Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System Research Articles

Efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy by da Vinci robotic surgical system

Objective To investigate the efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy by using the da Vinci robotic system.Methods The clinical data of 10 patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) by the da Vinci robotic surgical system at the Ruijin Hospital from March 2010 to March 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The perioperative condition of the patients,incidence of complications and postoperative survival were observed.Results Operations were successfully performed on all the patients,and there was no conversion to open surgery.Nine patients received pancreaticojejunostomy,and 1 received pancreaticogastrostomy.The mean operation time,operative blood loss and postoperative duration of hospital stay were 449.5 minutes (range,405-510 minutes),614 ml (range,340-1100 ml) and 22.7 days (range,14-39 days),respectively.One patient developed pancreatic obstruction which was alleviated by operation.Two patients developed pancreatic fistula and were cured by conservative treatment.One patient developed anastomotic bleeding and was cured by conservative treatment.The results of pathological examination confirmed that 3 patients were diagnosed as with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,2 with duodenal papillary adenocarcinoma,1 with ampullary adenocarcinoma,2 with serous cystadenocarcinoma,1 with carcinoid tumor and 1 with pancreatic duct stone and inflammatory mass.All patients were followed up for 6-12 months.The prognosis of the 9 patients was good,except for 1 patient who had tumor recurrence at the sixth month after operation.No mortality was observed.Conclusion PD performed with the da Vinci robotic surgical system is safe,and its efficacy is comparable to that of open surgery. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Da Vinci robotic surgical system; Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Prospect of laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer

Laparoscopic surgery has been adopted for the treatment of gastric cancer in recent years around the world.New advances in these techniques have been achieved. This paper provides an overview of the clinical outcome of laparoscopic surgery for early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer,the application of laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy,the technical characteristics of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy,the values of single-incision laparoscopically assisted surgery and the application status and prospect of robotassisted laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Key words: Gastric neoplasms; Laparoscopy, single incision; Da Vinci robotic surgical system

Application of da Vinci robotic surgical system in radical resection of rectal cancer

Objective To summarize the experience in application of da Vinci robotic surgical system in radical resection of rectal cancer,and investigate the proper position of trocars and operative techniques.Methods The clinical data of 13 patients who received radical resection of rectal cancer accomplished by the da Vinci robotic surgical system at the Southwest Hospital from February 2010 to February 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were in lithotomy position and received combined intravenous anesthesia.Five or 4 trocars were used.Miles procedures were performed on patients with lower tumor position,and the other patients received Dixon procedure.Results The operation was successfully performed on all patients.Five trocars were selected for the first 3 patients,and 4 trocars for the other 10 patients.Nine Dixon procedures and 4 Miles procedures were selected.The mean operation time was 217.3 minutes (range,160-260 minutes).The mean operative blood loss was 53.3 ml (range,40-70 ml) in Dixon procedure and 120.0 ml (range,90-130 ml) in the Miles procedure,and no blood transfusion was needed.The mean number of lymph nodes dissected was 13.9 (range,8-21 ),and the time to bowel movement was 3.2 days (range,2-5 days).Two patients were complicated with pulmonary infection,1 with urinary tract infection,and they were cured by antimicrobial therapy.No other morbidity or mortality was found.The results of postoperative pathological examination showed that there were no residual cancer cells at the resection margin,and the distance between the resection margin and the tumor was 6.3 cm (range,3-10 cm).There were 1 patient in stage Ⅰ,5 in stage Ⅱ and 7 in stage Ⅲ.The mean time of follow-up was 5.9 months (range,3-12 months),and no recurrence or metastasis was found during follow-up.ConclusionsRadical resection of rectal cancer with da Vinci robotic surgical system utilizing 4 trocars has the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with fast recovery as well as the ease of dissection afforded by the surgical robot. Key words: Rectal neoplasms; Da Vinci robotic surgical system; Radical resection

Renal Artery Injury During Robot-Assisted Renal Surgery

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is becoming the standard of care for incidentally diagnosed, small renal tumors. With its seven degrees of freedom and three-dimensional vision, the DaVinci robotic surgical system has been used to assist in LPNs. The main disadvantage of robot-assisted surgery, however, is the lack of tactile feedback. We present a case of renal artery injury during robot-assisted renal surgery. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) was planned for 47-year-old man with a 3.5-cm right renal mass. After standard bowel mobilization, renal hilar dissection was performed. In the attempt to complete the dissection posteriorly, however, there was sudden profuse bleeding. The intraperitoneal pressure immediately increased to 20 mm Hg, and an additional suction device was inserted through the 5-mm liver retractor port. On inspection, there was an injury at the takeoff of the posterior segmental artery. A decision was made to convert to robot-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. The main renal artery and renal vein were controlled with Hem-o-Lok clips. The estimated blood loss was 2,000 mL. Four units of packed red blood cells were transfused intraoperatively. The post-transfusion hemoglobin level was 12.6 g/dL. There were no other perioperative complications. The surgeon should keep in mind that the robotic arms are very powerful and can easily injure major vessels because of lack of tactile feedback. A competent and experienced tableside surgeon is very important in robot-assisted surgery because the unsterile console surgeon cannot immediately react to intraoperative complications.

Robotic Distal Ureterectomy with Boari Flap Reconstruction for Distal Ureteral Urothelial Cancers: A Single Institutional Pilot Experience

Low-grade urothelial tumors of the distal ureter historically can be managed by open distal ureterectomy and ureteral reimplantation with or without bladder reconstruction. In recent years, the da Vinci surgical robotic system (DSRS) (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) has being increasingly used to perform complex urologic cancer surgeries. In this article, we report first on two consecutive patients undergoing robotic distal ureterectomy and Boari flap reconstruction (RDUBF) for distal ureteral cancer. Two consecutive patients underwent RDUBF, both with a diagnosis of low-grade papillary neoplasm of a distal ureter at our institution between August 2008 and November 2008. Perioperative parameters were prospectively collected and analyzed following institutional review board approval. Two patients, male and female (age, 70 and 71 years, respectively) were included in the study. In both the patients, RDUBF was completed transperitoneally without the need for open conversion. The operative time, estimated blood loss, time to hospital discharge, and time to stent removal for both patients were 270 and 220 minutes, 25 and 35 mL, and 2 days and 6 weeks, respectively. The percentage change in hematocrit following surgery was within 5% in all patients. There were no postoperative complications in both patients. Final pathology demonstrated low-grade carcinoma pT1NxMx and pTaNxMx papillary urothelial carcinoma with negative margins in both patients. A MAG3 (mercapto-acetyl-tri-glycine) renal scan at 3 months demonstrated prompt drainage in both patients. At a median follow-up of 6 months, the patients were alive with no signs of recurrent or metastatic disease on cystoscopic, cytologic, or radiologic follow-up. RDUBF reconstruction is technically feasible with using DSRS in select patients with distal ureteral cancer without disease recurrence in the short term. A larger cohort, with long-term follow-up, is necessary to validate our results.

A Novel Robot-Assisted Technique for Excision of a Posterior Mediastinal Thyroid Goiter

: Intrathoracic thyroid goiter is an uncommon condition. Most goiters are found in the superior and anterior mediastinum, which can be removed either through a cervical approach or through a combined cervicotomy and sternotomy approach. Extension of the goiter into the posterior mediastinum is even less common. Transcervival approach to thyroid goiters in the posterior mediastinum can be difficult, necessitating a thoracotomy, with its associated morbidity. : A 69-year-old patient underwent robotic assisted minimally invasive procedure, with the daVinci surgical robotic system to excise a thyroid goiter that extended into the posterior mediastinum. The blood supply of the mediastinal portion of the goiter originated from the right internal thoracic artery. The thoracic and mediastinal portion of the goiter was approached with robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical techniques. Small incisions were used to gain access to the posterior mediastinum via the right pleural cavity, obviating the need for thoracotomy. Using precise movements of the robotic arm, the mediastinal part of the goiter was dissected off vital structures, from within the posterior mediastinum. Total thyroidectomy was then completed using the cervical approach. : The patient tolerated the procedure well, with minimal intraoperative blood loss. The patient was discharged home after a short hospital stay. : Robotic surgical techniques for removal of a substernal goiter and other thyroid masses with mediastinal extension, in combination with cervical incision, are effective. Robotic-assisted techniques can complement video-assisted thoracic surgical techniques and broaden the indications for minimally invasive surgery.

Evaluation of Three Laparoscopic Modalities: Robotics versus Three-Dimensional Vision Laparoscopy versus Standard Laparoscopy

Standard laparoscopy has undergone many recent advances with the advent of three-dimensional visual systems and robotic surgical systems. In evaluating the usefulness of these new systems, it is difficult to objectively measure their advantages in the operating room. Therefore, we designed a trial using three different laparoscopic modalities to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each modality. Twenty-seven subjects were entered into the study. Three different laparoscopic modalities were tested. These included standard laparoscopy with two-dimensional cameras, the 3Di Endosite visual system, and the daVinci Robotic Surgical System. A standard laparoscopic trainer was utilized and testing consisted of three different tasks: peg transfer, ring manipulation, and cannulation. Of the 27 subjects, 16 (60%) reported some degree of laparoscopic experience. The number of pegs transferred with standard laparoscopy and the Endosite 3Di system was significantly greater than with the robot. The number of errors committed during the peg transfer test and the amount of time required was significantly lower with the Endosite 3Di system compared to the robot. Subjects completed the ring manipulation task significantly faster with the robot, but the number of errors committed was no different among the three modalities. Subjects were able to complete the cannulation task with their dominant hand significantly faster with the robot compared to the Endosite 3Di system or standard laparoscopy, and committed fewer errors using the robot compared to standard laparoscopy. This study showed improved performance using three-dimensional optics on some tasks, but not a significant improvement in overall results. Three-dimensional vision does appear beneficial during performance of some complex tasks. The wrist-like action of the robot improved performance on some tasks, while the lack of tactile feedback likely was a source of errors on other tasks.

Cirugía robótica en urología pediátrica

To review the use of robotic surgery in pediatric urology and provide a platform from which discussions regarding this technology can arise. The available literature and the experience at the author's institution were reviewed to examine the applications of robotic surgery in pediatric urology. MEDLINE was queried using the following key words: robot, robotic, laparoscopy, surgery, child, and pediatrics. The available literature is comprised mainly of case reports and case series. Two groups have published small analyses comparing robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and open pyeloplasty. At our institution, we have utilized the daVinci robotic surgical system to perform the following surgical procedures: orchidopexy of the intraabdominal testis, total and partial nephrectomy, dismembered pyeloplasty, pyelolithotomy, excision of calyceal diverticula, ureteroureterostomy, ureteropyelostomy, intra- and extravesical ureteral reimplantation, megaureter' tapering and reimplantation, adrenelectomy, creation of a Mitrofanoff continent catheterizable channel, and resection of pelvic Mullerian remnants. Robotic surgery in pediatric urology is an evolving technology that holds promise for application to most urological surgeries. Refinements in equipment will improve the efficiency of these systems. Ultimately, the efficacy and role of robotic surgical systems need to be defined with rigorous prospective studies that provide comparisons to gold standard techniques, be they open surgery or conventional laparoscopy.

Robotic Replacement of the Descending Thoracic Aorta: An Alternative to Endovascular Therapy?

: Replacement of the descending thoracic aorta is traditionally performed via a left thoracotomy. Endovascular treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms has recently evolved as an alternative treatment for selected patients, yet no long-term results are available. The authors replaced the descending thoracic aorta in a group of pigs with an interposition Dacron graft using a closed-chest, totally robotic technique. : Ten pigs, weighing 25 to 45 kg, underwent surgery using the DaVinci robotic surgical system. Under single-lung ventilation and CO2 insufflation, the descending thoracic aorta was completely mobilized. Proximal and distal cross-clamps were applied through separate accessory stab wounds. The mid-descending thoracic aorta was excised. An interposition Dacron graft was robotically sewn in an end-to-end fashion to the descending thoracic aorta using interrupted nitinol clips. : All animals survived the procedure. Mean aortic clamp time was 55 ± 14 minutes. All anastomoses were completed without difficulty with a mean total anastomotic time of 42 ± 11 minutes. The anastomoses were challenged for bleeding by administrating α1-adrenergic receptor agonists to a systolic blood pressure of 200 mm Hg with no evidence of leak. : Robotic replacement of the thoracic aorta is feasible and reproducible. This procedure provides the standard Dacron graft repair with its known long-term results. The added value of robotic technology to the therapeutic armamentarium in the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms may be worth the effort required for procedural development. Furthermore, it may serve as a valid alternative to endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Replacement of the Descending Aorta using the daVinci Surgical System in a Sheep Model: Comparison of Anastomosis Techniques

The purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of a closed-chest replacement of the descending thoracic aorta utilizing the daVinci surgical robotic system and to compare hand-sewn running anastomosis to interrupted nitinol clips (Coalescent Surgical). Six sheep underwent replacement of the descending aorta using Intuitive's daVinci surgical system. Using the daVinci, the descending aorta was dissected out and individual intercostal arteries were clipped and divided. Following systemic heparinization, the aorta was occluded using percutaneous vascular clamps (Chitwood clamps). The descending aorta was excised and replaced with a woven graft. The proximal and distal anastomoses were varied in each animal between a running 4-0 polypropylene technique and interrupted nitinol clips. Anastomoses were inspected for hemostasis and tested for burst strength. Five of six animals survived the procedure. The average procedure time was 93 minutes. Cross-clamp times range from 55 to 25 minutes (average of 37 minutes). There was no significant difference in time between U-clip anastomoses (17 +/- 4.8 minutes) and sutured anastomoses (10.6 +/- 3.1 minutes). The burst pressure was higher for sutured anastomosis than for U-clips (214.6 +/- 61 and 110 +/- 35, respectively). Replacement of the descending aorta with a graft is feasible in a closed chest model utilizing Intuitive's daVinci surgical system. While mean burst strengths were higher with a running sutured anastomosis, there was no difference in anastomotic time or ultimate hemostasis between techniques.

Feasibility of robotic radical nephrectomy—initial results of single-institution pilot study

Objectives To report our initial experience and the utility of the da Vinci surgical robotic system (DSRS) for performing robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN). The DSRS has been increasingly evaluated to determine its feasibility for assisting surgeons in major urologic procedures. Methods The perioperative outcomes of the first five RRNs performed at our institution were analyzed to establish the safety and utility of the DSRS in performing RRN. Results Five male patients with a median age of 72 years (range 45 to 78) underwent RRN. The median body mass index, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative decrease in hemoglobin, postoperative rise in serum creatinine, postoperative morphine use, hospital stay, kidney size, and tumor size was 28 (range 20.9 to 32.9), 321 minutes (range 246 to 437), 150 mL (range 25 to 1500), 1.4 g/dL (range 0.2 to 3.5), 0.6 mg/dL (range 0.5 to 0.7), 28 mg (range 10 to 212), 3 days (range 1 to 5), 430 cm 3 (range 158 to 1387), and 66 cm 3 (range 29 to 120), respectively. One RRN was converted to hand-assisted laparoscopy because of bleeding from the left renal vein. No perioperative morbidities or mortalities occurred. The final pathologic examination revealed conventional clear cell carcinoma in 4 patients (1 with pT1a, 2 with pT1b, and 1 with T3a) and a benign cyst in 1 patient. Conclusions The results of our study have confirmed that RRN is a feasible and viable alternative for performing radical nephrectomy. A larger randomized study incorporating cost and outcome comparisons with laparoscopic and open radical nephrectomy is needed before wider application of RRN.

Feasibility of robot-assisted totally intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal conduit urinary diversion: initial results of a single institutional pilot study

Objectives To explore the use of the da Vinci Surgical Robotic System (DSRS) to assist in the completion of totally intracorporeal laparoscopic ileal conduit urinary diversion (TLIC). Methods Two patients with radiation cystitis underwent TLIC procedures and another patient with bladder cancer underwent TLIC along with laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy at our institution. The ileal conduit urinary diversion was done totally intracorporeally using conventional laparoscopic techniques, and the DSRS was used to assist in the Bricker-type ureteroileal anastomosis. Results The 3 patients in the study included 2 men and 1 woman (mean age 73 years, range 64 to 84). The TLIC was completed intracorporeally in all 3 patients without the need for open conversion. The operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative decrease in hemoglobin, and time to hospital discharge for the 2 patients undergoing TLIC and the patient undergoing TLIC along with radical cystoprostatectomy was 628, 616, and 828 minutes, 50, 200, and 500 mL, 1.7, 2.8, and 5.3 g, and 5, 7, and 10 days, respectively. The median follow-up was 4.5 months (range 3.5 to 5.5). Postoperative satisfactory drainage of both kidneys was confirmed in all 3 patients at 8 weeks or later by intravenous urography or renal nuclear imaging. The serum creatinine remained stable in all 3 patients after surgery at hospital discharge. The only complication noted was postoperative ileus in the patient undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy that resolved with conservative management. Conclusions TLIC is technically feasible and safe and can be done intracorporeally without complications. The DSRS can be successfully used to assist in the completion of TLIC. However, that each case lasted for more than 600 minutes highlights the need for further refinement in the technique. The practical application of TLIC requires improved long-term outcomes compared with open surgery, as well as a reduction in the operative time to justify the costs of robotic surgery.

Sutureless robot-assisted mitral valve repair: an animal model.

Robotic mitral valve repair with the da Vinci robotic surgical system has been performed in more than 70 patients at our institution. This procedure reduces the need for blood transfusions, shortens hospital stay, and hastens return to normal activities. However, the robot-assisted repair also requires longer cardiopulmonary bypass and arrested-heart times than conventional open repairs. Because of increased risk of myocardial damage, arrhythmia, and other significant morbidities associated with longer arrested-heart time, a more efficient tissue approximation and adherence technique was evaluated to reduce operating time. Twelve Dorset sheep were divided equally into 2 groups. In the control group Cosgrove-Edwards annuloplasty bands were secured to the posterior annulus with conventional 2-0 Ticron mattress sutures placed with robotic assistance. In the experimental group, the band was secured with double-armed nitinol U-clips placed with robotic assistance. Postoperative echocardiography was used to assess mitral valve function, and the animals were sacrificed at 3 or 6 months for histological evaluation. Total U-clip placement time was significantly decreased at 2.6 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SEM) minutes versus total suture placement time at 4.9 +/- 0.4 minutes (P =.001). The main difference in time occurred between clip deployment at 0.75 +/- 0.1 minutes and suture tying at 2.78 +/- 0.2 minutes (P =.000003). Pathologic review showed excellent band incorporation at 3 and 6 months. Echocardiographic imaging showed no discernible mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation. With more cardiac procedures progressing toward minimally invasive approaches, novel technology to improve existing techniques must be evaluated. Nitinol U-clips help to reduce arrested-heart time and may improve outcome by decreasing morbidity. U-clip placement is intuitive, easily learned, and effective in securing the annuloplasty band to the mitral annulus.