When Will Video-assisted and Robotic-assisted Endoscopy Replace Almost All Open Surgeries?

Effect of Dexmedetomidine Alone for Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia After Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery: A Consort-Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Gynecological laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive compared with open surgical approaches, but postoperative pain is generally undermanaged. Pain management strategies related to the procedure-specific efficacy are needed. Many studies have shown that dexmedetomidine (DEX) has opioid-sparing properties. It is not clear whether DEX used alone for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) could reduce postoperative pain after an invasive procedure. We hypothesized that DEX alone would reduce postoperative pain in women patients undergoing an elective gynecological laparoscopic procedure.This CONSORT-prospective randomized controlled clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of DEX alone for intravenous PCA after gynecological laparoscopic operation. Forty women patients scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopy were enrolled into the study at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute and randomly allocated into two groups (n = 20 each). In the DEX group (group D), the intravenous PCA protocol was DEX 0.25 μg/kg/h diluted to 100 mL in 0.9% saline. In the fentanyl group (group F), the PCA protocol was fentanyl 20 μg/kg diluted to 100 mL in 0.9% saline. The primary outcome was the mean pain score on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6 hours after the operation. The secondary outcomes included the Ramsay sedation score, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), satisfaction with pain control, and time to recovery of gastrointestinal function.There were no significant differences in the patients' characteristics and intraoperative measurements (P > 0.05). No patients received rescue analgesic. The mean VAS scores at 6 hours post-operatively were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of PONV was less in group D than in group F (P < 0.05). The Ramsay sedation scores were not significantly between the groups (P > 0.05). Satisfaction with pain control was higher and time to recovery of gastrointestinal function was lower in group D (P < 0.05).DEX alone is effective for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after gynecological laparoscopic surgery without a change in sedation and with fewer side effects, and this effect was associated with better satisfaction with postoperative pain control and earlier recovery of gastrointestinal function.

Learning Experiences in Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery

With the use and adoption of computer-assisted laparoscopic technology gaining more prominence, important issues pertaining to the learning process are raised. Several modalities can be incorporated into a training program for robotic surgical development. The role and utility of various methods, including didactic instruction, virtual reality simulators, dry and wet laboratories, bedside assistance, mentoring, as well as proctorship, are still in the process of being assessed and validated. Integration of robotic training in residency and fellowship programs as well as the formation of a structured didactic robotic curriculum continues to be a challenge. Finally, methods to assess competency of training and the process for credentialing robotic surgeons still require further structuring and codification.

Silent loss of kidney seconary to ureteral endometriosis

Ureteral endometriosis, albeit rare, can be complicated by potential loss of renal function. A laparoscopic approach to treatment is based on the extent of the disease and its localization.

Background:

Ureteral endometriosis is a serious localization of disease burden that can lead to urinary tract obstruction, with subsequent hydroureter, hydronephrosis, and potential kidney loss. Diagnosis is elusive and relies heavily on clinical suspicion as ureteral endometriosis can occur with both minimal and extensive disease. Surgical technique to treatment varies, but the goal is to salvage renal function and decrease disease burden.

Case Descriptions:

We describe 3 cases in which there was documentation of renal atrophy and function loss with subsequent workup and surgical intervention.

Results:

The cases illustrate varying surgical approaches tailored to localization of ureteral endometriosis. All cases were carried out laparoscopically.

Conclusion:

Ureteral endometriosis, albeit rare, can be complicated by potential loss of renal function. Clinical suspicion and preoperative assessment may help with diagnosis and allows for a multidisciplinary preconsultation. Laparoscopic surgical approach is based on extent of disease and localization and can be carried out successfully in the hands of a highly experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Robotic surgery - advance or gimmick?

Robotic surgery is increasingly implemented as a minimally invasive approach to a variety of gynaecological procedures. The use of conventional laparoscopy by a broad range of surgeons, especially in complex procedures, is hampered by several drawbacks. Robotic surgery was created with the aim of overcoming some of the limitations. Although robotic surgery has many advantages, it is also associated with clear disadvantages. At present, the proof of superiority over access by laparotomy or laparoscopy through large randomised- controlled trials is still lacking. Until results of such trials are present, a firm conclusion about the usefulness of robotic surgery cannot be drawn. Robotic surgery is promising, making the advantages of minimally invasive surgery potentially available to a large number of surgeons and patients in the future.