Safety assessment of robotic gastrectomy and analysis of surgical learning process: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The safety of robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer in daily clinical settings and the process by which surgeons are introduced and taught RG remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of RG in daily clinical practice and assess the learning process in surgeons introduced to RG. METHODS: Patients who underwent RG for gastric cancer at Kyoto University and 12 affiliated hospitals across Japan from January 2017 to October 2019 were included. Any morbidity with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade of II or higher was evaluated. Moreover, the influence of the surgeon's accumulated RG experience on surgical outcomes and surgeon-reported postoperative fatigue were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients were included in this study. No conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery and no in-hospital mortality were observed. Overall, 50 (14.9%) patients developed morbidity. During the study period, 14 surgeons were introduced to robotic procedures. The initial five cases had surprisingly lower incidence of morbidity compared to the following cases (odds ratio 0.29), although their operative time was longer (+ 74.2 min) and surgeon's fatigue scores were higher (+ 18.4 out of 100 in visual analog scale). CONCLUSIONS: RG was safely performed in actual clinical settings. Although the initial case series had longer operative time and promoted greater levels of surgeon fatigue compared to subsequent cases, our results suggested that RG had been introduced safely.

Mesenteric closure after laparoscopic total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is effective for prevention of internal hernia: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Internal hernia (IH) is one of the critical complications after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which can be prevented by closing mesenteric defects. However, only few studies have investigated the incidence of IH after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer till date. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of defect closure for the prevention of IH after LTG. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study collected data from 714 gastric cancer patients who underwent LTG with Rou-en-Y reconstruction between 2010 and 2016 in 13 hospitals. We evaluated the incidence of postoperative IH by comparing closure and non-closure groups of Petersen's defect, jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect, and transverse mesenteric defect. RESULTS: The closure group for Petersen's defect included 609 cases, while the non-closure group included 105 cases. The incidence of postoperative IH in the closure group for Petersen's defect was significantly lower than it was in the non-closure group (0.5% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001). The closure group for jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect included 641 cases, while the non-closure group included 73 cases. The incidence of postoperative IH in the closure group of jejunojejunostomy mesenteric defect was significantly lower than that in the non-closure group (0.8% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.004). Out of 714 patients, 41 underwent retro-colic reconstruction. No patients in the transverse mesenteric defect group developed IH. CONCLUSION: Mesenteric defect closure after LTG with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may reduce postoperative IH incidence. Endoscopic surgeons should take great care to prevent IH by closing mesenteric defects.

Comparative Outcomes of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy and Open Gastrectomy for Scirrhous Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) versus open gastrectomy (OG) for scirrhous gastric cancer (GC) as a unique subtype also known as type 4 gastric cancer or linitis plastica. Background: Although data on the efficacy and safety of LG as an alternative to OG are emerging, the applicability of LG to scirrhous GC remains unclear. Methods: Patients with clinical type 4 GC undergoing gastrectomy at 13 hospitals from 2005 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. As the primary endpoint, we compared overall survival (OS) between the LG and OG groups. To adjust for confounding factors, we used multivariate Cox regression analysis for the main analyses and propensity-score matching for sensitivity analysis. Short-term outcomes and recurrence-free survival were also compared. Results: A total of 288 patients (LG, 62; OG, 226) were included in the main analysis. Postoperative complications occurred in 25.8% and 30.1%, respectively (P = 0.44). No significant difference in recurrence-free survival was observed (P = 0.72). The 5-year OS rates were 32.4% and 31.6% in the LG and OG groups, respectively (P = 0.60). The hazard ratio (LG/OG) for OS was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-1.43) in the multivariate regression analysis. In the sensitivity analyses after propensity-score matching, the hazard ratio for OS was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.58-1.45). Conclusions: Considering the hazard ratios and 95% CIs for OS, LG for scirrhous GC was not associated with worse survival than that for OG.

Educational application of intraoperative records from an energy device in laparoscopic gastrectomy: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Video review is a reliable method for surgical education in laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), but more objective methods are still needed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the energy device records reflected surgical competency, and thereby may improve surgical education. METHODS: A total of 16 patients who underwent LG for gastric cancer using the Thunderbeat® device were preliminarily retrospectively analyzed. This device has the function of 'intelligent tissue monitoring' (ITM), a safety assist system stopping energy output, and can record ITM detections and firing time during surgery. The number of ITM detections and firings, and the total firing time during gastrocolic ligament dissection and infrapyloric dissection were compared between trainees (n = 9 by 5 surgeons) and experts (n = 7 by 5 surgeons). The non-edited videos (n = 16) were scored, and the correlations between the scores and the records were then analyzed. RESULTS: Significantly more ITM detections, firings, and a longer total firing time were observed in trainees than in experts. The number of ITM detections and firing had negative correlations with the scores of the operation speed, the use of the non-dominant hand, and the use of an energy device. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study suggested that the above described energy device records reflected surgical competency, and thereby may improve surgical education.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the right accessory hepatic duct diagnosed preoperatively: A case report.

Accessory hepatic duct or gallbladder duplication is considered to be a risk factor for bile duct injuries and open conversion during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A 32-year-old woman with epigastric pain was referred to our department. Gallstone disease in the gallbladder was diagnosed by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The involvement of an accessory hepatic duct was suspected during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography showed that the cystic duct merged with the accessory right hepatic duct. Single-incision LC (SILC) was successfully performed without bile duct injury. The operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 145 min and 1 mL, respectively. The patient was discharged 3 days' postoperatively, without complications. The involvement of the accessory right hepatic duct is a rare anomaly and is considered to be a risk factor for bile duct injuries. However, obtaining pre-operative images enabled us to perform SILC successfully.

Linear or circular stapler? A propensity score-matched, multicenter analysis of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy following totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Presently, there is no consensus as to what procedure of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJS) in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) is best to reduce postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the superiority of linear stapled reconstruction in terms of anastomotic-related complications for EJS in TLTG. METHODS: We collected data on 829 consecutive gastric cancer patients who underwent TLTG reconstructed by the Roux-en-Y method with radical lymphadenectomy between January 2010 and December 2016 in 13 hospitals. The patients were divided into two groups according to reconstruction method and matched by propensity score. Postoperative EJS-related complications were compared between the linear stapler (LS) and the circular stapler (CS) groups. RESULTS: After matching, data from 196 patients in each group were analyzed. The overall incidence of EJS-related complications was significantly lower in the LS group than in the CS group (4.1% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.008). The incidence of EJS anastomotic stenosis during the first year after surgery was significantly lower in the LS group than in the CS group (1.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.011). The incidence of EJS bleeding did not differ significantly between the groups, although no bleeding was observed in the LS group (0% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.123). The incidence of EJS leakage did not differ significantly between the groups (2.6% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.771). CONCLUSION: The use of linear stapled reconstruction is safer than the use of circular stapled reconstruction for intracorporeal EJS in TLTG because of its lower risks of stenosis.

A Novel Three-Step Approach for Secure Splenectomy During Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Splenectomy during total gastrectomy increases operative morbidity (Nakata et al. in Surgical endoscopy 7:1817-1822, 2015). Establishing a safe approach to laparoscopic splenectomy is one of the most urgent issues in the treatment of proximal advanced gastric cancer, which invades to the greater curvature (Kawamura et al. in Gastric Cancer 3:662-668, 2015). We developed a novel three-step procedure for splenectomy during laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). METHODS: Splenectomy consisted of three steps. Step 1 (dorsal approach): The pancreatic tail and spleen were mobilized. This step delineates the dissection plane and the anatomy around the pancreatic tail. Step 2 (suprapancreatic approach): The suprapancreatic peritoneum was incised to fenestrate to the mobilized space. The no. 11d station was dissected. The inferior branch of the splenic artery was exposed. Step 3 (splenic hilum approach): The spleen was lifted up to straighten the splenic hilum. The aim was to prolong the splenic vasculature and enable the surgeon to transect splenic vasculatures easily despite their anatomical diversity. Division of the splenic branches promotes mobility of the pancreatic tail, enabling precise dissection and preservation of its blood supply. RESULTS: Of 45 patients with gastric cancer who underwent LTG, seven underwent concurrent splenectomy. In all cases, splenectomy was successfully accomplished. The median operation time, duration of splenectomy, blood loss, number of total retrieved lymph nodes, lymph node counts from stations 10 and 11d, and drain amylase levels on the third postoperative day were 382 min, 94 min, 30 ml, 51, 5, 5, and 158 IU/L, respectively. Postoperative morbidity more severe than Clavien-Dindo grade 2 occurred in one case, with no pancreas-related morbidity. No mortality or conversion occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This laparoscopic procedure allows adequate nodal dissection and safe splenectomy.

Laparoscopic transhiatal lymphadenectomy in the lower mediastinum for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.

Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagogastrectomy is difficult because the lower mediastinum is so deeply located that the operative field is narrow and restricted by surrounding organs. Therefore, we performed lymphadenectomy with opening of the bilateral mediastinal pleura to maintain safety and obtain better exposure of lymph nodes and important organs. We will present our technique for laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy and reconstruction for cancer of the esophagogastric junction. Five abdominal ports were used. Retraction of the left lobe of the liver exposed the esophageal hiatus. A long, narrow gastric tube (3 cm wide) was formed, and regional abdominal lymph nodes (No. 1, 2, 3a, 7, 8a, 9, 19, and 20) were resected. The diaphragmatic hiatus was widely split and the opened bilateral mediastinal pleura enabled better exposure for lymph node dissection and reconstruction. The level where the inferior vena cava passed through the diaphragm into the chest was used as a landmark to identify supradiaphragmatic (No. 111) and lower thoracic paraesophageal nodes (No. 110), which were completely retrieved with this procedure. The posterior mediastinal nodes (No. 112pulR, 112pulL, and 112aoA) were also retrieved with bilateral opening of the mediastinal pleura and dissection of the inferior pulmonary ligaments. An esophagogastric tube anastomosis with pseudo-fornix was made with a no-knife linear stapler to prevent postoperative reflux esophagitis. This approach enabled safe and accurate laparoscopic lower mediastinal nodal dissection. With the advantage of a narrow gastric tube, the good working space made tension-free anastomosis possible.

Effectiveness of laparoscopic stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy for patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Distal advanced gastric cancer (AGC) occasionally causes gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). We developed a laparoscopic stomach-partitioning gastrojejunostomy (LSPGJ) to restore the ability of food intake. METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed at a single institution. Of consecutive 78 patients with GOO caused by AGC between 2006 and 2012, 43 patients who underwent LSPGJ were enrolled. The procedure was performed in an antiperistaltic Billroth II fashion, and the afferent loop was elevated and fixed along the staple line of the proximal partitioned stomach. Then, patients for whom R0 resection was planned received chemotherapy prior to laparoscopic gastrectomy. The primary end point was food intake at the time of discharge, which was evaluated using the GOO scoring system (GOOSS). Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed as secondary end points. Overall survival was estimated and compared between the groups who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (NAC group), definitive chemotherapy followed by curative resection (Conversion group), and best supportive care (BSC group). RESULTS: The median operative time was 92 min, blood loss did not exceed 30 g in any patient, and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2) were only seen in four patients (9.3 %). The median time to food intake was 3 days, and GOOSS scores were significantly improved in 41 patients (95.3 %). Chemotherapy was administered to 38 patients (88.4 %), of whom 11 later underwent radical resection, and 4 of 11 patients underwent conversion surgery following definitive chemotherapy. Median survival times were significantly superior in the NAC (n = 7; 46.8 months) and Conversion (n = 4; 35.9 months) groups than in the BSC group (n = 26; 12.2 months); however, the difference was not significant between the Conversion and NAC groups. CONCLUSIONS: LSPGJ is a feasible and safe minimally invasive induction surgery for patients with GOO from surgical and oncological perspectives.

Evaluation of the recurrence pattern of gastric cancer after laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the oncological aspects of gastric cancer following laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (LG-D2). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the long-term outcomes of 354 patients who underwent LG-D2 for primary gastric cancer. Recurrence patterns and predictors of peritoneal metastasis were analyzed. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 43.8 months. Five-year overall survival rates for yp/pStages I, II, and III gastric cancer were 93.7, 78.5, and 42.2 %, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 86 patients. Peritoneal metastasis was the most frequent recurrence pattern (n = 51), followed by hepatic metastasis (n = 17). Lymphatic recurrence at distant sites was observed in 10 patients. No locoregional lymph node metastasis or local recurrence was seen. Nine of 51 cases of peritoneal recurrence were detected by probe laparoscopy. Peritoneal recurrence rates were significantly higher in yp/pT4 and yp/pN3 diseases compared with yp/pT ≤ 3 and yp/pN ≤ 2 diseases. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that yp/pT4, yp/pN3, tumor size ≥70 mm, vascular invasion, and undifferentiated tumors were predictors of peritoneal recurrence following LG-D2. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcomes of gastric cancer following LG-D2, including recurrence patterns and predictors of peritoneal metastasis, were comparable to those following open D2 gastrectomy. LG-D2 showed good local control. Probe laparoscopy after LG may be effective in detecting peritoneal recurrence, which is not determined with less invasive examinations, including a CT scan. Future large-scale prospective studies are desirable to evaluate not only surgical but also oncological benefits and safety of LG-D2 for advanced gastric cancer.

Potential advantages of robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma in comparison with conventional laparoscopic approach: a single institutional retrospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that laparoscopic approach improved short-term postoperative courses even for advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, but not morbidity, in comparison with open approach. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the use of the surgical robot, da Vinci Surgical System, in minimally invasive radical gastrectomy on short-term outcomes. METHODS: A single institutional retrospective cohort study was performed (UMIN000011749). Five hundred twenty-six patients who underwent radical gastrectomy were enrolled. Eighty-eight patients who agreed to uninsured use of the surgical robot underwent robotic gastrectomy, whereas the remaining 438 patients who wished for laparoscopic (lap) approach with health insurance coverage underwent conventional laparoscopic gastrectomy. RESULTS: In the robotic group, morbidity (robotic vs lap 2.3 vs 11.4 %, p = 0.009) and hospital stay following surgery (robotic vs lap 14 [2-31] vs 15 [8-136] days, p = 0.021) were significantly improved, even though operative time (p = 0.003) and estimated blood loss (p = 0.026) were slightly greater. In particular, local (robotic vs lap 1.1 vs 9.8 %, p = 0.007) rather than systemic (robotic vs lap 1.1 vs 2.5 %, p = 0.376) complication rates were attenuated using the surgical robot. Multivariate analyses revealed that non-use of the surgical robot (OR 6.174 [1.454-26.224], p = 0.014), total gastrectomy (OR 4.670 [2.503-8.713], p < 0.001), and D2 lymphadenectomy (OR 2.095 [1.124-3.903], p = 0.020) were the significant independent risk factors determining postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the surgical robot might reduce surgery-related complications, leading to further improvement in short-term postoperative courses following minimally invasive radical gastrectomy.

Critical factors that influence the early outcome of laparoscopic total gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) is a routinely performed procedure. However, clinical expertise in laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is insufficient, and it is only performed at specialized institutions. This study aimed to identify critical factors associated with complications after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), particularly LTG. METHODS: A large-scale database was used to identify critical factors influencing the early outcomes of LTG. Of 1248 patients with resectable gastric cancer who underwent LG, 259 underwent LTG. Predictive risk factors were determined by analyzing relationships between clinical characteristics and postoperative complications. Major complications after LTG were analyzed in detail. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of all LG procedures revealed LTG as a risk factor for complications. Morbidity in the LDG and LTG groups was 6.2 % (52 of 835 patients) and 22.4 % (58 of 259 patients), respectively. Major post-LTG complications included anastomotic leakages and pancreatic fistulae. The rate of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the LTG group (5.0 %) than in the LDG group (1.2 %); however, it showed a tendency to decrease in more recent cases. Pancreatic fistulae occurred frequently after LTG with D2 lymphadenectomy (LTG-D2), particularly in cases of concomitant pancreatosplenectomy. Obesity was also associated with pancreatic fistula formation after LTG with pancreatosplenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with LDG, LTG is a developing procedure. Advances in the surgical techniques associated with the LTG procedure will improve the short-term outcomes of esophagojejunostomy. With regard to LTG-D2, establishing optimal and safe #10 node dissection is one of the most urgent issues. Pancreatic fistula after LTG with pancreatosplenectomy must be investigated in the future.

Esophagogastric tube reconstruction with stapled pseudo-fornix in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy: a novel technique proposed for Siewert type II tumors.

PURPOSE: The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is increasing, but laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy is not widely accepted due to the absence of a standardized technique of reconstruction. This report describes a novel technique of esophagogastric tube reconstruction in laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy for Siewert type II tumors. METHODS: Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy, sometimes with transhiatal distal esophagectomy, was performed. After a perigastric, suprapancreatic, and lower thoracic paraesophageal lymphadenectomy, a gastric tube of 35-mm width was prepared. An esophagogastric tube anastomosis with pseudo-fornix was made with a no-knife linear stapler to prevent postoperative reflux esophagitis. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with Siewert type II tumors underwent this operation. They included six patients with early-stage cancer, six at high risk for transhiatal total gastrectomy due to several comorbidities, and three who needed palliative tumor resection. The mean operation time was 315 min. One postoperative anastomotic leak was treated conservatively, and three anastomotic stenoses were resolved with endoscopic balloon dilatation. Postoperative 1-year follow-up endoscopy revealed four cases of reflux esophagitis that were well controlled by medication. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique of reconstruction was feasible. With the advantage of a gastric tube, a tension-free anastomosis was possible even for bulky tumors that needed lower esophagectomy. Although long-term follow-up and a larger number of patients are required to evaluate long-term functional outcomes and oncological adequacy, our procedure has the potential of becoming a treatment of choice for early-stage Siewert type II tumors and/or for some selected high-risk patients who need tumor resection.

Change in ß-cell mass in Japanese nondiabetic obese individuals.

AIM: The aim of this study was to clarify the change in ß-cell mass in Japanese obese individuals. METHODS: We obtained the pancreas at autopsy from 39 lean and 33 obese Japanese nondiabetic individuals (aged 47 ± 13 vs 47 ± 12 y, P = .83, body mass index 20.4 ± 1.6 vs 28.5 ± 3.9 kg/m(2), P < .01). Pancreatic sections were stained for insulin, and ß-cell area (%BCA) was measured as the fraction of the ß-cell area to the total pancreas area. ß-Cell mass was then calculated as the product of %BCA and estimated pancreas weight. ß-Cell replication and apoptosis were assessed by double staining for insulin and Ki67 and insulin and single-stranded DNA, respectively. The frequencies of insulin-positive duct cells and scattered ß-cells were assessed as the surrogate markers of ß-cell neogenesis. The α-cell area (%ACA) was also measured, and the %ACA to %BCA ratio was determined. RESULTS: There was no increase in ß-cell mass in obese individuals compared with lean individuals (0.6 ± 0.4 vs 0.7 ± 0.4 g, P = .12). ß-Cell replication, ß-cell neogenesis, and ß-cell apoptosis were not significantly increased in the presence of obesity. There was no significant difference in %ACA to %BCA ratio between obese and lean individuals (0.91 ± 1.09 vs 0.75 ± 0.51, P = .47). CONCLUSION: There was no increase in ß-cell mass and no detectable change in ß-cell turnover in Japanese obese individuals.

Laparoscopic surgery for advanced gastric cancer: current status and future perspectives.

Laparoscopic gastrectomy has been widely accepted especially in patients with early-stage gastric cancer. However, the safety and oncologic validity of laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer are still being debated. Since the late 90s', we have been engaged in developing a stable and robust methodology of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer, and have established laparoscopic distinctive technique for suprapancreatic lymph node dissection, namely the outermost layer-oriented medial approach. In this article, We present the development history of this method, and current status and future perspectives of laparoscopic gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer based on our experience and a review of the literature.

Laparoscopic versus open D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The oncologic safety and feasibility of laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer are still uncertain. The aim of this study is to compare our results for laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy with those for open D2 gastrectomy. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2008, a total of 336 patients with clinical T2, T3, or T4 tumors underwent laparoscopic (n = 186) or open (n = 150) gastrectomy involving D2 lymph node dissection with curative intent. To produce this study population, 123 patients in the open group who matched those of the laparoscopic group with regard to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumor location, and clinical tumor stage were retrospectively selected. The short- and long-term outcomes of these patients were examined. RESULTS: Laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy was associated with significantly less operative blood loss and shorter hospital stay, but longer operative time, compared with open D2 gastrectomy. The mortality and morbidity rates of the laparoscopic group were comparable to those of the open group (1.1 % vs. 0, P = 0.519, and 24.2 % vs. 28.5 %, P = 0.402). The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 65.8 and 68.1 % in the laparoscopic group and 62.0 and 63.7 % in the open group (P = 0.737 and P = 0.968). There were no differences in the patterns of recurrence between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy provides reasonable oncologic outcomes with acceptable morbidity and low mortality rates. Although operation time is currently long, this approach is associated with several advantages of laparoscopic surgery, including quick recovery of bowel function and short hospital stay. Laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy may offer a favorable alternative to open D2 gastrectomy for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

[Robotic surgery for gastroenterological malignancies].

In Japan, the usefulness of robot-assisted surgery using da Vinci surgical system(DVSS)has rapidly become widely acknowledged. At Fujita Health University, DVSS was introduced in 2009. Thus far, 347 patients were treated by DVSS at our institute, including 204 gastroenterological operations. In our department, robot-assisted gastrectomy(RAG, n=111)and robot-assisted esophagectomy(REG, n=26)have been technically standardized. Recently, we reported that both RAG and REG are minimally invasive. Moreover, we showed that the incidence of recurrent nerve palsy by lymphadenectomy was significantly reduced by REG, compared with conventional thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Although robot-assisted surgery is a highly expensive treatment, these results prompt the need for further evaluation of the effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery in the gastroenterological field. Development of a more accurate and less invasive robotic surgery system would contribute to a better quality of life patients with gastroenterological malignancies.

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy along the left recurrent laryngeal nerve for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the prone position: technical report and short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Meticulous mediastinal lymphadenectomy frequently induces recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP). Surgical robots with impressive dexterity and precise dissection skills have been developed to help surgeons perform operations. The objective of this study was to determine the impact on short-term outcomes of robot-assisted thoracoscopic radical esophagectomy performed on patients in the prone position for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, including its impact on RLNP. METHODS: A single-institution nonrandomized prospective study was performed. The patients (n = 36) with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were divided into two groups: patients who agreed to robot-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy with total mediastinal lymphadenectomy performed in the prone position (n = 16, robot-assisted group) without insurance reimbursement, and those who agreed to undergo the same operation without robot assistance but with health insurance coverage (n = 20, control group). These patients were observed for 30 days following surgery to assess short-term surgical outcomes, including the incidence of vocal cord palsy, hoarseness, and aspiration. RESULTS: Robot assistance significantly reduced the incidence of vocal cord palsy (p = 0.018) and hoarseness (p = 0.015) and the time on the ventilator (p = 0.025). There was no in-hospital mortality in either group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient background, except for the use of preoperative therapy (robot-assisted group