Introduction Of Robotic Surgical System Research Articles

Same day discharge for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a prospective cohort study documenting an Australian approach.

The introduction of robotic surgical systems has significantly impacted urological surgery, arguably more so than other surgical disciplines. The focus of our study was length of hospital stay - patients have traditionally been discharged day 1 post-robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), however, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and consequential resource limitations, our centre has facilitated a cohort of same-day discharges with initial success. We conducted a prospective tertiary single-centre cohort study of a series of all patients (n= 28) - undergoing RARP between January and April 2021. All patients were considered for a day zero discharge pathway which consisted of strict inclusion criteria. At follow-up, each patient's perspective on their experience was assessed using a validated post-operative satisfaction questionnaire. Data were reviewed retrospectively for all those undergoing RARP over the study period, with day zero patients compared to overnight patients. Overall, 28 patients 20 (71%) fulfilled the objective criteria for day zero discharge. Eleven patients (55%) agreed pre-operatively to day zero discharge and all were successfully discharged on the same day as their procedure. There was no statistically significant difference in age, BMI, ASA, Charlson score or disease volume. All patients indicated a high level of satisfaction with their procedure. Median time from completion of surgery to discharge was 426 min (7.1h) in the day zero discharge cohort. Day zero discharge for RARP appears to deliver high satisfaction, oncological and safety outcomes. Therefore, our study demonstrates early success with unsupported same-day discharge in carefully selected and pre-counselled patients.

Robot-Assisted Colorectal Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal disease has now become the standard treatment in Republic of Korea. However, there are limitations to the laparoscopic approach, such as an unstable camera support, a limited range of motion, and poor ergonomics. Recent advances in technology have led to the introduction of robotic surgical systems in colorectal surgery to overcome these shortcomings. Robot-assisted colorectal surgery has clear advantages in many aspects. Surgery involving the rectum benefits the most among colorectal diseases owing to technical difficulties in rectum dissection. The concept of robotic surgery is not different from laparoscopic surgery in that it is a minimally invasive surgery, and abundant research demonstrates comparable results from both modalities for postoperative complications, oncological outcomes, and functional outcomes. However, the cost of robot-assisted surgery limits surgeons to performing robotic surgeries in only selected cases. Improvements regarding cost-effectiveness and more convincing studies that support benefits of robotic surgery are needed to popularize robot-assisted colorectal surgery.

Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery: Robotic versus Laparoscopic Approach

Introduction: Laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS) remains a technically challenging procedure. The introduction of robotic surgical systems, may reduce some of the downsides of laparoscopy. We aim to report a comparative analysis between LLS and robotic liver surgery focusing in short-term outcomes.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes Using the da Vinci S, Si, X, and Xi Robotic Platforms for BABA Robotic Thyroidectomy.

Background and Objectives: Robotic thyroidectomy via the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), first introduced in Korea in 2008, has become a standard method of thyroid removal worldwide. The introduction of robotic surgical systems has enabled more patients to benefit from BABA robotic thyroidectomy, with good postoperative and excellent cosmetic results. To date, no studies have compared the benefits of the four currently available da Vinci robotic systems (S, Si, X, and Xi) for BABA robotic thyroidectomy. To determine the da Vinci model most suitable for BABA robotic thyroidectomy, the present study compared the perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent BABA robotic thyroidectomy using the four da Vinci models. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated outcomes in patients (n = 750) who underwent BABA robotic thyroidectomy using the four da Vinci systems from 2013 to 2019. The clinicopathologic data, including operation time, were compared. Substudy A compared the da Vinci models S and Si from 2013 to 2017, and substudy B compared models Si, X, and Xi from 2018 to 2019. Results: Substudy A, comparing the da Vinci S and Si systems, found no statistically significant differences between the two groups, whereas substudy B found that operation time was shorter in patients who underwent BABA robotic thyroidectomy with the da Vinci Xi system than with the Si and X systems. Conclusions: The da Vinci model Xi system can benefit patients undergoing BABA robotic thyroidectomy by shortening the operation time.

Training robotic hepatectomy: the Hong Kong experience and perspective.

The introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized the practice of minimal invasive surgery (MIS). Although little data regarding robotic hepatectomies have been reported, it appears to be similar to conventional laparoscopic approach in terms of blood loss, morbidity rate, mortality rate and hospital stay at least. The application of robotic system in liver surgery was not well evaluated yet, particularly learning curve. Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE and PubMed databases for articles from January 2001 to May 2016 using the keywords "laparoscopic hepatectomy", "robotic hepatectomy", and "learning curve". With the limited data in robotic hepatectomy, the learning curve model of robotic hepatectomy needs to base on the experience of conventional laparoscopic hepatectomy. Based on the learning curve study experience for laparoscopic hepatectomies, the minimal number laparoscopic minor and major hepatectomies to overcome learning curve are 22-64 cases, and 45-75 cases, respectively. Left lateral sectionectomy technique is more standardized, and it is a good start for training of MIS liver surgery. However, the training program required for the robotic liver surgeons still highly depends on the surgeons' experience of previous open and laparoscopic liver surgery, the surgeons' previous experience of other robotic surgeries, the experience of the surgical team including the assistant surgeons and nursing staffs, and the complexity of the diseases. We discourage performance of robotic hepatectomy in the occasional patient by a team that is not well prepared and is not embedded in a specialized center. Knowledge and practical skills are both required in MIS liver surgery and cannot be replaced by newer tools, including the most advanced robotic system.

Patient Positioning and Port Placement for Robot-Assisted Surgery

Abstract The introduction of robotic surgical systems and their integration into minimally invasive procedures have changed the landscape of laparoscopic surgery dramatically. Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci Surgical System was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cardiothoracic procedures in the late 1990s. This trend quickly spread through other surgical specialties, with urologists as one of the frontrunners in adoption. Subsequently, pediatric urologists have adopted robot-assisted procedures in selected centers, performing procedures such as pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction, partial and complete nephrectomy, and both intravesical and extravesical ureteral reimplantation. In this article, we will discuss technical considerations related to patient positioning and port placement in pediatric robot-assisted surgery.

Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Approach of Management for Mirizzi Syndrome

Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon cause of common hepatic duct obstruction resulting from gallstone impaction in the cystic duct or gallbladder neck. Mirizzi syndrome is traditionally considered as a contraindication to laparoscopic surgery mainly due to risk of bile duct injury during dissection. We present the surgical experience of 5 patients with Mirizzi syndrome who were diagnosed preoperatively and managed using minimally access surgical technique, either total laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. All patients had successful operations and recovered without complications. We concluded that with a correct preoperative diagnosis, careful operative strategy, increasing expertise with laparoscopic technique, and introduction of robotic surgical system, minimally invasive approach of management of Mirizzi syndrome becomes safe and feasible.

Computer guidance system for single-incision bimanual robotic surgery

The evolution of surgical robotics is following the progress of developments in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), which is moving towards Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) procedures. The complexity of these techniques has favored the introduction of robotic surgical systems. New bimanual robots, which are completely inserted into the patient's body, have been proposed in order to enhance the surgical gesture in SILS procedures. However, the limited laparoscopic view and the focus on the end-effectors, together with the use of complex robotic devices inside the patient's abdomen, may lead to unexpected collisions, e.g., between the surrounding anatomical organs not involved in the intervention and the surgical robot.This paper describes a computer guidance system, based on patient-specific data, designed to provide intraoperative navigation and assistance in SILS robotic interventions. The navigator has been tested in simulations of some of the surgical tasks involved in a cholecystectomy, using a synthetic anthropomorphic mannequin. The results demonstrate the usability and efficacy of the navigation system, underlining the importance of avoiding unwanted collisions between the robot arms and critical organs. The proposed computer guidance software is able to integrate any bimanual surgical robot design.

Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Children: A Single Center Experience

Open pyeloplasty is the standard treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children. The introduction of robotic surgical system has facilitated precise intracorporeal suturing and shortened the learning curve for minimal invasive procedures for the surgeons. There is sparse data over the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasties in children. We describe our technique and outcomes of robotic pyeloplasty in children. Operative data for all patients undergoing a robot-assisted procedure at our center is prospectively recorded in a database. We retrieved data of patients below the age of 16 years undergoing robot-assisted pyeloplasty between July 2007 to March 2011 and evaluated their operative parameters, recovery, and functional outcomes. In the period under review, 34 pediatric patients (mean age 12 years, range 5-15 years) underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty at our center. All patients underwent unilateral pyeloplasty but one patient underwent a simultaneous contralateral pyelolithotomy. The mean total operative time (range) was 105 minutes (75-190 minutes), average dissection time and the anastomosis time was 23 minutes (20-58 minutes) and 46.5 minutes (28-70 minutes) respectively. The mean blood loss was 30 mL. Follow-up of 36, 24, 18, 12, and 6 months was completed in 14, 21, 24, 28, and 31 patients respectively. Postoperatively, one patient had an omentum herniation through the camera port site and another had an ileocaecal volvulus. With a mean follow-up of 28.5 months (2-56 months), the success rate was 97% (32/33), whereas postoperatively one patient had deterioration of function. Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment modality in children.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy: Technique and surgical outcomes

Background Laparoscopic major hepatectomies remain a challenge for liver surgeons. The recent introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. It was developed to overcome the disadvantages of conventional laparoscopic surgery. The use of robotic system in laparoscopic major hepatectomy was not known yet. Methods Between December 2010 and July 2011, 6 right hemi-hepatectomies and 4 left hemi-hepatectomies were performed by robot-assisted laparoscopic approach. Prospectively collected data was analyzed retrospectively. Results Overall mean duration of the operation was 347.4 ± 85.9 (SD) minutes. Mean duration of the operation for right hemi-hepatectomy was 364.8 ± 98.1 ml, while mean duration of the operation for left hemi-hepatectomy was 321.3 ± 67.8 ml. Overall mean operative blood loss was 407 ± 286.8 ml. Mean operative blood loss for right hemi-hepatectomy was 500 ± 303.3 ml, while mean operative blood loss for left hemi-hepatectomy was 156.9 ± 40.7 ml. No open conversion was needed. Three patients (30%) had postoperative complications. There was no mortality. Mean hospital stay was 6.7 ± 3.5 days. Conclusions Our series indicate that in experienced hands, robot-assisted laparoscopic approach for hemi-hepatectomy is feasible and safe. As experience grows, this procedure will be more common.

The technique of single-stage totally robotic low anterior resection.

The introduction of robotic surgical systems has produced a significant technological advance in minimally invasive surgery. The application of robotics to rectal cancer surgery is being spotlighted as the means to eliminate many of the technical difficulties inherent in conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, standardization of surgical technique has not yet been established. We have developed a single-stage totally robotic low anterior resection for rectal cancer, and describe here our surgical technique.

Multimodality laparoscopic liver resection for hepatic malignancy – From conventional total laparoscopic approach to robot-assisted laparoscopic approach

Introduction Laparoscopic liver resection can either be total laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. The recent introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. It was developed to overcome the disadvantages of conventional laparoscopic surgery. The role of robotic system in laparoscopic surgery was not well evaluated yet. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the outcome of multimodality approach of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatic malignancy Methods From January 1998 to August 2010, all patients with hepatic malignancy underwent laparoscopic liver resection were included. A prospectively collected data was analyzed retrospectively. Results During the study period, a total of 56 patients with hepatic malignancies (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, n = 42; colorectal liver metastases, CLM, n = 14) underwent laparoscopic liver resection in our surgical unit. The majority of cases were performed by hand-assisted laparoscopic approach, n = 31 (55.3%) and the remainder were with total laparoscopic approach, n = 10 (17.9%) and robot-assisted laparoscopic approach, n = 15 (26.8%). The median operation time was 150 min (range, 75–307 min). The median blood loss during surgery was 175 ml (range, 5–2000 ml). Two patients (3.6%) needed open conversion and one patient (1.8%) needed to be converted to hand-assisted laparoscopic approach. The morbidity rate was 14.3%. There was no procedure-related death. 89.3% of patients had R0 resection and 10.7% of patients had R1 resection. The median hospital stay was 6.5 days (range, 2–13 days). The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year disease-free survival rates for HCC were 85%, 47%, and 38%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates for HCC were 96%, 67%, and 52%, respectively. The 1-year, and 3-year disease-free survival rates for CLM were 92% and 72%. The 1-year, and 3-year overall survival rates for CLM were 100% and 88%, respectively. Conclusions Multimodality approach of laparoscopic liver resection of hepatic malignancy was feasible, and safe in selected patients. It was associated with a low complications rate. The mid-term and long-term survival outcome was favorable also.

Mediastinal parathyroidectomy with the da Vinci robot: presentation of a new technique

Schmid and bodnerLocalization and removal of ectopic glands is one of the major problems in parathyroid surgery.1 More recently, minimally invasive techniques have been under evaluation for such indications.2,3 The introduction of robotic surgical systems has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery by improving vision and motion control.4 We here report on the first thoracoscopic mediastinal parathyroidectomy performed with an operating robot.

Thoracoscopic resection of mediastinal parathyroids: current status and future perspectives

The location and removal of ectopic mediastinal glands represents one of the major problems in parathyroid surgery. Minimally invasive surgery for such indications has been evaluated to reduce the high morbidity and long reconvalescence of standard open approaches. The recent introduction of robotic surgical systems may offer new options for this purpose. A literature review of reports on thoracoscopic resections of mediastinal parathyroids is presented. The potential of a robotic surgical system for this indication is discussed. Between 1994 and 2002, 19 groups have reported on thoracoscopic parathyroidectomy in a total of 38 patients. In seven (18%) patients thoracoscopic identification had to be radioisotopically guided. Two (5%) conversions to an open approach were necessary. There were three (8%) moderate complications. Based on available data, video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a less invasive, effective and safe procedure for the removal of ectopic mediastinal parathyroids and can therefore be recommended as the standard approach. However, preoperative localization of the ectopic gland is a prerequisite. Surgical robotic systems have the potential to make this type of procedure even more accurate and thus safe.

Robotically assisted division of a vascular ring in children

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:1163-4