New direction for surgery:Super minimally invasive surgery

The top goal of modern medicine is treating disease without destroying organ structures and making patients as healthy as they were before their sickness.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)has dominated the surgical realm because of its lesser invasiveness.However,changes in anatomical structures of the body and reconstruction of internal organs or different organs are common after traditional surgery or MIS,decreasing the quality of life of patients post-operation.Thus,I propose a new treatment mode,super MIS(SMIS),which is defined as“curing a disease or lesion which used to be treated by MIS while preserving the integrity of the organs”.In this study,I describe the origin,definition,operative channels,advantages,and future perspectives of SMIS.

Impact of minimally invasive surgery on immune function and stress response in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.Traditional open surgery for gastric cancer is often associated with significant morbidity and prolonged recovery.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery for gastric cancer,focusing on its potential to reduce trauma,accelerate recovery,and achieve comparable oncological out-comes.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 203 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery at the Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Chongming Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023.The patients were divided into two groups:Minimally invasive surgery group(n=102),who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy,and open surgery group(n=101),who underwent traditional open gastrectomy.We compared surgical indicators(surgical incision size,intraop-erative blood loss,surgical duration,and number of lymph nodes dissected),recovery parameters(time to first flatus,time to start eating,time to ambulation,and length of hospital stay),immune function(levels of IgA,IgG,and IgM),intestinal barrier function(levels of D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase),and stress response(levels of C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and procalcitonin).RESULTS The minimally invasive surgery group demonstrated significantly better outcomes in terms of surgical indicators,including smaller incisions,less blood loss,shorter surgery time,and more lymph nodes dissected(P<0.05 for all).Recovery was also faster in the minimally invasive surgery group,with earlier return of bowel function,earlier initiation of diet,quicker mobilization,and shorter hospital stays(P<0.05 for all).Furthermore,patients in the minimally invasive surgery group had better preserved immune function,superior intestinal barrier function,and a less pronounced stress response postoperatively(P<0.05 for all).CONCLUSION Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer not only provides superior surgical indicators and faster recovery but also offers advantages in preserving immune function,protecting intestinal barrier function,and mitigating the stress response compared to traditional open surgery.These findings support the broader adoption of laparoscopic techniques in the management of gastric cancer.

Benefits and drawbacks of radiofrequency ablation via percutaneous or minimally invasive surgery for treating hepatocellular carcinoma

The management of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)presents significant challenges.While radiofrequency ablation(RFA)has shown safety and effectiveness in treating HCC,with lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays,its high recurrence rate remains a significant impediment.Consequently,achieving improved survival solely through RFA is challenging,particularly in retrospective studies with inherent biases.Ultrasound is commonly used for guiding percutaneous RFA,but its low contrast can lead to missed tumors and the risk of HCC recurrence.To enhance the efficiency of ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA,various techniques such as artificial ascites and contrast-enhanced ultrasound have been developed to facilitate complete tumor ablation.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)offers advantages over open surgery and has gained traction in various surgical fields.Recent studies suggest that laparoscopic intraoperative RFA(IORFA)may be more effective than percutaneous RFA in terms of survival for HCC patients unsuitable for surgery,highlighting its significance.Therefore,combining MIS-IORFA with these enhanced percutaneous RFA techniques may hold greater significance for HCC treatment using the MIS-IORFA approach.This article reviews liver resection and RFA in HCC treatment,comparing their merits and proposing a trajectory involving their combination in future therapy.

Traditional craniotomy versus current minimally invasive surgery for spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage:A propensity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)and craniotomy(CI)are the current treatments for spontaneous supratentorial cerebral haemorrhage(SSTICH).AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of MIS and CI for the treatment of SSTICH.METHODS Clinical and imaging data of 557 consecutive patients with SSTICH who underwent MIS or CI between January 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively analysed.The patients were divided into two subgroups:The MIS group and CI group.Propensity score matching was performed to minimise case selection bias.The primary outcome was a dichotomous prognostic(favourable or unfavourable)outcome based on the modified Rankin Scale(mRS)score at 3 months;an mRS score of 0–2 was considered favourable.RESULTS In both conventional statistical and binary logistic regression analyses,the MIS group had a better outcome.The outcome of propensity score matching was unexpected(odds ratio:0.582;95%CI:0.281–1.204;P=0.144),which indicated that,after excluding the interference of each confounder,different surgical modalities were more effective,and there was no significant difference in their prognosis.CONCLUSION Deciding between MIS and CI should be made based on the individual patient,considering the hematoma size,degree of midline shift,cerebral swelling,and preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale score.

Removal of a large rectal polyp with endoscopic submucosal dissection-trans-anal rectoscopic assisted minimally invasive surgery hybrid technique:A case report

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)can be used for the en-bloc removal of superficial rectal lesions;however,the lack of a traction system makes the procedure long and difficult in the presence of extensive lesions.CASE SUMMARY A large polyp occupying 2/3 of the rectal circumference and extending 5 cm in length was removed by ESD with the help of laparoscopic forceps introduced via trans-anal rectoscopic assisted minimally invasive surgery,a disposable platform designed to aid in transanal minimally invasive surgery.Traction of the polyp by forceps during the operation was dynamic,and applied at various points and in various directions.The polyp was removed en-bloc without complications in 1 h and 55 min.A sigmoidoscopy performed 50 d later showed normal healing without polyp recurrence.CONCLUSION The technique presented here could overcome the issues caused by lack of traction during ESD for rectal lesions.

Role of minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

Rectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.Surgical resection for rectal cancer usually requires a proctectomy with respective lymphadenectomy(total mesorectal excision).This has traditionally been performed transabdominally through an open incision.Over the last thirty years,minimally invasive surgery platforms have rapidly evolved with the goal to accomplish the same quality rectal resection through a less invasive approach.There are currently three resective modalities that complement the traditional open operation:(1)Laparoscopic surgery;(2)Robotic surgery;and(3)Transanal total mesorectal excision.In addition,there are several platforms to carry out transluminal local excisions(without lymphadenectomy).Evidence on the various modalities is of mixed to moderate quality.It is unreasonable to expect a randomized comparison of all options in a single trial.This review aims at reviewing in detail the various techniques in regard to intra-/perioperative benchmarks,recovery and complications,oncological and functional outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer: A comparison between robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery

AIM To investigate the role of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer and determine surgical, clinical, and oncological outcomes.METHODS This is a propensity score-matched case-control study, comparing three treatment arms: robotic gastrectomy(RG), laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG), open gastrectomy(OG). Data collection started after sharing a specific study protocol. Data were recorded through a tailored and protected web-based system. Primary outcomes: harvested lymph nodes, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, complications rate. Among the secondary outcomes, there are: operative time, R0 resections, POD of mobilization, POD of starting liquid diet and soft solid diet. The analysis includes the evaluation of type and grade of postoperative complications. Detailed information of anastomotic leakages is also provided.RESULTS The present analysis was carried out of 1026 gastrectomies. To guarantee homogenous distribution of cases, patients in the RG, LG and OG groups were 1:1:2 matched using a propensity score analysis with a caliper = 0.2. The successful matching resulted in a total sample of 604 patients(RG = 151; LG = 151; OG = 302). The three groups showed no differences in all baseline patients characteristics, type of surgery(P = 0.42) and stage of the disease(P = 0.16). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the LG(95.93 ± 119.22) and RG(117.91 ± 68.11) groups compared to the OG(127.26 ± 79.50, P = 0.002). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was similar between the RG(27.78 ± 11.45), LG(24.58 ± 13.56) and OG(25.82 ± 12.07) approach. A benefit in favor of the minimally invasive approaches was found in the length of hospital stay(P < 0.0001). A similar complications rate was found(P = 0.13). The leakage rate was not different(P = 0.78) between groups.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic and robotic surgery can be safely performed and proposed as possible alternative to open surgery. The main highlighted benefit is a faster postoperative functional recovery.

Short-term effect and long-term prognosis of neuroendoscopic minimally invasive surgery for hypertensive int-racerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage is a common critical disease of the nervous system,comprising one fifth of all acute cerebrovascular diseases and has a high disability and mortality rate.It severely affects the patients’quality of life.AIM To analyze the short-term effect and long-term prognosis of neuroendoscopic minimally invasive surgery for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.METHODS From March 2018 to May 2020,118 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled in our study and divided into a control group and observation group according to the surgical plan.The control group used a hard-channel minimally invasive puncture and drainage procedure.The observation group underwent minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgery.The changes in the levels of serum P substances(SP),inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-10],and the National Hospital Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Barthel index scores were recorded.Surgery related indicators and prognosis were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The operation time(105.26±28.35)of the observation group was min longer than that of the control group,and the volume of intraoperative bleeding was 45.36±10.17 mL more than that of the control group.The hematoma clearance rates were 88.58%±4.69%and 94.47%±4.02%higher than those of the control group at 48 h and 72 h,respectively.Good prognosis rate(86.44%)was higher in the observation group than in the control group,and complication rate(5.08%)was not significantly different from that of the control group(P>0.05).The SP level and Barthel index score of the two groups increased(P<0.05)and the inflam-matory factors and NIHSS score decreased(P<0.05).The cytokine levels,NIHSS score,and Barthel index score were better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Neuroendoscopic minimally invasive surgery is more complicated than hard channel minimally invasive puncture drainage in the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage;however,hematoma clearance is more thorough,and the short-term effect and long-term prognosis are better than hard channel minimally invasive puncture drainage.

Association of Satellite Sign with Postoperative Rebleeding in Patients Undergoing Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hypertensive Intracerebral Haemorrhage

There are few studies regarding imaging markers for predicting postoperative rebleeding after stereotactic minimally invasive surgery(MIS)for hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage(ICH),and little is known about the relationship between satellite sign on computed tomography(CT)scans and postoperative rebleeding after MIS.This study aimed to determine the value of the CT satellite sign in predicting postoperative rebleeding in patients with hypertensive ICH who undergo stereotactic MIS.We retrospectively examined and analysed 105 patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent standard stereotactic MIS for hematoma evacuation within 72 h following admission.Postoperative rebleeding occurred in 14 of 65(21.5%)patients with the satellite sign on baseline CT,and in 5 of the 40(12.5%)patients without the satellite sign.This diiTerence was statistically significant.Positive and negative values of the satellite sign for predicting postoperative rebleeding were 21.5%and 87.5%,respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis verified that baseline ICH volume and intraventricular rupture were independent predictors of postoperative rebleeding.In conclusion,the satellite sign on baseline CT scans may not predict postoperative rebleeding following stereotactic MIS for hypertensive ICH.

Minimally invasive surgery in gastric cancer

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer has rapidly gained popularity due to the early detection of early gastric cancer. As advances in instruments and the accumulation of laparoscopic experience increase, laparoscopic techniques are being used for less invasive but highly technical procedures. Recent evidence suggests that the short- and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer are comparable to those of conventional open surgery. However, these results should be confirmed by large-scale multicenter prospective randomized controlled clinical trials.

Prognostic factors of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer: Does robotic gastrectomy bring oncological benefit?

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and surgical resection remains the sole curative treatment for gastric cancer.Minimally invasive gastrectomy including laparoscopic and robotic approaches has been increasingly used in a few decades.Thus far,only a few reports have investigated the oncological outcomes following minimally invasive gastrectomy.AIM To determine the 5-year survival following minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric cancer and identify prognostic predictors.METHODS This retrospective cohort study identified 939 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer during the study period.After excluding 125 patients with non-curative surgery(n=77),other synchronous cancer(n=2),remnant gastric cancer(n=25),insufficient physical function(n=13),and open gastrectomy(n=8),a total of 814 consecutive patients with primary gastric cancer who underwent minimally invasive R0 gastrectomy at our institution between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively examined.Accordingly,5-year overall and recurrence-free survival were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test and Cox regression analyses,while factors associated with survival were determined using multivariate analysis.RESULTS Our analysis showed that age>65 years,American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)physical status 3,total or proximal gastrectomy,and pathological T4 and N positive status were independent predictors of both 5-year overall and recurrencefree survival.Accordingly,the included patients had a 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival of 80.3%and 78.2%,respectively.Among the 814 patients,157(19.3%)underwent robotic gastrectomy,while 308(37.2%)were diagnosed with pathological stage II or III disease.Notably,our findings showed that robotic gastrectomy was an independent positive predictor for recurrence-free survival in patients with pathological stage II/III[hazard ratio:0.56(0.33-0.96),P=0.035].Comparison of recurrence-free survival between the robotic and laparoscopic approach using propensity score matching analysis verified that the robotic group had less morbidity(P=0.005).CONCLUSION Age,ASA status,gastrectomy type,and pathological T and N status were prognostic factors of minimally invasive gastrectomy,with the robot approach possibly improving long-term outcomes of advanced gastric cancer.

Open surgery in the era of minimally invasive surgery

The benefits and popularity of minimally invasive surgery are undeniable around the globe.However,open surgery is necessary and learning open surgery skills is still a necessity.Open surgery allows for better exposure to the surgical field and provides tactile sensation to facilitate the stereo visual assessment to precisely remove the lesion.Open surgery is still the key to surgical training,and the skills learned from open surgeries remain crucial for unforeseen circumstances and certain conditions like emergencies,challenge cases,or patients with compromised status.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic instruments of the rectum:A review

Transanal minimally invasive surgery(TAMIS)was first described in 2010 as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM).The TAMIS technique can be access to the proximal and mid-rectum for resection of benign and earlystage malignant rectal lesions and also used for noncurative intent surgery of more advanced lesions in patients who are not candidates for radical surgery.TAMIS has a shorter learning curve,reduced device setup time,flexibility in instrument use,and versatility in application than TEM.Also,TAMIS shows similar results in a view of the operation time,conversion rate,reoperation rate,and complication to TEM.For these reasons,TAMIS is an easily accessible,technically feasible,and cost-effective alternative to TEM.Overall,TAMIS has enabled the performance of high-quality local excision of rectal lesions by many colorectal surgeons.As TAMIS becomes more broadly utilized such as pelvic abscess drainage,rectal stenosis,and treatment of anastomotic dehiscence,the acquisition of appropriate training must be ensured,and the continued assessment and assurance of outcome must be maintained.

Complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation in colorectal cancer in the era of minimally invasive surgery

Since the 19th century,appropriate lymphadenectomy has been considered a cornerstone of oncologic surgery and one of the most important prognostic factors.This approach can be applied to any surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.During surgery for colon and rectal cancer,an adequate portion of the mesentery is removed together with the segment of bowel affected by the disease.The adequate number of lymph nodes to be removed is standardized and reported by several guidelines.It is mandatory to determine the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy and to balance its oncological benefits with the increased morbidity associated with its execution in cancer patients.Our review focuses on the concept of“complete mesenteric excision(CME)with central vascular ligation(CVL),”a radical lymphadenectomy for colorectal cancer that has gained increasing interest in recent years.The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of this approach over the years,its potential oncologic benefits and potential risks,and the improvements offered by laparoscopic techniques.Theoretical advantages of CME are improved local-relapse rates due to complete removal of the intact mesocolic fascia and improved distance recurrence rates due to ligation of vessels at their origin(CVL)which guarantees removal of a larger number of lymph nodes.The development and worldwide diffusion of laparoscopic techniques minimized postoperative trauma in oncologic surgery,providing the same oncologic results as open surgery.This has been widely applied to colorectal cancer surgery;however,CME entails a technical complexity that can limit its wide minimally-invasive application. This review analyzesresults of these procedures in terms of oncological outcomes, technical feasibilityand complexity, especially within the context of minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery for inflammatory bowel disease: Current perspectives

The surgical management of complicated and recurrent inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),has remained a challenge.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS),in the form of laparoscopic resections,single port approach and robotic-assisted dissections in the management of IBD,have been examined in several prospective studies.All of them have shown advantages over open surgeryin terms of reduction of physical trauma of surgery,recovery time,better cosmetic outcomes and shorter hospitalization.However,it is important to appreciate that not all patients with IBD are suitable for MIS,so a combination of both open and MIS should be adopted to achieve optimum outcomes.A review on this subject performed by Neumann et al in this issue of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics have provided evidence in support of the contemporary practice of MIS in the management of IBD and the accompanying commentary further critically evaluates their application in clinical practice.

Innovations promote the development of minimally invasive surgery

For helping millions of patients to live longer and possess higher quality life,the innovation of novel surgical procedures is very necessary and urgent.This paper introduces a series of innovations of Dr.Xiujun Cai,such as Laparoscopic Peng's multifunctional operative dissector,curettage and aspiration procedure,Cai's associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy,sutureless anastomosisetc in minimally invasive field.The paper advocates the pace of medical invention should be accelerated,inspiring hope for better clinical outcomes with less invasive procedures and shorter recovery time.

Miniature 6-axis force/torque sensor for force feedback in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery

In order to restore force sensation to robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery(RMIS),design and performance evaluation of a miniature 6-axis force/torque sensor for force feedback is presented.Based on the resistive sensing method,a flexural-hinged Stewart platform is designed as the flexible structure,and a straightforward optimization method considering the force and sensitivity isotropy of the sensor is proposed to determine geometric parameters which are best suited for the given external loads.The accuracy of this method is preliminarily discussed by finite element methods(FEMs).The sensor prototype is fabricated with the development of the electronic system.Calibration and dynamic loading tests for this sensor prototype are carried out.The working ranges of this sensor prototype are 30 N and 300 N·mm,and resolutions are 0.08 N in radial directions,0.25 N in axial direction,and 2.4 N·mm in rotational directions.It also exhibits a good capability for a typical dynamic force sensing at a frequency close to the normal heart rate of an adult.The sensor is compatible with surgical instruments for force feedback in RMIS.

Minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy in patients with colon cancer residing in high-altitude areas

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is associated with a higher incidence among residents in highaltitude areas.Hypoxic environment at high altitudes inhibits the phagocytic and oxygen-dependent killing function of phagocytes,thereby increasing the inflammatory factors,inhibiting the body’s innate immunity and increasing the risk of colon cancer.AIM To examine the effect of minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy in patients with colon cancer residing in high-altitude areas.METHODS Ninety-two patients with colon cancer in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2021 were selected and divided into the minimally invasive surgery and laparotomy groups using the random number table method,with 46 patients in each group.Minimally invasive surgery was performed in the minimally invasive group and laparotomy in the laparotomy group.Operative conditions,inflammatory index pre-and post-surgery,immune function index and complication probability were measured.RESULTS Operative duration was significantly longer and intraoperative blood loss and recovery time of gastrointestinal function were significantly less(all P<0.05)in the minimally invasive group than in the laparotomy group.The number of lymph nodes dissected was not significantly different.Before surgery,there were no significant differences in serum C-reactive protein,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels between the groups,whereas after surgery,the levels were significantly higher in the minimally invasive group(26.98±6.91 mg/L,146.38±11.23 ng/mL and 83.51±8.69 pg/mL vs 41.15±8.39 mg/L,186.79±15.36 ng/mL and 110.65±12.84 pg/mL,respectively,P<0.05).Furthermore,before surgery,there were no significant differences in CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+levels between the groups,whereas after surgery,the levels decreased in both groups,being significantly higher in the minimally invasive group(55.61%±4.39%,35.45%±3.67%and 1.30±0.35 vs 49.68%±5.33%,31.21%±3.25%and 1.13±0.30,respectively,P<0.05).Complication probability was significantly lower in the minimally invasive group(4.35%vs 17.39%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Laparoscopic minimally invasive procedures reduce surgical trauma and alleviate the inflammatory response and immune dysfunction caused by invasive operation.It also shortens recovery time and reduces complication probability.

Minimally invasive surgery for glycogen storage disease combined with inflammatory bowel disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is rare in patients with glycogen storage disease(GSD).In GSD patients,a decrease in the number of neutrophils leads to prolonged intestinal infection,leading to the formation of chronic inflammation and eventually the development of IBD.Minimally invasive surgery for patients with IBD has been proven to reduce inflammatory responses and postoperative risks and ultimately promote rapid recovery.Herein we discuss minimally invasive surgery and the perioperative management in a patient with GSD and IBD.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male had GSD Ib associated with IBD-like disease for 10 years.Despite standard treatments,such as mesalazine,prednisone and adalimumab,the patient eventually developed colonic stenosis with incomplete ileus.After adequate assessment,the patient was treated with minimally invasive surgery and discharged in stable condition.CONCLUSION Minimally invasive surgery for patients with IBD and GSD is safe,feasible and effective.

Vascular resections in minimally invasive surgery for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is characterised by poor oncological outcome and is the seventh cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.With the advances in surgical technology,oncological treatment,and critical care,extended pancreatic resections including vascular resections have become more frequently performed in specialised centres.Furthermore,the boundaries of resectability continue to be pushed in order to achieve a potentially curative approach in selected patients in combination with neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies.This review gives an overview on the current state of venous and arterial resections in PDAC surgery with particular attention given to the minimally invasive approach.