Search Results (14)

Background and Clinical Significance: Robotic surgery reduces the need for extensive surgical approaches and lowers perioperative complications. In particular, it offers enhanced dexterity, three-dimensional visualization, and improved precision in confined anatomical spaces. Pelvic masses pose significant challenges due to their close relationship with critical neurovascular structures, making traditional open or laparoscopic approaches more invasive and potentially riskier. Robot-assisted resection, combined with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, may therefore offer a safe and effective solution for the management of complex pelvic lesions. Case Presentation: An 18-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with an 11 cm asymptomatic pelvic mass located anterior to the sacrum. Initial differential diagnoses included neurofibroma, teratoma, and myelolipoma. Histopathological examination confirmed a ganglioneuroma. Following multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent a robot-assisted en bloc resection using the Da Vinci Xi multiport system. Preoperative planning was aided by 3D modeling and intraoperative navigation. Conclusions: Surgery lasted 322 min. Preoperative and postoperative eGFR values were 145.2 mL/min and 144.0 mL/min, respectively. The lesion measured 11 cm × 9 cm × 8 cm. The main intraoperative complication was a controlled breach of the iliac vein due to its close adherence to the mass. No major postoperative complications occurred (Clavien-Dindo Grade I). The drain was removed on postoperative day 3, and the bladder catheter on day 2. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without further complications. Presacral ganglioneuromas are rare neoplasms in a surgically complex area. A multidisciplinary approach using robotic-assisted laparoscopy with nerve monitoring enables safe, minimally invasive resection. This strategy may help avoid open surgery and reduce the risk of neurological and vascular injury. Full article

Background: Single-port laparoscopic hepatectomy is a minimally invasive modality for the treatment of benign and malignant liver lesions. Due to the method’s technical challenges, it is suitable for experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and selected groups of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a single Slovenian center performing single-port laparoscopic hepatectomy with a literature overview. Methods: A single-center retrospective consecutive case series of the twenty-six patients with liver disease operated with the single-port technique from January 2018 to July 2024 at the Department of Abdominal Surgery at the University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, was performed. Lesions were located in easy-to-treat segments. Operative time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and surgical complications were recorded and evaluated. Results: We performed twenty-six single-port laparoscopic liver resections (median age 63.5, range 31 to 79 years). The mean operative time was 92 ± 31 min. None of the cases were converted to multi-port laparoscopic or open surgery. Safe resection margins were obtained in cases of malignant disease. The mean hospital stay was 4 days. The post-operative complication rate involving intervention was 7% (2/26). The incisional hernia rate was 11.5% (3/26). No life-threatening surgical complications or morbidity were noted. Conclusions: Single-port laparoscopic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible technique for the resection of benign and malignant liver lesions in the hands of skilled and well-trained hepatobiliary surgeons. Full article

Background and Objectives: Regional anesthesia is a key component of multimodal analgesia following minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. However, single-port laparoscopic adnexal surgery differs anatomically and physiologically from multiport or open approaches, particularly in terms of incision site, tissue handling, and pain characteristics. Despite its increasing use, evidence supporting procedure-specific regional analgesic protocols for this approach remains limited. This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and rectus sheath block (RSB) in this surgical context. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 68 patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic adnexal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either QLB or RSB at the end of surgery. Four patients were excluded due to missing patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) data, resulting in 64 patients analyzed (QLB group: n = 32; RSB group: n = 32). The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption over the first 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included interval-based opioid consumption, time to first PCA bolus, postoperative pain scores, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Results: The RSB group demonstrated significantly lower cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively (132.9 [61.3, 338.4] µg vs. 453.0 [253.1, 811.0] µg, p < 0.001). This trend persisted across most postoperative time points up to 48 h. Interval-based opioid consumption was also lower in the RSB group during 0–24 h and 32–48 h intervals (each comparison p < 0.05). The time to first PCA bolus was significantly longer in the RSB group (56.5 [41.0, 340.3] minutes vs. 40.5 [33.3, 68.8] minutes; p = 0.014), and Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed a delayed first bolus request in the RSB group (log-rank p = 0.007). Pain scores and postoperative nausea and vomiting incidence were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Compared with QLB, RSB provided similar pain relief with significantly lower opioid consumption following single-port laparoscopic adnexal surgery. These findings highlight the potential advantages of RSB in enhancing analgesic efficiency and support the development of procedure-specific regional analgesia protocols tailored to this surgical approach. Full article

Background/Objectives: Laparoscopic surgery plays a central role in the management of abdominal trauma, particularly in patients with hemodynamic stability. Recently, single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) has emerged as a technique that further reduces access-related trauma while preserving the benefits of conventional laparoscopy. Thus, this review aimed to examine the current landscape of SPLS in trauma care, summarizing available clinical data and highlighting practical considerations for its use. Despite the limited experience, early evidence suggests that SPLS can achieve diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes comparable to those achieved by multi-port approaches in selected cases. Particular attention is given to a hybrid method that combines intracorporeal assessment with extracorporeal small bowel examination and repair through a single umbilical incision. This technique offers a pragmatic balance between thorough exploration and minimal invasiveness. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar through December 2023 using the terms “single-port laparoscopy”, “single-incision laparoscopic surgery”, “trauma laparoscopy”, and related phrases. Case reports, case series, comparative studies, and reviews describing single-incision laparoscopic surgery in trauma were included in this narrative analysis. Results: SPLS may offer advantages in terms of postoperative pain, wound complications, and cosmetic outcomes, especially in younger patients. As familiarity with the approach increases and dedicated instrumentation becomes more accessible, its role in trauma protocols may expand. Conclusions: Further prospective research is needed to define long-term outcomes, refine patient selection, and integrate SPLS more systematically into trauma care protocols. Full article

Background and Objectives: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a regional anesthesia technique widely utilized in multimodal analgesia strategies for abdominal surgeries. While a few studies have investigated its efficacy in multiport total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), its effectiveness in single-port TLH remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate whether QLB reduces opioid consumption and postoperative pain in patients undergoing single-port TLH. Materials and Methods: This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded trial included 64 patients undergoing elective single-port TLH. Participants were randomly allocated to either the QLB group (n = 27) or the control group (n = 29). QLB was performed bilaterally under ultrasound guidance after surgery. The primary outcome was cumulative fentanyl consumption within 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at predefined intervals, time to first opioid demand, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and other complications. Results: The 24 h cumulative fentanyl consumption, which was the primary outcome, did not differ significantly between the QLB group, 342.8 [220, 651] mcg, and the control group, 470 [191.6, 648.1] mcg (p = 0.714). Similarly, cumulative fentanyl consumption at other time points, including 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 32 h, and 48 h, as well as in the PACU, also showed no significant differences between the two groups. Pain scores measured at these time points, along with the time to first bolus on demand, were comparable between groups. However, PONV occurred more frequently in the QLB group than in the control group (25.9% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: QLB did not significantly reduce opioid consumption, time to first opioid demand, or postoperative pain scores in single-port TLH. However, PONV occurred more frequently in the QLB group. These findings suggest that QLB may have limited analgesic benefits in single-port TLH. Full article

Single-port (SP) robotic posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SP-PRA) represents a State-of-the-Art innovation in endocrine surgery, offering a minimally invasive approach for adrenal gland resection with significant improvements in surgical precision, cosmetic outcomes, and patient quality of life. The SP robotic system facilitates surgery through a single incision in the back, avoiding the transperitoneal cavity and enabling direct retroperitoneal access to the adrenal gland. This review explores the evolution, techniques, and clinical outcomes of SP-PRA, emphasizing its advantages over traditional multi-port and laparoscopic methods. Enhanced visualization and precise articulation of the SP robotic system minimize trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to fewer complications and faster recovery times. Initial studies suggest superior patient satisfaction due to hidden incisions and excellent postoperative outcomes. However, challenges such as a steep learning curve, high costs, and limited long-term data remain. This review highlights the need for continued research and innovation to optimize the adoption of SP-PRA and expand its indications. Full article

Objectives: To explore the feasibility and surgical outcomes of robot-assisted vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (RA-vNOTES) for women suffering from gynecologic disease. Methods: We performed an observational study reporting and analyzing the perioperative outcomes of 298 patients with gynecologic disease who underwent RA-vNOTES in a single institution from June 2019 to August 2024. Results: A total of 298 patients with a median age of 41 years and median body mass index of 29 kg/m² underwent RA-vNOTES. The primary indications for surgery were endometriosis (43.62%), chronic pelvic pain (11.07%), abnormal uterine bleeding (20.81%), and uterine leiomyomata (14.77%). A total of 286 of 298 (95.97%) patients had a hysterectomy. The median total operating time was 138 min, with a port placement time of 5 min, dock time of 3 min, and robot console time of 63 min. The median estimated blood loss was 50 milliliters. Endometriosis resection of all stages was performed in 192 of 298 (64.43%) patients. Three cases (1.01%) were converted to laparoscopic surgery. One case was converted to robot-assisted single incision plus one port laparoscopic surgery (SILS plus one) and two cases were converted to robot-assisted multi-port surgery. The total complication rate was 17.45% (52 cases), of which 2.1% (6 cases) were intraoperative complications and 15.44% (46 cases) were postoperative complications. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that RA-vNOTES is a feasible and less invasive option for various gynecologic procedures, including complex endometriosis excision and sacrocolpopexy. Full article

The purpose of this study was to establish the noninferiority of robotic single-site (RSS) surgery compared with multiport laparoscopic (MPL) surgery in surgical outcomes and overall survival for early endometrial cancer. This study was conducted retrospectively in a single center and included 421 patients who underwent either RSS (n = 146) or MPL (n = 275) surgery between 2014 and 2022. In terms of perioperative outcomes, the RSS group had a longer operating time than the MPL surgery group (mean (standard deviation [SD]) RSS 97.55 [29.79] vs. MPL 85.56 [26.13], p < 0.001). However, no significant differences in estimated blood loss or perioperative complications were found between the groups (p = 0.196 and p = 0.080, respectively). The patients in the RSS group were discharged earlier than those in the MPL group (mean [SD]): 4.06 [3.24] vs. 9.39 [4.76], p < 0.001). Regarding oncologic outcomes, no significant differences in the type of therapy, disease stage, tumor grade, histopathological type, or lymphovascular invasion were found between the groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the disease-free (p = 0.27) and overall survival rates (p = 0.5) either. In conclusion, this study suggests that RSS and MPL surgery are both safe and effective options for staging operations in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer. Full article

Background: DaVinci^® single-port (SP) robotic surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional multiport laparoscopic or robotic surgeries. One of the main advantages is that it allows for a minimally invasive approach, resulting in a single, smaller incision and reduced trauma to the patient’s body, leading to less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications. The cosmesis of a single port with minimal visible scarring is also an attractive aspect to the patients; however, many surgeons use an additional port for energy device, stapler use, and drain insertion. Pure single-port surgery with one incision is still rare. Here, we share our experience of our first 10 cases using the SP robotic platform in colorectal surgery. Methods: From May 2023 to December 2023, colorectal patients who underwent SP robotic surgery were analyzed. Placement of the incision was the umbilicus for eight patients, and right lower quadrant for two patients, through which ileostomy maturation was performed. Data on perioperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 4.6 months (range 0.6–7.4 months). Results: A total of 10 colorectal patients underwent DaVinci^® single-port robotic colorectal surgery at our institution during this period. The patient demographic was four males (40%) and six females (60%) with a median age of 63.5 years (range 50–75 years). Median body mass index (BMI) was 22.89 kg/m² (range 19.92–26.84 kg/m²). Nine patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and one patient was diagnosed with a rectal gastrointestinal tumor. One patient underwent anterior resection and cholecystectomy simultaneously. Mean operation time was 222 min (range 142–316 min), and mean wound size was 3.25 cm (range 2.5–4.5 cm). Nine patients underwent surgery with single incision through which a single-port trocar was inserted, and one patient had one additional port for drain insertion. Mean hospital stay was 6 days (range 4–8 days) with one postoperative complication of bleeding requiring transfusion, but there was no readmission within 30 days. Conclusions: Overall, our experience with single-port robotic colorectal surgery has been promising. With only one patient with additional port for drain insertion, all nine patients underwent SP-robotic surgery with single incision for colon as well as rectal surgeries. Compared to an average postoperative length of stay of 6.5-8 days in laparoscopic colorectal surgeries reported in literature, SP-robotic surgery 33showed faster recovery of 6 days highlighting its benefits in patient recovery and satisfaction. Full article

This study evaluates a new multiport device with single access to the abdominal cavity produced with routine hospital supplies that could be applied to laparoscopically assisted cryptorchidectomy in standing horses. Initially, the new device was evaluated on five cadavers of bovine fetuses (n = 5), placed assisted in a minilaparotomy performed in the flank region. Subsequently, the device was evaluated in four cryptorchid horses treated during the hospital routine. During the evaluation of the new device, the possibilities of exploring the abdominal cavity, inspection, and intra-abdominal manipulation with two Babcock forceps were verified. The possibilities were described, and surgical time data were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the cadavers, a wide exploration of the abdominal cavity was possible, with a laparoscopic inspection through the right paralumbar fossa and manipulation of intra-abdominal structures with Babcock forceps inserted by the new device. In cryptorchid horses, laparoscopically assisted cryptorchidectomy with a new device was feasible in two patients, and in the others, it allowed the diagnosis of adhesions and ectopic locations in the inguinal region of testicles retained in the cavity. Therefore, the new device was efficient in exploring the inguinal region of cryptorchid horses in the standing position. The present study is preliminary and can support future studies that aim to improve the developed prototype. Full article

Objective: Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (RALUR) and trans-umbilical multiport laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation (TMLUR) are both minimally invasive procedures for benign distal ureteral stricture (DUS). However, TMLUR has rarely been reported in published research, thus the difference in mid-term outcome of these two procedures warrants investigation. Methods: Patients who underwent RALUR or TMLUR for pediatric DUS from April 2017 to November 2020 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed and 56 patients were included in this retrospective comparison. Demographic characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up results were collected and analyzed in RALUR and TALUR groups. Results: RALUR and TMLUR were successfully performed in children aged from 12.0 to 142.0 months, without conversion to open ureteral reimplantation. RALUR took shorter operative time than TMLUR (p = 0.005) with less blood loss (p = 0.001). Meanwhile, patients receiving RALUR encountered a greater financial burden (p < 0.001) with less cosmetic satisfaction than TMLUR. The mean mid-term follow-up time for RALUR and TMLUR was 18.29 months and 24.64 months, respectively. Mid-term follow-up data showed that DUS was relieved with improved renal function after surgery in both groups, with no significant difference. Conclusions: RALUR and TMLUR are both safe and efficient for DUS treatment and achieve comparable mid-term outcomes in children. RALUR can reduce operative time and operative blood loss benefiting from its prominent technical superiority, but may currently bring about greater financial burden, with cosmetic satisfaction remaining to be improved. Full article

In veterinary surgery, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) techniques have been described since 2009, and, in recent decades, many authors have reported the application of SILS in small animals, thus, promoting the wide dissemination of this novel approach among veterinary laparoscopists. The aim of this literature review is to provide a critical evaluation of the scientific reports on SILS in the field of small animal laparoscopic surgery. A comprehensive literature review was performed including from 1 January 2009 to 1 July 2020. The following data were recorded from each study: the design, year of publication, surgical procedure, species, number of animals included, and surgical time. The type of SILS technique and type of control group technique were evaluated. In total, 90 articles were identified through database searches and manual searches. The qualitative analysis showed that most of the articles were retrospective studies, without a control group or case series. A meta-analysis was performed on the eight controlled studies, showing that SILS ovariectomy and gastrointestinal procedures had a comparable surgical time to multiport techniques. The study of the articles available in the veterinary literature did not allow for an adequate meta-analysis of the published results, especially regarding post-operative pain, evaluations of surgical times, and post-operative complications in comparison to multiport techniques. Therefore, veterinary surgeons who want to employ these techniques must consider the real advantages of SILS techniques. Full article

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) refers to a spectrum of surgical techniques that allow the performance of laparoscopic surgery through consolidation of all ports into one surgical incision. LESS has emerged as a potentially less invasive alternative to multiport laparoscopy and in the last year in gynecology; hence, this approach has been largely applied for selective indications to perform total hysterectomy. We performed a literature review on single site hysterectomy and described indications and technique, highlighting practical problems, pointers, limitations and recent technical development as robotic assistance. Full article

Laparoscopic surgery has continued to evolve to minimize access sites and scars in both the adult and pediatric populations. In children, single-incision pediatric endoscopic surgery (SIPES) has been shown to be effective, feasible, and safe with comparative results to multiport equivalents. Thus, the use of SIPES continues over increasingly complex cases, however, conceptions of its efficacy continue to vary greatly. In the present case series and discussion, we review the history of SIPES techniques and its current application today. We present this in the setting of five common myths about SIPES techniques: limitations against complex cases, restrictions to specialized training, increased morbidity outcomes, increased operative lengths, and increased operative costs. Regarding the myth of SIPES being limited in application to simple cases, examples were highlighted throughout the literature in addition to the authors’ own experience with three complex cases including resection of a lymphatic malformation, splenectomy with cholecystectomy, and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. A review of SIPES learning curves shows equivalent operative outcomes to multiport learning curves and advancements towards practical workshops to increase trainee familiarity can help assuage these aptitudes. In assessing comorbidities, adult literature reveals a slight increase in incisional hernia rates, but this does not correlate with single-incision pediatric data. In experienced hands, operative SIPES times average approximate multiport laparoscopic equivalents. Finally, regarding expenses, SIPES represents an equivalent alternative to laparoscopic techniques. Full article