Initial experience of Chinese surgical robot “Micro Hand S″-assisted versus open and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: Short-term outcomes in a single center

BackgroundA Chinese surgical robot, Micro Hand S, was introduced for clinical use as a novel robotic platform. This study aimed to comprehensively compare the early experience of the Micro Hand S robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME) with conventional approaches.MethodsBetween May 2017 and April 2018, 99 consecutive patients who underwent open, laparoscopic and Micro Hand S robot-assisted TME (O-/L-/RTME) for rectal cancer were included. Clinical and pathological outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical success as the primary endpoint was defined as the absence of (i) conversion, (ii) incomplete TME, (iii) involved circumferential and distal resection margins (CRM/DRM), (iv) severe complications.ResultsThe rate of surgical success was similar (89.7 vs. 86.4 vs. 84.6%, p = 0.851) in the three groups and the respective incidences were as follows: conversion (not applicable, 4.5 vs. 2.3%, p = 1.000), incomplete TME (6.9 vs. 6.8 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.980), involved CRM/DRM (0 vs. 2.3 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.592), severe complications (3.4 vs. 4.5 vs. 7.7%, p = 0.844). Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, the robotic surgery was associated with longer operative time, less blood loss, earlier first flatus time and liquid intake time, and shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Micro Hand S assisted TME is safe and feasible, showing comparable outcomes than conventional approaches, with superiority in blood loss, recovery of bowel function, length of hospital stay, but with increased operative time.     

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目的探讨经提肛肌外腹会阴联合切除术(extralevator abdom inoperineal excision,ELAPE)在低位直肠癌手术中的初步应用结果。方法回顾性分析2011年9月至2012年4月北京大学人民医院胃肠外科7例接受ELAPE的低位直肠癌病人的临床资料。结果 7例病人平均手术时间280min,平均出血量150mL,术中未发生医源性肠管穿孔,切除标本均无"外科腰",术后会阴切口延迟愈合1例,肠梗阻1例。结论 ELAPE治疗低位直肠癌安全可行,可降低术中穿孔发生率、可能降低环周切缘阳性率,短期随访预后良好,有望成为治疗进展期低位直肠癌的推荐术式。     

An MRI-based Assessment of Standard and Extralevator Abdominoperineal Excision Specimens: Time for a Patient Tailored Approach?

Background

The extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has been proposed as oncologically superior to standard abdominoperineal excision (SAPE). However, little is known regarding comparative margins achieved in ELAPE and SAPE. The purpose of this study was to compare patterns of tissue removal between these two groups that can aid patient selection.

Methods

Twenty APE specimens, comprising 10 SAPEs and 10 ELAPEs, were selected randomly from a single UK centre. Transverse slices of pathological specimens were matched to corresponding axial MRI images obtained from conventional pelvic MRI imaging. Measurements from the muscularis propria to the resection margin [muscularis to margin (MTM) distance] were recorded by height (from anal verge) and quadrant for each surgical group. MTM distances achieved on histopathological assessment were also compared to MRI assessed distances necessary to achieve a clear CRM.

Results

ELAPE specimens had a greater mean MTM distance than for SAPE (7.75 vs. 5.61 mm, p = 0.02). ELAPE had significantly greater MTM distances in lateral and posterior quadrants (p < 0.05) than SAPE at 30–49 mm. There was no significant difference in mean anterior distances (1.57 vs. 1.16 mm, p = 0.507) with the smallest difference at a height of 60–69 mm. Two (2 %) of pathological MTM distances within ELAPE group failed to achieve the minimum MRI assessed distance compared with 30 (23 %) in the SAPE group, which had higher CRM positivity.

Conclusions

ELAPE appears to confer oncological benefit over SAPE but with notable exceptions, including tumours located above and below the puborectalis sling and anteriorly at the level of prostate where exenteration may be more appropriate.     

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腹会阴联合切除术(APE)和全直肠系膜切除(TME)明显改善了直肠癌病人的预后。然而,与直肠癌前切除手术(AR)相比,低位直肠癌的环周切缘(CRM)阳性率和术中穿孔(IOP)的发生率仍然很高,这是导致复局部发率高的重要因素。提肛肌外腹会阴联合切除术(ELAPE)可明显降低CRM阳性率和IOP发生率,增加局部根治性。在欧洲,ELAPE被认为是治疗低位直肠癌的外科新理念。ELAPE手术要求在会阴区沿提肛肌外侧平面操作,腹部手术遵循TME原则。明确解剖标志和操作原则可缩短外科医生的学习曲线。     

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??Re-discussion on the necessity and surgical indication of extralevator abdominoperineal excision for low rectal cancer YAO Hong-wei*??LI Wen-di??LIU Yin-hua. *Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
Corresponding author: LIU Yin-hua, E-mail: liuyinhua@medmail.com.cn
Abstract The extralevator abdominoperineal excision??ELAPE??through the anatomical plane outside the levator meets with the holy plane of total mesorectal excision to ensure the integrity of the surgical specimen. The rates of positive circumferential resection margin and intra-operative perforation were decreased by extended resection of levator. In recent years, in the field of colorectal surgery a debate was risen that if ELAPE can replace abdominoperineal resection (APR). How to determine the indication of ELAPE? How to improve perineal incision complications of ELAPE? And how to determine the survival benefit of ELAPE? Along with the related research, ideas gradually clear. For low rectal cancer staging cT1-2 or ycT0-2, APR procedure is still the standard operation. In the absence of a high level of evidence based medicine, it’s too early to say that ELAPE can replace APR. Tumor staging ycT3-4 after neoadjuvant treatment is more suitable for ELAPE. The reduction of local recurrence rate and benefit of long-term survival is looked forward to.     

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??Analysis of the learning curve for extralevator abdominoperineal excision for low rectal cancer??Lessons from a single center`s experience GAO Zhi-dong??WANG Chao??SHEN Zhan-long??et al. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery??Peking University People’s Hospital??Beijing 100044??China
Corresponding author??YE Ying-jiang??E-mail??yeyingjiang@pkuph.edu.cn
Abstract Objective To evaluate the learning curve of extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) for rectal cancer. Methods The clinical data of 55 patients with rectal cancer performed ELAPE at Peking University People`s Hospital between June 2012 and October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. A cumulative sum (CSCUM) analysis was used to derive the learning curve. The differences between the learning phase and the proficient phase in surgical effects were analyzed retrospectively. Results The cumulative sum analysis revealed the degree of proficiency increased after 30 cases. Compared with learning phase??30 cases????the operative time [??246.6±51.1??min vs.??286.3±43.2??min]??intraoperative blood loss[??146.9±76.0??mL vs.??215.7±162.9??mL]??postoperative dieting time [??6±1??d vs.??7±2??d] in proficient phase (25 cases) decreased significantly respectively (P<0.05). The hospital stay [??19±8??d vs.??18±9??d]??lymph nodes harvest [??17±6??vs.??17±9??]??operation-related complications incidence (24.0% vs. 40.0%)?? positive circumferential resection margin (4.0% vs.3.3%)??intraoperative perforation incidence (0 vs. 6.7%) and the quality of specimens had no any statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion The learning process for ELAPE has a greater effect on the first 30 cases.     

低位直肠癌肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术学习曲线研究

目的 探讨直肠癌肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术（ELAPE）的学习曲线。方法 回顾性分析北京大学人民医院胃肠外科2012年6月至2014年10月接受ELAPE的55例直肠癌病人的临床资料,运用累积和控制图找出熟练掌握ELAPE所需要的例数,然后比较学习期和熟练期病人的手术效果。结果 累积和控制分析显示熟练掌握ELAPE所需手术例数节点为30例。熟练期（30例）较学习期（25例）手术时间［（246.6±51.1）min vs.（286.3±43.2）min］、术中出血［（146.9±76.0）mL vs. （215.7±162.9）mL］和术后进食时间［（6.0±1.0）d vs.（7.0±2.0）d］均显著减少（P<0.05）。两组术后住院时间［（19.0±8.0）d vs. （18.0±9.0）d］、淋巴结检出总数［（17.0±6.0）枚vs.（17.0±9.0）枚］、手术相关并发症发生率（24.0% vs. 40.0%）、环周切缘阳性率（4.0% vs. 3.3%）、术中穿孔发生率（0 vs. 6.7%）、手术标本质量差异无统计学意义（P> 0.05）。结论 直肠癌ELAPE的学习曲线约为30例,即可达到较熟练程度。     

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??Progress of extralevator abdominoperineal excision for advanced low rectal cancer WANG Zhen-jun, HAN Jia-gang. Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hosptial, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
Corresponding author:WANG Zhen-jun,E-mail: wang3zj@sohu.com
Abstract Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE), has been described as a method for improving the outcome of advanced low rectal cancer, probably because of more pelvic dissection and less positive circumferential resection margin (CRM). However, ELAPE might result in a significantly increased rate of perineal wound complications, urinary and sexual dysfunction and chronic perineal pain. Several studies suggest that ELAPE is not associated with deterioration in quality of life when compared with conventional APR. Individual ELAPE has the potential to reduce the risk of chronic perineal pain and sexual dysfunction without influenced the radical effect. Biologic meshes using in perineal reconstruction significantly reduce the operative time, length of stay in hospital and the cost per patient. Laparoscopic or robotic assistance enables ELAPE with acceptable perioperative and pathological outcomes. Although several studies show no benefit for ELAPE regarding oncological outcomes, ELAPE is still a milestone operation based on accurate surgery principle.     

腹腔镜经肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术对低位直肠癌病人泌尿生殖功能和生活质量影响研究

目的 比较腹腔镜经肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术（ELAPE）与传统腹会阴联合切除术（APE）对低位直肠癌病人术后泌尿生殖功能及生活质量的影响。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2020年4月首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院普通外科收治的行腹腔镜ELAPE或APE的92例低位直肠癌病人的临床资料,其中ELAPE 60例（65.2%）,APE 32例（34.8%）。采用国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）和国际勃起功能指数（IIEF-5）评估病人的泌尿生殖功能,欧洲癌症研究与治疗组织生活质量核心问卷30（EORTC QLQ-C30）和结直肠癌病人专用生存质量问卷29（QLQ-CR29）评估生活质量。结果 ELAPE组和APE组病人在年龄、性别、基础疾病、术后并发症、淋巴结清扫数目、肿瘤分期、肿瘤分化情况、系膜切除质量、脉管浸润和神经侵犯方面差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组在术前泌尿生殖功能和生活质量评分方面差异亦无统计学意义（P>0.05）。与APE组相比,ELAPE组盆底重建率显著增高（76.7% vs. 0,P＜0.001）。两组病人术后IIEF-5评分差异无统计学意义［14（11~17）分 vs. 17（11~20.5）分,P=0.422］,ELAPE组术后IPSS评分显著低于APE组［3（2~5）分 vs. 2（1~4）分,P=0.039］。两组泌尿功能障碍分级差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。EORTC QLQ-C30结果显示,ELAPE组病人术后躯体功能显著优于APE组［86.7（73.3~93.3）分 vs. 70.0（60.0~85.0）分,P=0.005］。结论 对于低位直肠癌,与腹腔镜APE相比,腹腔镜ELAPE术后病人泌尿功能较差,而对术后生殖功能和生活质量无明显影响。     

直肠癌行肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术研究进展

肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术（ELAPE）是治疗低位进展期直肠癌的重要术式。近年来,ELAPE手术方式和技术在逐渐发展,其突出的优点是手术简单、精准、根治性有所提高。腹腔镜和机器人手术系统行ELAPE亦取得肯定效果。多数研究认为,ELAPE降低了环周切缘阳性率、肿瘤穿孔发生率,并可能进一步降低局部复发率和提高存活率。由于切除了更多的肿瘤周围组织,ELAPE可能会增加术后会阴部伤口并发症、泌尿生殖功能障碍和骶尾部慢性疼痛的发生,但有关生活质量研究认为,ELAPE术后病人总体生活质量与传统经腹会阴联合切除术（APR）无显著差别。个体化ELAPE手术可能降低术后并发症发生率。应用生物补片重建盆底有助于缩短住院时间,减少住院花费。笔者认为,ELAPE从理念上强调了沿肛门外括约肌-提肛肌外侧筋膜平面切除的重要性,尽可能保留坐骨直肠窝脂肪,以解剖学基础指导手术,符合肿瘤根治的精准原则。     

Comparison of vacuum sealing drainage and conventional drainage for postoperative drainage in closed calcaneal fracture: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and conventional drainage after surgery in the treatment of closed calcaneal fracture. We hypothesize that VSD is superior to conventional drainage in reducing volume of drainage, time of wound drying, time of skin fold, time of wound healing, VAS at day 3 postoperatively, wound complications and increasing wound healing grade.Methods120 patients with closed calcaneal fractures from January 2016 to December 2018 were enrolled in our study. They were divided randomly into VSD group (n = 60) and conventional (n = 60). The volume of drainage, duration of drainage, time of wound drying, time of skin fold, time of wound healing and VAS at day 3 postoperatively were recorded. Furthermore, the wound complications of the two groups were also evaluated. Besides, wound healing grade was used to assess the degree of wound healing. The functional outcome American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores was also evaluated.ResultsA total of 10 patients were lost to follow-up for various reasons, VSD group remained 55 cases while conventional group remained 53 cases. Our results showed that VSD group exhibited significantly more volume of drainage (P< 0.0001), longer duration of drainage (P< 0.0001), shorter time of wound drying (P = 0.0086), shorter time of skin fold (P = 0.0158), shorter time of wound healing (P = 0.0240) and lower VAS at day 3 postoperatively (P = 0.0019) compared with conventional group. Moreover, VSD group was demonstrated to have significantly lower wound complications (P = 0.025) and higher rate grade A of wound healing (P = 0.031). However, no significant difference was noted in time of fracture union (P = 0.754), VAS (P = 0.407) and AOFAS score (P = 0.512) at final follow-up between the two groups.ConclusionsOur hypothesis was confirmed that VSD was superior in terms of some aspects than conventional drainage. Therefore, VSD is a safe and effective postoperative wound drainage method in the treatment of closed calcaneal fracture. However, more and higher evidence needs to be carried to demonstrate the results.     

经肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术与传统腹会阴联合切除术对低位直肠癌疗效比较的Meta分析

目的系统比较经肛提肌外腹会阴联合切除术（ELAPE）与传统腹会阴联合切除术（APE）对低位直肠癌的治疗效果。方法计算机检索Cochrane图书馆、PubMed、EMbase、中国知网和维普等数据库中以低位直肠癌为研究对象、并设有ELAPE与APE对照的临床研究文献,采用Cochrane系统评价方法对两种术式的术中穿孔率、环周切缘阳性率、术后局部复发率及术后会阴切口并发症发生率进行Meta分析。结果共6篇文献（1篇随机对照研究和5篇非随机对照研究）656例病例纳入研究,其中ELAPE组346例,APE组310例。Meta分析结果显示,ELAPE组环周切缘阳性率（RR=0．48,95％CI：0．36-0．65）和局部复发率（RR=0．43,95％C1：0．19-0．99）明显低于APE组;而两组患者术中穿孔率（RR=0．45,95％CI：0．15-1．37）和术后会阴切口并发症发生率（RR=I．20,95％CI：0．57-2．50）的差异无统计学意义。结论相较于传统APE术,ELAPE术具有更低的环周切缘阳性率和局部复发率。     

Randomized clinical trial of conventional versus cylindrical abdominoperineal resection for locally advanced lower rectal cancer

BackgroundAn alternative treatment for low rectal cancer is the cylindrical technique. We aim to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing conventional abdominoperineal resection (APR) versus cylindrical APR.MethodsA prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel controlled trial was conducted between January 2008 and December 2010. Sixty-seven patients with T3-T4 low rectal cancer were identified during the study period (conventional n = 32, cylindrical n = 35).ResultsPatients who received cylindrical APR had less operative time for the perineal portion (P < .001), larger perineal defect (P < .001), less intraoperative blood loss (P = .001), larger total cross-sectional tissue area (P < .001), similar total operative time (P = .096), and more incidence of perineal pain (P < .001). The local recurrence of the cylindrical APR group was improved statistically (P = .048).ConclusionsCylindrical APR in the prone jackknife position has the potential to reduce the risk of local recurrence without increased complications when compared with conventional APR in the lithotomy position for the treatment of low rectal cancer.     

Pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer: Prognosis analysis disaggregated by the origin of the primary tumor

BackgroundThe metastatic pattern differs between colon cancer and rectal cancer because of the distinct venous drainage systems. It is unclear whether colon cancer and rectal cancer are associated with different prognostic factors based on the anatomic difference.MethodsWe assessed the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy (PM), disaggregated by the location of primary colorectal cancer. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify variables that influenced the outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2017, 179 patients underwent PM classified into colon cancer and rectal cancer groups based on the site of origin of metastasis. The median postoperative follow-up was 2.3 years (range, 0.1–10.6). The post-PM 5-year survival rate in the colon cancer and rectal cancer groups was 42.5% and 39.9%, respectively (p = 0.310). On multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, presence of previous liver metastasis [hazard ratio (HR), 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–4.51; p = 0.013], numbers of tumors (≥2; HR, 6.56; 95% CI, 2.07–20.79; p = 0.001), and abnormal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.34–4.64; p = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors in patients with metastatic rectal cancer.ConclusionsPrognostic correlates of post-PM survival differ between colon and rectal cancer. Rectal cancer patients have worse prognosis if they have a history of liver metastasis, multiple pulmonary metastases, or abnormal preoperative CEA. These results may help assess the survival benefit of PM and facilitate treatment decision-making.     

Trauma Hybrid Operating Room (THOR) shortened procedure time in abdominopelvic trauma patients requiring surgery and interventional radiology procedures

IntroductionAbdominopelvic injuries are common, and bleeding occurring in both cavities requires various bleeding control techniques i.e., laparotomy, angiographic embolization (AE), and orthopedic fixation. Hence, the use of Trauma Hybrid Operating Room (THOR) in abdominopelvic injuries has theoretical advantages including rapid bleeding control and minimizing patient transportation. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of THOR in abdominopelvic injuries.MethodA pre-post intervention study of abdominopelvic injury patients requiring both surgery and interventional radiology (IR) procedures for bleeding control from January 2015 to May 2020 was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 groups, pre-THOR group (received surgery in OR and scheduled for IR procedures in a separate IR suite, before December 2017) and THOR group (received all procedures in THOR, after December 2017). The primary outcomes were procedure time (including transit time in the pre-THOR group) and mortality.ResultsNinety-one abdominopelvic trauma patients were identified during the study period, 56 patients in pre-THOR group and 35 patients in THOR group. Distribution of injuries was similar in both groups (59 abdominal injuries, 25 pelvic fractures, and 7 combined injuries). The bleeding-control interventions in both groups were 79 laparotomies, 10 preperitoneal pelvic packings, 12 pelvic fixations, 45 liver AEs, and 21 pelvic AEs. THOR group underwent significantly less thoracotomy (1 vs. 11, p = 0.036), more resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA, 0 vs. 5, p = 0.014), and more pelvic AE (13 vs. 9, p = 0.043). The procedure time was significantly shorter in THOR group (153 min vs. 238 min, p = 0.030). Excluding the transit time in the pre-THOR group, procedure time was not significantly different (153 vs. 154 min, p = 0.872). Both groups had similar mortality rates of 34%, but the mortality due to exsanguination was significantly lower in THOR group (11% vs. 34%, p = 0.026).ConclusionsTHOR eliminated transit time, resulting in shorter procedure time in abdominopelvic trauma patients requiring bleeding-control intervention. Although overall mortality reduction could not be demonstrated, the mortality due to exsanguination was reduced in THOR group.     

Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Stage I Rectal Cancer: Long-term Oncologic Outcomes

Background

Laparoscopic resection is increasingly being performed for rectal cancer. However, few data are available to compare long-term outcomes after open versus laparoscopic surgery for early-stage rectal cancer.

Methods

Included in this retrospective study were 160 patients who underwent surgery for stage I rectal cancer between 2001 and 2008. Perioperative outcomes, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared for open versus laparoscopic surgery.

Results

Altogether, 85 patients were treated using open surgery and 80 with laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative mortality (0 vs. 1.3 %; p = 1.00), morbidity (31.3 vs. 25.0 %; p = 0.38), and harvested lymph nodes (22.5 vs. 20.0; p = 0.84) were similar for the two groups. However, operating time was longer (183.8 vs. 221.0 min; p = 0.008), volume of intraoperative bleeding was less (200.0 vs. 150.0 ml; p = 0.03), time to first bowel movement was shorter (3.54 vs. 2.44 days; p < 0.001), rate of superficial surgical-site infection was lower (7.5 vs. 0 %; p = 0.03), and postoperative hospital stay was shorter (11.0 vs. 8.0 days; p < 0.001) in the laparoscopy group than in the open surgery group. At 5 years, there was no difference in OS (98.6 vs. 97.1 %; p = 0.41) or DFS (98.2 vs. 96.4 %; p = 0.30) between the open and laparoscopy groups.

Conclusions

Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for stage I rectal cancer were comparable to those of open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, however, produced more favourable short-term outcomes than open surgery.     

Periarticular multimodal analgesia in decreasing perioperative pain in tibial plateau fractures: A double blind randomized controlled pilot study

IntroductionThe use of periarticular multimodal analgesia injections is increasing and has become commonplace in some surgeries. However, there is no data on the effectiveness of local periarticular multimodal analgesia for tibial plateau fractures. We hypothesized that closed tibial plateau fracture patients receiving the local multimodal analgesic medications would experience a decrease in VAS pain scores.MethodsPatients aged between 18 and 79 with an isolated closed tibial plateau fracture (AO 41-B and C) were prospectively enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 double blinded fashion to either a placebo or active medication treatment arm. After ORIF, gel-foam sponges soaked in either multimodal analgesic solution or normal saline. Patients were followed for 24 h post-operatively with Visual Analog pain Scores (VAS). Patients were monitored post-operatively for complications including compartment syndrome, infection, and non-union.ResultsThe planned study was terminated prior to completion due to higher than anticipated rates of infection (18%), distributed equally among active (3) and placebo (2) groups, raising concerns that this may have been due to the presence of the delivery device. Twenty-eight patients were enrolled, 15 in the active group and 13 in the placebo group. Patients in the active medication group had significantly decreased pain scores at hours 4 (p = 0.005, 4.2 vs 6.9), 8 (p = 0.05, 5 vs 7), and 12 (p = 0.02, 3.8 vs 6.2). Pain scores at hours 16 (p = 0.10, 4.5 vs 6.5), 20 (p = 0.08, 4.6 vs 6.4), and 24 (p = 0.10, 4.8 vs 6.5) were also decreased but did not reach significance.DiscussionThe use of local multimodal periarticular analgesic for closed tibial plateau fractures appears to be beneficial for short-term pain control post-operatively. Concerns regarding an implantable delivery vehicle leading to infection has warranted a change in method of drug administration. Completion of the full study will permit us to validate or refute these findings.Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level 1     

Early tracheostomy and active exercise programmes in adult intensive care patients with severe burns

BackgroundTracheostomy is a strategy often employed in patients requiring prolonged intubation in ICU settings. Evidence suggests that earlier tracheostomy and early active exercise are associated with better patient centered outcomes. Severe burn patients often require prolonged ventilatory support due to their critical condition, complex sedation management and multiple operating room visits. It is still unclear the optimal timing for tracheostomy in this population.MethodsWe conducted a service evaluation where we compared Early Tracheostomy (≤10 days) with Late Tracheostomy (>10 days) in 41 severely burned patients that required prolonged respiratory support.ResultsEarly Tracheostomy cohort was associated with fewer days of mechanical ventilation (16 vs 33, p = 0.001), shorter hospital length of stay (65 vs 88 days, p = 0.018), earlier first day of active exercise (day 8 vs day 25, p < 0.0001) and higher Functional Assessment for Burns scores upon discharge (32 vs 28, p = 0.016).ConclusionEarly tracheostomy in patients with severe burns is associated with earlier active exercise, fewer days of ventilation, shorter length of hospital stay and better physical functional independence upon discharge from hospital.     

A comparative study of laparoscopic and robotic assisted radical prostatectomy performed by a single surgeon

ObjectiveTo present the transition from laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) to robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) over 10 years in a medium volume center by a single surgeon.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 140 prostate cancer patients who underwent LRP (100 patients) or RALP (40 patients) between May 2005 and May 2015. Preoperative parameters included age, body mass index, and serum prostate specific antigen. Operative course parameters included operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion, conversion to open surgery, hospitalization days, duration of Foley catheterization, and complications. Pathological stage, surgical margin status, biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate, and continence rate at 12 months after surgery were reviewed and compared between the LRP and RALP groups.ResultThe operative outcomes revealed significantly less blood loss (143 mL vs. 306 mL, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (6.9 days vs. 8.7 days, p = 0.006), and shorter duration of Foley catheterization (9.3 days vs. 11.3 days, p < 0.001) in patients who underwent RALP. Major perioperative complications occurred in four LRP patients (4%), and none were observed in RALP patients. LRP and RALP had similar positive surgical margin rates (p = 0.285) and BCR rates (p = 0.88). RALP resulted in better continence recovery than LRP (55% vs. 82.5%, p = 0.003).ConclusionPatients who underwent RALP had better perioperative and functional outcomes. Oncologic outcomes were similar compared to patients who underwent LRP.     

Hirschsprung disease in Down syndrome: An opportunity for improvement

BackgroundDown syndrome (DS) is the most common abnormality associated with Hirschsprung disease (HD). It has been suggested patients with HD and DS have worse outcomes, however the literature is controversial.MethodsThe Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) from 2003 to 2012 was used to identify newborns with HD. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were compared among patients with and without DS using standard statistical tests.ResultsThere were 481 patients identified with HD, of which 45 (9%) had DS. Patients with DS were older at the time of first rectal biopsy (6 [3–11] days vs. 4 [3–6] days, p = 0.012). There were no differences in operative versus non-operative management in patients with and without DS (p = 0.706). Hospital length of stay was longer in the DS cohort (22 [13–33] days vs. 15 [10–24] days, p = 0.019), and patients with DS were more likely to have a concomitant diagnosis of wound infection (<12% vs. 3%, p = 0.002) and necrotizing enterocolitis (<14% vs. 5%, p = 0.018). The mortality rate for patients with DS was four times higher than those without DS (< 5% vs. < 0.8%, p = 0.018).ConclusionIn this nationwide cohort of patients with Hirschsprung disease, those with Down syndrome experienced delays in diagnosis and worse outcomes.Level of evidenceLevel III.Type of studyTreatment study, retrospective comparative study.