Implementation and outcome of minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy in Europe: a registry-based retrospective study - a critical appraisal of the first 3 years of the E-MIPS registry.

BACKGROUND: International multicenter audit-based studies focusing on the outcome of minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) are lacking. The European Registry for Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery (E-MIPS) is the E-AHPBA endorsed registry aimed to monitor and safeguard the introduction of MIPD in Europe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A planned analysis of outcomes among consecutive patients after MIPD from 45 centers in 14 European countries in the E-MIPS registry (2019-2021). The main outcomes of interest were major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3) and 30-day/in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 1336 patients after MIPD were included [835 robot-assisted (R-MIPD) and 501 laparoscopic MIPD (L-MIPD)]. Overall, 20 centers performed R-MIPD, 15 centers L-MIPD, and 10 centers both. Between 2019 and 2021, the rate of centers performing L-MIPD decreased from 46.9 to 25%, whereas for R-MIPD this increased from 46.9 to 65.6%. Overall, the rate of major morbidity was 41.2%, 30-day/in-hospital mortality 4.5%, conversion rate 9.7%, postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C 22.7%, and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage grade B/C 10.8%. Median length of hospital stay was 12 days (IQR 8-21). A lower rate of major morbidity, postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage grade B/C, delayed gastric emptying grade B/C, percutaneous drainage, and readmission was found after L-MIPD. The number of centers meeting the Miami Guidelines volume cut-off of ≥20 MIPDs annually increased from 9 (28.1%) in 2019 to 12 (37.5%) in 2021 ( P =0.424). Rates of conversion (7.4 vs. 14.8% P <0.001) and reoperation (8.9 vs. 15.1% P <0.001) were lower in centers, which fulfilled the Miami volume cut-off. CONCLUSION: During the first 3 years of the pan-European E-MIPS registry, morbidity and mortality rates after MIPD were acceptable. A shift is ongoing from L-MIPD to R-MIPD. Variations in outcomes between the two minimally invasive approaches and the impact of the volume cut-off should be further evaluated over a longer time period.

Effect of Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy With Intracorporeal Urinary Diversion vs Open Radical Cystectomy on 90-Day Morbidity and Mortality Among Patients With Bladder Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy is being performed with increasing frequency, but it is unclear whether total intracorporeal surgery improves recovery compared with open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Objectives: To compare recovery and morbidity after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal reconstruction vs open radical cystectomy. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial of patients with nonmetastatic bladder cancer recruited at 9 sites in the UK, from March 2017-March 2020. Follow-up was conducted at 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months, with final follow-up on September 23, 2021. Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal reconstruction (n = 169) or open radical cystectomy (n = 169). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the number of days alive and out of the hospital within 90 days of surgery. There were 20 secondary outcomes, including complications, quality of life, disability, stamina, activity levels, and survival. Analyses were adjusted for the type of diversion and center. Results: Among 338 randomized participants, 317 underwent radical cystectomy (mean age, 69 years; 67 women [21%]; 107 [34%] received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 282 [89%] underwent ileal conduit reconstruction); the primary outcome was analyzed in 305 (96%). The median number of days alive and out of the hospital within 90 days of surgery was 82 (IQR, 76-84) for patients undergoing robotic surgery vs 80 (IQR, 72-83) for open surgery (adjusted difference, 2.2 days [95% CI, 0.50-3.85]; P = .01). Thromboembolic complications (1.9% vs 8.3%; difference, -6.5% [95% CI, -11.4% to -1.4%]) and wound complications (5.6% vs 16.0%; difference, -11.7% [95% CI, -18.6% to -4.6%]) were less common with robotic surgery than open surgery. Participants undergoing open surgery reported worse quality of life vs robotic surgery at 5 weeks (difference in mean European Quality of Life 5-Dimension, 5-Level instrument scores, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.11 to -0.03]; P = .003) and greater disability at 5 weeks (difference in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.15-0.73]; P = .003) and at 12 weeks (difference in WHODAS 2.0 scores, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.09-0.68]; P = .01); the differences were not significant after 12 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences in cancer recurrence (29/161 [18%] vs 25/156 [16%] after robotic and open surgery, respectively) and overall mortality (23/161 [14.3%] vs 23/156 [14.7%]), respectively) at median follow-up of 18.4 months (IQR, 12.8-21.1). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with nonmetastatic bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy, treatment with robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion vs open radical cystectomy resulted in a statistically significant increase in days alive and out of the hospital over 90 days. However, the clinical importance of these findings remains uncertain. Trial Registration: ISRCTN Identifier: ISRCTN13680280; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03049410.

Surgical Issues for Operable Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Surgical care for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer continuously evolves with new procedures, techniques and care pathways. The most obvious recent change was the transition to minimally invasive procedures, but numerous other aspects of care have also been refined to improve safety and tolerability. These care advancements are essential as we move into an era with increased early detection as a result of screening and greater indications for the use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant strategies.

Percutaneous microwave ablation versus robot-assisted hepatectomy for early hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-world single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Both microwave ablation and robot-assisted hepatectomy are representative minimally invasive treatments for early hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study compares the practicability and medium-term therapeutic efficacy between them. METHODS: Patients with early HCC treated by MWA or RH from 2013 to 2019 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) were used to minimize baseline imbalance. Operation trauma, postoperative recovery, complications, cost and oncological efficacy were compared. RESULTS: 401 patients with a median follow-up of 28 months were included (MWA n = 240; RH n = 161). After PSM, 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of MWA group and RH group were 52.2% vs 65.8%, 91.5% vs 91.3% and 91.5% vs 91.3%, respectively. OS and CSS were comparable (p = 0.44 and 0.96), while RFS of MWA was slightly lower but not significant (p = 0.097). The above results after IPTW followed the same trend. After PSM, MWA showed advantages in operation time and blood loss, while RH performed better in postoperative liver function. There was no significant difference in incidence of severe complications between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For early HCC parents, both treatments can achieve good, safe and comparable medium-term therapeutic effects. MWA is more minimally invasive, while RH has better accuracy and causes less damage to liver parenchyma.

Comparison between robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and traditional laparoscopic low anterior resection for middle and low rectal cancer: A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find the advantages of robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) for middle and low rectal cancer, compared with traditional laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). METHODS: Patients receiving robotic NOSES or traditional laparoscopic LAR were retrospectively enrolled from 2013-10 to 2019-06, with middle and low rectal cancer, maximum diameter ≤ 5 cm, pT1-3 or ypT1-3 stage, no distant metastases. The baseline of the two groups was balanced using the propensity score matching method. Surgical quality, postoperative recovery, and long-term oncological outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Totally 137 eligible patients with robotic NOSES and 137 matched patients with traditional laparoscopic LAR were enrolled. Robotic NOSES had a significantly lower open conversion rate (0 vs. 4.4%, p = .030), less intraoperative hemorrhage (50 ml vs. 80 ml, p < .001) and longer distance from distal resection margin of low rectal cancer (1.5 cm vs. 1.0 cm, p = .030). Robotic NOSES significantly reduced the 30-day postoperative complication rate of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher (17.5% vs. 31.4%, p = .008), promoted gastrointestinal and urinary function recovery, reduced postoperative pain and hospital stay (6.0 vs. 7.0 d, p = .022). The two groups were similar in long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional laparoscopic LAR, robotic NOSES had significant advantages in improving surgical quality and promoting postoperative recovery.

Robot-assisted versus open radical nephroureterectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: A retrospective cohort study across ten years.

PURPOSE: Radical nephroureterectomy is the gold standard of treatment for high-risk non-metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. However, the optimal surgical approach remains a controversial debate. This study compared the perioperative and oncological outcomes of open and robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomies. METHODS: 131 consecutive radical nephroureterectomies (66 robot-assisted nephroureterectomies vs. 65 open nephroureterectomies) for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract at a single tertiary referral center were included from 2009 to 2019. The perioperative and oncological outcomes were compared between both surgical approaches, including logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching, Kaplan Meier analyses, and Cox regression models. RESULTS: Overall, robot-assisted surgery had less blood loss (150 ml vs. 250, p = 0.004) and less positive surgical margins (1.5% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.004) at a comparable operating time (robotic 188min vs. 178). Any grade complications were more frequent after open surgery (40.9% vs. 63.1%, p = 0.011), and the length of stay was shorter after robotic nephroureterectomy (9 days vs. 12, p < 0.001). These differences remained significant in the propensity score matched analysis, except for the complication rates, which were still lower for the robotic approach, but no longer significant. At a median follow-up of 30.9 months (range 1.4-129.5), neither the progression-free survival (PFS, 2-year: robotic 66.7% vs. open 55.3%), nor the overall survival differed significantly (OS, 2-year: robotic 76.2% vs. open 68.4%). In the Cox regression, the surgical approach did not impact the PFS or OS. Lymph node metastases (HR 3.32, p = 0.008) had the strongest impact on the PFS besides patient age (HR 1.51 per 10 years, p = 0.025) and prior cystectomy (HR 2.42, p = 0.026) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy had significant perioperative advantages at comparable oncological outcomes compared to open surgery for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract at a high volume center, experienced in robotic surgery.

Partial nephrectomy in frail patients: Benefits of robot-assisted surgery.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effect of robot-assisted (RAPN) vs. open (OPN) partial nephrectomy on short-term postoperative outcomes and total hospital charges in frail patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Within the National Inpatient Sample database we identified 2745 RCC patients treated with either RAPN or OPN between 2008 and 2015, who met the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty-defining indicator criteria. We examined the rates of RAPN vs. OPN over time. Moreover, we compared the effect of RAPN vs. OPN on short-term postoperative outcomes and total hospital charges. Time trends and multivariable logistic, Poisson and linear regression models were applied. RESULTS: Overall, 1109 (40.4%) frail patients were treated with RAPN. Rates of RAPN increased over time, from 16.3% to 54.7% (p < 0.001). Frail RAPN patients exhibited lower rates (all p < 0.001) of overall complications (35.3 vs. 48.3%), major complications (12.4 vs. 20.4%), blood transfusions (8.0 vs. 13.5%), non-home-based discharge (9.6 vs. 15.2%), shorter length of stay (3 vs. 4 days), but higher total hospital charges ($50,060 vs. $45,699). Moreover, RAPN independently predicted (all p < 0.001) lower risk of overall complications (OR: 0.58), major complications (OR: 0.55), blood transfusions (OR: 0.60) and non-home-based discharge (OR: 0.51), as well as shorter LOS (RR: 0.77) but also higher total hospital charges (RR: +$7682), relative to OPN. CONCLUSIONS: In frail patients, RAPN is associated with lower rates of short-term postoperative complications, blood transfusions and non-home-based discharge, as well as with shorter LOS than OPN. However, RAPN use also results in higher total hospital charges.

Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: Short-term outcomes at a single center.

BACKGROUND: The robotic technique has been established as an alternative approach to laparoscopy for colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer. METHODS: The cases of robot-assisted or laparoscopic colorectal resection were collected retrospectively between July 2015 and September 2018. We evaluated patient demographics, perioperative characteristics, and pathologic examinations. Short-term outcomes included time to passage of flatus and length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 580 patients were included in the study. There were 271 patients in the robotic colorectal surgery (RCS) group and 309 in the laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) group. The time to passage of flatus in the RCS group was 3.62 days shorter than the LCS group. The total costs were increased by 2,258.8 USD in the RCS group compared to the LCS group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that colorectal cancer robotic surgery was more beneficial to patients because of a shorter postoperative recovery time of bowel function and shorter hospital stays.

Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy is still unclear, and whether robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) offers benefits over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is unknown because large multicentre studies are lacking. This study compared perioperative outcomes between RDP and LDP. METHODS: A multicentre international propensity score-matched study included patients who underwent RDP or LDP for any indication in 21 European centres from six countries that performed at least 15 distal pancreatectomies annually (January 2011 to June 2019). Propensity score matching was based on preoperative characteristics in a 1 : 1 ratio. The primary outcome was the major morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or above). RESULTS: A total of 1551 patients (407 RDP and 1144 LDP) were included in the study. Some 402 patients who had RDP were matched with 402 who underwent LDP. After matching, there was no difference between RDP and LDP groups in rates of major morbidity (14.2 versus 16.5 per cent respectively; P = 0.378), postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C (24.6 versus 26.5 per cent; P = 0.543) or 90-day mortality (0.5 versus 1.3 per cent; P = 0.268). RDP was associated with a longer duration of surgery than LDP (median 285 (i.q.r. 225-350) versus 240 (195-300) min respectively; P < 0.001), lower conversion rate (6.7 versus 15.2 per cent; P < 0.001), higher spleen preservation rate (81.4 versus 62.9 per cent; P = 0.001), longer hospital stay (median 8.5 (i.q.r. 7-12) versus 7 (6-10) days; P < 0.001) and lower readmission rate (11.0 versus 18.2 per cent; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The major morbidity rate was comparable between RDP and LDP. RDP was associated with improved rates of conversion, spleen preservation and readmission, to the detriment of longer duration of surgery and hospital stay.

Long-term oncological outcome in patients with cervical cancer after 3 trimodality treatment (radiotherapy, platinum-based chemotherapy, and robotic surgery).

ABSTRACT: Cervical cancer represents a general health issue spread all over the globe, which prompts the surge of scientific survey toward the rise of survival and condition of life of these patients. American and European guidelines suggest the open surgery, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery are the main therapeutic approaches for radical hysterectomy for patients with cervical cancer. This is the first survey to analyze the long-term oncological outcome of an extensive series of subjects cared for with multimodality treatment, here comprising robotic surgery.This study intents to evaluate the long-term oncological result in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy (±chemotherapy) and robotic surgery compared with open surgery. Medical files of 56 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer who underwent a robotic hysterectomy and radiotherapy ± chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed.The median age at diagnosis was 50.5 (range: 23-70). Eleven patients (19.6%) presented in an early stage (IB-IIA) and 80.4% advanced stage (IIB-IVA). Overall response rate after radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy was 96.2%. Pathologic complete response was obtained in 64% of patients. After a median follow-up of 60 months (range: 6-105 months), 8 patients (14.2%) presented local recurrence or distant metastases. Disease-free survival (DFS) was 92% at 2 years and 84% at 3 and 5 years. Overall survival (OS) rates at 2, 3, and 5 years for patients with robotic surgery were 91%, 78%, and 73%, median OS not reached. OS was lower in the arm of open surgery (2, 3, and 5 years 87%, 71%, and 61%, respectively; median OS was 72 months P = .054). The multivariate analysis regarding the outcome of patients revealed an advantage for complete versus partial response (P < .002), for early versus advanced stages (P = .014) and a 10% gained in DFS at 3 years for patients in whom chemoradiotherapy was administered (DFS at 3 years 75% vs 85%) in patients with advanced stages.Robotic surgery has a favorable oncological outcome when associated with multimodal therapy.

Successful Sleeve Resection as a Marker for Proficiency for Robotic Pulmonary Resection.

BACKGROUND: Robot technology is a revolutionary technique to overcome limitations of minimal invasive surgery. The proficiency level varies from study to study. We considered the first sleeve lobectomy as a benchmark procedure to evaluate the proficiency level. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 197 patients who underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for primary lung cancer between December 2011 and May 2018. Patients were divided into two groups based on undergoing surgery earlier period (EP) or later period (LP) than the first sleeve lobectomy by RATS (May 25, 2015). The preoperative, operative, and short- and long-term postoperative outcomes were compared. Seven-year survival was also compared between two periods for T1N0 and T2N0 diseases. RESULTS: Preoperative features were similar. The mean operative time was 166.8 ± 55.1 and 142.4 ± 43.9 minutes in EP and LP, respectively (p = 0.005). The mean number of dissected lymph nodes in LP was also significantly higher than that in EP (24.4 ± 9.4 vs. 20.8 ± 10.4, p = 0.035). The complication rate was significantly lower in LP (29/86 vs. 25/111, p = 0.048). The extended resection (ER) rate was significantly higher in LP (p = 0.023). The 7-year survival was comparable in EP and LP in both patients with T1N0 and T2N0 (p = 0.28 and p = 0.11, respectively). CONCLUSION: Perioperative outcomes, such as duration of surgery, number of dissected lymph nodes, complications, and ERs are favorable in patients who underwent surgeries after the first sleeve resection. The first sleeve lobectomy may be considered as the benchmark procedure for the proficiency level in RATS.

Postoperative morbidity and mortality after mesorectal excision with laparoscopic versus conventional open lateral lymph node dissection for advanced rectal cancer: A meta-analysis.

Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) is a challenging procedure due to its technical difficulty and higher incidence of surgical morbidity, thus the purpose of this study is to compare the postoperative morbidity and mortality between laparoscopic and conventional open LLND after mesorectal excision (ME) for advanced rectal cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted in August 2019 based on data from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang Data to identify relevant studies, and studies comparing laparoscopic with conventional open LLND were included. Seven studies with 335 cases in the laparoscopic LLND group and 841 cases in the conventional open LLND group were finally included. Compared with the conventional open LLND group, the laparoscopic LLND group enjoys a lower postoperative morbidity (OR = 0.47,95% CI [0.23, 0.97], P = 0.04), same postoperative mortality (Postoperative mortality in both groups was zero), shorter length of postoperative hospitalization (WMD = -5.30, 95% CI [-8.42, -2.18], P = 0.0009), less wound infection (OR = 0.40,95% CI [0.21, 0.77], P = 0.006), less intestinal obstruction (OR = 0.50,95% CI [0.29, 0.84], P = 0.009), and less urinary retention (OR = 0.61,95% CI [0.38, 0.97], P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the incidence of anastomotic leakage, abdominal pelvic abscess and urinary tract infection between the two groups (P > 0.05). But in the sensitivity analysis, there was a significant change of urinary tract infection (OR = 0.22, 95%CI [0.06, 0.89], P = 0.03), and the degree of between-study heterogeneity decreased greatly. In conclusion, laparoscopic LLND may be a better alternative to conventional open LLND for advanced rectal cancer with lower postoperative morbidity and shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Morbidity and mortality after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion in octogenarians: results from the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section Scientific Working Group.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the postoperative complication and mortality rate following laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD) in octogenarians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis comparing postoperative complication and mortality rates depending on age in a consecutive series of 1890 patients who underwent RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer between 2004 and 2018 in 10 European centres. Outcomes of patients aged <80 years and those aged ≥80 years were compared with regard to postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grading) and mortality rate. Cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) after surgery were calculated using the non-parametric Aalen-Johansen estimator. RESULTS: A total of 1726 patients aged <80 years and 164 aged ≥80 years were included in the analysis. The 30- and 90-day rate for high-grade (Clavien-Dindo grades III-V) complications were 15% and 21% for patients aged <80 years compared to 11% and 13% for patients aged ≥80 years (P = 0.2 and P = 0.03), respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for pre- and postoperative variables, age ≥80 years was not an independent predictor of high-grade complications (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.3-1.1; P = 0.12). The non-cancer-related 90-day mortality was 2.3% for patients aged ≥80 years and 1.8% for those aged <80 years, respectively (P = 0.7). The estimated 12-month CSM and OCM rates for those aged <80 years were 8% and 3%, and for those aged ≥80 years, 15% and 8%, respectively (P = 0.009 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive approach to RARC with ICUD for bladder cancer in well-selected elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) achieved a tolerable high-grade complication rate; the 90-day postoperative mortality rate was driven by cancer progression and the non-cancer-related rate was equivalent to that of patients aged <80 years. However, an increased OCM rate in this elderly group after the first year should be taken into account. These results will support clinicians and patients when balancing cancer-related vs treatment-related risks and benefits.

The influence of learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopy on oncological outcomes in early-stage cervical cancer: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopy in early-stage cervical cancer and quantify impact on oncological outcomes. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre with one surgical team. POPULATION: All women with early-stage cervical cancer treated consecutively with robot-assisted laparoscopy between 2007 and 2017. METHODS: With multivariate risk-adjusted cumulative sum analysis (RA-CUSUM), we assessed the learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopy of a single surgical team based on cervical cancer recurrence. Subsequently, a survival analysis was conducted comparing oncological outcomes of women treated during different phases of the learning curve. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical proficiency based on recurrence, survival rates in the different learning phases. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five women with cervical cancer underwent robot-assisted laparoscopy, with a median follow up of 57 months (range 3-132 months). The RA-CUSUM analysis demonstrated two phases of the learning curve: a learning phase of 61 procedures (group 1) and an experienced phase representing the 104 procedures thereafter (group 2). The 5-year disease-free survival was 80.2% in group 1 and 91.1% in group 2 (P = 0.040). Both the 5-year disease-specific survival and overall survival significantly increased after the learning phase. CONCLUSION: The learning phase of robot-assisted laparoscopy in early-stage cervical cancer in this institutional cohort is at least 61 procedures, with higher survival rates in the women treated thereafter. The learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopy affects oncological outcomes and warrants more attention in the design of future studies. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The learning curve of robot-assisted laparoscopy in early-stage cervical cancer affects oncological outcomes and warrants more attention.

Patient injuries and malfunctions associated with robotic prostatectomy: review of the manufacturer and user facility device experience database.

Robotic prostatectomy is the most commonly performed robotic procedure in the United States. Increasing utilization of this procedure necessitates characterization of robot malfunctions and associated patient injuries. We performed a review of adverse events reported to a publicly available database. We searched the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for reported adverse events (RAE) involving the intuitive surgical system. Reports involving prostatectomy from 2014 to 2019 were extracted and analyzed for data regarding death, patient injury, and device malfunction. Of 9109 reported adverse events (RAE), 602 were extracted for robotic prostatectomy over the study period. Seven were patient deaths (1.2%), 53 (8.8%) were patient injuries (Table 1), and 542 (90.0%) were malfunctions (Table 2). Malfunctions resulted in 25 aborted cases, 21 open conversions, and 25 laparoscopic conversions (71/542, 13.1%; Fig. 1). Instrument failures comprised the majority (76.4%) of malfunctions. Seven malfunctions (1.3%) resulted in patient injury. The most common device-related injury involved the monopolar curved scissors. No reported deaths were related to robot malfunction. Instrument failures comprise majority of the malfunctions of the Da Vinci robot during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. When malfunctions do occur they are usually recoverable and rarely lead to patient injury.

Robotic rectal surgery: Outcomes of the first 102 totally robotic cases handled using the single-docking technique in a reference institution.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Rectal cancer is often surgically treated, but it is still associated with morbidity rates. Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly being used to reduce complications, and the use of such techniques can be found in the literature. This study aims to report our experience in a reference oncology center. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on a prospective database of patients who underwent robotic surgery for rectal cancer using the single-docking technique from September 2014 to April 2018. Clinical and surgical variables, as well as morbidity and mortality rates, were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients underwent robotic surgery. Intraoperative complications occurred in six patients (4.9%), and postoperative complications in 24 patients (23.5%), of which anastomotic fistula represented 3.9%. The conversion rate was 1.96%. Two cases (1.9%) faced death within 30 days. The median length of hospitalization was 3 days. The median number of lymph nodes dissected was 15. Clinical and surgical data were correlated with postoperative complications, and no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery is a safe and feasible approach to manage rectal cancer. The method presents satisfactory results with regard to the rate of operative complications, conversion rate, oncologic outcomes, and length of hospitalization.

Robotic Wedge Resection for Unfavorably Located Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Perioperative and Long-Term Oncological Outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Robotic wedge resection for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) located in the stomach offers remarkable advantages, especially for lesions in unfavorable places. Although promising, long-term oncological results associated with this surgical procedure are poorly represented in literature. We present our experience of robotic wedge resection with gastrotomy for challenging gastric GISTs, in terms of both surgical outcomes and long-term oncological results. Methods: From April 2014 to February 2020, all consecutive patients affected by unfavorably located gastric GISTs (based on the Privette/Al-Thani classification system) underwent robotic wedge resection. Clinicopathological, surgical, and long-term oncological results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Seventeen patients underwent full-thickness gastric wedge resection with primary robot-sewn closure of the defect. In 64.7% of cases, the lesion was ≥5 cm in diameter. No conversion nor tumor rupture were recorded and complete R0 resection was achieved in all cases. Median hospital stay was 5 days (range 3-18). At a median follow-up of 46 months (range 7-67), the disease-free survival rate and the overall survival rate were 94.1% and 82.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Robotic wedge resection with gastrotomy and robotic-sewn suture is a safe and feasible procedure for GISTs located in unfavorable anatomic positions, without compromising oncological outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery vs laparotomy for early stage cervical cancer: A propensity score-matched cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term oncologic outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) vs laparotomy for patients with stage IB (2018 FIGO) cervical cancer. METHODS: A matched retrospective study of cervical cancer patients who underwent MIS or laparotomy at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2012 to December 2015 was carried out. Patients were restaged according to the 2018 FIGO staging system for cervical cancer, 700 cases with stage IB cervical cancer were enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed by software SPSS version 22.0, and a total of 426 patients were enrolled and analyzed. Oncologic outcomes were compared between patients undergoing MIS vs laparotomy. RESULTS: After PSM, there were no statistical differences in other baseline characteristics between MIS and laparotomy, except for age (p = 0.008). In all stage IB patients, MIS group had significantly lower disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate compared with laparotomy group (5-year DFS rate, 87.5% vs 94.1%, hazard ratio for disease recurrence, 2.403; 95% CI, 1.216-4.744; 5-year OS rate, 92.3% vs 98.1%, hazard ratio for death, 3.719; 95% CI, 1.370-10.093). In stage IB1 patients population, MIS was still associated with worse DFS and OS compared to laparotomy (5-year DFS rate: 89.5% vs 100%, p = 0.012; 5-year OS rate: 93.4% vs 100%, p = 0.043). Even in stage IB1 patients without lymph vascular space invasion, worse oncologic outcome could be observed in MIS group (DFS: p = 0.021; OS: p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that laparotomy resulted in better OS and DFS compared with MIS among patients with stage IB cervical cancer. Even in stage IB1 patients without lymph vascular space invasion (2018 FIGO), laparotomy might be still an oncologically safer approach.