Bladder Compliance Dynamics of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women Undergoing Robotic-assisted Sacrocolpopexy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Although mean/static compliance of bladder filling can be readily assayed via cystometry, a protocol measuring compliance dynamics at a specific stage of bladder filling has not been established in human patients. For patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the objective benefits of robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) surgical intervention for restoring bladder functions, primarily urine storage, have yet to be established. Also, bladder compliance is a viscoelastic parameter that crucially defines the storage function. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of RSCP on bladder compliance of POP patients using a pressure-volume analysis (PVA), which graphically illustrates bladder compliance. DESIGN: A retrospective pre and postoperative study. SETTING: Multiple hospitals in Taiwan. PATIENTS: Twenty seven female POP patients (stage ≥ II). INTERVENTION: RSCP for POP repair. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed the pre- and postoperative PVAs for women with POP who underwent RSCP. The mean compliance of the entire (Cm), the early half (C1/2), and the late half (C2/2) of bladder filling were analyzed as primary outcomes. Changes in intravesical volume (ΔVive) and detrusor pressure (ΔPdet) of bladder filling, ΔPdet in the early (ΔPdet1/2) and late (ΔPdet2/2) filling, and postvoiding residual volume (Vres) were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Compared with the preoperative control, RSCP increased Cm (p = .010, N = 27) and C2/2 (p <.001, N = 27) but negligibly affected C1/2 (p = .457, N = 27). Mechanistically, RSCP decreased ΔPdet (p = .0001, N = 27) without significantly affecting ΔVive (p = .863, N = 27). Furthermore, RSCP decreased the ΔPdet2/2 (p <.001, N = 27) but not ΔPdet1/2 (p = .295, N = 27). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on applying PVA in assaying dynamics of bladder compliance in patients with POP. Our results suggest that RSCP improved bladder storage in women with POP since it increased bladder compliance, particularly in the late filling, possibly by restoring the anatomical location and geometric conformation for bladder expansion.

Transitioning from Da Vinci Si to Xi: assessing surgical outcomes at a high-volume robotic center.

PURPOSE: In the emerging field of robotics, only few studies investigated the transition between different robotic platforms in terms of surgical outcomes. We aimed at assessing surgical outcomes of patients receiving robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) at a high-volume robotic center during the transition from Si to Xi Da Vinci surgical systems. METHODS: We analyzed data of 1884 patients undergoing RARP (n = 1437, 76%) and RAPN (n = 447, 24%) at OLV hospital (Aalst, Belgium) between 2011 and 2021. For both procedures, we assessed operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and positive surgical margins. For RARP, we investigated length of catheterization and PSA persistence after surgery, whereas warm ischemia time, clampless surgery, and acute kidney injury (AKI) were assessed for RAPN. Multivariable analyses (MVA) investigated the association between robotic platform (Si vs. Xi) and surgical outcomes after adjustment for patient- and tumor-related factors. RESULTS: A total of 975 (68%) and 462 (32%) patients underwent RARP performed with the Si vs. Xi surgical system, respectively. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups. On MVA, we did not find evidence of a difference between the groups with respect to operative time (estimate: 1.07) or estimated blood loss (estimate: 32.39; both p > 0.05). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) length of stay was 6 (3, 6) and 4 (3, 5) days in the Si vs. Xi group, respectively (p < 0.0001). On MVA, men treated with the Xi vs. Si robot had lower odds of PSM (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.58; p = 0.014). A total of 184 (41%) and 263 (59%) patients received RAPN with the Si and Xi robotic system, respectively. Baseline characteristics, including demographics, functional data, and tumor-related features did not differ between the groups. On MVA, operative time was longer in the Xi vs. Si group (estimate: 30.54; p = 0.006). Patients treated with the Xi vs. Si system had higher probability of undergoing a clampless procedure (OR: 2.56; p = 0.001), whereas the risk of AKI did not differ between the groups (OR: 1.25; p = 0.4). On MVA, patients operated with the Xi robot had shorter length of stay as compared to the Si group (estimate: - 0.86; p = 0.003), whereas we did not find evidence of an association between robotic system and PSM (OR: 1.55; p = 0.3). CONCLUSION: We found that the Xi robot allowed for improvements in peri-operative outcomes as compared to the Si platform, with lower rate of positive margins for RARP and higher rate of off-clamp procedures for RAPN. Hospital stay was also shorter for patients operated with the Xi vs. Si robot, especially after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Awaiting future investigations-in particular, cost analyses-these results have important implications for patients, surgeons, and healthcare policymakers.

A comparison of the da Vinci Xi vs. da Vinci Si surgical systems for radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: To compare the perioperative and short-term efficacy and cost of the da Vinci Xi and da Vinci Si surgical systems for radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 175 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Si or Xi surgical systems in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020. Of the 175 patients, 82 underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Xi surgery system, and 93 patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci Si surgical system. The perioperative outcomes, short-term efficacy and costs were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The anesthesia time, operation time, docking time, indwelling catheter time and postoperative bed rest time in the Xi group were shorter than those in the Si group (respectively, 268.8 min vs. 219.3 min, P = 0.001; 228.2 min vs. 259.6 min, P < 0.001; 7.4 min vs. 12.7 min, P < 0.001; 8.6 d vs. 9.7 d, P = 0.036; 2.2 d vs. 2.6 d, P = 0.002). However, the total cost of hospitalization and the cost of intraoperative consumables in the Xi group were higher than those in the Si group (84,740.7 vs. 76,739.1 ¥, P = 0.003; 13,199.4 vs. 10,823.0 ¥, P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Although the cost of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy is higher, compared with the Si system, the Xi system has better perioperative outcomes and can provide similar short-term efficacy and oncology outcomes.

Structured cost analysis of robotic TME resection for rectal cancer: a comparison between the da Vinci Si and Xi in a single surgeon's experience.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted surgery by the da Vinci Si appears to benefit rectal cancer surgery in selected patients, but still has some limitations, one of which is its high costs. Preliminary studies have indicated that the use of the new da Vinci Xi provides some added advantages, but their impact on cost is unknown. The aim of the present study is to compare surgical outcomes and costs of rectal cancer resection by the two platforms, in a single surgeon's experience. METHODS: From April 2010 to April 2017, 90 robotic rectal resections were performed, with either the da Vinci Si (Si-RobTME) or the da Vinci Xi (Xi-RobTME). Based on CUSUM analysis, two comparable groups of 40 consecutive Si-RobTME and 40 consecutive Xi-RobTME were obtained from the prospectively collected database and used for the present retrospective comparative study. Data costs were analysed based on the level of experience on the proficiency-gain curve (p-g curve) by the surgeon with each platform. RESULTS: In both groups, two homogeneous phases of the p-g curve were identified: Si1 and Xi1: cases 1-19, Si2 and Xi2: cases 20-40. A significantly higher number of full RAS operations were achieved in the Xi-RobTME group (p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction in operating time (OT) during Si2 and Xi2 phase was observed (p < 0.001), accompanied by reduced overall variable costs (OVC), personnel costs (PC) and consumable costs (CC) (p < 0.001). All costs were lower in the Xi2 phase compared to Si2 phase: OT 265 versus 290 min (p = 0.052); OVC 7983 versus 10231.9 (p = 0.009); PC 1151.6 versus 1260.2 (p = 0.052), CC 3464.4 versus 3869.7 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience confirms a significant reduction of costs with increasing surgeon's experience with both platforms. However, the economic gain was higher with the Xi with shorter OT, reduced PC and CC, in addition to a significantly larger number of cases performed by the fully robotic approach.

A comparison of the da Vinci Xi vs. the da Vinci Si Surgical System for Roux-En-Y gastric bypass.

PURPOSE: The da Vinci Surgical System family remains the most widely used surgical robotic system for laparoscopy. Data about gastric bypass surgery with the Xi Surgical System are not available yet. We compared Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery performed at our institution with the da Vinci Xi and the da Vinci Si Surgical System. METHODS: All robotic gastric bypass procedures performed between January 2013 and September 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Patient demographics and operative and postoperative outcomes up to 30 days were compared for the da Vinci Xi and Si Surgical System. Robotic costs per procedure were modeled including posts for a standard set of robotic instruments, capital investment, and yearly maintenance. RESULTS: One-hundred forty-four Xi Surgical System and 195 Si Surgical System procedures were identified. Mean age (p = 0.9), gender distribution (p = 0.8), BMI (p = 0.6), and ASA scores (p > 0.5) were similar in both cohorts. Operating room times were similar in both groups (219.4 ± 58.8 vs. 227.4 ± 60.5 min for Xi vs. Si, p = 0.22). Docking times were significantly longer with the Xi compared with the Si Surgical System (9 ± 4.8 vs. 5.8 ± 4 min, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in incidence of minor (13.9 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.3) and major complications (5.6 vs. 5.1%, p = 1 for Xi vs. Si). Costs were higher for the Xi Surgical System caused by higher capital investment and yearly maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can be safely performed with the Xi Surgical System, while drawbacks include longer docking times and higher costs.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery Using the Da Vinci Xi and Si Systems: Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer is an emerging technique. Potential benefits as compared with the conventional laparoscopic surgery have been demonstrated. However, experience with the previous da Vinci Si robotic system revealed several unsolved problems. The novel features of the new da Vinci Xi increase operational flexibility and maneuverability and are expected to facilitate the performance of multiquadrant surgery. METHODS: Between December 2011 and May 2015, 120 patients with colon or rectal cancer were operated on using the Si robotic system (the Si group). Between May 2015 and October 2017, 60 more patients with colon or rectal cancer were operated on using the Xi robotic system (the Xi group). The clinicopathological characteristics and perioperative outcomes of these 2 groups of patients were compared. RESULTS: The 2 groups of patients were comparable with regard to baseline clinical characteristics, types of resection performed, and the proportion of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. The statuses of resection margin, the numbers of lymph nodes harvested, and the rates of postoperative complications were also similar between the 2 groups. Nevertheless, a lower rate of diverting ileostomy, a shorter operation time, less estimated blood loss, and a faster postoperative recovery was observed in the Xi group. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer surgery using the Xi robotic system was associated with improved perioperative outcomes. These benefits may be attributed to its improved, more user-friendly design.

Feasibility of robotic surgery in a developing country, a public sector Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical feasibility of robotic platform and to calculate cost for sustaining it.. METHODS: The study was conducted at Sindh Government Qatar Hospital and Civil Hospital Karachi from October 11, 2011, to August 30, 2017. Feasibility was assessed in terms of clinical outcome i.e. surgical complications, duration of stay and readmissions. The cost of doing an individual procedure was calculated along with the projected cost for 150, 200 and 250 cases per year. SPSS 23 was used for data analysis.. RESULTS: Of the 119 patients, 45(37.8%) were males and 74(62.2%) were females. Overall mean age was 42.10}13.40 years (range: 21-80 years. Mean hospital stay was 3.59}3 (range: 1-19 days). Complications occurred in 17(14.3%) patients ranging from wound infection 7(5.9%), bleeding 5(4.2%), intra-abdominal abscess 3(2.5%) and recurrence 2(1.7%). The total cost of robotic platform was Rs320 million with an annual maintenance contract of 10% of the total cost. The mean cost of performing a robotic procedure was Rs.389,263.05}39,249.63 (range: Rs252,823.09- Rs456,842.79).. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery was found to be a feasible and viable option. The major hindrance was the cost involved in setting up the system and recurring costs in terms of disposables.

Suitability of the MP1000 Platform for Robot-assisted Prostatectomy: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background and objective: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is widely used because of the many advantages of a robotic approach. The da Vinci Si robot is one of the most commonly used surgical robot systems, but it may be associated with higher costs owing to the use of consumable surgical supplies. Our aim was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the capability of the MP1000 system for RARP. Methods: In this prospective, multicentre, single-blinded study, we randomly assigned 42 patients scheduled to undergo RARP between April and September 2021 to a da Vinci Si group (control) or an MP1000 group (intervention). Patients underwent RARP performed using the assigned robotic system and were followed up at 3-mo intervals. The primary outcome was the rate of conversion to open/laparoscopic surgery. Secondary outcomes were installation and operation times, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative surgical margin status, hospital stay, incontinence, complications, safety indicators, and surgeon ergonomics. Key findings and limitations: All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open/laparascopic surgery or major complications. Secondary outcomes, including oncological and ergonomic indicators, did not differ significantly between the groups over the study period. One patient in the control group experienced dysuria (Clavien-Dindo grade 3). No patients had incontinence at 3 mo. A limitation of the study is the small sample size. Conclusions and clinical implications: RARP with the MP1000 system is feasible, safe, and effective in the management of localised prostate cancer. Patient summary: We assessed the effectiveness and safety of the new MP1000 robot system for robot-assisted removal of the prostate in comparison to the da Vinci Si robot. We found no difference in effectiveness or safety among 42 patients with prostate cancer who were assigned randomly to one of the two systems. We conclude that the MP1000 is a suitable robot for this surgery.

Robotic complete mesocolic excision of right-sided colon cancer with bulky lymph node metastases using the da Vinci® Si™ system: A case report.

Reports on robotic surgery in the treatment of right-sided colorectal cancer most commonly use the da Vinci® Xi™ system; however, with the increasing popularity of robotic surgery for the treatment of colon cancer, it is likely to be performed using the da Vinci Si™ and X™ systems. The present study reported the case of a 63-year-old woman who underwent complete mesocolic excision (CME) with the da Vinci Si system involving a rotation technique for ascending colon cancer with bulky lymph node metastasis to the anterior pancreas. Robot-assisted right hemicolectomy was planned for this patient with T4aN2bM0, stage IIIc cancer. A lap protector and EZ access (Hakko Co. Ltd.) were fixed in the umbilical incision, and the da Vinci camera port was placed just off-center at the EZ access to allow the camera port to be repositioned by rotating it. The medial approach was used. The bulky metastatic lymph nodes at the head of the pancreas were dissected after ligating the right colic artery and vein. During CME, rotation of the EZ access was used to avoid interference between the robotic arms. The right colon was released from the retroperitoneum and resected. A functional end-to-end anastomosis was created, and right colectomy was successfully completed. The total operation time was 271 min and the console time with the da Vinci Si system was 140 min. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8 without complications. In conclusion, robotic right colectomy was successfully performed and rotation of the EZ access facilitated robotic surgery using the da Vinci Si system.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes and technical features using da Vinci Si and Xi robotic platforms for early stages of endometrial cancer.

We directly compared perioperative outcomes and technical features between previous da Vinci Si and the newer Xi robotic platform during total hysterectomy plus salpingo-oophorectomy with or without lymphadenectomy for early-stage endometrial cancer. We retrospectively analyzed147 patients with histological confirmation of endometrial carcinoma stage IA: grade 1-2, 3 and stage IB: grade 1-2 who underwent surgery with da Vinci Si or Xi system between January 2016 and December 2018. Perioperative data, technical features and postoperative complications were considered. 91 patients underwent surgery with the Si system and 56 with the Xi system. Docking time using the Xi system was significantly shorter (p < 0.002), while overall operating time was similar. There were no significant differences in the number of harvested lymph nodes, conversion rate, mean hospital stay, complications, and technical aspects between the two groups. Our study detected similar perioperative outcomes and the trend toward shorter docking and operating time for Xi over Si robot.

Is the Da Vinci Xi system a real improvement for oncologic transoral robotic surgery? A systematic review of the literature.

In this paper, we reviewed the current literature about TORS procedures performed with Xi system and we discussed the pros and cons of this robotic system comparing it to the previous Si model. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases for adequate published studies about TORS procedure performed with da Vinci Si and Xi models. Five papers on the TORS-Xi procedures met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. These papers showed results based on 74 subjects (mean age 60.51 ± 4.55 years old). The most common TORS procedure was performed to address the oropharynx (65 procedures). One case (1.35%) of a tongue base tumor was converted into a transmandibular approach. One subject (1.35%) had a positive margin, while two subjects (2.7%) had close/uncertain margins at final histology. Nine papers on the TORS-Si procedures met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. These papers showed results based on 128 subjects (mean age 59.79 ± 5.93 years old). The most common TORS procedure was performed to address the oropharynx (90 procedures). Three procedures (2.34%) were aborted due to inadequate exposure of the tumor. None of the subject had positive margins, while three subjects (2.34%) had close/uncertain margins at final histology. Despite its improved vision, easier docking and narrower robotic arms, the da Vinci Xi system has structural peculiarities that limit its applications for certain TORS procedures.

Feasibility and necessity of the fourth arm of the da Vinci Si surgical system for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the feasibility of the fourth arm of the da Vinci Si system for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients underwent RAPN with the same port placements. After reviewing the surgical videos and records, 38 patients showing usefulness of the fourth arm were categorized into Group A and those not showing usefulness into Group B. The background data, tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Group B had a larger proportion of tumors located on the inner side of the kidney, and the console time was significantly longer. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that tumors located on the inner side of the kidney were associated with the non-use of the fourth arm of the da Vinci Si system during RAPN. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that use of fourth arm in RAPN by da Vinci Si should be considered for each tumor location.

In experienced hands, does the robotic platform impact operative efficiency? Comparison of the da Vinci Si versus Xi robot in colorectal surgery.

Robotic surgical platforms have aimed to assist surgeons in meeting the challenges accompanying minimally invasive colon and rectal surgical procedures. Since early adoption over decade ago, there has been an evolution of the robotic platforms aimed at improved usability. We hypothesize, when compared to da Vinci Si, the Xi will allow for greater efficiency and result in shorter operative times. A case log review was completed for a single colorectal surgeon with 7 years' robotic experience, totaling over 800 cases. Patients were identified using CPT code S2900 (robot) for the most recent 15 months (January 2018-March 2019) contemporaneously at two tertiary care teaching hospitals; one equipped with the Si platform and the other with the Xi. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing sigmoid colon resection or low anterior rectal resection (LAR) was completed. Categorical values were assessed using Fisher's exact test or Chi-square tests. Continuous data was compared using unpaired t test. 158 patients were identified as undergoing robotic major colonic surgical resection. A total of 93 patients underwent robotic sigmoid resection or LAR and were grouped based on the robotic platform used (Si, n = 52 vs. Xi, n = 41). The Xi group had significantly shorter surgical times for LAR and sigmoid resection, 162 vs 238 min (p = 0.0001). In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the da Vinci Xi system results in shorter operative times when performing sigmoid resection or LAR compared to older platforms. The da Vinci Xi may allow for improved efficiency as reflected by shorter operative times.

Safe adoption of robotic colorectal surgery using structured training: early Irish experience.

Robotic surgery enhances the precision of minimally invasive surgery through improved three-dimensional views and articulated instruments. There has been increasing interest in adopting this technology to colorectal surgery and this has recently been introduced to the Irish health system. This paper gives an account of our early institutional experience with adoption of robotic colorectal surgery using structured training. Analysis was conducted of a prospectively maintained database of our first 55 consecutive robotic colorectal cases, performed by four colorectal surgeons, each at the beginning of his robotic surgery experience, using the Da Vinci Si® system and undergoing training as per the European Academy of Robotic Colorectal Surgery (EARCS) programme. Overall surgical and oncological outcomes were interrogated. Fifty-five patients underwent robotic surgery between January 2017 and January 2018, M:F 34:21, median age (range) 60 (35-87) years. Thirty-three patients had colorectal cancer and 22 had benign pathologies. Eleven rectal cancer patients had neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. BMI was > 30 in 21.8% of patients and 56.4% of patients had previous abdominal surgery. Operative procedures performed were low anterior resection (n = 19), sigmoid colectomy (n = 9), right colectomy (n = 22), ventral mesh rectopexy (n = 3), abdominoperineal resection (n = 1) and reversal of Hartmann's procedure (n = 1). Median blood loss was 40 ml (range 0-400). Mean operative time (minutes) was 233 (SD 79) for right colectomy and 368 (SD 105) for anterior resection. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR 5-7). There was no 30-day mortality, intraoperative complications, conversion to laparoscopic or open, or anastomotic leakage. Median lymph nodes harvest was 15 in non-neoadjuvant cases (range 7-23) and 8 in neoadjuvant cases (2-14). Our early results demonstrate that colorectal robotic surgery can be adopted safely for both benign and neoplastic conditions using a structured training programme without compromising clinical or oncological outcomes. The early learning curve can be time intensive.

Adoption of robotic technology in Turkey: A nationwide analysis on caseload and platform used.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding adoption of evolving robotic technology in surgery. This study evaluated trends and the current condition of robotic platforms in surgical specialties and general surgical subspecialties. METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2017, all robotic operations performed in Turkey were included. RESULTS: In the study period, 13 760 robotic operations were performed at 32 hospitals. The median numbers of general surgical procedures were 43and eight cases per hospital and per general surgeon, respectively. The high-volume general surgeons performed 1734 (81%) of the cases. Forty-five percent and 55% of the general surgical operations were performed with the Xi and S/Si robots, respectively. CONCLUSION: Use of the Xi platform seems to increase caseload in general surgery operations possibly by facilitating robotic colorectal surgery. Targeting the high-volume centres and surgeons for further training and implantation of upcoming robotic technology can be more effective in terms of increasing case volume and improving outcomes.

Robotic Approach to Ureteral Endometriosis: Surgical Features and Perioperative Outcomes.

Introduction: Surgical treatment of ureteral endometriosis is necessary to relieve urinary symptoms of obstruction and to preserve renal function. Which surgical approach to ureteral endometriosis should be considered the most appropriate is debated, due to the lack of scientific evidence. The aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility and to describe the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive treatment of deep ureteral endometriosis using robotic assistance, highlighting the technical benefits and the limits of this approach. Method: A case-series including 31 consecutive patients affected by high-stage endometriosis including ureteral endometriosis using robotic assistance in our Department between November 2011 and September 2017. Results: All procedures were successfully completed by robotic technique, resulting in full excision of the parametrial nodules involving the ureter. Mean operating time was 184.8 ± 81 min. Mean hospital stay was 4.02 ± 3 days. Perioperative complications occurred in five patients and 4 out of 5 involved the urinary tract. Conclusions: Robotic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ureter was feasible and allowed complete resection of ureteral nodules in all cases. No intraoperative complications arose, but a non-negligible rate of urinary tract complications was detected. This calls for a careful assessment of the benefits and specific risks associated with the use of robotic surgery for the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the ureter.

Long-term quality of life and outcomes following robotic assisted TAPP inguinal hernia repair.

Laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair is an established alternative to open hernia repair, which offers equivalent outcomes with less postoperative pain and faster recovery. Unfortunately, it remains technically challenging, requiring advanced laparoscopic skills which have limited its popularity among surgeons. The robotic platform has the potential to overcome these challenges. The objective of this study was to examine the long-term quality of life and outcomes following robotic assisted TAPP inguinal hernia repair, since these data have not been reported up to now. From October 2012 to October 2015, 159 inguinal hernias in 82 consecutive patients were repaired with 3D mesh (BARD) using da Vinci Si Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The patients' demographics and intraoperative data were documented. Patients were seen 2 and 6 weeks after the surgery and the complications were recorded. Patients were assessed 6 weeks after the surgery by a survey using a universal pain assessment tool to document their post-operative pain, narcotic use and time of return to work and exercise. A modified short form 12 (SF 12) was also sent out to the patients 12-36 months after the surgery to measure their health-related quality of life prior to surgery and at the 12- to 36-month follow-up, and to document any evidence of recurrence. Postoperative health-related quality of life scores were compared to the pre-operative baseline quality of life scores using the unpaired t test. Over the course of 3 years, 159 robotic assisted TAPP inguinal hernia repair were performed in 82 patients, 73 men and 9 women by one surgeon as an outpatient basis. The mean age was 53 and mean body mass index was 26. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions. The average operative time was 99 min. Four patients developed urinary retention post-operatively and one patient developed postoperative bowel obstruction requiring laparoscopic lysis of adhesion with no long-term complications. All patients completed the pain assessment survey and the median pain score, 3 days after the surgery was 3. Narcotics were used for an average of 3.1 days. The modified SF 12 survey assessing for quality of life before and 12-36 months after surgery was completed and returned by 29 patients (response rate of 35.4% and median follow-up of 32 months). Only one recurrence was reported which was repaired with open technique. The analysis of the SF 12 survey that evaluated patient's quality of life, pain score and the ability to perform activities of daily living before and after surgery revealed a significant improvement in those measures 12-36 months after the surgery compare to their baseline. Hernia recurrence, chronic pain and physical impairment are the major long-term concerns after any type of inguinal hernia repair. Our results demonstrate that robotic assisted TAPP inguinal hernia repair appears to be a technically feasible, reproducible and safe minimally invasive alternative with low recurrence, low chronic pain and high health-related quality of life in the long term.

Comparison of the da Vinci Si and Xi surgical systems in robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and cost of robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy with da Vinci Xi and Si surgical system in the treatment of adrenal tumors.Methods:The clinical data of 99 patients performing robotic-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy in our hospital between June 2019 and December 2020 were retrospective analyzed. Among them, 57 cases were Si system robot assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy (group Si), 35 male, 22 female; age (45.6±14.0)years; BMI(21.0±1.2); 6 with diabetes, 10 hypertension, 14 with abdominal surgery; 28 left, 29 right; 9 ASA score ≥3; tumor diameter (3.9±1.2)cm. There were 42 cases of Xi system robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy (group Xi), 21 male, 21 female; age(44.8±14.5)years; BMI(21.4±1.8); 2 with diabetes, 12 hypertension, 11 with abdominal surgery; 15 left, 27 right; 7 with ASA score ≥3; tumor diameter (3.7±1.1) cm. Sex, age, BMI, comorbidities, history of abdominal surgery, lateral division, ASA score, and tumor diameter were not significantly different between the two groups ( P>0.05). Operation method: except for the different docking procedures, the same surgical procedures were roughly performed in the two groups. The docking method of the Si group was the doctor holding the attractor as the guide. The operating room nurse introduced the robot cart under the guidance of the attractor, and then completed the docking.Group Xi docking adoptd the own laser positioning system of the robot system, without manual positioning and guidance; the mechanical arm of the Xi system was also more flexible. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system. Comparing the treatment effect, safety, and cost of the two groups were compared. Results:The anesthesia times in the Si and Xi groups were (140.0±24.3) min and (125.6±26.4) min ( P=0.006), respectively. The surgical times in the Si and Xi groups were (109.0±18.8) min and (98.8±20.7) min (P=0.013), respectively. The docking times between the Si and Xi groups were (7.8±1.4) min and (5.0±0.9) min ( P<0.001), respectively. The estimated intraoperative blood loss in the Si and Xi groups was (121.5±70.8) ml and (124.7±68.9) ml ( P=0.824), respectively. The postoperative indwelling times of the drainage tube in the Si and Xi groups were (3.4±1.2) d and (3.4±1.3) d ( P=0.892), respectively. Postoperative bed times in the Si and Xi groups were (2.3±1.0) d and (2.5±1.2) d ( P=0.419), respectively. Postoperative hospitalization times in the Si and Xi groups were (6.4±1.5) d and (6.2±1.5) d ( P=0.484), respectively. Post Clavien ≥ grade 3 complications were four and two in groups Si and Xi, respectively ( P=0.642). The total cost during hospitalization in the Si and Xi groups was (51 975.2±7 320.8) Yuan and (56 830.9±8 392.5) Yuan, respectively ( P=0.003). The surgery and consumables costs for the Si and Xi groups were (23 785.3±4 063.1) Yuan and (28 021.2±6 066.8) Yuan ( P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions:Compared with the Si system, the Xi system robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy can provide similar perioperative results and safety, and shorten the time of anesthesia and surgery, but the total cost of hospitalization is increased.

Comparing the da Vinci si single console and dual console in teaching novice surgeons suturing techniques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is often taught with the surgical mentor at the surgeon console and the trainee at the patient's bedside. The da Vinci dual console (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California) allows a surgical mentor to teach with both the mentor and the trainee working at a surgeon console simultaneously. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the dual console versus the single console for teaching medical students robotic tasks. METHODS: Forty novice medical students were randomized to either the da Vinci single-console or dual-console group and were taught 4 knot-tying techniques by a surgical mentor. The students were timed while performing the tasks. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in mean task times were observed between the single- and dual-console groups: interrupted stitch with a 2-handed knot (300 seconds for single vs 294 seconds for dual, P=.59), interrupted stitch with a 1-handed knot (198 seconds for single vs 212 seconds for dual, P=.88), figure-of-8 stitch with a 2-handed knot (261 seconds for single vs 219 seconds for dual, P=.20), and figure-of-8 stitch with a 1-handed knot (200 seconds for single vs 199 seconds for dual, P=.53). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in performance time when teaching knot-tying techniques to medical students using the da Vinci dual console compared with the single console. More research needs to be performed on the utility of the da Vinci dual console in surgical training.

Recent advances and considerations about robotic thyroidectomy / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Robotic thyroidectomy (RT) system combines the advantages of the surgical robot and remote access thyroidectomy,provides the benefits of excellent three-dimensional visualization,stable operative view and improved surgical dexterity,has been applied in clinical practices for 10 years and proved to have comparable surgical safety and oncological completeness with traditional open operation,and provides smaller surgical injury (psychological and physical injury),better functional protection (including neck function,parathyroid glands and laryngeal nerve),and significantly higher cosmetic satisfaction.There are two mostly common used RT approaches,bilateral axillobreast approach (BABA) and transaxillary approach (TAA).Since surgeons accumulate more experience,the indications of RT have been expanded to differentiated thyroid cancer with tumor size between 2-4 cm with (or without) lateral neck lymph node metastases by far.To date,all related studies are nonrandomized or retrospective comparisons.It's necessary to launch multi-centers randomized studies and long term follow-up to offer higher evidence to boost the future application of RT.