Introduction of a new surgical robot platform "hinotori™" in an institution with established da Vinci surgery™ for digestive organ operations.

BACKGROUND: New platforms for robotic surgery have recently become available for clinical use; however, information on the introduction of new surgical robotic platforms compared with the da Vinci™ surgical system is lacking. In this study, we retrospectively determined the safe introduction of the new "hinotori™" surgical robot in an institution with established da Vinci surgery using four representative digestive organ operations. METHODS: Sixty-one patients underwent robotic esophageal, gastric, rectal, and pancreatic operations using the hinotori system in our department in 2023. Among these, 22 patients with McKeown esophagectomy, 12 with distal gastrectomy, 11 with high- and low-anterior resection of the rectum, and eight with distal pancreatectomy procedures performed by hinotori were compared with historical controls treated using da Vinci surgery. RESULTS: The console (cockpit) operation time for distal gastrectomy and rectal surgery was shorter in the hinotori group compared with the da Vinci procedure, and there were no significant differences in the console times for the other two operations. Other surgical results were almost similar between the two robot surgical groups. Notably, the console times for hinotori surgeries showed no significant learning curves, determined by the cumulative sum method, for any of the operations, with similar values to the late phase of da Vinci surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that no additional learning curve might be required to achieve proficient surgical outcomes using the new hinotori surgical robotic platform, compared with the established da Vinci surgery.

Lowering the setting value of the esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection device enabled tissue damage control in vitro porcine model.

One of the complications of esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is postoperative stricture formation. Stenosis formation is associated with inflammation and fibrosis in the healing process. We hypothesized that the degree of thermal damage caused by the device is related to stricture formation. We aimed to reveal the relationship between thermal damage and setting value of the device. We energized a resected porcine esophagus using the ESD device (Flush Knife 1.5). We performed 10 energization points for 1 s, 3 s, and 5 s at four setting values of the device. We measured the amount of current flowing to the conducted points and the temperature and evaluated the effects of thermal damage pathologically. As results, the mean highest temperatures for 1 s were I (SWIFT Effect3 Wat20): 61.19 °C, II (SWIFT Effect3 Wat30): 77.28 °C, III (SWIFT Effect4 Wat20): 94.50 °C, and IV (SWIFT Effect4 Wat30): 94.29 °C. The mean heat denaturation areas were I: 0.84 mm2, II: 1.00 mm2, III: 1.91 mm2, and IV: 1.54 mm2. The mean highest temperature and mean heat denaturation area were significantly correlated (P < 0.001). In conclusion, Low-current ESD can suppress the actual temperature and thermal damage in the ESD wound.

Comparison of transhiatal esophagectomy using a mediastinoscope with transhiatal esophagectomy by the classic method.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the results of transhiatal esophagectomy using a mediastinoscope in comparison with conventional transhiatal esophagectomy. METHODS: Sixty-two esophageal cancer patients who were referred to our thoracic surgery clinic between April 2015 and March 2017, and met the inclusion criteria, were randomly divided into two groups of 31 each. In the first group, patients were operated on by conventional transhiatal esophagectomy. In the second group, only release of the thoracic esophagus through a neck incision (mediastinal esophagolysis) was performed using a mediastinoscope. The other surgical procedures were similar to those in the first group. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was almost the same in both groups (57.7 years in the first group versus 56.7 years in the second group). There was no significant difference in sex ratio. The mean volume of blood loss during the operation, mean operative time, and intensive care unit stay as well as cardiopulmonary complications and early postoperative complications were lower in the group that had esophagectomy using a mediastinoscope, and the number of resected mediastinal lymph nodes was greater. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be expected that use of a video mediastinoscope for esophagolysis of the thoracic esophagus in a transhiatal esophagectomy procedure is safe and it will reduce the morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Transcervical (SP) and Transhiatal DaVinci Robotic Esophagectomy: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: This is a preclinical cadaveric study to investigate the feasibility of a fully robotic McKeown esophagectomy in simultaneous rendezvous technique using the DaVinci X for transhiatal dissection and the DaVinci single port (SP) for transcervical dissection. METHODS: Two transcervical esophagectomies with the DaVinci SP surgical system were performed as training procedures. In the third transcervical cadaveric procedure, the DaVinci SP was installed for the transcervical approach and the DaVinci X surgical system for the abdominal transhiatal phase. Primary outcomes were operating time and lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: The mobilization of the esophagus was successfully completed in 118 minutes by using the DaVinci SP for the transcervical phase and the DaVinci X for the transhiatal abdominal phase simultaneously. In total 18 lymph nodes were dissected in the thorax; 3 were located paratracheal right, 3 paratracheal left, 4 subcarinal, 4 para-aortic, 2 paraesophageal upper mediastinal, and 2 paraesophageal middle mediastinal. CONCLUSION: This preclinical study demonstrated that a fully robotic McKeown esophagectomy in simultaneous rendezvous technique using the DaVinci X for transhiatal dissection and the DaVinci SP for transcervical dissection was feasible with adequate lymphadenectomy in a cadaver model. Future research will elucidate the indications for the use of the fully robotic transhiatal and transcervical esophagectomy.

Long-Term Radiologic Evaluation of Microaspirations among Patients after Esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Aspirations are common after esophagectomy. Data are lacking regarding its long-term radiological manifestations. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and radiological patterns of aspirations among long-term survivors and evaluate their clinical significance. METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent esophagectomy between October 2003 and December 2011 and survived more than 3 years were reviewed. Preoperative, first routine postoperative, and latest chest computed tomography (CT)scans were reviewed. Imaging studies were reviewed for radiological signs suspicious of aspirations, conduit location, anastomotic site, and maximal intrathoracic diameter. Data regarding patients' complaints during clinic visits were also collected. RESULTS: A total of 578 patients underwent esophagectomy during the study period. One-hundred twenty patients met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 83.5 months. Cervical and intrathoracic anastomoses were performed in 103 and 17 patients, respectively. A higher rate of CT findings was found in postoperative imaging (n = 51 [42.5%] vs. n = 13 [10.8%] respectively, p < 0.05). Most of these were found in the lower lobes (61%). A higher rate of lesions was found among patients in whom the conduit was bulging to the right hemithorax compared with totally mediastinal or completely in the right hemithorax (54.5 vs. 35.2% and 34.6%, respectively, p < 0.05). No correlation was found with conduit diameter or anastomotic site. These lesions were more prevalent among patients who complained of reflux or cough during meals (NS). CONCLUSIONS: A significantly higher rate of new CT findings was found in postoperative imaging of this post-esophagectomy cohort, suggesting a high incidence of aspirations. The locations of the conduit, rather than anastomosis site, seem to play a role in the development of these findings. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings.

Surgical Adjuncts During Esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy is a major operation whereby intraoperative technique and postoperative care must be optimal. Even in expert hands, the complication rate is as high as 59%. Here the authors discuss the role of surgical adjuncts, including enteral access, nasogastric decompression, pyloric drainage procedures, and anastomotic buttressing as adjuncts to esophagectomy and whether they reduce perioperative complications.

An improved method for gastric tube and anastomotic anvil placement during thoracoscopic and laparoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: During esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, a gastric tube is necessary for the perioperative period. However, the gastric tube and anastomotic anvil placement is often extremely difficult and time consuming during surgery. METHODS: We used the traditional method or improved method to place the gastric tube and anastomotic anvil during thoracoscopic and laparoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Thirty-seven patients were in the improved group: the gastric tube and anastomotic anvil were placed using the improved method; 35 patients were in the traditional group: the gastric tube and anastomotic anvil were placed using the traditional method. Retrospectively, we analyze the basic clinical characteristics, perioperative clinical features, and postoperative complications of the two groups of patients. RESULTS: The two groups were matched well for baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference between the two groups in blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative fasting time, drainage volume, and overall complications. But significant between-group differences were observed in time consuming and chest tube indwelling time (P < 0.05), both of which were significantly shorter in the improved group than in the traditional group. CONCLUSIONS: This improved method can reduce the difficulty of placing anastomotic anvil and gastric tube and prevent damage to the anastomosis during surgery.

The evaluation of the hemodynamics of a gastric tube in esophagectomy using a new noninvasive blood flow evaluation device utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: We herein evaluated the hemodynamics of a gastric tube in esophagectomy using a new noninvasive blood flow evaluation device utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy. METHODS: Thirty-two cases of subtotal esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer were studied. The new device measures the regional tissue saturation of oxygen (rSO2: 0-99%) and total hemoglobin index (T-HbI: 0-1.0) with a small sensor. We measured these values at the antrum (point A), final branch of the right gastroepiploic artery (point B) and planned anastomotic point (point C) before and after gastric tube formation. The values at the three points were compared, and the gradients at the three points from before to after gastric tube formation were compared. RESULTS: The mean values of rSO2 at point A, B, and C before gastric tube formation were 57.2%, 57.8% and 56.0%, and those after formation were 54.6%, 58.0% and 55.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the comparison of the rSO2 gradient before and after formation (p = 0.167). The mean values of T-HbI at point A, B, and C before formation were 0.126, 0.178 and 0.211, and those after formation were 0.167, 0.247 and 0.292, respectively. There was no significant difference in the gradient of the increase before and after formation (p = 0.461). CONCLUSION: A new device has shown that the gastric tube used in our facility is one that maintains tissue saturation of oxygen and does not cause excessive congestion at anastomosis.

Illuminated Transhiatal Retractor for Mediastinal Dissection During Transhiatal Esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy following preoperative chemoradiation provides the best outcomes in the treatment of early stage esophageal carcinoma. The exposure of the mediastinum during transhiatal esophagectomy is limited. We describe our technique of mediastinal dissection during the transhiatal esophagectomy using a newly developed transhiatal retractor.

Video-assisted esophagectomy using a port-free organ retractor for the prevention of laryngeal nerve paralysis.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis is a major complication of esophageal cancer surgery. The free jaw clip (FJ clip) was developed as an organ-retracting device, and it can also reduce the number of ports required during surgery. Here, we describe a new technique for lymphadenectomy along the left RLN using the FJ clip. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After the middle and lower mediastinal lymph nodes were dissected, the upper esophagus and other tissues, including the lymph nodes and left RLN, were retracted by cutting the tracheal arteries between the esophagus and trachea and then pulling the upper esophagus to the dorsal side with the FJ clip. The esophagus was transected at the upper mediastinum, and the proximal esophagus was drawn by the FJ clip. This technique helped provide a good field of view during lymphadenectomy along the left RLN. The data of nine consecutive patients who underwent video-assisted esophagectomy in the left lateral decubitus position by the same surgeon were reviewed. Postoperative left RLN paralysis occurred in only one patient in whom the RLN could not be preserved. DISCUSSION: Given the excellent short-term outcomes with respect to left RLN paralysis, lymphadenectomy along the left RLN using the FJ clip was safe and feasible.

Innovative fully robotic 4-arm Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (RAMIE4).

Nowadays robotic surgery is established for abdominal and thoracic surgery. It has been shown that complex procedures are feasible using robotic systems, e.g., da Vinci Xi, with a huge benefit in precision. Different techniques for esophageal cancer surgery are reported; however, only a few robotic and partial robotic procedures are described. Therefore, a fully robotic (abdominal and thoracic) Ivor Lewis esophageal resection using four robotic arms-RAMIE4-the standard technique used for lower esophageal cancer, is presented in this paper. The technique shown in the video was performed successfully in 100 cases in 24 months. The reconstruction is performed with a gastric conduit pull-up and intrathoracic manually inserted 28-mm circular end-to-side stapled anastomosis. This video demonstrates the feasibility of RAMIE4 in the abdomen and thorax and reveals advantages of the robotic assistance.

Steam induced by the activation of energy devices under a wet condition may cause thermal injury.

BACKGROUND: During esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, meticulous attention is needed to prevent thermal injury to the vital organs, such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and tracheobronchus. In order to clarify the novel mechanism behind thermal injury induced by energy devices, we investigated the temperature of steam with the use of two different devices under wet and dry conditions. METHODS: An ultrasonic device (Sonicision™) and a vessel sealing device (Ligasure™) were studied. We evaluated the temperature at the tip of the devices and the steam when the devices were activated under different grasping ranges, under four different combinations of device and muscle, and under four different wet/dry conditions (dry-dry, dry-wet, wet-dry, and wet-wet). RESULTS: Although the maximum temperature of the devices was significantly higher with Sonicision™ than with Ligasure™, the maximum temperature of the steam was significantly higher with Ligasure™ than with Sonicision™ in almost all situations. At 1 mm away from Sonicision™, the critical temperature more than 60 °C was observed only when used with one-third grasping range under the wet-dry or the wet-wet conditions. In case of Ligasure™, high-temperature steam was observed when used with one-third grasping under the wet-dry or the wet-wet condition and two-third grasping under the dry-wet, the wet-dry, or the wet-wet condition. Under the wet condition, the emission of steam from the non-grasping part of Ligasure™ caused a spike in temperature that exceeded the critical temperature. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the use of energy devices under a wet condition generates steam from the non-grasping part of the devices. The temperatures of steam from Ligasure™ were significantly higher than that from Sonicision™. To prevent thermal injury to the vital organs, a very attentive and meticulous surgical technique is imperative considering the characteristics of each device.

21- versus 25-mm Circular Staplers for Cervical Anastomosis: A Propensity-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of a small circular stapler (CS) has been reported to increase the incidence of benign anastomotic stricture of the intrathoracic anastomosis after esophagectomy, but no study has evaluated the effects of the CS size on cervical esophagogastrostomy. Based on a propensity-matched comparison, the present study was designed to determine whether the perioperative outcomes differ between 21- and 25-mm CSs after minimally invasive esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2017, 162 patients who received CS cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were identified from our surgical database. A propensity-matched analysis was used to compare the outcomes between the 21- and 25-mm CS groups. Endpoints included anastomotic leak, dysphagia, reflux, stricture, and other major postoperative outcomes within 6 postoperative months. RESULTS: There were 69 and 93 patients in the 21- and 25-mm CS groups, respectively. Propensity matching produced 57 patients in each group. The two groups were not remarkably different in benign anastomotic stricture rate (P = 0.528). All strictures were resolved by balloon dilatation. The 25-mm CS group had a significantly longer operative time in cervical anastomosis than the 21-mm group (P = 0.005). No statistically significant differences in anastomotic leak rates, dysphagia scores, reflux scores, or other postoperative complications were noted between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a 21-mm CS in minimally invasive esophagectomy with cervical esophagogastric anastomosis did not result in greater anastomotic stricture as compared with a 25-mm CS. The 21-mm CS was associated with a significantly shorter operative time.

Do we still need a diverticuloscope for the flexible endoscopic septotomy of Zenker's diverticulum?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is the most common type of diverticulum in the esophagus. The endoscopic septotomy of the diverticular wall has become a widely accepted treatment modality, but the recurrence rate is unclear. Our aim was to assess short-term and long-term success rates after flexible endoscopic septotomy for the treatment of ZD. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated at our department for a ZD between November 2014 and September 2018 were included. Endoscopic septotomy was conducted using a diverticuloscope or a distal attachment cap. Data were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively collected database. We collected data concerning patients, endoscopic procedures, and short-term clinical outcomes. All patients were reached by phone between October and December 2018 to assess long-term results. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were referred to our department for a ZD. Sixty patients were treated using a diverticuloscope and 17 patients with a distal attachment cap. For all 77 patients, the myotomy was technically successful. Three patients treated with a diverticuloscope reported complications. Initial treatment success was 93%. After a mean (±SEM) follow up of 23 ± 2 months, 66% of patients had persistent clinical remission. The rate of long-term treatment success was 72% in treatment-naïve and 50% in previously treated patients (P = 0.13). Treatment success was 68% in patients treated with the diverticuloscope versus 60% in the group treated with a cap (P = 0.75). CONCLUSION: The flexible endoscopic septotomy for the treatment of ZD is a safe and effective treatment of ZD, with or without a diverticuloscope.

Comparison of Outcomes with Semi-mechanical and Circular Stapled Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis following Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques have been described for esophagogastric anastomosis following esophagectomy. This study compared the outcomes of circular stapled anastomoses with semi-mechanical technique using a linear stapler. METHODS: Perioperative data were extracted from a contemporaneously collected database of all consecutive esophagectomies for cancer with intrathoracic anastomoses performed in the Trent Oesophago-Gastric Unit between January 2015 and April 2018. Anastomotic techniques: circular stapled versus semi-mechanical, were evaluated and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was anastomotic leak rate. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic stricture, overall complication rates, length of stay (LOS) and 30 day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine consecutive esophagectomies with intrathoracic anastomosis were performed during the study period. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, Charlson comorbidity index and neoadjuvant therapies received. Circular stapled anastomoses were performed in 85 patients, while 74 patients received a semi-mechanical anastomosis. Clavien-Dindo complications II or more were higher in the circular stapled group (p = 0.02). There were 16 (10%) anastomotic leaks overall, three (4%) in semi-mechanical group versus 13 (15%) in the circular stapled group (p < 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of LOS, 30-day mortality or the need for endoscopic dilatation of the anastomosis at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The move from a circular stapled to a semi-mechanical intrathoracic anastomosis has been associated with a reduced postoperative anastomotic leak rate following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Comparison of the safety and efficacy between linear stapler and circular stapler in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Total gastrectomy is often recommended for upper body gastric cancer, and totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) is deemed to be a promising surgical method with the well-known advantages such as less invasion and fast recovery. However, the anastomosis between oesophagus and jejunum is the difficulty of TLTG. Although staplers have promoted the development of TLTG, the choice of suitable staplers to complete oesophagojejunostomy is controversial and unclear. Therefore, a higher level of research evidence is needed to compare the two types of staplers in terms of safety and efficacy for oesophagojejunostomy in TLTG among patients with gastric cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Databases will be comprehensively searched from January 1990 to July 2019. All eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs or observational studies comparing the two types of staplers will be included. A meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager V.5.3 software to compare the safety and efficacy of linear and circular staplers for oesophagojejunostomy in TLTG. The primary outcomes are anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, anastomotic haemorrhage. The secondary outcomes include time to first instance of passing gas after surgery, first feeding time, total operation time, reconstruction time, estimated blood loss. The heterogeneity of this study will be assessed by p values and I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses will be used to explore and explain the heterogeneity. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane tool or the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval will not be required because this proposed systematic review and meta-analysis is based on previously published data, which does not include intervention data on patients. The findings of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at a relevant congress. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018111680.

Robot-Assisted McKeown Procedure via a Cervical Mediastinoscopy Avoiding an Abdominal and Thoracic Incision.

Total esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is associated with high morbidity. The avoidance of a thoracic access could especially reduce the occurrence of pulmonary complications. Therefore, the combination of a high transhiatal dissection of the esophagus and a neck access with mediastinal dissection of the esophagus appears to be a possibility to reduce the pulmonary risks. However, the access to the posterior mediastinum is very limited with the conventional minimal invasive instruments. These limitations can be overcome by the use of a surgical robot.In this article, we present a novel operation technique for a complete robot-assisted (da Vinci Xi) McKeown procedure avoiding a thoracic approach and abdominal incision by using a rendezvous technique with an abdominal and cervical docking of the robot system.

Gastric tube cancer after esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review.

Gastric conduit used for reconstruction after esophagectomy for cancer has the potential to develop a metachronous neoplasm known as gastric tube cancer (GTC). The aim of this study was to review literature and evaluate outcomes and possible treatment strategies for GTC. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials. No restriction was set for the type of publication, number, age, or sex of the patients. The search was limited to articles in English. Characteristics of esophageal cancer (EC) and its treatment and GTC and its treatment were analyzed. A total of 28 studies were analyzed, 12 retrospective analyses and 16 case reports, involving 229 patients with 250 GTCs in total. The majority of ECs (88.2%) were squamous cell carcinomas. In 120 patients (52.4%) a posterior mediastinal reconstructive route was used when esophagectomy was performed. The mean interval between esophagectomy and diagnosis of GTC was 55.8 months, with a median interval of 56.8 months (4-236 months). One hundred and twenty-four GTCs (49.6%) were located in the lower part of the gastric tube. One hundred and forty patients were endoscopically treated. Eighty-five patients underwent surgery. Thirty-six total gastrectomies with lymphadenectomy with colon or jejunal interposition were performed. Forty-three subtotal gastrectomies and 6 wedge resections were performed. The main reported postoperative complications were anastomotic leak, vocal cord palsy, and respiratory failure. Twenty-five patients were treated with palliative chemotherapy. Three-year survival rates were 69.3% for endoscopically treated patients, 58.8% for surgically resected patients, and 4% for patients who underwent palliative treatment. The feasibility of endoscopic resections in patients diagnosed with superficial GTC has been reported. Surgical treatment represented the preferred treatment method in operable patients with locally invasive tumor. Patients treated with conservative therapy have a scarce prognosis. The development of GTC should be taken into consideration during the extended follow-up of patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. Total gastrectomy plus lymphadenectomy should be considered the preferred treatment modality in operable patients with locally invasive tumor, when endoscopy is contraindicated. Long-term yearly endoscopic follow-up is recommended.

Is complete right cervical paraesophageal lymph node dissection possible in the prone position during thoracoscopic esophagectomy?

BACKGROUND: Effective treatment of esophageal cancer requires dissection of the regional lymph nodes (LNs) from the cervical to the abdominal area. In this study, we hypothesized that adequate no. 101R dissection is achieved through a thoracoscopic approach in the prone position. METHODS: The study cohort was limited to 42 patients who underwent thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy with bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer between January 2015 and March 2017. The number of LNs and the incidence of metastasis were analyzed. During the proposed thoracoscopic procedure, cervical paraesophageal LNs were dissected continuously, with the LNs surrounding the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN; no. 106rec) as an en bloc resection. In this study, LNs that required further picking up via a cervical incision were defined as no. 101. The recurrent sites among the consecutive patients during the 3-year follow-up, for whom bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy was omitted for lower and middle thoracic tumors between 2012 and 2014, were analyzed further. RESULTS: The data of 42 patients were analyzed. The lymphatic tissues dorsal to the right cervical RLN were almost completely dissected via thoracoscopy. A median of 0 (0-6) LNs were ventral to the right RLN (no. 101R) and no LN metastasis was observed. There were no lymph nodes in 27 patients (64%). By contrast, there was a median of 1(0-10) no. 101L nodes, and LN metastasis was observed in two patients (4.7%). The numbers of LNs at no. 106recR and no. 106recL were 3 (0-9) and 2(0-13), respectively, and the corresponding numbers of patients with metastases at these sites were 11(26%) and 5(12%), respectively. Among the 33 patients who completed the 3-year follow-up, 9 patients developed recurrence, but none involved 101R LNs. CONCLUSIONS: There were no residual LNs in the area ventral to the right cervical RLN in 64% of the patients who underwent additional cervical lymphadenectomy after the right thoracoscopic approach in the prone position. Further studies with larger patient cohort or randomization are required to confirm our results.

Robot-assisted esophageal surgery using the da Vinci® Xi system: operative technique and initial experiences.

In this review, we would like to illustrate our experience with the da Vinci® Xi system in case of esophageal surgery. Since the da Vinci® Xi system was installed in our department, it has resulted in a great improvement in cases of minimally invasive surgery. After the successful establishment in the field of colorectal surgery, the next step was surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Due to the features of the robotic system, we can definitely observe the advantages and a positive effect in case of minimal invasive esophagectomy (MIE). We have also tried to develop an adequate surgical standard of the robotic-assisted minimal invasive esophagectomy with the da Vinci® Xi.