Challenges and opportunities in prostate cancer surgery in South America: Insights into robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies—A perspective

AbstractBackground and AimsProstate cancer imposes a significant health burden, particularly in South America with its high incidence and mortality rates. This article explores the emergence of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as a potential solution in the region.MethodsThis study relies on a comprehensive review of relevant literature. The analysis highlights the advantages of RARP, identifies impediments to its implementation, and proposes strategies to overcome these barriers.ResultsRARP demonstrates notable benefits, including improved functional outcomes, reduced complications, and minimized incisions. However, the integration of RARP in South America is hindered by challenges such as regional disparities, financial limitations, and data gaps. Limited healthcare infrastructure and a scarcity of skilled professionals further compound the issues.ConclusionDespite its potential, RARP faces obstacles to widespread adoption in South America. Strategic solutions encompassing technology investment, healthcare infrastructure enhancement, and workforce training are imperative. Overcoming these challenges can establish RARP as a crucial tool in managing prostate cancer in the region, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.</jats:sec

Appraising war's impacts on neurosurgical delivery in Ukraine

The conflict in Ukraine, which started when Russia invaded and violated its sovereignty, has led to the country's worst war since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The war has resulted in a significant number of casualties, displaced millions of people, and damaged the healthcare system, which was already struggling before the conflict. The neurosurgical field, in particular, has been severely affected, with infrastructure and healthcare systems routinely demolished or interrupted in conflict zones, making fundamental medical operations unavailable to victims of armed conflict. As a result, neurosurgeons have been compelled to conduct surgeries outside of their areas of competence, in makeshift settings or under challenging conditions, with limited access to materials and equipment. The war has also severely damaged specialised neurosurgery facilities, causing a severe shortage of crucial supplies and equipment. To address the challenges facing neurosurgery care in Ukraine, it is essential to rebuild and repair the damaged neurosurgical centres and provide them with the necessary equipment and supplies to successfully administer neurosurgical treatments. Training programs for neurosurgeons and other medical specialists must also be organised to manage complex neurosurgical problems under difficult conditions