Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) bilateral hernioplasty using the Single Site® robotic da Vinci platform (DV-SS TEP): description of the technique and preliminary results

Proposal for encoding the surgical treatment in abdominal wall pathology based on a multidimensional analysis of history

OBJECTIVE

To develop a multidimensional method that allows to identify different treatment concepts, techniques, protagonists, and their connections in surgical pathology of the abdominal wall throughout its historical development, serving as a basis or guide for the future.

METHOD

First, an extensive and rigorous review of the literature was conducted to search for and group the different treatments described in the most common abdominal wall pathologies, including both groin and ventral hernias. Then, all treatment approaches were chronologically ordered and grouped according to their author, surgical approach, and method of approach. With all the information gathered, a table was created following a rational and multidimensional criterion that allows for the encoding of the set.

RESULTS

21 treatment modalities were identified and distributed into 8 groups. Additionally, 3 types of authors were detected: the creator, the innovator, and the popularizer. The assignment of values to different dimensions allowed us to obtain an alphanumeric code representative of the set.

CONCLUSION

Multidimensional historical analysis allows analytical objectivity and set encoding. Its practical scope should be investigated.

Clinical status and future prospects of single-incision robotic-assisted surgery: a review

Since the advent of conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery, the prosperity of minimally invasive surgery has been thriving on the advancement of endoscopic techniques. Cosmetic superiority, recovery benefits, and noninferior surgical outcomes weigh single-incision laparoscopic surgery as a promising modality. Although there are surgical challenges posed by steep learning curve and technological difficulties, such as instruments collision, triangulation loss and limited retraction, the establishment of robotic surgical platform as a solution to all is inspiring. Furthermore, with enhanced instrument maneuverability and stability, robotic ergonomic innovations adopt the advantages of single-incision laparoscopic surgery and surmount its recognized barriers by introducing a novel combination, single-incision robotic-assisted surgery. As was gradually diffused in general surgery and other specialties, single-incision robotic-assisted surgery manifests privileges in noninferior clinical outcomes an satisfactory cosmetic effect among strictly selected patients, and has the potential of a preferable surgical option for minimally invasive surgery.

How to do a single-port robotic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair using the da Vinci SP platform

Although 8 years have passed since the introduction of the da Vinci SP robotic system, rTEP surgery using the SP robot has never been introduced due to technical barriers. Through this study, we would like to share the possibility of safe and feasible TEP by da Vinci SP robotic platform beyond the technical barriers. As far as we know, SP robotic TEP implemented in our institution is the first introduced case, and I think it will be good information for surgeons who are thinking about TEP using SP robot.

Learning curve analysis of robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the learning curve (LC) for inguinal hernia repair with robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) approach.

METHODS

Between April 2016 and October 2019, patients who underwent R-TAPP were retrieved. Patient demographics, operative variables and postoperative outcomes were assessed. The moving average method and cumulative sum of operation times (OT) were used to evaluate the LC. The surgeon (BB) in this study had completed his laparoscopic (Lap) TAPP experience.

RESULTS

There were 50 (two females) consecutive patients (mean age was 51.7 ± 16.9 years). The first phase (learning phase) included initial 35 operations. The second phase included the next 15 operations. It was observed that, with increasing experience, a statistically significant shortening in the average OT by about 25 min was achieved (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

The LC phase for R-TAPP, for surgeon with previous experience in Lap TAPP, seems to be very quick without compromising the operative morbidity.

[Endoscopic surgery and laparoscopy are new insights of evolution of inguinal hernia repair (in Russian only)]

This article is devoted to general and particular problems of inguinal hernia repair through the analysis of statistical data and comparison of advantages and disadvantages of various methods of inguinal hernia repair. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of current options of mesh implant fixing during endoscopic hernia repair: TAPP, TER, e-TER. Long-term outcomes are essential to determine surgical technique. The authors consider that careful adherence to the basic principles of minimally invasive surgery can reduce the incidence of complications, recurrences and chronic pain syndrome after inguinal hernia repair. The main advantages of current surgical technologies are accelerated rehabilitation, earlier restoration of social activity, improvement of the quality of life.

Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Large Health System's Experience With the First 300 Cases and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Over the past 5 y, robotic surgery has expanded within general surgery, especially in regard to hernia repairs. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the early experience of over 300 consecutive robotic inguinal hernia repairs performed in an academic multihospital system.

METHODS

Consecutive robotic inguinal hernia repairs performed between December 2015 and June 2017 were analyzed. Retrospective chart review was performed, and hospital records were queried. Descriptive statistics were performed. A surgical learning curve case study is presented, breakdown of operative time is delineated, and review of the literature performed.

RESULTS

Over a period of 19 mo, 335 robotic inguinal hernia repairs were performed across seven hospitals by 18 surgeons. The mean patient age was 59 y (standard deviation [SD] 14), 93% were male, and the mean body mass index was 27 (SD 4.6). Bilateral hernia repairs were performed on 131 patients (39%). The mean operative time was 102 min (SD 38) and a resident or fellow trainee was present in the operating room for 119 cases (36%). Minor postoperative complications occurred in 54 patients (16%), including 14 with urinary retention (4.2%) and 13 with scrotal swelling (3.9%). The learning curve of the first adopted surgeon was 11-12 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest case series of robotic inguinal hernia repairs to date reporting short-term outcomes, early experience in an academic multihospital system produced safe outcomes including no open conversions, reoperations, and one readmission. In addition, the learning curve is manageable showing improvement in operating time with experience.

The present and the future of Nursing in the Brave New World

The "Brave New World" envisioned a society dominated by scientific and technological progress that went as far as to subjugate and dehumanize human beings. The future foreseen in this literary work is not far from what we are currently experiencing. Thus, considering that Nursing is affected and challenged in the midst of these technological transformations, this article aims to discuss the present and future of Nursing in a society that is undergoing constant technological transformations. In the midst of a whole technological apparatus in which fundamental procedures begin to be carried out by machines, Nursing needs to begin reflecting on what would be the best posture or its differential in a world with strong technological tendencies. Future transformations are still uncertain, nonetheless they will drastically change the way individuals relate to one another and to health services. Even in the midst of these uncertainties arising from present and future technological and scientific advances, the nature of Nursing which is essentially based on human interactions, can guarantee a place of prominence for this profession in society.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in inguinal hernia repair

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (IHR) offers the potential for excellent cosmetic outcomes and maximization of the inherent advantages of minimally invasive surgery. LESS IHR is associated with a steep learning curve, which is attributable to both the IHR technique itself and the single-site technique. The technical obstacles in the single-site technique may be mitigated by employing certain maneuvers and strategies that minimize clashing between instruments and improve freedom of movement. The current literature consistently points out the inherent challenges in LESS IHR, with its longer operative time compared to that of conventional laparoscopic IHR. LESS IHR performed by capable operators has comparable complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of recurrence as conventional laparoscopic IHR. LESS IHR is both feasible and safe. Given its excellent cosmetic outcome, it is likely to be sought by younger patients who are concerned with scar formation. The use of robotics may bypass the technical challenges in LESS, but cost considerations in their usage will likely persist.