Using laparoscope to remove an ectopic intrauterine device in the anterior wall of urinary bladder:A case report

BACKGROUND An intrauterine device(IUD)is a contraceptive device placed in the uterine cavity and is a common contraceptive method for Chinese women.However,an IUD may cause complications due to placement time,intrauterine pressure and other factors.Ectopic IUDs are among the most serious complications.Ectopic IUDs are common in the myometrium and periuterine organs,and there are few reports of ectopic IUDs in the urinary bladder,especially in the anterior wall.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman was hospitalized due to a urinary bladder foreign body found via abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)examination.The patient had a 2-year history of recurrent abdominal distension and lower abdominal pain,accompanied by frequent urination,urgency,dysuria and other discomfort.Ultrasound examination revealed foreign bodies in the bladder cavity,with calculus on the surface of the foreign bodies.CT revealed a circular foreign body on the anterior wall of the urinary bladder,suggesting the possibility of an ectopic IUD.After laparoscopic exploration,an annular IUD was found in the anterior wall of urinary bladder,and an oval calculus with a diameter of approximately 2 cm was attached to the surface of the bladder cavity.The IUD and calculus were successfully and completely removed.The patient recovered well after surgery.CONCLUSION Abdominal ultrasound and CT are effective methods for detecting ectopic IUDs.The IUD is located in the urinary bladder and requires early surgical treatment.The choice of surgical method is determined by comprehensively considering the depth of the IUD in the bladder muscle layer,the situation of complicated calculus,the situation of intravesical inflammation and medical technology and equipment.

Modeling and Simulation of Laparoscopic Tools for Autonomously Positioning Laparoscope in Laparoscopic Surgery

In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeons are equipped with the suitable tools for the surgery, while the laparoscope is used to capture the operation environment and displays it on a monitor. This paper presents the mathematical kinematic position modeling of the laparoscopic tools used for autonomous positioning of a laparoscope in such operations. These models are obtained using Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) Notations and Homogenous Transformation Matrix (HTM). The laparoscopic tools are considered as six degrees of freedom (DOF) mechanisms while the laparoscope has four DOF. The 3D loop closure equation is used to obtain the laparoscope kinematic position models in terms of those of the laparoscopic tools. These models are used to simulate and align the laparoscope camera with the surgeon’s laparoscopic Tools Center Points (TCP). The obtained results show the smooth positioning of the laparoscope camera for better visu-alization of laparoscopic surgery environments.

Comparative analysis of two digestive tract reconstruction methods in total laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy

BACKGROUND The incidence of gastric cancer has significantly increased in recent years.Surgical resection is the main treatment,but the method of digestive tract reconstruction after gastric cancer surgery remains controversial.In the current study,we sought to explore a reasonable method of digestive tract reconstruction and improve the quality of life and nutritional status of patients after surgery.To this end,we statistically analyzed the clinical results of patients with gastric cancer who underwent jejunal interposition double-tract reconstruction(DTR)and esophageal jejunum Roux-en-Y reconstruction(RY).AIM To explore the application effect of DTR in total laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy(TLTG)and evaluate its safety and efficacy.METHODS We collected the relevant data of 77 patients who underwent TLTG at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2021 to January 2023.Among them,35 cases were treated with DTR,and the remaining 42 cases were treated with traditional RY.After 1:1 propensity score matching,the cases were grouped into 31 cases per group,with evenly distributed data.The clinical characteristics and short-and long-term clinical outcomes of the two groups were statistically analyzed.RESULTS The two groups showed no significant differences in basic data,intraoperative blood loss,number of lymph node dissections,first defecation time after operation,postoperative hospital stay,postoperative complications,and laboratory examination results on the 1st,3rd,and 5th days after operation.The operation time of the DTR group was longer than that of the RY group[(307.58±65.14)min vs(272.45±62.09)min,P=0.016],but the first intake of liquid food in the DTR group was shorter than that in the RY group[(4.45±1.18)d vs(6.0±5.18)d,P=0.028].The incidence of reflux heartburn(Visick grade)and postoperative gallbladder disease in the DTR group was lower than that in the RY group(P=0.033 and P=0.038).Although there was no significant difference in body weight,hemoglobin,prealbumin,and albumin between the two groups at 1,3 and 6 months after surgery,the diet of patients in the DTR group was better than that in the RY group(P=0.031).CONCLUSION The clinical effect of DTR in TLTG is better than that of RY,indicating that it is a more valuable digestive tract reconstruction method in laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.

Description of a novel robotic early post-prostatectomy anastomotic repair technique and institutional outcomes

Objective:A vesicourethral anastomotic leak(VUAL)is a known complication following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.The natural history of a VUAL has been well described and is frequently managed with prolonged catheterization.With increasing emphasis on patient reported outcomes,catheter duration and VUAL are associated with significant short-term quality of life impairment.We aimed to present a case series of our robotic early post-prostatectomy anastomotic repair technique,defined as revision within 6 weeks from index surgery.Methods:A single institution prospective database identified eleven patients with a VUAL from July 2016 to October 2022 who underwent robotic early post-prostatectomy anastomotic repair by a single surgeon.Patients were diagnosed with a VUAL on pre-operative CT urogram or CT/fluoroscopic cystogram.The primary outcome was resolution of the anastomotic leak,defined as no contrast extravasation on post-operative cystography.Secondary outcomes included post-repair catheter duration and continence on the last follow-up defined as pad(s)per day.Results:The mean time to intervention after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy was 21 days.Eight of the eleven(72.7%)patients had no evidence of extravasation on postrepair cystogram.The range from intervention to first cystogram was 7e20 days.The median catheter duration for those with successful intervention was 10 days.The median catheter duration for those with the leak on initial post-operative cystogram was 20 days.At a mean follow-up time of 25 months,eight(72.7%)patients reported using no pads per day,and three(27.3%)patients reported one pad per day.Conclusion:Management of a VUAL has traditionally relied on prolonged catheter drainage and the tincture of time.As the role of robotic reconstruction has been shown to be a viable modality for management of bladder neck contracture,it is important to reconsider prior dogmas of urologic care.Our case series suggests that an early repair is safe and has a high success rate.Early robotic intervention gives providers an additional tool in aiding patient recovery.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy guided by indocyanine green fluorescence: A cranial-dorsal approach

BACKGROUND Advancements in laparoscopic technology and a deeper understanding of intra-hepatic anatomy have led to the establishment of more precise laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH)techniques.The indocyanine green(ICG)fluorescence navi-gation technique has emerged as the most effective method for identifying hepatic regions,potentially overcoming the limitations of LH.While laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy(LLH)is a standardized procedure,there is a need for innova-tive strategies to enhance its outcomes.important anatomical markers,surgical skills,and ICG staining methods.METHODS Thirty-seven patients who underwent ICG fluorescence-guided LLH at Qujing Second People's Hospital between January 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The cranial-dorsal approach was performed which involves dissecting the left hepatic vein cephalad,isolating the Arantius ligament,exposing the middle hepatic vein,and dissecting the parenchyma from the dorsal to the foot in order to complete the anatomical LLH.The surgical methods,as well as intra-and post-surgical data,were recorded and analyzed.Our hospital’s Medical Ethics Committee approved this study(Ethical review:2022-019-01).RESULTS Intraoperative blood loss during LLH was 335.68±99.869 mL and the rates of transfusion and conversion to laparotomy were 13.5%and 0%,respectively.The overall incidence of complications throughout the follow-up(median of 18 months;range 1-36 months)was 21.6%.No mortality or severe complications(level IV)were reported.CONCLUSION LLH has the potential to become a novel,standardized approach that can effectively,safely,and simply expose the middle hepatic vein and meet the requirements of precision surgery.

"Five steps four quadrants" modularized en bloc dissection technique for accessing hepatic hilum lymph nodes in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND Although en bloc dissection of hepatic hilum lymph nodes has many advantages in radical tumor treatment,the feasibility and safety of this approach for laparo-scopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)require further clinical evaluation and investigation.AIM To explore the application value of the"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique for accessing hepatic hilum lymph nodes in LPD patients.METHODS A total of 52 patients who underwent LPD via the"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique for hepatic hilum lymph nodes from April 2021 to July 2023 in our department were analyzed retrospectively.The patients'body mass index(BMI),preoperative laboratory indices,intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were recorded.The relationships between preoperative data and intraoperative lymph node dissection time and blood loss were also analyzed.RESULTS Among the 52 patients,36 were males and 16 were females,and the average age was 62.2±11.0 years.There were 26 patients with pancreatic head cancer,16 patients with periampullary cancer,and 10 patients with distal bile duct cancer.The BMI was 22.3±3.3 kg/m²,and the median total bilirubin(TBIL)concentration was 57.7(16.0-155.7)µmol/L.All patients successfully underwent the"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique without lymph node clearance-related complications such as postoperative bleeding or lymphatic leakage.Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between preoperative BMI(r=0.3581,P=0.0091),TBIL level(r=0.2988,P=0.0341),prothrombin time(r=0.3018,P=0.0297)and lymph node dissection time.Moreover,dissection time was significantly correlated with intraoperative blood loss(r=0.7744,P<0.0001).Further stratified analysis demonstrated that patients with a preoperative BMI≥21.9 kg/m²and a TIBL concentration≥57.7μmol/L had significantly longer lymph node dissection times(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION The"five steps four quadrants"modularized en bloc dissection technique for accessing the hepatic hilum lymph node is safe and feasible for LPD.This technique is expected to improve the efficiency of hepatic hilum lymph node dissection and shorten the learning curve;thus,it is worthy of further clinical promotion and application.

Performance in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery: Does it reflect global rating scales in the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in porcine laparoscopic surgery?

Objective:To correlate the utility of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery(FLS)manual skills program with the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills(OSATS)global rating scale in evaluating operative performance.Methods:The Asian Urological Surgery Training and Educational Group(AUSTEG)Laparoscopic Upper Tract Surgery Course implemented and validated the FLS program for its usage in laparoscopic surgical training.Delegates’basic laparoscopic skills were assessed using three different training models(peg transfer,precision cutting,and intra-corporeal suturing).They also performed live porcine laparoscopic surgery at the same workshop.Live surgery skills were assessed by blinded faculty using the OSATS rating scale.Results:From March 2016 to March 2019,a total of 81 certified urologists participated in the course,with a median of 5 years of post-residency experience.Although differences in task time did not reach statistical significance,those with more surgical experience were visibly faster at completing the peg transfer and intra-corporeal suturing FLS tasks.However,they took longer to complete the precision cutting task than participants with less experience.Overall OSATS scores correlated weakly with all three FLS tasks(peg transfer time:r=0.331,r^(2)=0.110;precision cutting time:r=0.240,r^(2)=0.058;suturing with intracorporeal knot time:r=0.451,r^(2)=0.203).Conclusion:FLS task parameters did not correlate strongly with OSATS globing rating scale performance.Although FLS task models demonstrated strong validity,it is important to assimilate the inconsistencies when benchmarking technical proficiency against real-life operative competence,as evaluated by FLS and OSATS,respectively.

Machine learning identifies the risk of complications after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy is widely used,and perioperative complications have become a highly concerned issue.AIM To develop a predictive model for complications in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer to better predict the likelihood of complications in gastric cancer patients within 30 days after surgery,guide perioperative treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients,and prevent serious complications.METHODS In total,998 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 16 Chinese medical centers were included in the training group for the complication model,and 398 patients were included in the validation group.The clinicopathological data and 30-d postoperative complications of gastric cancer patients were collected.Three machine learning methods,lasso regression,random forest,and artificial neural networks,were used to construct postoperative complication prediction models for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and laparoscopic total gastrectomy,and their prediction efficacy and accuracy were evaluated.RESULTS The constructed complication model,particularly the random forest model,could better predict serious complications in gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.It exhibited stable performance in external validation and is worthy of further promotion in more centers.CONCLUSION Using the risk factors identified in multicenter datasets,highly sensitive risk prediction models for complications following laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were established.We hope to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of preoperative and postoperative decision-making by using these models.

Laparoscopic surgery for trans-anal barotrauma: a case report

Trans-anal barotrauma resulting from the use of air guns is rare in the emergency department.Early diagnosis and timely treatment can yield a good prognosis.The first published case of trans-anal barotrauma caused by a manually operated force pump was reported in 1904.[1]Colorectal injuries have the potential to progress to high-mortality complications,such as abdominal infection,peritonitis,and septic shock.[2,3]Herein,we report a case of trans-anal barotrauma in a man who presented with pneumoperitoneum,pneumomediastinum,and pneumoscrotum.We performed laparoscopic exploration and loop ileostomy on this patient.

Effect of screening colonoscopy frequency on colorectal cancer mortality in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor in China,and its incidence in the elderly is increasing annually.Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic non-specific intestinal inflammatory diseases,including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.We included the clinicopathological and follow-up data of patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic colectomy or open colectomy at our Gastrointestinal Department between January 2019 and December 2022.Surgical indicators,oncological indicators,and survival rates were compared between the groups.The results of 104 patients who met the above criteria were extracted from the database(laparoscopic colectomy group=63,open colectomy group=41),and there were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data or follow-up time between the two groups.RESULTS Intraoperative blood loss,time to first ambulation,and time to first fluid intake were significantly lower in the laparoscopic colectomy group than in the open colectomy group.The differences in overall mortality,tumor-related mortality,and recurrence rates between the two groups were not statistically significant,and survival analysis showed that the differences in the cumulative overall survival,tumor-related survival,and cumulative recurrence-free rates between the two groups were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION In elderly patients with colorectal cancer,laparoscopic colectomy has better short-term outcomes than open colectomy,and laparoscopic colectomy has superior long-term survival outcomes compared with open colectomy.

Laparoscopic enucleation for pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma

To the Editor : Pancreatic hamartoma is an extremely rare and benign disease and accounts for less than 1% of all pancreatic tumors [1]. Pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma(PLH), a distinct variant of pancreatic hamartoma, is always easily misdiagnosed as other pancreatic tumors with lipomatous components, including pancreatic lipoma, liposarcoma, teratoma and malignant tumors with fatty degeneration. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic enucleation for the pancreatic head lipomatous hamartoma and provide new treatment strategies for surgeons who encounter similar diseases in the future.

Effect of visceral obesity on outcomes of fluorescence-guided lymphadenectomy during laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer:Post hoc analysis of a randomized phase 3 trial

Objective:To explore the impact of visceral fat area(VFA)on the short-and long-term efficacy of indocyanine green(ICG)-guided D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer(GC).Methods:A post hoc analysis was performed in patients who participated in a phase 3 randomized clinical trial of ICG-guided laparoscopic radical gastrectomy vs.conventional laparoscopic radical gastrectomy from November 2018 to July 2019.The VFA was calculated based on preoperative computed tomography images.Short-term efficacy included the quality of lymph node(LN)dissection and surgical outcomes,while long-term efficacy included overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS).Results:This study included 126 patients each in the ICG(high-VFA,n=43)and non-ICG groups(high-VFA,n=38).Compared with the non-ICG group,the ICG group had significantly more retrieved LNs(low-VFA:50.1 vs.43.9,P=0.001;high-VFA:49.6 vs.37.5,P<0.001)and a significantly lower LN noncompliance rate(low-VFA:32.5%vs.50.0%,P=0.020;high-VFA:32.6%vs.73.7%,P<0.001),regardless of the VFA.The ICG group had a shorter postoperative hospital stay and fewer intra-abdominal infections than the ICG group in the high-VFA patients(P=0.025 and P=0.020,respectively)but not in the low-VFA patients.Regardless of the VFA,the 3-year OS(RFS)was better in the ICG group than in the non-ICG group[low-VFA:83.1%(76.9%)vs.73.9%(67.0%);high-VFA:90.7%(90.7%)vs.73.7%(73.5%);P for interaction=0.474(0.547)].Conclusions:The short-and long-term efficacies of ICG tracing were not influenced by visceral obesity.

Construction of a nomogram model to predict technical difficulty in performing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal surgeons are well aware that performing surgery for rectal cancer becomes more challenging in obese patients with narrow and deep pelvic cavities.Therefore,it is essential for colorectal surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of pelvic structure prior to surgery and anticipate potential surgical difficulties.AIM To evaluate predictive parameters for technical challenges encountered during laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.METHODS We retrospectively gathered data from 162 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical sphincterpreserving surgery for rectal cancer.Three-dimensional reconstruction of pelvic bone and soft tissue parameters was conducted using computed tomography(CT)scans.Operative difficulty was categorized as either high or low,and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of operative difficulty,ultimately creating a nomogram.RESULTS Out of 162 patients,21(13.0%)were classified in the high surgical difficulty group,while 141(87.0%)were in the low surgical difficulty group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the surgical approach using laparoscopic intersphincteric dissection,intraoperative preventive ostomy,and the sacrococcygeal distance were independent risk factors for highly difficult laparoscopic radical sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer(P<0.05).Conversely,the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance was identified as a protective factor(P<0.05).A nomogram was subsequently constructed,demonstrating good predictive accuracy(C-index=0.834).CONCLUSION The surgical approach,intraoperative preventive ostomy,the sacrococcygeal distance,and the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance could help to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery.

Indications of pro-inflammatory cytokines in laparoscopic and open liver resection for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:Our clinical practice of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR)had achieved better short-term and long-term benefits for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)over open liver resection(OLR),but the underlying mechanisms are not clear.This study was to find out whether systemic inflammation plays an important role.Methods:A total of 103 patients with early-stage HCC under liver resection were enrolled(LLR group,n=53;OLR group,n=50).The expression of 9 inflammatory cytokines in patients at preoperation,postoperative day 1(POD1)and POD7 was quantified by Luminex Multiplex assay.The relationships of the cytokines and the postoperative outcomes were compared between LLR and OLR.Results:Seven of the circulating cytokines were found to be significantly upregulated on POD1 after LLR or OLR compared to their preoperative levels.Compared to OLR,the POD1 levels of granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)in the LLR group were significantly lower.Higher POD1 levels of these cytokines were significantly correlated with longer operative time and higher volume of blood loss during operation.The levels of these cytokines were positively associated with postoperative liver injury,and the length of hospital stay.Importantly,a high level of IL-6 at POD1 was a risk factor for HCC recurrence and poor disease-free survival after liver resection.Conclusions:Significantly lower level of GM-CSF,IL-6,IL-8,and MCP-1 after liver resection represented a milder systemic inflammation which might be an important mechanism to offer better short-term and long-term outcomes in LLR over OLR.

Colorectal resections for malignancy: A pilot study comparing conventional vs freehand robot-assisted laparoscopic colectomy

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic colectomy is widely accepted as a safe operation for colorectal cancer,but we have experienced resistance to the introduction of the FreeHandffrobotic camera holder to augment laparoscopic colorectal surgery.AIM To compare the initial results between conventional and FreeHandffrobot-assisted laparoscopic colectomy in Trinidad and Tobago.METHODS This was a prospective study of outcomes from all laparoscopic colectomies per-formed for colorectal carcinoma from November 29,2021 to May 30,2022.The following data were recorded:Operating time,conversions,estimated blood loss,hospitalization,morbidity,surgical resection margins and number of nodes har-vested.All data were entered into an excel database and the data were analyzed using SPSS ver 20.0.RESULTS There were 23 patients undergoing colectomies for malignant disease:8(35%)FreeHandff-assisted and 15(65%)conventional laparoscopic colectomies.There were no conversions.Operating time was significantly lower in patients under-going robot-assisted laparoscopic colectomy(95.13±9.22 vs 105.67±11.48 min;P=0.045).Otherwise,there was no difference in estimated blood loss,nodal harvest,hospitalization,morbidity or mortality.CONCLUSION The FreeHandffrobot for colectomies is safe,provides some advantages over conventional laparoscopy and does not compromise oncologic standards in the resource-poor Caribbean setting.

Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with gastro-pancreatic anastomosis for symptomatic serous cystadenoma:A case report and literature review

Surgery for lesions of the proximal part of the pancreatic body or neck can be challenging,and when enucleation is not possible,central pancreatectomy is an option.Laparoscopic central pancreatic resection is rarely described worldwide;it is considered a difficult procedure mainly because of the risk of double pancreatic fistula developing at two sites of resection.However,it seems to be an excellent alternative to distal pancreatectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy,with the advantages of preserving functioning parenchyma and reducing endocrine and exocrine failure.Nevertheless,patients with pancreatic lesions requiring central resection are often managed with the open approach in many hospitals due to the complexity of total laparoscopic central pancreatectomy,which requires advanced laparoscopic skills,expertise and experience.Here,we report a case of a 29-year-old female who underwent total laparoscopic central pancreatic resection with gastro-pancreatic anastomosis for symptomatic serous cystadenoma.We discuss the details of case management and review the relevant literature.

Enhancing clinical proficiency through laparoscopic training using Japanese origami

Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic training using origami,a traditional Japanese papercraft,using laparoscopic forceps to create origami cranes.Methods In this retrospective study,4 surgeons were randomly divided into 2 groups:The training group,consisting of surgeons 1 and 2,and the non-training group,consisting of surgeons 3 and 4.Over the course of a one-year study period,the training group regularly underwent laparoscopic surgery training with a dry box,wherein they folded a total of 1000 origami cranes using laparoscopic instruments.The non-training group periodically underwent common laparoscopic surgery training of techniques such as suturing and ligation.Each surgeon regularly performed the transabdominal preperitoneal approach for inguinal hernias.Each training was conducted concurrently with the surgeries.The procedure time(peritoneum detachment,mesh placement,and closure of the peritoneum),total operation time(time from peritoneum detachment to closure of the peritoneum),and surgical outcomes were examined.Results The training group showed greater improvement in the total operation time and more stable performance than the non-training group.Additionally,the time taken for peritoneum detachment was significantly shorter in the training group.Conclusion Laparoscopic training using origami has the potential to enhance laparoscopic surgical skills and improve surgical outcomes.

Identification of clinical subphenotypes of sepsis after laparoscopic surgery

Objective:Some patients exhibit septic symptoms following laparoscopic surgery,leading to a poor prognosis.Effective clinical subphenotyping is critical for guiding tailored therapeutic strategies in these cases.By identifying predisposing factors for postoperative sepsis,clinicians can implement targeted interventions,potentially improving outcomes.This study outlines a workflow for the subphenotype methodology in the context of laparoscopic surgery,along with its practical application.Methods:This study utilized data routinely available in clinical case systems,enhancing the applicability of our findings.The data included vital signs,such as respiratory rate,and laboratory measures,such as blood sodium levels.The process of categorizing clinical routine data involved technical complexities.A correlation heatmap was used to visually depict the relationships between variables.Ordering points were used to identify the clustering structure and combined with Consensus K clustering methods to determine the optimal categorization.Results:Our study highlighted the intricacies of identifying clinical subphenotypes following laparoscopic surgery,and could thus serve as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers seeking to explore disease heterogeneity in clinical settings.By simplifying complex methodologies,we aimed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and clinical application,fostering an environment where professional medical knowledge is effectively utilized in subphenotyping research.Conclusion:This tutorial could primarily serve as a guide for beginners.A variety of clustering approaches were explored,and each step in the process contributed to a comprehensive understanding of clinical subphenotypes.

Comparison of ovarian preservation versus oophorectomy on fertility outcomes in patients with endometriosis post-laparoscopic surgery:A prospective study

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting a significant proportion of women of reproductive age.Although laparoscopic surgery is commonly the preferred treatment,the decision to preserve or remove the ovaries remains controversial.Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the impact of ovarian preservation vs oophorectomy on fertility outcomes and disease recurrence.This prospective study aimed to address this knowledge gap by comparing the effects of these surgical approaches on spontaneous pregnancy rates,time to pregnancy,recurrence rates,and postoperative pain in patients with endometriosis.AIM To compare the reproductive outcomes and recurrence rates between ovarian preservation and oophorectomy in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.METHODS This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between January 2019 and December 2023.A total of 312 women aged 18 to 40 years,diagnosed with endometriosis and undergoing laparoscopic surgery,were included.The patients were categorized into the ovarian preservation group(n=204)and the oophorectomy group(n=108).The primary outcome measure was the achievement of spontaneous pregnancy within 24 months post-surgery.Secondary outcomes included time to spontaneous pregnancy,recurrence rates,and postoperative pain scores.RESULTS The ovarian preservation group exhibited a significantly higher spontaneous pregnancy rate than that in the oophorectomy group(43.6%vs 28.7%,P=0.006).Moreover,the median time to spontaneous pregnancy was shorter in the ovarian preservation group(8.2 months vs 11.4 months,P=0.018).Nonetheless,endometriosis recurrence was more prevalent in the ovarian preservation group(22.1%vs 11.1%,P=0.014).The postoperative pain scores demonstrated similar improvements in both groups,with no significant differences observed.Subgroup analyses indicated that the benefit of ovarian preservation on spontaneous pregnancy rates was more evident among younger women(≤35 years)and those with advanced-stage endometriosis.CONCLUSION Ovarian preservation is associated with a high spontaneous pregnancy rate and a short time to pregnancy.However,because of the increased risk of recurrence,the decision should be based on age,fertility aspirations,and disease severity.

Navigating reflux disease after achalasia treatments:Balancing risks and benefits

The peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)procedure has revolutionized the management of achalasia in many centres around the world as it offers patients a minimally invasive endoscopic solution to their dysphagia caused by achalasia.Alongside its success in alleviating dysphagia,concerns regarding postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease have emerged as a pertinent issue which are not fully resolved.In this study,Nabi et al have comprehensively reviewed the topic of the prediction,prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after POEM.POEM is a purely endoscopic procedure which is usually performed without any anti-reflux procedure.Certain patients may be better served by a laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy and fundoplication and it is important that gastroenterologists and surgeons provide comprehensive risks and benefits of each achalasia treatment option so that patients can decide what treatment is best for them.This article by Nabi et al provides a comprehensive review of the current status of this issue to allow these discussions to occur.