Challenges and shifting treatment strategies in the surgical treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer.

The current standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) in Korea and Western countries is a multimodal approach incorporating preoperative long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) and adjuvant chemotherapy. This approach has significantly improved local control and reduced recurrence rates; however, the overall survival benefit has not been established. Although LCRT is a good option, there remain challenging unresolved problems for colorectal surgeons.

Developing an in vivo porcine model of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (Yonsei-PJ).

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is technically feasible, but its safety is still controversial. Pancreas texture and the small size of the main pancreatic duct indicate laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) as a challenging procedure. Thus, LPD could be a risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), longer hospital stay, and delayed adjuvant chemotherapy that affects long-term oncologic outcome.

Pitfalls for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: Need for a stepwise approach.

Because of today's advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative management skills, surgeons are beginning to explore the usefulness of the laparoscopic approach in managing periampullary tumors. However, as a result of its innate complexity and associated high surgery-related complications, its applicability to the general surgical community remains controversial. To date, only retrospective data from high-volume centers support the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (Lap PD) for the treatment of benign conditions and malignant periampullary tumors.

Robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Current evidence.

The robotic system has gained wide acceptance in specialties such as urological and gynecological surgery. It has also been applied in the field of upper gastrointestinal surgery. Since the first implementation of the robotic system for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma, the procedure has been found to be safe and feasible.