Search Results (41)

Background and Objectives: Hysterectomy is a common non-obstetric procedure. Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robot-assisted surgery, have replaced open surgery for benign gynecologic conditions. Robotic surgery offers reduced blood loss and shorter hospital stays but is limited by high costs. Articulating laparoscopic instruments aim to replicate robotic dexterity cost-effectively. However, comparative data on these two approaches in hysterectomy are limited. Materials and Methods: This multicenter study analyzed the outcomes of hysterectomies for benign gynecological diseases using articulating laparoscopic instruments (prospectively recruited) and robot-assisted surgery (retrospectively reviewed). The surgeries were performed by minimally invasive gynecological surgeons in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The baseline characteristics, operative details, and outcomes, including operative time, blood loss, complications, and hospital stay, were compared. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 151 patients were analyzed, including 67 in the articulating laparoscopy group and 84 in the robot-assisted group. The operating times were comparable (114.9 vs. 119.9 min, p = 0.22). The articulating group primarily underwent dual-port surgery (79.1%), whereas the robot-assisted group required four or more ports in 71.4% of the cases (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications occurred in both groups, without a significant difference (9.0% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.17). No severe complications or significant differences in the 30-day readmission rates were observed. Conclusions: Articulating laparoscopic instruments provide outcomes comparable to robot-assisted surgery in hysterectomy while reducing the number of ports required. Further studies are needed to explore the learning curve and long-term impact on surgical outcomes. Full article

Prophylactic gastropexy is increasingly recommended in large-breed dogs predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), particularly when combined with other elective procedures such as ovariectomy to reduce surgical trauma and anesthesia exposure. This prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOVE) and total laparoscopic gastropexy with absorbable fixation straps (TLG-SS) using a standardized three-port minimally invasive approach. Six female dogs of GDV-prone breeds underwent the combined procedure. Surgical times, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up outcomes were recorded. The mean total operative time was 29.0 ± 3.52 min, with ovariectomy and gastropexy requiring 7.5 ± 1.38 and 9.33 ± 2.58 min, respectively. No major intraoperative complications occurred, and no conversion to open surgery was necessary. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all cases, with only one minor portal site reaction observed. Owner satisfaction was excellent. The use of absorbable fixation straps simplified the gastropexy procedure and reduced operative time compared to other laparoscopic techniques. These findings suggest that the combined LOVE and TLG-SS procedure is technically feasible and well-tolerated in a small cohort of large-breed dogs, supporting its potential integration into clinical protocols pending further validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this case series is to evaluate the outcomes and safety of video-assisted mastectomy, illustrating the harmonious collaboration of oncologic and plastic surgery. This novel minimally invasive technique allows immediate prosthetic reconstruction and represents a cost-effective alternative to robotic breast surgery. Methods: Video-assisted, single-port nipple-sparing mastectomies were performed in patients with small to medium-sized breasts, followed by immediate direct-to-implant reconstruction with either prepectoral or dual plane implant placement. The patients’ electronic medical records were analyzed, including demographic characteristics, operative times and histopathology reports. Results: A total of 18 patients underwent successful video-assisted mastectomy, without conversion to traditional open procedure. Fifteen of the operations were risk-reducing mastectomies. Twelve patients had complementary procedures performed concurrently on the previously operated contralateral breast (delayed reconstruction/expander-to-implant exchange). Moreover, three patients benefited from additional minimally invasive techniques during the same surgery (prophylactic laparoscopic hysterectomy). Immediate breast reconstruction with polyurethane or microtextured breast implants up to 450 cc was performed, with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and no cancer recurrences at 6 to 12 months postoperative follow-up. Early complications included transient hypercapnia, areolar congestion and cellulitis. No skin necrosis or implant-related complications were reported. The most frequently encountered late issues were contour irregularities. Conclusions: Video-assisted mastectomy facilitates the safe removal of proven pathologic or healthy breast tissue with minimal damage to the breast’s skin envelope, facilitating single-stage breast reconstruction. Full article

Background and Objectives: We compared mini-laparoscopic and laparoscopic hysterectomy in terms of surgery duration, postoperative pain, conversion rate, blood loss, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification), and the length of hospital stay. Materials and Methods: Patients were recruited between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2024, at the Department of Gynecology, “Villa Sofia-Cervello” Hospital. Indications for hysterectomy included uterine myoma, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, high-grade cervical dysplasia, early-stage endometrial cancer, and microinvasive cervical cancer. Patients were divided according to treatment into conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) with all 5 mm ports or the needlescopic approach (minilaparoscopic hysterectomy [MLH]), using 3 mm instruments. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at multiple time points (2, 6, 12, and 24 h post-surgery). Results: A total of 308 patients were enrolled, with 153 women in the LH group and 155 in the MLH group. The surgery duration was on average 105.5 min in LH and 98.8 min in MLH (p < 0.0001). The intraoperative blood loss averaged 195.1 mL in LH and 100.3 mL in MLH (p < 0.001). The average length of hospital stay was 4.0 days for women undergoing LH compared to 3.2 days for women undergoing MLH (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated that MLH is an effective and functional technique for treating various gynecological conditions, with advantages in terms of aesthetic outcomes and reduced perioperative pain and recovery times. The positive results, supported by key parameters such as surgical duration, blood loss, and complications, could serve as a foundation for future studies on larger populations and for improving clinical practices in gynecology. Full article

Novel laparoscopic optical forceps (OFs), developed and patented by the University of Bari Aldo Moro (EP4119030, Bari, Italy), were designed to enhance safety and efficiency during laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs by enabling atraumatic ovarian suspension and surgical maneuvers. This study aimed to describe the design, prototyping, sterilization validation, and preliminary clinical evaluation of this instrument. Prototypes were fabricated using ABS-like Pro resin via LSPc 3D printing. EtOx (ethylene oxide) sterilization proved to be the only effective method ensuring both microbiological safety and material integrity after 25 cycles. A randomized clinical trial involving 36 female dogs compared the OFs with conventional extracorporeal suture (ES) suspension using two-port laparoscopic ovariectomy. Surgical performance was assessed via operative times and complication rates. The OF group demonstrated significantly reduced ovariectomy (7.5 ± 1.6 min vs. 23.7 ± 7.6 min, p < 0.01) and overall surgical (14.2 ± 1.7 min vs. 30.4 ± 7.4 min, p < 0.01) times. No intraoperative complications occurred in the OF group, while the ES group exhibited instances of needle breakage, multiple suture attempts, and increased bleeding. The OFs enabled surgical maneuvers and ovarian suspension without requiring additional incisions or complex techniques, offering ergonomic advantages and compatibility with standard optics. These findings support the OFs as a promising tool to simplify and improve minimally invasive ovariectomy in veterinary surgery. Full article

Background: Reduced-port totally robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (rpRPD) has been introduced to address limitations of conventional robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (cRPD), particularly regarding assistant mobility and visualization. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and procedural consistency of rpRPD in comparison with cRPD and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2015 and December 2024. Patients were categorized into rpRPD (n = 40), cRPD (n = 60), and LPD (n = 262) groups. Clinical outcomes and learning curves were compared using regression and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. The rpRPD group demonstrated significantly shorter operative time (p < 0.001) and lower blood loss (p < 0.05) than cRPD, with no significant differences in postoperative complications or hospital stay. The learning curve analysis revealed that rpRPD had lower variance (5839.3 vs. 8919.1) and more stable performance than cRPD despite a slightly longer stabilization point. Lymph node retrieval was comparable across groups, supporting oncological equivalence. Conclusions: rpRPD offers comparable perioperative and oncologic outcomes to cRPD and LPD while improving operative efficiency and procedural predictability. It represents a technically feasible and safe option for minimally invasive pancreatic surgery. Full article

Robot-assisted surgery has transformed the landscape of genitourinary cancer treatment, offering enhanced precision, reduced morbidity, and improved recovery compared to open or conventional laparoscopic approaches. As the field matures, a new generation of technological innovations is redefining the boundaries of what robotic systems can achieve. This narrative review explores the integration of artificial intelligence, advanced imaging modalities, augmented reality, and connectivity in robotic urologic oncology. The applications of machine learning in surgical skill evaluation and postoperative outcome predictions are discussed, along with AI-enhanced haptic feedback systems that compensate for the lack of tactile sensation. The role of 3D virtual modeling, intraoperative augmented reality, and fluorescence-guided surgery in improving surgical planning and precision is examined for both kidney and prostate procedures. Emerging tools for real-time tissue recognition, including confocal microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, are evaluated for their potential to optimize margin assessment. This review also addresses the shift toward single-port systems and the rise of telesurgery enabled by 5G connectivity, highlighting global efforts to expand expert surgical care across geographic barriers. Collectively, these innovations represent a paradigm shift in robot-assisted urologic oncology, with the potential to enhance functional outcomes, surgical safety, and access to high-quality care. 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

Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-associated morbidity in men. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a cornerstone of intervention for organ-confined diseases and offers a potentially curative outcome. In recent decades, RP has undergone transformative changes, moving from open surgery, with significant morbidity, to minimally invasive and robot-assisted techniques. These advances have improved surgical precision, reduced blood loss, and accelerated functional recovery. Key enhancements, such as the “Veil of Aphrodite”, hood-sparing, and Retzius-sparing approaches, aim to preserve neurovascular structures vital for continence and sexual function, addressing the persistent challenge of balancing oncological control with quality-of-life outcomes. Single-port (SP) robotic platforms represent the latest frontier, offering various access routes, including extraperitoneal, transvesical, transperitoneal, and transperineal routes, to further reduce incisional morbidity. Early experiences with SP robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP) suggest favorable continence rates and short hospital stays, although concerns remain regarding the technical complexity and potential margin status of the advanced disease. Comparisons across these techniques revealed broadly similar long-term oncological outcomes, underscoring the importance of patient selection, tumor staging, and surgeon expertise. Ongoing innovations in robotic systems, augmented imaging modalities, and personalized surgical planning are likely to refine prostate cancer care and enhance both survival and post-treatment quality of life. Full article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic surgery has gained popularity due to its cosmetic benefits and reduced postoperative pain. However, concerns persist regarding the increased risk of adhesions due to the larger umbilical incision. This study aims to contribute to personalized medicine by evaluating the effectiveness of applying an anti-adhesive agent (Guardix SG^®, HanmiPharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea) at the umbilical incision and identifying patient-specific risk factors for adhesion formation in SPA laparoscopic surgeries. Methods: In this randomized prospective study, 55 female patients with benign gynecological conditions were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which received the anti-adhesive agent at both the surgical and umbilical sites, or a control group, which received it only at the surgical site. Participants returned for outpatient visits 1–3 months post-surgery to assess incision site complications, including adhesions. Results: The overall adhesion rate was 10.9%, with 13.3% in the control group and 8% in the intervention group, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.678). Infection rates were 6.7% in the control group and 4% in the intervention group; however, there was no significant difference in complications. Logistic regression identified pre-existing adhesions as a significant risk factor (p = 0.0379; OR = 6.909). Conclusions: Although the adhesion barrier showed a trend toward reducing umbilical adhesions, the difference was not statistically significant. The application of the adhesion barrier did not influence incision site complications, confirming its safety. Our findings highlight the need for personalized approaches to adhesion prevention, considering individual patient characteristics and risk factors. Further larger studies are necessary to explore adhesion prevention in a more personalized manner for individual patients in this context. Full article

Upper para-aortic lymph node dissection (PALND) is one of the most challenging gynecologic robotic procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic and operative outcomes of robotic staging surgery, including upper PALND, using low pelvic port placement (LP3) in 22 patients with high-risk endometrial cancer. High-risk was defined as patients who showed deep myometrial invasion with grade III, cervical involvement, or high-risk histology. The mean patient age and body mass index were 58 years and 24 kg/m². The mean operative time was 263 min. The mean number of total LNs and upper PALNs obtained was 31 and 10. Two patients received lymphangiography to reduce the amount of drained lymphatic fluid after surgery. The recurrence rate was 13.6% (3/22). There were two LN recurrences and one at the peritoneum in the intra-abdominal cavity. Robotic staging surgery using LP3 was feasible for performing PALND as well as procedures in the pelvic cavity simultaneously. It provides important techniques for performing optimal surgical procedures when surgeons decide to perform comprehensive PALND in instances of isolated recurrence or unexpected LN enlargement as well as high-risk endometrial cancer. Consequently, surgeons can achieve surgical consistency and reproducibility for PALND, leading to improved operative and survival outcomes in high-risk endometrial cancer. Full article

Background: We aimed to investigate the reduced-port (RP) robotic surgery as an alternative to the single-port (SP) robotic surgery by first comparing the surgical outcomes between the two groups. Methods: A total of 184 patients who underwent SP robotic myomectomy (SP-RM, n = 94), RP robotic myomectomy (RP-RM, n = 38), SP robotic hysterectomy (SP-RH, n = 33), or RP robotic hysterectomy (RP-RH, n = 19) from October 2020 to April 2022 were analyzed. An 8 mm skin incision 8–10 cm away from the umbilical incision was made for the RP robotic surgery. Results: Of the total of 184 patients, 166 (90.2%) underwent surgery for leiomyoma followed by adenomyosis (n = 10, 5.44%). None of the cases were converted to laparotomy or added additional ports during surgery. Demographic characteristics and surgical outcomes were comparable between RP-RM and SP-RM and between RP-H and SP-H, respectively. However, more leiomyoma were removed in the RP-RM group than the SP-RM group [median 4.2 (range 1–21) vs. median 2.7 (range 1–11), p = 0.009]. The total operating time was longer in the SP-RH group than the RP-RH group (159.8 ± 55.0 min vs. 113.6 ± 24.6 min, p = 0.001). Conclusions: RP robotic surgery is a feasible and effective surgical option for myomectomy and hysterectomy with cosmetic benefits compared to conventional multiport robotic surgery. In conclusion, for surgeons who cannot use the da Vinci SP, RP robotic surgery using the da Vinci^® Xi or Si systems may be an alternative option. Full article

Introduction: This article juxtaposes case series with a systematic review to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of concurrent robotic multisite urological surgeries, specifically robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), for synchronous prostate and kidney cancers. Aim: The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of urological concurrent robotic multisite surgeries through a comparison of institutional findings with the existing literature. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on eight institutional cases of concurrent robotic multisite surgeries performed between 2021 and 2024. The primary outcomes measured were operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. A systematic review of the literature was performed, searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, with the last search conducted on 1 July 2024. Studies were included if they reported on concurrent robotic surgeries corresponding to the procedures performed at the institution, including RARP with RAPN, RARP with robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (RTAPPIHR), and other multisite robotic surgeries. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze operative time and blood loss, with confidence intervals (CIs) calculated to assess precision. Categorical variables, including postoperative complications, were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, with values above 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity. A random effects model was applied when necessary, and sensitivity analyses excluded studies with high risk of bias. Results: We describe a unique docking technique employed in our procedures, which allows for atraumatic transitions between surgeries using the same port sites. Our institutional cases demonstrated the feasibility and safety of concurrent robotic multisite surgery, with a mean operative time of 315 min (95% CI: 290–340) and mean blood loss of 300 mL (95% CI: 250–350). There were no significant intraoperative complications reported. These findings are consistent with the literature, where mean operative times range from 390 to 430 min and blood loss ranges from 200 to 330 mL. Notably, no positive surgical margins or declines in postoperative renal function were observed in our cases. The systematic review included nine retrospective studies involving 40 cases of concurrent RARP and RAPN, as well as eleven studies including 392 cases of RARP combined with RTAPPIHR. The findings from these studies support the feasibility and safety of concurrent surgeries, showing similar rates of operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Conclusions: Concurrent robotic multisite surgeries, such as RARP combined with RAPN or RTAPPIHR, appear to be safe and feasible. Our data suggest these procedures are non-inferior to separate surgeries in terms of safety and complication rates. Potential benefits, including reduced operative times, shorter hospital stays, and more efficient resource use, may translate into cost savings, although no formal cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted. Limitations include the small sample size, retrospective design, and lack of long-term follow-up. Prospective trials are needed to validate these findings and further refine the techniques. Funding: this review did not receive any external funding. Registration: this review was not registered in any public protocol registry due to its comparative retrospective nature. Full article

(1) Background: Since the introduction of the purpose-built Single Port (SP) robotic platform, there has been an ongoing debate regarding its advantages compared to the established multi-port (MP) system. The goal of this present study is to compare the perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes of SP Extraperitoneal robotic radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus that of MP Transperitoneal RARP approach at a high-volume tertiary center. (2) Methods: Based on a retrospective review of the prospectively maintained IRB-approved database, 925 patients successfully underwent RARP by a single experienced robotic surgeon. A 4:1 propensity-matched analysis based on the baseline prostate cancer International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group, clinical stage, and preoperative Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) was performed, which yielded a cohort of 606 patients—485 in the SP EP and 121 in the MP TP approaches. Of note, the SP EP approach also included the traditional Extraperitoneal (n = 259, 53.4%) and the novel Transvesical (TV) approaches (n = 226, 46.6%). (3) Results: The overall operative time was slightly longer in the SP cohort, with a mean of 198.9 min compared to 181.5 min for the MP group (p < 0.001). There were no intraoperative complications with the MP approach and only one during the SP approach. The SP EP technique demonstrated significant benefits, encompassing reduced intraoperative blood loss (SP 125.1 vs. MP 215.9 mL), shorter length of hospital stay (SP 12.6 vs. MP 31.9 h), reduced opioid use at the time of discharge (SP 14.4% vs. MP 85.1%), and an earlier Foley catheter removal (SP 6 vs. MP 8 days). From an oncological perspective, the rate of positive surgical margins remained comparable across both groups (p = 0.84). Regarding functional outcomes, the mean continence rates and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) scores were identical between the two groups at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months respectively. (4) Conclusion: SP EP RARP demonstrates similar performance to MP TP RARP in terms of oncologic and functional outcomes. However, SP EP RARP offers several advantages in reducing the overall hospital stay, decreasing postoperative pain and hence the overall opioid use, as well as shortening the time to catheter removal, all of which translates to reduced morbidity and facilitates the transition to outpatient surgery. Full article