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International Journal of Surgery... Nov 2021Despite the extensive published literature on the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) there are no reports on its efficacy in improving patient safety... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Despite the extensive published literature on the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) there are no reports on its efficacy in improving patient safety in robot-assisted surgery (RAS). The purposes of this work are to systematically review the published literature on AI in RAS, and to identify and discuss current limitations and challenges.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEExplore according to PRISMA 2020 statement. Eligible articles were peer-review studies published in English language from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Amstar 2 was used for quality assessment. Risk of bias was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Quality assessment tool. Data of the studies were visually presented in tables using SPIDER tool.
RESULTS
Thirty-five publications, representing 3436 patients, met the search criteria and were included in the analysis. The selected reports concern: motion analysis (n = 17), urology (n = 12), gynecology (n = 1), other specialties (n = 1), training (n = 3), and tissue retraction (n = 1). Precision for surgical tools detection varied from 76.0% to 90.6%. Mean absolute error on prediction of urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) ranged from 85.9 to 134.7 days. Accuracy on prediction of length of stay after RARP was 88.5%. Accuracy on recognition of the next surgical task during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) achieved 75.7%.
CONCLUSION
The reviewed studies were of low quality. The findings are limited by the small size of the datasets. Comparison between studies on the same topic was restricted due to algorithms and datasets heterogeneity. There is no proof that currently AI can identify the critical tasks of RAS operations, which determine patient outcome. There is an urgent need for studies on large datasets and external validation of the AI algorithms used. Furthermore, the results should be transparent and meaningful to surgeons, enabling them to inform patients in layman's words.
REGISTRATION
Review Registry Unique Identifying Number: reviewregistry1225.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Prostate; Prostatectomy; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 34695601
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106151 -
Annals of Surgery Mar 2021Describe clinical outcomes (eg, postoperative complications, survival) after robotic surgery compared to open or laparoscopic surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Describe clinical outcomes (eg, postoperative complications, survival) after robotic surgery compared to open or laparoscopic surgery.
BACKGROUND
Robotic surgery utilization has increased over the years across a wide range of surgical procedures. However, evidence supporting improved clinical outcomes after robotic surgery is limited.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of systematic reviews from inception to January 2019 for systematic reviews describing postoperative outcomes after robotic surgery. We qualitatively described patient outcomes of commonly performed robotic procedures: radical prostatectomy, hysterectomy, lobectomy, thymectomy, rectal resection, partial nephrectomy, distal gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, hepatectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and cholecystectomy.
RESULTS
One hundred fifty-four systematic reviews included 336 studies and 18 randomized controlled trials reporting on patient outcomes after robotic compared to laparoscopic or open procedures. Data from the randomized controlled trials demonstrate that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy offered fewer biochemical recurrence and improvement in quality of recovery and pain scores only up to 6 weeks postoperatively compared to open radical prostatectomy. When compared to laparoscopic prostatectomy, robotic surgery offered improved urinary and sexual functions. Robotic surgery for endometrial cancer had fewer conversion to open compared to laparoscopic. Otherwise, robotic surgery outcomes were similar to conventional surgical approaches for other procedures except for radical hysterectomy where minimally invasive approaches may result in patient harm compared to open approach.
CONCLUSION
Robotic surgery has been widely incorporated into practise despite limited supporting evidence. More rigorous research focused on patient-important benefits is needed before further expansion of robotic surgery.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Laparotomy; Postoperative Complications; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Survival Rate
PubMed: 32398482
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000003915 -
European Urology Open Science Jun 2023The resection technique used to excise tumor during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is of paramount importance in achieving optimal clinical outcomes. (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
The resection technique used to excise tumor during robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is of paramount importance in achieving optimal clinical outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the different resection techniques used during RPN, and a pooled analysis of comparative studies.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
The systematic review was conducted according to established principles (PROSPERO: CRD42022371640) on November 7, 2022. A population (P: adult patients undergoing RPN), intervention (I: enucleation), comparator (C: enucleoresection or wedge resection), outcome (O: outcome measurements of interest), and study design (S) framework was prespecified to assess study eligibility. Studies reporting a detailed description of resection techniques and/or evaluating the impact of resection technique on outcomes of surgery were included.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Resection techniques used during RPN can be broadly classified as resection (non-anatomic) or enucleation (anatomic). A standardized definition for these is lacking. Out of 20 studies retrieved, nine compared "standard" resection versus enucleation. A pooled analysis did not reveal significant differences in terms of operative time, ischemia time, blood loss, transfusions, or positive margins. Significant differences favoring enucleation were found for clamping management (odds ratio [OR] for renal artery clamping 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-10.88; = 0.03), overall complications (OR for occurrence 0.55, 95% CI 0.34-0.87; = 0.01) major complications (OR for occurrence 0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.79; = 0.009), length of stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.72 d, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.45; < 0.001), and decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (WMD -2.64 ml/min, 95% CI -5.15 to -0.12; = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
There is heterogeneity in the reporting of resection techniques used during RPN. The urological community must improve the quality of reporting and research produced accordingly. Positive margins are not specifically related to the resection technique. Focusing on studies comparing standard resection versus enucleation, advantages with tumor enucleation in terms of avoidance of artery clamping, overall/major complications, length of stay, and renal function were found. These data should be considered when planning the RPN resection strategy.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed studies on robotic surgery for partial kidney removal using different techniques to cut away the kidney tumor. We found that a technique called "enucleation" was associated with similar cancer control outcomes in comparison to the standard technique and had fewer complications, better kidney function after surgery, and a shorter hospital stay.
PubMed: 37182118
DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2023.03.008 -
European Urology Open Science Jun 2022Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has gained increasing popularity as primary minimally invasive surgical treatment for localized renal tumors, and it has... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has gained increasing popularity as primary minimally invasive surgical treatment for localized renal tumors, and it has preferably been performed with a transperitoneal approach. However, the retroperitoneal approach represents an alternative approach given potential advantages.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an updated analysis of the comparative outcomes of retroperitoneal RAPN (R-RAPN) versus transperitoneal RAPN (T-RAPN).
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review of the literature was performed up to September 2021 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. A sensitivity analysis was performed considering only matched-pair studies.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Seventeen studies, which were published between 2013 and 2021, were retrieved. None of them was a randomized clinical trial. Among the 6,266 patients included in the meta-analysis, 2261 (36.1%) and 4,005 (63.9%) underwent R-RAPN and T-RAPN, respectively. No significant difference was found in terms of baseline features. The T-RAPN group presented a higher rate of male patients (odds ratio [OR]: 0.86, = 0.03) and larger tumor size (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.2 cm; = 0.003). The R-RAPN group reported more frequent posterior renal masses (OR: 0.23; < 0.0001). The retroperitoneal approach presented lower estimated blood loss (WMD: 30.41 ml; = 0.001), shorter operative time (OT; WMD: 20.36 min; = 0.0001), and shorter length of stay (LOS; WMD: 0.35 d; = 0.002). Overall complication rates were 13.7% and 16.05% in the R-RAPN and T-RAPN groups, respectively (OR: 1.32; = 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding major (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥3 grade) complication rate, "pentafecta" achievement, as well as positive margin rates. When considering only matched-pair studies, no difference between groups was found in terms of baseline characteristics. Posterior renal masses were more frequent in the R-RAPN group (OR: 0.6; = 0.03). Similar to the analysis of the entire cohort, R-RAPN reported lower EBL (WMD: 35.56 ml; < 0.0001) and a shorter OT (WMD: 18.31 min; = 0.03). Overall and major complication rates were similar between the two groups. The LOS was significantly lower for R-RAPN (WMD: 0.46 d; = 0.02). No statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of overall PSM rates.
CONCLUSIONS
R-RAPN offers similar surgical outcomes to T-RAPN, and it carries potential advantages in terms of shorter OT and LOS. Available evidence remains limited by the lack of randomized clinical trials.
PATIENT SUMMARY
In this review of the literature, we looked at comparative outcomes of two surgical approaches to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. We found that the retroperitoneal technique offers similar surgical outcomes to the transperitoneal one, with potential advantages in terms of shorter operative time and length of hospital stay.
PubMed: 35515269
DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2022.03.015 -
BioMed Research International 2022To compare the effect of sutureless versus standard suture (double-layer suture) during renorrhaphy in laparoscopic or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To compare the effect of sutureless versus standard suture (double-layer suture) during renorrhaphy in laparoscopic or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy on perioperative and renal function outcomes.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and other sources were searched for randomized controlled trials or retrospective studies comparing sutureless partial nephrectomy versus standard suture partial nephrectomy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by two reviewers independently.
RESULTS
Five retrospective studies were included with a total of 634 patients. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate ( = 98.5%; WMD, -4.19 ml/min; 95% CI, -7.64 to -0.73; < 0.001) and no significant difference in postoperative complications ( = 0; RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.61 to 2.81; = 0.623). A significant advantage in terms of operating time ( = 53.9%; WMD, -29.08 min; 95% CI, -33.06 to -25.10; = 0.069) and warm ischemia time ( = 38.5%; WMD, -6.17 min; 95% CI, -6.99 to -5.36; = 0.165) favored sutureless, while there was no significant difference in blood loss ( = 58.1%; WMD, 3.10 ml; 95% CI, -39.18 to 45.38; = 0.049).
CONCLUSION
Sutureless during renorrhaphy is feasible and safe compared with standard suture. Sutureless can shorten the operating time and warm ischemia time without increasing postoperative complications, and thus, it protects renal function.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Laparoscopy; Nephrectomy; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36193318
DOI: 10.1155/2022/5260131 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2022High quality studies and reviews on the management of small renal masses (SRM) are lacking. This review aims to compare oncological outcomes in patients undergoing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
High quality studies and reviews on the management of small renal masses (SRM) are lacking. This review aims to compare oncological outcomes in patients undergoing ablative therapies (AT) or partial nephrectomy (PN) for T1a or T1b SRM.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and conference proceedings were searched on the 15th July 2020 for comparative studies respective to our research question. The ROBINS-I tool and the GRADE approach were used to assess any risk of biases and certainty of evidence in the included studies. The review is registered on PROSPERO.
RESULTS
1,748 records were retrieved. 32 observational studies and 1 RCT integrating 74,946 patients were included. Patients undergoing AT patients are significantly older than PN patients (MD 5.70, 95%CI 3.83-7.58). In T1a patients, AT patients have significantly worse overall survival (HR 1.64, 95%CI 1.39-1.95). Local recurrence-free survival is similar with PN in patients with longer than five-years follow up (HR 1.54, 95%CI 0.88-2.71). AT patients also have similar cancer-specific survival (CSS), metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, significantly fewer post-operative complications (RR 0.72, 95%CI 0.55-0.94), and a smaller decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate post-operatively (MD: -7.42, 95%CI -13.1 to -1.70) compared to those undergoing PN. Evidence contradicts in T1b patients for oncological outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
AT have similar long-term oncological durability; lower rates of complications and superior kidney function preservation compared to PN. Given the low quality of evidence, AT is a reasonable alternative to PN in frail and co-morbid patients. Long-term high-quality studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of AT, especially in T1b patients.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42020199099.
Topics: Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Nephrectomy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34958968
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106194 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2022Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is used more and more in present days as a therapy option for surgical treatment of cT1 renal masses. Current guidelines... (Review)
Review
Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is used more and more in present days as a therapy option for surgical treatment of cT1 renal masses. Current guidelines equally recommend open (OPN), laparoscopic (LPN), or robotic partial nephrectomy (PN). The aim of this review was to analyze the most representative RAPN series in terms of reported oncological outcomes. (2) Methods: A systematic search of Webofscience, PUBMED, Clinicaltrials.gov was performed on 1 August 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they: included patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stage T1, were prospective, used randomized clinical trials (RCT) or retrospective studies, had patients undergo RAPN with a minimum follow-up of 48 months. (3) Results: Reported positive surgical margin rates were from 0 to 10.5%. Local recurrence occurred in up to 3.6% of patients. Distant metastases were reported in up to 6.4% of patients. 5-year cancer free survival (CFS) estimates rates ranged from 86.4% to 98.4%. 5-year cancer specific survival (CSS) estimates rates ranged from 90.1% to 100%, and 5-year overall survival (OS) estimates rated ranged from 82.6% to 97.9%. (4) Conclusions: Data coming from retrospective and prospective series shows very good oncologic outcomes after RAPN. Up to now, 10-year survival outcomes were not reported. Taken together, RAPN deliver similar oncologic performance to OPN and LPN.
PubMed: 36294486
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206165 -
Actas Urologicas Espanolas Sep 2022Urinary fistula is expected to become more frequent in urological practice as a result of expanding indication of partial nephrectomy given it's oncological results... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Urinary fistula is expected to become more frequent in urological practice as a result of expanding indication of partial nephrectomy given it's oncological results equivalent to those of radical nephrectomy but at a lower risk of progression to chronic kidney disease, lower cardiovascular morbidity, and overall mortality.
OBJECTIVES
Review and compare different techniques of contemporary active management for urinary fistula after partial nephrectomy.
METHODS
A systematic literature search on the MEDLINE database was conducted in March 2020, combining the terms: "urine leak", "urine leakage", "urinary leak" and "urinary fistula", with: "partial nephrectomy", "nephron sparing surgery" and "renal sparing surgery". This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Only articles related to active treatment were eligible. Abstracts in English and Spanish from the last two decades were screened. No restriction based on study design nor the length of follow-up.
PRIMARY OUTCOMES
1) Leak resolution rate 2) Time course of leak resolution and 3) Number of interventions needed for resolution.
RESULTS
Multiple studies were found. There were no randomized controlled trials. Urinary fistula can be solved in many ways with active treatment, with a high success rate (97.5%), an average of 1.4 intervention-per-patients and a mean time for leak resolution of 11 days (median of 3 days).
CONCLUSION
There is a high risk of bias due to the study's methodology. There is a broad range of effective alternatives and various approaches to solve urinary fistula in an appropriate timing.
Topics: Humans; Kidney; Kidney Neoplasms; Nephrectomy; Urinary Fistula
PubMed: 35780049
DOI: 10.1016/j.acuroe.2022.06.004 -
Cancers Mar 2023(1) Background: In recent years there have been advances in imaging techniques, in addition to progress in the surgery of renal tumors directed towards minimally... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: In recent years there have been advances in imaging techniques, in addition to progress in the surgery of renal tumors directed towards minimally invasive techniques. Thus, nephron-sparing surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of T1 renal masses. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits of robotic partial nephrectomy in comparison with laparoscopic nephrectomy. (2) Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA criteria during September 2022. We included clinical trials, and cohort and case-control studies published between 2000 and 2022. This comprised studies performed in adult patients with T1 renal cancer and studies comparing robotic with open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. A risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. (3) Results: We observed lower hot ischemia times in the robotic surgery groups, although at the cost of an increase in total operative time, without appreciating the differences in terms of serious surgical complications (Clavien III-V). (4) Conclusions: Robotic partial nephrectomy is a safe procedure, with a shorter learning curve than laparoscopic surgery and with all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
PubMed: 36980679
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061793