Robotic subtotal D2-gastrectomy for gastric cancer after right hemiliver transplantation: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: With the progress achieved in transplant surgeries an improved long-term survival of patients is obtained due to more effective immunosuppressant therapy. De novo malignancy (DNM) has gained interest in this group of patients. DNM is a major cause of late mortality after liver transplantation. METHODS: We report the case of a patient who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation with right hemiliver (right split) 18 years ago who came to our attention for gastric cancer. We performed a robotic subtotal gastrectomy D2 lymphadenectomy with manual latero lateral trans mesocolic BII gastro jejunal anastomosis using da Vinci robotic surgery system at our hospital. RESULTS: The operation was successful, the operative time was 230 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 100 ml. The patient was discharged on day 8 after surgery, and no complications occurred. Postoperative pathological stages were pT2 N0 (0/25). During the follow-up period, the patient was in good health without long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Robotic approach is feasible in patients after liver transplantation.

Comparative analysis of surgical management approaches for hydatid liver cysts: conventional vs. minimally invasive techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid liver disease is a prevalent condition in endemic areas, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The use of laparoscopy as a treatment option has gained popularity. However, there is still ongoing debate regarding the optimal approach for surgical management. In this study, we present our experience with the surgical treatment of hydatid liver disease comparing conventional and minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic and robotic options. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for hydatid liver disease at our institution. Data was collected on the patients' clinical presentations, cyst characteristics, surgical procedures performed, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 98 hydatid liver cysts were surgically managed in 57 patients. The mean age of the patients was 37.2 ± 10.2 years, with 38 (66.7%) being male. Among the patients, 14 (24.6%) underwent conventional surgery (6 partial pericystectomy, 4 total pericystectomy, and 4 liver resection), 37 (64.9%) underwent laparoscopic surgery (31 partial pericystectomy, 4 total pericystectomy, and 2 liver resection), and 6 (10.5%) underwent robotic surgery (6 partial pericystectomy). There were no significant differences between the conventional surgery and minimally invasive groups in terms of patient age, gender, cyst size, or number. However, laparotomy was associated with a higher number of total pericystectomy and liver resection procedures compared to the minimally invasive approach (P = 0.010). Nonetheless, the operation time and blood loss were comparable between both groups. Perioperative complications occurred in 19 (33.3%) patients, with 16 (84%) experiencing minor issues. Bile leak occurred in 8 (14%) patients, resolving spontaneously in 5 patients. There was no significant difference (P = 0.314) in the incidence of complications between the two groups. Conventional surgery, however, was associated with a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.034). During follow-up, there were no cases of mortality or cyst recurrence in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches for hydatid liver cysts offer advantages such as shorter hospitalization and potentially quicker recovery, making them valuable treatment options when accompanied by careful patient selection and adherence to proper surgical techniques.

Analysis of clinical efficacy and safety of hand-sewn anastomosis for the digestive tract with Da Vinci robot in rectal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of hand-sewn anastomosis for the digestive tract with Da Vinci robot in rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to collect the clinical data from 27 patients who underwent Da Vinci robotic rectal cancer radical surgery in the department of gastrointestinal surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 2019 to February 2022. All patients received a manual suture for digestive tract reconstruction. After the posterior wall was sutured, the anterior wall was sutured continuously. Finally, a prilling thread was used to sew the junction of the front and rear walls. Perioperative indexes and complications were recorded. RESULTS: All 27 patients successfully underwent the operation. Neither conversion to laparotomy nor perioperative death occurred. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 183.6 ± 44.8 min and 54.8 ± 34.4 ml, respectively. A total of 15.3 ± 7.8 lymph nodes were harvested. The pain score 24 h after operation was 1.3 ± 1.3. The time out of bed, the time to exhaust, and the time to eat were 15.6 ± 2.9 h, 2.2 ± 0.8 days, and 2.1 ± 0.6 days, respectively. A total of 4 patients (14.8%) developed complications after the operation. Grade B anastomotic leakage gradually resolved after drainage and antibiotic therapy in 1 case. A patient with grade C anastomotic leakage received a second operation for ileostomy. One patient with postoperative pneumonia recovered after anti-infective treatment. Another patient with intraperitoneal hemorrhage improved after symptomatic treatment with blood transfusion and hemostasis. The postoperative hospitalization time and total hospitalization costs were 8.9 ± 4.4 days and 89,236.1 ± 13,527.9 yuan, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Manual suture with Da Vinci robotic surgery system is safe and feasible for reconstructing the digestive tract in rectal cancer surgery.

The effect of double W tension-reduced suture technique on the abdominal scars following the da Vinci robot-assisted gastrectomy for severely obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of a new type of tension-reduced suture named "double W tension-reduced suture technique" on the abdominal scars following the da Vinci robot-assisted gastrectomy for severely obese patients. METHODS: 40 abdominal incisions following the da Vinci robot-assisted gastrectomy on severely obese patients from September 1st, 2021 to March 1st, 2022 were comprised in the study. 20 incisions were closed by the conventional full-thickness surgical suture as the control group, and 20 incisions were sewn up by double W tension-reduced suture as the double W group. The scars were assessed at the 1-month follow-up visit using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), ultrasound and patient satisfaction. Meanwhile, digital photographs of scars were taken as well. RESULTS: The VSS score was 6.80 ± 2.16 in the control group, while that of the double W group was 2.60 ± 1.89. The difference between groups was significant. Digital photographs showed that the scar color was not only light and close to the skin color, but also flat and soft in the double W group. Ultrasound showed that the fibers of subcutaneous tissue in the double W group were arranged neatly, the ultrasonic signal intensity was relatively uniform, and the tunnel was small without obvious lacunae. More patients were satisfied and very satisfied with scars in the double W group. CONCLUSION: Double W tension-reduced suture technique could significantly improve the appearance and reduce comorbidities of scars following the da Vinci robot-assisted gastrectomy for severely obese patients.

Male urogenital function after robot-assisted and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Urogenital dysfunction is recognized as a serious complication affecting patient quality of life after rectal cancer surgery to treat rectal cancer; however, the studies focus on the urogenital function after robot-assisted rectal cancer surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery are limited. METHODS: Male patients undergoing robotic total mesorectal excision (R-TME) or laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L-TME) were prospectively enrolled. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scale were used to compare the urogenital function of the two groups preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients who planned to undergo R-TME and L-TME were prospectively enrolled; 77 patients of these patients (86.5%) completed all questionnaires at all time points and were thus included in the final analysis. Of the included patients, 38 underwent R-TME and 39 underwent L-TME. There was no significant difference in age, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumor location, neoadjuvant therapy, operation method, postoperative pathological results and adjuvant therapy between the two groups. Preoperative urogenital function was similar in both groups; however, the IPSS was significantly lower in R-TME patients than that in T-TME patients at 6 months and 12 months [(7.82 ± 2.25 vs. 9.95 ± 3.01, P = 0.006; 7.62 ± 2.5 vs. 9.12 ± 2.64, P = 0.012)]. IIEF-5 scores decreased 3 months after R-TME and L-TME surgery (14.87 ± 3.27 vs. 13.92 ± 3.62, p = 0.231) and then gradually increased; at 12 months, IIEF-5 scores were comparable to those at baseline in both groups. IIEF-5 scores were higher in R-TME patients than those in L-TME patients at 6 months (18.55 ± 3.45 vs. 16.75 ± 3.26, P = 0.021), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months (21.22 ± 3.06 vs. 19.95 ± 3.03, P = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: The robotic approach for TME was associated with more rapid restoration of male urogenital function than the laparoscopic approach.

Application of da Vinci robot and laparoscopy on repeat hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Repeat laparoscopic liver resection has been used safely and effectively on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have been performed on repeat HCC surgery by a da Vinci robot. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of the patients with repeat HCC treated using a da Vinci robot or laparoscopic system at a single centre. Methods: All of the patients with repeat HCC treated using a da Vinci robotic or laparoscopic system between April 2017 and April 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Results: There were 24 patients with a mean age of 56 years who underwent da Vinci robotic or laparoscopic surgery for treatment of repeat HCC who were included in this study. The operations lasted 152 ± 25 min and 142 ± 34 min. The average intraoperative blood loss was 284 ± 89 ml and 251 ± 92 ml. The average hospitalisation stay lasted 9 ± 2 days and 9 ± 3 days. The rates at which surgeons switched to open surgery were 9% and 23%. No serious perioperative or post-operative complications were encountered. Conclusion: Da Vinci robots can provide a precise dissection of the tissue under a perfect view. It is a technically feasible procedure for less rates at which surgeons switched to open surgery on repeat HCC.

[Comparative analysis of robot-assisted and open radical cystectomy with orthotopic urinary diversion].

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder creation is a complex surgical procedure, which is gradually becoming an alternative to open surgery. AIM: To compare the perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes of open radical cystectomy (ORC) and RARC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RARC with ileocystoplasty was performed in 25 patients, including 24 men. The average age was 65.5 years. ORC was done in 30 patients (28 men; control group) with the mean age of 67.2 years. In RARC, the ureters were isolated at the level of lower thirds, the bladder was dissected from the rectum on both sides, then the bladder vessels were divided using clips, and the urethra was cut off. After pelvic lymph node dissection, 50 cm of the ileum was resected. Then two distal segments were folded in a U-shape, a 1.5 cm incision was made in the lower part, and an anastomosis with the urethra was carried out. Further, these segments were detubularized and a modified Studer reservoir was created. The ureters were implanted into the tubular part. In ORC, urine diversion was also done using Studer technique. In both groups, the operation time, the volume of blood loss, the number of complications, the duration of hospitalization, the proportion of daytime and nighttime continence were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean time for RARC and ORC was 380 (320-580) and 260 (220-320) min, respectively (p<0.05). In the group of RARC, the volume of blood loss was 85 (50-250) ml and no blood transfusion was performed, while in ORC, the volume of blood loss was 520 (350-1400) ml, an average of 480 (0-840) ml of blood was transfused (p<0.05). After RARC, 30- and 90- complications rate was 32.0% (n=8) and 24.0% (n=6), respectively, compared to 40.0% (n=12) and 30.0% (n=9) in ORC. One patient died due to myocardial infarction during the 90-day follow-up period after RARC (grade V complication according to Clavien). The average number of removed lymph nodes in the RARC group was 15 (10-18). One patient had lymph node metastases. There were no cases of local recurrence. In ORC, the average number of lymph nodes was 16 (11-20), metastases were detected in 2 patients. One of them was subsequently diagnosed with local recurrence. There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes removed between two groups. After RARC, 20 (80.0%) patients had complete urinary continence, while 5 patients (20.0%) used 1-2 pads per day. Night continence was preserved in 15 cases (60.0%). After ORC, complete urinary continence was seen in 23 cases (76.7%). Five patients (20.0%) used 1-2 pads per day and two patients (6.7%) used 2-3 pads per day. Night continence after ORC was preserved in 17 cases (56.7%). CONCLUSION: RARC is a minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Compared with ORC, a significantly lower rate of complications and blood transfusions is documented, but RARC requires a longer operation time. Both interventions provide the equivalent oncological and functional outcomes, which are in line with published data.

[Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy with selective ischemia].

INTRODUCTION: Clamping of the renal artery during partial nephrectomy leads to renal ischemia and a deterioration of its function. An alternative to total ischemia is to isolate and clamp the segmental branch of the renal artery supplying the tumor. AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with selective renal ischemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients with renal tumors of stage T1a (n=34) and T1b (n=8) undergoing RAPN were included in the study. There were 25 men (59.5%) and 17 women. The mean age was 56.0 +/- 7.5 years, the tumor size ranged from 2.5 to 6.8 cm. Patients with a solitary kidney, multiple tumors, and those who underwent partial nephrectomy with clamping of the renal artery were excluded from the study. CT angiography with 3D reconstruction were used to detect the segmental branches of the renal artery, that supply the tumor. To determine the complexity of renal tumors, the RENAL nephrometric scale was used. Complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. In addition, mean operative time and volume of blood loss, warm ischemia time, pre- and postoperative renal function, and oncological outcomes were analyzed. The RAPN was considered successful if it was performed with selective clamping of the artery. RESULTS: RAPN with selective ischemia was effective in 38 (90.5%) of 42 patients. In 4 (9.5%) cases with tumors of T1b stage and high RENAL scores (> 8), total ischemia was eventually used in order to control bleeding. According to CT angiography, these patients had more or equal 2 branches of renal artery, supplying the tumor. Mean operation time, volume of blood loss and warm ischemia time were 130.0+/-35 min, 185.0+/-80.0 ml and 14.0+/-3.2 min, respectively. In one case, there was an injury to the renal vein, which was sutured. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 (12.0%) patients. The glomerular filtration rate pre- and postoperatively was 76.5 and 72.0 ml/min/1.73 m2, and its decrease 1 month after RAPN was not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of renal arterial anatomy allows to detect the segmental branch that supplies the tumor. By its clamping, it is possible to perform efficient and safe robot-assisted partial nephrectomy without total ischemia.

Current indications and patient selection for transoral robotic surgery in head and neck cancer - a brief review.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) continues to gain momentum in minimally invasive surgery. Not only is TORS potentially curative in many cases, but it also addresses the growing emphasis on functional outcomes and quality of life. The main anatomical areas in which TORS is used are the oropharynx and larynx; however, it is becoming increasingly common in thyroid surgery and neck dissections. With growing popularity, the number of indications for TORS in oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer also increases. However, not all patients are good candidates for this technique, and thus patient selection is essential, with careful assessment of patient-related factors (e.g. comorbidities and endoscopic access) and disease-related variables, such as tumour location, disease staging, and the involvement of surrounding anatomical structures. The aim of the present article is to briefly review the current and emerging indications for TORS in head and neck cancer and the main factors related to patient selection.

Observational BGOG Study of the Results of Robot-assisted Laparoscopy in 166 Patients with FIGO 2009 Stage IA1-IB1 Cervical Cancer.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Two recent studies (the Laparoscopic Approach to Cervical Cancer [LACC] trial and a cohort study based on the National Cancer Database) raise the question of whether minimally invasive surgery (conventional and robot-assisted laparoscopy) is inferior to open abdominal surgery in early-stage cervical cancer. In the laparotomy group of the LACC trial, the low rates of recurrence and death are notable. The present study wants to elucidate the current situation of patients with early-stage cervical cancer treated with robot-assisted laparoscopy in hospitals of the Belgium and Luxembourg Gynaecological Oncology Group (BGOG). DESIGN: This is a prospective follow-up study. SETTING: The combined data obtained from different BGOG hospitals were analyzed regarding patients similar to those included in the LACC trial in terms of cervical cancer recurrence and survival. PATIENTS: We included patients with stage IA1, IA2, or IB1 cervical cancer with a histologic subtype of squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or adenosquamous carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with robot-assisted laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The outcomes were disease-free and overall survival at 3 and 5 years after surgery. A total of 270 patients were included, and 166 were found suitable for analysis. The median age was 45 years. Most patients had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB1 cervical cancer (84.9%) and squamous cell carcinoma as the histologic subtype (71.7%). The median follow-up time was 44 months, with a range of between 1 and 131 months. Twenty-one recurrences and 12 deaths were noted. Of the deaths, 8 were related to cervical cancer. Disease-free survival was 86% at 3 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.52-90.80) and 85% at 5 years (95% CI, 77.03-89.95). Overall survival was 96% at 3 years (95% CI, 90.11-98.22) and 91% at 5 years (95% CI, 82.54 95.17). CONCLUSION: The results of this BGOG study show disease-free and overall survival rates after robot-assisted laparoscopy in early-stage cervical cancer that are at least similar to previous reported recurrence and survival data. We expect that the results of the Robot-assisted Approach to Cervical Cancer trial will elucidate the place of robot-assisted laparoscopy in early-stage cervical cancer.

Improvement of three-dimensional motion sickness using a virtual reality simulator for robot-assisted surgery in undergraduate medical students: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: A virtual reality (VR) simulator is utilized as an inexpensive tool for gaining basic technical competence in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We evaluated operator 3D motion sickness while using a VR simulator and assessed whether it can be reduced by repeating the training. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Iwate Medical University, a tertiary training hospital in an urban setting. A total of 30 undergraduate medical students participated in the study. We compared whether the VR simulator improved the students' skills in operating the da Vinci robot. Fifteen students underwent training with a VR simulator for 4 h a day for 5 days. Then, motion sickness was determined using the Visual Analog Scale and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) before and after the training. RESULTS: Manipulation time significantly improved after training compared to before training (293.9 ± 72.4 versus 143.6 ± 18.4 s; p < 0.001). Although motion sickness worsened after each training session, it gradually improved with continuous practice with the VR simulator. SSQ subscores showed that the VR simulator induced nausea, disorientation, and oculomotor strain, and oculomotor strain was significantly improved with repeated training. CONCLUSIONS: In undergraduate students, practice with the VR simulator improved RAS skills and operator 3D motion sickness caused by 3D manipulation of the da Vinci robot.

The MicroHand S robotic-assisted versus Da Vinci robotic-assisted radical resection for patients with sigmoid colon cancer: a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid colon cancer is a lethal disease and has a strong indication for surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery is one of the promising alternative treatment for this disease. Nowadays, the MicroHand S surgical system and the Da Vinci surgical system have been assembled in China. However, there is still no report to study the therapeutic effects of the two robotic-assisted surgical systems. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare clinical and economic outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon cancer undergoing robot-assisted radical surgery via The MicroHand S or Da Vinci surgical system. METHODS: The clinical data of 45 patients with sigmoid colon cancer undergoing the MicroHand S or Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients received MicroHand S robotic-assisted radical surgery and 24 patients received Da Vinci robot-assisted radical surgery. No significant differences were observed in terms of operation time, number of lymph node harvested, blood loss, intestinal exhaust time, time of oral feeding resumption, volume of abdominal cavity 24-h drainage, hospital stay, complication and rate of conversion, removal time of drainage tube and catheter between MicroHand S and Da Vinci group. However, the MicroHand S group had significantly lower hospitalization costs (P = 0.002) and shorter time to get out of bed after surgery (P = 0.04). In addition, no recurrence and metastases were observed in both groups during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sigmoid colon cancer, the Da Vinci surgical system did not show obvious clinical advantages compared to the MicroHand S surgical system in surgical outcomes. However, the MicroHand S surgical platform showed advantages in terms of the hospitalization costs and length of postoperative bedtime. The outcome of this study will probably result in a shift to the MicroHand S surgical system as treatment preference in China.

Comparison of robot-assisted modified radical neck dissection using a bilateral axillary breast approach with a conventional open procedure after propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: There is ongoing debate about whether or not robot-assisted thyroidectomy is appropriate for modified radical neck dissection (MRND). The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of robot-assisted MRND with those of a conventional open procedure. METHODS: One hundred and forty-five patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, bilateral central neck dissection, and MRND (robotic, n = 28; open, n = 117) at our institution from June 2011 to June 2015 were enrolled in the study. The surgical completeness and complication rates in the robotic and open groups were retrospectively compared after 1:3 propensity score matching for age, sex, body mass index, tumor size, and extrathyroidal extension. RESULTS: The complication rates, including transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, were comparable between the study groups (p > 0.05). The operating time was significantly longer in the robotic group than in the open group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of retrieved lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes, or stimulated serum thyroglobulin level between the two groups (p = 0.733, p = 0.663, and p = 0.285, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical outcomes, including complication and completeness rates, were comparable between robot-assisted MRND using a bilateral axillary breast approach and conventional open surgery. Robot-assisted MRND can be recommended as an alternative to a conventional open procedure for thyroidectomy.

[Robot-assisted radical cystectomy with neobladder formation].

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal neobladder formation is a complex surgical procedure. AIM: To describe the main stages of RARC and to analyze its short-term results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RARC with ileocystoplasty was performed in 16 patients, most of whom were men (n=14). In 15 patients, the indication for surgery was bladder cancer (BCa), while one patient has radiation-induced sigmoid fistula with a formation of small, contracted bladder. During radical cystectomy (RC), the lower ureters were dissected, followed by posterior dissection of the bladder with mobilization from both sides to the pelvic fascia, clipping and transection of the vesical pedicles, and suturing of the dorsal venous complex with urethral dissection. After pelvic lymph node dissection, 40 cm of the ileum was resected, after that two distal segments of 15 cm were U-shaped, and a 1.5 cm incision was made in the lower part of the bowel, followed by a formation of the urethral anastomosis. Then bowel segments were detubularized, and continuous suture on the posterior and anterior walls of the neobladder was done. Ureters were implanted in the proximal tubular part of the resected colon according to the Nesbit technique. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 380 minutes. The blood loss ranged from 80 to 200 ml; however, blood transfusion was not performed. Complications during 30-days after RARC were observed in 7 (43.7%) patients, including 4 (25%) of class I-II according to Clavien - Dindo, and 3 (18.7%) of class III-IV. In patients with leakage at the uretero- intestinal anastomosis (n=2) and urethro-neobladder anastomosis (n=1), percutaneous drainage was performed, which allowed to resolve these complications. There were no cases of bowel obstruction. One patient with gastrointestinal bleeding required blood transfusion. The 90-day late complications occurred in 6 (37.5%) patients, including 2 cases of upper urinary tract infection. One patient died of acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: RARC is a contemporary minimally invasive method for muscle-invasive BCa. Stepwise approach to RARC with intracorporeal neobladder formation may reduce the operation time and the rate of complications.

[Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy].

Currently, partial nephrectomy as a nephron-sparing surgery is the standard treatment method of malignant kidney tumors stage T1 in the absence of contraindications. Robotic system is an intuitively convenient platform for performing partial nephrectomy of various degrees of complexity. The technique of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy continues to improve but is still not standardized. A description of surgical technique, results and complications of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are presented in the article.

Transoral Robotic Surgery Total Laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to demonstrate our technique for performing transoral robotic surgical total laryngectomy (TORS-TL) with the use of the da Vinci robotic system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We provide a comprehensive description of the TORS-TL operative techniques. Two fresh-frozen human cadavers were selected after ethics approval to describe the appropriate step-by-step surgical resection. We adopted a 5-step procedure that was later applied to 2 of our patients. The first patient presented initially with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the laryngeal glottis area. A lack of clinical response to initial treatment by chemoradiotherapy led to the decision of performing salvage TL surgery. The second patient had a previous history of head and neck SCC (HNSCC); he had no recurrence of his primary tumor but suffered significantly from postoperative breathing and swallowing difficulties due to severe laryngeal incompetence. RESULTS: TORS-TL was successfully performed in all cases. The operative time for the cadavers was approximately 65 and 55 min, respectively. It was significantly longer for the patients, 210 and 235 min, respectively, despite the fact that exactly the same steps were followed throughout all procedures. There were no intra- or postoperative complications or surgical morbidity related to the use of the da Vinci system. CONCLUSION: TORS-SL for SCC was performed in a safe, reliable, and smooth manner and was shown to be successful in treating our patients. We thus believe that our step-by-step surgical technique for TORS-SL is efficient and reproducible.

A porcine model for robotic training harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle.

Conventional open surgical approaches for the harvesting of the rectus abdominis muscle carry a high risk of morbidity. It is possible to reduce these risks by using laparoscopy or robot-assisted techniques. This work hypothesizes that a porcine model could be used for learning the robot-assisted collection of the rectus abdominis. The rectus abdominis was taken in 3 stages in 3 pigs: installation of the robot, surgical approaches with 4 trocars, dissection and collection of the muscle. The average operating time was 1h20min and the average muscular length was 16cm. Our results showed a learning curve for the robot-assisted harvesting of the rectus abdominis on a porcine model.

Endoscopic robot-assisted C7 nerve root retrophalangeal transfer from the contralateral healthy side: A cadaver feasibility study.

Controlateral C7 nerve root transfer in brachial plexus palsy requires a nerve graft and large incisions. This study investigated the feasibility of transferring the right C7 to the left C7 nerve root, without a graft, via a minimally invasive retropharyngeal approach. After installation of 6 trocars of 1cm diameter in the supraclavicular space, a Da Vinci SI® robot was placed. After locating the right brachial plexus, the C7 root was sectioned flush with the clavicle, transferred behind the pharynx and sutured to the left C7 root severed at the foramen level. The duration of the procedure was 2h40min. No technical difficulties were encountered. The hypothesis of this work was verified since it was possible to carry out a transfer of the right C7 root on the left C7 root by direct retropharyngeal suture without graft and by a minimally invasive technique.

Robotic paravertebral schwannoma resection at extreme locations of the thoracic cavity.

Solitary paravertebral schwannomas in the thoracic spine and lacking an intraspinal component are uncommon. These benign nerve sheath tumors are typically treated using complete resection with an excellent outcome. Resection of these tumors is achieved by an anterior approach via open thoracotomy or minimally invasive thoracoscopy, by a posterior approach via laminectomy, or by a combination of both approaches. These tumors most commonly occur in the midthoracic region, for which surgical removal is usually straightforward. The authors of this report describe 2 cases of paravertebral schwannoma at extreme locations of the posterior mediastinum, one at the superior sulcus and the other at the inferior sulcus of the thoracic cavity, for which the usual surgical approaches for safe resection can be challenging. The tumors were completely resected with robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This report suggests that single-stage anterior surgery for this type of tumor in extreme locations is safe and effective with this novel minimally invasive technique.

Technical feasibility of robot-assisted minimally-invasive neurolysis of the lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh: About a case.

To limit the risk of iatrogenic neuroma and recurrence after surgical treatment of meralgia paresthetica, some authors have recently developed a technique of endoscopic neurolysis of the lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh (LCNT) below the level of the inguinal ligament. We report the case of a robot-assisted endoscopic technique underneath the inguinal ligament. A 62-year-old patient suffering of idiopathic meralgia paresthetica for the past 18 months received a Da Vinci robot-assisted minimally-invasive 10cm long neurolysis, of which 1/3 was situated above the level of the inguinal ligament and 2/3 below it. The patient was discharged the following day without complications. At 6-months follow-up the pain was rated 0/10 compared to 5/10 pre-operatively. Robot-assisted endoscopic neurolysis of the LCNT retains the advantages of conventional endoscopy and enables to approach the nerve in the most frequently compressed zone underneath the inguinal ligament. The three-dimensional view offered by robotic surgery facilitates the dissection. The superiority of this technique remains to be demonstrated by comparing it to conventional techniques.