An international Delphi consensus for surgical quality assessment of lymphadenectomy and anastomosis in minimally invasive total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive total gastrectomy (MITG) is a mainstay for curative treatment of patients with gastric cancer. To define and standardize optimal surgical techniques and further improve clinical outcomes through the enhanced MITG surgical quality, there must be consensus on the key technical steps of lymphadenectomy and anastomosis creation, which is currently lacking. This study aimed to determine an expert consensus from an international panel regarding the technical aspects of the performance of MITG for oncological indications using the Delphi method. METHODS: A 100-point scoping survey was created based on the deconstruction of MITG into its key technical steps through local and international expert opinion and literature evidence. An international expert panel comprising upper gastrointestinal and general surgeons participated in multiple rounds of a Delphi consensus. The panelists voted on the issues concerning importance, difficulty, or agreement using an online questionnaire. A priori consensus standard was set at > 80% for agreement to a statement. Internal consistency and reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's α. RESULTS: Thirty expert upper gastrointestinal and general surgeons participated in three online Delphi rounds, generating a final consensus of 41 statements regarding MITG for gastric cancer. The consensus was gained from 22, 12, and 7 questions from Delphi rounds 1, 2, and 3, which were rephrased into the 41 statetments respectively. For lymphadenectomy and aspects of anastomosis creation, Cronbach's α for round 1 was 0.896 and 0.886, and for round 2 was 0.848 and 0.779, regarding difficulty or importance. CONCLUSIONS: The Delphi consensus defined 41 steps as crucial for performing a high-quality MITG for oncological indications based on the standards of an international panel. The results of this consensus provide a platform for creating and validating surgical quality assessment tools designed to improve clinical outcomes and standardize surgical quality in MITG.

Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy Using a New "Fistula Sponge" in Treating Defects of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract-A Comparative, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Anastomotic insufficiencies (AI) and perforations of the upper gastrointestinal tract (uGIT) result in high morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic stent placement and endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT) have been established as surgical revision treatment options. The Eso-Sponge® is the only licensed EVT system with limitations in treating small defects (<10 mm). Therefore, a fistula sponge (FS) was developed for the treatment of such defects as a new therapeutic approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate both EVT options' indications, success rates, and complications in a retrospective, comparative approach. Materials and Methods: Between 01/2018 and 01/2021, the clinical data of patients undergoing FS-EVT or conventional EVT (cEVT; Eso-Sponge®, Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany) due to AI/perforation of the uGIT were recorded. Indication, diameter of leakage, therapeutic success, and complications during the procedure were assessed. FSs were prepared using a nasogastric tube and a porous drainage film (Suprasorb® CNP, Lohmann & Rauscher, Rengsdorf, Germany) sutured to the distal tip. Results: A total of 72 patients were included (20 FS-EVT; 52 cEVT). FS-EVT was performed in 60% suffering from AI (cEVT = 68%) and 40% from perforation (cEVT = 32%; p > 0.05). FS-EVT's duration was significantly shorter than cEVT (7.6 ± 12.0 d vs. 15.1 ± 14.3 d; p = 0.014). The mean diameter of the defect was 9 mm in the FS-EVT group compared to 24 mm in cEVT (p < 0.001). Therapeutic success was achieved in 90% (FS-EVT) and 91% (cEVT; p > 0.05). Conclusions: EVT comprises an efficient treatment option for transmural defects of the uGIT. In daily clinical practice, fistulas < 10 mm with large abscess formations poses a special challenge since intraluminal cEVT usually is ineffective. In these cases, the concept of extraluminal FS placement is safe and effective.

Hybrid laparoscopic versus fully robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: an international propensity-score matched analysis of perioperative outcome.

BACKGROUND: Currently, little is known regarding the optimal technique for the abdominal phase of RAMIE. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) in both the abdominal and thoracic phase (full RAMIE) compared to laparoscopy during the abdominal phase (hybrid laparoscopic RAMIE). METHODS: This retrospective propensity-score matched analysis of the International Upper Gastrointestinal International Robotic Association (UGIRA) database included 807 RAMIE procedures with intrathoracic anastomosis between 2017 and 2021 from 23 centers. RESULTS: After propensity-score matching, 296 hybrid laparoscopic RAMIE patients were compared to 296 full RAMIE patients. Both groups were equal regarding intraoperative blood loss (median 200 ml versus 197 ml, p = 0.6967), operational time (mean 430.3 min versus 417.7 min, p = 0.1032), conversion rate during abdominal phase (2.4% versus 1.7%, p = 0.560), radical resection (R0) rate (95.6% versus 96.3%, p = 0.8526) and total lymph node yield (mean 30.4 versus 29.5, p = 0.3834). The hybrid laparoscopic RAMIE group showed higher rates of anastomotic leakage (28.0% versus 16.6%, p = 0.001) and Clavien Dindo grade 3a or higher (45.3% versus 26.0%, p < 0.001). The length of stay on intensive care unit (median 3 days versus 2 days, p = 0.0005) and in-hospital (median 15 days versus 12 days, p < 0.0001) were longer for the hybrid laparoscopic RAMIE group. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid laparoscopic RAMIE and full RAMIE were oncologically equivalent with a potential decrease of postoperative complications and shorter (intensive care) stay after full RAMIE.

Combining Solid and Liquid Biopsy for Therapy Monitoring in Esophageal Cancer.

Esophageal cancer (EC) has one of the highest mortality rates among cancers, making it imperative that therapies are optimized and dynamically adapted to individuals. In this regard, liquid biopsy is an increasingly important method for residual disease monitoring. However, conflicting detection rates (14% versus 60%) and varying cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels (0.07% versus 0.5%) have been observed in previous studies. Here, we aim to resolve this discrepancy. For 19 EC patients, a complete set of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue (TT) DNA and leukocyte DNA was sequenced (139 libraries). cfDNA was examined in biological duplicates and/or longitudinally, and TT DNA was examined in technical duplicates. In baseline cfDNA, mutations were detected in 12 out of 19 patients (63%); the median ctDNA level was 0.4%. Longitudinal ctDNA changes were consistent with clinical presentation. Considerable mutational diversity was observed in TT, with fewer mutations in cfDNA. The most recurrently mutated genes in TT were TP53, SMAD4, TSHZ3, and SETBP1, with SETBP1 being reported for the first time. ctDNA in blood can be used for therapy monitoring of EC patients. However, a combination of solid and liquid samples should be used to help guide individualized EC therapy.

[Video-assisted Double-lumen Tubes in Robot-assisted Oesophageal Surgery]. / Videogestützte Doppellumentuben in der roboterassistierten Ösophaguschirurgie.

Robot-assisted esophagectomies are still considered high-risk procedures requiring complex surgical and anesthesiological planning and coordination. The operative space during the thoracic operative part is created by one-lung ventilation. Due to special patient positioning and intraoperative repositioning maneuvers, however, access to patient airway or double-lumen tube manipulation, if necessary, is only possible to a certain extent. In this work, we present our experiences establishing a video-guided double-lumen tube for esophageal surgery. From our point of view, the use of video-guided double-lumen tubes is very suitable increasing patient safety and coordination in the operational team during esophagectomy.

Worldwide Techniques and Outcomes in Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (RAMIE): Results From the Multicenter International Registry.

OBJECTIVE: This international multicenter study by the Upper GI International Robotic Association aimed to gain insight in current techniques and outcomes of RAMIE worldwide. BACKGROUND: Current evidence for RAMIE originates from single-center studies, which may not be generalizable to the international multicenter experience. METHODS: Twenty centers from Europe, Asia, North-America, and South-America participated from 2016 to 2019. Main endpoints included the surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and early oncological results of ramie. RESULTS: A total of 856 patients undergoing transthoracic RAMIE were included. Robotic surgery was applied for both the thoracic and abdominal phase (45%), only the thoracic phase (49%), or only the abdominal phase (6%). In most cases, the mediastinal lymphadenectomy included the low paraesophageal nodes (n=815, 95%), subcarinal nodes (n = 774, 90%), and paratracheal nodes (n = 537, 63%). When paratracheal lymphadenectomy was performed during an Ivor Lewis or a McKeown RAMIE procedure, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in 3% and 11% of patients, respectively. Circular stapled (52%), hand-sewn (30%), and linear stapled (18%) anastomotic techniques were used. In Ivor Lewis RAMIE, robot-assisted hand-sewing showed the highest anastomotic leakage rate (33%), while lower rates were observed with circular stapling (17%) and linear stapling (15%). In McKeown RAMIE, a hand-sewn anastomotic technique showed the highest leakage rate (27%), followed by linear stapling (18%) and circular stapling (6%). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to provide an overview of the current techniques and outcomes of transthoracic RAMIE worldwide. Although these results indicate high quality of the procedure, the optimal approach should be further defined.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy within the prospective multicenter German da Vinci Xi registry trial.

PURPOSE: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has become one standard approach for the operative treatment of esophageal tumors at specialized centers. Here, we report the results of a prospective multicenter registry for standardized RAMIE. METHODS: The German da Vinci Xi registry trial included all consecutive patients who underwent RAMIE at five tertiary university centers between Oct 17, 2017, and Jun 5, 2020. RAMIE was performed according to a standard technique using an intrathoracic circular stapled esophagogastrostomy. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were included. The median age was 64 years. Total minimally invasive RAMIE was accomplished in 85.9%; hybrid resection with robotic-assisted thoracic approach was accomplished in an additional 11.4%. A circular stapler size of ≥28 mm was used in 84%, and the median blood loss and operative time were 200 (IQR: 80-400) ml and 425 (IQR: 335-527) min, respectively. The rate of anastomotic leakage was 13.2% (n=29), whereas the two centers with >70 cases each had rates of 7.0% and 12.0%. Pneumonia occurred in 19.5% of patients, and the 90-day mortality was 3.6%. Cumulative sum analysis of the operative time indicated the end of the learning curve after 22 cases. CONCLUSIONS: High-quality multicenter registry data confirm that RAMIE is a safe procedure and can be reproduced with acceptable leak rates in a multicenter setting. The learning curve is comparably low for experienced robotic surgeons.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for esophageal cancer training curriculum-a worldwide Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND: Structured training protocols can safely improve skills prior initiating complex surgical procedures such as robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). As no consensus on a training curriculum for RAMIE has been established so far it is our aim to define a protocol for RAMIE with the Delphi consensus methodology. METHODS: Fourteen worldwide RAMIE experts were defined and were enrolled in this Delphi consensus project. An expert panel was created and three Delphi rounds were performed starting December 2019. Items required for RAMIE included, but were not limited to, virtual reality simulation, wet-lab training, proctoring, and continued monitoring and education. After rating performed by the experts, consensus was defined when a Cronbach alpha of ≥0.80 was reached. If ≥80% of the committee reached a consensus an item was seen as fundamental. RESULTS: All Delphi rounds were completed by 12-14 (86-100%) participants. After three rounds analyzing our 49-item questionnaire, 40 items reached consensus for a training curriculum of RAMIE. CONCLUSION: The core principles for RAMIE training were defined. This curriculum may lead to a wider adoption of RAMIE and a reduction in time to reach proficiency.

Defining benchmarks for robotic-assisted low anterior rectum resection in low-morbid patients: a multicenter analysis.

PURPOSE: To define the best possible outcomes for robotic-assisted low anterior rectum resection (RLAR) using total mesorectal excision (TME) in low-morbid patients, performed by expert robotic surgeons in German robotic centers. The benchmark values were derived from these results. METHODS: The data was retrospectively collected from five German expert centers. After patient exclusion (prior surgery, extended surgery, no prior anastomosis, hand-sewn anastomosis), the benchmark cohort was defined (n = 226). The median with interquartile range was first calculated for the individual centers. The 75th percentile of the median results was defined as the benchmark cutoff and represents the "perfect" achievable outcome. This applied to all benchmark values apart from lymph node yield, where the cutoff was defined as the 25th percentile (more lymph nodes are better). RESULTS: The benchmark values for conversion and intraoperative complication rates were ≤ 4.0% and ≤ 1.4%, respectively. For postoperative complications, the benchmark was ≤ 28% for "any" and ≤ 18.0% for major complications. The R0 and complete TME rate benchmarks were both 100%, with a lymph node yield of > 18. The benchmark for rate of anastomotic insufficiency was < 12.5% and 90-day mortality was 0%. Readmission rates should not exceed 4%. CONCLUSION: This outcome analysis of patients with low comorbidity undergoing RLAR may serve as a reference to evaluate surgical performance in robotic rectum resection.

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.

Surgical anatomy of the upper esophagus related to robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy.

Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy (RACE) enables radical surgery for tumors of the middle and upper esophagus, avoiding a transthoracic approach. However, the cervical access, narrow working space, and complex topographic anatomy make this procedure particularly demanding. Our study offers a stepwise description of appropriate dissection planes and anatomical landmarks to facilitate RACE. Macroscopic dissections were performed on formaldehyde-fixed body donors (three females, three males), according to the surgical steps during RACE. The topographic anatomy and surgically relevant structures related to the cervical access route to the esophagus were described and illustrated, along with the complete mobilization of the cervical and upper thoracic segment. The carotid sheath, intercarotid fascia, and visceral fascia were identified as helpful landmarks, used as optimal dissection planes to approach the cervical esophagus and preserve the structures at risk (trachea, recurrent laryngeal nerves, thoracic duct, sympathetic trunk). While ventral dissection involved detachment of the esophagus from the tracheal cartilage and membranous part, the dorsal dissection plane comprised the prevertebral compartment harboring the thoracic duct and right intercosto-bronchial artery. On the left side, the esophagus was attached to the aortic arch by the aorto-esophageal ligament; on the right side, the esophagus was bordered by the azygos vein, right vagus nerve, and cardiac nerves. The stepwise, illustrated topographic anatomy addressed specific surgical demands and perspectives related to the left cervical approach and dissection of the esophagus, providing an anatomical basis to facilitate and safely implement the RACE procedure.

Topology impacts TRAIL therapy: Differences in primary cancer growth and liver metastasis between orthotopic and subcutaneous xenotransplants of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: To study novel treatment modalities for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we need to transfer the knowledge from in vitro to in vivo. It is important to mirror the clinical characteristics of the typically local invasive growth of pancreatic cancer and the distant spread resulting in liver metastasis. Notably, for xenotransplant studies using human specimen, two models, i.e. subcutaneous (s.c.) and orthotopic (o.t.) transplantation are widely used. METHODS: The subcutaneously and orthotopically inoculated Colo357 Bcl-xL cell-derived tumors were directly compared with and without TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment. The size of primary tumors, number of liver metastasis and the histologic markers Ki67, M30, TNF-α and CD31 were assessed. RESULTS: Upon TRAIL treatment, the primary tumors did not change their size, neither in the s.c. nor in the o.t. approaches. But when s.c. was compared to o.t., the size of the s.c. tumors was more than two-fold bigger than that of the o.t. tumors (P < 0.01). However, mice with orthotopically inoculated PDAC cells developed liver metastasis upon TRAIL treatment much more frequently (n = 13/17) than mice with subcutaneously inoculated PDAC cells (n = 1/11) (P < 0.01). As a likely driving force for this increased metastasis, a higher TNF-α staining intensity in the o.t. tumors was observed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS: These data from a direct side-by-side comparison underline the importance of the proper inoculation site of the PDAC cells. Local invasion and liver metastases are a hallmark of PDAC in the clinic; the o.t. model is clearly superior in reflecting this setting. Moreover, a serious side-effect of a possible new therapeutic compound became obvious only in the o.t.

Involvement of medical students in a surgery congress: impact on learning motivation, decision-making for a career in surgery, and educational curriculum.

During the preclinical period of medical school, the clinical relevance of theoretical knowledge is given little attention. Medical students of the second year were invited to participate in an interdisciplinary congress for robot-assisted and digital surgery. The students had to evaluate the impact of the congress on their learning motivation, decision-making for a career in surgery, and relevance for their educational curriculum. Participation in the congress increased their learning motivation for preclinical subjects, and significantly increased their interest in a surgical career. Most students considered active involvement in medical congresses a valuable supplement to the medical curriculum. Congress participation during the preclinical period was ranked positively by medical students. Greater learning motivation and enthusiasm for the pilot teaching project as well as for surgical disciplines were registered. Thus, early involvement of medical students in scientific congresses should be an integral part of their educational curriculum.

Technical details of the hand-sewn and circular-stapled anastomosis in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy.

The circular mechanical and hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis are most often used in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The aim of this study was to describe the technical details of both techniques that were pioneered in two high volume centers for RAMIE. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with esophageal cancer who underwent RAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage, which was analyzed using a moving average curve. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, video recordings were reviewed to evaluate number of sutures and distances between the anastomosis and the longitudinal staple line or gastric conduit tip. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 68 patients with a hand-sewn anastomosis and 60 patients with a circular-stapled anastomosis were included in the study. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, the moving average curve for anastomotic leakage (including grade 1-3) started at a rate of 40% (cases 1-10) and ended at 10% (cases 59-68). For the circular-stapled anastomosis, the moving average started at 10% (cases 1-10) and ended at 20% (cases 51-60). This study showed the technical details and refinements that were applied in developing two different anastomotic techniques for RAMIE. Results markedly improved during the period of development with specific changes in technique for the hand-sewn anastomosis. The circular-stapled anastomosis showed a more stable rate of performance.

Technical details of the abdominal part during full robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy.

The full robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is an upcoming approach in the treatment of esophageal and junctional cancer. Potential benefits are seen in angulated precise maneuvers in the abdominal part as well as in the thoracic part, but due to the novelty of this approach the optimal setting of the trocars, the instruments and the operating setting is still under debate. Hereafter, we present a technical description of the 'Mainz technique' of the abdominal part of RAMIE carried out as Ivor Lewis procedure. Postoperative complication rate and duration of the abdominal part of 100 consecutive patients from University Medical Center in Mainz are illustrated. In addition, the abdominal phase of the full RAMIE is discussed in general.

Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy: first clinical experiences and review of the literature.

Pulmonary complications, and especially pneumonia, remain one of the most common complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. These complications are reduced by minimally invasive techniques or by avoiding thoracic access through a transhiatal approach. However, a transhiatal approach does not allow for a full mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A transcervical mediastinal esophagectomy avoids thoracic access, which may contribute to a decrease in pulmonary complications after esophagectomy. In addition, this technique allows for a full mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A number of pioneering studies have been published on this topic. Here, the initial experience is presented as well as a review of the current literature concerning transcervical esophagectomy, with a focus on the robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy procedure.

Impact of Acoustic and Interactive Disruptive Factors during Robot-Assisted Surgery-A Virtual Surgical Training Model.

The use of virtual reality trainers for teaching minimally invasive surgical techniques has been established for a long time in conventional laparoscopy as well as robotic surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of reproducible disruptive factors on the surgeon's work. In a cross-sectional investigation, surgeons were tested with regard to the impact of different disruptive factors when doing exercises on a robotic-surgery simulator (Mimic Flex VRTM). Additionally, we collected data about the participants' professional experience, gender, age, expertise in playing an instrument, and expertise in playing video games. The data were collected during DRUS 2019 (Symposium of the German Society for Robot-assisted Urology). Forty-two surgeons attending DRUS 2019 were asked to participate in a virtual robotic stress training unit. The surgeons worked in various specialties (visceral surgery, gynecology, and urology) and had different levels of expertise. The time taken to complete the exercise (TTCE), the final score (FSC), and blood loss (BL) were measured. In the basic exercise with an interactive disruption, TTCE was significantly longer (p < 0.01) and FSC significantly lower (p < 0.05). No significant difference in TTCE, FSC, or BL was noted in the advanced exercise with acoustic disruption. Performance during disruption was not dependent on the level of surgical experience, gender, age, expertise in playing an instrument, or playing video games. A positive correlation was registered between self-estimation and surgical experience. Interactive disruptions have a greater impact on the performance of a surgeon than acoustic ones. Disruption affects the performance of experienced as well as inexperienced surgeons. Disruption in daily surgery should be evaluated and minimized in the interest of the patient's safety.

Release of Cholecystokinin from Rat Intestinal Mucosal Cells and the Enteroendocrine Cell Line STC-1 in Response to Maleic and Succinic Acid, Fermentation Products of Alcoholic Beverages.

Alcoholic beverages stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretions by inducing cholecystokinin (CCK) release. CCK is the major stimulatory hormone of pancreatic exocrine secretions, secreted from enteroendocrine I-cells of the intestine. Fermentation products of alcoholic beverages, such as maleic and succinic acids, influence gastric acid secretions. We hypothesize that maleic and succinic acids stimulate pancreatic exocrine secretions during beer and wine ingestion by increasing CCK secretions. Therefore, the effects of maleic and succinic acids on CCK release were studied in duodenal mucosal cells and the enteroendocrine cell line STC-1. Mucosal cells were perfused for 30 min with 5 min sampling intervals, STC-1 cells were studied under static incubation for 15 min, and supernatants were collected for CCK measurements. Succinate and maleate-induced CCK release were investigated. Succinate and maleate doses dependently stimulated CCK secretions from mucosal cells and STC-1 cells. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, significantly inhibited succinate and maleate-induced CCK secretions from mucosal cells and STC-1 cells. Maleate and succinate did not show cytotoxicity in STC-1 cells. Our results indicate that succinate and maleate are novel CCK-releasing factors in fermented alcoholic beverages and could contribute to pancreatic exocrine secretions and their pathophysiology.

[Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy (RAMIE) - Setup, Port Placement, Stepwise Procedure Guide]. / Robotische Ösophaguresektion (RAMIE) ­ Setup, Port Placement, strukturierte OP-Schritte.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE) can overcome the limitations of thoracoscopic surgery, particularly in the thoracic part of the operation. Thanks to more degrees of freedom of movement, anastomosis is simpler in the robotic procedure. In this work, we present our established full RAMIE-technique on the da Vinci Xi® system. Our technique is characterized by the incomplete formation of the gastric tube abdominally and an end-to-side anastomosis with a circular stapler.

Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy (RACE procedure) using a single port combined with a transhiatal approach in a rendezvous technique: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Difficulties in thoracic access and the risk of pulmonary complications are major problems in esophageal surgery. Transhiatal techniques have been described to avoid the thoracic approach, but their oncological radicality continues to be questioned. A combination of a cervical and transhiatal approach, however, appears promising. We describe the technique of a robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy (RACE procedure), combined with a transhiatal approach in a rendezvous technique. METHODS: The da Vinci Xi® robotic system was docked in a single port technique via a cervical approach. The upper third of the esophagus and the surrounding lymphatic tissue was dissected thoracically. Subsequently, the system was docked abdominally to allow us to completely dissect the esophagus in the rendezvous procedure. RESULTS: The patients (n = 4) suffered no trauma or injury to surrounding structures during the procedure, and sensitive structures were preserved. Almost no robot arm collision occurred, and the arms did not contact the patients' head or shoulders. No patient converted to conventional robotic-assisted transthoracic esophagectomy. Complications included anastomotic leakage (n = 1), transient palsy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (n = 1), and pneumonia (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The cervical approach to esophagectomy allows comfortable preparation and facilitates transhiatal access, while the rendezvous procedure enables easy identification of the cranial dissection plane. The degrees of freedom of movement of the robotic instruments allow for precise and controlled preparation, and the latest technology minimizes the risk of robot arm collision in single-excision surgery. This combined, robot-assisted approach appears to be a promising procedure for esophagectomy.