Surgical endoscopy
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    Comparative Study
Long-term oncological outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision of mid-low rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.
The use of robotic surgery and neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for rectal cancer is increasing steadily worldwide. However, there are insufficient data on long-term outcomes of robotic surgery in this clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare the 5-year oncological outcomes of laparoscopic vs. robotic total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT. ⋯ Robotic surgery for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT can be performed safely, with long-term oncological outcomes comparable to those obtained with laparoscopic surgery. More large-scale studies and long-term follow-up data are needed.
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It is commonly believed that robotic surgery systems provide surgeons with an ergonomically sound work environment; however, the actual experience of surgeons practicing robotic surgery (RS) has not been thoroughly researched. In this ergonomics survey study, we investigated surgeons' physical symptom reports and their association with factors including demographics, specialties, and robotic systems. ⋯ Although RS provides relatively better ergonomics, this study demonstrates that 56.1 % of regularly practicing robotic surgeons still experience related physical symptoms or discomfort. In addition to system improvement, surgeon education in optimizing the ergonomic settings may be necessary to maximize the ergonomic benefits in RS.
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Despite proven safety and efficacy, rates of minimally invasive approaches for colon cancer remain low in the USA. Given the known benefits, investigating the root causes of underutilization and methods to increase laparoscopy is warranted. Our goal was to develop a predictive model of factors impacting use of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer. ⋯ There are patient, provider, and hospital characteristics that can be identified preoperatively to predict who will undergo surgery for colon cancer using laparoscopy. However, additional patients may be eligible for laparoscopy based on patient-level characteristics. These results have implications for regionalization and increasing teaching of MIS. Recognizing and addressing these variables with training and recruiting could increase use of minimally invasive approaches, with the associated clinical and financial benefits.
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    Observational Study
Modified single-port non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication in high-risk parapneumonic empyema patients.
Parapneumonic empyema patients with coronary artery disease and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction are risky to receive surgical decortication under general anesthesia. Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery is successfully performed to avoid complications of general anesthesia. We performed single-port non-intubated video-assisted flexible thoracoscopy surgery in an endoscopic center. In this study, the possible role of our modified surgery to treat fibrinopurulent stage of parapneumonic empyema with high operative risks is investigated. ⋯ Single-port non-intubated video-assisted flexible thoracoscopy surgery decortication may be suggested to be a method other than tube thoracostomy to deal with fibrinopurulent stage of parapneumonic empyema patients with coronary artery disease and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.
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Colorectal anastomoses after anterior resection for cancer carry a high risk of leakage. Different factors might influence the correct healing of anastomosis, but adequate perfusion of the bowel is highlighted as one of the most important elements. Fluorescence angiography (FA) is a new technique that allows the surgeon to perform real-time intraoperative angiography to evaluate the perfusion of the anastomosis and hence, potentially, reduce leak rate. ⋯ In our experience, ICG FA was safe and effective in low rectal cancer resection, possibly leading to a reduction in the anastomotic leakage rate after TME.