1
|
Esposito C, Leva E, Castagnetti M, Cerulo M, Cardarelli M, Del Conte F, Esposito G, Chiodi A, Chiarenza M, Di Mento C, Escolino M. Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic ICG-fluorescence lymphatic-sparing palomo varicocelectomy: a comparative retrospective study of techniques and outcomes. World J Urol 2024; 42:215. [PMID: 38581596 PMCID: PMC10998803 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04909-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare techniques and outcomes of robotic-assisted varicocelectomy (RAV) and laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV). METHODS The medical records of 40 patients, who received RAV and LV over a 2-year period, were retrospectively analyzed. Palomo lymphatic-sparing varicocelectomy using ICG fluorescence was adopted in all cases. Three 5-mm trocars were placed in LV, whereas four ports, three 8-mm and one 5-mm, were placed in RAV. The spermatic vessels were ligated using clips in LV and ligatures in RAV. The two groups were compared regarding patient baseline and operative outcomes. RESULTS All patients, with median age of 14 years (range 11-17), had left grade 3 varicocele according to Dubin-Amelar. All were symptomatic and 33/40 (82.5%) presented left testicular hypotrophy. All procedures were completed without conversion. The average operative time was significantly shorter in LV [20 min (range 11-30)] than in RAV [34.5 min (range 30-46)] (p = 0.001). No significant differences regarding analgesic requirement and hospitalization were observed (p = 0.55). At long-term follow-up (30 months), no complications occurred in both groups. The cosmetic outcome was significantly better in LV than RAV at 6-month and 12-month evaluations (p = 0.001). The total cost was significantly lower in LV (1.587,07 €) compared to RAV (5.650,31 €) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION RAV can be safely and effectively performed in pediatric patients, with the same excellent outcomes as conventional laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopy has the advantages of faster surgery, smaller instruments, better cosmesis and lower cost than robotics. To date, laparoscopy remains preferable to robotics to treat pediatric varicocele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Esposito
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesto Leva
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mariapina Cerulo
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mery Cardarelli
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvia Del Conte
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Chiodi
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Di Mento
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Escolino
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
O'Brien LP, Hannan E, Antao B, Peirce C. Paediatric robotic surgery: a narrative review. J Robot Surg 2023; 17:1171-1179. [PMID: 36645643 PMCID: PMC10374698 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-023-01523-z] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared with traditional open surgery, including reduced postoperative pain and a reduced length of stay, are well recognised. A significant barrier for MIS in paediatric populations has been the technical challenge posed by laparoscopic surgery in small working spaces, where rigid instruments and restrictive working angles act as barriers to safe dissection. Thus, open surgery remains commonplace in paediatrics, particularly for complex major surgery and for surgical oncology. Robotic surgical platforms have been designed to overcome the limitations of laparoscopic surgery by offering a stable 3-dimensional view, improved ergonomics and greater range of motion. Such advantages may be particularly beneficial in paediatric surgery by empowering the surgeon to perform MIS in the smaller working spaces found in children, particularly in cases that may demand intracorporeal suturing and anastomosis. However, some reservations have been raised regarding the utilisation of robotic platforms in children, including elevated cost, an increased operative time and a lack of dedicated paediatric equipment. This article aims to review the current role of robotics within the field of paediatric surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Padraig O'Brien
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Enda Hannan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, St Nessan's Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Co Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Brice Antao
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colin Peirce
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, St Nessan's Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick, Co Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reinhardt S, Thorup J, Joergensen PH, Fode M. Robot-assisted laparoscopic varicocelectomy in a pediatric population. Pediatr Surg Int 2023; 39:202. [PMID: 37209246 PMCID: PMC10199840 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-023-05488-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic varicocelectomy in a pediatric population. METHODS We reviewed 49 consecutive cases performed by the same experienced surgeon. One-to-four veins were ligated at the internal ring of the inguinal canal, while the testicular artery and lymphatics were spared. Information on patient characteristics, surgical time, complications, and recurrences were collected. RESULTS Median patient age was 14 (range 10-17) years. Forty-eight had left-sided varicoceles and one had a bilateral varicocele. Forty-five were grade 3. All patients were referred due to discomfort/pain and 20 also had reduced testicular size. The median operating time from skin incision was 48 min (31-89 min) and the median console time was 18 min (7-55 min). Forty-seven patients were discharged the same day. Two patients experienced pain and problems urinating, respectively. These issues had resolved by the first post-operative day. There were no other complications, but at 6 months, eight recurrences were noted (16%). Scrotal complaints had subsided in all patients. Catch-up growth of the affected testicles was seen in 19/20 cases. CONCLUSION Robot-assisted laparoscopic varicocelectomy is feasible and safe in a pediatric population but with a relatively high recurrence rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Reinhardt
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorgen Thorup
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Mikkel Fode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Navarrete-Arellano M. Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN MEDICAL ROBOTICS SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.96684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Currently, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) includes conventional laparo-thoracoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery (RAS) or robotic surgery. Robotic surgery is performed with robotic devices, for example the Da Vinci system from Intuitive Surgical, which has a miniaturized camera capable of image magnification, a three-dimensional image of the surgical field, and the instruments are articulated with 7 degrees of freedom of movement, and the surgeon operates in a sitting position at a surgical console near the patient. Robotic surgery has gained an enormous surge in use on adults, but it has been slowly accepted for children, although it offers important advantages in complex surgeries. The areas of application of robotic surgery in the pediatric population include urological, general surgery, thoracic, oncological, and otorhinolaryngology, the largest application has been in urological surgery. There is evidence that robotic surgery in children is safe and it is important to offer its benefits. Intraoperative complications are rare, and the frequency of postoperative complications ranges from 0–15%. Recommendations for the implementation of a pediatric robotic surgery program are included. The future will be fascinating with upcoming advancements in robotic surgical systems, the use of artificial intelligence, and digital surgery.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
A review of the current status of robotic surgery use in paediatrics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Cave
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Marte A. The history of varicocele: from antiquity to the modern ERA. Int Braz J Urol 2018; 44:563-576. [PMID: 29570260 PMCID: PMC5996787 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2017.0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Men have most likely been affected by varicocele since the assumption of the upright position. In De Medicina, written during the first century AD, Celsus credits the Greeks with the first description of a varicocele, and he recorded his own acute observation: “The veins are swollen and twisted over the testicle, which becomes smaller”. Celsus himself is credited with the distinction between varicocele (dilation of surface veins) and “cirsocele” (dilation of deep veins). There has been a long history of treatment attempts and failures, some of which are remarkably strange, that have sometimes cul- minated in tragedy, as in the case of French professor Jacques-Mathieu Delpech (1772-1832). Although some questions regarding the etiopathology and treatment of varico- cele remain unanswered, a succession of more or less conservative attempts involving all medical cultures has been performed throughout history. The report by W.S. Tulloch in 1952 brought varicocele into the era of modern evidence-based medicine, and varicocele surgery finally progressed beyond the aim of merely relieving scrotal pain and swelling. From 1970 to 2000, varicocelectomies gained worldwide attention for the treatment of male infertility. Several innovative procedures to correct varicoceles began to appear in the world's literature as interventional radiology, microsurgery, laparoscopy, and robotics, while comprehensive review articles were also published on the subject of varicocelectomies. Microsurgery is nowadays used worldwide and it can be considered to be the gold standard for correcting infertility linked to varicocele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marte
- Unità di Chirurgia Pediatrica, Università della Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Affiliation(s)
- Renbin Yuan
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Urology, Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Urology, Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Dehong Cao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Howe A, Kozel Z, Palmer L. Robotic surgery in pediatric urology. Asian J Urol 2016; 4:55-67. [PMID: 29264208 PMCID: PMC5730905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While robotic surgery has shown clear utility and advantages in the adult population, its role in pediatrics remains controversial. Pediatric-sized robotic instruments and equipment are not readily available yet, so certain modifications can be made in order to make robotic surgery successful in children. While the cost of robotic surgery remains high compared to open procedures, patients experience greater satisfaction and quality of life with robotic surgery. Robotic pyeloplasty is a standard of care in older children, and has even been performed in infants and re-do surgery. Other robotic procedures performed in children include heminephroureterectomy, ureteroureterostomy, ureteral reimplantation, urachal cyst excision, bladder diverticulectomy, and bladder reconstructive procedures such as augmentation, appendicovesicostomy, antegrade continence enema, bladder neck reconstruction and sling, as well as other procedures. Robotic surgery has also been used in oncologic cases such as partial nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Future improvements in technology with production of pediatric-sized robotic instruments, along with increases in robotic-trained pediatric urologists and surgeon experience along each's learning curve, will help to further advance the field of robotic surgery in pediatric urology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Howe
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center Ringgold Standard Institution - Pediatric Urology, Center for Advanced Medicine Smith Institute for Urology, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Zachary Kozel
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center Ringgold Standard Institution - Urology, Center for Advanced Medicine Smith Institute for Urology, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Lane Palmer
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center Ringgold Standard Institution - Pediatric Urology, Pediatric Urology Associates, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Treatment options for varicoceles includes open varicocelectomy performed at various anatomical levels. Laparoscopic varicocelectomy has been established to be a safe and effective treatment for varicoceles. Robotic surgery has been introduced recently as an alternative surgical option for varicocelectomy. Microsurgical varicocelectomy has gained increasing popularity among experts in male reproductive medicine as the treatment of choice for varicocele because of its superior surgical outcomes. There is a growing volume of literature in the recent years on minimal invasive varicocele treatment with percutaneous retrograde and anterograde venous embolization/sclerotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the advantages and limitations associated with each treatment modality for varicoceles. Employment of these advanced techniques of varicocelectomy can provide a safe and effective approach aiming to eliminate varicocele, preserve testicular function and, in a substantial number of men, increase semen quality and the likelihood of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Chan
- Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zampieri N. Editorial Comment. J Urol 2010; 184:1720; discussion 1721. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2010.03.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Zampieri
- Department of Surgery, Poloclinico G. B. Rossi, University of Verona, Italy, Department of Pediatrics and Gynecology, Orlandi General Hospital-Bussolengo, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|