Risk Factors of Open Surgery Conversion in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy to Achieve Nephron Sparing.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for the conversion from laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) to open surgery to achieve partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: Data from patients who underwent LPN between June 2020 and September 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients in whom the PN procedure could be completed laparoscopically were recorded as the 'Fully Laparoscopic' (FL) group (n = 97), and those converted to open surgery from laparoscopy were recorded as the 'Conversion to Open' (CTO) group (n = 10). The demographic and pathologic variables were compared between groups. Regression analyses were used to define predictor factors, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to define the cut-off value of the surgical bleeding volume. RESULTS: Conversion to open surgery was found in 10/107 patients (9.3%). There was no statistical difference between groups in demographic and pathologic variables. Intraoperative blood loss volume, upper pole localized tumor, and posterior localized tumor were found to be statistically higher in the CTO group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.043, respectively). Furthermore, these factors were only found to be statistically significant predictors of conversion to open surgery in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. 235 cc was found to be the cut-off value of intraoperative blood loss volume for predicting conversion to open surgery (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Using these predictive factors in clinical practice, treatment planning will lead to the possibility of starting the treatment directly with open surgery instead of minimally invasive options, and it may also provide a chance of being prepared for the possibility of conversion to open surgery peroperatively.

An evidence-based model for predicting conversion to open surgery in minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative conversion to open surgery is an adverse event during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP), associated with poor postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a model capable of predicting conversion in patients undergoing MIDP. METHODS: A total of 352 patients who underwent MIPD were included in this retrospective analysis and randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts. Potential risk factors related to open conversion were identified through a literature review, and data on these factors in our cohort was collected accordingly. In the training cohort, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust the impact of confounding factors to identify independent risk factors for model building. The constructed model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves. RESULTS: Following an extensive literature review, a total of ten preoperative risk factors were identified, including sex, BMI, albumin, smoker, size of lesion, tumor close to major vessels, type of pancreatic resection, surgical approach, MIDP experience, and suspicion of malignancy. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex, tumor close to major vessels, suspicion of malignancy, type of pancreatic resection (subtotal pancreatectomy or left pancreatectomy), and MIDP experience persisted as significant predictors for conversion to open surgery during MIDP. The constructed model offered superior discrimination ability compared to the existing model (area under the curve, training cohort: 0.921 vs. 0.757, P < 0.001; validation cohort: 0.834 vs. 0.716, P = 0.018). The DCA and the calibration curves revealed the clinical usefulness of the nomogram and a good consistency between the predicted and observed values. CONCLUSION: The evidence-based prediction model developed in this study outperformed the previous model in predicting conversions of MIDP. This model could contribute to decision-making processes surrounding the selection of surgical approaches and facilitate patient counseling on the conversion risk of MIDP.

Editor's Choice - The VASCUNExplanT Project: An International Study Assessing Open Surgical Conversion of Failed Non-Infected Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE: The need for open surgical conversion (OSC) after failed endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) persists, despite expanding endovascular options for secondary intervention. The VASCUNExplanT project collected international data to identify risk factors for failed EVAR, as well as OSC outcomes. This retrospective cross sectional study analysed data after OSC for failed EVAR from the VASCUNET international collaboration. METHODS: VASCUNET queried registries from its 28 member countries, and 17 collaborated with data from patients who underwent OSC (2005 - 2020). Any OSC for infection was excluded. Data included demographics, EVAR, and OSC procedural details, as well as post-operative mortality and complication rates. RESULTS: There were 348 OSC patients from 17 centres, of whom 33 (9.4%) were women. There were 130 (37.4%) devices originally deployed outside of instructions for use. The most common indication for OSC was endoleak (n = 143, 41.1%); ruptures accounted for 17.2% of cases. The median time from EVAR to OSC was 48.6 months [IQR 29.7, 71.6]; median abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter at OSC was 70.5 mm [IQR 61, 82]. A total of 160 (45.6%) patients underwent one or more re-interventions prior to OSC, while 63 patients (18.1%) underwent more than one re-intervention (range 1 - 5). Overall, the 30 day mortality rate post-OSC was 11.8% (n = 41), 11.1% for men and 18.2% for women (p = .23). The 30 day mortality rate was 6.1% for elective cases, and 28.3% for ruptures (p < .0001). The predicted 90 day survival for the entire cohort was 88.3% (95% CI 84.3 - 91.3). Multivariable analysis revealed rupture (OR 4.23; 95% CI 2.05 - 8.75; p < .0001) and total graft explantation (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.02 - 4.34; p = .04) as the only statistically significant predictive factors for 30 day death. CONCLUSION: This multicentre analysis of patients who underwent OSC shows that, despite varying case mix and operative techniques, OSC is feasible but associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates, particularly when performed for rupture.

Intraoperative complexity and risk factors associated with conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in eight hospitals in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The conversion to open surgery (COS) during the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is reported to occur at a rate of 10-15%. Some preoperative risk factors (RF) have been postulated; however, few studies have evaluated these factors and the intraoperative complexity with the COS rate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the preoperative RF and intraoperative complexity using the Parkland grading scale (PGS) with the COS rate in LC. METHODS: A retrospective study was done evaluating the demographic and surgical variables from the patients and LC videos from 8 different hospitals of Mexico City from December 2018 to January 2020. The evaluation of the PGS was done by 2 surgeons (one MI and one HPB surgeon); the PGS was also categorized as Non-Complex LC (nCLC, PGS1-2) and Complex LC (CLC, PGS 3-5). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of this factors with the COS rate. RESULTS: 430 LC were analyzed; 358 (78.61%) were women, 261 (60.7%) were elective and 169(39.3%) urgent LC, the mean age was 44.06 (SD ± 13.16) years. 21 (4.8%) LC were COS; the mean age of this group was 55 (SD ± 12.95), 3 (0.7%) were nCLC and 18 (4.19%) CLC, mean PGS of 3.76 (SD ± 1.09), the mean time to COS was 48.67 (SD ± 41.9), the estimated blood loss (EBL) was 258 (SD ± 260.22) and 6 (1.4%) intraoperative BDI were recognized on this group. Univariate analysis showed a significant association with the COS with male sex, older age, age > 45 years, presence of comorbidities, a higher PGS, a CLC, higher EBL and possible BDI; multivariate analysis produced a model using male sex, age, presence of comorbidities and a CLC with a 0.809 area under the ROC curve. CONCLUSION: The recognition of the associated RF and a CLC can guide the surgeon to establish preoperative and bailout strategies during the procedure, recognizing a higher risk of COS and its higher morbidity.

Risk factors and outcomes of conversion in minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The reported conversion rates for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) range widely from 2 to 38%. The identification of risk factors for conversion may help surgeons during preoperative planning and patient counseling. Moreover, the impact of conversion on outcomes of MIDP is unknown. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted as part of the 2019 Miami International Evidence-Based Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Pancreas Resection (IG-MIPR). The PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for studies concerning conversion to open surgery in MIDP. RESULTS: Of the 828 studies screened, eight met the eligibility criteria, resulting in a combined dataset including 2592 patients after MIDP. The overall conversion rate was 17.1% (range 13.0-32.7%) with heterogeneity between studies associated with the definition of conversion adopted. Only one study divided conversion into elective and emergency conversion. The main indications for conversion were vascular involvement (23.7%), concern for oncological radicality (21.9%), and bleeding (18.9%). The reported risk factors for conversion included a malignancy as an indication for surgery, the proximity of the tumor to vascular structures in preoperative imaging, higher BMI or visceral fat, and multi-organ resection or extended resection. Contrasting results were seen in terms of blood loss and length of stay in comparing converted MIDP and completed MIDP patients. CONCLUSION: The identified risk factors for conversion from this study can be used for patient selection and counseling. Surgeon experience should be considered when contemplating MIDP for a complex patient. Future studies should divide conversion into elective and emergency conversion.

Conversion to open laparotomy during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: lessons from a single-center experience in 70 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing conversion from laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) to open surgery, and the effect of such conversion on the outcome. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included 70 consecutive patients undergoing LDP. The primary endpoint was the rate of conversion to open surgery during LDP. The secondary endpoints were determining the reasons for conversion to open surgery, with detailed analyses of these cases and a comparison of the surgical outcome with and without conversion. RESULTS: Seven patients (10%) required conversion to open surgery during LDP. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was identified as a risk factor for conversion (p = 0.010). The reasons for conversion included technical difficulty (two bleeding, one severe adhesion) and pancreatic stump-related issues (two margin-positive, two stapling failures). Although the overall morbidity rate (29 vs. 11%, p = 0.48) and the rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (14 vs. 5%, p = 0.82) were no different for the patients with or without open conversion, the postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the former (median 15 vs. 10 days, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Careful preoperative assessment is required when planning LDP for PDAC. Although conversion to open surgery does not result in failure of LDP, efforts to reduce the duration of postoperative hospital stay and the occurrence of complications are desirable to improve the outcome of LDP.

[Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection after Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy].

Objective To investigate the incidence of surgical site infection(SSI)following conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy and to analyze the related risk factors. Methods The clinical data of 179 patients who had experienced conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to August 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between clinical variables and SSI. Results The incidence of SSI was 19.0%(34/179)after conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.The multivariable analysis demonstrated that preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)(OR=4.208,95% CI:1.590-11.135,P=0.004)was the only independent risk factor of SSI. Conclusions The incidence of SSI after conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy increased remarkably,especially in those who had preoperative ERCP.Preventive interventions should be taken to reduce the incidence of SSI.

Laparoscopic conversion to open surgery in radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy: causal analysis, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the causal analysis, clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of laparoscopic conversion to open approach (LCTOA) in radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy. METHODS: We included all patients with Mayo level I-III renal tumors with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy as the first choice from May 2015 to July 2019. RESULTS: There were 70 cases of renal tumor with IVC tumor thrombus treated with a laparoscopic approach as the first choice; 31 Mayo level I, 30 Mayo level II, and 9 Mayo level III. A completely laparoscopic approach was performed in 51 cases (72.9%), and 19 cases (27.1%) underwent active or passive LCTOA. The LCTOA group had higher median preoperative serum creatinine (110.0 µmol/L vs 92.0 µmol/L; P = 0.026), longer postoperative hospital stay (9 days vs 7 days; P = 0.008), longer median operation time (374 min vs 311 min; P = 0.017), higher median intraoperative hemorrhage volume (1300 vs 600 ml; P = 0.020), and higher proportion of male patients (94.7% vs 66.7%; P = 0.016) vs the completely laparoscopic group, respectively. Although preoperative serum creatinine and gender were risk factors in the univariate analysis, multivariate analysis revealed no independent risk factors for LCTOA. We divided the reasons for LCTOA into active conversion and passive conversion; 4 (21.1%) cases underwent active conversion, and 15 (78.9%) underwent passive conversion. Most of the patients undergoing passive conversion had multiple concurrent risk factors, among which perirenal adhesion (30.9%), organ invasion (16.4%), and IVC adhesion (25.5%) were the most common. Fourteen (73.7%) cases underwent renal treatment, and 5 (26.3%) cases underwent tumor thrombus treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The LCTOA group had a higher median preoperative serum creatinine concentration, longer hospital stay, longer median operation time, and higher median intraoperative hemorrhage volume. However, none of the predictors in our study was an independent risk factor for LCTOA. Perirenal adhesion, organ invasion, and IVC adhesion were the most common causes of LCTOA. Considering the limitations of this study, studies with large sample sizes are required to validate our conclusions.

Laparoscopic vs. robotic rectal cancer surgery and the effect on conversion rates: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity-score-matched studies.

BACKGROUND: The usage of robotic surgery in rectal cancer is increasing, but there is an ongoing debate as to whether it provides any benefit. The aim of the present study was to determine if robotic surgery results in less conversion to an open operation than laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using Ovid Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ACP Journal Club and Database of Abstracts of Review of Effectiveness. Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-score-matched (PSM) studies comparing a robotic vs. laparoscopic approach to rectal cancer surgery. The primary endpoint was conversion to open. All statistical analyses and data synthesis were conducted using STATA/IC version 14·2, Windows 64 bit (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA) RESULTS: Six hundred and twenty-one studies were identified through electronic database search. After application of selection criteria as per PRISMA and MOOSE criteria, six RCTs and five PSM articles were analyzed. From the six RCTs, 512 robotic and 519 laparoscopic cases were evaluated. There was a significantly lower rate of conversion for the robotic surgery arm (4.1% vs. 8.1%, OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.00-0.57). Of the five PSM studies, 2097 robotic and 3053 laparoscopic cases were evaluated. There was a significantly lower conversion to open rate found in the robotic surgery cohort (7.4% vs. 15.6%; OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.30-0.47). Pooled RCT and PSM data demonstrated significantly lower conversion rates for robotic surgery (6.7% vs. 14.5%; OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.30-0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery for rectal cancer is associated with reduced conversion to open surgery compared to a laparoscopic approach.

When Partial Nephrectomy is Unsuccessful: Understanding the Reasons for Conversion from Robotic Partial to Radical Nephrectomy at a Tertiary Referral Center.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify the preoperative factors associated with conversion from robotic partial nephrectomy to radical nephrectomy. We report the incidence of this event. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using our institutional review board approved database, we abstracted data on 1,023 robotic partial nephrectomies performed at our center between 2010 and 2015. Standard and converted cases were compared in terms of patients and tumor characteristics, and perioperative, functional and oncologic outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of radical conversion. RESULTS: The overall conversion rate was 3.1% (32 of 1,023 cases). The most common reasons for conversion were tumor involvement of hilar structures (8 cases or 25%), failure to achieve negative margins on frozen section (7 or 21.8%), suspicion of advanced disease (5 or 15.6%) and failure to progress (5 or 15.6%). Patients requiring conversion were older and had a higher Charlson score (both p <0.01), including an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease (p = 0.02). Increasing tumor size (5 vs 3.1 cm, p <0.01) and R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines and hilar location) score (9 vs 8, p <0.01) were also associated with an increased risk of conversion. Worse baseline renal function (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99, p = 0.04), large tumor size (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22-1.7, p <0.01) and increasing R.E.N.A.L. score (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of conversion. Compared to converted cases, at latest followup standard robotic partial nephrectomy cases had similar short-term oncologic outcomes but better renal functional preservation (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: At a high volume center the rate of robotic partial nephrectomy conversion to radical nephrectomy was 3.1%, including 2.2% of preoperatively anticipated nephrectomy cases. Increasing tumor size and complexity, and poor preoperative renal function are the main predictors of conversion.

Cancer recurrence following conversion during laparoscopic colorectal resections: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence regarding long-term oncological outcomes following conversion to open surgery (COS) during laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR) is controversial. The aim of this study is to assess the impact on cancer recurrence of a failed laparoscopic attempt. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge databases were searched for articles reporting data on cancer recurrence in patients undergoing completed LCR and COS. Data were pooled by fixed or random effect modeling, according to the presence of heterogeneity. Primary outcomes were local recurrence (LR) and distance recurrence (DR). RESULTS: Seven studies involving 2493 patients (completed LCR, n 2201 and COS, n 292) were included. The pooled analysis showed that COS resections have an higher risk of LR (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.14-3.42, p = 0.1); no difference was found in DR (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.67-1.77, p = 0.71). However, an higher rate of T4 tumor was present in the converted group (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.71-4, p = 0.0). Subgroup analysis including studies with T stage matched populations showed no significant statistical difference in LR rate; however, a trend toward higher recurrence was still clear. CONCLUSION: There is no consistent evidence that a failed laparoscopic attempt does not result in a poorer oncological outcome; therefore, a careful selection of patients for LCR for cancer is required.

Conversion in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: Are short-term outcomes worse than with open surgery?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent planned open colectomy to those who were converted to an open. METHODS: All patients who underwent elective colectomy were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program using procedure-targeted database (2012-2014). Patients were divided into two groups: open (planned) versus converted. Perioperative outcomes were compared. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the propensity of unplanned conversion as opposed to open surgery. RESULTS: There were 21,437 patients; 17,366 (81.0%) in the open group and 4071 (19.0%) in the converted group. Operative time was longer in the converted group (212 ± 99 vs. 182 ± 111 min, p < 0.001), and hospital stay was longer in the open group (10.5 ± 9.3 vs. 8.7 ± 7.7 days, p < 0.001). Difference in morbidity rate (37.6% open vs. 34.5% converted, p < 0.001) was no longer significant once confounders were adjusted. Specific complications were similar except for superficial surgical site infection (SSI) rate, which was significantly lower in open group (odds ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.76-0.97, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that conversion of laparoscopic colectomy to an open approach was associated with slight increase in superficial SSI rate but shorter hospital stay compared to planned open.

Conversion during laparoscopic colorectal resections: a complication or a drawback? A systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: Several studies compared the outcomes of laparoscopically completed colorectal resections (LCR) to those requiring conversion to open surgery (COS). However, a comparative analysis between COS patients and patients undergoing planned open surgery (POS) would be useful to clarify if the conversion can be considered a simple drawback or a complication, being cause of additional postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study is to perform a meta-analysis of current evidences comparing postoperative outcomes of COS patients to POS patients. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus was performed to identify studies reporting short-term outcomes of COS and POS patients. Primary outcomes were 30-day overall morbidity and length of postoperative hospital stay. Data were analyzed with fixed-effect modeling, and sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Twenty studies involving 30,656 patients undergoing POS and 1935 COS patients were selected. The mean conversion rate was 0.17. Similar 30-day overall morbidity and length of postoperative hospital stay were found in COS and POS patients. Wound infection (OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.12 to 1.83, p < 0.01) was higher in the COS group. Other results were robust. Outcomes were comparable for patients undergoing resection for different natures of the disease (benign vs. malignant) and at different sites (colon vs. rectum). CONCLUSION: Conversions from laparoscopic to open procedure during colorectal resection are not associated with a poorer postoperative outcome compared to patients undergoing planned open surgery, except for a higher risk of wound infection.

Primary cholecystectomy is feasible in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: While early cholecystectomy is generally accepted as the standard procedure for young and fit patients with acute cholecystitis, controversy exits on the management of elderly and severely sick patients. We postulated that primary cholecystectomy is feasible in this subgroup. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of young and fit patients to those of elderly patients undergoing surgery for acute cholecystitis. METHODS: The outcomes of elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing surgery for acute cholecystitis in a primary care center in Germany were retrospectively compared to those of younger patients (<70 years). RESULTS: 152 patients, 74 aged ≥ 70 years (study group) and 78 < 70 years (control) were included for analysis. The study group was significantly older at the time of surgery (78 vs. 68 years, p = 0.02). Severe cholecystitis was seen in a significant number of cases in the study group, p = 0.01. Equally, the mean WBC (19.5 vs. 17, p = 0.02), CRP (26 vs. 22, p = 0.04) and APACHE II score (17 vs. 8, p = 0.01) were significantly higher in the study group. There was no significant difference in the duration of anesthesia (123 vs. 133 min, p = 0.70) and surgery (72 vs. 81 min, p = 0.90) amongst both groups. There was no significant difference in rate of complication amongst both groups (24 vs. 14%, p = 0.11). Two cases of mortality were recorded (1.3%) in the study group. CONCLUSION: The age of the patient cannot be the sole factor in deciding whether or not a patient with acute cholecystitis is fit for surgery.

Surgical approaches for neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The optimal surgical approach for neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery (ES) for neonatal CDH. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Studies that compared surgical approaches for neonatal CDH were selected. Mortality and recurrence of herniation were analyzed as primary endpoints. Each study was evaluated following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Eight observational studies comparing ES and open surgery (OS) met the criteria. As compared with the OS group, the ES group showed both a significantly lower mortality rate [risk ratio (RR) 0.18, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.09-0.38, p < 0.0001] and a significantly higher recurrence rate (RR 3.10, 95 % CI 1.95-4.88, p < 0.00001). However, serious selection bias was seen in seven of the eight studies-because the indication of ES had been determined intentionally, the ES groups may have included less severe cases. CONCLUSION: Although the evidence was insufficient, ES was clearly associated with more recurrence than was OS. Therefore, ES should not be the routine treatment for every neonate. It is crucially important to select suitable cases for ES.

Open conversion during minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: impact on perioperative complications and predictors from national data.

PURPOSE: Despite the increased use of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy, open conversion may occur due to surgical complications, surgeon inexperience or failure to progress. We used nationally representative data to quantify the impact of open conversion compared to nonconverted minimally invasive radical prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy, and identify predictors of open conversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Years 2004 to 2010 of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were queried for patients who underwent radical prostatectomy to analyze the association of open conversion during minimally invasive radical prostatectomy with Clavien complications. Multivariate regression models yielded significant predictors of open conversion. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2010, 134,398 (95% CI 111,509-157,287) minimally invasive radical prostatectomies were performed with a 1.8% (95% CI 1.4-2.1) open conversion rate, translating to 2,360 (95% CI 2,001-2,720) conversions. Open conversion cases had a longer length of stay (4.17 vs 1.71 days, p <0.001) and higher hospital charges ($51,049 vs $37,418, p <0.001) than nonconverted cases. Of open conversion cases 45.2% experienced a complication vs 7.2% and 12.9% of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy cases, respectively (p <0.001). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, open conversion was associated with significantly increased odds of a Clavien grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 complication compared to nonconverted minimally invasive radical prostatectomy and open radical prostatectomy (OR range 2.913 to 15.670, p <0.001). Significant multivariate predictors of open conversion were obesity (OR 1.916), adhesions (OR 3.060), anemia (OR 5.692) and surgeon volume for minimally invasive radical prostatectomy less than 25 cases per year (OR 7.376) (all p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Open conversion during minimally invasive radical prostatectomy is associated with a higher than expected increase in complications compared to open radical prostatectomy and minimally invasive radical prostatectomy after adjusting for age and comorbidities. External validation of predictors of open conversion may prove useful in minimizing open conversion during minimally invasive radical prostatectomy.

Association between Unplanned Conversion and Patient Survival after Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Unplanned conversion (UPC) is considered to be a predictor of poor postoperative outcomes. However, the effects of UPC on the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and those who underwent UPC for HCC. Among 1029 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2004 and 2021, 251 were eligible for the study. Of 251 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC in PS segments, 29 (26.0%) required UPC, and 222 underwent LLR. After 1:5 PSM, 25 patients were selected for the UPC group and 125 for the LLR group. Blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay, and postoperative complication were higher in the UPC group. Regarding oncologic outcomes, although the 5-year overall survival rate was similar in both groups (p = 0.544), the recurrence-free survival rate was lower in the UPC group (p < 0.001). UPC was associated with poor short-term as well as inferior long-term outcomes compared with LLR for HCC in PS segments. Therefore, surgeons must carefully select patients and consider early conversion if unexpected bleeding occurs to maintain safety and oncologic outcomes.

Predictors and outcomes of conversion to sternotomy in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: This study aims to investigate the risk factors and surgical outcomes of conversion to median sternotomy in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Between January 2017 and July 2022, a total of 274 patients (246 males, 28 females; mean age: 57.0±9.6 years; range, 33 to 81 years) who underwent conventional (n=116) or robot-assisted (n=158) minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome measure of the study was conversion to median sternotomy, and the secondary outcome measures were operative mortality, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. Results: Conversion to median sternotomy was required in 26 (9.5%) patients. The most common cause of conversion was intramyocardial left anterior descending artery (27.0%). Among preoperative and operative characteristics, only age was statistically significant risk factor for conversion to sternotomy (odds ratio=1.06, p=0.01). Operative mortality occurred in one patient (0.36%) patient in the entire cohort. The length of intensive care unit and hospital stay was significantly longer in patients requiring conversion to median sternotomy (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in other postoperative outcomes between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Intramyocardial left anterior descending artery is the most common reason for conversion to sternotomy, and older age increases the risk of conversion. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed with satisfactory results, even if it requires conversion to sternotomy.

Risk of Conversion from Laparoscopic Appendectomy to Open Surgery: The Role of Clinical and Radiological Factors in Prediction.

Introduction: Laparoscopic appendectomy is the most preferred surgical method in the treatment of acute appendicitis. In our study, we aim to determine the clinical and radiological factors affecting conversion from laparoscopic appendectomy to open surgery. Materials and Methods: All patients older than 18 years, who were operated on with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the General Surgery clinic of Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Training and Research hospital between January 2020 and January 2022, were included in the study. The data consisting of clinical, laboratory, and radiological (computed tomography) findings of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups as those whose surgery was completed laparoscopically (Group 1) and those converted from laparoscopic appendectomy to open surgery (Group 2). The risk of conversion to open surgery was analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis as univariate and multivariate models. Results: Appendectomy was performed in 831 patients within the specified period. The surgery of 31 (3.73%) patients started laparoscopically; however, they were completed by converting to open surgery. Multivariable analysis showed that the risk of conversion to open surgery increased with leukocyte count, Alvarado score and with the presence of periappendiceal fluid and lymphadenopathy on CT. Conclusion: Our study shows that patients with high risk of returning to open surgery can be identified preoperatively with the risk analysis method in which clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings are evaluated together. We conclude that, starting the operation of these patients with the open technique from the beginning will prevent unnecessary expenditures and reduce morbidities.

Laparoscopic versus open repair of perforated peptic ulcers: analysis of outcomes and identification of predictive factors of conversion.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcers (PPUs) can be safely performed laparoscopically. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients who received different surgical approaches for PPU and to identify the predictive factors for conversion to open surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients treated for PPUs from 2002 to 2020. Three groups were identified: a complete laparoscopic surgery group (LG), a conversion to open group (CG), and a primary open group (OG). After univariate comparisons, a multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the predictive factors for conversion. RESULTS: Of the 175 patients that underwent surgery for PPU, 104 (59.4%) received a laparoscopic-first approach, and 27 (25.9%) required a conversion to open surgery. Patients treated directly with an open approach were older (p < 0.0001), had more comorbidities (p < 0.0001), and more frequently had a previous laparotomy (p = 0.0001). In the OG group, in-hospital mortality and ICU need were significantly higher, while the postoperative stay was longer. Previous abdominal surgery (OR 0.086, 95% CI 0.012-0.626; p = 0.015), ulcer size (OR 0.045, 95% CI 0.010-0.210; p < 0.0001), and a posterior ulcer location (OR 0.015, 95% CI 0.001-0.400; p = 0.012) were predictive factors for conversion to an open approach. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the benefits of the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of PPUs. Previous laparotomies, a greater ulcer size, and a posterior location of the ulcer are risk factors for conversion to open surgery during laparoscopic repair.