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Pubblicazioni

In questa pagina troverete le principali pubblicazioni scientifiche alle quali ho contribuito.

Stage IV endometriosis: to treat or not to treat before in-vitro fertilization? Further considerations besides the pregnancy rate: a case of near-miss for spontaneous hemoperitoneum

Giorgia Gaia, Margarita Afonina, Anna M Marconi

Abstract

Endometriosis represents a well-known cause of infertility. Recently, its association with spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHIP) was reported. Its occurrence seems to be increased in patients with endometriosis who underwent IVF techniques. We present a case of near miss at 15 weeks of pregnancy associated with SHIP in a nulliparous patient of 39 years old with chronic endometriosis. Previously, she underwent several IVF cycles and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation plus embryo transfer (COH-ET). An explorative laparoscopy was performed, then converted in laparotomy. The bleeding endometriotic tissue was removed and an ureteral stent was placed. The patient lost a total of 4 liters of blood and fully recovered. Unfortunately, miscarriage occurred. The potential link between COH-ET, the number of cycles of ovarian stimulation and SHIP in severe endometriosis must take a part in the balanced decision between preventive surgery of direct hormonal stimulation.

Robotic multiple sigmoid and rectal mucosa skinning in a multicentric deep infiltrating bowel endometriotic nodules: a case report

Giorgia Gaia, Margarita Afonina, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Giampaolo Formisano, Paolo Pietro Bianchi, Anna Maria Marconi

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The eradication of non-gynecological localizations represents the real surgical challenge. A 29-year-old woman underwent robotic surgery with the Da Vinci system (Intuitive Surgical Inc.) for a diagnosis of stage IV deep endometriosis. The patient presented with 5 cm left ovarian endometrioma, an infiltration of the left posterior parametrium, and bilateral ureteral endometriosis. Once inside the pelvic cavity, deep intestinal infiltrating endometriosis implants were confirmed as triple, multicentric, and multifocal lesions, affected distal sigmoid, rectosigmoid junction, and upper rectum. An expert multiple excision, sparing the intestinal mucosa, was performed. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a multiple robotic shaving of multicentric endometriotic intestinal lesions. After the surgery, a normal diet was quickly restored, accelerating the recovery of the physiological peristalsis and the overall recovery time.

Menses recovery and fertility after artery embolization for PPH: a single-center retrospective observational study

G Gaia, P Chabrot, L Cassagnes, A Calcagno, D Gallot, R Botchorishvili, M Canis, G Mage, L Boyer

Abstract

To evaluate long-term effects of arterial embolization (AE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) on menses recovery and subsequent pregnancies. One hundred thirteen consecutive patients, recruited from 1999 to 2006, who had undergone AE for severe PPH were evaluated in a retrospective monocentric study. As embolization agents, pledgets of absorbable gelatine sponge (Curaspon) were used in 106 cases, Curaspon powder in 3 cases, and inert microparticles in 4 cases. In 111/113 cases (98.1%), AE was successful in controlling PPH. In two cases (1.7%), the AE was unsuccessful and required a total abdominal postembolization hysterectomy. Concerning fertility, 6 patients were lost to follow-up and 107 were available. The average time to follow-up was 46.4+/-21.8 months. Of the 107 patients, 99 had recovery of menses (92.5%). Of the 107 (61%) patients, 66 reported regular menstruation with normal delay after the delivery. Thirty-three patients (31%) reported subjective changes in the frequency and amount of menses. Six patients (5.6%) had documented amenorrhea after AE and developed diffuse uterine synechiae at the hysteroscopic investigation. Out of 29 patients who desired and attempted conception, 18 patients (62%) reported a total of 19 pregnancies at the end of the follow-up. One miscarriage at 12 weeks of gestation was reported. The 18 pregnancies at term were uneventful until delivery, but 3 cases of further PPH (15%) occurred due to abnormal placentation requiring a further AE. All full-term newborns were healthy. AE is a feasible, safe, and reproducible technique to control PPH, allowing a very high resumption of menses and subsequent pregnancies; in these cases, considering the elevated incidence of further PPH due to abnormal placentation, an accurate ultrasonographic monitoring during pregnancy seems appropriate.

Correction: The use of Versius CMR for pelvic surgery: a multicentric analysis of surgical setup and early outcomes

Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Maurizio De Maria, Iacopo Meneghetti, Mauro Felline, Andrea Pisani Ceretti, Luca Mosillo, Chiara Catalano, Alessandro Morandi, Tommaso Calcagnile, Enrico Panio, Mattia Sangalli, Filippo Turri, Stefano Terzoni, Simone Assumma, Luca Sarchi, Margarita Afonina, Annamaria Marconi, Paolo Pietro Bianchi, Salvatore Micali, Bernardo Rocco, Giorgia Gaia

Abstract

No abstract available

A nurse-led educational intervention for relieving idiopathic constipation: a retrospective study

Stefano Terzoni, Cristina Mora, Bernardo Rocco, Chiara Sighinolfi, Giorgia Gaia, Paolo Ferrara, Barbara Pinna, Anne Destrebecq

Abstract

Background: Constipation is a common condition. Although numerous articles emphasise the importance of conservative interventions, none have set out a complete educational programme.
Aims: To describe the results of an evidence-based, nurse-led educational intervention for functional constipation in adults.
Methods: A retrospective study of patient records with an analysis of Wexner constipation scores and Bristol stool charts was carried out before and after a nurse-led educational programme on nutrition and bowel habits.
Findings: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled (19 women and 10 men), with a median age of 61 (53-71) years, a mean BMI of 24.4±3.88 kg/m2 and comparable baseline Wexner and Bristol scores. A statistically significant improvement in Wexner scores (P<0.001) and a clinically relevant but not statistically significant (P=0.682) improvement in Bristol scores were observed.
Conclusion: The results suggest this investigation should be repeated on a larger scale. An educational intervention could be included in all consultations on any issue that could affect bowel activity.

Versius robotic surgery training

Giorgia Gaia, Maria C Sighinolfi, Stefano Terzoni, Margarita Afonina, Alessandro Morandi, Veronica Iannuzzi, Simone Assumma, Antonio La Marca, Arsenio Spinillo, Anna Maria Marconi

Abstract

No abstract available

Uro-gynecological surgery with the Versius robotic system: first description of a clinical case

Giorgia Gaia, Maria C Sighinolfi, Margarita Afonina, Simone Assumma, Stefano Terzoni, Bernardo Rocco, Arsenio Spinillo, Serena Maruccia, Stefania Triunfo, Stefano Manodoro, Annamaria Marconi

Abstract

No abstract available

The use of Versius CMR for pelvic surgery: a multicentric analysis of surgical setup and early outcomes

Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Maurizio De Maria, Iacopo Meneghetti, Mauro Felline, Andrea Pisani Ceretti, Luca Mosillo, Chiara Catalano, Alessandro Morandi, Tommaso Calcagnile, Enrico Panio, Mattia Sangalli, Filippo Turri, Stefano Terzoni, Simone Assumma, Luca Sarchi, Margarita Afonina, Annamaria Marconi, Paolo Pietro Bianchi, Salvatore Micali, Bernardo Rocco, Giorgia Gaia

Abstract

Introduction: Versius CMR is a novel robotic system characterized by an open surgical console and independent bedside units. The system has potentials of flexibility and versatility, and has been used in urological, gynecological, and general surgical procedure. The aim is to depict a comprehensive analysis of the Versius system for pelvic surgery.
Methods: This is a study involving two Institutions, ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo, Milan, and Apuane Hospital, Massa, Italy. All interventions performed in the pelvic area with the Versius were included. Data about indications, intra-, and post-operative course were prospectively collected and analyzed.
Results: A total of 171 interventions were performed with the Versius. Forty-two of them involved pelvic procedures. Twenty-two had an oncological indication (localized prostate cancer), the remaining had a non-oncological or functional purpose. The mostly performed pelvic procedure was radical prostatectomy (22) followed by annexectomy (9). No intra-operative complication nor conversion to other approaches occurred. A Clavien II complication and one Clavien IIIb were reported. Malfunctioning/alarms requiring a power cycle of the system occurred in 2 different cases. An adjustment in trocar placement according to patients' height was required in 2 patients undergoing prostatectomy, in which the trocar was moved caudally. In two cases, a pelvic prolapse was repaired concomitant with other gynecological procedures.
Conclusions: Pelvic surgery with the Versius is feasible without major complications; either dissection and reconstructive steps could be accomplished, provided a proper OR setup and trocar placement are pursued. Versius can be easily adopted by surgeons of different disciplines and backgrounds; a further multi-specialty implementation is presumed and long-term oncological and functional outcomes are awaited.

Hysteroscopic findings in chronic endometritis

Antonio La Marca, Giorgia Gaia, Mario Mignini Renzini, Carlo Alboni, Elisa Mastellari

Abstract

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a subtle pathology. Despite being difficult to detect and probably underdiagnosed, it has great clinical relevance, representing as it does a reversible cause of infertility. Nowadays, histological examination with identification of endometrial stromal plasma cells is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Diagnostic difficulties persist, however, as a result of the technical limitations of this method and the lack of standardized histological diagnostic criteria. Hysteroscopy has been proposed as an aid for CE diagnosis. The method works by detecting signs of inflammation (focal or diffuse hyperemia, stromal edema, presence of micropolyps and the typical strawberry aspect) on the endometrial surface. Yet, the jury is still out on how reliable this technique is. Hysteroscopy displays a high sensitivity (over 86% and up to 100%) and high negative predictive value (over 92% and up to 100%) in the diagnosis of CE, and it should probably be performed routinely in the assessment of patients with unexplained infertility, repeated implantation failure and repeated pregnancy loss; however, since values in the literature regarding specificity are conflicting, in cases of suspected CE, hysteroscopy may be combined with histological examination, which remains the gold standard to confirm CE. Considering that histopathological evaluation probably underdiagnoses CE, and that hysteroscopy tends to overdiagnose, further studies are needed to determine which technique (or combination of techniques) has greater value for patients.

Robotic-assisted hysterectomy for endometrial cancer compared with traditional laparoscopic and laparotomy approaches: a systematic review

Giorgia Gaia, Robert W Holloway, Luigi Santoro, Sarfraz Ahmad, Elena Di Silverio, Arsenio Spinillo

Abstract

Objective: To summarize comparative studies describing clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted surgeries compared with traditional laparoscopic or laparotomy techniques for the treatment of endometrial cancer.
Data sources: Using search words "robotic hysterectomy" and "endometrial cancer," 22 citations were identified from Medline and PubMed (2005 to February 2010).
Methods of study selection: We selected English language studies reporting at least 25 robotic cases compared with laparoscopic or laparotomy cases that also addressed surgical technique, complications, and perioperative outcomes. Patients underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymphadenectomy.
Tabulation, integration, and results: Eight eligible comparative studies were identified that included 1,591 patients (robotic=589, laparoscopic=396, and laparotomy=606). Pooled means of the resected aortic lymph nodes for robotic hysterectomy and laparoscopy were 10.3 and 7.8 (P=.15), and robotic hysterectomy and laparotomy were 9.4 and 5.7 (P=.28). Pooled means of pelvic lymph nodes for robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy were 18.5 and 17.8 (P=.95) and 18.0 compared with 14.5 (P=.11) for robotic hysterectomy compared with laparotomy. Estimated blood loss was reduced in robotic hysterectomy compared with laparotomy (P<.005) and laparoscopy (P=.001). Length of stay was shorter for both robotic and laparoscopic cases compared with laparotomy (P<.01). Operative time for robotic hysterectomy was similar to laparoscopic cases but was greater than laparotomy (P<.005). Conversion to laparotomy for laparoscopic hysterectomy was 9.9% compared with 4.9% for robotic cases (P=.06). Vascular, bowel, and bladder injuries; cuff dehiscence; and thromboembolic complications were similar for each surgical method. Transfusions for robotic hysterectomy compared with laparotomy was 1.7% and 7.2% (P=.06) and robotic hysterectomy compared were laparoscopy was 2.6% and 5.0% (P=.22).
Conclusion: Perioperative clinical outcomes for robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy appear similar with the exception of less blood loss for robotic cases and longer operative times for robotic and laparoscopy cases.

Training for da Vinci robotic surgery: the Intuitive experience

Giorgia Gaia, Maria C Sighinolfi, Stefano Terzoni, Margarita Afonina, Alessandro Morandi, Veronica Iannuzzi, Simone Assumma, Antonio La Marca, Arsenio Spinillo, Anna M Marconi

Abstract

No abstract available .

First case of robot-assisted radical cystectomy and intracorporeal neobladder reconstruction with the Hugo RAS system: step-by-step surgical setup and technique

Bernardo Rocco, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Luca Sarchi, Simone Assumma, Filippo Turri, Mattia Sangalli, Giorgia Gaia, Angelica Grasso, Paolo Dell'Orto, Tommaso Calcagnile, Igor Piacentini, Rafael Ferreira Coelho, Stefano Terzoni, Enrico Panio, Marcio Covas Moscovas, Vipul Patel

Abstract

Robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is a standard option for the treatment of bladder cancer. Currently, novel platforms are entering the market and the Hugo RAS (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) is a new system consisting of an open console with 3D-HD screen and a multi-modular fashion. Even if several series are already available for radical prostatectomy, to now a full description of RARC performed with Hugo RAS is still lacking. We report the first case of RARC with intracorporeal neobladder performed with the Hugo RAS-and another case of RARC with ureterostomy. Both patients were affected by MIBC. Case 1 was a 61-year-old patient without comorbidities (CCI 4), in which a Bordeaux ileal neobladder was scheduled after previous NAC. The second was the case of a 70-year-old one with CCI 7 and BMI 35; in this case, a ureterostomy was planned. Details of the robotic system: one 11 mm endoscope port was placed on the midline 2 cm above the umbilicus. Another two 8 mm robotic ports were symmetrically placed under vision on a transversal line-located 1 cm below the umbilicus. A third robotic port was positioned on the left side in a W configuration. All ports were located at least 9 cm between each other. Finally, two assistant ports were positioned in the right abdominal site. All arm-carts were parked 45-60 cm from the operative bed, before the docking process begins. Three arm-carts were parked on the left side, the assistant and the scrub nurse worked on the right side, while the energy tower stayed at the foot of the bed, according to the previous description of Hugo RAS robotic radical prostatectomy. The endoscope arm-cart is docked first, then the adjacent left carts are docked; finally, the surgeon's right-hand cart is docked from the right side of the bed. The docking angles and tilt we applied were: endoscope: 175°; minus 45°; surgeon left hand 140°; minus 30°; surgeon right hand 225°; minus 30°; fourth arm 125°; plus 15°. The instruments we used were those fitting our conventional four-instrument setup for RARC: monopolar shears, Maryland forceps, needle driver and Cadiere as the fourth arm. The procedures were completed without technical errors or technological failures-requiring a change in surgical strategy. Docking time was approximately 35 min; console time up to urethral dissection was 150 and 140 min in Case 1 and 2. The time for pelvic nodal dissection was approximately 37 min for both. The multi-modularity fashion of the Hugo RAS allowed an easy management of the bowel in Case 1; the absence of robotic staplers required the use of the laparoscopic ones, managed by an adjunctive assistant with room within the cart. In conclusion, RARC with the Hugo RAS is a feasible procedure able to reproduce all surgical steps without critical errors or complications requiring a change in surgical planning. Urinary diversion with intracorporeal reconstruction is feasible as well, with adequate preliminary outcomes.

Robotic Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Gynecological and Urological Malignancies

Ahmed Eissa1, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Ibrahim Elsodany, George Habib, Stefano Puliatti, Ahmed Zoeir, Ahmed Elsherbiny, Mohamed Abo-Elenien, Ayman Mousa, Mohamed Elbendary, Mohamed Radwan, Giorgia Gaia, Abdel Hamid Elbahnasy, Slavatore Micali, Bernardo Rocco

Abstract

Objectives: Pelvic lymphadenectomy is a crucial step in the management of different pelvic cancers for both prognostic and/or therapeutic goals. Robotic surgeries offered numerous benefits over open and/or laparoscopic surgeries such as better visualization, shorter hospital stay, less pain and better cosmoses. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the value and outcomes of robotic pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND).
Mechanism: The PubMed database was searched using the following keywords “Robotic” AND “pelvic lymph node dissection” to identify all the relevant articles concerned with the role and outcomes of robotic PLND. We included only English articles published between 2010 and 2022. Data from the retrieved articles were then used to formulate this review that highlight the introduction, the outcomes of robotic pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), and the mapping of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in cervical, endometrial, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Findings in Brief: PLND is an integral part of gynecological and urological oncology for its role in tumor staging and planning of further treatment plan. Furthermore, it may play an important therapeutic role in bladder cancer. Robotic approach to PLND is safe and efficient and can be potentially used for cervical, endometrial, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Conclusions: Robotic PLND could be an alternative to open and laparoscopic approaches as it may decrease the associated morbidities without compromising the quality of Lymph node dissection (LND).

A comparative analysis of the HUGO(™) robot-assisted surgery system and the Da Vinci® Xi surgical system for robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse treatment

Claudia Collà Ruvolo, Margarita Afonina, Eleonora Balestrazzi, Marco Paciotti, Adele Piro, Federico Piramide, Carlo Andrea Bravi, Maria Peraire Lores, Gabriele Sorce, Mario Belmonte, Silvia Rebuffo, Marco Ticonosco, Nicola Frego, Giorgia Gaia, Ruben De Groote, Alexandre Mottrie, Geert De Naeyer

Abstract

Background: We aimed to compare the outcomes of Robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) performed using the novel HUGOTM Robot-Assisted Surgery (RAS) System with the Da Vinci® Xi surgical system.
Methods: Data from 38 women undergoing RASC for a ≥ 2-grade pelvic organ prolapse were collected (2021-2023).
Results: Overall, 23 (60.5%) and 15 (39.5%) procedures were performed using the DaVinci® Xi and the HUGOTM RAS system, respectively. The median total operative time was 123 (IQR:106.5-140.5) minutes for the DaVinci® Xi versus 120 (IQR:120-146) minutes for the HUGOTM RAS cases (p = 0.5). No conversion to open/laparoscopic surgery, perioperative complications, or system failures occurred. No differences were recorded according to day of catheter removal and length of stay.
Conclusions: This study represents the first worldwide comparison of RASC executed using the HUGOTM RAS versus the Da Vinci® Xi System. Our data suggest that RASC might be performed with both robotic platforms with similar perioperative outcomes.

Management of the complications of radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Over the past several years, the morbidity associated with radical prostatectomy has improved due to advances in surgical technique, better understanding of male pelvic anatomy, and improved perioperative care. Despite these advances, patients are still at risk for several complications both intraoperatively and in the postoperative course. These risks include significant blood loss, rectal injury, ureteral injury, thromboembolic events, urinary incontinence, impotence, and a perioperative death rate of less than 1%. These risks should be reviewed and discussed before treating the patient with prostate cancer.

New Robotic Platforms for Gynecology. Are We Achieving One of the Golden Goals?

Rui Farinha, Luca Sarchi, Marco Paciotti, Carlo Andrea Bravi, Angelo Mottaran, Adele Piro, Luigi Nocera, Tommaso Calcagnile, Simone Assumma, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Siddhart Yadav, Stefano Terzoni, Stefano Puliatti, Periklis Koukourikis, Ruben De Groote, Fátima Faustino, Geert De Naeyer, Giorgia Gaia, Bernardo Rocco, Alexandre Mottrie

Abstract

Objective: To summarize the scientific published literature on new robotic platforms with potential use in gynecology and review their evolution from inception until the present day. The goal was to describe the current characteristics and possible prospects of these platforms.
Mechanism: A non-systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify scientific literature on new robotic platforms and review their evolution from inception until January 2022. Only English-language publications were included in this analysis. The following keywords were used: “new robotic platforms”, “robot”, “Revo-I”, “Versius®”, “Senhance®”, “Single-Site”, “Single-Port”, “Multi-Port”, “EDGE SP1000”, “Flex®”, and “Hominis®”. Abstract reviews were conducted to determine the relevance of the review aims. Full-text analysis of all relevant English-language original articles was subsequently performed by one author (R.F.) and summarized after discussion with an independent third party (L.S., M.P.). No formal quality assessment of the included studies was conducted.
Findings in brief: The Da Vinci robotic system is the leading platform in the robotic surgery market. Other new platforms have published peer-reviewed articles in the field of gynecology. Senhance® and Da Vinci SP® have the most substantial proof of their capacity to perform multi-incision and single-incision robotic surgery, respectively. Hominis® has the potential to play a major role in ultra-minimally invasive and scarless approaches.
Conclusions: The significant advantages of Intuitive’s robots justify their worldwide dissemination. However, their drawbacks have motivated other companies to develop innovative solutions. Our research shows that the majority of these new platforms are still at the beginning of their technical and scientific validation but seem very promising.