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Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a widespread approach in general surgery. Computer guiding software, such as the augmented reality (AR), the virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), has been proposed to help surgeons during MIS. This study aims to report these technologies' current knowledge and diffusion during surgical training in Italy. A web-based survey was developed under the aegis of the Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery (SICE). Two hundred and seventeen medical doctors' answers were analyzed. Participants were surgeons (138, 63.6%) and residents in surgery (79, 36.4%). The mean knowledge of the role of the VR, AR and MR in surgery was 4.9 ± 2.4 (range 1-10). Most of the participants (122, 56.2%) did not have experience with any proposed technologies. However, although the lack of experience in this field, the answers about the functioning of the technologies were correct in most cases. Most of the participants answered that VR, AR and MR should be used more frequently for the teaching and training and during the clinical activity (170, 80.3%) and that such technologies would make a significant contribution, especially in training (183, 84.3%) and didactic (156, 71.9%). Finally, the main limitations to the diffusion of these technologies were the insufficient knowledge (182, 83.9%) and costs (175, 80.6%). Based on the present study, in Italy, the knowledge and dissemination of these technologies are still limited. Further studies are required to establish the usefulness of AR, VR and MR in surgical training.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard technique for treatment of gallbladder disease. In case of acute cholecystitis we can identify preoperative factors associated with an increased risk of conversion and intraoperative complications. The aim of our study was to detect preoperative laboratory and radiological findings predictive of difficult LC with potential advantages for both the surgeons and patients in terms of options for management. We designed a retrospective case–control study to compare preoperative predictive factors of difficult LC in patients treated in emergency setting between January 2015 and December 2019. We included in the difficult LC group the surgeries with operative time > 2 h, need for conversion to open, significant bleeding and/or use of synthetic hemostats, vascular and/or biliary injuries and additional operative procedures. We collected 86 patients with inclusion criteria and difficult LC. In the control group, we selected 86 patients with inclusion criteria, but with no operative signs of difficult LC. The analysis of the collected data showed that there was a statistically significant association between WBC count and fibrinogen level and difficult LC. No association were seen with ALP, ALT and bilirubin values. Regarding radiological findings significant differences were noted among the two groups for irregular or absent wall, pericholecystic fluid, fat hyperdensity, thickening of wall > 4 mm and hydrops. The preoperative identification of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides an important advantage not only for the surgeon who has to perform the surgery, but also for the organization of the operating block and technical resources. In patients with clinical and laboratory parameters of acute cholecystitis, therefore, it would be advisable to carry out a preoperative abdominal CT scan with evaluation of features that can be easily assessed also by the surgeon.

Introduction Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare disease involving stomach and spleen that can lead to dangerous complications like massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBC) is the principal pathological cause of gastrosplenic fistula. Case report We report a case of A 76-year-old caucasian woman came to the emergency room with fever for two week and gravative pain in left upper quadrant of the abdomen. CT scan of thorax and abdomen demonstrated an inhomogeneous hypodense large lymphomatous mass (10 × 6 cm) of upper pole of the spleen deformating medial profile and infiltrating gastric fundus and left diaphragm. with the diagnosis of complex gastro-splenic-diaphragmatic fistula we performed an en-block resection using a 3D laparoscopic vision system. Discussion Gastrosplenic fistula is a rare complication of several clinical conditions. Among the different causes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most frequent although diffuse histiocytic lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma are also described. After a literature review we found less then 30 cases of gastrosplenic fistula secondary to lymphoma. In our case report we do the first description of three-organs fistula envolvement, stomach, spleen and diaphragmatic dome, managed with 3D laparoscopic approach. Conclusion Gastrosplenic fistula can represent a fatal evolution of splenic or gastric lymphoma independently from chemotherapy treatment. The diagnosis of this condition is very difficult and related to its rarity. To our opinion, laparoscopy represents a valid and safe alternative to open surgery in management of these patients.

Highlights • We report a case of 75-year-old Caucasian men with unknown voluminous gastric GIST, who came to our attention complaining melena. We decided to perform a laparoscopic-endoscopic combined surgical approach. • Intraoperative endoscopy identified gastric GIST and confirmed the submucosal origin and the integrity of the capsule. A 10 cm laparoscopic gastrotomy was carried out along the gastric found in order to realize a laparo-endoscopic rendez-vous technique. • Laparoscopy has rapidly become a preferable approach for gastric GISTs surgical treatment. The magnified view and the lesser invasiveness of laparoscopic technique allow the surgeon to perform a more meticulous dissection, preventing unexpected bleeding and causing less muscular trauma and less bowel manipulation. All these favourable short-term outcomes associated with laparoscopy do not compromise oncologic results., Introduction Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common malignant subepithelial lesions of gastrointestinal tract, originating from Cajal’s cells and characterized by the over expression of tyrosine kinase receptor C-KIT. The prognosis of this disease is associated with tumour size and mitotic index. Standard treatment of a GIST with no metastasis is surgical resection. Presentation of case We report a case of a 75-year-old Caucasian man with unknown voluminous gastric GIST, who came to our attention complaining black stool. We decided to perform a laparoscopic-endoscopic combined surgical approach. Intraoperative gastroscopy identified the gastric GIST and confirmed the submucosal origin and the integrity of the tumor capsule. A 10 cm laparoscopic gastrotomy was carried out along the gastric fundus in order to realize a laparo-endoscopic rendez-vous procedure. Discussion Laparoscopic approach is feasible and safe for Gastric GIST both in elective and urgent settings. Even for lesions greater than 5 cm, laparoscopy shows a recurrence rate similar to open surgery when radical resection are performed. An important point to take in consideration is surgical team experience, which seems to be one of the most important factors reducing the incidence of operative complications with better long-term outcomes, both postoperative and oncological. Conclusion Mini-invasive approaches for gastric GIST are safe and feasible. The combined approach both laparoscopic and endoscopic has shown to be an effective technique and it may allow a better exposure of the tumour which ensure a radical resection.

Symptoms of Zenker diverticulum can recur whatever the type of primary treatment administered. A modified transoral stapler-assisted septotomy (TS) was introduced in clinical practice a few years ago to improve the results of this mini-invasive technique. The aim of this prospective, controlled study was to assess the outcome of TS in patients with recurrent Zenker diverticulum (RZD), as compared with patients with treatment-naïve Zenker diverticulum (NZD). Patients diagnosed with NZD or RZD, and treated with TS between 2015 and 2021 were compared. Symptoms were recorded and scored using a detailed questionnaire. Barium swallow and endoscopy were performed before and after the TS procedure. In sum, 89 patients were enrolled during the study period: 68 had NZD and 21 had RZD. The patients’ demographic and clinical data were similar in the two groups. Three mucosal lesions were detected intra-operatively, and one came to light at post-operative radiological assessment in the NZD group. No mucosal lesions were detected in the RZD group. The median follow-up was 36 months (interquartile range 23–60). The treatment was successful in 97% NZD patients and 95% of RZD patients (P = 0.56). This is the first comparative study based on prospectively collected data to assess the outcome of TS in patients with RZD. Traction on the septum during the procedure proved effective in the treatment of RZD, achieving a success rate that was excellent, and comparable with the outcome in treating NZD.

Highlights • Cholecystoenteric fistula is a rare and late complication of cholelithiasis. • We report a case of cholecysto-colonic fistula with hepatic flexure management by laparoscopic approach, a 64 years old male patients with fever of an unknown origins for two months and abdominal pain. • We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy and repaired colonic wall with intra-corporeal sutures. • The laparoscopic management of cholecystoeneteric fistula is a feasible and safe procedure but the operative strategy should be individualized., Introduction Cholecystoenteric fistula is a rare and late complication of cholelithiasis. The clinical presentation is mostly chronic and is not distinguishable from the dyspeptic symptoms of non-complicated cholelithiasis. For this reason, the preoperative diagnosis is difficult and uncertain, and it is often made up primarily intraoperatively and incidentally during cholecystectomy. In this article, we report a case of cholecystocolonic fistula management by laparoscopic approach. Presentation of case We studied a 64 years old male patient with fever of an unknown origin for two months and abdominal pain. He underwent a contrast enhanced CT abdominal scan that showed a sclerotic gallbladder with a disorganized fluid collection. The colonoscopy identified a cholecystocolonic fistula with hepatic flexure. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed to repair the colonic wall with intra-corporeal sutures. Discussion Thanks to the advancements in CT scan’s resolution and the application of endoscopic technology such as ERCP or colonscopy, preoperative diagnosis of cholecystoenteric fistula has been greatly improved. In addition, cholecystoenteric fistula has been successfully managed laparoscopically with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and closure of the fistula tract. Conclusion The laparoscopic management of cholecystoeneteric fistula is a feasible and safe procedure but the operative strategy should be individualized on diagnosis, patient characteristics, availability of resources and experience of surgical team.

Highlights • Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (g-NENs) represent the most frequent digestive NENs and are increasingly recognized thanks to diffusion of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. • g-NENs can be sporadic or associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and present with a functional Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. • We described a case of a 60 years old Caucasian male came to emergency room with diffuse abdominal pain and leukocytosis on blood tests. • At the level of the pyloric portion we found irregularly thickened walls associated with a small fluid collection and bubbles of free air. On exploratory laparoscopy we found a large perforation (about 5 cm of size) in the first duodenum portion. • Histological examination revealed a gastric NET perforation as a consequence of hypergastrinemia secondary to gastrinoma., Introduction Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent uncommon neoplasms with different characteristics. They can be asymptomatic and benign or they can also proliferate and manifest themselves with neoplastic mass symptoms such as intestinal occlusion or with carcinoid syndrome. Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (g-NENs) are the most frequent digestive NENs while duodenal neuroendocrine neoplasms (d-NENs) may be sporadic or associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and present a functional syndrome (e.g. gastrinoma with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Presentation of case We report a case of duodenal perforation due to a unknown gastrinoma responsible of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. He underwent an emergency contrast enhanced CT abdominal scan that showed a perforation. We performed a distal gastrectomy. The histopathological examination revealed a g-NET configuring a possible picture of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Discussion The management of NETs is diffulcult and controversial because of their rarity. It is useful to know the pathologic assessment of tumor differentiation and/or grade, evaluate surgical resectability and control the carcinoid syndrome symptoms. Conclusion This case report shows that gastric NETs can be found in cases of duodenal perforation. Our future goal is to evaluate the possibilities to diagnose the Zollinger Ellison Syndrome as early as possible and to treat it with targeted therapy in order to prevent its related complications.

Objective: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a recent and minimally invasive treatment for faecal incontinence (FI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the mid-term results in patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence (IFI). Methods: Fifty one patients (42 female and 9 male) were prospectively recruited. Patients were treated twice a week for 6 weeks as per study protocol. We have assessed the degree of fecal incontinence using the Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence (CCF-FI) score at baseline, at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 1 year. Also the anorectal manometric data (mean resting pressure (MRP), squeeze pressure (SP) and, rectal sensation) at baseline, at 6 weeks and at 6 months have been evaluated. Results: The median CCF-FI score was significantly decreased from an initial baseline value from 12 to 7 at 6 weeks, 3 at 6 months and, 3 at 1 year (respectively: 1st interquartile 4.5, 1, 0 vs 10; 3rd interquartile 9, 5, 5 vs 14.5, p = 0.0001). Anorectal manometry showed an improvement of the internal (resting pressure, MRP) and the external sphincters (squeeze pressure, SP) at 6 months compared to the baseline and 6 weeks by PTNS, while, RP and SP at 6 months was greater than at baseline and 6 weeks (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002 respectively). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve could be an excellent procedure for the treatment of IFI. The stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve can improve the fecal continence (CCF-FI score) in the short term and this improvement is maintained after 1 year of follow-up without treatment