VS03.04: MINIMALLY INVASIVE IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH ROBOTIC ASSISTANCE AND IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE: MODULAR STEP UP APPROACH FOR SAFE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Abstract Description Minimally invasive technologies have improved outcomes after esophagectomy and the use of robotic technology in Europe is rapidly increasing. Aim of this study is to evaluate the introduction of new technologies in a center of excellence for upper gastrointestinal surgery. Methods A standardized teaching protocol of a complete OR team was performed in simulation and animal models at the center for the future of surgery (San Diego, CA) and IRCAD (Strasbourg, France) to receive certification as console surgeons. Starting 02/2017 the davinci xi and stryker ICG laparoscopy systems were introduced at our academic center (certified center of excellence for surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract, n > 300 esophageal cases/year). After simple training procedures based on our minimally invasive expertise were performed, difficulty was increased based on a modular step up approach to safely perform robotic thoracic assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Results From 02/2017–02/2018, a total of 35 robotic cases were performed. All cases were performed safely without operation-associated complications. Level of difficulty was increased based on our modular step up approach without quality compromises. Video documentation using the new technology is provided. Conclusion The standardized training protocol and our modular step up approach allowed safe introduction of the new technology used. All cases were performed safely without operation-associated complications. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.