Perioperative Clinical Outcomes Research Articles

Multicenter Study of Robotic Thyroidectomy: Short-Term Postoperative Outcomes and Surgeon Ergonomic Considerations

Robotic thyroidectomy (RT) has recently emerged as a viable approach to thyroid surgery, resulting in better functional and cosmetic outcomes than afforded by open thyroidectomy (OT). The present multicenter study assessed the perioperative outcomes of RT and compared physician perspectives on the musculoskeletal ergonomic parameters associated with OT, endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET), and RT. We reviewed the medical records of 2014 consecutive patients who underwent RT, conducted by 7 surgeons, at 4 centers between October 2007 and June 2010. Patient characteristics, perioperative clinical results, complications, and pathologic outcomes were analyzed. Moreover, surgeons were surveyed to gather data on musculoskeletal discomfort experienced during OT, ET, and RT. Of the 2014 patients, 740 underwent total and 1274 subtotal thyroidectomy. Mean tumor diameter was 0.8cm, and the mean number of retrieved central lymph nodes was 4.5±3.9 (range 0-28). The rates of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and permanent hypocalcemia were 0.4 and 0.05%, respectively. Neck and/or back pain after OT, ET, and RT was experienced by 100, 85.7, and 28.6% of surgeons, respectively. When surgeons ranked the operative approaches in decreasing order of associated pain, 57.1% indicated ET>OT>RT, 28.6% selected OT>ET>RT, and 14.3% responded ET>RT>OT. RT is a feasible and safe procedure that may facilitate radical cervical lymph node dissection. Moreover, for surgeons, the RT resulted in less musculoskeletal discomfort than did OT or ET. A larger prospective study, with a longer follow-up, is needed to determine whether RT offers real benefits for both patients and surgeons.

The Incidence of Wound Complications Related to Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Power Outage and Interruption of Treatment in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using the Vacuum Assisted Closure system is an invaluable tool for use on patients with complex limb and soft tissue problems. Recently, the manufacturer (Kinetic Concepts, Inc, San Antonio, TX) made significant modifications to the NPWT platform, including computer software, battery, alarming systems, electric cord and plug apparatus, and others. Since these modifications, we have seen several cases in which the NPWT device has powered off resulting in an unrecognized interruption of therapy. We sought to evaluate the conditions and clinical effects, if any, to orthopaedic trauma patients who experienced an interruption of NPWT therapy when the device powers off. Retrospective study of consecutive patients. Two neighboring regional trauma centers. One hundred twenty-three consecutive orthopaedic trauma patients treated with NPWT by two orthopaedic trauma surgeons between May and November 2008. Patient/injury, treatment, and perioperative clinical outcomes data (with emphasis on wound complications such as infection, graft loss, and unscheduled surgery) were collected from medical records and wound care databases. Twelve patients (10%) had problems with the NPWT device powering off causing an unrecognized interruption of therapy. Eleven patients underwent early (less than 6 hours) wound débridement and reapplication of NPWT after detection, of which nine required unplanned surgery. Seven of the 12 patients recognized as having failed NPWT of this type ultimately experienced wound complications, including five deep infections and both patients being treated with an Integra graft (loss of graft). We have seen substantial problems in orthopaedic trauma patients treated with the NPWT, in which the device has powered off resulting in an unrecognized interruption of therapy. This has resulted in atypically unhealthy-appearing wounds, unplanned surgeries for débridement, and most importantly, an increased incidence of wound complications, including infection and graft loss (P < 0.05).

Laparoscopic vs Open Resection for Patients With Rectal Cancer: Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes and Long-Term Survival

The aim of the study is to assess the safety and oncologic feasibility of laparoscopic-assisted resection for rectal cancer vs open rectal resection as a phase II pilot study for a planned randomized control trial. A case-matched controlled prospective analysis of 54 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection for stage I to III (no T4) rectal cancer within 12 cm of the anal verge from 2002 to 2005 was performed. Patients were matched with contemporary patients who underwent open rectal cancer surgery (n = 108) in a 1 to 2 fashion. The perioperative clinical outcomes, postoperative pathology, and oncologic outcomes were compared between the groups. The demographic data did not differ significantly between the groups. The laparoscopic group manifested early return of bowel function (P = .003). The complication rate was 22.2% in the laparoscopic group and 32.4% in the open group (P = .178). Local recurrence was similar (2.0% laparoscopic, 4.2% open, P = .417). The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rate also were similar (overall survival, 90.8% laparoscopic, 88.5% open, P = .261; disease-free survival, 80.8% laparoscopic, 75.8% open. P = .390). The laparoscopic-assisted resection for rectal cancer was acceptable in terms of oncologic outcomes and perioperative clinical outcomes. The present data are the basis for a large-scale randomized trial for comparison of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgeries (American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z6051).

Is there an optimum level of intraoperative glucose control?

Trauma, surgery and anaesthesia are known triggers of the stress response and this has been shown in many studies to present as a hyperglycaemic response. These elevated blood glucose levels have, in turn, been linked in many studies to increased mortality and morbidity in hospitalised patients and most certainly in patients undergoing surgical procedures of one type or another. Poor perioperative clinical outcomes are true of both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, except that they occur to varying extents.

Comparison of Endoscopic and Robotic Thyroidectomy

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is a technically challenging procedure. Robot-assisted thyroidectomy has been recently introduced and offers improved visualization and dexterity. The present study compared conventional endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer patients in terms of perioperative outcomes and learning curve. All operations were performed by the same surgeon. Between April 2007 and March 2010, 96 patients underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy (endoscopy group) and 163 patients underwent robotic thyroidectomy (robot group). A gasless transaxillary approach was used in both groups. The 2 groups were compared in terms of patient characteristics, perioperative clinical results, complications, and pathologic details. Learning curves for the 2 procedures were compared based on the number of cases required to reach a consistent operation time. Patient characteristics were similar for both groups. The mean total operation time for thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection was 142.7 ± 52.1 min in the endoscopy group and 110.1 ± 50.7 min in the robot group (P = .041). Both patient groups were similar in terms of pathological features including TNM stage, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complication rate. However, the mean number of retrieved central lymph nodes was 2.4 ± 1.9 for the endoscopy group and 4.5 ± 1.5 for the robot group (P = .004). The learning curve was 55-60 cases for endoscopic thyroidectomy and 35-40 cases for robotic thyroidectomy. Robotic thyroidectomy was found to be superior to endoscopic thyroidectomy in terms of operation time, lymph node retrieval, and learning curve. Complication rates and postoperative hospital stay were similar for the 2 procedures.

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy for Endometrial Cancer Compared With Traditional Laparoscopic and Laparotomy Approaches

To summarize comparative studies describing clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted surgeries compared with traditional laparoscopic or laparotomy techniques for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Using search words "robotic hysterectomy" and "endometrial cancer," 22 citations were identified from Medline and PubMed (2005 to February 2010). We selected English language studies reporting at least 25 robotic cases compared with laparoscopic or laparotomy cases that also addressed surgical technique, complications, and perioperative outcomes. Patients underwent total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymphadenectomy. Eight eligible comparative studies were identified that included 1,591 patients (robotic=589, laparoscopic=396, and laparotomy=606). Pooled means of the resected aortic lymph nodes for robotic hysterectomy and laparoscopy were 10.3 and 7.8 (P=.15), and robotic hysterectomy and laparotomy were 9.4 and 5.7 (P=.28). Pooled means of pelvic lymph nodes for robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy were 18.5 and 17.8 (P=.95) and 18.0 compared with 14.5 (P=.11) for robotic hysterectomy compared with laparotomy. Estimated blood loss was reduced in robotic hysterectomy compared with laparotomy (P<.005) and laparoscopy (P=.001). Length of stay was shorter for both robotic and laparoscopic cases compared with laparotomy (P<.01). Operative time for robotic hysterectomy was similar to laparoscopic cases but was greater than laparotomy (P<.005). Conversion to laparotomy for laparoscopic hysterectomy was 9.9% compared with 4.9% for robotic cases (P=.06). Vascular, bowel, and bladder injuries; cuff dehiscence; and thromboembolic complications were similar for each surgical method. Transfusions for robotic hysterectomy compared with laparotomy was 1.7% and 7.2% (P=.06) and robotic hysterectomy compared were laparoscopy was 2.6% and 5.0% (P=.22). Perioperative clinical outcomes for robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy appear similar with the exception of less blood loss for robotic cases and longer operative times for robotic and laparoscopy cases.

Perioperative clinical outcomes after robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma: a multicenter study

Robotic thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection is rapidly emerging as an alternative to conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. Robot techniques incorporate the advantages of endoscopic procedures while overcoming some of the problems. We present the largest multi-institution clinical study of robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinomas. The robotic thyroidectomy involved gasless transaxillary approach using the da Vinci surgical robot system. We reviewed a database of 1,043 consecutive patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma who underwent robotic thyroidectomy between October 2007 and August 2009. Operations were performed by five surgeons at four academic centers. We analyzed perioperative, clinical, and pathological data. The study involved 71 men and 972 women, with a mean age of 39 (range, 15-70) years. All operations were performed successfully without any need for conventional open or endoscopic conversion. There were 366 total thyroidectomies and 677 subtotal thyroidectomies with cervical lymph node dissection. The mean overall operation time and console time were 132.4 and 63.9 min, respectively. There were ten (1%) major postoperative morbidities. The mean tumor size was 0.8 (range, 0.1-6.0) cm, and the mean number of retrieved central lymph nodes was 5.1 ± 3.8 (range, 0-26). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.9 (range, 1-8) days. Robotic thyroidectomy using gasless transaxillary method was feasible, safe, and provided good outcomes for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Robotic technology overcame some technical limitations associated with conventional endoscopy.

Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning improves myocardial function, reduces length of intensive care stay, and limits complications post coronary artery bypass graft surgery

The objective of this study was to determine whether preconditioning coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with HBO(2) prior to first-time elective on-pump cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) leads to improved myocardial left ventricular stroke work (LVSW) post CABG. The primary end point of this study was to demonstrate that preconditioning CAD patients with HBO(2) prior to on-pump CPB CABG leads to a statistically significant (P<.05) improvement in myocardial LVSW 24 h post CABG. This randomised control study consisted of 81 (control group=40; HBO(2) group=41) patients who had CABG using CPB. Only the HBO(2) group received HBO(2) preconditioning for two 30-min intervals separated 5 min apart. HBO(2) treatment consisted of 100% oxygen at 2.4 ATA. Pulmonary artery catheters were used to obtain perioperative hemodynamic measurements. All routine perioperative clinical outcomes were recorded. Venous blood was taken pre HBO(2), post HBO(2) (HBO(2) group only), and during the perioperative period for analysis of troponin T. Prior to CPB, the HBO(2) group had significantly lower pulmonary vascular resistance (P=.03). Post CPB, the HBO(2) group had increased stroke volume (P=.01) and LVSW (P=.005). Following CABG, there was a smaller rise in troponin T in HBO(2) group suggesting that HBO(2) preconditioning prior to CABG leads to less postoperative myocardial injury. Post CABG, patients in the HBO(2) group had an 18% (P=.05) reduction in length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Intraoperatively, the HBO(2) group had a 57% reduction in intraoperative blood loss (P=.02). Postoperatively, the HBO(2) group had a reduction in blood loss (11.6%), blood transfusion (34%), low cardiac output syndrome (10.4%), inotrope use (8%), atrial fibrillation (11%), pulmonary complications (12.7%), and wound infections (7.6%). Patients in the HBO(2) group saved US$116.49 per ICU hour. This study met its primary end point and demonstrated that preconditioning CAD patients with HBO(2) prior to on-pump CPB CABG was capable of improving LVSW. Additionally, this study also showed that HBO(2) preconditioning prior to CABG reduced myocardial injury, intraoperative blood loss, ICU length of stay, postoperative complications, and saved on cost, post CABG.

Surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with laminectomy and instrumented fusion

Objective: The indications for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with laminectomy and instrumented fusion remain ill-defined. Cervical laminectomy without instrumented fusion has been associated with suboptimal outcomes, particularly in the setting of cervical kyphosis. This work's purpose is to retrospectively review our experience in patients who underwent laminectomy with instrumented fusion for CSM and to assess the neurological and radiological outcomes of patients treated with this technique.Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients underwent multilevel laminectomy and instrumented fusion for CSM. The indications were patients with (1) cervical stenosis ≥ 3 spinal segments and (2) absence of a cervical kyphosis or (3) patients older than 65 years with significant medical comorbidities. Nurick myelopathy grades and cervical radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. Perioperative complications, radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed and reported in this paper.Results: Forty-four (81%) of patients showed improvement in Nurick grade after surgery by a mean of 17 months. Ten patients (19%) demonstrated stable but unimproved myelopathy. Increasing pre-operative Nurick grade was associated with an improved post-operative outcome (p<0.02). Increasing duration of pre-operative myelopathy was associated with a decreased likelihood of myelopathy improvement (p<0.001).Discussion: Multilevel cervical laminectomy with instrumented fusion for patients with CSM resulted in an improvement in myelopathy in the majority of cases. Efficacy was similar for patients who may not have tolerated an anterior decompression, such as elderly patients with significant medical comorbidities. Hardware-related complication rates were relatively low.

Surgical technique and concept in precise hepatectomy: experience of 338 cases of hepatectomy in single center

To evaluate the perioperative clinical outcome and predictive factors for perioperative complication morbidity and mortality. From August 2003 to August 2008, the data of 338 cases of hepatectomy performed in the liver transplant center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was collected in a prospective manner. The patients' perioperative clinical risk factors and results were analyzed. In the 338 hepatectomy cases, 255 patients (75.4%) underwent precise anatomical hepatectomy. The overall perioperative complication morbidity was 18.1%, while the perioperative mortality was 0.6%. In a total of 211 (62.4%) cases, the operation was carried out without blood transfusion. Univariate analysis revealed that cirrhotic liver, thrombocytopenia, blood loss in operation > 1000 ml, blood transfusion in operation and several other factors were closely related with the incidence rate of complication. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that thrombocytopenia and perioperative blood transfusion were important independently predictive factors for the occurrence of perioperative complications in hepatectomy. Precise hepatectomy enables patients to obtain better clinical outcome with low complication morbidity and perioperative mortality. Reducing hemorrhage is an important factor that lead to good clinical results.

PO03-MO-10 Carotid endarterectomy against carotid artery stenting: perioperative monitoring and clinical outcomes

PO03-MO-10 Carotid endarterectomy against carotid artery stenting: perioperative monitoring and clinical outcomes

Comparison of clinieul efficacy between video-assisted mini-thoracotomy and routine open thoracotomy in treatment for carcinoma of esophagus

Objective To evaluate the advantage of video-assisted mini thoracotomy for patients with esophageal cancer compared with routine open thomcotomy.Methods Perioperative clinical results were compared between 24 csses received VAMT(test group)and 26 cases underwent routine open thoracotomy(control group)during the same period.All the cancer stages were T2-3N0-1M0.Results This study showed that VAMT Was a minimally invasive swgew with shorter operation time(40.0±3.3)min vs.(70.3±3.2)min,P＜0.05)and had less bleeding volume both during and after operation compared to the control group(108.1±15.2)ml V8.(200.1±11.3)ml,(380.8±45.4)ml vs.(780.1±52.2)ml,P＜0.05).No significant differences were observed in the two groups with respect to complication occurrence rate(4.2%vs.19.2%,P＞0.05).Conclusion It is suggested that VAMT is safe,reliable and less invasive in the treatmem of esophagus carcinoma. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Esophagectomy; Thoracoscopy

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection of Rectal Cancer: Short-Term Outcome of a Prospective Comparative Study

The aim of this study is to compare the short-term results between robotic-assisted low anterior resection (R-LAR), using the da Vinci Surgical System, and standard laparoscopic low anterior resection (L-LAR) in rectal cancer patients. 113 patients were assigned to receive either R-LAR (n = 56) or L-LAR (n = 57) between April 2006 and September 2007. Patient characteristics, perioperative clinical results, complications, and pathologic details were compared between the groups. Moreover, macroscopic grading of the specimen was evaluated. Patient characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. The mean operation time was 190.1 +/- 45.0 min in the R-LAR group and 191.1 +/- 65.3 min in the L-LAR group (P = 0.924). The conversion rate was 0.0% in the R-LAR groups and 10.5% in the L-LAR group (P = 0.013). The serious complication rate was 5.4% in the R-LAR group and 19.3% in the L-LAR group (P = 0.025). The specimen quality was acceptable in both groups. However, the mesorectal grade was complete (n = 52) and nearly complete (n = 4) in the R-LAR group and complete (n = 43), nearly complete (n = 12), and incomplete (n = 2) in the L-LAR group (P = 0.033). R-LAR was performed safely and effectively, using the da Vinci Surgical System. The use of the system resulted in acceptable perioperative outcomes compared to L-LAR.

Perioperative fluid retention and clinical outcome in elective, high-risk colorectal surgery

There is some controversy regarding concepts currently propagated for an optimal perioperative fluid management in colorectal surgery. We wanted to analyze the association of net intraoperative and postoperative fluid balances with postoperative morbidity and length of stay. We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively from March 1993 through February 2005. A subgroup from 4,658 patients was studied who had undergone major elective colorectal surgery during that time. This subgroup included 198 patients with a particularly high preoperative risk profile requiring immediate postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Fluid therapy was guided by established clinical end points. Results were adjusted for various confounding variables (extent of the operative trauma, individual response to the injury, type of analgesia, underlying disease, treatment era). After adjustment for relevant covariates, the magnitude of fluid balance was unimportant for morbidity and postoperative hospital length of stay. A high Apache II score after ICU admission, an increased perioperative blood loss, and palliative surgical procedures were associated with a significantly higher complication rate, whereas use of epidural analgesia improved morbidity and shortened hospital stay. If guided by established standards, even large perioperative fluid retentions do not appear to be associated with a worse outcome after extended colorectal surgery. Epidural analgesia may provide a significant benefit in those high-risk patients.

Beta blockers do not improve surgical clinical outcomes.

Evidence does not support the use of beta blockers for the prevention of perioperative clinical outcomes in patients having non-cardiac surgery.

Incisionless Hartmann’s procedure: an innovative minimal access technique for surgical treatment of sigmoid volvulus in debilitated patients with faecal incontinence

Sigmoid volvulus requires decompression and subsequent surgical correction, and is often seen in debilitated patients. In an effort to decrease the physiological burden of surgery in these high-risk patients, we report an innovative minimal access technique for the definitive treatment of decompressed sigmoid volvulus in patients with concomitant faecal incontinence. A retrospective chart review of a series of two consecutive patients who had undergone a minimal access Hartmann's procedure (HP) between November 2005 and October 2006 was performed. A single skin incision of < or = 4 cm at the proposed colostomy site was used to identify, exteriorize, divide, and resect the redundant mesosigmoid and sigmoid colon. The same incision was used to mature the end-colostomy. No other incisions were created, and no laparoscopy or laparoscopic instruments were used. Perioperative clinical parameters and outcomes are reported. Patient 1 was a 94-year-old male, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 4, who underwent a HP via a 4-cm skin incision under general anaesthesia in 150 min with a length of inpatient stay of 5 days. Patient 2 was an 83-year-old female, ASA class 3, who underwent a HP via a 3-cm skin incision under conscious sedation in 83 min, with a length of inpatient stay of 4 days. Estimated blood loss was <50 cm(3) for both patients, both patients had bowel function and were tolerating oral feeds upon discharge, and there was no perioperative morbidity or mortality in either patient at 30 days. Incisionless HP appears feasible in treating sigmoid volvulus and faecal incontinence in debilitated patients.

Perioperative β blockers in patients having non-cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines on perioperative assessment recommend perioperative beta blockers for non-cardiac surgery, although results of some clinical trials seem not to support this recommendation. We aimed to critically review the evidence to assess the use of perioperative beta blockers in patients having non-cardiac surgery. We searched Pubmed and Embase for randomised controlled trials investigating the use of beta blockers in non-cardiac surgery. We extracted data for 30-day all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, heart failure, and myocardial ischaemia, safety outcomes of perioperative bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm. 33 trials included 12 306 patients. beta blockers were not associated with any significant reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or heart failure, but were associated with a decrease (odds ratio [OR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.54-0.79) in non-fatal myocardial infarction (number needed to treat [NNT] 63) and decrease (OR 0.36, 0.26-0.50) in myocardial ischaemia (NNT 16) at the expense of an increase (OR 2.01, 1.27-3.68) in non-fatal strokes (number needed to harm [NNH] 293). The beneficial effects were driven mainly by trials with high risk of bias. For the safety outcomes, beta blockers were associated with a high risk of perioperative bradycardia requiring treatment (NNH 22), and perioperative hypotension requiring treatment (NNH 17). We recorded no increased risk of bronchospasm. Evidence does not support the use of beta-blocker therapy for the prevention of perioperative clinical outcomes in patients having non-cardiac surgery. The ACC/AHA guidelines committee should soften their advocacy for this intervention until conclusive evidence is available.

Surgical and pathological outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer.

PurposeSeveral multi-institutional prospective randomized trials have demonstrated short-term benefits using laparoscopy. Now the laparoscopic approach is accepted as an alternative to open surgery for colon cancer. However, in prior trials, the transverse colon was excluded. Therefore, it has not been determined whether laparoscopy can be used in the setting of transverse colon cancer. This study evaluated the peri-operative clinical outcomes and oncological quality by pathologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer.Materials and methodsAnalysis of the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection from August 2004 to November 2007 was made. Computed tomography, barium enema, and colonoscopy were performed to localize the tumor preoperatively. Extended right hemicolectomy, transverse colectomy, and extended left hemicolectomy were performed for transverse colon cancer. Surgical outcomes and pathologic outcomes were compared between transverse colon cancer (TCC) and other site colon cancer (OSCC).ResultsOf the 312 colorectal cancer patients, 94 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for OSCC, and 34 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for TCC. Patients with TCC were similar to patients with OSCC in age, gender, body mass index, operating time, blood loss, time to pass flatus, start of diet, hospital stay, tumor size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of lymph nodes, and radial margin. One case in TCC and three cases in OSCC were converted to open surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and OSCC had similar peri-operative clinical and acceptable pathological outcomes.

Robotic tumor-specific mesorectal excison of rectal cancer: short-term outcome of a pilot randomized trial

Laparoscopic colorectal resection has become popular. The recently developed da Vinci Surgical System promises to facilitate endoscopic surgery and overcome its disadvantages. This study therefore aimed to compare the short-term results between robotic tumor-specific mesorectal excision (R-TSME) using the da Vinci Surgical System and conventional laparoscopic tumor-specific mesorectal excision (L-TSME) in rectal cancer patients. Between April 2006 and February 2007, 36 patients were randomly assigned to receive R-TSME or L-TSME. During the study, 18 patients underwent robotic low anterior resection using the da Vinci Surgical System, and 18 patients had conventional laparoscopic low anterior resection. Patient characteristics, perioperative clinical results, complications, and pathologic details were compared between the two groups. The patient characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean operating time, hemoglobin change, and conversion rate were not significantly different between the groups. Complications were treated conservatively and did not require surgical intervention in the R-TSME group. The average length of stay was 6.9 +/- 1.3 days in the R-TSME group and 8.7 +/- 1.3 days in the L-TSME group (p < 0.001). The specimen quality of the R-TSME group was acceptable. Tumor-specific mesorectal excision was performed safely and effectively using the da Vinci Surgical System and the perioperative outcomes were acceptable.

Robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer using four robotic arms

The da Vinci system is a newly developed device for colorectal surgery, therefore experience of its use for rectal cancer surgery is limited and there are no reports describing the use of four robotic arms with this system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the four-arm da Vinci system for total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer patients. Clinicopathologic data were prospectively collected on nine patients who underwent robotic total mesorectal excision using four robotic arms for the treatment of mid or low rectal cancer between November 2006 and Febuary 2007. Patient demographics, perioperative clinical outcomes, and pathology results with macroscopic grading (complete, nearly complete, incomplete) were evaluated. nine patients with mid or low rectal cancer underwent robotic total mesorectal excison using four robotic arms without serious complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.4 +/- 1.3 days (range 5.0-10.0 days) and the mean operating time was 220.8 +/- 49.4 min (range 153-315 min). Macroscopic grading of the specimen was complete in eight patients and nearly complete in one patient. There were no cases of conversion. In the present study, we accomplished nine robot-assisted rectal resections safely and effectively.