Obstructed defaecation syndrome: European consensus guidelines on the surgical management.

Not availabl

Robot-assisted pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: an international Delphi study of expert users.

Robotic surgery has gained popularity for the reconstruction of pelvic floor defects. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that robot-assisted reconstructive surgery is either appropriate or superior to standard laparoscopy for the performance of pelvic floor reconstructive procedures or that it is sustainable. The aim of this project was to address the proper role of robotic pelvic floor reconstructive procedures using expert opinion. We set up an international, multidisciplinary group of 26 experts to participate in a Delphi process on robotics as applied to pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. The group comprised urogynecologists, urologists, and colorectal surgeons with long-term experience in the performance of pelvic floor reconstructive procedures and with the use of the robot, who were identified primarily based on peer-reviewed publications. Two rounds of the Delphi process were conducted. The first included 63 statements pertaining to surgeons' characteristics, general questions, indications, surgical technique, and future-oriented questions. A second round including 20 statements was used to reassess those statements where borderline agreement was obtained during the first round. The final step consisted of a face-to-face meeting with all participants to present and discuss the results of the analysis. The 26 experts agreed that robotics is a suitable indication for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery because of the significant technical advantages that it confers relative to standard laparoscopy. Experts considered these advantages particularly important for the execution of complex reconstructive procedures, although the benefits can be found also during less challenging cases. The experts considered the robot safe and effective for pelvic floor reconstruction and generally thought that the additional costs are offset by the increased surgical efficacy. Robotics is a suitable choice for pelvic reconstruction, but this Delphi initiative calls for more research to objectively assess the specific settings where robotic surgery would provide the most benefit

Enhanced Laparoscopic Vision Improves Detection of Intraoperative Adverse Events During Laparoscopy

International audienceBackground: The absence of visibility of the entire surgical scene in laparoscopic surgery can lead to unforeseen intraoperative complications. An Enhanced Laparoscopy Vision System (ELViS) was developed to eliminate the blind spots of the traditional endoscope by providing a broad view of the surgical scene from a distance, thanks to two additional images. This study assessed whether the broad view provided by the Enhanced Laparoscopic Vision (ELV) helped the surgeon to detect and react to an unexpected intraoperative adverse event (simulated hemorrhage) occurring while performing a standard task. Methods: While participants were performing a standard task (sorting pins) on a dry lab laparoscopic simulator with or without ELV, a simulated bleeding (LED lighting) was randomly triggered. Perprocedure metrics were recorded and surgeons' feedback gathered at the end of the session. Results: Thirteen Senior surgeons participated. Mean response time was significantly reduced when using ELV, with a similar number of simulated bleeding events between both modalities. All surgeons agreed that ELV could be helpful and constitutes an acceptable increase in cognitive load. Conclusion: In a dry lab setup, compared to traditional endoscopy, the broader field of view provided by ELV improved outcomes when dealing with unforeseen complications like bleeding

Safety and efficacy of dynamic muscle plasty for anal incontinence: lessons from a prospective, multicenter trial.

Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dynamic muscle plasty has been advocated as therapy for refractory fecal incontinence and for anorectal reconstruction to avoid colostomy after abdominoperineal resection. This study evaluates the results of a multicenter experience with dynamic muscle plasty in the treatment of fecal incontinence and total anal reconstruction. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine patients were enrolled at 12 centers between June 1992 and November 1994 and followed up through June 1996. Intramuscular leads and neurostimulators were implanted to stimulate transposed gracilis or gluteus muscle. Success was defined as 70% reduction in solid stool incontinence for patients with baseline incontinence and zero incontinence to solid stool for patients with baseline stomas and for patients undergoing total anal reconstruction. RESULTS: Overall, 85 of 128 graciloplasty patients (66%) achieved and maintained a successful outcome over the follow-up period. By etiology, these proportions were 71%, 50%, and 66% for patients with acquired fecal incontinence, congenital incontinence, and total anal reconstruction, respectively. One third of graciloplasty patients experienced a major wound complication, with therapy failing in 41%. Experienced centers had better outcomes and lower complication rates than inexperienced centers. Of the 11 gluteoplasty patients, 5 (45%) achieved and maintained a successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic graciloplasty may be an effective procedure for patients with refractory, end-stage fecal incontinence as well as for patients who require anorectal excision for low-lying malignancy. However, the procedure has significant morbidity that can lead to functional failure. Outcome after dynamic graciloplasty appears to correlate with surgical experience. In contrast to graciloplasty, the use of dynamic gluteoplasty should be limited to investigational purposes