Purpose. Robotic surgery is currently employed for many surgical procedures, yielding interesting results. Methods. We performed an historical review of robots and robotic surgery evaluating some critical phases of its evolution, analyzing its impact on our life and the steps completed that gave the robotics its current popularity. Results. The origins of robotics can be traced back to Greek mythology. Different aspects of robotics have been explored by some of the greatest inventors like Leonardo da Vinci, Pierre Jaquet-Droz, and Wolfgang Von-Kempelen. Advances in many fields of science made possible the development of advanced surgical robots. Over 3000 da Vinci robotic platforms are installed worldwide, and more than 200 000 robotic procedures are performed every year. Conclusion. Despite some potential adverse events, robotic technology seems safe and feasible. It is strictly linked to our life, leading surgeons to a new concept of surgery and training.

Background: Despite potential benefits of robotic liver surgery, it is still considered a "development in progress" technique. Methods: The outcomes of 14 patients undergoing robotic right hepatectomy were analyzed and compared with the results of 20 laparoscopic right hepatectomies consecutively performed by the same young surgeon. Results: The overall mean operative time was less in robotic arm (425 +/- 139 vs. 565.18 +/- 183.73, p = 0.022) and the estimated blood loss was similar (335.15 +/- 139.8 vs. 423.95 +/- 205.15, p = 0.17); no blood transfusion was required. Two patients in robotic group and 5 in laparoscopic group (p = 0.454) underwent conversion to open surgery; the overall morbidity was 21.4 and 15% in studied arms, respectively (p = 0.634). Pathology reports showed a mean surgical margin of 26.02 +/- 3.9 in robotic arm, 28.76 +/- 4.6 for laparoscopic, (p = 0.079) and we achieved a R0 resection rate of 91.66 and 85%, respectively. Reoperation and 90-days mortality rate were both null in robotic arm. One patient in laparoscopic group was reoperated due to postoperative hemorrhage. One-year overall and disease free-survival rate were 92.3 and 84.6%, respectively in robotic arm and 90 and 85% in laparoscopic arm. Conclusions: Robotic right hepatectomy is a safe and feasible technique providing promising short-term outcomes and oncological results also in the initial phase of learning curve. (c) 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel

To evaluate the frequency and anatomic presentation of sliding inguinal hernias as well as to analyze the technical difficulties during surgery and recurrence rate. During 18 months we have recorded in a prospective manner data on all patients operated in one hospital for non-complicated inguinal hernia. All patients suspected of sliding variant have had their hernia sac opened and the sliding organ identified. All repairs were done using tension free technique. One year after discharge a telephone interview was performed with all patients to verify if they are free of recurrence. 464 patients were electively operated on for inguinal hernia during the study period. Sliding variant was diagnosed in 16 patients (3.4%). The sliding organs were: sigmoid colon in 10 patients (62.5%), urinary bladder in 2 patients (12.5%), appendix in 2 cases (12.5%) and caecum in 2 cases (12.5%). The tension free repair according to Lichtenstein or Rutkow-Robbins technique was performed in all cases. No major surgical complication was recorded. During 18 months follow-up we have seen one recurrence 3 months postoperatively. The sliding inguinal hernia is a rare finding. The risk of injury of sliding organ is minimal. If tension free technique is used, the risk of recurrence is similar to that of patients with non-sliding inguinal hernia.