Intraoperative imaging of the common bile duct: a systematic review.

Background: Benign biliary disease is a common gastrointestinal condition often requiring surgical intervention. Serious complications during minimally invasive cholecystectomy, such as bile duct injury (BDI) and retained common bile duct stones, must be minimized to improve outcomes and optimize resource use. This systematic review summarizes data comparing intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), fluorescent imaging (FI) with indocyanine green (ICG), and laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Emergency Conversion During Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery.

This article focuses on the critical aspects of emergency conversion from robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) to open thoracotomy. Despite the superior visualization and control offered during RATS, conversion to a thoracotomy is occasionally necessary due to complications such as major vascular injury. Conversion is a high-stakes event, associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and requires careful preoperative planning, clear intraoperative communication, frequent simulation, and a systematic process to ensure patient safety.

Advances in intraoperative imaging technologies for complex biliary disease.

Intraoperative imaging has enhanced the precision of biliary surgery in pediatric patients by improving visualization and reducing complications. This review examines intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), fluorescent cholangiography (FC) with indocyanine green (ICG), laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). IOC remains the gold standard for identifying biliary anomalies but raises concerns about radiation exposure and operative time.

Equity and Opportunities in Lung Cancer Care-Addressing Disparities, Challenges, and Pathways Forward.

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, which disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. Disparities in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survival outcomes are due to a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, structural racism, and limited access to high-quality care. This review aims to examine the underlying causes of these disparities and explore potential mitigation strategies to improve lung cancer care equity.

Race, Ethnicity, and Payor status Impact the Surgical Approach and Postoperative Outcomes of Lung Cancer Amongst Patients within The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database.

Objective: To evaluate demographics and quality metrics across racial and ethnic groups amongst patients undergoing lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) within the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTSD).

Summary Background: Studies evaluating disparities amongst patients undergoing lung resection for NSCLC are limited.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of the STS GTSD was performed between 2015-2022.

Robotic-Assisted Pleurectomy Is a Safe and Effective Surgical Treatment for Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common thoracic surgical problem. To prevent recurrence, surgical options include blebectomy, mechanical or chemical pleurodesis, pleurectomy, or a combination of these operations. Pleurectomy is associated with lower recurrence rates but may be technically challenging via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.