OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of open pyeloplasty (OP) for treating pediatric pelviureteric junction obstruction in resource-limited settings in the era of robot assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP). METHODS: A total of 168 patients (56 each) were randomized to receive RALP, LP, or OP, respectively. RESULTS: The operative time for the RALP was significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared to LP and open OP. The length of stay (LOS) for RALP and LP was substantially lower (P < 0.001) compared to the OP, with average stays of 2.8 ± 1.5 days, 3.1 ± 1.2 days, and 6.4 ± 8.1 days, respectively. In the RALP group, 54 (96.4%) had a non-obstructed drainage pattern post-operatively compared to 52 (92.8%) in the LP group, and 53 (94.6%) patients in the OP group (P = 0.363). Only 2 (3.6%) patients in the RALP group and 4 (7.1%) patients in the LP group, and 3 (5.3%) patients in OP group, exhibited obstructed drainage on dynamic nuclear scan. Grade II complications (urine leakage) occurred in 2 patients in the RALP cohort, and in 3 patients in the LP cohort. The leakage typically resolved within 10 days and did not require further intervention. Higher-grade complications (Clavien Grade 3 and 4a), such as hydronephrosis, were identified in both the RALP and OP groups (one case each). CONCLUSION: Due to comparable success rates and minimal complications, OP is a viable alternative to minimally invasive RALP and LP in treating pediatric patients with PUJO, particularly where cost and equipment availability are limiting factors.

The adoption of robotic surgery has increased rapidly. The robotic surgery market is projected to reach $14 billion globally by 2026, with an increasing number of robotic platforms entering the market. Structured training remains an important issue in robotic colorectal surgery. ColoRobotica at the European School of Coloproctology, the European Society of Coloproctology, was established in 2018 to benchmark robotic colorectal training in Europe. A multidisciplinary team was formed, and a framework was established. Building the infrastructure of the programme took 2 years. A training pathway was designed to provide a structured training programme with quality assurance interventions embedded in the programme. The programme was launched in 2022. Preliminary results showed clinical outcomes of trainees are comparable to those of expert robotic surgeons. The model could serve as a template for both other scientific societies and different specialties to provide structured robotic surgical training.

As the role of robot-assisted surgery continues to expand there has been as an associated proliferation of novel technologies to aid training. Necessitating the development of standardised and validated training programmes that incorporate guidance on curriculum development with training techniques, and where and when to utilise novel training technologies. To provide guidance on an optimised "Train-the-Trainer in Technique and Technology" (4Ts) structured educational programme for surgical trainers, in which delegates learn a standardised approach to training candidates in knowledge and skills acquisition both for surgery and the utilisation of novel training technologies. We aim to describe a 4Ts course for robotic surgery based on the current published literature and to define the key elements within a 4Ts course by seeking consensus from an expert committee formed of key opinion leaders in training and MedTech industry. The project was carried out in phases: a systematic review of the current evidence was conducted, a hybrid meeting was held, and an initial survey was created based on the current literature and expert opinion and sent to the committee. Twenty experts in robotic training, contributed to the Delphi process that included clinicians, academics, and industry representing nine different surgical specialties and seven different robotic companies. An accelerated Delphi process underwent three rounds of survey in total. Additions to the second- and third-round surveys were formulated based on the answers and comments from the previous rounds. Consensus opinion was defined as 80% agreement. There was 100% consensus that there was a need for a standardized platform agnostic 4Ts course in robotic surgery. A consensus was reached in multiple areas, including the following: (1) definitions and terminologies, (2) qualifications to attend, (3) course objectives, (4) pre-course considerations, (5) requirements of e-learning, (6) theory and course content, and (7) measurement of outcomes and (8) performance certification and regulation. The resulting formulated curriculum showed good internal consistency among experts, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.90. An evidence-based consensus has been achieved to reach content validation for guidance on a 4Ts curriculum for robotic surgery training. This recommended content lays the foundation for developing platform agnostic metric-based progression curricula for trainers in robotic surgery. Future 4Ts curricula related to procedural training will require further validation. As the role of robot-assisted surgery continues to expand, development of standardised and validated training programmes is becoming increasingly important. There is currently a lack of agreement on how best to train trainers in both training and awareness of novel training technologies. We report a consensus view on a standardised "4Ts" curriculum focused on robotic surgery. It was formulated by polling the opinions of experts and industry, combining current evidence for training technologies with experts' knowledge of surgical training.

AIM: To develop and operationally define 'performance metrics' that characterize a reference approach to robotic multiport right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision (CME) and intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) and to obtain evidence supporting face and content validity through a consensus meeting. METHOD: Three expert colorectal surgeons with advanced minimally invasive surgical experience, a senior behavioural scientist and a colorectal surgeon with experience in performance metrics development formed the Metrics Group. Published guidelines, clinical evidence, training materials and unedited videos of robotic multiport right hemicolectomy were used to deconstruct the task-robotic right hemicolectomy with CME and ICA-into defined, observable performance units or metrics (i.e. procedure Phases, Steps, Errors and Critical Errors). The performance metrics were then subjected to detailed review by nine expert colorectal surgeons in a modified Delphi process. RESULTS: Performance metrics for robotic multiport right hemicolectomy with CME and ICA were deconstructed and described as 15 procedure phases with 124 steps, all of them associated with 146 errors and 136 critical errors. After the modified Delphi process, the agreed performance metrics consisted of 15 procedure phases and 125 steps, 150 errors and 139 critical errors. After discussion, agreed modifications to the metrics an international group of expert colorectal surgeons reached 100% consensus on them, thus providing evidence to support the face and content validity of the metrics. CONCLUSION: Robotic multiport right hemicolectomy with CME and ICA can be broken down into explicitly defined procedure phases and steps, with errors and critical errors known as performance metrics. We consider the metrics imperative for the development of a safe and structured training in robotic multiport right hemicolectomy with CME and ICA.

Radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) are a versatile option for the reconstruction of a wide variety of soft tissue defects and are particularly common in head and neck surgery. Benefits of RFFF include a relatively short operating time, a long pedicle, and a thinner, more pliable flap. However, in addition to its role in reconstructive surgery, the radial artery may be utilized for a number of other procedures including coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions. Concern has previously been raised that prior catheterization may deleteriously affect the function of the radial artery and in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, individuals are increasingly advising against its use as a graft for coronary artery bypass graft surgery in such circumstances. Despite this, little is known about the effect on RFFF. In this review article, we concisely consider the available evidence of the effect of previous transradial catheterization on the radial artery and discuss the implications for reconstructive surgery. We then summarize the key considerations regarding their use in current practice.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes of intracorporeal (IOJ) versus extracorporeal (EOJ) oesophagojejunostomy following laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for the treatment of gastric cancer. METHODS: A comprehensive search of various electronic databases was conducted. Comparative studies of IOJ versus EOJ following LTG in patients with gastric malignancy were included. Primary outcomes were anastomotic leak, anastomotic bleeding, and anastomotic stricture formation. Secondary outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay (LOS), volume of intra-operative haemorrhage, number of harvested lymph nodes, time to flatus, time to soft diet, intra-abdominal infection, pulmonary infection, surgical site infection (SSI), duodenal stump leak, pancreatic fistula occurrence, postoperative ileus, re-operation, and mortality. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using the random-effects model, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS: Seventeen non-randomised studies enrolling 2,960 patients divided between an IOJ (n = 1430) and EOJ (n = 1530) group were included. IOJ was associated with significantly lower risk of anastomotic stricture (P = 0.01), volume of intra-operative bleeding (P = < 0.001), and SSI (P = 0.04) compared to EOJ. No difference was found in anastomotic leak (P = 0.93); anastomotic bleeding (P = 0.35); operative time (P = 0.63); LOS (P = 0.30); lymph node yield (P = 0.17); time to first flatus (P = 0.77); time to resumption of soft diet (P = 0.32); intra-abdominal infection (P = 0.22); pulmonary infection (P = 0.45); duodenal stump leak (P = 0.46); pancreatic fistula occurrence (P = 0.16); and paralytic ileus (P = 0.59), re-operation (P = 0.50), and mortality (P = 0.23) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: LTG for gastric malignancy with IOJ may be associated with lower risk of anastomotic stricture and SSI compared to the extracorporeal approach. However, future adequately powered randomized studies are needed to compare the two techniques.

BACKGROUND: Accurate staging of distal colorectal cancers is paramount in guiding neoadjuvant therapy, peri-operative, and ostomy planning. Early colonic lesions can be difficult to visualise on computed tomography (CT) scans, with tumour location solely deduced via endoscopy with the potential for introducing error. We aimed to address the paucity in literature in this area and assessed the accuracy of radiological and endoscopic localisation of distal colorectal cancers. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of an electronic database of patients at a large District General Hospital (DGH) diagnosed with distal colorectal cancer between January 2014 to January 2023 was performed. Patient demographics, investigations, endoscopic, and operative findings were analysed. Outcomes were assessed to determine disparities between pre-operative endoscopy and final tumour location. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients were endoscopically diagnosed with distal sigmoid tumour. Of these, 207 (97.6%) had a CT scan performed with 25.1% (52/207) lesions not being identified on this imaging modality with the remainder (74.9%; 155/207) being reported as visible. 38.2% (79/207) of tumours were in the sigmoid colon, 17.4% (36/207) rectosigmoid, and 19.3% (40/207) in the rectum. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 42.5% (90/212) of cases showing 84 tumours: 6.0% (5/84) sigmoid colon, 9.5% (8/84) rectosigmoid and 83.3% (70/84) rectal cancers (upper: 34, mid-rectum: 26, low: 10), with one anal cancer. 42.3% (22/52) of patients with non-visible lesions on CT had MRI scans: 68.2% (15/22) had rectal cancer (upper: 10, mid-rectum: 4, low: 1). Of the 30 where MRI was not performed, 46.7% (14) had sigmoid cancer, 16.7% (5) rectosigmoid, and 33.3% (10) rectal intraoperatively. Overall, 30.7% (65/212) of patients reported as having a distal sigmoid lesion endoscopically in fact had rectal cancer intra-operatively (rectosigmoid lesions excluded). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic localisation of distal colorectal tumours can be unreliable for accurate staging and operative planning. A pre-operative MRI scan should be considered in such instances, and particularly for non-visible lesions on CT scan. This may improve peri-operative planning, staging accuracy and patient outcomes.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of the identification of direct and indirect ultrasonographic features of adenomyosis as defined by the revised Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) consensus (2022). Methods: A cohort of 74 women, aged 18 to 45, were recruited from the recurrent miscarriage and general gynaecology clinic at a university-based fertility centre. All the participants underwent 2D and 3D transvaginal Ultrasound scan (TVS) examination in the late follicular and early luteal phase. Conventional grey scale and power Doppler image volumes were acquired and stored. Subsequently, the stored 3D ultrasound images were independently re-evaluated offline by the two observers for the direct and indirect features of adenomyosis as outlined by the revised MUSA group. The intra- and the inter-observer reproducibility was estimated using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Results: The intra- and interobserver reproducibility (K -0.27, 95% CI 0.06-0.48 and K 0.13, 95% CI -0.10-0.37, respectively) for at least one direct feature of adenomyosis was only modest. Amongst the individual direct features, the interobserver variability of identifying myometrial cysts was fair (K 0.21, 95% CI -0.00-0.42), whereas the intra-observer variability was moderate (K 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.63). While hyperechogenic islands identification achieved a fair level of intra- (K 0.31, 95% CI 0.09-0.53) and interobserver (K 0.24, 95% CI 0.01-0.47) agreement, the reproducibility of reporting sub-endometrial lines/buds was fair for the intra-observer (K 0.22, 95% CI -0.02 0.47) and poor for the interobserver (K 0.00, 95% CI -0.20-0.19). The interobserver agreement for indirect features varied from poor to moderate, while the intra-observer agreement ranged between poor to good. Conclusions: The reporting of adenomyosis using direct features suggested by the revised MUSA group consensus showed only modest interobserver and intra-observer agreement. The definitions of ultrasound features for adenomyosis need further refining to enhance the reliability of diagnosis criteria of adenomyosis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the short-term outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery implemented through a structured, standardized training pathway in five colorectal centres in the United Kingdom. METHOD: A multicentre retrospective observational study was conducted, involving 523 consecutive patients who underwent robotic colorectal resection between 2015 and 2019. All participating centres followed the European Academy of Robotic Colorectal Surgery training pathway. Patient data, including demographics, operative details, postoperative outcomes and pathology results, were collected and analysed. RESULTS: The study included 447 rectal resections and 76 colonic operations. The median age of the patients was 64.7 years, with the majority of patients (70%) being men. The mean body mass index was 27.4 kg/m2, and 89.7% of the patients underwent surgery for malignancy. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 4.2%. The median length of stay was 6 days and there was no 30-day mortality. The readmission and reoperation rates were 8.8% and 7.3%, respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 4.1% for rectal resections and 3.9% for colonic resections. Pathological examination showed a positive circumferential resection margin rate of 2.6%. CONCLUSION: Through the implementation of a structured, standardized training pathway, the participating colorectal centres in the UK achieved safe and effective robotic colorectal surgery pathways with favourable short-term oncological and clinical outcomes. Further studies examining long-term and functional outcomes are needed to assess the broader impact of robotic surgery in colorectal procedures.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons are sometimes reluctant to manage uncomplicated appendicitis non-operatively. Reasons cited include the risk of recurrent appendicitis and the risk of missed appendiceal malignancy. The aim of this study was to address these uncertainties and determine the long-term efficacy of antibiotic versus operative management of appendicitis. METHOD: One-year follow-up of patients enrolled in the multicentre, COVID:HAREM cohort study during March-June 2020 was performed. Initial operative or non-operative management was determined on a case-by-case basis by the responsible surgeon. Outcomes were appendicectomy rate at 1-year, histology of removed appendix and predictors of unsuccessful antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: A total of 625 patients who had non-operative management were included. Emergency appendicectomy had been performed by 1-year in 24% (149/625), with a median time to appendicectomy of 12 days [IQR 1-77] from presentation. Thirty-one patients had elective appendicectomy. Normal histology was reported in 6% of emergency procedures and 58% of elective ones. There were 7 malignancies and 3 neuroendocrine tumors identified at histology. All patients with malignant histology had ≥1 risk factors for malignancy at initial presentation. Faecolithiasis (hazard ratios (HR) 2.3, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.51-3.49) and a high Adult Appendicitis Score (AAS >16; HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.52-3.92) were independent risk factors for unsuccessful non-operative management. CONCLUSION: At 1 year, 71% of patients managed non-operatively did not undergo an appendicectomy. Recurrence of appendicitis was associated with faecolithiasis and a high AAS. Patients at higher risk for appendiceal malignancy should have targeted follow-up. These factors should be considered when counseling patients on non-operative management.