End-colostomy parastomal hernia repair: a systematic review on laparoscopic and robotic approaches

INTRODUCTION

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is the most common and challenging complication after stoma creation, with an estimated 50% incidence 2 years after the index surgery. Mesh repair is the treatment of choice. Laparoscopic and/or robotic approaches allow acceptable outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review from January 2012 to November 2023 was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Embase, PubMed, and Scopus search were performed to select articles dealing with minimally invasive surgical treatment for PSH after end colostomy.

RESULTS

603 studies were found, and 24 were chosen. When compared to open surgery, laparoscopy showed decreased postoperative complications and recurrence. The main laparoscopic approaches are the keyhole (KH), the Sugarbaker (SB), and the sandwich technique. Continuous improvement in surgery, mesh technology, and surgeons' expertise led to an amelioration of surgical outcome and recurrence rate after repair. Recent studies showed comparable outcomes for SB and KH techniques, while novel surgical approaches have been proposed in an attempt to further increase the operative and long-term results. Reports on PSH robotic repairs are scarce and describe small series results, suggesting a role of the initial learning curve as a risk factor for complications.

CONCLUSION

End-colostomy PSH surgical repair still represents a challenge for surgeons. Recent evidence has not shown a significant advantage in postoperative complications and recurrence with a specific repair among SB, KH, and sandwich technique. The paucity of data on robotic surgery does not allow to draw definitive conclusion. Further primary, multicentric, and larger cohort studies are needed.

The use of mixed reality in the preoperative planning of colorectal surgery: Preliminary experience with a narrative review

New advanced technologies have recently been developed and preliminarily applied to surgery, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). We retrospectively review all colorectal cases in which we used holographic 3D reconstruction from February 2020 to December 2022. This innovative approach was used to identify vascular anomalies, pinpoint tumor locations, evaluate infiltration into neighboring organs and devise surgical plans for both training and educating trainee assistants. We have also provided a state-of-the-art analysis, briefly highlighting what has been stated by the scientific literature to date. VR facilitates training and anatomical assessments, while AR enhances training and laparoscopic performance evaluations. MR, powered by HoloLens, enriches anatomic recognition, navigation, and visualization. Successful implementation was observed in 10 colorectal cancer cases, showcasing the effectiveness of MR in improving preoperative planning and its intraoperative application. This technology holds significant promise for advancing colorectal surgery by elevating safety and reliability standards.

Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy with Transperitoneal Approach for Large Renal Tumors: Standardized Surgical Technique and Outcomes

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is used only in selected cases of renal masses greater than 7 cm, and few studies exist in this setting. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a laparoscopic surgical approach for the treatment of large renal tumors using a standardized technique. Materials and Methods: Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy (LN) using the transperitoneal approach were retrospectively evaluated from December 2019 to September 2022. The study population was divided into two groups: patients with renal masses <7 cm (Group A) and those with renal masses ≥7 cm in diameter (Group B). The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared. Results: Forty patients were enrolled (16 in Group A and 24 in Group B) in this study. Although significant difference in terms of age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were detected, the two groups did not differ in mean operative time (130 minutes standard deviation [SD] ± 64 versus 148 minutes DS ± 56; P = .376), intraoperative complications (0% versus 8.3%; P = .508), need for postoperative transfusion (12% versus 12%; P > .999), and length of stay (3.38 DS ± 0.62 days versus 3.92 DS ± 2.47; P = .313). One patient had a local recurrence and died ∼13 months after surgery. Furthermore, 2 patients developed trocar-site incisional hernia in Group B. Conclusion: In this cohort of patients, LN for large renal tumors appeared to be safe and feasible. Larger mass dimension does not appear to influence the outcomes when the surgery is performed using a standardized technique by experienced surgeons.

A Systematic Review on the Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Pathogenesis of Inguinal Hernias

The recurrence rate in patients who undergo surgery for abdominal wall hernias (AWHs) is high. AWHs have been hypothesized to be a disease of the extracellular matrix, which is supported by evidence showing a high incidence of AWHs in patients with connective tissue disorders. This study aimed to investigate the most recent literature studies describing the levels of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the blood and fascia, with the objective of better clarifying the pathogenetic role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors in inguinal hernias (IHs). A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases to identify eligible studies. The identified studies were included in the analysis, and a qualitative synthesis of the results is provided to describe the most recent findings. Seventeen studies were included. An association between MMP-2 and direct IHs has also been demonstrated. MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-12, and MMP-13 levels were increased in both the serum and fascia of patients with IHs. The analysis of inhibitors showed an increase in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), specifically TIMP-1 in IHs, particularly in direct hernias, and a reduction in TIMP-2 in the biopsy samples of the transversalis fascia. In contrast, a reduction in TIMP-1 and an increase in TIMP-2 levels have been reported only in the serum of patients with IHs. Metalloproteinases play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IHs. The analysis of other molecules, such as TIMPs or their correlation with specific genes, is enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of IHs. However, more prospective studies, including comprehensive clinical and laboratory data collection, are required to confirm the relationship between the studied biomarkers and the risk of IHs.

First Application of the Orbeye™ 4K 3D Exoscope in Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Reoperation for recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (RPTC) is much more complex than primary surgery is, with a higher rate of complications. We describe, for the first time, the use of the Orbeye™ surgical microscope/exoscope for the treatment of RPTC with lymphadenectomy. This system offers 4K, three-dimensional magnified and illuminated imaging without the need for eyepieces. Magnification of the field of view facilitates a more precise dissection, preserving the anatomical structure. Currently, the Orbeye™ is regularly used in neurosurgery; however, its potential in conventional open surgery has not yet been fully exploited. Owing to its magnification capacity, the Orbeye™ exoscope is a valuable tool to help surgeons identify and preserve the integrity of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroids during thyroid surgery.