First 100 cases of transvesical single-port robotic radical prostatectomy

Objective:To describe the surgical technique and report the early outcomes of the transvesical(TV)approach to single-port(SP)robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.Methods:All procedures were performed at a single center by one surgeon.We identified the first 100 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer that underwent SP TV robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci SP robotic surgical system.Data were collected prospectively and analyzed with descriptive statistics.The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative urinary continence,rate of biochemical recurrence,and sexual function.Results:All procedures were performed without extra ports or conversion.The median age was 62.1 years and 49.0%of the patients had abdominal surgery history.The preoperative median prostate-specific antigen value and prostate volume were 5.0 ng/mL and 33.0 mL,respectively.There were no intraoperative complications.The median operative time and estimated blood loss were 212.5 min and 100.0 mL,respectively.A total of 92.0%of patients were discharged within 24.0 h,with an overall median length of stay of 5.6 h.Only 4.0%of patients required opioid prescriptions at discharge.The median Foley catheter duration was 3 days.Positive margins were present in 15.0%of cases.Median follow-up was 10.4 months.Continence rate was immediate after Foley removal in 49.0%of cases,65.0%at 2 weeks,77.4%at 6 weeks,94.1%at 6 months,and 98.9%at 1 year.One case of biochemical recurrence(1.0%)was noted 3 months after surgery.Conclusion:The SP TV approach for radical prostatectomy cases is a safe and feasible technique for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.This technique offers advantages of short hospital stay,minimal narcotic use postoperatively,and promising early return of urinary continence,without compromising oncologic outcomes.

Technical and instrumental prerequisites for single-port laparoscopic solo surgery:state of art

With the aid of advanced surgical techniques and instruments, single-port laparoscopic surgery(SPLS) can be accomplished with just two surgical members: an operator and a camera assistant. Under these circumstances, the reasonable replacement of a human camera assistant by a mechanical camera holder has resulted in a new surgical procedure termed singleport solo surgery(SPSS). In SPSS, the fixation and coordinated movement of a camera held by mechanicaldevices provides fixed and stable operative images that are under the control of the operator. Therefore, SPSS primarily benefits from the provision of the operator's eye-to-hand coordination. Because SPSS is an intuitive modification of SPLS, the indications for SPSS are the same as those for SPLS. Though SPSS necessitates more actions than the surgery with a human assistant, these difficulties seem to be easily overcome by the greater provision of static operative images and the need for less lens cleaning and repositioning of the camera. When the operation is expected to be difficult and demanding, the SPSS process could be assisted by the addition of another instrument holder besides the camera holder.

Single-port versus multi-port cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis: a retrospective comparative analysis

BACKGROUND: Trans-umbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic gallbladder disease is becoming increasingly accepted worldwide. But so far, no reports exist about the challenging single-port surgery for acute cholecystitis. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with single-port cholecystectomy in comparison to the conventional laparoscopic technique. METHODS: Between August 2008 and March 2010, 73 patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease and histopathological signs of acute cholecystitis underwent laparoscopic cholecystec- tomy at our institution. Thirty-six patients were operated on with the single-port technique (SP group) and the data were compared with a control group of 37 patients who were treated with the multi-port technique (MP group). RESULTS: The mean age in the SP group was 61.5 (range 21-81) years and in the MP group was 60 (range 21-94) (P=0.712). Gender, ASA status and BMI were not significantly different. The number of white blood cells was different before [SP: 9.2 (range 2.8-78.4); MP: 13.2 (range 4.4-28.6); P=0.001] and after the operation [SP: 7.8 (range 3.5-184.8); MP: 11.1 (range 5-20.8); P=0.002]. Mean operating time was 88 (range 34-174) minutes in the SP group vs 94 (range 39-209) minutes in the MP group (P=0.147). Four patients (5%) required conversion to an open procedure (SP: 1; MP: 3; P=0.320). During the follow- up period of 332 (range 29-570) days in the SP group and 428 (range 111-619) days in the MP group (P=0.044), eleven (15%) patients developed postoperative complications (P=0.745) and two patients in the SP group required reoperation (P=0.154). CONCLUSIONS: Trans-umbilical single-port cholecystectomy for beginning acute cholecystitis is feasible and the complicationrate is comparable with the standard multi-port operation. In spite of our good results, these operations are difficult to perform and should only be done in high-volume centers for laparoscopic surgery with experience in single-port surgery.

Single-port technique evolution and current practice in urologic procedures

Different groups described the single-port surgery since its first report in laparoscopic procedures.However,the acceptance of this technique among urologists,even after the robotic approach,was reduced in the past years.Therefore,to overcome the challenges related to the single-port surgery,a new robotic platform named da Vinci SP was created with exclusive single port technology.We performed a non-systematic literature review regarding the single port technique in urologic surgeries since the first laparoscopic report until the da Vinci SP robotic platform.Three different periods were described(laparoscopy,robotic,and da Vinci SP),and we focused in our experience with this new single port robot.We selected different articles and summarized the information regarding the use of single-site surgery in laparoscopic procedures and the challenges of this approach.We also reported the experience of different groups using the single port robotic technique and some recent reports of the da Vinci SP approach.In our experience with this new console,we described some critical points related to our radical prostatectomy technique and the lessons learned during the introduction of this novel platform.Previous single-site procedures described some common challenges that limited the technique expansion.However,our experience with the da Vinci SP described feasible and safe procedures with acceptable intraoperative outcomes.The introduction of this platform is recent in the market,and the literature still lacks a high level of evidence describing the long-term outcomes of this new technology.

Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy:A non-randomized,agematched single center trial

AIM: To compare the safety of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomies with standard four-port cholecystectomies.METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2012 datas were gathered from 100 consecutive patients who received a single-port cholecystectomy. Patient baseline characteristics of all 100 single-port cholecystectomies were collected(body mass index, age, etc.) in a database. This group was compared with 100 age-matched patients who underwent a conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the same period. Retrospectively, per- and postoperative data were added. The two groups were compared to each other using independent t-tests and χ2-tests, P values below 0.05 were considered significantly different.RESULTS: No differences were found between both groups regarding baseline characteristics. Operating time was significantly shorter in the total single-port group(42 min vs 62 min, P < 0.05); in procedures performed by surgeons the same trend was seen(45 min vs 59 min, P < 0.05). Peroperative complications between both groups were equal(3 in the single-port group vs 5 in the multiport group; P = 0.42). Although not significant less postoperative complications were seen in the single-port group compared with the multiport group(3 vs 9; P = 0.07). No statistically significant differences were found between both groupswith regard to length of hospital stay, readmissions and mortality. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the potential to be a safe technique with a low complication rate, short in-hospital stay and comparable operating time. Single-port cholecystectomy provides the patient an almost non-visible scar while preserving optimal quality of surgery. Further prospective studies are needed to prove the safety of the single-port technique.

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy in pediatric living donor liver transplantation by single-port approach:A case report

BACKGROUND Single-port laparoscopy has been used in a variety of abdominal operations.We report the first case of single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy in pediatric laparoscopic living donor liver transplantation.CASE SUMMARY A 28-year-old man volunteered for living liver donation to his daughter who was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension after the Kasai procedure for biliary atresia.His body mass index was 20.5 kg/m2.Liver dynamic computed tomography showed:(1)Left lateral graft volume of 232.76 cm3 with a graft-torecipient weight ratio of 2.59%;and(2)Right hepatic artery derived from the superior mesenteric artery.A single-port access system was placed through a transumbilical incision,including four trocars:two 12-mm ports for a camera and endoscopic stapler and two 5-mm working ports.Liver parenchyma was dissected by a Harmonic and Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator,while bipolar was used for coagulation.The bile duct was transected above the bifurcation by indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography.The specimen was retrieved from the umbilical incision.The total operation time was 4 h without blood transfusion.The final graft weight was 233.6 g with graft-torecipient weight ratio of 2.60%.The donor was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 4.CONCLUSION Single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy is feasible in pediatric laparoscopic living donor liver transplantation in an experienced transplant center.

A Prospective Study Comparing Quality of Life and Cosmetic Results between Single-Port and Conventional Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Multiple studies from the last five years have demonstrated that single-incision laparoscopic surgery cholecystectomy (SILS) is not only feasible but also produces a result comparable with that of conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). Methods and results: In this bicentric study, we used the Short Form (36) (SF-36) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) surveys to estimate and compare the post-operative quality of life up to the 28th post-operative day for 66 patients who had undergone either CLC (n = 32) or SILS (n = 34). Additionally, we investigated patient satisfaction with the cosmetic results after one year. The curves summarizing the eight sections in the physical sum scale and in the mental sum scale (SF-36) were the same within the confidence interval with a confidence level of 95%. Thus, post-operative quality of life could be assumed to be equivalent for the two groups. Evaluation of the NHP survey produced similar results. The perceived cosmetic results were significantly better for the SILS group (1.3 on a scale of 1 - 5 with 1 being the best) than for the CLC group (1.9) (p = 0.016). Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate better quality of life for the single-port procedure as it had been expected. Instead, the single-port procedure produced subjectively better cosmetic results.

Single-port laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid volvulus

AIM:To report our experience with single-port laparoscopic surgery(SPLS)for sigmoid volvulus(SV).METHODS:Between October 2009 and April 2013,10patients underwent SPLS for SV.SPLS was performed transumbilically or through a predetermined stoma site.Conventional straight and rigid-type laparoscopic instruments were used.After intracorporeal,segmental resection of the affected sigmoid colon,the specimen was extracted through the single-incision site.Patientdemographics and perioperative data were analyzed.RESULTS:SPLS for SV was successful in all 10 patients(4,resection and primary anastomosis;6,Hartmann’s procedure).The median operative time and postoperative hospitalization period were 168(range,85-315)min and 6.5(range,4-29)d,respectively.No intraoperative complications were noted;there were 2 postoperative complications,including 1 anastomotic leak.CONCLUSION:SPLS was a safe and feasible therapeutic approach for SV,when performed by a surgeon experienced in conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Evaluation of the Single-Port Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy Learning Curve

Background: The use of single-port laparoscopy has gained popularity within recent years. Part of the appeal in learning this approach is that it draws heavily from concepts mastered through conventional laparoscopy. Various studies have shown the efficacy and feasibility of the single-port laparoscopic approach, but there are few that examine the learning curve in adopting this new technique. Objective: Our goal was to better define the learning curve in performing a single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Design: A review of prospectively gathered operative data was performed to analyze the results of single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomies performed within our institution by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. The first 100 cases were divided into quintiles. Comparisons were made among the cohorts regarding patient demographics, operative time, length of stay, conversions, and complications. Results: There was no difference among quintiles with regard to age, sex, BMI, or ASA class. Operative time, conversions, length of stay, and number of complications did not significantly vary among each group of patients. There was a significant difference in estimated blood loss and length of stay between the fifth cohort and the others due to one patient’s poor outcome. Conclusions: The single-port laparoscopic right hemicolectomy learning curve for surgeons already skilled in laparoscopy is short. There are few differences in various outcome measures among groups at any stage in the learning curve. The skills utilized to perform conventional laparoscopic colorectal surgery readily translate to the single-port approach and result in proficiency from nearly the start.

Single-Port Bilateral Thoracscopic Dorsal Sympathectmy for Primary Hyperhidrosis:Long-Term Outcome

Background: Primary hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs is characterized by over activity of the eccrine sweat glands, primarily occurring on palmar, plantar and axillary regions. It is distressing and often socially disabling condition. Conservative treatment is usually not effective in controlling the disease mainly due to adverse effect of therapies. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is considered as the treatment of choice, causing minimal morbidity and high success rates and patient satisfaction. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of single port bilateralthoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomyin treatment of primary hyperhidrosis of the palm and axilla. Methods: In this prospective study, performed primarily by a single surgeon, between August 1st 2010, and August 1st 2012, we performed 200 thoracoscopies on 100 patients with signs and symptoms of primary palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis in different age groups and in both genders, and all were studied and analyzed following treatment by single-port bilateral thoracoscopic dorsal sympathectomy in Sulaimani teaching hospital. Results: Total of 99 patients were satisfied with the outcome of post-surgery with a follow-up in the mean of 27 months and only one patient was reported no change in symptoms postoperatively. Complications reported in 6 patients inform of compensatory sweating (n = 2), Gestatory sweating (n = 1), Pneumothorax (n = 1), Intraoperative minor bleeding (n = 1) and only 1% failure rate was reported. No mortality was reported. Conclusions: Single port bilateral thoracoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a very effective method in the management of primary hyperhidrosis. Single port provides less postoperative pain, safety, short operative time, and quick method for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis in comparison to two or three ports approaches.

Observation on the Effect of Spontaneous Ventilation Single-Port Thoracoscopy and Conventional Thoracoscopy on T Lymphocyte Subsets and Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective:To explore the effects of two types of surgical approaches,spontaneous ventilation single-port thoracoscopy and conventional thoracoscopy,on T lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.Methods:Fifty-eight patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects.All of them underwent standard lobectomy and lymph node dissection.Among them,32 patients who underwent spontaneous ventilation single-port thoracoscopy were included in the study group,while 26 patients who underwent conventional thoracoscopy were included in the control group.The perioperative related indices,lung function,immune factor levels,and inflammatory factor levels were compared between the two groups.Results:In the study group,the perioperative incision length,intraoperative blood loss,operation time,and number of lymph node dissections were 4.28±2.01,77.89±12.02,87.21±16.11,and 20.69±4.45,respectively.In the control group,the perioperative incision length,intraoperative blood loss,operation time,and number of lymph node dissections were 6.32±2.45,84.98±16.98,95.88±14.89,and 21.45±4.36,respectively.There was no statistical difference between the study group and the control group in the number of lymph node dissections and intraoperative blood loss;the lung function in the study group was significantly better than that in the control group;the levels of T cell subsets CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+,CD16+CD56+of the study group were 46.36±5.87,30.98±4.12,1.19±0.23,and 17.41±6.25,respectively,while those in the control group were 35.78±4.12,34.14±3.87,1.04±0.24,and 12.45±5.56,respectively;the levels of immunoglobulin IgG,IgM,and IgA of the study group were 10.45±2.14,1.21±0.24,and 1.26±0.25,respectively,while those of the control group were 8.78±1.78,1.06±0.12,and 1.06±0.26,respectively,with statistical differences;the levels of CRP,IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-αof the control group were 21.87±4.26,98.01±9.58,111.03±9.96,and 123.05±9.77,respectively,while those of the study group were 19.47±3.89,89.12±8.96,104.32±9.12,and 112.98±9.16,respectively,in which the comparison was statistically significant.Conclusion:In the surgical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer,spontaneous ventilation single-port thoracoscopic surgery has several advantages,which include less trauma and bleeding.It reduces the impact of surgical trauma on the immune function of the body,improves the postoperative lung function and inflammatory stress of the body,as well as accelerates the recovery of patients.It is an alternative to open lung lobectomy for the treatment of lung cancer.

Shape Sensing for Single-Port Continuum Surgical Robot Using FewMulticore Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

We proposed a method for shape sensing using a few multicore fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors ina single-port continuum surgical robot (CSR). The traditional method of utilizing a forward kinematic model tocalculate the shape of a single-port CSR is limited by the accuracy of the model. If FBG sensors are used forshape sensing, their accuracy will be affected by their number, especially in long and flexible CSRs. A fusionmethod based on an extended Kalman filter (EKF) was proposed to solve this problem. Shape reconstructionwas performed using the CSR forward kinematic model and FBG sensors, and the two results were fused usingan EKF. The CSR reconstruction method adopted the incremental form of the forward kinematic model, whilethe FBG sensor method adopted the discrete arc-segment assumption method. The fusion method can eliminatethe inaccuracy of the kinematic model and obtain more accurate shape reconstruction results using only a smallnumber of FBG sensors. We validated our algorithm through experiments on multiple bending shapes underdifferent load conditions. The results show that our method significantly outperformed the traditional methodsin terms of robustness and effectiveness.

Thoracoscopy in Cameroon: Indications, Technics and Short Term Results

Introduction: Thoracoscopy is a video-assisted surgical approach that mirrors the techniques used in thoracotomy. Our aim is to map the current state of thoracoscopy practice in Cameroon’s hospitals. Methods: This was a descriptive study that collected both retrospective and prospective data over 57 months across four hospitals in Cameroon. It included 13 patients and focused on variables such as socio-demographic factors, clinical profiles, surgical procedures, and postoperative follow-up. Results: Thirteen patients, predominantly male (84.6%, n = 11), with a mean age of 37.5 ± 16 years, were enrolled. Alcohol use (61.5%) and smoking (38.5%) were the most common past histories. The major complaints were dyspnea (84.6%) and chest pain (58.3%). The primary surgical procedure was clot-free thoracoscopy in 30.8% of cases, mainly for persistent hemothorax (41.8%). Most surgeries were elective (76.9%) and performed under general anesthesia with selective intubation (61.5%). The most common approach was single-port thoracoscopy (U-VATS) (76.9%), with no reported difficulties;however, one intraoperative incident occurred and was successfully treated. Drainage was performed systematically in all patients, and one case required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I) and mainly consisted of pain, with a mortality rate of 15.4%. No significant association was found between risk factors and the occurrence of complications or postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Thoracoscopy, a novel approach in our context, primarily focuses on minor thoracic surgeries.

Clinical Research of Transumbilical Singleport Laparoscopic Treatment For Pediatric Intussusception

Objective:To explore the feasibility and clinical efficacy of single port laparoscopic surgery through the umbilical cord for the treatment of pediatric intussusception.Method:Clinical data of 38 cases of pediatric intussusception treated with umbilical single port laparoscopic surgery from December 2017 to June 2019 were collected.The surgical method involves placing Trocar through the umbilical incision to establish pneumoperitoneum,inserting a single hole with a 0°laparoscopic operating channel,exploring intussusception,and performing non-invasive forceps to completely reduce it.After the reduction of intussusception,if intestinal malformation is found,the umbilical incision can be expanded to lift the diseased intestinal tract out of the abdominal cavity for resection.At the same time,clinical data of 24 children who underwent traditional porous laparoscopic intussusception surgery during the same period were collected,and the surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative hospital stay,and satisfaction score of incision aesthetics were compared between the two groups of children.Result:Both groups of patients successfully completed the surgery,and compared with the porous laparoscopic group,the single hole laparoscopic group had a shorter surgical time[(32.4±8.6)minutes vs.(40.6±9.8)minutes,P<0.05],decreased bleeding volume[(5.5±1.5)mL vs.(8.6±2.2)mL,P<0.05],significantly shortened postoperative hospital stay[(4.6±1.2)d vs.(6.2±1.4)d,P<0.05],and significantly increased satisfaction score with incision aesthetics[(4.2±0.8)points vs.(3.2±0.7)points,P<0.05].Follow up for 6 months to 2 years showed no recurrence of intussusception.Conclusion:Transumbilical single port laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective method for children with intussusception,which is characterized by small trauma,fast recovery,short operation time,and better aesthetic effect.

A comparison of perioperative outcomes between extraperitoneal robotic single-port and multiport radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Si Surgical System

To evaluate outcomes between extraperitoneal robotic single-port radical prostatectomy(epR-spRP)and extraperitoneal robotic multiport radical prostatectomy(epR-mpRP)performed with the da Vinci Si Surgical System,comparison was performed between 30 single-port(SP group)and 26 multiport(MP group)cases.Comparisons included operative time,estimated blood loss(EBL),hospital stay,peritoneal violation,pain scores,scar satisfaction,continence,and erectile function.The median operation time and EBL were not different between the two groups.In the SP group,the median operation time of the first 10 patients was obviously longer than that of the latter 20 patients(P<0.001).The median postoperative hospital stay in the SP group was shorter than that in the MP group(P<0.001).The rate of peritoneal damage in the SP group was less than that in the MP group(P=0.017).The pain score and overall need for pain medications in the SP group were lower than those in the MP group(P<0.001 and P=0.015,respectively).Patients in the SP group were more satisfied with their scars than those in the MP group 3 months postoperatively(P=0.007).At 3 months,the cancer control,recovery of erectile function,and urinary continence rates were similar between the two groups.It is safe and feasible to perform epR-spRP using the da Vinci Si surgical system.Therefore,epR-spRP can be a treatment option for localized prostate cancer.Although epR-spRP still has a learning curve,it has advantages for postoperative pain and self-assessed cosmesis.In the absence of the single-port robotic surgery platform,we can still provide minimally invasive surgery for patients.

Single-port laparoscopy-assisted vaginal repair of a cesarean scar defect: a single-center retrospective study

Background:The incidence of uterine cesarean scar defect(niche)is high,and some patients require surgery.Single-port laparoscopy can reduce post-operative pain,and provide better cosmetic effects.This study was performed to evaluate the safety and superiority of single-port laparoscopy-assisted vaginal repair of uterine cesarean scar defect(niche)in women after cesarean section.Methods:This study included 74 patients who were diagnosed with uterine cesarean niche at the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from January 2013 to June 2015.Thirty-seven patients underwent single-port laparoscopy-assisted vaginal surgery as the case group,and the remaining patients underwent vaginal repair surgery as the control group.We collected data from the inpatient and follow-up medical records.The clinical characteristics of these two groups were compared.The odds ratios and 95%confidential intervals were calculated for each variable by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:Patients who underwent single-port laparoscopy-assisted vaginal repair had a significantly longer operation time(2.3[2.0-2.7]vs.2.0[1.6-2.3]h,P=0.015),shorter gas passage time(1.2[1.0-1.5]vs.1.7[1.0-2.0]days,P=0.012),shorter hospital stay(3.1[3.0-4.0]vs.4.5[4.0-6.0]days,P=0.019),and fewer complications(0 vs.4 cases).Univariate analysis showed that depth of the niche(P=0.021)the mild adhesiolysis score(P=0.035)and moderate adhesiolysis score(P=0.013)were associated with the bladder injury.Multivariate analysis showed that the moderate adhesiolysis score(P=0.029;95%confidence interval,1.318-3.526)was the strongest independent predictor of bladder injury.Conclusion:This study confirmed the safety and superiority of single-port laparoscopy-assisted vaginal repair of uterine cesarean scars.

Our initial single port robotic cholecystectomy experience:A feasible and safe option for benign gallbladder diseases

BACKGROUND Although single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been performed for over 25 years, it is still not popular. The narrow working space used in this surgery limits the movement of instruments and causes ergonomic challenges. Robotic surgery not only resolves the ergonomic challenges of single-port laparoscopic surgery but is also considered a good option with its additional technical advantages, like a three-dimensional display and not being affected by tremors.However, the extent to which these technical and ergonomic advantages positively affect the surgical outcomes and how safe the single-port robotic surgeries need to be assessed for each particular surgery.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-port robotic cholecystectomy for patients with cholelithiasis.METHODS The electronic records of the first 40 consecutive patients with gallbladder lithiasis who underwent single-port robotic cholecystectomy from 2013 to 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. In addition to the demographic characteristics of the patients, we analyzed American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) scores and body mass index. The presence of an accompanying umbilical hernia was also noted. The amount of blood loss during the operation, the necessity to place a drain in the subhepatic area, and the need to use grafts during the closure of the fascia of the port site were determined. Hospital stay, readmission rates, perioperative and postoperative complications, the Clavien-Dindo complication scores and postoperative analgesia requirements were also evaluated.RESULTS The mean age of the 40 patients included in the study was 49.5 ± 11.6 years, and 26 were female(65.0%). The umbilical hernia was present in 24(60.0%) patients,with a body mass index median of 29.3 kg/m^(2) and a mean of 29.7 ± 5.2 kg/m^(2). Fifteen(37.5%) of the patients were evaluated as ASA Ⅰ, 18(45.0%) as ASA Ⅱ, and 7(17.5%) as ASA Ⅲ. The mean bleeding amount during the operation was 58.4 ± 55.8 mL, and drain placement was required in 12patients(30.0%). After port removal, graft reinforcement during fascia closure was preferred in 14patients(35.0%). The median operation time was 93.5 min and the mean was 101.2 ± 27.0 min. The mean hospital stay was 1.4 ± 0.6 d, and 1 patient was readmitted to the hospital due to pain(2.5%).Clavien-Dindo I complications were seen in 14 patients(35.0%), and five(12.5%) complications were wound site problems.CONCLUSION In addition to the technological and ergonomic advantages robotic surgery provides surgeons, our study strongly supports that single-port robotic cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe option for treating patients with gallstones.

Recent advances in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Thanks to the recent improvements in video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques （VATS） and anesthetic procedures, a great deal of complex lung resections can be performed avoiding open surgery. The experience gained through VATS techniques, enhancement of the surgical instruments ,improvement of high definition cameras and avoidance of intubated general anesthesia have been the greatest advances to minimize the trauma to the patient. Uniportal VATS for major resections has become a revolution in the treatment of lung pathologies since initially described 4 years ago. The huge number of surgical videos posted on specialized websites, live surgery events and experimental courses has contributed to the rapid learning of uniportal major thoracoscopic surgery during the last years. The future of the thoracic surgery is based on evolution of surgical procedures and anesthetic techniques to try to reduce the trauma to the patient. Further development of new technologies probably will focus on sealing devices for all vessels and fissure, refined staplers and instruments, improvements in 3D systems or wireless cameras, and robotic surgery. As thoracoscopic techniques continue to evolve exponentially, we can see the emergence of new approaches in the anesthetical and the perioperative management of these patients. Advances in anesthesia include lobectomies performed without the employment of general anesthesia, through maintaining spontaneous ventilation, and with minimally sedated patients. Uniportal VATS resections under spontaneous ventilation probably represent the least invasive approach to operate lung cancer.

Feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

AIM: To assess the safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(SILC) for acute cholecystitis.METHODS: All patients who underwent SILC at Sano Hospital(Kobe, Japan) between January 2010 and December 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical data related to patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were collected from medical records. The parameters for assessing the safety of the procedure included operative time, volume of blood loss, achievement of the critical view of safety, use of additional trocars, conversion to laparotomy, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and duration of postoperative hospital stay. Patient backgrounds were statistically compared between those with and without conversion to laparotomy.RESULTS: A total of 100 patients underwent SILC for acute cholecystitis during the period. Preoperative endoscopic treatment was performed for suspected choledocholithiasis in 41 patients(41%). The mean time from onset of acute cholecystitis was 7.7 d. According to the Updated Tokyo Guidelines(TG13) for the severity of cholecystitis, 86 and 14 patients had grade Ⅰ and grade Ⅱ acute cholecystitis, respectively. The mean operative time was 87.4 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 80.6 mL. The critical view of safety was obtained in 89 patients(89%). Conversion laparotomy was performed in 12 patients(12%). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ or greater were observed in 4 patients(4%). The mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 5.7 d. Patients converted from SILC to laparotomy tended to have higher days after onset.CONCLUSION: SILC is feasible for acute cholecystitis; in addition, early surgical intervention may reduce the risk of laparotomy conversion.

Present laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in Japan

In many clinical studies,laparoscopic surgery(LS) for colon cancer has been shown to be less invasive than open surgery(OS) while maintaining similar safety.Furthermore,there are no significant differences between LS and OS in long-term outcomes.Thus,LS has been accepted as one of the standard treatments for colon cancer.In the treatments of rectal cancer as well,LS has achieved favorable outcomes,with many reports showing long-term outcomes comparable to those of OS.Furthermore,the magnification in laparoscopy improves visualization in the pelvic cavity and facilitates precise manipulation,as well as providing excellent educational effects.For these reasons,rectal cancer has seemed to be well indicated for LS,as has been colon cancer.The indication for LS in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer,which is relatively unresectable(e.g.,cancer invading other organs),remains an open issue.In recent years,new techniques such as singleport and robotic surgery have begun to be introduced for LS.Presently,various clinical studies in our country as well as in most Western countries have demonstrated that LS,with these new techniques,are gradually showing long-term outcomes.