Robotic removal of Müllerian duct remnants in pediatric patients: our experience and a review of the literature.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is a disorder of sexual development, which features a failure of involution of Müllerian structures. An enlarged prostatic utricle is a kind of Müllerian duct remnant (MDR) with a tubular shaped structure communicating with the prostatic urethra. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms when present, preserve fertility and prevent neoplastic degeneration. We describe 3 cases of successful robot assisted-removal of symptomatic MDRs. The first case came to our attention for pseudo-incontinence; the other two for recurrent urinary tract infections. The patients have not presented such symptoms anymore on follow-up. We then reviewed existent literature on authors who have recently investigated the main issues concerning MDRs and have attempted a roboticassisted approach on them. Robot-assisted laparoscopy can be considered a valid, safe and effective minimally-invasive technique for the primary treatment of prostatic utricle

High Pressure Balloon Dilatation of Primary Obstructive Megaureter in Children: A Multicenter Study

Aim of the Study: We described the initial experience of four referral centers in the treatment of primary obstructive megaureter (POM) in children, by high-pressure balloon dilatation (HPBD) of the ureterovesical junction with double JJ stenting. We managed a retrospective multicenter study to assess its effectiveness in long-term.Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all children who underwent HPBD for POM that require surgical treatment from May 2012 to December 2017 in four different institutions. The primary outcome measured was ureterohydronephrosis (UHN) and its degree of improvement after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and resolution of preoperative symptomatology.Main Results: Forty-two ureters underwent HPBD for POM in 33 children, with a median age of 14.7 months – (range: 3 months −15 years). Ureterohydronephrosis improves in 86% of ureters after one endoscopic treatment. Three cases required a second HPBD. Four patients required surgical treatment for worsening of UHN after endoscopic treatment. The post-operative complication rate was 50% (21 ureters). In 13 cases (61%), they were related to double J stent. The median follow-up was 24 months (2 months −5 years) and all patients were symptom-free.Conclusion: We reported the first multicenter study and the largest series of children treated with HPBD, with an overall success rate of 92%. Endoscopic treatment can be a definitive treatment of POM since it avoided reimplantation in 90% of cases. Complications are mainly due to double J stent

Prise en charge des pseudo-obstructions intestinales chroniques (limites et place de la chirurgie)

TOURS-BU Médecine (372612103) / SudocPARIS-BIUM (751062103) / SudocSudocFranceF

Experience implication in subjective surgical ergonomics comparison between laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries

International audienceIntroduction Laparoscopic surgery (LS) may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and an increase in physical and mental workloads to the surgeon. Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) should improve the ergonomy of the surgeon. This study assesses the experience influence in surgical ergonomics between LS and RAS. Methods LS and RAS lasting more than 60 min of effective operative time were compared. During the surgical procedure, the physical discomfort was evaluated using the Borg scale. At the end, the mental workload was evaluated using the NASA-TLX index. After global analysis, the experienced and young surgeons were assessed. Results 88 RAS and 82 LS were evaluated. During LS, the physical discomfort was significantly higher in all segments, and the pain increased significantly during the procedure in all segments compared to that evaluated in the RAS (p < 0.05). Forearms and the back were the most painful. The young surgeons did not display any improvement in the physical ergonomics of the RAS compared to the LS. Concerning the mental ergonomics, the overall workload and performance were significantly greater during the LS compared to the RAS (p < 0.05). For the young surgeons, the overall workload, the effort, the mental and the physical demands were greater during LS (p < 0.05). For the experienced surgeons, the physical demand was lower during the RAS compared to the LS (p < 0.05). However, the experienced surgeons expressed a feeling of greater performance after the LS (p < 0.01). RAS significantly reduces the onset of MSDs compared to LS, especially for the experienced surgeons. Conclusion RAS significantly reduces the onset of MSDs compared to LS, especially for the experienced surgeons

An easy-to-follow algorithm to improve pre-operative diagnosis for appendicitis in children.

International audienceGoal: To evaluate physician compliance with use of a diagnostic algorithm for appendicitis in children. Our secondary objective was to determine the impact of the algorithm on diagnostic accuracy and morbidity. Methods: We conducted a clustered randomized trial in eight centers. A total of 866 patients were included and, depending on the period of randomization at particular centers, 543 patients were managed before the formal institution of the diagnostic algorithm; their diagnostic management was compared to that of the subsequent 323 patients. Results: There was a 29.1% mean increase in the use of imaging studies included in the algorithm after algorithm set-up, rising from 50.8 to 79.9% (P < 0.02). When we used a composite endpoint of ‘‘poor results’’ (grouping patients with incorrect diagnoses and/or post-operative complications), no statistically significant difference was found between the two periods (85/543 (15.6%) before vs. 45/323 (13.9%) after set-up, P = 0.5). But when the number of incorrect diagnoses of appendicitis made without the use of the algorithm was compared to that of patients who took advantage of the algorithm, the difference was highly significant (67/332 [20.2%] vs. 63/534 [11.8%], P < 0.001), and the rate of unnecessary appendectomy decreased from 11.9 to 5.3% (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our diagnostic algorithm improved the adherence to good practice for the diagnosis of appendicitis in children, reducing the rates of unnecessary appendectomy and morbidity. This strategy, combining laboratory tests and imaging, should permit pediatric surgeons to adapt their therapeutic approaches to specific cases

Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology: A Critical Appraisal of the GECI and SIVI Consensus of European Experts

: Background: This study aimed to create a consensus statement on the indications, applications, and limitations of robotics in pediatric urology. Methods: After a panel and interactive discussion focused on pediatric robotics, a televoting with 10 questions was administered to 100 pediatric surgeons/urologists attending the joint meeting of the French Group of Pediatric Laparoscopy (GECI)/Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy (SIVI) in 2021. The results of televoting were analyzed electronically using Mentometer software. Results: Ninety-four percent of participants stated that the cutoff weight for robotics should be >10-15 kg. A minimum of 20-30 procedures should be performed to become confident in robotics (74%). Pediatric urology is the main field of application (73%) and pyeloplasty is the best indication for robotics (63%). Technical problems may happen intraoperatively in 1/10-15 cases (64%). The mean duration of robotic procedures ranges from 150 to 200 minutes (72%). The main drawbacks of robotics are high costs and limited development of miniaturized instruments (74%). Ninety-five percent believed that the costs of robotics may significantly drop with the availability of more robotic brands. The main advantages of robotics over laparoscopy include improved dexterity, easier suturing, and better ergonomics (100%), whereas the main disadvantage of sharing the robot with other specialties is the wearing out of instruments (100%). Conclusions: This is the first consensus statement, endorsed by the GECI and SIVI societies, on the use of robotics in pediatric urology. The need to introduce more robotic brands on the market to lower the costs and to develop miniaturized instruments to be adopted in infants less than 10 kg emerged. Pediatric urology is the main field of application of pediatric robotics, and robotic pyeloplasty is the most common procedure performed. Proctorship is needed for the first 20-30 procedures and technical problems may occur intraoperatively in 1/10-15 cases. The main advantages of robotics over laparoscopy are improved dexterity, easier suturing, and better surgeon ergonomics

Educational Concerns About the Safety of Cataract Surgery During Residency: The E3CAPS Pedagogic Study

International audienceIntroductionCataract surgery is the most common surgical procedure performed in France. While the incidence of intraoperative complications affecting visual prognosis is extremely low, given the large number of patients operated on, the absolute number of patients affected by complications is quite high. Complication rates are significantly higher when ophthalmology residents (ORs) perform the surgery. Although lack of experience remains the main risk factor, sleep deprivation may adversely affect ORs' successful surgery rate. The value of the EyeSi and REG; surgical simulator in initial training has been demonstrated to increase cataract surgery safety through the transfer of surgical skills from the simulator to the operating room. However, there is no consensus regarding how much training is needed before the first-time ORs are allowed to operate. There is also no scientific evidence that sleep deprivation is associated with a decrease in surgical performance. Establishing a validated protocol for cataract surgery training using the EyeSi surgical simulator (referred to further as the EyeSi) and identifying risk factors for intraoperative complications related to sleep deprivation will improve cataract surgery safety and lead to the reorganization of our healthcare systems.Methods and Planned OutcomesThis multi-centre educational cohort study will include two distinct axes which will both aim to reduce the risks of cataract surgery. Enrollment will include 16 first-year ORs for Axis 1 and 25 experienced residents for Axis 2, all from the University Hospitals of Nantes, Tours, Angers and Rennes. Axis 1 will focus on investigating the learning curve of first-year ORs using the EyeSi, following the training program recommended by the &quot;College des Ophtalmologistes Universitaires de France&quot; in order to set up a future &quot;licence to operate.&quot; Axis 2 will evaluate the impact of sleep deprivation on the surgical performance of experienced ORs using the EyeSi

Thoracoscopy and solid tumors in children: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopy in the treatment of solid thoracic tumors in children. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter review of 139 thoracoscopies was performed. The procedures were either resection of pulmonary lesions or biopsy. Complications, histologic biopsy results, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine procedures were performed in 134 children. There were 72 males and 62 females, with a mean age of 9.2 years (3 months to 17 years). The mean follow-up was 4.5 years. Thirty-eight primitive tumors were managed, 20 of which had a complete thorascopic resection, and nine biopsies were performed. In 9 additional cases, an open conversion was necessary. Among the 20 complete resections, 17 of the lesions were neurogenic tumors (i.e., neuroblastoma or ganglioneuroma). Three complications occurred: 2 chylothoraces and 1 with Horner syndrome. All three complications regressed. The mean follow-up was 3 years, and no recurrence has been noted. Fifty-three metastatic lesions were managed: 29 had a complete resection, 11 had a biopsy, and an open conversion was necessary in 13 cases. Among the complete resections, more than half were metastases from bone tumors. The mean follow-up was approximately 4 years and 5 pulmonary recurrences developed. Four deaths occurred, with 2 having had lung metastases. Forty-eight malignant hemopathies were managed; 9 biopsies for primitive tumors were performed. There were 36 secondary lesions, of which 5 were completely resected; 30 were biopsied and 1 required an open conversion. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopy is a safe, effective approach for the evaluation and resection of solid lung tumors and for biopsy. Thoracoscopic resection of metastatic lesions is reasonable for nephroblastoma, but a thoracotomy is suggested for other metastases

Learning curves of novice residents on cataract surgery simulator: the E3CAPS pedagogic study

International audienceIntroduction: Training novice ophthalmology residents on the EyeSi® simulator increases cataract surgery safety. However, there is no consensus regarding how much training residents should perform before their first time on patients. We evaluated the French national training program through the analysis of the learning curves of novice residents.Methods: This prospective multicentric pedagogic study was conducted with French novice residents. Each resident completed the recommended four two-hour training sessions and performed a standardized assessment simulating standard cataract surgery before the first session (A0), at the end of the first (A1), second (A2), third (A3) and fourth (A4) sessions. For each surgical step of each attempt, the following data were collected: score, odometer, completion time, posterior capsular rupture and cumulative energy delivered (ultrasounds) during phacoemulsification. A performance threshold was set at a score of 80/100 for each surgical step, 400/500 for the overall procedure. Only descriptive statistics were employed.Results: Sixteen newly nominated ophthalmology residents were included. Median score progressively increased from 95 [IQR 53; 147]) at A0 to 425 [IQR 411; 451] at A4. Despite a significant progression, the \"emulsification\" step had the lowest A4 scores 86 [IQR 60; 94] without reduction in completion time, odometer or ultrasounds delivered. The rate of posterior capsular rupture decreased linearly from 75% at A0 to 13% at A4 during \"emulsification\" and from 69 to 0% during \"irrigation and aspiration\". At A4, only 25% [8; 53] of residents had &gt; 80 at each step and only 75% [47; 92] had &gt; 400/500 overall.Conclusion: A training program consisting of four two-hour sessions on the EyeSi simulator over four consecutive days effectively enhances the surgical skills of novice ophthalmology residents. Undergoing more training sessions may improve scores and decrease the incidence of surgical complications, particularly at the emulsification step of cataract surgery. The learning curves presented here can reassure residents who are progressing normally and help identify those who need a further personalized training program. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials registration number: NCT05722080 (first submitted 22/12/2022, first posted 10/02/2023).http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT0572208