Surgical tele-mentoring using a robotic platform: initial experience in a military institution.

BACKGROUND: Surgical tele-mentoring leverages technology by projecting surgical expertise to improve access to care and patient outcomes. We postulate that tele-mentoring will improve surgeon satisfaction, procedural competence, the timeliness of operative intervention, surgical procedure efficiency, and key intra-operative decision-making. As a first step, we performed a pilot study utilizing a proof-of-concept tele-mentoring process during robotic-assisted surgery to determine the effects on the perceptions of all members of the surgical team. METHODS: An IRB-approved prospective feasibility study to determine the safety and efficacy of remote surgical consultation to local surgeons utilizing robotic surgery technology in the fields of general, urology, gynecology and thoracic surgery was performed. Surgical teams were provided a pre-operative face-to-face orientation. During the operation, the mentoring surgeon was located at the same institution in a separate tele-mentoring room. An evaluation was completed pre- and post-operatively by the operative team members and mentor. RESULTS: Fifteen operative cases were enrolled including seven general surgery, four urology, one gynecology and three thoracic surgery operations. Surveys were collected from 67 paired survey respondents and 15 non-paired mentor respondents. Participation in the operation had a positive effect on participant responses regarding all questions surveyed (p < 0.05) indicating value to tele-mentoring integration. Connectivity remained uninterrupted with clear delivery of audio and visual components and no perceived latency. Participant perception of leadership/administrative support was varied. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical tele-mentoring is safe and efficacious in providing remote surgical consultation to local surgeons utilizing robotic surgery technology in a military institution. Operative teams overwhelmingly perceived this capability as beneficial with reliable audio-visual connectivity demonstrated between the main operative room and the Virtual Medical Center. Further study is needed to develop surgical tele-mentoring to improve patient care without geographic limitations during times of peace, war and pandemic outbreaks.

Review on challenges for robotic eye surgery; surgical systems, technologies, cost-effectiveness, and controllers.

In recent decades, a number of surgical systems have been developed and are applied for a growing variety of surgeries. This review will consider the significant challenges of robotic surgery for the eye. These challenges take into account the different eye diseases, available technologies, and costs in different surgical systems for the eye. The conditions of a suitable controller will be discussed with consideration of relevant control engineering concepts. Comparison is made between the different characteristics of surgical robots for the eye. In this review, some comparisons will be made in eye surgical robots, control algorithms, sensors in surgical robots, communication protocols, and actuators.

Robot-assisted laparoscopy for deep infiltrating endometriosis: a retrospective French multicentric study (2008-2019) using the Society of European Robotic Gynecological Surgery endometriosis database.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing perioperative results of robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) in the context of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). METHODS: This retrospective French multicentric study included all patients with DIE who underwent surgical treatment managed by RAL (Da Vinci® System). From November 2008 to June 2019, patients were included in a single European database, in Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery, with Society of European Robotic Gynecological Surgery collaboration. Patients had different DIE sites as follows: gynecological, urological, or digestive, or combinations of these. Surgical procedures and perioperative complications were evaluated. To assess complications, patients were divided into the following four groups according to surgical procedure and DIE site: gynecological only; gynecological and urological; gynecological and digestive; and gynecological, urological, and digestive. RESULTS: A total of 460 patients treated at one of eight health-care facilities from November 2008 to June 2019 were included. Median operative time was 245 min (IQR 186-320), surgeon console time was 138 ± 75 min and estimated blood loss was 70.0 mL ± 107 mL. Among this patient sample, 42.1% had a multidisciplinary surgical approach with a digestive or urology surgeon in addition to gynecology surgeon (25.5% and 16.6% of cases, respectively). Among those with intraoperative complications (n = 25, 5.4%) were primarily conversion to laparotomy (n = 6, 2.0%), transfusion (n = 2, 0.6%), and organ wounds (n = 8, 1.7%). Overall, 5.6% had severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ Grade 3). CONCLUSION: This is among the largest published series addressing RAL for DIE. Interest in this procedure appears promising, with no observed increases in blood loss or in peri- or post-operative complications. DIE laparoscopic surgery can require complex surgical procedures performed by multidisciplinary surgical teams. Thus, it may be one of the best candidates for RAL within gynecology surgery.

Robot-assisted excision of rectal duplication cysts: A case report.

Rectal duplication cysts are extremely rare and account for only 4% of all gastrointestinal duplication cysts. They may become challenging for removal in the case of a large tumor in a narrow pelvis. Herein, we report a case of rectal duplication cysts excision via robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery and its utility.

RAS-NOTECHS: validity and reliability of a tool for measuring non-technical skills in robotic-assisted surgery settings.

BACKGROUND: Non-technical skills (NTS) are essential for safe surgical practice as they impact workflow and patient outcomes. Observational tools to measure operating room (OR) teams' NTS have been introduced. However, there are none that account for the specific teamwork challenges introduced by robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We set out to develop and content-validate a tool to assess multidisciplinary NTS in RAS. METHODOLOGY: Stepwise, multi-method procedure. Observations in different surgical departments and a scoping literature review were first used to compile a set of RAS-specific teamwork behaviours. This list was refined and expert validated using a Delphi consensus approach consisting of qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. Then, RAS-specific behaviours were merged with a well-established assessment tool on OR teamwork (NOTECHS II). Finally, the new tool-RAS-NOTECHS-was applied in standardized observations of real-world procedures to test its reliability (inter-rater agreement via intra-class correlations). RESULTS: Our scoping review revealed 5242 articles, of which 21 were included based on pre-established inclusion criteria. We elicited 16 RAS-specific behaviours from the literature base. These were synthesized with further 18 behavioural markers (obtained from 12 OR-observations) into a list of 26 behavioural markers. This list was reviewed by seven RAS experts and condensed to 15 expert-validated RAS-specific behavioural markers which were then merged into NOTECHS II. For five observations of urologic RAS procedures (duration: 13 h and 41 min), inter-rater agreement for identification of behavioural markers was strong. Agreement of RAS-NOTECHS scores indicated moderate to strong agreement. CONCLUSIONS: RAS-NOTECHS is the first observational tool for multidisciplinary NTS in RAS. In preliminary application, it has been shown to be reliable. Since RAS is rapidly increasing and challenges for effective and safe teamwork remain at the forefront of quality and safety of surgical care, RAS-NOTECHS may contribute to training and improvement efforts in technology-facilitated surgeries.

A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Two Different Models of Surgical Robots in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Introduction: For the past 20 years, robotic surgical systems have been used for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.) has been one of the most used robotic platforms. This study aims to retrospectively compare the performance of two models of surgical robots. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted from a prospective database including all patients who underwent robotic RYGB (RRYGB) from 2011 to 2020. Results: Of a total of 277 patients included, 134 were in the RRYGB using the da Vinci S™ (RRYGB-S™) group and 143 were in the RRYGB using the da Vinci Xi™ (RRYGB-Xi™) group. The mean operative time in the RRYGB-S and RRYGB-Xi groups was 154 ± 28 and 151 ± 32 minutes, respectively (P = .510). The was no statistically significant difference in terms of intraoperative complications between the groups with regard to positive blue test, bleeding, and failure of stapler line. The readmission rate was higher in the RRGB-S group (14.1%) than in the RRYGB-Xi group (3.4%) (P = .004), and it was mainly due to major complications (P = .003) including pouch and gastrojejunostomy anastomotic leaks (P = .001). The nonsurgical complications were statistically significantly higher in the RRYGB-S group (7.4%) than in the RRYGB-Xi group (2.1%) (P < .05), as well as the surgical complications were higher in the RRYGB-S group (7.5%) than in the RRYGB-Xi group (0%) (P < .001). The mean percentage of the total weight loss at 1 and 2 years of follow-up did not show any statistically significant difference (P = .547). Conclusions: The higher complication rate in the S surgical system might be correlated with the initial learning curve and stressed the need for proper robotic surgical training and accurate strategies when introducing emerging technologies into the surgical practice.

Cirugía robótica colorectal, en un hospital de comunidad cerrada: experiencia inicial leído en sesión SACP, 11 de octubre de 2019 / Colorectal robotic surgery in a closed community hospital: initial experience read in SACP session, october 11, 2019

Introducción: La introducción del sistema Da Vinci, ha revolucionado el campo de la cirugía mínima invasiva en el cual el cirujano tiene control de la cámara 3D y los instrumentos son de gran destreza y confort ergonómico, acortando la curva de aprendizaje quirúrgica. Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia inicial de cirugía robótica colorectal en un hospital de comunidad cerrada de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Materiales y Método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo sobre una base prospectiva de cirugías colorectales robóticas realizadas por el mismo equipo quirúrgico desde mayo de 2016 a abril de 2019. Resultados: Se operaron 41 pacientes. Trece de ellos fueron colectomías derechas, 17 colectomías izquierdas y 11 cirugías de recto. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 170 minutos (90-330), la estadía hospitalaria de 4 días (3-30), la tasa de conversión de 7,31% (3/41 pacientes) y la tasa de dehiscencia anastomótica del 9,75% (4/41 pacientes). Morbilidad global del 19.5% (8/41 pacientes). Conclusión: Hemos repasado los resultados iniciales de nuestra experiencia en cirugía robótica colorectal en un número reducido de casos, pero suficiente para evaluar la seguridad y reproducibilidad del método al comienzo de una curva de aprendizaje.

Introduction: The introduction of the Da Vinci System, has revolved the field of invasive minimal surgery in which the surgeon has control of the 3d camera and the instruments are of great strength and ergonomic comfort by cutting the surgical learning curve. Objective: Of this preliminary presentation is to describe our initial experience of colorectal robotic surgery in a closed community hospital of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Materials and Method: Retrospective descriptive study on a prospective basis of robotic colorectal surgeries performed by the same surgical team from May 2016 to April 2019.Results: 41 patients were operated. 13 of them were right colectomies, 17 left colectomies and 11 rectum surgeries. The average surgical time was 170 minutes (90-330), the average hospital stay of 4 days (3-30), the conversion rate of 7.31% (3/41 patients) and the anastomotic dehiscence rate of 9 , 75% (4/41 patients). Overall morbidity of 19.5% (8/41 patients).Conclusion: We have reviewed the initial results of our experience in colorectal robotic surgery in a reduced number of cases but sufficient to evaluate the security and reproducibility of the methodic learning of a learning curve.

Analysis of early and late clinical and radiologic complications of proximal humeral fractures using open reduction, internal fixation, and intramedullary titanium cage augmentation.

BACKGROUND: An intramedullary augmentation technique using a titanium cage with different types of hardware can be considered a new option in the management of proximal humeral fractures. This study aimed to report the perioperative, early, and late complications of proximal humeral fractures using the intramedullary augmentation technique. METHODS: From 2005 to 2017, 142 displaced proximal humeral fractures were treated in the same unit by the aforementioned technique. Perioperative, early, and late complications were evaluated in all patients. Clinical evaluation was performed according to the Constant and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. Only 115 patient records could be considered to have long-term follow-up (7-12 years). RESULTS: Extra-articular migrations of K-wires, plate cutout, and screw penetration were not observed. A transitory axillary nerve palsy with inferior humeral head subluxation was observed in 41 patients (29.8%). Of the 142 patients, 2 (1.4%) manifested early signs of infection, and 1 underwent a reoperation after 30 days. Complete bone healing was obtained at a mean of 3.5 months in 140 of 142 shoulders (98.6%). We achieved long-term follow-up on only 115 patients because 14 had died, 6 lived abroad, and 7 could not participate due to illness. The results were good or excellent in 99 patients (86%), fair in 12 (10.4%), and poor in 4 (3.4%). K-wires were removed in 15 of 79 patients (11.5%). Nonunion or malunion occurred in 1 patient (0.8%). Asymptomatic avascular necrosis developed in 8 patients (6.9%) after 5 years, and secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis occurred in 6 (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative and postoperative analyses with short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes show that the intramedullary augmentation technique improves fracture treatment with significantly good anatomic reconstruction in complex and unstable cases. The bone healing rate is significantly high, and the technique is associated with a significantly low percentage of complications.

Flow disruptions in robotic-assisted abdominal sacrocolpopexy: does robotic surgery introduce unforeseen challenges for gynecologic surgeons?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to apply a human factors research approach to identify flow disruptions, deviations in the optimal course of care, in robotic abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedures with the ultimate goal of developing system interventions to improve the safety and efficiency of robotic surgery. METHODS: Twenty-four robotic abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedures were observed for flow disruptions. Surgeries were divided into four phases: (1) patient arrival and induction of anesthesia; (2) port placement and robot docking; (3) console time; (4) undocking of robot, incision closure, and patient exiting the OR. RESULTS: Flow disruptions were observed at a rate of 10.9 ± 5.1 per hour. The most frequently observed flow disruptions involved training issues (2.8 ± 2.4 flow disruptions per hour), equipment (2.2 ± 1.6 flow disruptions per hour), and poor coordination (2.0 ± 1.3 flow disruptions per hour). The rate of flow disruptions was highest in phase 2 (19.2 ± 14.4 flow disruptions per hour). Cases with more experienced surgeons involved shorter console times by 1.5 h (95% CI: 0.1, 3.0, p = 0.033) and 1.8 fewer (95% CI: 1.2, 2.6, p = 0.001) flow disruptions per hour. Surgeries were 1 h shorter on average (95% CI: 0.1, 1.9, p = 0.034) in cases in which the patient was > 65 years old. Da Vinci S console times were 0.8 h longer (95% CI: 0.01, 1.5, p = 0.047) than Si. CONCLUSIONS: Flow disruptions in robotic abdominal sacrocolpopexy surgery occur about every 6 min. Flow disruption rates are highest during the most complex portions of the surgery. More experienced surgeons have lower flow disruption rates and operate more quickly.

Robotically Assisted Mitral Valve Repair as the Treatment of Choice for Patients with Difficult Anatomies.

Robotically assisted mitral valve repair has proven its efficacy during the last decade. The most suitable approach for patients with difficult anatomies, such as morbid obesity, sternal deformities, cardiac rotation, or vascular anomalies, represents a current challenge in cardiac surgery. Herein, we present the case of a 71-year-old patient affected by severe degenerative mitral valve regurgitation with pectus excavatum and a right aortic arch with an anomalous course of the left subclavian artery who was successfully treated using a Da Vinci-assisted approach.

Using the Starr Frame and Da Vinci surgery system for pelvic fracture and sacral nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Sacral fracture and sacral nerve injury remain problems in orthopedics, especially in a sacral fracture combined with an anterior sacral nerve injury. Treating a sacral nerve injury with open reduction neurolysis or more conservative treatment cannot meet the clinical needs. Open reduction sacral nerve neurolysis will increase the number of severe, life-threatening injuries, regardless of whether the anterior or posterior approach is used. In recent years, computer- and robot-assisted orthopedic surgery has emerged as part of many clinical treatments. METHODS: For an unstable pelvic fracture with an anterior sacral nerve injury, we established a comprehensive and integrated solution. To achieve closed reduction, minimally invasive fixation, and minimally invasive anterior sacral nerve neurolysis, the Starr Frame, navigation robot, and Da Vinci robot were jointly applied. RESULTS: The Starr Frame is very helpful for closed reduction percutaneous fixation in complex pelvic fractures. In this study, a minimally invasive fixation technique for the navigation robot in the pelvic fracture was explored. Although the patient had delayed anterior sacral nerve compression pain after surgery, we developed an approach and surgical method using the Da Vinci robot to explore the sacral nerve by celiac decompression. The patient was relieved of nerve pressure and pain. CONCLUSIONS: This treatment method could be an alternative treatment for pelvic fractures and sacral nerve injury. The application of this treatment is a safe and feasible option that can be employed to manage early and late nerve repair with sacral fractures when open surgery or conservative treatment is unsuitable.

Robotically Assisted Mitral Valve Repair as the Treatment of Choice for Patients with Difficult Anatomies / 대한흉부외과학회지

Robotically assisted mitral valve repair has proven its efficacy during the last decade. The most suitable approach for patients with difficult anatomies, such as morbid obesity, sternal deformities, cardiac rotation, or vascular anomalies, represents a current challenge in cardiac surgery. Herein, we present the case of a 71-year-old patient affected by severe degenerative mitral valve regurgitation with pectus excavatum and a right aortic arch with an anomalous course of the left subclavian artery who was successfully treated using a Da Vinci–assisted approach.

Triangular block bridge method for surgical treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures: theoretical concept, surgical technique and clinical results.

INTRODUCTION: Criteria for classification, indication and choice of a surgical device to treat proximal humeral fractures are still controversial. We report an original technique based on a mechanical concept with a structural principle of a triangle as a rigid body applied to the humeral head fractures in association with other devices. This retrospective study aims to describe in detail the surgical technique and results at long time follow up. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We analysed two series of 101 patients with proximal humeral fractures (mean age, 52.9 y; range 19-78 y) treated between 2001 and 2012 reporting the clinical and radiological results. In the first series of 23 cases (mean age 51.4 y, range 35-74 y) we used as support a bone piece taken from allograft or autologous tricortical iliac crest and shaped as a triangular pyramid during the operation; while in the second series of 78 cases (mean age 53.6 years, range 29-78 years, SD 13.5 years) a triangular titanium cage was used in 69 patients while in 9 allograft or bone substitute was used as augmentation. An analytical retrospective study was done to understand the mechanical function of medial augmentation composed by a solid body in association with different types of synthesis to stabilize properly a proximal humeral fracture. RESULTS: We obtained excellent and good results in 83,2% of patients, fair in 12,8% and bad in 4% in terms of active anterior elevation, external and internal rotation, pain and strength according to Constant and DASH score. CONCLUSION: A medial solid body, especially in titanium material and shaped as trapezoidal/pyramidal form used to fill the secondary bone loss in complex instable proximal humeral fracture, allows an anatomic reduction and stable fixation in association with simple and more complex tools and it provides a better biomechanical environment for union and maintenance of alignment.

New Frontiers in Robotic-Assisted Microsurgical Reconstruction.

Robotic surgery has revolutionized minimally invasive surgery. Owing to its unique features and key advantages, robotic surgery is being used for complex cases across surgical specialties. It has been introduced into reconstructive surgery, and is being applied in microsurgery. Robotic surgery combines properties of conventional microsurgery, endoscopic surgery, and telesurgery. It holds great promise in expanding the boundaries of reconstructive microsurgery. However, there are constraints that limit its widespread use. We present the different clinical applications of robotic microsurgery, highlighting its advantages over conventional microsurgery, and outlining the main limitations that might prevent its widespread use.

Transoral robotic surgery for sellar tumors: first clinical study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to confirm the feasibility of an innovative transoral robotic surgery (TORS), using the da Vinci Surgical System, for patients with sellar tumors. This technique was designed to offer a new minimally invasive approach, without soft-palate splitting, that avoids the rhinological side effects of classic endonasal approaches. METHODS The authors performed a prospective study of TORS in patients with symptomatic sellar tumors. Specific anatomical features were required for inclusion in the study and were determined on the basis of preoperative open-mouth CT scans of the brain. The main outcome measure was sellar accessibility using the robot. Resection quality, mean operative time, postoperative changes in patients' vision, side effects, and complications were additionally reported. RESULTS Between February and May 2016, 4 patients (all female, mean age 49.5 years) underwent TORS for resection of sellar tumors as participants in this study. All patients presented with symptomatic visual deficits confirmed as bitemporal hemianopsia. All tumors had a suprasellar portion and a cystic part. In all 4 cases, the operation was performed via TORS, without the need for a second surgery. Sella turcica accessibility was satisfactory in all cases. In 3 cases, tumor resection was complete. The mean operative time was 2 hours 43 minutes. Three patients had a significant visual improvement at Day 1. No rhinological side effects or complications in patients occurred. No pathological examination was performed regarding the fluid component of the tumors. There was 1 postoperative delayed CSF leak and 1 case of transient diabetes insipidus. Side effects specific to TORS included minor sore throat, transient hypernasal speech, and 1 case of delayed otitis media. The mean length of hospital stay and mean follow up were 8.25 days and 82 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of the surgical treatment of sellar tumors by means of a minimally invasive TORS. This approach using the da Vinci Surgical System seems feasible and constitutes an innovative neurosurgical technique that may avoid the adverse side effects and technical disadvantages of the classic transsphenoidal route. Moreover, TORS allows an inferosuperior approach to the sella turcica, which is a key point, as the tumor is approached in the direction of its growth.

Functional results of robotic total intersphincteric resection with hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades there has been an increasing trend toward sphincter-preserving procedures for the treatment of low rectal cancer. Robotic surgery is considered to be particularly beneficial when operating in the deep pelvis, where laparoscopy presents technical limitations. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the functional outcomes in patients affected by rectal cancer after robotic total intersphincteric resection (ISR) with hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: From March 2008 to October 2012, 23 consecutive patients affected by distal rectal adenocarcinoma underwent robotic ISR. Operative, clinical, pathological and functional data regarding continence or presence of a low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) were prospectively collected in a database. RESULTS: Twenty-three consecutive patients were included in the study: 8 men and 15 women. The mean age was 60.2 years (range 28-73). Eighteen (78.3%) had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Conversion rate was nil. The mean operative time was 296.01 min and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.43 ± 1.73 days. According to Kirwan's incontinence score, good fecal continence was shown in 85.7% of patients (Grade 1 and 2) and none required a colostomy (Grade 4). Concerning LARS score, the results were as follows: 57.1% patients had no LARS; 19% minor LARS and 23.8% major LARS. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic total ISR for low rectal cancer is an acceptable alternative to traditional procedures. Extensive discussion with the patient about the risk of poor functional outcomes or LARS syndrome is mandatory when considering an ISR for treatment of low rectal cancer.

Initial Experiences using Robot-assisted Distal Pancreatectomy: A Single Institution Study of 28 Patients

PURPOSE: Surgical procedures using robot-assisted surgery, including pancreatic surgery, have recently become popular. This study aimed to report our initial experiences with distal pancreatectomy procedures using the robot-assisted surgery system. METHODS: The clinical records of 28 patients who underwent robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) between July 2012 and January 2016 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients, 5 (17.9%) were male and 23 (82.1%) were female. Their ages ranged from 11 to 78 years, with a median age of 44.5 years. The mean diameter of the pancreatic tumors was 3.6 cm. The median operative time was 192.5 (range, 100~390) minutes, and the median blood loss was 200 (range, 50~1,900) ml. All of the 28 RDPs were successfully completed. Spleen preservation was achieved in 16 (57.1%) patients. Clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula was detected in 4 (14.3%) patients. Postoperative complications were evident in 5 (17.9%) of the 28 patients. CONCLUSION: Our experiences suggest that RDP is feasible for patients with benign or borderline tumors at the body or tail of the pancreas. It may be considered as an effective surgical procedure for benign or borderline tumors of the pancreas in the future; however, further studies to confirm this are warranted.

Modifications of transaxillary approach in endoscopic da Vinci-assisted thyroid and parathyroid gland surgery.

Endoscopic surgery for treatment of thyroid and parathyroid pathologies is increasingly gaining attention. The da Vinci system has already been widely used in different fields of medicine and quite recently in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Herein, we report about modifications of the transaxillary approach in endoscopic surgery of thyroid and parathyroid gland pathologies using the da Vinci system. 16 patients suffering from struma nodosa in 14 cases and parathyroid adenomas in two cases were treated using the da Vinci system at the ENT Department of Homburg/Saar University and in cooperation with the Department of General Surgery in New Sant'Agostino Hospital, Modena/Italy. Two different retractors, endoscopic preparation of the access and three different incision modalities were used. The endoscopic preparation of the access allowed us to have a better view during preparation and reduced surgical time compared to the use of a headlamp. To introduce the da Vinci instruments at the end of the access preparation, the skin incisions were over the axilla with one incision in eight patients, two incisions in four patients and three incisions in a further four patients. The two and three skin incisions modality allowed introduction of the da Vinci instruments without arm conflicts. The use of a new retractor (Modena retractor) compared to a self-developed retractor made it easier during the endoscopic preparation of the access and the reposition of the retractor. The scar was hidden in the axilla and independent of the incisions selected, the cosmetic findings were judged by the patients to be excellent. The neurovascular structures such as inferior laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal nerve and vessels, as well as the different pathologies, were clearly 3D visualized in all 16 cases. No paralysis of the vocal cord was observed. All patients had a benign pathology in their histological examination. The endoscopic surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid gland can be performed using the da Vinci system and offers an excellent, intra-operative, 3D visualization of the neurovascular structures. The new incision modalities, use of a new retractor, and endoscopic preparation of the access made the surgery easier and safer using the transaxillary access to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The modified skin incisions allowed an improved movement of the da Vinci arms during operation.

Robotic giant hiatal hernia repair: 3 year prospective evaluation and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: While conventional laparoscopic repair for giant hiatal hernias is considered difficult, robotic technology is likely to result in an improved postoperative course. METHODS: We prospectively analysed patients with giant hiatal hernias who underwent robotic repair during a 3 year period. Preoperative data, operative variables, complications, clinical outcomes and anatomical recurrence after 1 year were evaluated. RESULTS: Six patients with giant hiatal hernias underwent robotic repair using the Da Vinci surgical system. The mean operative time was 182 min. The mean hospital stay was 6 days. No patients required reoperation for disease recurrence, and all claimed the absence of postoperative symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic approaches can minimize surgical trauma in patients with giant hiatal hernias and result in favourable outcomes in terms of anatomical recurrence and quality of life. With the availability of the da Vinci System, all patients with giant hiatal hernias can be offered a minimally invasive surgical option.

Challenges facing totally endoscopic robotic coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted surgery is growing in popularity; however, robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery surgery (TECAB) remains challenging, particularly in multi-vessel disease. METHODS: A review of the current literature surrounding TECAB using the da Vinci® system. RESULTS: The da Vinci robot is the only commercially available system, operating on a master-slave paradigm with the surgeon controlling the robotic arms from a remote console. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery today is presented with challenges, including dealing with a non-perfect robot without haptic control, a steep learning curve, lack of established training criteria and high cost. Strategies such as structured, simulated training and novel anastomotic devices may potentially shorten the learning curve, improve patency and facilitate grafting in multi-vessel disease. Future challenges will include the ability to demonstrate long-term patency, morbidity and mortality at least comparable to conventional CABG, whilst also offering cost effectiveness in this increasingly difficult economic environment.