Three-dimensional Versus Two-dimensional Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy has several advantages in gastrointestinal surgery. This systematic review determined whether similar benefits exist for bariatric surgical procedures by systematically searching the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Six studies including 629 patients who underwent 2D (386) and 3D (243) laparoscopic bariatric surgeries were selected. Operative time was significantly shorter in patients undergoing 3D laparoscopic gastric bypass (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22-0.15). Similarly, a shorter hospital stay was detected both during sleeve gastrectomy (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.70-0.13) and gastric bypass (SMD 0.39, 95% CI 0.64-0.14) with 3D laparoscopy. The study showed the potential benefit of 3D imaging in preventing intra- and postoperative complications. Despite the limited evidence, surgeons may benefit from 3D laparoscopy during bariatric surgery.

Shifting paradigms: a pivotal study on laparoscopic resection for colovesical fistulas in diverticular disease.

Background: Colovesical fistulas (CVFs) pose a challenge in diverticulitis, affecting 4% to 20% of sigmoid colon cases. Complicated diverticular disease contributes significantly, accounting for 60%-70% of all CVFs. Existing studies on laparoscopic CVF management lack clarity on its effectiveness in diverticular cases compared to open surgery. This study redefines paradigms by assessing the potentiality, adequacy, and utility of laparoscopy in treating CVFs due to complicated diverticular disease, marking a paradigm shift in surgical approaches. Methods: Conducting a retrospective analysis at Ospedale Monaldi A.O.R.N dei Colli and University Federico II, Naples, Italy, patients undergoing surgery for CVF secondary to diverticular disease between 2010 and 2020 were examined. Comprehensive data, including demographics, clinical parameters, preoperative diagnoses, operative and postoperative details, and histopathological examination, were meticulously recorded. Patients were classified into open surgery (Group A) and laparoscopy (Group B). Statistical analysis used IBM SPSS Statistic 19.0. Results: From January 2010 to December 2020, 76 patients underwent surgery for colovesical fistula secondary to diverticular disease. Laparoscopic surgery (Group B, n = 40) and open surgery (Group A, n = 36) showed no statistically significant differences in operative time, bladder suture, or associated procedures. Laparoscopy demonstrated advantages, including lower intraoperative blood loss, reduced postoperative primary ileus, and a significantly shorter length of stay. Postoperative morbidity differed significantly between groups. Mortality occurred in Group A but was unrelated to surgical complications. No reoperations were observed. Two-year follow-up revealed no fistula recurrence. Conclusion: This pivotal study marks a paradigm shift by emphasizing laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis as a safe and feasible option for managing CVF secondary to diverticular disease. Comparable conversion, morbidity, and mortality rates to the open approach underscore the transformative potential of these findings. The study's emphasis on patient selection and surgeon experience challenges existing paradigms, offering a progressive shift toward minimally invasive solutions.

Reports of Gastric Banding and Bowel Obstruction: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

The utilization rates of laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) declined worldwide from 42.3% in 2008 to 1.8% in 2018. Rates of complications requiring removal may reach 40-50% in the medium to long term. Bowel obstruction is a rare but severe complication that occurs after LAGB. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed was carried out to identify all available case reports of intestinal obstruction after gastric banding. The search terms were as follows: "intestinal obstruction", "small bowel obstruction", "gastric band", "gastric banding", "gastric band complications", and "laparoscopic gastric band obstruction". The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flowchart was used. Forty-three case reports were included in our review. Laparotomy was necessary in 18/43 (41%) of patients. Vomit was not always reported, while abdominal pain was constantly present. A CT scan was the preferred diagnostic tool. The main causes of occlusion were found to be the erosion of the gastrointestinal tract or internal hernia due to a loose tube loop. Forty-six percent of cases occurred within 5 years from insertion. Even if rare, small bowel obstruction after LAGB requires surgical intervention often with an open approach. The absence of vomit masks symptoms, but an obstruction must be always suspected in the case of severe colicky abdominal pain. A CT scan is recommended for making diagnoses.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes after combined stoma reversal and incisional hernia repair versus stoma reversal alone.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management and timing of the abdominal wall reconstruction concomitantly performed with stoma closure are controversial. This study aims to compare short-term postoperative outcomes after concurrent stoma reversal (SR) with incisional hernia repair (IHR) and SR alone. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases were consulted to identify comparative studies. Random and common-effect models were used for the pooled analysis of the proportions and means. RESULTS: Three studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 504 patients who underwent simultaneous SR and IHR (N.=200) or SR alone (N.=304) were included in the meta-analysis. Postoperative morbidity increased after combined stoma and hernia surgery with a pooled OR for Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO) and severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥III) of 1.72 (95% CI 1.02-2.90) and 3.83 (95% CI 1.46-10.02), respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of mortality (OR: 1.66; 95% CI 0.64-4.27), length of hospital stay (OR: 1.37; 95% CI 0.73-3.47). and readmission rate (OR: 1.17; 95% CI 0.67-2.06). CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence suggesting that synchronous repair of SR and IH appears to be associated with a higher risk of SSO and severe postoperative complications. Therefore, a stepwise approach may be considered the best strategy in this setting.

A Randomized Phase III Trial of Complete Mesocolic Excision Compared with Conventional Surgery for Right Colon Cancer: Interim Analysis of a Nationwide Multicenter Study of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology Colorectal Cancer Network (CoME-in trial).

BACKGROUND: Although complete mesocolic excision (CME) is supposed to be associated with a higher lymph node (LN) yield, decreased local recurrence, and survival improvement, its implementation currently is debated because the evidence level of these data is rather low and still not supported by randomized controlled trials. METHOD: This is a multicenter, randomized, superiority trial (NCT04871399). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary end point of the study. The secondary end points were safety (duration of operation, perioperative complications, hospital length of stay), oncologic outcomes (number of LNs retrieved, 3- and 5-year overall survival, 5-year DFS), and surgery quality (specimen length, area and integrity rate of mesentery, length of ileocolic and middle-colic vessels). The trial design required the LN yield to be higher in the CME group at interim analysis. RESULTS: Interim data analysis is presented in this report. The study enrolled 258 patients in nine referral centers. The number of LNs retrieved was significantly higher after CME (25 vs. 20; p = 0.012). No differences were observed with respect to intra- or post-operative complications, postoperative mortality, or duration of surgery. The hospital stay was even shorter after CME (p = 0.039). Quality of surgery indicators were higher in the CME arm of the study. Survival data still were not available. CONCLUSIONS: Interim data show that CME for right colon cancer in referral centers is safe and feasible and does not increase perioperative complications. The study documented with evidence that quality of surgery and LN yield are higher after CME, and this is essential for continuation of patient recruitment and implementation of an optimal comparison. Trial registration The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the code NCT04871399 and with the acronym CoME-In trial.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as revisional procedures after failed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG): systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare weight loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remission after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as revisional procedures after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: In PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, a search was performed using the terms "Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus one anastomosis gastric bypass," "revisional surgery," and "sleeve gastrectomy." Only original articles in English language comparing OAGB and RYGB were included. No temporal interval was set. The primary outcome measure was weight loss (%TWL). The secondary endpoints were leak, bleeding, marginal ulcer, and GERD. PRISMA flowchart was used. Differences in continuous and dichotomous outcome variables were expressed as mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) with 95% CI, respectively. Heterogeneity was assessed by using I2 statistic. RESULTS: Six retrospective comparative articles were included in the present meta-analysis. Weight loss analysis showed a MD = 5.70 (95% CI 4.84-6.57) in favor of the OAGB procedure with a statistical significance (p = 0.00001) and no significant statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 0.00%). There was no significant RD for leak, bleeding, or marginal ulcer after the two revisional procedures. After conversion to OAGB, remission from GERD was 68.6% (81/118), and it was 80.6% (150/186) after conversion to RYGB with a RD = 0.10 (95% CI -0.04, 0.24), no statistical significance (p = 0.19), and high heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). De novo GERD was 6.3% (16/255) after conversional OAGB, and it was 0.5% (1/180) after conversion to RYGB with a RD = -0.23 (95% CI -0.57, 0.11), no statistical significance (p = 0.16), and high heterogeneity (I2 = 92%).

Trends and perioperative mortality in gastric cancer surgery: a nationwide population­based cohort study.

This study aimed to investigate changes and perioperative mortality over a 6-year period within the Italian Hospital Information System among patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent gastrectomies and to identify risk factors associated with 90-day mortality. Additionally, nationwide differences between high and low-volume hospitals were evaluated. A nationwide retrospective study was conducted using patient hospital discharge records (HDRs) based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) classification. The HDRs were linked to the National Tax Registry records using deterministic record linkage. The data were obtained from the Italian National Outcomes Evaluation Programme (PNE). Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for 90-day mortality among patients with GC who underwent partial or total gastrectomies over the period from 2018 to 2020 with adjustment for comorbidities. Overall, the number of patients with GC who underwent total or partial gastrectomies steadily decreased in Italy from 5765 in 2015 to 4291 in 2020 (p < 0.001). The use of the laparoscopic approach more than doubled from 2015 (10.8%) to 2020 (26.3%), with a concomitant conversion rate from laparoscopy to open surgery decreasing from 7.7 to 5.8%. The 30 and 90-day mortality rates remained stable over time (p > 0.05). Low-volume hospitals had higher inpatient, early, and late mortality compared to high-volume hospitals (5.9% vs 3.8%, 6.3% vs 3.8%, and 11.8% vs 7.9%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an advanced age (adjusted odds ratio: 3.72; 95% [CI]: 3.15-4.39; p < 0.001), an open approach (adjusted-OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.43-1.99, p < 0.001) and a total gastrectomy (adjusted-OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.27-1.64, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for 90-day mortality. Additionally, patients with GC who referred to high-volume hospitals were 26% less likely to die within 90 days after a gastrectomy than those who underwent surgery in low-volume hospitals. During the 6-year period, surgeons implemented a minimally invasive approach to reduce the conversion over time. Centralisation was associated with better outcomes while advanced age, an open approach, and total gastrectomy were identified as risk factors for 90-day mortality.

Long-term patient-reported outcomes after anti-reflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia repair: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia who are candidates for surgery should be treated with minimally invasive partial or total fundoplication. As data on long-term clinical and functional outcomes after laparoscopic surgery for GERD are limited, the aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of fundoplication in terms of patient-reported symptoms and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. METHODS: The data of 88 patients who underwent laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery for GERD between January 2007 and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes were investigated after surgery using a 13-items Likert-Scale questionnaire based on the frequency (events/week) and severity of typical and atypical symptoms, dysphagia, and dyspepsia. Furthermore, variations in the use of PPIs were investigated as a secondary endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients participated in the questionnaire survey. The median follow-up duration was 77 (2-165) months. The postoperative rate of mild and severe typical symptoms was significantly lower than the preoperative rate (P<0.01). Similarly, the atypical symptom rates decreased after surgery (P<0.05). Dysphagia was more frequent after fundoplication (P<0.01). Before the anti-reflux surgery, 94.7% of the patients were prescribed a PPI. At the time of follow-up, this proportion had decreased to 73.7% (P<0.01). However, the PPI intake rate was 90.9% in the group of patients interviewed >10 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients, laparoscopic anti-reflux fundoplication reduced the rate typical and atypical symptoms of GERD. However, surgery appeared to have no impact on PPI intake over time.

A Systematic Review on the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Pathogenesis of Inguinal Hernias.

The recurrence rate in patients who undergo surgery for abdominal wall hernias (AWHs) is high. AWHs have been hypothesized to be a disease of the extracellular matrix, which is supported by evidence showing a high incidence of AWHs in patients with connective tissue disorders. This study aimed to investigate the most recent literature studies describing the levels of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the blood and fascia, with the objective of better clarifying the pathogenetic role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors in inguinal hernias (IHs). A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases to identify eligible studies. The identified studies were included in the analysis, and a qualitative synthesis of the results is provided to describe the most recent findings. Seventeen studies were included. An association between MMP-2 and direct IHs has also been demonstrated. MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, and MMP-13 levels were increased in both the serum and fascia of patients with IHs. The analysis of inhibitors showed an increase in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), specifically TIMP-1 in IHs, particularly in direct hernias, and a reduction in TIMP-2 in the biopsy samples of the transversalis fascia. In contrast, a reduction in TIMP-1 and an increase in TIMP-2 levels have been reported only in the serum of patients with IHs. Metalloproteinases play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IHs. The analysis of other molecules, such as TIMPs or their correlation with specific genes, is enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of IHs. However, more prospective studies, including comprehensive clinical and laboratory data collection, are required to confirm the relationship between the studied biomarkers and the risk of IHs.

Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery VS ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in left colectomy: evaluation of functional outcomes-a prospective non-randomized controlled trial.

Vascular approach during elective laparoscopic left colectomy impacts post-operative outcomes. The aim of our study was to evaluate how different approaches impact positively defecatory, urinary and sexual functions and quality of life during elective laparoscopic left colectomy. A prospective non-randomized controlled trial at two tertiary center was conducted. All patients who underwent elective laparoscopic left colonic resection from January 2019 to July 2022 were analyzed. They were divided into two groups based on Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) preservation with distal ligation of sigmoid branches close to a colonic wall for complicated diverticular disease and IMA high tie ligation for oncological disease. Patients were asked to fulfil standardized, validated questionnaires to evaluate pre and post-operative defecatory, urinary and sexual functions and quality of life. Defecatory disorders were assessed by high-resolution anorectal manometry preoperatively and six months after surgery. A total of 122 patients were included in the study. The 62 patients with IMA preservation showed a lower incidence of defecatory disorders also confirmed by manometer data, minor incontinence and less lifestyle alteration than the 60 patients with IMA high tie ligation. No urinary disorders such as incomplete emptying, frequency, intermittence or urgency were highlighted after surgery in the IMA preservation group. Evidence of any sexual disorders remained controversial. The IMA-preserving vascular approach seems to be an effective strategy to prevent postoperative functional disorders. It is a safe and feasible technique especially for diverticular disease. New prospective randomized and highly probative studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness in specific clinical situations.

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy with Transperitoneal Approach for Large Renal Tumors: Standardized Surgical Technique and Outcomes.

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is used only in selected cases of renal masses greater than 7 cm, and few studies exist in this setting. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a laparoscopic surgical approach for the treatment of large renal tumors using a standardized technique. Materials and Methods: Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) using the transperitoneal approach were retrospectively evaluated from December 2019 to September 2022. The study population was divided into two groups: patients with renal masses <7 cm (Group A) and those with renal masses ≥7 cm in diameter (Group B). The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared. Results: Forty patients were enrolled (16 in Group A and 24 in Group B) in this study. Although significant difference in terms of age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were detected, the two groups did not differ in mean operative time (130 minutes standard deviation [SD] ± 64 versus 148 minutes DS ± 56; P = .376), intraoperative complications (0% versus 8.3%; P = .508), need for postoperative transfusion (12% versus 12%; P > .999), and length of stay (3.38 DS ± 0.62 days versus 3.92 DS ± 2.47; P = .313). One patient had a local recurrence and died ∼13 months after surgery. Furthermore, 2 patients developed trocar-site incisional hernia in Group B. Conclusion: In this cohort of patients, LN for large renal tumors appeared to be safe and feasible. Larger mass dimension does not appear to influence the outcomes when the surgery is performed using a standardized technique by experienced surgeons.

First Application of the Orbeye™ 4K 3D Exoscope in Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Cancer Surgery.

Reoperation for recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (RPTC) is much more complex than primary surgery is, with a higher rate of complications. We describe, for the first time, the use of the Orbeye™ surgical microscope/exoscope for the treatment of RPTC with lymphadenectomy. This system offers 4K, three-dimensional magnified and illuminated imaging without the need for eyepieces. Magnification of the field of view facilitates a more precise dissection, preserving the anatomical structure. Currently, the Orbeye™ is regularly used in neurosurgery; however, its potential in conventional open surgery has not yet been fully exploited. Owing to its magnification capacity, the Orbeye™ exoscope is a valuable tool to help surgeons identify and preserve the integrity of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroids during thyroid surgery.

Postoperative Morbidity Following Loop Ileostomy Reversal after Primary Elective or Urgent Surgery: A Retrospective Study with 145 Patients.

Temporary loop ileostomy is usually performed to protect distal anastomosis or to treat urgent surgical cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether, after primary urgent stoma construction, patients undergoing ileostomy reversal have different postoperative outcomes compared with patients who have protective stoma performed in an elective setting. A retrospective observational study was conducted including patients who underwent ileostomy reversal. Baseline patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were collected in a single database. The overall morbidity rate during recovery was fixed as a primary outcome. Between 2011 and 2021, the complete data records of 145 patients were evaluated. After ileostomy reversal, the postoperative morbidity rate did not differ between groups (14.4% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.790). Even considering each complication, such as ileus, small bowel obstruction, bleeding and wound infection, no significant difference was detected. Similarly, the time to first flatus was 2.25 ± 1.24 vs. 2.1 ± 0.99 (p = 0.379) and the length of hospital stay was 5.43 ± 3.03 vs. 5.84 ± 5.15 (p = 0.568). The only significant factor associated with postoperative complications on logistic regression analysis was the presence of comorbidities (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.19-29.4, p = 0.05). In the present cohort of patients, there was no difference in the postoperative complication rate after stoma closure following elective or urgent indication for surgery.

Open veress assisted technique for laparoscopic entry.

Background: The creation of the pneumoperitoneum is the first step for any minimally invasive surgical procedure. Although rare, iatrogenic vascular or visceral injuries are reported and they are mainly related to the insertion of the first trocar. The Open Veress Assisted (OVA) technique allows a safe maneuver of the first trocar in order to minimize the risk of intraoperative complications during positioning of the first trocar. The purpose of this study was to describe the OVA technique and discuss the use in our current surgical practice. Patients and Methods: Each step of OVA technique is described in the text. A retrospective review of prospectively maintained institutional databases was performed to report clinical outcomes related to OVA technique use. Results: Between December 2018 and July 2021 OVA technique was used in a total of 324 laparoscopic procedures categorized in 259 colorectal resection and 24 subtotal or total gastrectomies. No intraoperative and postoperative complications related to creation of the peritoneum occurred. Conclusion: OVA technique can be considered a safe alternative procedure for laparoscopic entry. By avoiding potentially dangerous insertion-related forces, this technique can be used even in previously operated patients, when the first trocar needs to be positioned away from the umbilicus or abdominal scar.

Minimally Invasive Repair of Recurrent Inguinal Hernia: Multi-Institutional Retrospective Comparison of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Surgery.

Introduction: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in general surgery. Despite surgical advances, recurrence and chronic pain are still major issues after this intervention. Aim of our study was to retrospectively assess and compare outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia. Methods: All patients who underwent recurrent inguinal hernia repair between 2014 and 2021 in five different institutions were included in our study. Baseline data on age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking habit, and anticoagulant therapy were retrospectively collected from prospectively maintained databases. Operative time, length of stay, and early and late complications were compared between the robotic and the laparoscopic approach. Results: Forty-eight patients underwent recurrent inguinal hernia repair between January 2014 and December 2021. Twenty-three patients underwent a robotic procedure, whereas 25 were submitted to the laparoscopic intervention. Overall mean follow-up was 26.2 months. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics of the two groups. Acceptable and comparable rates of peri- and postoperative outcomes were recorded. However, postoperative visual analog scale score and incidence of chronic pain were lower after the robotic rather than after the laparoscopic approach. (2.9 versus 3.8 P = .002; 20% versus 0%; P = .02, respectively). Conclusions: Minimally invasive repair of recurrent inguinal hernia is safe and feasible; robotic surgery is associated with low rate of postoperative and chronic pain without a significant increase in operative time.

Short- and long-term outcomes in ypT2 rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy and local excision: a multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Although local excision (LE) after neoadjuvant treatment (NT) has achieved encouraging oncological outcomes in selected patients, radical surgery still remains the rule when unfavorable pathology occurs. However, there is a risk of undertreating patients not eligible for radical surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with pathological incomplete response (ypT2) in a multicentre cohort of patients undergoing LE after NT and to compare them with ypT0-is-1 rectal cancers. METHODS: From 2010 to 2019, all patients who underwent LE after NT for rectal cancer were identified from five institutional retrospective databases. After excluding 12 patients with ypT3 tumors, patients with ypT2 tumors were compared to patients with ypT0-is-1 tumors). The endpoints of the study were early postoperative and long-term oncological outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients (132 males, 45 females, median age 70 [IQR 16] years) underwent LE following NT. There were 46 ypT2 patients (39 males, 7 females, median age 72 [IQR 18.25] years) and 119 ypT0-is-1 patients (83 males, 36 females, median age 69 [IQR 15] years). Patients with pathological incomplete response (ypT2) were frailer than the ypT0-is-1 patients (mean Charlson Comorbidity Index 6.15 ± 2.43 vs. 5.29 ± 1.99; p = 0.02) and there was a significant difference in the type of NT used for the two groups (long- course radiotherapy: 100 (84%) vs. 23 (63%), p = 0.006; short-course radiotherapy: 19 (16%) vs. 17 (37%), p = 0.006). The postoperative rectal bleeding rate (13% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.008), readmission rate (10.9% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.008) and R1 resection rate (8.7% vs. 0; p = 0.008) was significantly higher in the ypT2 group. Recurrence rates were comparable between groups (5% vs. 13%; p = 0.15). Five-year overall survival was 91.3% and 94.9% in the ypT2 and ypT0-is-1 groups, respectively (p = 0.39), while 5-year cancer specific survival was 93.4% in the ypT2 group and 94.9% in the ypT0-is-1 group (p = 0.70). No difference was found in terms of 5-year local recurrence free-survival (p = 0.18) and 5-year distant recurrence free-survival (p = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ypT2 tumors after NT and LE have a higher risk of late-onset rectal bleeding and positive resection margins than patients with complete or near complete response. However, long-term recurrence rates and survival seem comparable.

Robotic versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approaches to bilateral hernia repair: a multicenter retrospective study using propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, new techniques like transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair have progressively gained acceptance for the treatment of groin hernia. Laparoscopic TAPP (LTAPP) is recommended for bilateral repairs. Likewise, the introduction of robotic platforms has promised additional surgical benefits for robotic TAPP (RTAPP), which are yet to be confirmed. This study compared multicenter data obtained from patients undergoing bilateral inguinal hernia repair with RTAPP, performed during the preliminary learning curve period, versus conventional LTAPP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive bilateral inguinal hernia patients from four Italian centers between June 2015 and July 2020 were selected. A propensity score model was used to compare patients treated with LTAPP versus RTAPP, considering sex, age, body mass index, current smoking status, overall comorbidity, hernia classification (primary or recurrent), and associated procedures as covariates. After matching, intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 275 LTAPP and 40 RTAPP were performed. After matching, 80 and 40 patients were allocated to the LTAPP and RTAPP cohorts, respectively. No intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery occurred. However, a longer operative time was recorded in the RTAPP group (79 ± 21 versus 98 ± 29 min; p < 0.001). Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (p = 0.13) did not differ and complication rates were similar. There were no clinical recurrences in either group, with mean follow-up periods of 52 ± 14 (LTAPP) and 35 ± 8 (RTAPP) months. A statistical difference in length of hospital stay was found between the groups (1.05 ± 0.22 vs 1.50 ± 0.74 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this patient population, outcomes for bilateral inguinal hernia repair appear comparable for RTAPP and LTAPP, except for a shorter recovery after laparoscopic surgery. A longer operative time for robotic surgery could be attributable to the learning curve period of each center.