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Introduction Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a commonly performed spine surgery procedure used to treat lumbar conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal deformities. Traditionally, it has been performed using open and mini-open surgical techniques. Recently, however, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted ALIF have gained attention for their potential benefits, including shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and improved patient outcomes. However, the safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes of these newer techniques remain to be fully compared to conventional methods. Methods The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for studies on laparoscopic and robotic approaches to the anterior spine, with a focus on ALIF. Article selection and data extraction were independently conducted by two reviewers. Studies involving animal models, non-ALIF robotic techniques, or non-English publications were excluded. Results A total of 650 articles were initially identified. After screening, a full-text review was conducted on 80 articles, of which 48 studies met the inclusion criteria: 42 focused on laparoscopic ALIF (L-ALIF) and 6 on robotic-assisted ALIF (R-ALIF). Laparoscopic ALIF achieved similar outcomes to mini-open methods, offering limited consistent benefits while presenting challenges such as a steep learning curve and a higher risk of retrograde ejaculation. Data on robotic-assisted ALIF, though limited, indicated improved precision and a reduced rate of intraoperative complications. However, high costs, logistical challenges, and the lack of substantial long-term outcome data remain significant barriers to the broader adoption of this technique in spine surgery. Conclusion L-ALIF and R-ALIF present promising minimally invasive alternatives to mini-open ALIF approaches. L-ALIF yields outcomes similar to mini-open techniques, though its technical demands warrant careful consideration. R-ALIF shows potential for improved precision and reduced complications, but logistical and financial constraints limit its wider adoption. Future studies should focus on multicenter prospective trials, alongside efforts to reduce costs and enhance training, to refine the role of these techniques in optimizing patient outcomes.

With the continuous advancements in precision medicine and the relentless pursuit of minimally invasive techniques, Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES) has emerged. Compared to traditional surgical methods, NOSES better embodies the principles of minimally invasive surgery, making scar-free operations possible. In recent years, with the progress of science and technology, Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery has been widely applied in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Robotic surgical systems, with their clear surgical view and high operational precision, have shown significant advantages in the treatment process. To further improve the therapeutic outcomes for colorectal cancer patients, some scholars have attempted to combine robotic technology with NOSES. However, like traditional open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, the use of the robotic platform presents both advantages and limitations. Therefore, this study reviews the current research status, progress, and controversies regarding Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery for colorectal cancer, aiming to provide clinicians with more options in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Objective: To compare the analgesic effects and incidence of postoperative adverse events after the erector spine plane (ESP) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: In this retrospective observational study, clinical data of 103 patients undergoing LC in Changxing County People’s Hospital from October 2020 to October 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients were divided into ESP-group (n=56) and TAP-group (n=57) based on the block method. The operation time, the change of visual analogue scale (VAS) score of static (sVAS) and dynamic (dVAS) pain after operation, the patient-controlled dose, and the remedial analgesic dose at 24 hours after the operation were compared between the two groups. The occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions in both groups was recorded. Results: The dVAS scores of the ESP-group at one hour, three hours, six hours, and 12 hours after the operation were lower than those of the TAP-group (P<0.05). The patient-controlled dose and remedial analgesia dose of the ESP-group were significantly lower than those of the TAP-group (P<0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: ESP block and TAP block in LC patients have similar operation time and incidence of postoperative adverse events such as nausea and vomiting. However, short-term postoperative analgesic effect of ESP block is superior to TAP and requires a lower dose of analgesia. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.8284 How to cite this: Chen H, Li J, Zuo J, Zhang X. Comparison of analgesic effects between erector spinae and transversus abdominis plane blocks in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(3):---. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.3.8284 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Introduction This report presents the first case of a patient with high cervical spinal cord injury who underwent successful laparoscopic implantation of a diaphragm pacing system in Taiwan. It also compares the pros and cons of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic implantation and discusses postoperative care. Background The diaphragm pacing system (DPS) represents a substantial advancement in respiratory support technology, particularly for patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. It electrically stimulates the phrenic nerve, which in turn activates the diaphragm—the primary muscle involved in respiration [ 1 ]. This stimulation mimics the natural neural impulses that drive diaphragmatic contractions, thereby promoting inhalation and a more efficient lung ventilation. The DPS typically consists of implanted electrodes, an external pulse generator, and connecting leads [ 2 ]. It is mainly used in patients with high spinal cord injuries, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and central hypoventilation syndrome. These conditions often result in compromised neural control of the diaphragm, leading to severe respiratory insufficiency. By restoring diaphragm function, DPS can enhance the patients’ quality of life, reduce dependence on mechanical ventilators, and lower the risk of ventilator-associated complications [ 3 ]. Despite its benefits, DPS is not without challenges. Patient selection and the surgical approach are critical to perform successful DPS implantation for the restoration of diaphragm function [ 4 ]. This report presents the first case of a patient with cervical spine injury who underwent successful laparoscopic implantation of DPS in Taiwan. Furthermore, it discusses postoperative ICU care and reviews the pros and cons of different surgical approaches to performing DPS implantation.

Background Cholecystectomy was one of the first surgical procedures to be performed with laparoscopy in the 1980s. Currently, two operation setups generally are used to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the French and the American position. In the French position, the patient lies in the lithotomy position, whereas in the American position, the patient lies supine with the left arm in abduction. To find an ergonomic difference between the two operation setups the movements of the surgeon’s vertebral column were analyzed in a crossover study. Methods The posture of the surgeon’s vertebral column was recorded intraoperatively using an electromagnetic motion-tracking system with three sensors attached to the head and to the trunk at the levels of Th1 and S1. A three-dimensional posture analysis of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine was performed to evaluate four surgeons removing a gallbladder in the French and American position. The body angles assessed were flexion/extension of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, axial rotation of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, lateroflexion of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine, and the orientation of the head in the sagittal plane. For each body angle, the mean, the percentage of operation time within an ergonomic acceptable range, and the relative frequencies were calculated and compared. Results No statistical difference was observed in the mean body angles or in the percentages of operation time within an acceptable range between the French and the American position. The relative frequencies of the body angles might indicate a trend toward slight thoracolumbar flexion in the French position. Conclusion In a modern dedicated minimally invasive surgery suite, the body posture of the neck and trunk and the orientation of the head did not differ significantly between the French and American position.

Background The aim of the study was to establish longitudinal bone changes in obese women after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods Twenty-nine women at baseline mean age of 40.41 ± 9.26 years and with mean body mass index (BMI) of 43.07 ± 4.99 kg/m 2 were included in a 6-month study. Skeletal status at hip [femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH)] and spine was assessed at baseline, as well as in 3 and 6 months after surgery. Body size was measured at baseline and follow-up (weight, height, BMI, and waist). Results Baseline body weight was 117.5 ± 18.4 kg. The mean body weight and BMI decreased by 17.9 % during the first 3 months after surgery to obtain 28.4 % after 6 months. At 6 months, BMD decreased significantly for spine by 1.24 %, FN 6.99 %, and TH 5.18 %. The changes after 3 months in individual subjects showed that, in the majority of subjects, FN and TH BMD decreased significantly (in 52 % and 69 % of subjects, respectively), and in 24 % loss of BMD was found at the spine. After 6 months, the corresponding, significant decreases in individual subjects were found in 72 %, 86 %, and 38 % of woman, respectively. Those with a significant loss of FN BMD tended to lose more weight (30 ± 9.47 versus 23.25 ± 6.08 kg, p  = 0.061) than others; women with a significant decrease of FN BMD lost more weight than those with no such decrease (30.43 ± 8.07 versus 15 ± 1.91 kg). Conclusion LSG proved efficient for body weight reduction, however, with a parallel decline in bone mineral density.

Purpose To investigate the urogenital fascia (UGF) anatomy in the inguinal region, to provide anatomical guidance for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). Methods The anatomy was performed on 10 formalin-fixed cadavers. The peritoneum and its deeper fascial tissues were carefully dissected. Results The UGF’s bilateral superficial layer extended and ended in front of the abdominal aorta. At the posterior axillary line, the superficial layer medially reversed, with extension represented the UGF's deep layer. The UGF's bilateral deep layer medially extended beside the vertebral body and then continued with the transversalis fascia. The ureters, genital vessels, and superior hypogastric plexus moved between both layers. The vas deferens and spermatic vessels, ensheathed by both layers, moved through the deep inguinal ring. From the deep inguinal ring to the midline, the superficial layer extended to the urinary bladder’s posterior wall, whereas the deep layer extended to its anterior wall. Both layers ensheathed the urinary bladder and extended along the medial umbilical ligament to the umbilicus and in the sacral promontory, extended along the sacrum, forming the presacral fascia. The superficial layer formed the rectosacral fascia at S4 sacral vertebra, and the deep layer extended to the pelvic diaphragm, terminating at the levator ani muscle. Conclusion The UGF ensheaths the kidneys, ureters, vas deferens, genital vessels, superior hypogastric plexus, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urinary bladder. This knowledge of the UGF’s anatomy in the inguinal region will help find correct LIHR targets and reduce bleeding and other complications.

Lumbar hernias are rare abdominal wall defects. Fewer than 400 cases have been reported in the literature and account for 2% of all abdominal wall hernias. Lumbar hernias are divided into Grynfelt-Lesshaft or Petit hernias. The former are hernia defects through the superior lumbar triangle, while the latter are defects of the inferior lumbar triangle. Primary lumbar hernias are further subdivided into congenital or acquired hernias and can further be classified as either primary or secondary. Secondary hernias occur after previous flank surgeries, iatrogenic muscular disruption, infection, or trauma. We review a rare presentation of metachronous symptomatic bilateral secondary acquired lumbar hernia following spine surgery. A successful laparoscopic transabdominal lumbar hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement was performed, with resolution of the hernia symptoms. An extensive literature review regarding lumbar hernia and different types of repairs was performed.

Osteoporosis is a major complication of Cushing’s syndrome. The aim of the present study was to assess the chronologic effect of surgical cure on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenal adenoma. BMD was examined in 28 patients before laparoscopic adrenalectomy; 17 patients with reduced BMD were then included in the longitudinal evaluation. BMD was determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after adrenalectomy. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 64% (95% confidence interval 44–81%). Preoperative BMD of the lumbar spine in the lateral projection was significantly lower than that of the femoral neck (mean ± SD score: −3.53 ± 0.75 vs. −1.54 ± 0.22, p  = 0.003). A significant increase in BMD was observed at 3 months after surgery in the lumbar spine ( p  = 0.0004). Improvement at both sites was maintained at 24 months after surgery. The postoperative percentage change in BMD of the lumbar spine was significantly higher than that of the femoral neck (mean ± SD 36.7% ± 26.5% vs. 11.2% ± 12.1%, p  = 0.01). The change in the seven premenopausal patients was significantly higher than that in the three postmenopausal patients ( p  = 0.0006). Surgical cure of hypercortisolism provides significant improvement in BMD in patients with Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenal adenoma. The improvement is particularly apparent in the lumbar spine measured in the lateral projection. Premenopausal women are more likely to benefit from surgery in terms of secondary osteoporosis.