPSS. Audio from cases was coded by 2 researchers with a deductive approach using WiSCoR as a framework. RESULTS: Data were collected for 7 (38.9%) single and 11 (61.1%) dual-console cases across 9 case types from 4 surgical specialties. Chi-square analysis demonstrated no significant difference in percentage of case trainee spent in the operating surgeon role based on trainee level or console case type. Independent t-tests showed no significant difference in trainee autonomy, trainee performance, or faculty coaching scores based on console case type. Trainees rated faculty highest in WiSCoR Domains 1 (sharing responsibility) and 3 (providing constructive feedback). Qualitative analysis showed that for single-console cases, Domain 4 (goal setting) was most represented (34.0% of comments), while for dual-console cases, Domain 1 was most represented (37.0% of comments). CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative analysis highlights that despite similar survey-based faculty ratings across domains, coaching on self-reflection (Domain 2) is infrequently done, highlighting an opportunity for improvement in this area of coaching during robotic surgery.

Assessment of Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) Content on YouTube.

BACKGROUND:  Online video hosting websites such as YouTube have been increasingly used by medical institutions to spread information about new and exciting topics. However, due to the large number of videos uploaded daily and the lack of peer review, few attempts have been made to assess the quantity and quality of information that is uploaded on YouTube. For this study, our team assessed the available content on the transoral robotic surgery (TORS) procedure. METHODS: A qualitative case study model was employed. Videos related to TORS were collected using a unified search protocol. Each video was then analyzed, and metrics of the following data points were collected: views, likes, comments, upload date, length of video, author type, author, and region of origin. Each dataset was analyzed by two distinct authors, and interrater reliability was calculated. Quantitative and qualitative statistics were curated. RESULTS: A total of 124 videos were analyzed for this review. The breakdown of videos was as follows: 15.32% (19) in the educational for patients category, 16.94% (21) in the educational for trainees category, 30.65% (38) in the procedural overview category, 8.87% (11) in the patient experience (PE) category, 10.48% (13) in the promotional category, 12.10% (15) in the other category, and 5.65% (7) in the irrelevant (IR) category. The total number of views across all videos analyzed was 2,589,561. The total number of likes was 14,827, and the total number of comments was 2,606. The average video length was 8.63 minutes. The most viewed category was the PE category at 1,014,738 and the most liked at 1,714. The least viewed category was IR at 21,082. The PE category had the most engagement based on combined comments and likes. The most watched video, with 774,916 views, was in the PE category under the "TORS for Thyroidectomy" search term and was titled "Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy)." CONCLUSION: As the prevalence of online videos regarding medical devices, procedures, and treatments increases, patients and trainees alike will look toward resources such as YouTube to augment their understanding. Patients, providers, and medical education platforms should take heed of the promise and pitfalls of medical content on YouTube.

Robotic unroofing of myocardial bridge of the left anterior descending coronary artery in a patient with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and previous septal myectomy.

A 56-year-old female diagnosed with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and myocardial bridge (MB) of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery underwent septal myectomy with resolution of her left ventricular outflow tract gradient. She had ongoing refractory symptoms of exertional angina and fatigue for over a decade and finally presented to our clinic to be re-evaluated for treatment. Provocative angiographic testing confirmed significant ischemia secondary to LAD MB. She underwent robotic totally endoscopic off pump unroofing of the LAD MB with complete relief of her symptoms and return to full activity. We conclude that patients undergoing septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy should be evaluated for MB and undergo unroofing of the bridge at the time of surgery. Learning objective: A myocardial bridge (MB) is a condition in which a coronary artery, most often the left anterior descending, takes an intramuscular route and is covered by the myocardium leading to compression and potential ischemia. This case report adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the significance of considering MB in the overall management of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, and the symptomatic relief that a patient can obtain from an unroofing procedure.

Transoral Robotic Surgery and Human Papillomavirus Infection: Impact on Oropharyngeal Cancer Prognosis.

Background/Objective: The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) remains significant, with a rising prevalence of HPV-positive (HPV+) cases, underscoring the growing importance of appropriate treatment approaches for this condition. While HPV+ OPC typically exhibits a more favorable prognosis than HPV-negative (HPV-) OPC, certain HPV+ OPC patients still face adverse outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of TORS versus traditional surgery in treating OPC patients and investigate the prognostic implications of specific variants in the HPV genome. Methods: The clinical information, including pathological features, treatments, and outcomes (death), of 135 OPC patients treated with traditional surgery from 2008 to 2018 (the non-TORS group) and 130 OPC patients treated with TORS from 2017 to 2021 (the TORS group) were obtained from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC). A comparative analysis of 3-year overall survival (OS) was performed between these two groups. Furthermore, we conducted next-generation sequencing for the HPV16 genome of the 68 HPV+ OPC cases to characterize single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) in the HPV16 genome and evaluate its association with HPV+ OPC patient survival. Results: The comparative analysis of 3-year OS between the two groups (TORS vs. non-TORS) revealed a significant prognostic improvement in the TORS group for OPC patients with a T1-T2 classification (89.3% vs. 72.0%; p = 1.1 × 10-2), stages I-II (92.1% vs. 82.2%; p = 4.6 × 10-2), and stages III-IV (82.8% vs. 62.2%; p = 5.7 × 10-2) and for HPV- patients (85.5% vs. 33.3%; p < 1.0 × 10-6). Furthermore, three SNVs (SNV1339A>G, SNV1950A>C, and SNV4298A>G) in the HPV16 genome were identified as being associated with worse survival. These SNVs could alter protein interactions and weaken the binding affinity for MHC-II, promoting viral amplification and immune evasion. Conclusions: TORS exhibited a superior prognosis to traditional surgery in OPC patients. Additionally, identifying specific SNVs within the HPV16 genome provided potential prognostic markers for HPV+ OPC. These significant findings hold clinical relevance for treatment decision-making and prognostic assessment in patients with OPC.

Renal Function Preservation in Purely Off-Clamp Sutureless Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Initial Experience and Technique.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a sutureless off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (sl-oc RAPN), particularly its impact on renal function. A multicenter study was conducted from April 2021 to June 2022. Patients diagnosed with a renal mass of >2 cm and a PADUA score of ≤6 consecutively underwent an sl-oc RAPN procedure. Tumor features, patients characteristics, and intraoperative outcomes were assessed. An evaluation of renal function was performed preoperatively, and again at 1 and 3 months after surgery by measuring the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. The renal function of the two separate kidneys was assessed by a sequential renal scintigraphy performed before and at least 30 days after surgery. A total of 21 patients underwent an sl-oc RAPN. The median age was 64 years (IQR 52/70), the median tumor diameter was 40 mm (IQR 29/45), and the median PADUA score was 4 (3.5/5). The intraoperative outcomes included operative time (OT), 90 (IQR 74/100) min; estimated blood loss (EBL), 150 (IQR 50/300) mL; and perioperative complications, CD > 3 1(5%); only two patients presented positive surgical margins in their final histology (2/21, 10%). Compared to the preoperative value, a decrease in renal function was highlighted with a statistically significant median decrease of 10 mL/min (p < 0.01). The renal scintigraphy showed an overall decrease in renal function compared to the preoperative value, with a range in the operated kidney that varied from 0 to 15 mL/s and from 0% to 40%, with a median value of 4 mL/s and 12%. sl-oc RAPN is a safe procedure, with a minimal impact on kidney function alteration. This technique has proven effective in preserving renal function and maintaining optimal oncological outcomes with limited complications.

Initial surgical performance in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is associated with clinical outcomes and learning curves.

BACKGROUND: The association between surgical performance ratings and clinical outcomes in robotic surgery is poorly understood. Additionally, no studies have reported on the relationship between the surgeon's initial case-skill evaluation and the learning curve in robot-assisted surgery. We evaluated whether an objective surgical technique evaluation score for initial robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) was associated with clinical outcomes and surgeons' learning curves. METHODS: Six surgeons who were trained in and started to perform RARP at our institution were included. Anonymized, unedited videos of each surgeon's 10th RARP case were evaluated by three reviewers, using modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) scores. We then divided the surgeons into two groups on the basis of these OSATS scores. We retrospectively compared the clinical outcomes and learning curves of the console time of the two groups for consecutive RARPs, performed from March 2018 to July 2023. RESULTS: We analyzed 258 RARPs (43 cases/surgeon), including 129 cases performed by high-OSATS score surgeons (18.2-19.3 points) and 129 cases performed by low-OSATS score surgeons (11.9-16.0 points). Overall, the high-OSATS score group had significantly shorter operation and console times than the low-OSATS score group did (both P < 0.01) and their patients' rate of continence recovery by 3 months post-RARP was significantly higher (P = 0.03). However, complications, blood loss, and positive margins did not differ between the groups (P = 0.08, P = 0.51, and P = 0.90, respectively). The high-OSATS score group had a significantly shorter console time than the low-OSATS score group did after the 11-20 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The OSATS score in early RARP cases can predict subsequent surgical outcomes and surgeons' learning curves.

Skill progress during a dedicated societal robotic surgery training curriculum including several robotic surgery platforms.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted procedures are increasingly common, and several systems are available for thoraco-abdominal surgery. Specific structured training is necessary, while access to these systems is still limited. This study aimed to assess surgeons' skill progress during consecutive training days of a curriculum with exposure to different robotic systems. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled 47 surgeons with anonymized analysis of SimNow™ simulator performance scores and dedicated questionnaires after written consent. The primary outcome was the overall score, based on economy of motion, time to complete the exercise, and penalty for errors. Course participants in 2022-2023 had chosen 2 full hands-on days on Da Vinci® consoles with either virtual reality (VR) simulation training using the SimNow (n = 21, 44.7%) or digestive surgery procedures with a live animal model (n = 26, 55.3%). In all participants, training on Da Vinci® systems included console functions and principles of docking, camera, and instrument use for console and procedural training. They additionally had access to introductory dry-lab and VR simulator exercises on the Versius, HugoTMRAS, and Dexter systems and to VR exercises on the ROBOTiS simulator. RESULTS: The participants (16F/31M, median age 40 years, range 29-58) from various surgical specialties (general/visceral/vascular) had no (n = 35, 74.5%) or little (n = 12, 25.5%) robotic experience including bedside assistance only and 20 (42.6%) had robotic simulator experience. The demographic variables fully completed by 44/47 participants (93.6%) and choice of module had no significant impact on the primary outcome. The considerable performance improvement from days 1 to 2 was exemplified by a significantly increased economy of motion and decreased amount of excessive force. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgical training is increasingly complex with several systems on the market. Within a dedicated robotic surgery curriculum and based on integrated performance metrics, a significant improvement of skill levels was observed in a relatively short period of time.

Current status of resident simulation training curricula: pearls and pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: Residency programs are required to incorporate simulation into their training program. Ideally, simulation provides a safe environment for a trainee to be exposed to both common and challenging clinical scenarios. The purpose of this review is to detail the current state of the most commonly used laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery simulation programs in general surgery residency education, including resources required for successful implementation and benchmarks for evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Members of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Resident and Fellow Task Force (RAFT) Committee performed a literature review using PubMed and training websites. Information regarding the components of the most commonly used laparoscopic, endoscopic, and/or robotic simulation curriculum, including both formal and informal benchmarks for evaluating training competence, were collected. RESULTS: Laparoscopic simulation revolves around the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS). Proficiency-based as well as virtual simulation have been utilized for FLS training curricula. Challenges include less direct translation to the technical complexities that can arise in laparoscopic surgery. Endoscopic simulation focuses on the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery. There are virtual reality simulation platforms that can be used for skills assessment and training. Challenges include simulator types and access, as well as structured mentoring and feedback. Robotic simulation training curricula have not been standardized. Simulation includes one primary technology, which can be prohibitive based on cost and requirements for onboarding. CONCLUSIONS: While surgical simulation seems to be a fundamental and integrated part of surgical training, it requires a significant number of resources, which can be daunting for residency training programs. Regardless of the barriers outlined, the need for surgical simulation in laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotics at surgical education training programs is clear.

Comparing robotic and open partial nephrectomy under the prism of surgical precision: a meta-analysis of the average blood loss rate as a novel variable.

Exploration of surgical precision in robotic procedures is extensive, yet lacks a unified framework for comparability. This study examines tissue handling precision by comparing the per-minute blood loss rate between robotic and open partial nephrectomy. A literature search from August 2022 to June 2024 identified 43 relevant studies providing data on estimated blood loss and procedure duration. The expected values and standard errors of these variables were used to compute the per-minute blood loss rate (Q). Meta-analytical methods estimated pooled and subgroup-level mean differences, favoring robotic surgery (MDQ = - 1.043 ml/min, CI95% = [- 1.338; - 0.747]). Subgroup analyses by publication year, patient matching, referral center count, and ROBINS-I status consistently supported this advantage. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the above benefit in studies with increased accuracy in reported results (MDQ = - 0.957 ml/min, CI95% = [- 1.269; - 0.646]), low risk of bias involving matched comparisons (MDQ = - 0.563 ml/min, CI95% = [- 0.716; - 0.410]), large sample sizes and increased statistical power (MDQ = - 0.780 ml/min, CI95% = [- 1.134; - 0.425]), and multicenter analyses with patient matching (MDQ = - 0.481 ml/min, CI95% = [- 0.698; - 0.263]). The subsequent analysis of correlation between the original variables suggested a slight reduction in the robotic advantage when the latter were proportionally related. Multilevel meta-regression at both temporal and qualitative scales consistently indicated a comparative benefit of the robotic approach. Potentially, lower per-minute blood loss compared to open surgery suggests that robotic partial nephrectomy demonstrates enhanced precision in tissue handling.

Da Vinci robot-assisted retroperitoneal tumor resection in 105 patients: a single-center experience.

Background: The Da Vinci Surgical System (DVSS) has the advantages of minimal invasion, rapid recovery, safety, and reliability. Although the DVSS has been widely used in various abdominal surgeries, descriptions of its use in robot-assisted retroperitoneal tumor resection (RRTR) are limited to case reports; large-sample systematic studies are lacking. The present study was performed to analyze the data of RRTR in our center, summarize our experience, and provide a reference for other retroperitoneal tumor centers. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 105 patients who underwent RRTR at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2015 to December 2022. Logistic univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors affecting RRTR. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find the cut-off value, which was then included in the logistic multivariate analysis for verification. Results: Among the 105 patients, 87 successfully underwent RRTR (DVSS group) and 18 underwent conversion to open surgery (conversion group). There was no significant difference in sex, age, body mass index, history of abdominal surgery, or tumor location between the two groups (P > 0.05). The maximum tumor diameter [odds ratio (OR), 1.041; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.015-1.067; P = 0.002] and pathological property (OR, 8.646; 95% CI, 2.370-31.544; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for conversion to open surgery. Further analysis confirmed that the success rate of RRTR was higher for tumors with a maximum diameter of ≤64 mm and benign tumors. Based on our experience and statistical results, we believe that retroperitoneal tumors that meet the following criteria have a higher success rate of DVSS resection: maximum tumor diameter of ≤64 mm, benign tumors, the tumor has relatively clear boundary, no obvious invasion of surrounding tissues and organs, and no need for combined organ resection. Conclusions: RRTR is safe and effective in the treatment of RPT, and the clinical prognosis is similar to that of open surgery. The success rate of RRTR in patients with appropriate surgical indications for this procedure is higher.