Purpose: Since the introduction of robotic surgery, robots for colorectal cancer have replaced laparoscopic surgery, and a single-port robot (SPR) platform has been launched and is being used to treat patients. We analyzed the learning curve and initial complications of using an SPR platform in colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: We reviewed 39 patients who underwent SPR colectomy from April to October 2019. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon using an SPR device. A learning curve was generated using the cumulative sum methodology to assess changes in total operation time, docking time, and surgeon console time. We grouped the patients into 3 groups according to the time period: the first 11 were phase 1, the next 11 were phase 2, and the last 17 were phase 3. Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.28±13.03 years, and they had a mean body mass index of 23.79±2.86 kg/m2. Among the patients, 23 (59.0%) were male, and 16 (41.0%) were female. The average operation time was 186.59±51.30 minutes, the average surgeon console time was 95.49±35.33 minutes, and the average docking time (time from skin incision to robot docking) was 14.87±10.38 minutes. The surgeon console time differed significantly among the different phases (P<0.001). Complications occurred in 8 patients: 2 ileus, 2 postoperation hemoglobin changes, 3 urinary retentions, and 1 complicated fluid collection. Conclusion In our experience, the learning curve for SPR colectomy was achieved after the 18th case.

Purpose: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the most important genes involved in DNA repair via homologous recombination (HR). Germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2)-related cancers have specific characteristics and treatment options but conducting gBRCA1/2 testing and interpreting the genetic imprint are sometimes complicated. Here, we describe the concordance of gBRCA1/2 derived from a panel of clinical tumor tissues using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genetic aspects of tumors harboring gBRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. Materials and Methods: Targeted sequencing was performed using available tumor tissue from patients who underwent gBRCA1/2 testing. Comparative genomic analysis was performed according to gBRCA1/2 pathogenicity. Results: A total of 321 patients who underwent gBRCA1/2 testing were screened, and 26 patients with gBRCA1/2 pathogenic (gBRCA1/2p) variants, eight patients with gBRCA1/2 variants of uncertain significance (VUS; gBRCA1/2v), and 43 patients with gBRCA1/2 wild-type (gBRCA1/2w) were included in analysis. Mutations in TP53 (49.4%) and PIK3CA (23.4%) were frequently detected in all samples. The number of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) per tumor tissue was higher in the gBRCA1/2w group than that in the gBRCA1/2p group (14.81 vs. 18.86, p=0.278). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was significantly higher in the gBRCA1/2w group than in the gBRCA1/2p group (10.21 vs. 13.47, p=0.017). Except for BRCA1/2, other HR-related genes were frequently mutated in patients with gBRCA1/2w. Conclusion We demonstrated high sensitivity of gBRCA1/2 in tumors analyzed by NGS using a panel of tumor tissues. TMB value and aberration of non-BRCA1/2 HR-related genes differed significantly according to gBRCA1/2 pathogenicity in patients with breast cancer.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and behaviors of Korean women of reproductive age in regards to contraception counseling. Materials and Methods: The study sample was collected in Korea and comprised 1011 women aged 20–44 years and 150 obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) doctors. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing their current methods of contraception, knowledge of and satisfaction with contraceptive methods, and willingness to learn about and use other contraceptive methods. Results: Women used condoms (74.2%), natural methods (cycle control or withdrawal, 52.4%), and combined oral contraceptives (COCs) (36.9%) more frequently than long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, such as hormone-releasing intrauterine system (IUS) (4.5%), copper-intrauterine devices (3.3%), and subdermal implants (1.4%). Although the proportion of women who used LARC was low, those who used hormone-releasing IUS or subdermal implants reported high levels of satisfaction. The findings revealed discordant results between women and OB/GYN doctors regarding the initiation and quality of information provided by doctors about contraception and overall satisfaction with counseling. Most women (83.1%) expressed a desire to have more information about various contraceptive methods. More than 60% of women reported a willingness to use LARC, such as hormone-releasing IUS or subdermal implants, when provided with detailed information in counseling. Conclusion The majority of Korean women are familiar with condoms and natural methods, but lack knowledge about alternative contraceptive methods, including LARC. Women who used LARC reported higher levels of satisfaction than those who used other methods.