Simplified method for esophagus protection during radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation - prospective study of 704 cases

Introduction

Although rare, the atrioesophageal fistula is one of the most feared complications in radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation due to the high risk of mortality.

Objective

This is a prospective controlled study, performed during regular radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, to test whether esophageal displacement by handling the transesophageal echocardiography transducer could be used for esophageal protection.

Methods

Seven hundred and four patients (158 F/546M [22.4%/77.6%]; 52.8±14 [17-84] years old), with mean EF of 0.66±0.8 and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation were submitted to hybrid radiofrequency catheter ablation (conventional pulmonary vein isolation plus AF-Nests and background tachycardia ablation) with displacement of the esophagus as far as possible from the radiofrequency target by transesophageal echocardiography transducer handling. The esophageal luminal temperature was monitored without and with displacement in 25 patients.

Results

The mean esophageal displacement was 4 to 9.1cm (5.9±0.8 cm). In 680 of the 704 patients (96.6%), it was enough to allow complete and safe radiofrequency delivery (30W/40ºC/irrigated catheter or 50W/60ºC/8 mm catheter) without esophagus overlapping. The mean esophageal luminal temperature changes with versus without esophageal displacement were 0.11±0.13ºC versus 1.1±0.4ºC respectively, P<0.01. The radiofrequency had to be halted in 68% of the patients without esophageal displacement because of esophageal luminal temperature increase. There was no incidence of atrioesophageal fistula suspected or confirmed. Only two superficial bleeding caused by transesophageal echocardiography transducer insertion were observed.

Conclusion

Mechanical esophageal displacement by transesophageal echocardiography transducer during radiofrequency catheter ablation was able to prevent a rise in esophageal luminal temperature, helping to avoid esophageal thermal lesion. In most cases, the esophageal displacement was sufficient to allow safe radiofrequency application without esophagus overlapping, being a convenient alternative in reducing the risk of atrioesophageal fistula.     

Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy for Failed Endometrial Ablation

Background and Objectives:

Endometrial ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for menorrhagia. High success rates are documented with >90% of patients experiencing satisfaction. However, adequate relief after endometrial ablation is not obtained in a cohort of patients. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of patients for whom endometrial ablation fails due to persistent symptoms, causing them to choose hysterectomy for definitive treatment.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent hysterectomy for persistent menorrhagia, pain, or both, who previously had endometrial ablation. We reviewed medical records including pathology reports from hysterectomy. We compared demographics to a group previously studied at our institution that were identified as satisfied 5 years after ablation.

Results:

The number of patients in our study group was 51 (n = 51). Median age of patients was 39 (range 29–50) years. Average body mass index was 31 (range 19–47) kg/m². Average parity was 1.9. Sixty-nine percent underwent tubal ligation. The majority were nonsmokers (75%). Ninety-six percent were Caucasian. Compared with the previously studied satisfied group, the only statistically significant difference was age.Of 51 patients, 11 (22%) noted pelvic pain as their chief concern. Menorrhagia was the chief concern in 22 (43%). Eighteen patients (35%) complained of both. The most common diagnosis was endometriosis, which was identified in 35 patients (68%). Leiomyomata were present in 33 patients (64%). Adenomyosis was identified in 22 patients (43%).

Conclusions:

Patients who present for hysterectomy after endometrial ablation have a high rate of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and leiomyomata, with endometriosis being the most common finding.     

Nodular Adenomyosis of the Uterus Causing Severe Groin Pain

Objectives:

To determine the cause of severe, disabling, groin pain.

Methods:

We describe in this case report 2 patients with severe groin pain. Two myoma-like masses were found on the uterus near the right round ligament. Both masses were excised via laparoscopy.

Results:

The pathology report of these 2 cases indicated adenomyosis. Both patients were asymptomatic after the procedure. Adenomyosis usually propagates in the myometrium, and the nodular shape of this pathology is rare. In patients with severe groin pain (menstrual or continuous), the gynecologist should think about both endometriosis of the round ligament and adenomyosis near the round ligament.

Conclusion:

Severe groin pain is rare but disabling. Endometriosis of the external part of the round ligament is described as a cause. In this case report, we explain that nodular adenomyosis can also be a cause.     

Delayed diagnosis in metastatic lesions of the foot

Introduction

Pedal acrometastases are a rare complication of disseminated malignancy. To date, there is little in the literature documenting their clinical course.

Methods

Our large orthopaedic oncology database was used to review the clinical course of symptomatic pedal acrometastases.

Results

A total of 15 cases of pedal acrometastases were identified from 2,595 patients with metastases. The median age at presentation was 64.5 years (range: 14–83 years) and the median length of foot symptoms (predominantly pain and swelling) prior to diagnosis of metastasis was 16 weeks (range: 6–104 weeks). The median survival following diagnosis was 4.6 months (range: 2.3–104.5 months).

Conclusions

This study suggests that 0.58% of all osseous metastases involve the foot, and that symptoms of foot pain and swelling are often misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose pedal acrometastases early, thereby allowing early treatment so that the patient’s quality of life can be maintained prior to death.     

Persistent Bleeding After Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy

Background and Objectives:

In our clinical experience, there seemed to be a correlation between cervical stump bleeding and adenomyosis. Therefore, we wanted to conduct a study to determine whether there was an actual correlation and to identify other risk factors for persistent bleeding after a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.

Methods:

The study included women who underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2012. Data were collected on age, postmenopausal status, body mass index (BMI), uterine weight, indication for hysterectomy, concomitant bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), presence of endometriosis, surgical ablation of the endocervix, adenomyosis, presence of endocervix in the specimen, and postoperative bleeding.

Results:

The study included 256 patients, of whom 187 had no postoperative bleeding after the operation, 40 had bleeding within 12 weeks, and 29 had bleeding after 12 weeks. The 3 groups were comparable in BMI, postmenopausal status, uterine weight, indication for hysterectomy, BSO, surgical ablation of the endocervix, adenomyosis, and the presence of endocervix. However, patients who had postoperative bleeding at more than 12 weeks were significantly younger (P = .002) and had a higher rate of endometriosis (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Risks factors for postoperative bleeding from the cervical stump include a younger age at the time of hysterectomy and the presence of endometriosis. Therefore, younger patients and those with endometriosis who desire to have no further vaginal bleeding may benefit from total hysterectomy over supracervical hysterectomy. All patients who are undergoing supracervical hysterectomy should be counseled about the possible alternatives, benefits, and risks, including continued vaginal bleeding from the cervical stump and the possibility of requiring future treatment and procedures.     

Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy for Women With Anterior Wall Adherence After Cesarean Section

Objectives:

To share and report experiences of using lateral approach technique to perform laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for women with anterior wall adherence after cesarean section.

Methods:

We analyzed a retrospective chart review of 47 women with anterior wall adhesion after a cesarean section who underwent LAVH from March 1st 2003 to March 31st 2012, selected from a total of 1967 women who underwent LAVH during that period.

Results:

The median age of the patients was 42 years (range 34–56 years). The median operating time was 120 minutes (range 85–240 minutes), and the median weight of the removed uterus was 247 g (range 50–896 g). The median change in hemoglobin level was 2.0 g/dL (range 0–3.0 g/dL). The median hospital stay was 3.0 days (range 2–6 days). There were complications in 2 cases: bladder injury in one and postoperative ileus in the other. There were no conversions to laparotomy.

Conclusions:

Lateral approach technique to make a pneumoperitoneum and to perform adhesiolysis is effective in LAVH for women with anterior wall adherence after cesarean section.     

Endoscopic ablation of Hunner’s lesions in interstitial cystitis patients

Introduction:

We report our experience with endoscopic ablation of Hunner’s lesions in women with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods:

A chart review was performed on 14 patients with IC symptoms who were identified to have bladder lesions and underwent endoscopic ablation. A Hunner’s lesion was identified as an area of erythema that reproduced the patients’ pain when touched by the cystoscope. Pathology reports were reviewed and improvement in pain was used as the main outcome measure.

Results:

Of the 14 patients, 12 had more than 50% symptomatic improvement and 8 patients reported 100% improvement. Mean improvement was 76%. In all patients who improved, the biopsy specimen showed inflammatory cystitis, often with epithelial denudation. Four patients had symptomatic recurrence, but all had improvement after repeat ablation.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic ablation of Hunner’s lesions improves symptoms in IC patients. Recurrence of symptoms should prompt repeat cystoscopy to identify recurrent lesions, as repeat ablation offers symptomatic improvement.     

Endometriosis in Adolescents

Background and Objectives:

Women with endometriosis often report onset of symptoms during adolescence; however, the diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of adolescents who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain and were diagnosed with endometriosis: specifically, the symptoms, time from onset of symptoms to correct diagnosis, number and type of medical professionals seen, diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

We reviewed a series of 25 females ≤21 years of age with endometriosis diagnosed during laparoscopy for pelvic pain over an 8-year period. These patients were followed up for 1 year after surgery.

Results:

The mean age at the time of surgery was 17.2 (2.4) years (range, 10–21). The most common complaints were dysmenorrhea (64%), menorrhagia (44%), abnormal/irregular uterine bleeding (60%), ≥1 gastrointestinal symptoms (56%), and ≥1 genitourinary symptoms (52%). The mean time from the onset of symptoms until diagnosis was 22.8 (31.0) months (range, 1–132). The median number of physicians who evaluated their pain was 3 (2.3) (range, 1–12). The adolescents had stage I (68%), stage II (20%), and stage III (12%) disease. Atypical endometriosis lesions were most commonly observed during laparoscopy. At 1 year, 64% reported resolved pain, 16% improved pain, 12% continued pain, and 8% recurrent pain.

Conclusions:

Timely referral to a gynecologist experienced with laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis is critical to expedite care for adolescents with pelvic pain. Once the disease is diagnosed and treated, these patients have favorable outcomes with hormonal and nonhormonal therapy.     

Renal autotransplantation in patients with loin pain–hematuria syndrome

Objective

To determine if renal autotransplantation is an effective treatment for the loin pain–hematuria syndrome.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care referral centre in Manitoba.

Patients

Four patients referred for diagnosis and management of loin pain–hematuria syndrome. Follow-up for each of the four was 2, 24, 29 and 48 months.

Intervention

Renal autotransplantation.

Main Outcome Measures

Relief of pain with preservation of renal function and blood pressure.

Results

All four patients experienced relief of the pain of loin pain–hematuria syndrome. Renal function was preserved and blood pressure maintained. Narcotic analgesia was discontinued in all cases.

Conclusion

Renal autotransplantation appears to be an effective treatment for patients with loin pain–hematuria syndrome.     

Measuring the impact of the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score among 458 consecutively treated patients

Context

The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS) was proposed to improve injury classification and guide surgical decision-making of thoracolumbar spinal trauma (TLST), but its impact on the care of patients has not been quantified.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Patient sample

Analysis of 458 patients treated for TLST trauma from 2000 through 2010 at a single center.

Outcome measures

Neurological status – ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), failure of conservative treatment, and surgical complications.

Methods

Clinical and radiological data were evaluated. Patients were grouped according to the period before (2000–2006) and after (2007–2010) utilization of the TLICS.

Results

From 2000 to 2006, 148 patients were initially treated conservatively (C) and 66 were surgically (S) treated. In the C group, the TLICS ranged from 1 to 7 (median 1; mean 1.57). In the S group, the TLICS ranged from 2 to 10 (median 2; mean 4.14). The TLICS matched treatment in 97.9% of conservatively treated patients. From 2007 to 2010, 162 patients were initially treated C and 82 were treated S. In the C group, the TLICS ranged from 1 to 4 (median 1; mean 1.48). In the S group, the TLICS ranged from 2–10 (median 4; mean 4.4). The TLICS matched treatment in 98.8% of C-treated patients. Overall, failure of C treatment occurred in nine patients; most failures (7/9) and all three missed distractive injuries occurred prior to use of the TLICS.

Conclusions

After introduction of the TLICS, there was a trend towards more successful conservative treatment with fewer conversions to surgical treatment.     

Single-visit endovenous laser treatment and tributary procedures for symptomatic great saphenous varicose veins

Introduction

Endovenous ablation of saphenous varicose veins has decreased morbidity and recovery time compared with open surgery. This study assessed the outcome and mid-term patient satisfaction of single-visit endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) alone, EVLT combined with phlebectomies and endovenous chemical ablation.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients (n=91) in 2008–2009 who underwent single-visit day-case EVLT using local anaesthesia under a single surgeon. Postoperative venous ultrasonography at 2 and 14 months was reviewed. A telephone questionnaire was carried out to assess recurrence of symptoms and quality of life at 42 months.

Results

Overall, 124 limbs underwent day-case EVLT under local anaesthesia using an 810nm diode laser at a continuous setting of 14W. Forty-eight of these underwent EVLT alone while fifty underwent EVLT with phlebectomies and twenty-six underwent EVLT with endovenous chemical ablation. Ninety-one per cent of limbs underwent two-month postoperative imaging. All had satisfactory great saphenous vein (GSV) ablation (anterior thigh vein patency: n=1). The majority (84%) of limbs underwent 14-month imaging with a 98% GSV ablation rate. Three per cent had anterior thigh vein and saphenofemoral junction incompetence. Recurrence of GSV patency and reflux was <1%. The response rate to the questionnaire was 60%: 95% of respondents confirmed improvement following treatment, 62% remained symptom free at 42 months while 65% of patients with a return of symptoms deemed them mild. The questionnaire was scored out of 56 for symptoms and quality of life. Those with symptoms scored significantly higher.

Conclusions

At 42 months, the majority of limbs remained asymptomatic. The short-term GSV ablation rates were excellent. Overall mid-term review of patients has shown a well received single-visit service with concomitant phlebectomy or endovenous ablation, and good ablation and patient satisfaction rates.     

Robotic Versus Abdominal Hysterectomy for Very Large Uteri

Background and Objectives:

We sought to examine the outcomes of patients with myomatous uteri weighing >1000 g who underwent hysterectomy by one of two modalities, either with a robotic system or by laparotomy.

Methods:

All patients who underwent robotic hysterectomy for uteri weighing >1000 g at our institution between May 2007 and January 2011 were identified, and a retrospective chart review was performed. These patients were matched to a laparotomy control group by body mass index and uterine weight, and the postoperative outcomes in both groups were analyzed and compared.

Results:

Sixty patients with uteri weighing >1000 g underwent hysterectomy, 30 with the robotic system and 30 by laparotomy. The median body mass index was 31.8 kg/m² (range, 18.5–56.3 kg/m²) and the median uterine weight was 1259 g (range, 1000–3543 g) in the robotic group versus 30.2 kg/m² (range, 18–48 kg/m²) and 1509 g (range, 1000–3570 g), respectively, in the laparotomy group (P = .31). The median operating time was 255 minutes (range, 180–372 minutes) in the robotic group versus 150 minutes (range, 100–285 minutes) in the laparotomy group (P < .001). There were no conversions to laparotomy. In both groups the operative time was not increased with increasing specimen weight. The median blood loss was 150 mL in the robotic group versus 425 mL in the laparotomy group. Of 30 patients in the robotic group, 23 (76.6%) were discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 1. The median hospital stay for the robotic group was 1 day, and for the laparotomy group, it was 2.5 days (P < .01).

Conclusion:

Robotic surgeries for very large myomatous uteri are feasible and have minimal morbidity even in morbidly obese patients. The robotic surgery requires a longer operative time but results in a shorter hospital stay and decreased intraoperative blood loss.     

The association of age,pain, and fatigue with physical functioning and depressive symptoms in persons with spinal cord injury

Context/objective

To describe the relationship of pain and fatigue with physical and psychological functioning in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Community-based survey.

Participants

Convenience sample of individuals with SCI.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Outcome measures

Physical functioning (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Functioning item bank items), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), pain severity (0–10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)), and fatigue (0–10 NRS).

Results

Pain and fatigue were independently associated with depression, but only pain was associated with physical functioning. Additionally, depression was more severe among middle-aged participants relative to younger or older participants. Physical functioning declined with increasing age, as well as with higher level of injury.

Conclusions

The findings support the need for continued development of effective treatments for both pain and fatigue in order to prevent and mitigate the negative effects these symptoms can have on functioning.     

Decreased heart rate variability in surgeons during night shifts

Background

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used as a measure of stress and mental strain in surgeons. Low HRV has been associated with death and increased risk of cardiac events in the general population. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of a 17-hour night shift on surgeons’ HRV.

Methods

Surgeons were monitored prospectively with an ambulatory electrocardiography device for 48 consecutive hours, beginning on a precall day and continuing through an on-call (17-h shift) day. We measured HRV by frequency domain parameters.

Results

We included 29 surgeons in our analysis. The median pulse rate was decreased precall (median 64, interquartile range [IQR] 56–70 beats per minute [bpm]) compared with on call (median 81, IQR 70–91 bpm, p < 0.001). Increased high-frequency (HF) activity was found precall (median 199, IQR 75–365 ms²) compared with on call (median 99, IQR 48–177 ms², p < 0.001). The low-frequency:high-frequency (LF:HF) ratio was lower precall (median 2.7, IQR 1.9–3.9) than on call (median 4.9, IQR 3.7–6.5, p < 0.001). We found no correlation between the LF:HF ratio and performance in laparoscopic simulation.

Conclusion

Surgeons working night shifts had a significant decrease in HRV and a significant increase in pulse rate, representing sympathetic dominance in the autonomic nervous system.

Trial registration

{"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01623674","term_id":"NCT01623674"}}NCT01623674 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).     

Laparoscopy-Assisted Supracervical Hysterectomy for Ovarian Cancer: Cervical Recurrence

Background and Objectives:

The purpose of our study is to evaluate the incidence of cervical recurrence after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for ovarian cancer debulking or staging.

Methods:

From a prospective surgical database, we identified 51 cases of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for ovarian cancer debulking or staging. No cases were excluded.

Results:

From 2009 to 2012, 51 patients were identified. The median age was 62 years (range, 32–83 years), and the median body mass index was 29 kg/m² (range, 16–41 kg/m²). Medical comorbidities were present in 40 patients (78%), and 53% had prior abdominal surgery. The median operative time was 2 hours (range, 1–3.5 hours), and the median blood loss was 200 mL (range, 50–900 mL). The median length of stay was 1 day (range, 0–12 days). The stage was I in 12 patients, II in 6, and III/IV in 33. At a median follow-up time of 1.7 years (range, 0.3–2.6 years), 20 patients (39%) had recurrence of cancer, with a median time of recurrence of 1.1 years (range, 0.3–2.3 years). All recurrences were in the abdomen or pelvis except for 1 axillary node recurrence and 1 recurrence in the distal vagina. There were no recurrences in the remaining cervical stump. No patient had a postoperative vaginal cuff infection. Among the 104 cycles of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, there was no vaginal leakage of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for ovarian cancer debulking or staging does not result in cervical recurrence.     

Laparoscopic Surgery for Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas

Background and Objectives:

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and occur most frequently in young women. They have an uncertain pathogenesis and unclear clinical behavior. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical presentation of solid pseudopapillary tumors and assess the efficacy of treatment with minimally invasive surgery.

Methods:

From March 1997 to February 2011, 13 of 273 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures on the pancreas were found to have solid pseudopapillary tumors. There were 12 female patients and 1 male patient. The median age was 21 years (range, 15–77 years). Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (n = 9). Tumors were incidentally found in 3 patients on computed tomography scans obtained for other reasons.

Results:

Enucleation of the tumor was performed in 4 patients, including 3 in whom the tumor was located in the head of the pancreas. Eight patients underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, whereas spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed in one case. The median tumor size was 6 cm (range, 1.5–11 cm), the median operative time was 197 minutes (range, 68–320 minutes), and the median blood loss was 50 mL (range, <50–750 mL). Distal resections were performed with a linear stapler. Four patients had postoperative complications. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2–12 days). During a median follow-up period of 11 months (range, 3–121 months), no local recurrences or distant metastases were found.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic resections and enucleations of solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas can be performed safely and with adequate resection margins even if the tumors are located in the head of the organ.     

Hysteroscopic Transcervical Resection of Uterine Septum

Objective:

To explore the method of diagnosis for uterine septum and the clinical effect of hysteroscopic transcervical resection of the septum.

Methods:

One-hundred ninety cases of patients with uterine septum who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital during 2007–2011 were selected, and their general information, perioperative status, postoperative recovery treatment, and postoperative pregnancy rates were statistically analyzed.

Results:

All 190 patients were cured with one surgery, with an average hysteroscopic operating time of 22.60 ± 10.67 minutes and intraoperative blood loss of 15.74 ± 9.64 mL. There were no complications such as uterine perforation, water intoxication, infection, or heavy bleeding. Among the 115 patients that we followed up, 86 became pregnant and delivered infants, 81 of which were born at term and 5 that were born premature.

Conclusion:

The combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is still the most reliable method for the diagnosis of uterine septum. With a shorter operative time, less blood loss, a significantly increased postoperative pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and a significantly lower spontaneous abortion rate, transcervical resection of the septum was the preferred method for the treatment of uterine septum, and surgical instruments and skills were critical to the prognosis of uterine septum.     

Novel Port Placement and 5-mm Instrumentation for Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy

Background and Objectives:

The value of robotic surgery for gynecologic procedures has been critically evaluated over the past few years. Its drawbacks have been noted as larger port size, location of port placement, limited instrumentation, and cost. In this study, we describe a novel technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH) with 3 important improvements: (1) more aesthetic triangular laparoscopic port configuration, (2) use of 5-mm robotic cannulas and instruments, and (3) improved access around the robotic arms for the bedside assistant with the use of pediatric-length laparoscopic instruments.

Methods:

We reviewed a series of 44 women who underwent a novel RALH technique and concomitant procedures for benign hysterectomy between January 2008 and September 2011.

Results:

The novel RALH technique and concomitant procedures were completed in all of the cases without conversion to larger ports, laparotomy, or video-assisted laparoscopy. Mean age was 49.9 years (SD 8.8, range 33–70), mean body mass index was 26.1 (SD 5.1, range 18.9–40.3), mean uterine weight was 168.2 g (SD 212.7, range 60–1405), mean estimated blood loss was 69.7 mL (SD 146.9, range 20–1000), and median length of stay was <1 day (SD 0.6, range 0–2.5). There were no major and 3 minor peri- and postoperative complications, including 2 urinary tract infections and 1 case of intravenous site thrombophlebitis. Mean follow-up time was 40.0 months (SD 13.6, range 15–59).

Conclusion:

Use of the triangular gynecology laparoscopic port placement and 5-mm robotic instruments for RALH is safe and feasible and does not impede the surgeon''s ability to perform the procedures or affect patient outcomes.