Assessment of the evolution of psychomotor skills in the robotic surgery simulation process.

Robotic surgery is a rapidly expanding field, given the wide variety of new robotic platforms emerging. Looking at the training of surgeons in robotic surgery is of extreme necessity and urgency, considering the ongoing technological advancements. In this research, the performance during the virtual reality simulation phase of training for robotic surgery was analyzed. It was observed that, in addition to the lack of consensus among societies regarding the required simulation hours, there is no guidance on the best curriculum to be adopted. From the data in this study, it can be inferred that the more advanced skills have fewer proficient individuals, meaning that fewer surgeons in training have reached proficiency in all skill exercises. Even with differences in the number of exercises performed proficiently between groups that underwent varying amounts of simulation time, there is no statistically significant difference in the proportion between them.

Navigation and Robotic Single-Position Prone LLIF: First Cases in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: has been rapid technological advancement in navigation-guided minimally invasive surgery over the past two decades, making these advancements an invaluable aid for surgeons by essentially providing real-time virtual reconstruction of patient anatomy. The objectives of these navigation- and robot-guided procedures are to reduce the likelihood of neural and vascular injury, minimize hospitalization time, decrease bleeding and postoperative pain, shorten healing time, and lower infection rates. METHODS: A unicentric, retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes of the first Latin American patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative disease who underwent lumbar interbody fusion at the L4-L5 level via prone-position lateral lumbar interbody fusion-single position prone access. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients (40 assisted by fluoroscopy, 40 assisted by robotics) with 320 percutaneous pedicle screws were evaluated. The primary outcomes analyzed and compared were radiation exposure per screw (seconds), skin-to-skin operative time (minutes), and recovery time (days). Secondary outcomes included lumbar pain intensity (visual analog scale), reported functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and any potential complications. All secondary outcomes were collected at the postoperative time. CONCLUSION: Comparing minimally invasive spine interventions with free-hand instrumentation and robotic instrumentation, a statistically significant difference was identified in radiation exposure per screw and surgical time. The literature on Cirq Robotic is limited; however, minimally invasive spine surgery with robotic assistance appears advantageous in terms of radiation exposure and surgical time.

Technical considerations in robotic aberrant right subclavian artery resection for dysphagia lusoria.

Dysphagia lusoria occurs due to compression of the esophagus as an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) crosses the mediastinum. Surgical management includes open, hybrid, and endovascular techniques, with no consensus gold standard. There are few reports of robotic-assisted ARSA resection. We describe the innovative technique and outcomes for two patients who successfully underwent robotic-assisted transthoracic resection of an ARSA after right carotid-subclavian bypass for dysphagia lusoria. Both patients experienced improvement or resolution of their dysphagia and no major complications. In select patients with a noncalcified origin of the ARSA without aneurysmal degeneration, the robotic-assisted approach represents a viable option.

Revisional bariatric surgery using robotic-assisted surgery in a national medical center in Mexico.

Long-term postoperative complications of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) are more frequent than those of primary surgery. Robotic-assisted procedures offer several advantages over traditional laparoscopy, but there are limited data. A retrospective study of 29 patients who underwent a revisional robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RRYGB) in a Tertiary Level Hospital. Variables included were demographics, causes for revision, operative details, complications, and weight loss outcomes up to 54 month post-RRYGB. Causes for conversion were weight loss failure (WLF), weight regain (WR), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or Joint Pain (JP). We assessed 29 patients. Causes for conversion included WLF (34%), WR (15%), WR with GERD (20%), GERD (24%), and JP (3%). Initial BMI was 53.43 kg/m2 ± 8.75. Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 2 days. Total operative time was 126 min. ± 43.45. Excess weight loss at 1 year post-surgery was 82.66% (p < 0.0001), with mean BMI of 30.93 kg/m2 (p < 0.001). At 3 years, mean %EWL was 71.26% and a mean BMI 33.81 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). At 4.5 years, mean %EWL was 59.29% and mean BMI 37.27 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). One complication (8%) was found (jejunojejunal stenosis). There was no mortality. The initial experience with RRYGB shows acceptable outcomes, including low morbidity, no mortality, excellent weight loss after the revisional surgery, and promising reduction in operative times, with important implications on reduction of the total cost of the procedure.

How I do it. Pancreatojejunostomy: surgical tips to mitigate the severity of postoperative pancreatic fistulas after open or minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy.

Pancreatoduodenectomy is the most appropriate technique for the treatment of periampullary tumors. In the past, this procedure was associated with high mortality and morbidity, but with improvements in patient selection, anesthesia, and surgical technique, mortality has decreased to less than 5%. However, morbidity remains increased due to various complications such as delayed gastric emptying, bleeding, abdominal collections, and abscesses, most of which are related to the pancreatojejunostomy leak. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula is the most dangerous and is related to other complications including mortality. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula ranges from 5-30%. Various techniques have been developed to reduce the severity of pancreatic fistulas, from the use of an isolated jejunal loop for pancreatojejunostomy to binding and invagination anastomoses. Even total pancreatectomy has been considered to avoid pancreatic fistula, but the late effects of this procedure are unacceptable, especially in relatively young patients. Recent studies on the main techniques of pancreatojejunostomy concluded that duct-to-mucosa anastomosis is advisable, but no technique eliminates the risk of pancreatic fistula. The purpose of this study is to highlight technical details and tips that may reduce the severity of pancreatic fistula after pancreatojejunostomy during open or minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy.

Robotic transversus abdominis release using HUGO RAS system: our initial experience.

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is an effective technique for treating large midline and off-midline hernias. Recent studies have demonstrated that robotic TAR (rTAR) is technically feasible and associated with improved outcomes compared to open surgery. There is no published experience to date describing abdominal wall reconstruction using the novel robotic platform HUGO RAS System (Medtronic®). METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a rTAR in our institution were included. Three of the four arm carts of the HUGO RAS System were used at any given time. Each arm configuration was defined by our team in conjunction with Medtronic® personnel. rTAR was performed as previously described. Upon completion of the TAR on one side, a redocking process with different, mirrored arms angles was performed to continue with the contralateral TAR. Operative variables and early morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in this study. The median BMI was 31 (21-40.6) kg/m2. The median height was 1.6 m (1.5-1.89 m). A trend of decreased operative time, console time, and redocking time was seen in these consecutive cases. No intraoperative events nor postoperative morbidity was reported. The median length of stay was 3 (1-6) days. CONCLUSION: Robotic TAR utilizing the HUGO RAS system is a feasible and safe procedure. The adoption of this procedure on this novel platform for the treatment of complex abdominal wall hernias has been successful for our team.

Functional outcomes and quality of life in patients who undergone conventional or endoscopic/robotic retroauricular neck dissection: a case-control study.

Background: Neck dissection performed via retroauricular approach emerged as an alternative to the conventional approach, aiming to maintain therapeutic efficacy with lower postoperative morbidity. Differences among these modalities in terms of functional aspects and quality of life (QOL) remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical and functional aspects and the QOL in patients undergoing unilateral neck dissection via conventional or retroauricular (endoscopic or robotic) access. Methods: This study involved consecutively 35 patients who underwent unilateral neck dissection for head and neck cancer, 25 submitted to the conventional surgery [conventional group (CG)] and 10 to the retroauricular approach [retroauricular group (RG)]. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and on the 30th postoperative day (POD) regarding range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine and shoulder, trapezius muscle strength and QOL. Results: The CG and RG were similar in terms of anthropometric, clinical and surgical variables. The mean age of both groups was between 52 and 55 years old. There was a predominance of females in the CG (52%) and males in the RG (70%); P=0.08. The most affected site was the oropharynx followed by the thyroid in the two groups and the most frequently dissected levels were I-III in both groups. There was a difference in the length of hospital stay {CG: 5 [1-22] days and RG: 2 [1-6] days; P=0.02} and pain scores at the 30th POD was higher in CG group (P=0.002). Regarding the cervical spine ROM, it was better in RG in the 30th POD for neck extension, ipsilateral lateroflexion, contralateral lateroflexion and contralateral rotation (P<0.05). No significant differences were found regarding shoulder ROM. Trapezius muscle strength, was also higher at the 30th POD in RG group (P<0.05). QOL was most impacted in the CG in the Chewing and Shoulder domains and Physical Function dimension at the 30th POD (P<0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative functional morbidity was lower in patients undergoing retroauricular neck dissection. The cervical spine ROM and trapezius muscle strength were better in patients undergoing retroauricular approach and postoperative QOL was worse in patients undergoing conventional neck dissection.

Factors Associated With Margin Positivity After Lung Resection Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to utilize a representative national sample to investigate the factors associated with margin positivity after attempted surgical resection. Given the changes in surgical approaches to lung cancer for the last 10 years, margin positivity and outcomes between robotic, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open surgical resections may vary. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Cancer Database. Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, 18 or older and who had a surgical lung resection between 2010 and 2019 were included. Demographic data, along with patient-level clinical variables were extracted. Patient-level outcome variables including 30-day, 90-day mortality and readmission rates were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess factors associated with margin positivity. RESULTS: A total of 226,884 patients were identified. Of the total cohort, 9229 had positive margins (4.2%). Patients with positive margins had statistically significant increased 30-day, 90-day mortality, as well as increased readmission rate. Older age, male sex, patients undergoing an open resection, patients who underwent a wedge resection, higher clinical stage, larger tumor size, squamous and adenosquamous histologies, and higher Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index were all associated with having a positive margin after resection. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there was no difference in margin positivity when comparing robotic and VATS resection, however, open resection had increased rates of margin positivity. Increasing tumor size, clinical stage, squamous and adenosquamous histologies, male sex, and patients undergoing a wedge resection were all associated with increased rates of margin positivity.

Pentafecta evaluation in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy by risk group.

OBJECTIVE: Radical prostatectomy is a therapeutic option in organ-confined prostate cancer. As the development of robotic systems progresses, the approach with this technology has begun to impact the functional and oncological outcomes of urological patients. The objective is to report the rate of pentafecta in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) stratified by risk groups. METHOD: Retrospective, observational, descriptive study from 2013 to 2020 that included 112 patients undergoing RARP. RESULTS: A rate of pentafecta at 12 months of follow-up of 35.7% (n = 40) was obtained. In the subanalysis by risk groups, at 1-year follow-up, was obtained an index of 43% (n = 26), 26% (n = 9) and 22% (n = 4) in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatectomy showed functional and oncological results similar to those reported in the literature with robotic approach, regardless of the risk group for prostate cancer.

OBJETIVO: La prostatectomía radical es la alternativa terapéutica de elección en el cáncer de próstata confinado al órgano. Conforme avanza el desarrollo de los sistemas robóticos, el abordaje con esta tecnología ha comenzado a impactar en los desenlaces funcionales y oncológicos de los pacientes urológicos. El objetivo es reportar el índice de pentafecta en pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical asistida por robot (PRRA) estratificados por grupos de riesgo. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, de 2013 a 2020, que incluyó 112 pacientes sometidos a PRAR. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo un índice de pentafecta a 12 meses de seguimiento del 35.7% (n = 40). En el subanálisis por grupos de riesgo, al año de seguimiento, se obtuvieron unos índices del 43% (n = 26), el 26% (n = 9) y el 22% (n = 4) en los pacientes de bajo, intermedio y alto riesgo, respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: La prostatectomía demostró resultados funcionales y oncológicos similares a lo reportado en la literatura con abordaje robótico independientemente del grupo de riesgo del cáncer de próstata.

A precise approach to robotic intracorporeal rectal transection and hand-sewn purse-string anastomosis for low anterior resection.

This study presents a new technique for robotic-assisted intracorporeal rectal transection and hand-sewn anastomosis for low anterior resection that overcomes some limitations of conventional techniques. By integrating the advantages of the robotic platform, ensuring standardized exposure during rectal transection, and emphasizing the importance of avoiding complications associated with staple crossings, this innovation has the potential to significantly improve outcomes and reduce costs for patients with lower rectal tumors.

[Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with Retzius-Sparing approach vs. modified Frankfurt: comparison of results at 1 year of follow-up]. / Prostatectomía radical asistida por robot con abordaje Retzius-Sparing vs. Frankfurt modificado: comparación de resultados a 1 año de seguimiento.

Background: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy has positioned itself as the approach of choice in the treatment of prostate cancer. Objective: To compare the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the Retzius-Sparing (RS) approach against the modified Frankfurt (MF) technique. Method: To describe the perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes of 13 patients with prostate cancer who underwent RS robotic radical prostatectomy compared to MF, evaluating pathological results, urinary continence, sexual function and oncological control in 1 year of follow-up. Results: The average age was 64 years in RS group vs. 61 years in MF group. The values of total prostate antigen were higher in the RS group (25 ng/dl) vs. MF group (11 ng/dl). The volume of gland in RS group was 40.62 ml vs. 63.33 ml in the RS group. All patients were bilaterally neuropreserved, being statistically significant in favor of MF group (p = 0.016). Positive surgical margins were higher in R-S group (38.4%) vs. MF group (33.3%). Conclusions: With RS the same tendency to urinary continence is observed, with a significant difference in erectile function in favor of MF. This preliminary study shows better impact on erectile function.

Antecedentes: La prostatectomía radical asistida por robot se ha posicionado como el abordaje de elección en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de la prostatectomía radical asistida por robot utilizando el abordaje Retzius-Sparing (RS) contra el Frankfurt modificado (FM). Método: Se describen los desenlaces perioperatorios, funcionales y oncológicos de 13 pacientes con cáncer de próstata que fueron llevados a prostatectomía radical robótica con RS, en comparación con FM, y se evalúan los resultados patológicos, continencia urinaria, función sexual y control oncológico a 1 año de seguimiento. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 64 años en el grupo RS y de 61 años en el grupo FM. Los valores de antígeno prostático total fueron mayores en el grupo RS (25 ng/dl) que en el FM (11 ng/dl). El volumen de la glándula fue menor en el grupo RS (40.62 ml) que en el FM (63.33 ml). Todos los pacientes fueron neuropreservados bilateralmente, siendo la diferencia estadísticamente significativa a favor de FM (p = 0.016). Los márgenes quirúrgicos positivos fueron mayores en el grupo RS (38.4%) que en el FM (33.3%). Conclusiones: Con RS se observa la misma tendencia a la continencia urinaria, con diferencia significativa en la función eréctil a favor de FM. Este estudio preliminar muestra mejor impacto en la función eréctil.

Outcomes of Salvage Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in the last decade: systematic review and perspectives of referral centers

ABSTRACT Purpose: Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (S-RARP) has gained prominence in recent years for treating patients with cancer recurrence following non-surgical treatments of Prostate Cancer. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the role and outcomes of S-RARP over the past decade. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted, encompassing articles published between January 1st, 2013, and June 1st, 2023, on S-RARP outcomes. Articles were screened according to PRISMA guidelines, resulting in 33 selected studies. Data were extracted, including patient demographics, operative times, complications, functional outcomes, and oncological outcomes. Results: Among 1,630 patients from 33 studies, radiotherapy was the most common primary treatment (42%). Operative times ranged from 110 to 303 minutes, with estimated blood loss between 50 to 745 mL. Intraoperative complications occurred in 0 to 9% of cases, while postoperative complications ranged from 0 to 90% (Clavien 1-5). Continence rates varied (from 0 to 100%), and potency rates ranged from 0 to 66.7%. Positive surgical margins were reported up to 65.6%, and biochemical recurrence ranged from 0 to 57%. Conclusion: Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with cancer recurrence after previous prostate cancer treatment is safe and feasible. The literature is based on retrospective studies with inherent limitations describing low rates of intraoperative complications and small blood loss. However, potency and continence rates are largely reduced compared to the primary RARP series, despite the type of the primary treatment. Better-designed studies to assess the long-term outcomes and individually specify each primary therapy impact on the salvage treatment are still needed. Future articles should be more specific and provide more details regarding the previous therapies and S-RARP surgical techniques.

Implementation of a Robotic Gynecologic Surgery Program in a Rural Setting: Impact on Presence of Assistant Surgeon and Route of Hysterectomy.

Background and Objectives: Robotic surgical technology may obviate the need for an assistant surgeon when performing hysterectomy. In rural communities where physician shortages remain a major barrier to healthcare access, reducing the number of surgeons necessary to complete a hysterectomy would be of significant consequence. We sought to investigate the impact of robotic surgery on both the presence of an assistant surgeon and route of hysterectomy following implementation of a robotic surgery program at a single-site community hospital. Methods: Retrospective chart review of hysterectomies performed before and after implementation of a robotic surgical program. Hysterectomies were classified by presence of an assistant surgeon, and by mode of hysterectomy (abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic, and vaginal). We observed the distribution of outcomes between the two study periods and compared them with the χ2 test. Results: Following implementation of a robotic surgical program we observed a statistically significant decrease in the presence of an assistant surgeon at the time of hysterectomy from 86.7% to 29.7%, p ≤ 0.0001. There was also an increase in the percentage of hysterectomies performed by minimally invasive technique from 67.0% to 87.4%, p ≤ 0.0001. Conclusion: Following implementation of a robotic gynecologic surgery program at a single-site rural community hospital, we observed a reduction in the utilization of an assistant surgeon at time of hysterectomy. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in the rate of minimally invasive hysterectomies performed.

Robotic Surgery for Bladder Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Women with bladder endometriosis often present with more advanced stages of endometriosis. Robotic surgery has emerged as a promising approach to the management of bladder endometriosis. This systematic review aims to analyze the current literature on robotic surgery for bladder endometriosis and describe our systematic approach to surgical treatment. METHODS: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines, which ensured a comprehensive and transparent approach to selecting and evaluating relevant studies. We conducted a thorough literature search to identify studies that investigated the use of robotic surgery for bladder endometriosis. Relevant databases were searched, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select eligible studies. Data extraction and analysis were performed to assess the outcomes and effectiveness of robotic surgery for the treatment of bladder endometriosis. RESULTS: We did not find any randomized clinical trials with the use of robotics in the treatment of bladder endometriosis. We found only two retrospective studies comparing robotic surgery with laparoscopy, and another retrospective study comparing robotic surgery, laparoscopy, and laparotomy in the treatment of bladder endometriosis. All the other 12 studies were solely case reports. Despite the lack of robust evidence in the literature, the studies demonstrated that robotic surgery is feasible and is associated with reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of robotic technology is a promising option for the surgical management of bladder endometriosis. We advocate a surgical systematic approach for the robotic treatment of bladder endometriosis. Robotic technology, with its 3D vision, instrumental degrees of freedom, and precision, particularly in suturing, may provide potential benefits over traditional laparoscopy.

Surgical Instrument Signaling Gesture Recognition Using Surface Electromyography Signals.

Surgical Instrument Signaling (SIS) is compounded by specific hand gestures used by the communication between the surgeon and surgical instrumentator. With SIS, the surgeon executes signals representing determined instruments in order to avoid error and communication failures. This work presented the feasibility of an SIS gesture recognition system using surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals acquired from the Myo armband, aiming to build a processing routine that aids telesurgery or robotic surgery applications. Unlike other works that use up to 10 gestures to represent and classify SIS gestures, a database with 14 selected gestures for SIS was recorded from 10 volunteers, with 30 repetitions per user. Segmentation, feature extraction, feature selection, and classification were performed, and several parameters were evaluated. These steps were performed by taking into account a wearable application, for which the complexity of pattern recognition algorithms is crucial. The system was tested offline and verified as to its contribution for all databases and each volunteer individually. An automatic segmentation algorithm was applied to identify the muscle activation; thus, 13 feature sets and 6 classifiers were tested. Moreover, 2 ensemble techniques aided in separating the sEMG signals into the 14 SIS gestures. Accuracy of 76% was obtained for the Support Vector Machine classifier for all databases and 88% for analyzing the volunteers individually. The system was demonstrated to be suitable for SIS gesture recognition using sEMG signals for wearable applications.

Characteristics of the learning curve in robotic thoracic surgery in an emerging country.

It is not established which factors impact the learning curve (LC) in robotic thoracic surgery (RTS), especially in emerging countries. The aim of this study is to analyze LC in RTS in Brazil and identify factors that can accelerate LC. We selected the first cases of two Brazilian surgeons who started their LC. We used CUSUM and the Lowess technique to measure LC for each surgeon and Poisson regression to assess factors associated with shorter console time (CT). 58 patients were operated by each surgeon and included in the analysis. Surgeries performed were different: Surgeon I (SI) performed 54 lobectomies (93.11%), whereas Surgeon II (SII) had a varied mix of cases. SI was proctored in his first 10 cases (17.24%), while SII in his first 41 cases (70.68%). The mean interval between surgeries was 8 days for SI and 16 days for SII. There were differences in the LC phases of the two surgeons, mainly regarding complications and conversions. There was shorter CT by 30% in the presence of a proctor, and by 20% with the Da Vinci Xi. Mix of cases did not seem to contribute to faster LC. Higher frequency between surgeries seems to be associated with a faster curve. Presence of proctor and use of bolder technologies reduced console time. We wonder if in phase 3 it is necessary to keep a proctor on complex cases to avoid serious complications. More studies are necessary to understand which factors impact the LC.

Robotic Left Trisectionectomy with Glissonian Approach (with Video).

BACKGROUND: Left hepatic trisectionectomy consists of the removal of liver segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. This difficult surgical procedure may be required when the left liver and right anterior sector (segments 5 and 8) are involved. We present a video of a robotic anatomic left trisectionectomy with Glissonian approach to the left and right anterior sector pedicles. METHODS: A 77-year-old man presented at a routine ultrasound with a large liver mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a bulky hepatocellular carcinoma occupying liver segments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8, with a portal tumor thrombus in the right anterior sector. The patient had multiple comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronariopathy. The multidisciplinary team decided to use immunotherapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab. After 12 cycles, the patient showed an objective response, and left trisectionectomy was indicated. A robotic approach was proposed and consent was obtained. The Glissonian approach was used for anatomic control of the left and right anterior sector pedicles. RESULTS: The operative time was 390 min with an estimated blood loss of 410 ml, and no transfusion was required during or after the procedure. Recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. No bile leak was observed, and the drain was removed on postoperative day 8. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic left trisectionectomy is safe and feasible. The Glissonian approach is useful for anatomic left liver trisectionectomy. This video can help gastrointestinal surgeons perform this complex procedure in a minimally invasive manner.

Clinical feasibility of combining intraoperative electron radiation therapy with minimally invasive surgery: a potential for electron-FLASH clinical development.

BACKGROUND: Local cancer therapy by combining real-time surgical exploration and resection with delivery of a single dose of high-energy electron irradiation entails a very precise and effective local therapeutic approach. Integrating the benefits from minimally invasive surgical techniques with the very precise delivery of intraoperative electron irradiation results in an efficient combined modality therapy. METHODS: Patients with locally advanced disease, who are candidates for laparoscopic and/or thoracoscopic surgery, received an integrated multimodal management. Preoperative treatment included induction chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation, followed by laparoscopic surgery and intraoperative electron radiation therapy. RESULTS: In a period of 5 consecutive years, 125 rectal cancer patients were treated, of which 35% underwent a laparoscopic approach. We found no differences in cancer outcomes and tolerance between the open and laparoscopic groups. Two esophageal cancer patients were treated with IOeRT during thoracoscopic resection, with the resection specimens showing intense downstaging effects. Two oligo-recurrent prostatic cancer patients (isolated nodal progression) had a robotic-assisted surgical resection and post-lymphadenectomy electron boost on the vascular and lateral pelvic wall. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery is feasible to combine with intraoperative electron radiation therapy and offers a new model explored with electron-FLASH beams.