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Awad L, Reed B, Bollen E, Langridge BJ, Jasionowska S, Butler PEM, Ponniah A. The emerging role of robotics in plastic and reconstructive surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Robot Surg 2024; 18:254. [PMID: 38878229 PMCID: PMC11180031 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-01987-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
The role of robotics has grown exponentially. There is an active interest amongst practitioners in the transferability of the potential benefits into plastic and reconstructive surgery; however, many plastic surgeons report lack of widespread implementation, training, or clinical exposure. We report the current evidence base, and surgical opportunities, alongside key barriers, and limitations to overcome, to develop the use of robotics within the field. This systematic review of PubMed, Medline, and Embase has been conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024524237). Preclinical, educational, and clinical articles were included, within the scope of plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2, 181, articles were screened; 176 articles met the inclusion criteria across lymph node dissection, flap and microsurgery, vaginoplasty, craniofacial reconstruction, abdominal wall reconstruction and transoral robotic surgery (TOR). A number of benefits have been reported including technical advantages such as better visualisation, improved precision and accuracy, and tremor reduction. Patient benefits include lower rate of complications and quicker recovery; however, there is a longer operative duration in some categories. Cost presents a significant barrier to implementation. Robotic surgery presents an exciting opportunity to improve patient outcomes and surgical ease of use, with feasibility for many subspecialities demonstrated in this review. However, further higher quality comparative research with careful case selection, which is adequately powered, as well as the inclusion of cost-analysis, is necessary to fully understand the true benefit for patient care, and justification for resource utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Awad
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
- Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Benedict Reed
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Edward Bollen
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Benjamin J Langridge
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sara Jasionowska
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Peter E M Butler
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Allan Ponniah
- Charles Wolfson Centre of Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Manoli E, Higginson J, Tolley N, Darzi A, Kinross J, Temelkuran B, Takats Z. Human robotic surgery with intraoperative tissue identification using rapid evaporation ionisation mass spectrometry. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1027. [PMID: 38200062 PMCID: PMC10781715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Instantaneous, continuous, and reliable information on the molecular biology of surgical target tissue could significantly contribute to the precision, safety, and speed of the intervention. In this work, we introduced a methodology for chemical tissue identification in robotic surgery using rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry. We developed a surgical aerosol evacuation system that is compatible with a robotic platform enabling consistent intraoperative sample collection and assessed the feasibility of this platform during head and neck surgical cases, using two different surgical energy devices. Our data showed specific, characteristic lipid profiles associated with the tissue type including various ceramides, glycerophospholipids, and glycerolipids, as well as different ion formation mechanisms based on the energy device used. This platform allows continuous and accurate intraoperative mass spectrometry-based identification of ablated/resected tissue and in combination with robotic registration of images, time, and anatomical positions can improve the current robot-assisted surgical platforms and guide surgical strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftychios Manoli
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Higginson
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Neil Tolley
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ara Darzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Kinross
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Burak Temelkuran
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- The Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Zoltan Takats
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Laboratoire Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire et Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Univ. Lille, INSERM U1192, Lille, France.
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The Flex Robotic System in Head and Neck Surgery: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225541. [PMID: 36428635 PMCID: PMC9688167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Flex Robotic System is a device intended for robot-assisted visualization and surgical site access to the head and neck. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the Flex Robotic System in head and neck transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The primary search was performed using the term "Flex Robot" across several databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus). Patients were treated for both benign and malignant diseases. The oropharynx was the most frequent site of disease, followed by the supraglottic larynx, hypopharynx, glottic larynx, oral cavity, and salivary glands. Most of the studies did not reveal major intra- or post-operative complications. Bleeding incidence was low (1.4-15.7%). Visualization of the lesion was 95-100%, while surgical success was 91-100%. In conclusion, lesions of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx can be successfully resected, thus making the Flex Robotic System a safe and effective tool, reducing the morbidity associated with traditional open surgery.
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Barbara F, Cariti F, De Robertis V, Barbara M. Flexible transoral robotic surgery: the Italian experience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 41:24-30. [PMID: 33746219 PMCID: PMC7982750 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-n0688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective This prospective, non-randomised study documents our initial experience using the Flex® Surgical System for transoral surgery in Italy. Methods All patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery using the Medrobotics® Flex® Robotic System (Raynham, MA, USA) between March 2018 and April 2019 were reviewed. Rates of successful surgery, surgical time and complications were evaluated. 43 surgical procedures were performed in the study. The average age was 62.56 years (range 36-90 years). The Flex® system was used successfully in surgery of the base of the tongue, palatine tonsils, supraglottis, hypopharynx and glottis, which was the most frequent target. Results All procedures were successfully completed. There were no intraoperative or serious postoperative complications, with no cases of intraoperative haemorrhage. Conclusions This is the first study in Italy evaluating the use of the Flex® system to safely resect lesions in the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Barbara
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Unit, Ospedale "Mons. Dimiccoli", Barletta (BAT), Italy
| | - Francesco Cariti
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Unit, Ospedale "Mons. Dimiccoli", Barletta (BAT), Italy
| | - Valentina De Robertis
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Unit, Ospedale "Mons. Dimiccoli", Barletta (BAT), Italy
| | - Michele Barbara
- Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Unit, Ospedale "Mons. Dimiccoli", Barletta (BAT), Italy
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BAYRAM A, ESKİİZMİR G, CİNGİ C, HANNA E. Robotic Surgery in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. ENT UPDATES 2020. [DOI: 10.32448/entupdates.780604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Sramek M, Shi Y, Quintanilla E, Wu X, Ponukumati A, Pastel D, Halter R, Paydarfar J. Tumor phantom for training and research in transoral surgery. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2020; 5:677-682. [PMID: 32864438 PMCID: PMC7444757 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the paradigm shift towards minimally invasive surgical techniques such as transoral laser microsurgery and transoral robotic surgery for resection of head and neck malignancies, there is a need to enhance the surgical training of these techniques as well as provide a platform for testing new approaches and technologies. The steeper learning curve associated with minimally invasive surgical techniques may be mitigated with the use of tumor phantoms (TP) placed in cadaver models. METHODS An injectable TP was developed using an agar-gelatin base, unsalted chicken stock, deionized water, food coloring for visual mimicry, and iohexol for radiographic mimicry. Four percentage glutaraldehyde was used as a cross-linking agent for solidification of the TP. The TP was then injected in various mucosal anatomic sites in four unfixed cadaver heads. Visual, radiographic, and tactile mimicry was assessed via endoscopy, CT scan, and tumor dissection and palpation, respectively. RESULTS Tumor phantom injection was successfully achieved in all four cadaver heads. Visually and tactilely, the TP demonstrated similar color change, induration, and firmness of a typical squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa). However, ulceration that is often seen with SCCa could not be replicated. CT mimicry was compared with nine patients with known SCCa. Tumor radiodensity in the nine patients was between 77 and 110 HU (mean 86.3 HU) whereas TP radiodensity was 59 and 127 HU (mean 93.7 HU), with no significant difference between groups (P = .21). CONCLUSION This inexpensive, easy to apply, and unique tumor phantom could be used both to train transoral techniques and as a tool to further investigate new approaches and technologies for transoral surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sramek
- Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Yuan Shi
- Thayer School of Engineering at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | | | - Xiaotian Wu
- Thayer School of Engineering at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | | | - David Pastel
- Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of RadiologyDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - Ryan Halter
- Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
- Thayer School of Engineering at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
| | - Joseph Paydarfar
- Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
- Thayer School of Engineering at DartmouthHanoverNew HampshireUSA
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department of SurgeryDartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanonNew HampshireUSA
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Shetty KR, Wong K, Hashemi S, Shetty A, Levi JR. Transoral robotic surgery: Differences between online information and academic literature. Am J Otolaryngol 2020; 41:102395. [PMID: 32008838 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate the authorship, content, quality, and readability of information on Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) available to patients online. METHODS The technical search term "TORS Surgery" and layperson's term "robotic surgery of the mouth" were utilized to conduct a search of the top 50 websites on Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Websites were evaluated according to the HONcode evaluation of content and quality, and readability was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease Formula, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Formula, SMOG readability formula, Coleman Liau Index formula, and Gunning Fog Index. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Fisher Freeman- Halton test to compare differences in authorship, quality, and content between the three search engines and the Fisher exact test was used to determine if there was a difference in these variables between the two search terms. RESULTS Overall, websites were predominantly from academic institutions with 97% mentioning benefits of TORS with 24% mentioning risks. 45% of TORS websites had no description of the TORS procedure, while 62% allowed individuals to make appointments. There was a significant difference in authorship with the layperson's terms yielding more news sources, but there were no significant differences in quality and content of information elicited through the technical and layperson search terms. The mean readability scores were Flesch Kincaid Grade Level 13.81(±3.32), Gunning-Fog Index 16.51(±3.39), SMOG 12.53(±2.40), and Automated Readability Index 14.05 (±4.17). CONCLUSIONS Current online information on TORS surgery may not provide balanced information for patients to make informed healthcare decisions. The current readability of online information regarding TORS far exceeds the average literacy level of average American adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Ramanand Shetty
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kevin Wong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean Hashemi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anisha Shetty
- Department of School of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica R Levi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston University Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave BCD 5th floor, Boston, MA, USA
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Schild LR, Böhm F, Boos M, Kahrs LA, Coburger J, Greve J, Dürselen L, Hoffmann TK, Schuler PJ. Adding Flexible Instrumentation to a Curved Videolaryngoscope: A Novel Tool for Laryngeal Surgery. Laryngoscope 2020; 131:E561-E568. [PMID: 32585046 DOI: 10.1002/lary.28868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transoral surgery of the larynx with rigid instruments is not always possible. This may result in insufficient therapy or in an increased need for open surgery. For these patients, alternative surgical systems are needed. Here, we demonstrate a curved prototype for laryngeal surgery equipped with flexible instruments. STUDY DESIGN Pre-clinical user study in an ex vivo porcine laryngeal model. METHODS The prototype was built from established medical devices, namely a hyperangulated videolaryngoscope and modified flexible instruments as well as three-dimensional printed parts. Feasibility of laryngeal manipulation was evaluated in a user study (n = 19) with a porcine ex vivo laryngeal model. Using three different visualization technologies, the participants performed various fine motor skills tasks and rated the usability of the system on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS Exposure, accessibility, and manipulation of important laryngeal structures were always possible using the new prototype. The participants needed considerably less time (mean, 96.4 seconds ± 6.4 seconds vs. 111.5 seconds ± 4.5 seconds, P = .18), reported significantly better general impression (mean score 3.0 vs. 3.8, P = .041) and significantly lower user head and neck strain (2.6 vs. 1.7, P = .022) using a 40-inch television screen as compared to a standard videolaryngoscope monitor. CONCLUSION The results indicate that our curved prototype and large monitor visualization may provide a cost-effective minimally invasive alternative for difficult laryngeal exposure. Its special advantages include avoiding the need for a straight line of sight and a simple and cost-effective construction. The system could be further improved through advances in camera chip technology and smaller instruments. Laryngoscope, 131:E561-E568, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon R Schild
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Felix Böhm
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marco Boos
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma Research Ulm, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lüder A Kahrs
- Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jan Coburger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Guenzburg, Germany.,Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Greve
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany.,Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lutz Dürselen
- Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma Research Ulm, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas K Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany.,Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick J Schuler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany.,Surgical Oncology Ulm, i2SOUL Consortium, Ulm, Germany
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The future of robotic surgery in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. Oral Oncol 2020; 101:104510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.104510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Carmichael H, D'Andrea AP, Skancke M, Obias V, Sylla P. Feasibility of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) using the Medrobotics Flex® System. Surg Endosc 2019; 34:485-491. [PMID: 31350608 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-07019-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) for treatment of rectal cancer is growing, but anatomic constraints prevent access to the proximal rectum with rigid instruments. The articulated instrumentation of current surgical robots is promising in overcoming these limitations, but the bulky size of current platforms inhibits the proximal reach of dissection. Flexible robotic systems could overcome these constraints while maintaining a stable platform for dissection. The goal of this study was to evaluate feasibility of performing taTME using the semi-robotic Flex® System (Medrobotics Corp., Raynham, MA) in human cadavers. METHODS taTME was performed by two surgeons in six fresh human cadaveric specimens using the Flex® System, with or without transabdominal laparoscopic assistance. Both mid- and low-rectal lesions were simulated. Metrics including quality of visualization, maintenance of pneumorectum, maneuverability of instruments, effectiveness of pursestring suture placement, and dissection in an anatomically correct plane were evaluated. RESULTS The semi-robotic endoluminal platform allowed for excellent visualization, insufflation, and dissection during taTME. Adequate pursestring occlusion of the rectum was achieved in all six cases. In cadavers with simulated mid-rectal lesions (N = 4), dissection and anterior peritoneal entry was achieved in all cases, with abdominal assistance utilized in two of four cases. In cadavers with simulated low-rectal lesions (N = 2), dissection was incomplete and aborted due to difficulty maneuvering instruments in close proximity to the rigid transanal port. CONCLUSIONS Use of the Flex® system for taTME is feasible for mid-rectal dissection. Advantages over the traditional multi-armed robot include longer reach of instruments with the ability to dissect up to 17 cm from the anal verge, as well as tactile feedback. The current design of the flexible platform does not permit safe dissection in the distal rectum, although this constraint may be resolved with future adjustments to the equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony P D'Andrea
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, Box 1259, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Matthew Skancke
- Department of General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vincent Obias
- Department of General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patricia Sylla
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 5 East 98th Street, Box 1259, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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