Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Dismembered Pyeloplasty

OBJECTIVE: Advanced laparoscopic skills limit the implementation of laparoscopic pyeloplasty to centers with extensive experience. The introduction of robotic technology into the field of minimally invasive surgery has facilitated complex surgical dissection and genitourinary reconstruction. We report our experience with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System at 3 New York City medical centers. METHODS: A review of all robot-assisted laparoscopic Anderson-Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty cases in 38 patients (21 females, 17 males) between April 2001 and January 2004 was performed. All patients had symptoms or radiographic evidence of ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Robotic assistance with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System was used after preparation of the ureteropelvic junction with a standard laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: The average patient age was 39.3 years (range, 15 to 69). The mean operative time and suturing time were 225.6+/-59.3 minutes and 64.2+/-14.6 minutes. The average estimated blood loss was minimal at 77.3+/-55.3 mL. The mean length of hospitalization was 69.6 hours (range, 28 to 310). The average use of intravenous morphine was 26.5 mg (range, 0 to 162). No intraoperative complications occurred, and open conversions were not necessary. A mean follow-up of 12.2 months revealed a success rate of 94.7% with 2/38 patients requiring further treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This combined multi-institutional series reveals that robot-assisted pyeloplasty with the da Vinci Surgical System is safe and reproducible. These intermediate results appear comparable to results with open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty repairs

Carência de atenção à saúde ocular no setor público: um estudo de base populacional Shortage of ocular health care in the public system: a population-based study

Este estudo transversal de base populacional investigou a prevalência de utilização de serviços de saúde ocular e sua associação com fatores sócio-demográficos, necessidades em saúde e forma de financiamento da consulta. Avaliaram-se 2.960 indivíduos de 20 anos ou mais. Nos últimos cinco anos, 46% dos entrevistados e 30% daqueles com 50 anos ou mais não consultaram para os olhos. Dos que consultaram, 18% foram em óticas, e apenas 17% foram no setor público. O principal motivo foi não enxergar bem (69,5%). Falta de dinheiro (29%) e de tempo (24,6%) foram os principais motivos para ter deixado de consultar. Idade, escolaridade e nível econômico estiveram diretamente associados com ter consultado nos últimos cinco anos. Ser mulher, ter catarata, glaucoma e usar correção, bem como consultar no setor privado também estiveram positivamente associados com o desfecho. É preciso não só aumentar a participação do setor público, integrando a saúde ocular a todos os níveis de atenção, ampliando a participação de outros profissionais de saúde, como também intensificar o rastreamento de problemas oculares e a sua prevenção.<br>This cross-sectional population-based study investigated the prevalence of eye care services utilization and the association with socioeconomic and demographic factors, need for health care, and type of service payment. The study evaluated 2,960 adults aged 20 and older. In the previous 5 years, 46% of the sample and 30% of those aged 50 and older had not visited an eye care service. Among the persons who used a service, 18% went to an optical store and only 17% used the public health system. The main reason for using eye care services was poor vision (69.5%). Lack of money (29%) and time (24.6%) were the most frequently cited reasons for non-utilization. Age, education, and economic status were directly associated with the outcome. Female gender, cataract, glaucoma, prescription eyewear, and private appointments were also associated with the outcome. It is necessary to increase the public health system's role, integrating ocular health with all levels of health care, expanding participation by other health professionals, and intensifying screening and prevention of eye problems