Da Vinci Xi Research Articles

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass on a DaVinci Xi platform without an EndoWrist stabilizer combining the technology of GelPOINT Mini, AirSeal and Octopus Nuvo.

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass on a DaVinci Xi platform without an EndoWrist stabilizer combining the technology of GelPOINT Mini, AirSeal and Octopus Nuvo.

FP4.13 - Intravenous morphine negatively affects length of stay following minimally invasive colorectal surgery

Abstract Aim Investigate the impact of intravenous (IV) morphine administered as patient controlled analgesia (PCA) following minimally invasive colorectal resections. Method Demographic, peri-operative and follow-up data from a prospectively maintained database were collected for all laparoscopic and robotic assisted colorectal procedures carried out at our centre. Results Our cohort included 38 colorectal resections completed with the DaVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical, USA) robotic platform and 57 consecutive laparoscopic colorectal resections. 7 patients were excluded due to incomplete data. 51/88 (57.9%) of patients underwent a left sided resection and 24/88 (27.3%) had a stoma formed. We observed a median IV morphine dose of 15.5mg (IQR 15.5-43.5mg) and we sub-divided the cohort into those who received >15 mg of IV morphine and <15mg of morphine via PCA. Patients who received <15mg IV morphine were older (median age 75 Vs 67 years; p<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the body mass index, ASA grade, total operative time, or type of minimally invasive resection. The median length of stay was 4 days for the <15mg IV Morphine cases compared to 5 in the >15mg IV Morphine group (p<0.001). As expected, there was a quicker time to first flatus in the <15mg IV Morphine group (median 2 days Vs 3 days; p<0.001) and a shorter time to opening bowels (median 3 days Vs 4 days; p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in post-operative complications between the two groups. Conclusions Reducing postoperative IV Morphine dosing following minimally invasive colorectal resections may lead to prompter recovery.

SP8.2 - Single centre experience in establishing a robotic colorectal surgery programme in a UK district hospital

Abstract Aim To describe our centre’s experience in establishing a robotic programme for colorectal surgery procedures. Method Demographic, peri-operative and follow-up data from a prospectively maintained database were collected for all laparoscopic and robotic assisted colorectal procedures carried out at our centre. Results 38 colorectal resections were completed with the DaVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical, USA) robotic platform between April-December 2023. These were compared to a laparoscopic cohort of 57 consecutive colorectal resections. 37% (n=14) of the robotic cases were proctored and all were resections for malignancy. There were 57.9% (n=22) males in the robotic cohort and 50.9% (n=28) in the laparoscopic cohort. There was no statistical difference between the demographics of the two cohorts in terms of age, body mass index and ASA grade. 21/38 (55.3%) robotic resections were left sided compared to 35/57 (61.4%) laparoscopic resections. No robotic cases were converted to open or laparoscopy, but 8.8% (n=5) of laparoscopic cases were converted to open. Laparoscopic procedures were shorter (median operative time 277 min compared to 412 min, p<0.001). A stoma was formed in 13/38 (34.2%) robotic cases and 16/57 (28.1%) laparoscopic cases. All bowel anastomoses performed in the robotic cohort were stapled with 16/32 (50.0%) being intra-corporeal. The median length of stay was 5 days for both cohorts. 5.3% (n=2/38) Vs 12.3% (n=7/57) had a significant post-operative complication (Clavien-Dindo ³3). No mortalities were recorded within 90 days of the procedures. Conclusions Other than longer operative times, robotic colorectal resections in a district hospital setting is comparable to laparoscopic resections.

801. ROBOTIC ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC GIANT PARA-OESOPHAGEAL HERNIA REPAIR: 5-YEAR EXPERIENCE

Abstract Background Prior to laparoscopic era, giant paraesophageal hernia repair (GPEHR) was considered a relatively morbid operation requiring thoracotomy or laparotomy or both. GPEHR has been shown to be amenable to laparoscopic approach with low morbidity and mortality. We presented the outcome of over 200 cases of laparoscopic GPEHR (LGPEHR) with long-term follow- up over 20 years at DDW 2022. We have been performing robotic-assisted laparoscopic giant paraesophageal hernia repair (RAL-GPEHR) since 2018 and present our results. Methods We did a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of RAL- GPEHR using the DaVinci Xi between December 2018 and March 2024. All operating data are electronically recorded automatically by DaVinci Xi system for each surgeon/console user. Demographic data, clinical presentation, pre-operative assessment, and testing including haemoglobin (Hb), respiratory function {Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)} as well as quality-of-life (QoL) with SF-36 questioners (including general health, physical, emotional, and social components), length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity, mortality and follow up outcomes (Clinical, Hb, radiological, respiratory and QoL) were recorded. Results Twenty patients underwent RAL-GPEHR with 15(75%) having crural repair plus gastropexy and 5(25%) patients having additional Toupet fundoplication. Fourteen (70%) were females. Data is presented in Table 1. Presenting symptoms were dyspnoea, reflux, post-prandial pain, and dysphagia with 7(35%) anaemic. Eight (40%) were ASA III and 12(60%) ASA II. Thirteen (65%) were Type III-GPEH, 4(20%)-Type IV, one-Type II (5%) and 2(10%) recurrent GPEH. Blood loss was minimal with no intra-operative complications or conversions to open. One (5%) had post-operative chest infection. Symptoms improved in all post-operatively with improvement of Hb, FVC, FEV1 and QoL. Radiological recurrence occurred in one (5%) but remains asymptomatic. Conclusions This report represents our initial experience of a small number of patients undergoing RAL-GPEHR which has proved to be feasible and safe. A long-term follow- up with a large series of patients is required to compare long-term outcomes especially symptomatic recurrences and QoL.

453. ROBOT ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH EXTENDED MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION FOR ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract Background Radical surgical resection may play role in prognosis improvement of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Because esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy is highly invasive, we introduced thoracoscopic esophagectomy in 1999, and have performed over 600 cases. In 2009, we developed a hybrid of the prone and left lateral decubitus positions for thoracoscopic esophagectomy with extended LN dissection and reported good long-term outcomes especially in cT1bN0M0 ESCC patients. We reported 3y and 5y RFS was 96% and 96%, and 3y and 5y OS was 94% and 92% in those patients. We introduced robot-assisted esophagectomy (RMIE) using daVinci Xi system in June 2018 and have performed for 80 cases. We perform RMIE with the prone position instead of the hybrid position with same concept of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with extended LN dissection. Thanks to a three-dimensional magnified view, fully wristed dexterity and tremor filtration of da Vinci Xi system, the robotic system facilitates precise dissection especial for upper mediastinal lymph node dissection. We show safety introduction and technical pitfalls of robot-assisted esophagectomy with extended LN dissection. Methods: The patient is fixed on prone position. We use Monopolar curved scissors for superficial layer, bipolar cut for dissection with maryland bipolar forceps for deeper layer around Aorta and trachea, and Sharp dissection with Potts scissors around recurrent laryngeal nerves. After esophageal mobilization and mediastinal lymphadenectomy were completed, bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve, bilateral subclavian artery, trachea, bilateral bronchus, aorta, left pulmonary artery and vein, left pleura, pericardium and hiatus are all skeletonized. Results: We could standardize surgical procedure in first 20 cases. Average operation time in the thoracic procedure is 234.4min and 190.2min in last 30 cases. Median blood loss is 0ml. Postoperative pneumonia and vocal cord palsy were occurred only 6 case in 80 cases. Conclusion: Robot assisted esophagectomy with extended LN dissection was safely introduced in our facility and it is feasible and beneficial for the lymph node dissection especially for lymph node dissection around the recurrent laryngeal nerve. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/w8na39w6bo9ivwwz7x2rh/Hirofumi-Kawakubo-ISDE-2024.mp4?rlkey=p9mvt7dotyeaj6xfwvud8vcmr&dl=0

519. ROBOTIC HELLER DOR FOR SYMPTOMATIC ACHALASIA. A SINGLE TERTIARY CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Background Minimally invasive Heller-Dor is the best therapeutic option for symptomatic achalasia. The aim of this study is to describe the introduction of Robotic program for Heller-Dor procedure (RAHD) in a tertiary center evaluating clinical and surgical outcome. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with symptomatic achalasia through clinical, endoscopic, and manometric workup, that were eligible for RAHD. We included all consecutive patients underwent RADH between September 2019 and December 2023 using the DaVinci Xi surgical system. Patients with previous endoscopic or surgical treatment for achalasia were excluded. Results Data from 44 patients were collected. Patients’ characteristics are summarized in table 1. Most patients were in good clinical condition with an ASA score 1-2 and a CCI 1-2 in more than 80% of cases. Mean Eckhardt score (ES) was 6 (SD 2.05). Most frequent symptom was dysphagia, present in all patients but with different severity. Mean operating time was 184 minutes (SD 46). Mucosal tear occurred in three cases and all were sutured immediately, an abdominal drain was placed only in the first case. A regular postoperative course was observed in all patients. All patients underwent a post-op gastrografin esophagogram before starting a liquid diet; none revealed leakage or treatment failure. Three patients (6,8 %) experienced Clavien-Dindo grade I complication, one hepatic hematoma, one pneumothorax, and one PONV. No severe complications were reported. Maximum length of hospital stay was 4 days, mean 3.2 (SD 0.42). All patients were discharged with a well-tolerated soft diet. Mean ES at follow up was 0.58 (SD 0.7) at 1 months. After 6 months and 1 year, no patients reported recurrence of symptoms (ES <3), but three patients reported symptomatic reflux (6,8%). Conclusion Our experience suggests that introduction of RAHD is safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic achalasia in a tertiary center for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Feasibility of Robotic Transorbital Surgery.

The transorbital approach (TOA) facilitates access to pathologies lateral to the optic nerve, a region that is difficult to access with an endonasal approach. In this study, we sought to investigate the feasibility of robotic-assisted surgery in lateral TOA. Six colored-silicon-injected human postmortem heads were prepared for dissection. The DaVinci Xi model was used with a 0-degree camera, 8 mm in diameter. A black diamond microforceps with an 8-mm diameter and 10-mm jaw length was used. The entry point of V1 (superior orbital fissure), V3 (foramen ovale), and posterior root of the trigeminal ganglion were chosen as the surgical targets. The length from the entry opening to each target point was measured. The angles formed between pairs of target points were measured to obtain the horizontal angle (root of the trigeminal ganglion-entry-V1) and the vertical angle (root of the trigeminal ganglion-entry-V3). Dissection was performed on 12 sides (6 specimens). The median distance from the entry point was 55 mm (range 50-58 mm) to the entry point of V1 (superior orbital fissure), 65 mm (range 57-70 mm) to the entry point of V3 (foramen ovale), and 76 mm (range 70-87 mm) to the root of the trigeminal ganglion. Meanwhile, the median of surgical angle between the entry point and the target was 19.1° (range 11.8-30.4°) on the horizontal angle and 16.5° (range 6.2-21.6°) on the vertical angle. This study found that application of lateral TOA in robotic-assisted surgery is premature because of the large size of the tool. However, although the entrance in lateral TOA is narrow, the internal surgical space is wide; this offers potential for design of appropriate surgical tools to allow increase tool usage.

Robotic Radical Cholecystectomy: Demonstrating Technical Equivalence to Open Surgery in Gallbladder Cancer

BackgroundOpen radical cholecystectomy is the current “gold standard” for the management of gallbladder cancer. In well-selected patients, robotic radical cholecystectomy (RRC) can be a suitable alternative offering immediate postoperative benefits, such as less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications, while being oncologically equivalent. However, it requires a longer learning curve.1MethodsThis video demonstrates the technical equivalence of the robotic approach when performing portal lymphadenectomy (station 8, 12, and 13) with emphasis on retraction techniques to emulate the open approach. In the case presented, a 40-year-old female patient had an intraluminal gallbladder mass with periportal nodes as revealed by computed tomography. Patient underwent a RRC with portal lymphadenectomy, performed on the DaVinci Xi robotic system. The surgery can be divided into five major steps: (1) Station 16b1 node sampling in the inter-aortocaval region; (2) Right portal lymphadenectomy (station 13, 12b, 12p); (3) Left portal lymphadenectomy (station 8a, 8p, 12a, 12p); (4) Anterior portal lymphadenectomy (station 12a, 12b); and (5) Cholecystectomy with liver wedge resection. The technical nuances of each of these steps is compared with its counterpart in the open approach to demonstrate equivalence. The key element in achieving a thorough oncological clearance is to replicate the retraction techniques of the open approach on the robotic platform by using vessel tapes for portal lymphadenectomy.ConclusionsThere remains little doubt regarding the feasibility and early postoperative benefits of RRC.2 This video demonstrates the equivalence of a standardized technique of robotic portal lymphadenectomy and liver wedge resection to the open approach. However, prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the long-term benefits of the procedure.

Charting Proficiency: The Learning Curve in Robotic Hysterectomy for Large Uteri Exceeding 1000 g.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the safety and surgical outcomes of performing robotic hysterectomy on uteri weighing over 1000 g, with a focus on the surgeon's learning curve. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 44 patients who underwent hysterectomy by a single surgeon from January 2020 to February 2024 using the DaVinci Xi System. Surgical procedures included total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy, and specimens were removed via transvaginal manual morcellation. Operative times were segmented into docking, console, morcellation, and conversion times. Results: Results indicated an inflection point in the 20th case, suggesting proficiency after 20 surgeries. Comparison between early (Group A, cases 1-20) and later cases (Group B, cases 21-44) showed significant reductions in console time (CT) and morcellation time (MT) in Group B, leading to a shorter overall operative time (OT). Although estimated blood loss was higher in Group A, it was not statistically significant. Hemoglobin differences were significantly higher in Group B. No significant differences were observed in transfusion rates, postoperative analgesic usage, or complications between the groups. Conclusions: The study concludes that robotic hysterectomy for large uteri is safe and that surgical proficiency improves significantly after 20 cases, enhancing overall outcomes.

Skill assessment based on clutch use in cross-platform robot-assisted surgery.

Many studies have investigated the transfer of skills between laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery (RAS). These studies have considered time, error, and clinical outcomes in the assessment of skill transfer. However, little is known about the specific operations of the surgeon. Clutch control use is an important skill in RAS. Therefore, the present study aimed to propose a novel objective algorithm based on computer vision that can automatically evaluate a surgeon's clutch use. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the correlation between clutch metrics and surgical skill on different surgical robot platforms. The robotic surgery training center of Wuhan University trained 30 laparoscopic surgeons as the study group between 2023 and 2024. Laparoscopic surgeons were trained by combining robotic simulator exercises and RAS animal experiments. During the training, video and hand movement data were collected. Hand movements identified by a skin-color model were combined with labeling information to classify clutch use. The metrics were validated on different robotic platforms (dv-Trainer, EDGE MP1000, Toumai™ MT1000, and DaVinci Xi system) and among surgeons with different surgical skill levels. On the robotic simulator, clutch accuracy in the expert group was significantly higher than in the study group for all tasks. No significant differences were observed in the number of clutches between the expert and study groups. In the RAS experiment, the number of clutches decreased significantly for both study and expert groups. The accuracy was maintained at a high level in the expert group but decreased rapidly in the study group. We proposed a new objective assessment of surgical skills, clutch use metrics, in cross-platform RAS. Additionally, we verified that the metrics significantly correlated with the surgical skill levels of the surgeons.

OGC V03 Video Guide to Performing Robotic Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis

Abstract Background The aim of this video is to present our technique for performing a robotic semi-mechanical oesophago-gastric anastomosis. Methods The four-minute video was edited from a recording of a 2-stage robotic Ivor Lewis procedure for gastro-oesophageal junction cancer. The thoracic stage shown was performed using the Da-Vinci Xi system. The video focuses on demonstrating our standard semi-mechanical robotic anastomosis. We highlight the techniques involved in ensuring satisfactory join length and placement. Relevant regional anatomy and landmarks are highlighted. Results Post procedure the patient was transferred to a level one ward bed. They had an uneventful recovery following our standard enhanced recovery post-oesophagectomy protocol. The patient was discharged on day 7. Conclusions This video provides a clear guide to performing our technique for a robotic Oesophago-Gastric anastomosis. It is a useful resource for new robotic and trainee surgeons.

From Ancient Mythology to Modern Technology: The Historical Evolution of Artificial Intelligence

Dear Editors, Recently, a fascinating article detailing the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was published, as the article describes it with the bronze creature Talos from ancient Greek myths and the groundbreaking DaVinci Si and DaVinci Xi surgical systems of the modern era [1]. The interaction of ancient myths and medical technology shows how far we have come but how deeply we remain connected to our past. As the article emphasizes, Talos, described in ancient Greek literature, may be the world's first recorded concept of an automaton with Artificial Intelligence capability. Talos, created by the god Hephaestus, used his bronze form and inner fire to patrol the coasts of Crete and deter invaders [2]. The story of a machine that moves independently, driven by an energy source and following specific instructions, is astoundingly pioneering [2]. It is interesting to think that robots, an idea we usually think of as a modern concept, were present in the imagination of ancient civilizations. Leonardo da Vinci's robot knight is a moving tribute to the versatile genius of the Renaissance [3]. However, since its operation depends on external intelligence, it is not a direct precursor to the AI we know today. The article makes this distinction. However, A claim that has been presented is open to discussion. Naming AI surgical tower da Vinci is misleading, article suggests. Although Leonardo's automaton was not autonomous, its extensive notebooks testify to a questioning and innovative mind that was always pushing boundaries. In this sense, it feels appropriate to mention the name of Da Vinci, a technological marvel. The underlying sentiment is concurred with. Hephaestus' creation of Talos offers a more direct line to the concept of autonomous machines and perhaps it deserves a more prominent position in the story of the history of Artificial Intelligence. Highlighting this overlooked intersection of mythology, history, and technology is commendable. Such discussions highlight the importance of understanding our past while understanding our rapidly evolving present and future. Sincerely yours,

Outcomes of totally robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2: can the robot level out “traditional” risk factors?

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m2 is a challenging procedure and BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 has been identified as independent risk factor for postoperative complications and increased morbidity in previous studies. The objective of the present study was to assess whether a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 and various established risk factors maintain their significance in patients undergoing fully robotic RYGB (rRYGB). A single-center analysis of prospectively collected data of 113 consecutive patients undergoing standardized rRYGB with robotic stapling technique and hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy using the daVinci Xi system. Surgical outcomes were analyzed considering a number of individual perioperative risk factors including BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2. The mean BMI of the total cohort was 50.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2 and 63.7% of patients had a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2. There were no major surgical and perioperative complications in patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 as well as in those with BMI < 50 kg/m2 after rRYGB. We identified female sex and surgeon experience but neither body weight, BMI, metabolic disorders, ASA nor EOSS scores as independent factors for shorter operation times (OT) in multivariate analyses. Complication rates and length of hospital stay (LOS) did not significantly differ between patients with potential risk factors and those without. rRYGB is a safe procedure in both, patients with BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 and with BMI < 50 kg/m2. Higher body weight and BMI did affect neither OT nor LOS. A fully robotic approach for RYGB might help to overcome “traditional” risk factors identified in conventional laparoscopic bariatric surgery. However, larger and prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Pain With Differing Insufflation Pressures During Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Pain after surgery may have different origins, such as incisions, affected viscera, surgical positioning, or peritoneal irritation from insufflation. Shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic surgery is a common concern thought to be associated with peritoneal irritation. Decreasing this pain is therefore a target for improvement of analgesic requirements and overall postoperative pain. This study aimed to determine changes in postoperative pain, surgical safety, and analgesic use via decreased insufflation pressures. The study was designed as a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial at a singular medical center within the United States where surgical treatment took place for pelvic organ prolapse via robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. Included were women 18 years or older who were able to complete the visual analog scale without assistance and who underwent scheduled robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. After inclusion, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy with peritoneal insufflation pressure at either 12 mm Hg (experimental) or 15 mm Hg (standard). Surgeries were performed by a single board-certified urogynecologist and resident assistant using a standard technique, the DaVinci Xi system, and an 8-mm AirSeal assist port. Surgeons and assisting OR professionals were not blinded to insufflation pressure. On the first postoperative day, all participants were asked to rate pain via a visual analog scale, as well as at 2 weeks postoperatively (with the addition of a PGI-I questionnaire). The 2-week surveys were collected by the principal investigator or primary surgeon (unblinded). A Likert scale of 0 to 10 was used to rate the highest preoperative and postoperative pain in the postanesthesia care unit. At the time of surgery, preoperative analgesia and opioid use were verified with active prescription records. After surgery, data were recorded for operative time, analgesic doses, conversion to laparotomy or increased insufflation pressure, additionally performed procedures, estimated blood loss, and length of stay. Enrollment occurred from April 27, 2021, to May 17, 2022, with final follow-up being completed on June 1, 2022. A total of 80 participants were enrolled, with 41 in the experimental insufflation group, and 39 in the standard insufflation group. Baseline differences did not exist between groups for prior abdominal surgeries, medical comorbidities, leading edge of prolapse, age, or body mass index. Although median preoperative pain was recorded as zero for both groups, the standard insufflation group did report a statistically higher pain level in the postoperative period. Furthermore, women in the experimental/lower insufflation group used statistically fewer morphine milliequivalents immediately after surgery as well as after discharge. There were no apparent operative problems significantly associated with lower insufflation pressures, as operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay in the hospital were not significantly different between groups. The analysis found that the use of 12 mm Hg insufflation pressure did lower opioid use and pain levels in comparison with 15 mm Hg in the immediate postoperative period. The use of this method proved both feasible and safe in all cases, without blood loss, operating time changes, or changes in completing cases through minimal invasive mess. These encouraging findings provide a zero-cost, surgeon-driven intervention method for the postoperative period of robotic gynecological surgeries with the potential lower patient pain levels and opioid use.

PE049 - Transperineal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the DaVinci Xi surgical system: Initial experience and early oncological outcomes

PE049 - Transperineal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the DaVinci Xi surgical system: Initial experience and early oncological outcomes

Application of the single-port robotic platform during radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: feasibility of the single-port robot in the multi-quadrant setting.

Urothelial carcinoma of the upper tract (UTUC) is a malignancy that accounts for 5-10% of all urothelial carcinomas. Radical surgery is the primary treatment option due to the high rate of invasive stages at the time of diagnosis. Nephroureterectomy (NU) with bladder cuff excision is the current standard of care. While laparoscopic NU has been established since 1991, many centres still perform open surgery due to the complexity of laparoscopic instrumentation and the steep learning curve for excising the bladder cuff. With the increasing adoption of the multi-port (MP) robotic surgery, NU has increasingly been performed using this platform. The use of MP robotic systems for NU has been challenged by the need for patient repositioning and/or redocking of the robot, which can consume valuable operative time. The transition from the daVinci Si to the daVinci Xi system has seen a noticeable reduction in redocking and patient repositioning. However, owing to the multi-quadrant nature of the surgery in question, the use of multiple ports and external instrument clashing are still persistent problems. Moreover, there is a growing interest in utilizing a retroperitoneal approach for robot-assisted NU due to its potential benefits such as improved control of hilar structures, reduction of blood loss, shorter operative time and hospital stay, reduced complications and decreased postoperative discomfort. The application of the daVinci single-port (SP) robotic platform during radical NU for UTUC is feasible and has the potential to improve the current surgical approach. Indeed, the use of a SP platform may solve the problem of patient repositioning and redocking of the robot, improve superficial aesthetic outcome and minimize external instrument clashing. While maintaining an optimal oncological control, the retroperitoneal approach, which has been difficult to replicate and adopt using the MP approach, may become standard practice. However, more studies are needed to confirm the benefit of this approach and ultimately determine the impact of the daVinci SP on the management of UTUC.

Robotická chirurgie slinivky břišní v pankreatochirurgickém high-volume centru – první zkušenosti

Summary: Introduction: Robotic pancreatic surgery is still not widely used in the Czech Republic. On a global scale, it is gradually being systematically implemented, especially in high-volume centers. The study presents the first experiences with robotic pancreatic surgery in a pancreatic surgery high-volume center in the Czech Republic. Methods: Comparative analysis of the first ten patients operated on robotically for pancreatic pathology with a comparable group operated open (smaller procedures: left pancreatectomy with/without splenectomy, enucleation, central resection) evaluates age, length of hospitalization, ICU stay, blood loss and operative time using non-parametric Mann--Whitney U-test, and complications and rehospitalization using descriptive statistics. The results: The compared sets consist of 10 patients, 5 women, with a robotic procedure (5× enucleation, 4× distal pancreatectomy and central resection – median age 65.3 [46–76] years) and 10 patients, 5 women, with comparable open procedures (5× enucleation, 4× distal resection and central resection – median age 65.5 [52–78]years. Hospitalization length 4.5 days vs. 9 days (P = 0.0003) and operation time 275 min vs. 142 min (P = 0.004) were statistically different in the robotic vs open group. ICU stay and blood loss were lower in the robotic group, but not statistically significant, age was comparable. Complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification in the open group: 3× type II, 1× type IIIa, 1× type IIIb, in the robotic group 1× type II and 1× type IIIa. Rehospitalization in the open group was 2×, in the robotic group 1x, always for late postoperative complications. Conclusion: Robotic surgery of the pancreas is currently in its infancy in the Czech Republic. The experience so far with the first ten patients operated on using the DaVinci Xi robotic system has yielded promising results in form of shorter hospitalization, but at cost of longer operating time. Key words: pancreatectomy – enucleation – pancreas – robotics – minimal invasiveness – hospital stay – enhanced postsurgical recovery

212. ROBOT ASSISTED ESOPHAGECTOMY WITH EXTENDED MEDIASTINAL LYMPH NODE DISSECTION

Abstract Background Radical surgical resection may play role in prognosis improvement of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Because esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy is highly invasive, we introduced thoracoscopic esophagectomy in 1999, and have performed over 600 cases. In 2009, we developed a hybrid of the prone and left lateral decubitus positions for thoracoscopic esophagectomy with extended LN dissection and reported good long-term outcomes especially in cT1bN0M0 ESCC patients. We reported 3y and 5y RFS was 96% and 96%, and 3y and 5y OS was 94% and 92% in those patients. We introduced robot-assisted esophagectomy (RMIE) using daVinci Xi system in June 2018. We perform RMIE with the prone position instead of the hybrid position with same concept of thoracoscopic esophagectomy with extended LN dissection. Thanks to a three-dimensional magnified view, fully wristed dexterity and tremor filtration of da Vinci Xi system, the robotic system facilitates precise dissection especial for upper mediastinal lymph node dissection. We show safety introduction and technical pitfalls of robot-assisted esophagectomy with extended LN dissection. Methods: The patient is fixed on prone position. We use Monopolar curved scissors for superficial layer, bipolar cut for dissection with maryland bipolar forceps for deeper layer around Aorta and trachea, and Sharp dissection with Potts scissors around recurrent laryngeal nerves. After esophageal mobilization and mediastinal lymphadenectomy were completed, bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve, bilateral subclavian artery, trachea, bilateral bronchus, aorta, left pulmonary artery and vein, left pleura, pericardium and hiatus are all skeletonized. Results: We could standardize surgical procedure in first 20 cases. Average operation time in the thoracic procedure is 234.4 min and 195.6 min in last 30 cases. Median blood loss is 0 mL. Postoperative pneumonia and vocal cord palsy were occurred only 4 case in last 50 cases. Conclusion: Robot assisted esophagectomy with extended LN dissection was safely introduced in our facility and it is feasible and beneficial for the lymph node dissection especially for lymph node dissection around the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Artificial Intelligence: From Talos to da Vinci

Artificial Intelligence: From Talos to da Vinci

Not deep enough: Modeling the effect of shallow placement of the DaVinci Xi "bariatric" long trocar on the muscular abdominal wall.

The DaVinci Xi Robotic Surgical System (Xi) long cannula (Intuitive Surgical Company, Sunnyvale, CA) provides five additional centimeters of distal length compared to the standard Xi trocar. The extra length allows the cannula to traverse prohibitively thick body wall tissue. Our aims are to quantitatively model the consequences of not preserving the rotational centerpoint of motion (RCM) at the muscular abdominal wall. This is an essential tenet in robotic surgery; it is violated with shallow placement of the long trocar. This leads to unchecked, unnoticed blunt widening of port sites by the robotic arm, increasing hernia risk. We begin with an exploration of the schematic of the Xi robotic arm as patented by Intuitive (U.S. Patent #5931832). We trigonometrically model the lateral displacement of the abdominal wall at the trocar site with respect to vertical trocar shallowness, instrument tip depth, and instrument tip lateral motion from neutral midline. The rigid parallelogram movement structure of the Xi preserves the RCM at the thick black marker printed on every Xi cannula. By limitation of design, both long and standard trocars must have this marker at the exact same distance from their proximal end. The value ranges of our model parameters (presuming a reasonable maximum orientation angle of 45° from midline) are: trocar shallowness [1cm, 7cm]; instrument tip depth [0cm, 20cm]; instrument tip lateral movement [0.0cm, 14.1cm]. Abdominal wall displacement increased proportionally as each instrument tip parameter reached its maximum deviation from the orthogonal midline as described in the plot figure. Maximal wall displacement at maximal shallowness was approximately 7.0cm. Robotic surgery revolutionizes modern operation, particularly within bariatrics. However, the current Xi arm design disallows a true long trocar to be used safely without compromising the RCM, thereby risking hernia development.