Vol.27 No.3, September 15, 2024 Article TypeCase ReportEditorialOriginal ArticleReview ArticleVideo/Multimedia Article

• Review Article 2024-09-15

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  Automated machine learning with R: AutoML tools for beginners in clinical research

  Youngho Park

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 129-137 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.129

  Abstract

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  Recently, interest in machine learning (ML) has increased as the application fields have expanded significantly. Although ML methods excel in many fields, establishing an ML pipeline requires considerable time and human resources. Automated ML (AutoML) tools offer a solution by automating repetitive tasks, such as data preprocessing, model selection, hyperparameter optimization, and prediction analysis. This review introduces the use of AutoML tools for general research, including clinical studies. In particular, it outlines a simple approach that is accessible to beginners using the R programming language (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). In addition, the practical code and output results for binary classification are provided to facilitate direct application by clinical researchers in future studies.

• Editorial 2024-09-15

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  The debate over minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy: balancing innovation with patient safety

  Seung Jae Lee

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 138-139 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.138

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• Editorial 2024-09-15

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  Is prophylactic abdominal drainage mandatory in laparoscopic hemicolectomy?

  Ji Hoon Kim

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 140-141 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.140

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• Original Article 2024-09-15

  3 797 338

  

  

  Analyzing the emergence of surgical robotics in Africa: a scoping review of pioneering procedures, platforms utilized, and outcome meta-analysis

  Adebayo Feranmi Falola , Oluwasina Samuel Dada , Ademola Adeyeye , Chioma Ogechukwu Ezebialu , Rhoda Tolulope Fadairo , Madeleine Oluomachi Okere , Abdourahmane Ndong

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 142-155 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.142

  Abstract

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  Purpose: Surgical practice globally has undergone significant advancements with the advent of robotic systems. In Africa, a similar trend is emerging with the introduction of robots into various surgical specialties in certain countries. The need to review the robotic procedures performed, platforms utilized, and analyze outcomes such as conversion, morbidity, and mortality associated with robotic surgery in Africa, necessitated this study. This is the first study examining the status and outcomes of robotic surgery in Africa.
  Methods: A thorough scoping search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and African Journals Online. Of the 1,266 studies identified, 16 studies across 3 countries met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis conducted using R statistical software estimated the pooled prevalences with the 95% confidence interval (CI) of conversion, morbidity, and mortality.
  Results: Surgical robots are reportedly in use in South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia. Across four specialties, 1,328 procedures were performed using da Vinci (Intuitive Surgical), Versius (CMR Surgical), and Senhance (Asensus Surgical) surgical robotic platforms. Urological procedures (90.1%) were the major procedures performed, with robotic prostatectomy (49.3%) being the most common procedure. The pooled rate of conversion and prevalence of morbidity from the meta-analysis was 0.21% (95% CI, 0%–0.54%) and 21.15% (95% CI, 7.45%–34.85%), respectively. There was no reported case of mortality.
  Conclusion: The outcomes highlight successful implementation and the potential for wider adoption. Based on our findings, we advocate for multidisciplinary and multinational collaboration, investment in surgical training programs, and policy initiatives aimed at addressing barriers to the widespread adoption of robotic surgery in Africa.

• Original Article 2024-09-15

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  Rare anatomical variants encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in low resource conditions and the convenient concept of the safe zone of dissection: a prospective observational study at a single center

  Muad Gamil M Haidar , Nuha Ahmed H Sharaf , Suha Abdullah Saleh , Prashant Upadhyay

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 156-164 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.156

  Abstract

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  Purpose: The severity of surrounding adhesions, anomalous anatomy, and technical issues are the main factors that complicate cholecystectomy. This study focused on determining the types and frequency of laparoscopic anatomical variations found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our limited-resources condition and on defining the safe zone of dissection.
  Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a single center in Aden, Yemen from 2012 to 2019. A total of 375 patients, comprising 355 females (94.7%) and 20 males (5.3%), presented with symptomatic gallbladders and underwent standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The regional laparoscopic variations were evaluated and recorded.
  Results: Of the 375 patients, 26 (6.9%) had laparoscopic anatomical variations, of whom 19 (73.1%) had vascular variations and seven (26.9%) had ductal variations. The anatomical variations included the following: double cystic artery of separated origin, seven cases (26.9%); Moynihan’s hump, six (23.1%); double cystic artery of single origin, four (15.4%); thin long cystic duct, four (15.4%); subvesical duct, three (11.5%); and cystic artery hocking the cystic duct, two (7.7%).
  Conclusion: Biliary anatomical variations can be expected in any dissected zone. Most of the detected variants were associated with the cystic artery. An overlooked accessory cysto-biliary communication can cause complicated biliary leakage. A surgeon’s skills and knowledge of laparoscopic anatomical variants are essential for performing a safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

• Original Article 2024-09-15

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  Assessment of mechanical bowel preparation prior to nephrectomy in the minimally invasive surgery era: insights from a national database analysis in the United States

  Stephen Schmit , Kamil Malshy , Alexander Homer , Borivoj Golijanin , Christopher Tucci , Rebecca Ortiz , Sari Khaleel , Elias Hyams , Dragan Golijanin

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 165-171 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.165

  Abstract

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  Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the association between mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and perioperative outcomes following nephrectomy in the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) era.
  Methods: All partial and radical nephrectomies between 2019 and 2021 from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were evaluated. Thirty-day perioperative outcomes were compared between groups where MBP was performed vs. not, in both the MIS and open surgery (OS) cohorts. A propensity score matching technique was utilized within MIS cases to control for covariates. The chi-square and t tests were used to determine significance.
  Results: A total of 11,869 cases met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Of these, 8,204 (69.1%; comprising 65.3% robotic and 34.7% laparoscopic) underwent MIS, while 3,665 (30.9%) underwent OS. The rate of MBP was higher in the MIS group (16.0% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.001). Within the MIS group, MBP was associated with reduced rates of postoperative ileus (0.9% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.02), while other complications were comparable. Propensity score matching showed no association between MBP and postoperative ileus. However, a lower rate of 30-day readmission in the MBP group became statistically significant (4.4% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.01). Conversely, patients in the MBP group also demonstrated higher rates of pneumonia (1.3% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.002) and pulmonary embolism (0.6% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) after matching.
  Conclusion: MBP practice prior to nephrectomy is infrequent in both OS and MIS cases, with minor differences in perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing MIS. Routine MBP should continue to be excluded from the standard of care for nephrectomy in the MIS era.

• Case Report 2024-09-15

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  Acute peritonitis caused by a ruptured urachal cyst accompanied by omphalitis in an adult: a case report and literature review

  Myeong Gon Cho , Hyun-Young Han , Joo Heon Kim , Moon-Soo Lee

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 172-176 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.172

  Abstract

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  Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilicus that can cause inflammation to spread. Omphalitis is rare in adults; however, it can occasionally occur owing to urachal remnants. A 61-year-old male patient with abdominal pain and umbilical pus was admitted to the emergency room. Abdominal computed tomography revealed peritonitis with multiple intra-abdominal abscesses. The patient was diagnosed with peritonitis resulting from urachal cyst rupture. Laparoscopic drainage of the abscesses and excising of the umbilicus and intra-abdominal fistula tract were performed. Antibiotics were administered, and the patient was discharged uneventfully. The rarity of peritonitis caused by infection and urachal cyst rupture can make diagnosing omphalitis challenging. Therefore, in this case report and literature review, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of complicated omphalitis, which rarely progresses to peritonitis owing to ruptured urachal cysts.

• Video/Multimedia Article 2024-09-15

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  Robotic single-port plus one-port splenic vessel-conserving spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: a case report

  Sung Hyun Kim , Na Reum Kim , Chang Moo Kang

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 177-180 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.177

  Abstract

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  Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy is a safe and effective surgical approach for the treatment of distal pancreatic tumors. Recently, the da Vinci single-port (SP) system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.) was introduced to overcome the previously known limitations of this approach. Here, we report our experience with robotic SP plus one-port splenic vessel-conserving spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (RSP + 1 SVc-SpDP). A 38-year-old male patient was incidentally found to have a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. On May 12, 2023, RSP + 1 SVc-SpDP was performed. The robotic SP was placed at the transumbilical site, and an additional 12-mm port was placed on the left side of the patient’s abdomen. The surgical procedure was based on splenic vessel-conserving, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. The operative time was 350 minutes, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 without any complications. The initial experience of RSP + 1 SVc-SpDP using the da Vinci SP system showed the possibility of an alternative operation for distal pancreatectomy.

• Video/Multimedia Article 2024-09-15

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  Robotic median arcuate ligament release: a video vignette

  Marie-Thérèse Maréchal, Nikolaos Koliakos , Dimitrios Papaconstantinou , Luca Pau , Nicolas Boyer , Mathilde Poras , Georgios Katsanos , Eleonora Farinella

  Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2024; 27(3): 181-183 https://doi.org/10.7602/jmis.2024.27.3.181

  Abstract

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  Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) poses a rare challenge in diagnosis and management. We present a case of MALS in a 50-year-old male with recurrent epigastric pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic imaging revealed celiac artery stenosis and gastroduodenal artery collateral dilatation. Robotic-assisted median arcuate ligament release successfully alleviated symptoms. Utilizing the da Vinci X system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.), the procedure involved meticulous dissection of the celiac artery and surrounding tissue. Postoperative duplex ultrasound confirmed improved arterial flow. Literature underscores the diagnostic hurdles of MALS and the advantages of minimally invasive approaches over conventional open surgery. The robotic approach may help smoothen the learning curve associated with this procedure, by providing improved operative flexibility. Patient outcomes are excellent, with long-term symptom relief in most cases.