Technical aspects and learning curve of complex laparoscopic hepatectomy: how we do it.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic liver surgery has advanced significantly, offering benefits, such as reduced intraoperative complications and quicker recovery. However, complex laparoscopic hepatectomy (CLH) is technically demanding, requiring skilled surgeons. This study aims to share technical aspects, insightful tips, and outcomes of CLH at our center, focusing on the safety and learning curve. METHODS: We reviewed all patients undergoing liver resection at our center from July 2017 to December 2023, focusing on those who underwent CLH. Of 135 laparoscopic liver resections, 63 (46.7%) were CLH. The learning curve of CLH was also assessed through linear and piecewise regression analyses considering the operation time and intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred only in 4.8% of patients, with a 90-day mortality rate of 3.2%. The mean operation time and blood loss significantly decreased after the first 20 operations, marking the learning curve's optimal cut-off. Significant improvements in R0 resection (p = 0.024) and 90-day mortality (p = 0.035) were noted beyond the learning curve threshold. CONCLUSION: CLH is a safe and effective approach, with a relatively short learning curve of 20 operations. Future large-scale studies should further investigate the impact of surgical experience on CLH outcomes to establish guidelines for training programs.

Beyond the visible: preliminary evaluation of the first wearable augmented reality assistance system for pancreatic surgery.

PURPOSE: The retroperitoneal nature of the pancreas, marked by minimal intraoperative organ shifts and deformations, makes augmented reality (AR)-based systems highly promising for pancreatic surgery. This study presents preliminary data from a prospective study aiming to develop the first wearable AR assistance system, ARAS, for pancreatic surgery and evaluating its usability, accuracy, and effectiveness in enhancing the perioperative outcomes of patients. METHODS: We developed ARAS as a two-phase system for a wearable AR device to aid surgeons in planning and operation. This system was used to visualize and register patient-specific 3D anatomical models during the surgery. The location and precision of the registered 3D anatomy were evaluated by assessing the arterial pulse and employing Doppler and duplex ultrasonography. The usability, accuracy, and effectiveness of ARAS were assessed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. RESULTS: Perioperative outcomes of five patients underwent various pancreatic resections with ARAS are presented. Surgeons rated ARAS as excellent for preoperative planning. All structures were accurately identified without any noteworthy errors. Only tumor identification decreased after the preparation phase, especially in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy because of the extensive mobilization of peripancreatic structures. No perioperative complications related to ARAS were observed. CONCLUSIONS: ARAS shows promise in enhancing surgical precision during pancreatic procedures. Its efficacy in preoperative planning and intraoperative vascular identification positions it as a valuable tool for pancreatic surgery and a potential educational resource for future surgical residents.

Clinical and pathological predictors of engraftment for patient-derived xenografts in lung adenocarcinoma.

Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) are increasingly utilized in preclinical drug efficacy studies due to their ability to retain the molecular, histological, and drug response characteristics of patient tumors. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the successful engraftment of PDXs. Lung adenocarcinoma PDXs were established using freshly resected tumor tissues obtained through surgery. Radiological data of pulmonary nodules from this PDX cohort were analyzed, categorizing them into solid tumors and tumors with ground-glass opacity (GGO) based on preoperative CT images. Gene mutation status was obtained from next generation sequencing data and MassARRAY panel. A total of 254 resected primary lung adenocarcinomas were utilized for PDX establishment, with successful initial engraftment in 58 cases (22.8 %); stable engraftment defined as at least three serial passages was observed in 43 cases (16.9 %). The stable engraftment rates of PDXs from solid tumors and tumors with GGO were 22.1 % (42 of 190 cases) and 1.6 % (1 of 64 cases), respectively (P < 0.001). Adenocarcinomas with advanced stage, poor differentiation, solid histologic subtype, and KRAS or TP53 gene mutations were associated with stable PDX engraftment. Avoiding tumors with GGO features could enhance the cost-effectiveness of establishing PDX models from early-stage resected lung adenocarcinomas.

Assessment of effectiveness and safety of thrombolytic therapy to pulmonary emboli by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle injection.

Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle injection (EBUS-TBNI) may effectively treat acute pulmonary embolisms (PEs). Here, we assessed the effectiveness of clot dissolution and safety of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) injection using EBUS-TBNI in a 1-week survival study of a porcine PE model. Methods: Six pigs with bilateral PEs were used: 3 for t-PA injection using EBUS-TBNI (TBNI group) and 3 for systemic administration of t-PA (systemic group). Once bilateral PEs were created, each 25 mg of t-PA injection using EBUS-TBNI for bilateral PEs (a total of 50 mg t-PA) and 100 mg of t-PA systemic administration was performed on day 1. Hemodynamic parameters, blood tests, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans were carried out at several time points. On day 7, pigs were humanely killed to evaluate the residual clot volume in the pulmonary arteries. Results: The average of percent change of residual clot volumes was significantly lower in the TBNI group than in the systemic group (%: systemic group 36.6 ± 22.6 vs TBNI group 9.6 ± 6.1, P < .01) on day 3. Considering the elapsed time, the average decrease of clot volume per hour at pre-t-PA to post t-PA was significantly greater in the TBNI group than in the systemic group (mm3/hour: systemic 68.1 ± 68.1 vs TBNI 256.8 ± 148.1, P < .05). No hemorrhage was observed intracranially, intrathoracically, or intraperitoneally on any contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. Conclusions: This study revealed that t-PA injection using EBUS-TBNI is an effective and safe way to dissolve clots.

Visión general y comparación de la presencia de médicos en los servicios de emergencias médicas prehospitalarios en Europa / Physician utilization in prehospital emergency medical services in Europe: an overview and comparison

Antecedentes: Los sistemas nacionales y regionales de prestación de atención médica a las emergencias pueden diferir mucho entre sí. Se buscó dilucidar la presencia de médicos en la atención prehospitalaria y su implantación en los diferentes países europeos. Métodos: Se analizaron los datos de 32 países europeos recogidos mediante la revisión de artículos publicados y a través de cuestionarios enviados a los autores de artículos científicos pertinentes, funcionarios del ministerio de sanidad (o equivalente), representantes de sociedades nacionales de medicina de urgencias o expertos reconocidos en medicina de urgencias. Resultados: Treinta de los 32 países europeos investigados (94%) disponen de médicos en los servicios de emergencias prehospitalarios. En 17 de 32 (53%), los médicos generalistas también participan en la atención a las emergencias prehospitalarias. Los modelos de los sistemas de emergencias médicas (SEM) se describieron como francoalemanes en 27 países (84%), híbridos en 17 (53%) o angloamericanos en 14 (44%). En 17 países (53%), coexistían diferentes modelos. Utilizando una nueva forma de clasificación por niveles, basada en la población media y el área atendida por el SEM prehospitalario, se pudieron diferenciar claramente los diferentes modelos existentes. Conclusiones: Se observan notables diferencias en los diseños de los SEM y en la presencia de los médicos entre las diferentes áreas geográficas, países y regiones de Europa. Coexisten varios modelos (francoalemán, híbrido y angloamericano), algunos simultáneamente, en los diferentes países. (AU)

Background: National and regional systems for emergency medical care provision may differ greatly. We sought to determine whether or not physicians are utilized in prehospital care and to what extent they are present in different European countries. Methods: We collected information on 32 European countries by reviewing publications and sending questionnairesto authors of relevant articles as well as to officials of ministries of health (or equivalent), representatives of national societies in emergency medicine, or well-known experts in the specialty. Results: Thirty of the 32 of European countries we studied (94%) employ physicians in prehospital emergency medical services. In 17 of the 32 (53%), general practitioners also participate in prehospital emergency care. Emergency system models were described as Franco-German in 27 countries (84%), as hybrid in 17 (53%), and as Anglo-American in 14(44%). Multiple models were present simultaneously in 17 countries (53%). We were able to differentiate between national prehospital emergency systems with a novel classification based on tiers reflecting the degree of physician utilization in the countries. We also grouped the national systems by average population and area served. Conclusions: There are notable differences in system designs and intensity of physician utilization between different geographic areas, countries, and regions in Europe. Several archetypal models (Franco-German, hybrid, and AngloAmerican) exist simultaneously across Europe. (AU)