Safety and feasibility of emergency robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal repair for the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies assessed robotic in emergency setting and no solid evidence was demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) repair for the treatment of incarcerated inguinal hernia. METHODS: We retrospectively searched from a prospectively maintained database patients who underwent R-TAPP or open surgery for incarcerated inguinal hernias from January 2018 to March 2023. The primary endpoint was to assess safety and feasibility of the R-TAPP compared to the standard approach. For eligible patients, data was extracted and analyzed using a propensity score-matching (PSM). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were retrieved from our database, 15 underwent R-TAPP, while 19 underwent open surgery. Mean age was 73.1 ± 14.6 years, 30 patients (88.2%) were male and mean BMI was 23.5 ± 3.2 kg/m2. No intraoperative complication occurred. Three cases requiring small bowel resection were all in the open surgery group (p = 0.112). The operative time was 108 ± 31 min versus 112 ± 31 min in the R-TAPP and open surgery groups (p = 0.716). Seven postoperative complications occurred, only one classified as severe was in the open surgery group. The length of hospital stay was 2.9 ± 1.8 in the R-TAPP versus 4.2 ± 2.3 min in the open surgery group (p = 0.077). PSM analysis showed similar postoperative outcomes and costs in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its limitations, our study appears to endorse the safety and feasibility of the robotic-assisted treatment for incarcerated inguinal hernia. This approach yielded comparable results to open surgery, albeit in a limited number of patients, suggesting it might be a viable alternative.

Switching from robotic-assisted extended transabdominal preperitoneal (eTAPP) to totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia repair for umbilical and epigastric hernias.

Our study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the robotic-assisted extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair compared to transabdominal preperitoneal (eTAPP) repair with a suprapubic trocar insertion to treat umbilical and epigastric hernias. On a prospectively maintained database, we identified patients who underwent either eTEP or eTAPP for treating umbilical and epigastric hernias. During the study period, 53 patients were included, 32 in the eTEP group and 21 in the eTAPP group. The mean age was 59.0 ± 13.9 years, 45 patients (84.9%) were male, and the mean BMI was 28.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2. Most hernias were umbilical (81.1%) and primary (83.0%). The operative time for eTEP was slightly shorter than for eTAPP (106 ± 43 min vs. 126 ± 74 min, p = 0.232). Postoperatively, only one case of bleeding and one seroma were recorded. No complication occurred during a mean follow-up of 11.3 ± 6.4 months in the eTEP group and 20.5 ± 9.7 months in the eTAPP group. In conclusion, our study showed that the eTEP with suprapubic approach was safe and feasible in the treatment of epigastric and umbilical hernias. According to our experience, shorter operative time, integrity of the posterior layers and increased overlap size are the main surgical reasons of switching from eTAPP to eTEP.

Laparoscopic vs. ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) is effective for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. However, evidence regarding the optimal delivery method, either laparoscopic (L-TAPB) or ultrasound-guided (U-TAPB) is lacking. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these delivery methods. METHODS: We carried out a literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to include randomized studies comparing patients receiving either L-TAPB or U-TAPB during minimally invasive colorectal surgery. The primary endpoint was opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB-2 tool. Effect size was estimated for each study with 95% confidence interval and overall effect measure was estimated with a random effect model. RESULTS: The literature search revealed 294 articles, of which four randomized trials were eligible. A total of 359 patients were included, 176 received a L-TAPB and 183 received a U-TAPB. We established the non-inferiority of L-TAPB, as the absolute difference of - 2.6 morphine-mg (95%CI - 8.3 to 3.0) was below the pooled non-inferiority threshold of 8.1 morphine-mg (low certainty level). No difference in opioid consumption was noted at 2, 6, 12, and 48 h (low to very low certainty level). Postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting were similar between groups at different timepoints (low to very low certainty level). No TAPB-related complications were recorded. Finally, the length of hospital stay was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: For postoperative multimodal analgesia both L-TAPB and U-TAPB may result in little to no difference in outcome in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Registration Prospero CRD42023421141.

Six Sigma can significantly reduce costs of poor quality of the surgical instruments sterilization process and improve surgeon and operating room personnel satisfaction.

Operating room (OR) management is a complex multidimensional activity combining clinical and managerial aspects. This longitudinal observational study aimed to assess the impact of Six-Sigma methodology to optimize surgical instrument sterilization processes. The project was conducted at the operating theatre of our tertiary regional hospital during the period from July 2021 to December 2022. The project was based on the surgical instrument supply chain analysis. We applied the Six Sigma lean methodology by conducting workshops and practical exercises and by improving the surgical instrument process chain, as well as checking stakeholders' satisfaction. The primary outcome was the analysis of Sigma improvement. Through this supply chain passed 314,552 instruments in 2022 and 22 OR processes were regularly assessed. The initial Sigma value was 4.79 ± 1.02σ, and the final one was 5.04 ± 0.85σ (SMD 0.60, 95%CI 0.16-1.04, p = 0.010). The observed improvement was estimated in approximately $19,729 of cost savings. Regarding personnel satisfaction, 150 questionnaires were answered, and the overall score improved from 6.6 ± 2.2 pts to 7.0 ± 1.9 pts (p = 0.013). In our experience the application of the Lean Six Sigma methodology to the process of handling the surgical instruments from/to the OR was cost-effective, significantly decreased the costs of poor quality and increased internal stakeholder satisfaction.

Intestinal ischemia due to internal hernia beneath the right external iliac artery after laparoscopic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The occurrence of an internal hernia beneath the external iliac artery is rare but may occur after pelvic lymphadenectomy. The challenging treatment of this rare condition should be tailored to the patient's clinical and anatomical characteristics. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 77-year-old woman with previous history of laparoscopic hysterectomy and adnexectomy with extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer. The patient was admitted in the emergency department because of severe abdominal pain and a computed tomography scan showed signs of internal hernia. The laparoscopy confirmed such a finding below the right external iliac artery. A small bowel resection was deemed necessary and the defect was closed with an absorbable mesh. The post-operative course was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Internal hernia beneath the iliac artery is a rare condition after pelvic lymphadenectomy. The first challenge is the hernia reduction, which can be safely carried out laparoscopically. Secondly, a patch or a mesh should be used to close the defect if a primary peritoneal suture is not feasible, but it requires to be fixed in the small pelvis. The use of absorbable material is a valuable option and should leave a fibrotic area that covers the hernia defect. CONCLUSION: A strangulated internal hernia beneath the external iliac artery is a possible complication after extensive pelvic lymph node dissection. The laparoscopic approach to treat bowel ischemia and to close the peritoneal defect with a mesh, should reduce as much as possible the risk of internal hernia recurrence.

Three-point mesh fixation in robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) repair of 208 inguinal hernias: preliminary results of a single-center consecutive series.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of our mesh fixation technique in robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (R-TAPP). The primary outcome was the recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, chronic pain, and return to normal activities. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2019, we performed 208 consecutive R-TAPP in 161 patients and the mesh was fixed by three intracorporeal stiches using a Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl®) 3-0 suture. Patients were followed up at 10 and 30 days after surgery with a clinical evaluation for detection of early complications, postoperative pain, need for analgesics, return to normal activities, and satisfaction rate. Patients were further followed up at study conclusion in February 2021 for recurrence and chronic pain detection. RESULTS: Painkillers were stopped by 57% of the patients after the first postoperative day and by 96% after 1 week. Chronic pain (> 3 months after surgery) was observed in three patients (1.8%) and only one of them was treated with percutaneous ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve infiltration. After a mean follow-up of 24.0 ± 6.7 months, only 1 recurrence (0.48%) was clinically detected and confirmed by a CT-scan. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-point mesh fixation technique is feasible during robot-assisted TAPP repair for inguinal hernia and seems to be a viable alternative to other fixation methods. Further long-term controlled investigations are needed to understand if this technique is effective in influencing recurrence and chronic pain rates.

Liver Blood Tests in the Management of Suspected Choledocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: The likelihood of common bile duct (CBD) stones considers liver blood tests (LBTs) if they are markedly altered only. The aim of our study was to find a reliable tool based on LBTs to predict the presence of CBD stones. METHODS: We retrospectively considered all patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) because of suspected CBD stones from January 2014 to June 2019. Demographic, clinical data, and LBT values were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: We selected 191 patients, 64 (33.5%) with positive MRCP and 127 (66.5%) with negative MRCP. The analysis showed that our compound LBT-based score had 83.6%, 90.7%, and 90.6% sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values, respectively, in determining MRCP results. CONCLUSION: We designed a weighted score with high diagnostic power in determining MRCP results that could help in differentiating between candidates for primary cholecystectomy and patients who benefit from preoperative MRCP.

Robot-assisted Treatment of Epigastric Hernias With a Suprapubic Approach.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted ventral hernia repair has shown itself to be feasible and safe in abdominal wall surgery. Presently, the ports are placed laterally to meet the distance from the fascial defect. The aim of our study is to report our experience of epigastric hernia treatment with trocar insertion in the suprapubic region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On a prospectively collected dataset on robot-assisted surgery, patients treated for epigastric hernias with suprapubic approach were identified. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve patients were selected. Median age was 58.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 47.8 to 67.3 y]; 4 patients were male (33.3%) and the median body mass index was 23.9 kg/m2 (IQR: 22.3 to 26.2 kg/m2). All patients were referred to surgery because of pain. The median measure of the hernia defect was 30 mm (IQR: 13.75 to 31.0 mm); median larger mesh diameter was 13.5 cm (IQR: 9.5 to 15.0 cm); and median operative time was 136.5 minutes (IQR: 120.0 to 186.5 min). No intraoperative complication or conversion to open surgery occurred. Postoperatively, 2 patients presented a seroma and median length of hospital stay was 2.0 days (IQR: 1.75 to 3 d). No case of hernia recurrence was recorded at a mean follow-up of 11.2 months (range: 4 to 29 mo). CONCLUSIONS: In the robot-assisted treatment of hernias of the epigastric region, a suprapubic port placement can be considered instead of a lateral one to have a better field overview, especially in subxiphoid hernias. Further studies are needed to assess the benefits and limitations of such technique.

Suture and Fixation of the Transversalis Fascia during Robotic-Assisted Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernia Repair to Prevent Seroma Formation after Direct Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Background. Seroma formation after videoendoscopic repair of inguinal hernias, known as "pseudorecurrence", may vary from an asymptomatic, self-limiting occurrence to a painful, chronic problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative seroma in robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (R-TAPP), modified by suturing and fixating the transversalis fascia to the Cooper ligament. Methods. The study was approved by the local ethics committee (2019-01132 CE-3495). Patients undergoing R-TAPP for direct inguinal hernia from October 2017 to December 2019 were included. In all patients, a barbed running suture of the transversalis fascia was performed to close the cavity resulting from the direct hernia reduction and to fix it to the Cooper ligament, then a lightweight mesh was placed. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analysed. Results. Over the study period, 67 R-TAPP in 51 patients were identified. All patients were male, with a mean age of 63.1 ± 12.7 years. There was 1 case of conversion to open surgery due to adhesions of the caecum to the groin as a result of perforated appendicitis. The mean length of the hospital stay was 1.8 ± .6 days. After discharge, no cases of seroma or recurrence at 30 days nor chronic pain at a mean follow-up of 10.3 ± 6.8 months was detected. Conclusions. In the treatment of direct inguinal hernia with R-TAPP, suturing and anchoring the transversalis fascia to the Cooper ligament are safe, feasible and recommendable in order to prevent postoperative seromas.

Learning curve of robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal repair (rTAPP) for inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Learning curves describe the rate of performance improvements according to the surgeon's caseload, followed by a plateau where limited additional improvements are observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal repair (rTAPP) for inguinal hernias in surgeons already experienced in laparoscopic TAPP. METHODS: The study was approved by local ethic committee. Male patients undergoing rTAPP for inguinal hernia from October 2017 to December 2019 at the Bellinzona Regional Hospital were selected from a prospective database. Demographic and clinical data, including operative time, conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery, intra- and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Over the study period, 170 rTAPP were performed by three surgeons in 132 patients, and mean age was 60.1 ± 13.7 years. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) test showed a significant operative time reduction after the 43rd operation, once the 90% proficiency on the logarithmic tendency line was achieved. The corrected operative time resulted 71.1 ± 22.0 vs. 60.8 ± 13.5 min during and after the learning curve (p = 0.011). Only one intraoperative complication occurred during the learning curve and required an orchiectomy. Postoperatively, three complications (one seroma, one hematoma, and one mesh infection) required invasive interventions during the learning curve, while no cases were recorded after it (p = 0.312). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the rTAPP, performed by experienced laparoscopists, has a learning curve which requires 43 inguinal hernia repairs to achieve 90% proficiency and to significantly reduce the operative time.

Robotic assisted treatment of flank hernias: case series.

BACKGROUND: Flank hernias are uncommon, surgical treatment is challenging and the minimally-invasive approach not always feasible. The aim of this study was to report the safety and feasibility of the robotic-assisted repair. METHODS: The study was approved by the local ethic committee (2019-01132 CE3495). A retrospective search on a prospectively collected dataset including demographic and clinical records on robotic surgery at our institution was performed to identify patients treated for a flank hernia. Patients were followed-up 6 months. RESULTS: From January 2018 to December 2019, out of 190 patients who underwent robotic-assisted hernia surgery, seven with incisional flank hernia were included. Median age was 69.0 years (IQR 63.2-78.0), BMI was 27.3 kg/m2 (IQR 25.8-32.3) and two patients were male (29%). All patients were referred to surgery because of pain, whereas one of them described recurrent episodes of small bowel obstruction. The median hernia defect measured 25 mm ((IQR 21-40), median mesh diameter was 10 cm (IQR 10-12.5) and median operative time was 137 min (IQR 133-174). No intraoperative complication occurred. Postoperatively, one patient developed a pneumonia, which required antibiotics. Length of hospital stay was 4.0 days (IQR 3.0-7.7). Six months after surgery, neither recurrence nor chronic pain were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Robotics in abdominal wall hernia surgery remains a matter of debate, despite a growing interest from the surgical community. In our reported experience with flank hernias, we found the robotic-assisted approach to be safe and feasible for the treatment of this uncommon clinical entity.

Two-step treatment of dysphagia lusoria: robotic-assisted resection of aberrant right subclavian artery following aortic debranching.

A 69-year-old female suffering from severe dysphagia due to an aberrant right subclavian artery was treated with a two-step approach. A right carotid-subclavian bypass was followed 2 weeks later by a robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the aberrant right subclavian artery. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient immediately recovered from her dysphagia. In our case, the robotic-assisted technology offered major advantages and, based on our experience, may be useful in the treatment of this rare disease.

Ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block in patients undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: In this double-blind randomized trial, we aimed to compare the postoperative pain, complications, and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy under spinal anesthesia with or without the pudendal nerve block. METHODS: Patients undergoing Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy under spinal anesthesia were randomized to undergo a pudendal nerve block or no intervention. Postoperative pain on the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h; opioid administration; and length of hospital stay were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Over the study period, 49 patients were included and 23 randomized in the treatment arm. No differences in terms of age, gender, and preoperative risk factors were noted between groups. The pain on the VAS at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h was 2.8 vs. 4.6 (p = 0.046), 3.4 vs. 4.7 (p = 0.697), 1.4 vs. 3.1 (p = 0.016), and 1.0 vs. 2.1 (p = 0.288) in the treatment and control groups respectively. No differences in opioids use or complications were noted. Length of hospital stay was 1.2 vs. 1.8 days respectively (p = 0.046). No complications directly associated to the pudendal nerve block were observed. Multivariate analysis revealed that the pudendal nerve block was an independent factor reducing the postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block in patients undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy under spinal anesthesia showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative pain and length of hospital stay. The proposed technique appeared to be safe and feasible and may be recommendable in patients undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04251884.

Management of residual pleural space after lung resection: fully controllable paralysis of the diaphragm through continuous phrenic nerve block.

BACKGROUND: Residual pleural space after lung resection associated with air leak is a challenging issue, potentially causing serious complications. We report a new, postoperative technique to reduce the pleural space, inducing a controlled and reversible paralysis of the diaphragm. METHODS: Ten patients were enrolled (7 lobectomies, 2 bilobectomy, 1 wedge resection). Inclusion criteria were: digitally detected air flow >200 mL/min at post-op day 3, presence of empty pleural space at chest x-ray, absence of restrictive lung disease, absence of known arrhythmias. A 22G nerve-block catheter was place under ultrasound guidance in proximity to the phrenic nerve, between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the anterior scalene muscle at the level of 6th cervical vertebra. Continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% 3 mL/h was started. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm significant reduction in hemidiaphragm movements. Monitoring of vital signs and intense respiratory physiotherapy were enhanced. The infusion was stopped at air leak cessation and the catheter was removed along with the chest drain. RESULTS: No peri- and post-procedural complications occurred. In all patients, we observed an immediate reduction of the empty pleural space and resolution of the air leak within few days (3±1.16 days). After suspension of local anaesthetic, complete restoration of the hemidiaphragm function has been documented. CONCLUSIONS: This is an effective and minimally invasive method to reduce the residual pleural space after lung resections. Narrowing of the pleural space facilitates the contact between the lung and the chest wall promoting the resolution of the air leak. Diaphragm paralysis is controlled and temporary with no residual disabilities.

Development of a model for laparoscopic cholecystectomy video assisted training. A randomized study.

PURPOSE: To identify the surgical trainee benefits through the use of video assisted training (VAT). METHODS: Twelve cases of uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were selected. Edited video segments focused on essential intra-operative anatomical structure identification and critical surgical steps. Evaluation of these videos was constructed on a scoring system based on pre and post-teach tests. RESULTS: The mean value of the pre-teach score was 33.2 ± 18.0 points and in the post-teach test the mean value was 66.7 ± 9.7 points. A statistically significant difference was seen when comparing pre and post-teach results (p<.00001). CONCLUSION: The widespread and the systematic use of video assisted learning may be a useful and economic tool in adjunct to the surgical training techniques practiced until now throughout the surgical community.

Development of a model for laparoscopic cholecystectomy video assisted training. A randomized study

Abstract Purpose: To identify the surgical trainee benefits through the use of video assisted training (VAT). Methods: Twelve cases of uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were selected. Edited video segments focused on essential intra-operative anatomical structure identification and critical surgical steps. Evaluation of these videos was constructed on a scoring system based on pre and post-teach tests. Results: The mean value of the pre-teach score was 33.2 ± 18.0 points and in the post-teach test the mean value was 66.7 ± 9.7 points. A statistically significant difference was seen when comparing pre and post-teach results (p<.00001). Conclusion: The widespread and the systematic use of video assisted learning may be a useful and economic tool in adjunct to the surgical training techniques practiced until now throughout the surgical community.

Lung Ultrasound to Detect Residual Pneumothorax After Chest Drain Removal in Lung Resections.

BACKGROUND: Indication for postdrain removal imaging after lung resection is debated. Chest roentgenogram (CR) is widely used to confirm lung expansion but not evidence based. We propose to introduce lung ultrasound (LUS) as alternative to exclude significant pneumothorax (PTx) in this setting. METHODS: The study enrolled 50 patients undergoing lung resections. Inclusion criteria were complete expansion of the lung at postoperative CR, pleural effusion of less than 300 mL/24 h, air leak of 10 to 20 mL/min for 6 hours. Two hours after chest drain removal, LUS was performed at the second and third intercostal spaces to assess pleural sliding. Patients with no detected PTx or with apical PTx were considered for discharge. The same patients were blindly evaluated with CR by a second operator, and a comparison between the two methods was performed. Clinical decisions were taken based on CR results. RESULTS: LUS confirmed large PTxs in 7 patients, apical PTxs in 10 patients, and no PTx in 33 patients. CR confirmed 5 of 7 significant PTxs (1 chest drain reinserted, 4 patients observed), and 2 of 7 PTx were considered irrelevant. Apical PTxs were confirmed in 8 of 10 patients, and in 2 patients there was no PTx at CR. The 33 patients with no PTx at LUS had full lung expansion at CR. LUS has a negative predictive value of 100% in excluding large PTxs and a positive predictive value of 71%. CONCLUSIONS: In this subgroup of patients with air leak of 10 to 20 mL/min, performing an imaging study to verify the absence of PTx is desirable; however, when LUS confirms lung expansion or the presence of apical PTx, CR does not seem to be needed.

False aneurysm of the interosseous artery and anterior interosseous syndrome--an unusual complication of penetrating injury of the forearm: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Palsies involving the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) comprise less than 1% of all upper extremity nerve palsies. OBJECTIVES: This case highlights the potential vascular and neurological hazards of minimal penetrating injury of the proximal forearm and emphasizes the phenomenon of delayed presentation of vascular injuries following seemingly obscure penetrating wounds. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 22-year-old male admitted for a minimal penetrating trauma of the proximal forearm that, some days later, developed an anterior interosseous syndrome. A Duplex study performed immediately after the trauma was normal. Further radiologic investigations i.e. a computer-tomographic-angiography (CTA) revealed a false aneurysm of the proximal portion of the interosseous artery (IA). Endovascular management was proposed but a spontaneous rupture dictated surgical revision with simple excision. Complete neurological recovery was documented at 4 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY: After every penetrating injury of the proximal forearm we propose routinely a detailed neurological and vascular status and a CTA if Duplex evaluation is negative.