A novel two-stage approach to the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with intra-cardiac tumour extension and Budd-Chiari syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To present the early results of a new technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with intra-cardiac tumour extension and Budd-Chiari syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The first stage involves transdiaphragmatic debulking of the right heart, inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic veins via median sternotomy, followed by a purse-string suture placed in the IVC below the hepatic veins. The second stage is performed separately and involves en bloc resection of the affected kidney, and IVC and vascular reconstruction via an abdominal incision. RESULTS: Three of five patients presented with clinical Budd-Chiari syndrome; two had radiological features only. The median time between surgical procedures was 12 days (IQR 13 days). Four of the five patients had a R0 resection. While all five patients successfully completed both operative stages, one patient died 22 days after the second stage. Of the remaining four, all survive with no disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: While we continue to compile longer-term data for a larger follow-up series, these preliminary findings show the feasibility of this technique and support the development of this programme of surgery.

Incidental appendicectomy in pancreas transplantation: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis in pancreatic transplant recipients can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Incidental appendicectomy (IA) during pancreas transplantation obviates the risk of appendicitis but potentially at the cost of increased operating time or early post-operative complications. This study reviewed the value of IA at a single center. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent a pancreas transplant in our unit from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2020, with end of follow-up on May 21st, 2023; recipients were grouped by whether or not an IA was performed during pancreas transplantation. Donor, recipient, operative, and graft outcomes were compared between the two groups. Post-transplant complications related to appendiceal pathology (or IA) were recorded and classified. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-three patients underwent a pancreas transplant; 227 (93%) patients had an appendix in situ at transplantation, and of these 53 (23%) underwent an IA and 174 (77%) did not. There were no statistically significant differences in operative time (p = .06) or hospital stay (p = .50) between the two groups. In the IA cohort, there were no Clavien-Dindo Grade III-V complications relating to the appendicectomy. In those that did not undergo an IA, two patients (1%) subsequently required appendicectomy due to appendicitis. Comparison of pancreatic graft survival showed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .44). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IA is effective at reducing risks of post-transplant appendiceal complications without significantly prolonging inpatient stay or impairing graft survival. These data support the consideration of undertaking an IA for all patients undergoing a pancreas transplant.

The colon does not reach! A technical note with tricks to avoid colorectal anastomoses under tension.

AIM: We describe two options for colorectal anastomosis suitable in cases when the colon would reach the pelvis under tension. METHOD: Deloyers procedure and the retro-ileal colorectal anastomosis are presented, focusing on practical tips and tricks to perform them. Insights on patients who underwent the procedures are provided to demonstrate the advantages and feasibility of the techniques. RESULTS: Each step of both techniques is detailed. Ten patients underwent Deloyers procedure and nine underwent retro-ileal anastomosis at our unit. A minimally invasive approach was attempted in 13 patients, of whom five required conversion to open surgery due to the technical complexity of the abdominal procedure. Colorectal anastomosis was successfully performed in all patients. There were no major intra-operative complications, although five patients had postoperative complications requiring further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are effective in patients at risk of receiving a colorectal anastomosis under tension, and a minimally invasive approach can be used. However, owing to the complexity of surgery in this group of patients, the perioperative morbidity is not negligible. Careful postoperative management is advisable, and patients should be informed of the risks. In expert hands, the outcomes are acceptable, avoiding an ileorectal anastomosis and its constraints.

Short- and long-term outcomes of robotic versus open radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy: a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic distal pancreatectomy has increasingly been accepted as it has overcome some of the limitations of open distal pancreatectomy, whilst the outcomes following robotic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are still uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of robotic RAMPS and open RAMPS for PDAC. METHODS: The patients who underwent robotic RAMPS and open RAMPS for PDAC at our clinical centre between January 2017 and December 2021 were reviewed. After a propensity score matching (PSM) at a 1:1 ratio, the perioperative and pathological outcomes in the both groups were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent prognosis factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of these patients. RESULTS: 318 cases were recorded in robotic and open groups. The robotic group showed advantages in operative time [205.00 (166.00, 240.00) min vs 235 (184.75, 270.00) min, P = 0.002], estimated blood loss [100 (50, 100) ml vs 300 (100, 400) ml, P < 0.001], delayed gastric emptying [0 vs 5.03%, P = 0.007] and postoperative hospital stay [7.00 (5.00, 10.00) days vs 11.00 (8.00, 14.00) days, P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in rate of severe postoperative complications between the robotic group and the open group. Multivariable analysis showed that carbohydrate antigen 19-9, estimated blood loss, N stage, tumour differentiation, chemotherapy and vascular invasion were independent risk factors for OS and RFS of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic RAMPS was safe and had some advantages over open RAMPS for PDAC. There were no significantly differences in oncological outcomes and long-term survival rates between the robotic and open groups. Robotic RAMPS expanded the indications for minimally invasive surgeries for PDAC to a certain extent.

Untangling biliary reconstruction in liver transplants for primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Biliary reconstruction technique during liver transplant (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of biliary complications in patients with PSC having a duct-to-duct (DD) anastomosis or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of patients with PSC undergoing LT at a single center between June 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2022 was performed. Primary and secondary endpoints were the incidence of biliary strictures (anastomotic [BAS] and non-anastomotic strictures [NAS]) and non-stricture complications, respectively. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify associations with BAS formation. Patient survival was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: From 105 transplants performed for 101 patients, 54 (51.4%) and 51 (48.5%) received DD and HJ anastomoses. Mean recipient age and follow-up was 47 ± 13 years and 98 ± 69 months. BAS was more common (48.1% vs. 27.5%, OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.09-5.54, p = 0.03) and occurred earlier (4.8 months, IQR 2.3-13.1 vs. 41.8 months, IQR 7.2-88.7, p = 0.001) in the DD than the HJ group. NAS (seen in 36.2% of transplants) had a comparable incidence (p = 0.53) in HJ (38.9%) and DD (33.3%) groups. No difference was seen between cohorts regarding time to NAS, requirement for extended biliary dilatation programs (clinically significant biliary stricture), bile leak, and graft failure. On multivariable analysis, only the anastomotic technique was associated with BAS (DD adjusted OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.19-7.56, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In carefully selected patients with PSC, DD anastomosis yielded similar outcomes to HJ anastomosis after liver transplantation.

Laparoscopic Multibipolar Radiofrequency Myolysis for Symptomatic Myomas in 10 Steps.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe a minimal invasive 10-step technique of laparoscopic multibipolar radiofrequency myolysis for symptomatic myomas. DESIGN: A step-by-step video demonstration of the technique. SETTING: A woman with symptomatic FIGO 5 myoma of 60 mm of diameter, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, etc.) and other applicable sites. INTERVENTIONS: Approximately 30% of women of child-bearing age with myomas will present with symptoms [1] that include chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility [2,3]. Data regarding fertility preservation and obstetric outcomes suggest that radiofrequency myoma ablation may offer an alternative to existing treatments for women who desire future fertility [4]. The local institutional review board stated that approval was not required because the video describes a technique and not a clinical case. In our center, all radiofrequency indications are discussed during a monthly multidisciplinary myomas meeting. This video presents the procedure divided into the following 10 steps: planning of the surgery; materials; installation; laparoscopic exploration; transvaginal ultrasound examination; visual and transvaginal ultrasound guided transparietal puncture of the myoma; control of the applicators' position; radiofrequency myolysis; end of myolysis, applicators removal; final check and additional procedures. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency myolysis is a simple and reproductible procedure that can be offered as an alternative to myomectomy [5]. This video presents 10 steps to make the procedure easier to adopt and to reduce its learning curve.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopy Excision of a Severe Form of Diaphragmatic Endometriosis: A Retrospective Study of 60 Patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the robotic surgical approach in the treatment of severe diaphragmatic endometriosis (DE). DESIGN: Retrospective single-center study using data prospectively recorded in the Franco-European Multidisciplinary Institute of Endometriosis database and the National Observatory for Endometriosis database. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. Endometriosis care center. PATIENTS: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing robotic excision of severe DE from January 2020 to July 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Robotic excision of severe DE. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Categorical and continuous variables were evaluated and compared using descriptive statistics. A p value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Full-thickness diaphragmatic resection was performed in 76.7% of patients (46 of 60) and partial diaphragmatic muscle resection in 10% of cases (6 of 60). Peritoneal stripping technique was performed in 60% of patients (36 of 60), divided as follows: as the only technique in the case of extensive superficial diaphragmatic involvement in 13.3% of cases (8 of 60), in addition to full-thickness or partial diaphragmatic resection in the case of concomitant multiple foci in 46.7% of patients (28 of 60). Median operative time was 79.6 minutes with no statistically significative difference related to the surgeon performing surgery (p >.05). Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 1.7% (1 of 60) and 6.6% of cases (4 of 60), respectively. Diaphragmatic hernia (Clavien-Dindo 3b) was the most common postoperative complication and required surgical repair in all cases. Median hospital stay was 24 hours. The rate of patients with complete recovery from DE symptoms has gradually increased during follow-up, reaching 89% after 12 months from surgery. CONCLUSION: In this case series, robotic treatment of severe DE in expert hands was feasible, effective, and safe.

Intraoperative radiographic analysis and adjustment of the optimal position of plate in high tibial osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: When high tibial osteotomy is performed for genu varus deformity, it is not easy to determine the accurate placement of the plate. PURPOSE: To determine a simple way to assess the position of the plate, to provide more effective mechanical support and to reduce the risk of implant rupture and vascular injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two human anatomical marks, the patellar ligament and semimembranosus, were connected and divided into four parts to identify points Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ. These points determined the areas for Tomofix placement: anterior, anterolateral, and lateral. Simulated internal fixation placed hole B of Tomofix at points Ⅰ (anterior), Ⅱ (anterolateral), and Ⅲ (lateral). We analyzed the pointing direction of the locking screws in Tomofix holes on MRI to assess potential injury risk to the popliteal neurovascular bundle. RESULTS: In the X-ray: holes B and C appeared as the plate in the anterior, only hole C appeared as the plate in the anterolateral, and none of the holes appeared as the plate in the lateral. In the general view of the sawbones, the screw pointed towards the popliteal neurovascular bundle when the plate was in the anterior. CONCLUSION: If a small number of holes on the plate is visible under fluoroscopy, then several lateral positions of the plate can be obtained; the direction of the screw tunnel tends to deviate from the popliteal neurovascular bundle with the posterior position of the plate.

Clinical Experience of Two Sutureless Intrascleral Fixation Techniques for Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of the modified Carlevale intraocular lens (IOL) fixation technique, using two different vitrectomy ports (23- vs. 27-gauge) as anchor fixation. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive study of 282 eyes (282 patients) who underwent a secondary IOL implantation using the Carlevale IOL (Soleko IOL Division, Italy) with two anchor haptics for intrascleral implantation with either 23- or 27-gauge (G) port. RESULTS: Transient post-operative ocular hypotonia (intraocular pressure ≤5 mm Hg) was observed less in the 27-G group (13 vs. 4 patients, p = 0.057) three requiring additional tunnel sutures (2 cases for 23-G; 1 case 27-G). Post-operative vitreous haemorrhage was recorded more often in the 23-G group (8 vs. 1 patient, p = 0.034), but all cases in both groups resolved without intervention. Visual acuity did improve post-operatively in the two groups. No post-operative complications such as retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and IOL-dislocation tilt were observed in the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The 27-G modified technique for sutureless intrascleral implantation is simple and effective and causes less post-operative hypotony.

Comparative analysis of surgical techniques in the management of chronic subdural hematomas and risk factors for poor outcomes.

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) are increasingly prevalent, especially among the elderly. Surgical intervention is essential in most cases. However, the choice of surgical technique, either craniotomy or burr-hole opening, remains a subject of debate. Additionally, the risk factors for poor long-term outcomes following surgical treatment remain poorly described. This article presents a 10-year retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center that aimed to compare the outcomes of two common surgical techniques for CSDH evacuation: burr hole opening and minicraniotomy. The study also identified risk factors associated with poor long-term outcome, which was defined as an mRS score ≥ 3 at 6 months. This study included 582 adult patients who were surgically treated for unilateral CSDH. Burr-hole opening was performed in 43% of the patients, while minicraniotomy was performed in 57%. Recurrence was observed in 10% of the cases and postoperative complications in 13%. The rates of recurrence, postoperative complications, death and poor long-term outcome did not differ significantly between the two surgical approaches. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative general complications, recurrence, and preoperative mRS score ≥ 3 as independent risk factors for poor outcomes at 6 months. Recurrence contribute to a poorer prognosis in CSDH. Nevertheless, use burr hole or minicraniotomy for the management of CSDH showed a similar recurrence rate and no significant differences in post-operative outcomes. This underlines the need for a thorough assessment of patients with CSHD and the importance of avoiding their occurrence, by promoting early mobilization of patients. Future research is necessary to mitigate the risk of recurrence, regardless of the surgical technique employed.

Letter to editor: Scalp incision technique for decompressive hemicraniectomy: Comparative systematic review and meta­analysis of the reverse question mark versus alternative retroauricular and Kempe incision techniques of published cases.

The "Letter to the Editor" titled "Scalp incision technique for decompressive hemicraniectomy: comparative systematic review and meta-analysis of the reverse question mark versus alternative retroauricular and Kempe incision techniques of published cases" provides a detailed analysis of different scalp incision techniques in decompressive hemicraniectomy procedures. While commendable for its systematic approach and valuable insights, the letter has several limitations, including a lack of transparency in the search strategy, failure to address potential sources of bias, and a narrow focus on technical aspects without considering broader outcome domains and practical considerations. Despite these limitations, the letter underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in neurosurgical practice and calls for further research to address these gaps.

Anterior cervical X-shape-corpectomy and fusion vs. anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for two-level cervical spondylosis.

PURPOSE: Anterior cervical X-shape-corpectomy and fusion (ACXF) is a novel cervical surgery, designed as partial alternative to the classic technique, anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the early-stage outcomes of ACXF in treating two-level cervical spondylosis (CS) through comparisons with ACCF. METHODS: A retrospectively comparative study was conducted in two cohorts of patients who underwent single-vertebral ACXF or ACCF to treat two-level CS during September 2019 and October 2021. Clinical and radiological data of all the patients were collected from pre-operation to 1 year after the surgery, following by intra- and intergroup analyses and comparisons. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included, with 24 undergoing ACXF and 33 undergoing ACCF. ACXF group had significantly shorter drainage duration (2.13 ± 0.61 days vs. 3.48 ± 1.30 days, P < 0.001) and less drainage volume (30.21 ± 26.88 ml vs. 69.30 ± 37.65 ml, P < 0.001) than ACCF group. Both techniques significantly improved all the clinical parameters (P < 0.01) with comparable effects (P > 0.05). Each complication rate in ACXF group was lower than that in ACCF group without significant difference (P > 0.05). ACXF showed a significantly smaller transverse decompression range than ACCF (11.93 ± 1.27 mm vs. 16.29 ± 1.88 mm, P < 0.001). Postoperatively, ACXF yielded a comparable fusion rate (P > 0.05) and a significantly lower subsidence rate (P < 0.01) than ACCF technique at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: ACXF is a potential surgical alternative for certain patients with two-level CS, as it provides both adequate decompression range and fewer adverse events than ACCF. The further modifications on ACXF worth exploration.

Renal cell carcinoma with an "uncoiling" tumor thrombus: intraoperative shift from level III to level IV.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumor thrombus (TT) is complete surgical excision. The surgery is complex and challenging to the surgeon, especially with large tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium. Traditionally, these difficult cases required the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with or without deep hypothermic cardiac arrest, but in recent years, different surgical techniques derived from the field of liver transplantation have been used in efforts to avoid CPB. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of RCC with TT level IIIc (extending above major hepatic veins) that "uncoiled" intraoperatively into the right atrium after division of the IVC ligament, transforming into a level IV TT. Despite the new TT extension, the surgery was successfully completed exclusively through an abdominal approach without CPB and while using intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) monitoring and a cardiothoracic team standby. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and the utility of intraoperative continous TEE monitoring which helped to visualize the change of the TT venous extension, allowing the surgical teamto modify their surgical approach as needed avoiding a catastrophic event.

Survival analysis of laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of laparoscopic versus open resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) and analyzed potential prognostic factors. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent HCCA resection at our center from March 2012 to February 2022. Perioperative complications and postoperative prognosis were compared between the laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) groups. RESULTS: After screening 313 HCCA patients, 68 patients were eligible for the study in the LS group (n = 40) and OS group (n = 28). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis revealed that overall survival > 2 years and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) were more common in the LS than OS group, but the rate of 2-year DFS was lower in the LS group than OS group. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed age (< 65 years), radical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were associated with reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.380, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.150-0.940, P = 0.036; HR = 0.080, 95% CI = 0.010-0.710, P = 0.024 and HR = 0.380, 95% CI = 0.150-0.960, P = 0.040), whereas preoperative biliary drainage was an independent factor associated with increased risk of death (HR = 2.810, 95% CI = 1.130-6.950, P = 0.026). Perineuronal invasion was identified as an independent risk factor affecting DFS (HR = 5.180, 95% CI = 1.170-22.960, P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with OS, laparoscopic HCCA resection does not significantly differ in terms of clinical efficacy. Age (<65 years), radical resection, and postoperative adjuvant therapy reduce the risk of death, and preoperative biliary drainage increases the risk of death.

Transpalpebral mini-orbitozygomatic approach for nonvascular skull base lesions: a single neurosurgeon's experience.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aim to describe the advantages, utility, and disadvantages of the transpalpebral mini-orbitozygomatic (MOZ) approach for tumors of the lateral and superior orbit, orbital apex, anterior clinoid, anterior cranial fossa, middle cranial fossa, and parasellar region. METHODS: The surgical approach from skin incision to closure is described while highlighting key technical and anatomical considerations, and cadaveric dissection demonstrates the surgical steps and focuses on important anatomy. Intraoperative images were included to supplement the cadaveric dissection. A retrospective review of adults who had undergone the MOZ approach for nonvascular pathology performed by a single neurosurgeon from 2017 to 2023 was included in this institutional review board-approved study. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data. Four representative cases were included to demonstrate the utility of the MOZ approach. RESULTS: The study included 65 patients (46 female, 19 male), average age 54.84 years, who had undergone transpalpebral MOZ surgery. Presenting symptoms included visual changes (53.8% of cases), vision loss (23.1%), diplopia (21.8%), and proptosis (13.8%). The optic nerve and optic chiasm were involved in 32.3% and 10.8% of cases, respectively. The most common pathology was meningioma (81.5% of cases), and gross-total resection was achieved in 50% of all cases. Major complications included an infection and a carotid injury. Improvement of preoperative symptoms was reported in 92.2% of cases. Visual acuity improved in 12 patients. The mean follow-up was 8.57 ± 8.45 months. CONCLUSIONS: The MOZ approach is safe and durable. The transpalpebral incision provides better cosmesis and functional outcomes than those of standard anterolateral approaches to the skull base. Careful consideration of the limits of the approach is paramount to appropriate application on a case-by-case basis. Further quantitative anatomical studies can help to define and compare the utility of the approach to open cranio-orbital and endoscopic transorbital approaches.

Endoscopic transorbital approach in children: surgical technique and early results.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors aimed to describe the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) in children. METHODS: Six pediatric patients (2 girls and 4 boys) underwent the ETOA for paramedian skull base lesions at a single institution between September 2016 and February 2023. RESULTS: The median age at the time of surgery was 7.5 (range 4-18) years. The median follow-up period was 33 (range 9-60) months. In this series, the ETOA level of difficulty included stage 1 (n = 2, 33.3%), stage 3 (n = 3, 50%), and stage 5 (n = 1, 16.7%). The ETOA was performed for tumor resection in 4 cases; the final pathology consisted of fibrous dysplasia, pilocytic astrocytoma, metastatic neuroblastoma, and choroid plexus papilloma. The procedure was also performed for repair of a petrous apex meningocele and for lateral orbital wall decompression of traumatic lateral rectus muscle entrapment. One patient experienced a transient cranial nerve III palsy after the procedure. There were no operative deaths in this series. CONCLUSIONS: In select cases, the ETOA can be considered a minimally invasive alternative for conventional skull base approaches in the armamentarium of pediatric skull base surgery. Further investigation and the accumulation of experience are warranted in the future to enhance the efficacy and applicability of the ETOA in pediatric patients.

Microsurgical resection of a large petroclival meningioma through an extended retrosigmoid approach: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Petroclival meningiomas are challenging tumors. Several skull base approaches have been proposed in the last decades, with variable rates of postoperative morbidity and extent of resection. METHODS: We herein reported the step-by-step microsurgical resection of a large petroclival meningioma through an extended retrosigmoid approach. Detailed surgical technique has been accompanied by a 2D operative video. CONCLUSION: The extended retrosigmoid approach allowed for a safe gross total resection of the tumor, as confirmed by the postoperative MRI. The patient did not experience any new postoperative deficit, despite a transient diplopia, and was discharged on postoperative day 7.

How I do it: Endoscopic endonasal resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus.

BACKGROUND: Resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (MWCSR) is a growing surgical maneuver for the radical removal of pituitary adenomas. METHOD: We present a simple modification of the technique following the two dural layers of the floor of the sella turcica, allowing for early identification of the medial wall and simplifying dissection. We support this technique with an anatomical analysis on cadaveric specimens and clarifying dissection images. CONCLUSION: Recognition and dissection of the dural unfolding of the floor of the sella turcica are "key points" that lower the risk and facilitate the MWCSR.

Initial outcomes and surgical techniques of prostatic urethral lift for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: The prostatic urethral lift (PUL) has been used as a minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) since April 2022 in Japan. This study evaluated the initial outcomes and surgical techniques of PUL for BPH. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center study, indications were based on the proper use guidelines for PUL in Japan. Preoperative patient status, postoperative progress at 1 and 3 months, and perioperative complications were evaluated. The surgical technique was changed twice, and the subgroup analysis and technique were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients who underwent surgeries performed by a single surgeon, the median age and prostate volume were 71 years and 42.0 mL, respectively. Furthermore, the median operative time and number of implants used were 20 min and 5, respectively. No postoperative fever or severe hematuria requiring reoperation occurred. All patients were discharged from the hospital the day following the PUL, as scheduled. Postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual volume at 1 and 3 months were significantly improved compared with the preoperative values. A significant improvement in maximum flow rate was observed in the subgroup analysis from 1 month postoperatively in the group with an anterior channel creation focus. CONCLUSIONS: PUL is effective and safe in cases with prostate volumes of <100 mL. Lifting the bladder neck is important for opening an anterior prostatic urethral channel and improving urinary function during the early postoperative period.

Single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic synchronous surgery in pediatric patent processus vaginalis.

PURPOSE: Patent processus vaginalis (PPV) is usually observed in pediatric abdominal surgery; however, robotic single-port surgery in repairing processus vaginalis has not been reported in children. Herein, we present our clinical experiences in single-port robotic surgeries for PPV repair to evaluate both efficacy and safety. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients underwent single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for genitourinary diseases from May 2020 and May 2023 in our center. Among these patients, 21 children had PPV repaired at the same time. The case characteristics and follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 53 children were found to have PPV during genitourinary surgery. The simultaneous treatment of the primary disease and PPV with a single-port robotic-assisted platform was both convenient and safe. There was no significant increase in total operation time, and no excessive intraoperative hemorrhage was observed in any of the operations. There were no complications observed on follow-up. CONCLUSION: With a high incidence of PPV in children, a single-port robotic-assisted procedure is feasible and effective if simultaneously performed when addressing a primary abdominal disease.