Robotic gastrectomy and esophagogastrectomy: A single center experience of 105 cases.

BACKGROUND: A robotic approach to general surgery procedures may provide improved postoperative outcomes compared to either open or laparoscopic approaches. The role of robotics for gastroesophageal surgery, however, is still being evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: A review of the prospective database for robotic surgery at Valley Hospital between January 2002 and March 2014 identified 105 patients who underwent robotic gastric and esophageal resection. Patient demographics and perioperative factors were studied. RESULTS: Over a 12 years period, 105 patients underwent robotic gastroesophageal resection. The median operative time for distal gastrectomy (230 min [112-327]) was significantly less compared to either total gastrectomy (302 min [214-364]) or esophagogastrectomy (309 min [190-682]). The length of stay for patients undergoing distal gastrectomy (6 days [4-32]) was also significantly less than patients undergoing total gastrectomy (11 days [7-43]), as well as esophagogastrectomy (9 days [5-64]). In regard to the learning curve to perform robotic gastroesophageal surgery, there was a significant correlation between operative time and overall experience. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that robotic gastroesophageal surgery is feasible and can be safely performed. Assuming familiarity with the open procedures and acquisition of basic robotic skills, the learning curve for robotic gastroesophageal surgery requires approximately 20 cases.

Surgical approaches for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) was initially performed for benign tumors, but recently its indications have steadily broadened to encompass other conditions including pancreatic malignancies. Thorough anatomical knowledge is mandatory for precise surgery in the era of minimally invasive surgery. However, expert consensus regarding anatomical landmarks to facilitate the safe performance of MIDP is still lacking. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using keywords to identify articles regarding the vascular anatomy and surgical approaches/techniques for MIDP. RESULTS: All of the systematic reviews revealed that MIDP was not associated with an increase in postoperative complications. Moreover, most showed that MIDP resulted in less blood loss than open surgery. Regarding surgical approaches for MIDP, a standardized stepwise procedure improved surgical outcomes, including blood loss, operative time, and major complications. There are two approaches to the splenic vessels, superior and inferior; however, no study has ever directly compared them with respect to clinical outcomes. The morphology of the splenic artery affects the difficulty of approaching the artery's root. To select an appropriate dissecting layer when performing posterior resection, thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the fascia, left renal vein/artery, and left adrenal gland is needed. CONCLUSIONS: In MIDP, a standardized approach and precise knowledge of anatomy facilitates safe surgery and has the advantage of a shorter learning curve. Anatomical features and landmarks are particularly important in cases of radical MIDP and splenic vessel preserving MIDP.

International Expert Consensus on Precision Anatomy for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: PAM-HBP Surgery Project.

BACKGROUND: Surgical views with high resolution and magnification have enabled us to recognize the precise anatomical structures that can be used as landmarks during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP). This study aimed to validate the usefulness of anatomy-based approaches for MIDP before and during the Expert Consensus Meeting: Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive HBP Surgery (February 24, 2021). METHODS: Twenty-five international MIDP experts developed clinical questions regarding surgical anatomy and approaches for MIDP. Studies identified via a comprehensive literature search were classified using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. Online Delphi voting was conducted after experts had drafted the recommendations, with the goal of obtaining >75% consensus. Experts discussed the revised recommendations in front of the validation committee and an international audience of 384 attendees. Finalized recommendations were made after a second round of online Delphi voting. RESULTS: Four clinical questions were addressed, resulting in 10 recommendations. All recommendations reached at least a 75% consensus among experts. CONCLUSIONS: The expert consensus on precision anatomy for MIDP has been presented as a set of recommendations based on available evidence and expert opinions. These recommendations should guide experts and trainees in performing safe MIDP and foster its appropriate dissemination worldwide.

International expert consensus on precision anatomy for minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy: PAM-HBP surgery project.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical structure around the pancreatic head is very complex and it is important to understand its precise anatomy and corresponding anatomical approach to safely perform minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD). This consensus statement aimed to develop recommendations for elucidating the anatomy and surgical approaches to MIPD. METHODS: Studies identified via a comprehensive literature search were classified using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network method. Delphi voting was conducted after experts had drafted recommendations, with a goal of obtaining >75% consensus. Experts discussed the revised recommendations with the validation committee and an international audience of 384 attendees. Finalized recommendations were made after a second round of online Delphi voting. RESULTS: Three clinical questions were addressed, providing six recommendations. All recommendations reached at least a consensus of 75%. Preoperatively evaluating the presence of anatomical variations and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) branching patterns was recommended. Moreover, it was recommended to fully understand the anatomical approach to SMA and intraoperatively confirm the SMA course based on each anatomical landmark before initiating dissection. CONCLUSIONS: MIPD experts suggest that surgical trainees perform resection based on precise anatomical landmarks for safe and reliable MIPD.

Fully robotic total pancreatectomy: technical aspects and outcomes.

Robotic total pancreatectomy (RTP) is a novel surgical approach currently performed by a select group of skilled surgeons. As robotic approaches to pancreatic surgery increase worldwide, rates of RTP are expected to increase. However, the standard technique is still evolving and several technical problems still require evaluation. Here, we describe our approach in a stepwise fashion and discuss solutions to overcome technical difficulties.

Three-dimensional printed dry lab training models to simulate robotic-assisted pancreaticojejunostomy.

BACKGROUND: This pioneering study is aimed to design training models for robotic pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and to assess their usefulness using quality improvement exercise in the dry lab. METHODS: Three dry lab models were developed including the anastomosis model of a transected silicon pancreatic stent (model 1), a rough model (model 2) simulating PJ, and an advanced three-dimensional printed model (model 3) more vividly simulating PJ. Three surgeons (A, B, C) with same specialty and levels of expertise in surgery were enrolled in the training which was divided into three rounds of tasks. In the first round, all three surgeons (A, B, C) participated in the training on basic technical tasks before moved on to the next rounds. While surgeons A, B participated in the second round on model 1, only surgeon A worked on model 2 in the third round. Their proficiency of performance was evaluated on model 3. RESULTS: The results of the first and second rounds between surgeons are similar. Surgeon A practiced with model 2 for 6 h, completing 10 cases. In model 3, the times of attempts before achieving a consecutively three times of satisfactory anastomosis procedures were compared, for surgeon A, six cases, 20 for B and 25 for C. CONCLUSIONS: The specifically designed series of dry lab training models may be a potential training tool for advancing the robotic PJ through quality improvement exercise in dry lab. Further larger and well-designed studies are warranted to validate this issue.

International consensus statement on robotic hepatectomy surgery in 2018.

The robotic surgical system has been applied in liver surgery. However, controversies concerns exist regarding a variety of factors including the safety, feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery. To promote the development of robotic hepatectomy, this study aimed to evaluate the current status of robotic hepatectomy and provide sixty experts' consensus and recommendations to promote its development. Based on the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development, a Consensus Steering Group and a Consensus Development Group were established to determine the topics, prepare evidence-based documents, and generate recommendations. The GRADE Grid method and Delphi vote were used to formulate the recommendations. A total of 22 topics were prepared analyzed and widely discussed during the 4 meetings. Based on the published articles and expert panel opinion, 7 recommendations were generated by the GRADE method using an evidence-based method, which focused on the safety, feasibility, indication, techniques and cost-effectiveness of hepatectomy. Given that the current evidences were low to very low as evaluated by the GRADE method, further randomized-controlled trials are needed in the future to validate these recommendations.

Robotic Technique for Accessing Left Hepatic Vein Through Ligamentum Venosum in Left Hepatectomy: How I Do It?

INTRODUCTION: Blood loss is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Outflow control could be used concomitantly with inflow control for maximum reduction in blood loss during parenchymal transection. However, in left hepatectomy (LH) and left lateral sectionectomy (LLS), extrahepatic control of the left hepatic vein (LHV) is still less commonly used. Some authors reported extrahepatic LHV control technique using ligamentum venosum (LV) in open or laparoscopic surgery, but no reports of this technique in robotic surgery have been found. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dissection of LV from the liver was performed, followed by clipping and transecting LV. The cephalad LV stump was retracted to the left inferior direction and then the dissection of the posterior part of LHV was performed until the opening space was connected to the anterior part of LHV. The LHV was encircled with the tape and vascular stapler was inserted to manage LHV stump. From 2013 to 2015, LHV was successfully encircled by using this technique in 7 out of 11 cases. The mean operative time was 244 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 300 mL, and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.8 days. Neither injury to LHV, nor complications related to the liver were found. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: From our experiences, LHV was routinely controlled in robotic LH or LLS and the success rate was 60%. However, this technique is not recommended for the tumor that compresses or abuts LHV/LV, and in cirrhotic liver with associated hypertrophic left lateral segment.

Novel blood-based microRNA biomarker panel for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

AIM: To develop a panel of blood-based diagnostic biomarkers consisting of circulating microRNAs for the detection of pancreatic cancer at an early stage. METHODS: Blood-based circulating microRNAs were profiled by high throughput screening using microarray analysis, comparing differential expression between early stage pancreatic cancer patients (n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 11). A panel of candidate microRNAs was generated based on the microarray signature profiling, including unsupervised clustering and statistical analysis of differential expression levels, and findings from the published literature. The selected candidate microRNAs were then confirmed using TaqMan real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to further narrow down to a three-microRNA diagnostic panel. The three-microRNA diagnostic panel was validated with independent experimental procedures and instrumentation of RT-qPCR at an independent venue with a new cohort of cancer patients (n = 11), healthy controls (n = 11), and a group of high risk controls (n = 11). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic capability of the three-microRNA panel. RESULTS: In the initial high throughput screening, 1220 known human microRNAs were screened for differential expression in pancreatic cancer patients versus controls. A subset of 42 microRNAs was then generated based on this data analysis and current published literature. Eight microRNAs were selected from the list of 42 targets for confirmation study, and three-microRNAs, miR-642b, miR-885-5p, and miR-22, were confirmed to show consistent expression between microarray and RT-qPCR. These three microRNAs were then validated and evaluated as a diagnostic panel with a new cohort of patients and controls and found to yield high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (91%) with an area under the curve of 0.97 (P < 0.001). Compared to the CA19-9 marker at 73%, the three-microRNA panel has higher sensitivity although CA19-9 has higher specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: The identified panel of three microRNA biomarkers can potentially be used as a diagnostic tool for early stage pancreatic cancer.

Robotic distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: A robotic-assisted minimal invasive approach has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopic pancreatectomies. We analyzed the outcomes of robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomies (RDPs) to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of robotic distal pancreas resection, including spleen preservation. METHODS: We performed a descriptive retrospective analysis of 40 RDPs. Statistical comparisons were performed between two groups of patients undergoing robotic-assisted spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (SDP). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of 49 attempted RDPs, 40 were completed with robotic assistance, with a conversion rate of 18.4%. Compared with the published reports of laparoscopic distal pancreatotomy (DP) and robotic DP, the spleen preservation rate (30%), operating time (203 minutes), major complications rate (5%), fistula rate (20%), and length of hospital stay (5 days) were similar in our RDP patients. Also, the perioperative outcomes of the SPDP and SDP groups did not differ significantly. The median survival was 12.5 months for the patients undergoing RDP for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomy, with or without splenic preservation, can be safely performed for lesions of the distal pancreas, with appropriate indications.

Robotic adrenalectomy by an open surgeon: are outcomes different?

Our objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of robotic adrenalectomy by a traditional open surgeon using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and to analyze our outcomes. All patients who underwent robotic adrenalectomy by a single surgeon from July 2001 to April 2011 were included in the study. Vascular inflow control was obtained early on to facilitate dissection and handling of the adrenal gland. Forty adrenalectomies were performed during the study period in 39 patients (15 males; 25 left sided; 1 bilateral). Four patients underwent conversion to complete the procedure. The mean tumor size was 6.97 ± 2.4 cm. The mean operating room (OR) time was 117 ± 50.4 min. Comparing the OR time between da Vinci and da Vinci S robotic systems showed that the OR time was significantly less (169 ± 46 vs. 94.25 ± 32 min; P = 0.002) while blood loss, length of stay, size and weight were not different. The mean length of stay was 3 days. There were no mortalities in our study. Benign neoplasms formed a majority of the tumors removed. Robotic adrenalectomy is an option for surgeons without extensive training in advanced laparoscopic techniques provided they have adequate open experience.

Technique for laparobotic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of spleen.

Minimally invasive surgery for pancreas has advanced at a steady pace in recent years. Although proximal pancreatic resection is still a formidable task, distal resection has become routine with a laparoscopic approach. The recent introduction of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System has helped to make this complex procedure much more feasible, efficient, and safe. In this paper, we describe our technique for robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation, which can be broken down into five steps in a medial-to-lateral progression. Preservation of splenic vessels is routine, although in certain instances a Warshaw's technique is employed. The advantages of the robotic approach are described.

Successful treatment of esophageal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma using the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

A 59-year-old man with metastatic an esophageal tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presented with progressive dysphagia. He had undergone liver transplantation for HCC three and a half years prevously. At presentation, his radiological and endoscopic examinations suggested a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus, causing a luminal stricture. We performed complete resection of the esophageal metastases and esophagogastrostomy reconstruction using the da Vinci robotic system. Recovery was uneventful and he was been doing well 2 mo after surgery. α-fetoprotein level decreased from 510 ng/mL to 30 ng/mL postoperatively. During the follow-up period, he developed a recurrent esophageal stricture at the anastomosis site and this was successfully treated by endoscopic esophageal dilatation.

Laparobotic duodenal diverticulectomy and choledochoduodenostomy: a case study and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The duodenum is the second most common site for diverticulae, after the colon. They are common after the fifth decade and usually asymptomatic. Ten percent of patients present with symptoms, which include abdominal pain, hemorrhage, duodenal obstruction, diverticulitis, perforation, pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice. After a thorough search of medline we present, for the first time, a case of obstructive jaundice secondary to duodenal diverticulum compressing the common bile duct. It was managed by laparobotic duodenal diverticulectomy with choledocho-duodenostomy. The operative technique is discussed. CASE STUDY: A 78-year-old female was found to have an abnormal cholestatic liver function profile and dilated common bile duct during workup for upper abdominal pain. CT scan showed dilated common bile duct measuring 2.7 cm with suspected ampullary mass. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a large diverticulum next to the ampulla. Upper GI endoscopy confirmed duodenal diverticulum, arising from the second part of the duodenum. Laparobotic duodenal diverticulectomy and choledochoduodenostomy were performed. Her post-operative course was complicated by Clostridium difficile diarrhea, treated with metronidazole and she was discharged home on the 6th postoperative day. Follow-up at 18 months demonstrated that she was well. CONCLUSION: Obstructive jaundice due to compression by a duodenal diverticulum is rare. It poses a diagnostic challenge and requires technically demanding surgical and endoscopic intervention. Robotic surgery has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery by improving vision and motion control. Robotic duodenal diverticulectomy and choledocho-duodenostomy are safe and feasible.

Actinomycosis of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review.

Actinomyces is a normal commensal of the upper aerodigestive tract, colon and female reproductive tract. It can give rise to invasive disease in case of any breach in mucosal integrity, as well as, in patients with immunosuppression. Rarely, actinomycosis can involve the pancreas especially after episodes of pancreatitis or in post operative patients. We observed a case of actinomycosis affecting recurrent intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of pancreatic remnant, 5 years after a Whipple's procedure. Our patient, a 66 years old male with a history of Whipple's procedure for IPMN of pancreatic uncinate process, presented with repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. Repeated radiological investigations (CT, MRI and EUS) revealed resolving pancreatitis with recurrent IPMN of the pancreatic tail. The patient underwent laparobotic assisted resection of the remnant pancreas and spleen 3 months later. Intraoperatively, in addition to the recurrent IPMN of pancreatic tail, we found a dense peripancreatic desmoplastic reaction with areas of thick yellow pus pockets in the remnant pancreatic body. Bacteriology and histopathology revealed it as a recurrent IPMN associated with actinomycosis of pancreas with chronic xanthogranulomatous changes. We conclude that actinomycosis of the pancreas is a rare entity with only 5 cases reported in English literature to the best of our knowledge. If diagnosed preoperatively, early institution of antibiotics can improve the surgical outcome. Fortunately, after diagnosis, we were able to start antibiotics in early postoperative period with successful outcome.