405. SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES OF ROBOT-ASSISTED ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract

Abstract Background Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has become widely performed in Japan, and the technique and short-term results have been accumulated. In our institute, we started with daVinci S in 2013, switched to Xi in 2018, and have experienced 110 cases so far. Method; Technique and Devices: Semi-prone position with the left upper extremity placed under the body, 4 ports +1 assist port (Air Seal), double bipolar system—is the basic approach. The right upper extremity is placed so that it is attached to the head to provide axillary working space, and orthoglass to avoid direct compression of the right upper arm and robotic 4th arm. The range of motion of the 4th arm in the lower mediastinum is limited by the patient’s physique, so assistant forceps are used to assist as needed. Be willing to invert the camera to view the back of the operative field. Intraoperative recurrent nerve monitoring (NIM) was used in all cases. Results Five surgeons have performed RAMIE procedures. There have been no cases of conversion to thoracoscopic or open thoracotomy. The thoracic procedure time was significantly longer in RAMIE (299 min:274 min) than in thoracoscopic MIE. Blood loss tended to be less (17.1 mL: 44.0 mL). The incidence of recurrent nerve palsy (CD grade I or higher) was 44%:37%, that of pneumonia (CD grade II or higher) was 19%:18% and perioperative complications were similar between the two groups. Comparing the first half of the period when RAMIE was initiated with the second half, there was a significant decrease in the amount of bleeding, surgery time, and incidence of pneumonia, indicating an improvement in technique due to the number of experienced cases. Conclusion RAMIE can be performed safely, although no clear advantages can be demonstrated compared to thoracoscopic MIE at this time. RAMIE has clear advantages in terms of visual magnification of the dissected layer and stability of the surgical field, therefore, it is expected to reduce complications due to improved technique.