Robot-assisted Low Anterior Resection Research Articles

Advantages of robotic surgery for rectal cancer compared to laparoscopic surgery: pelvic anatomy and its impact on urinary dysfunction.

The anatomical dimensions and the shape of the pelvis influence surgical difficulty for rectal cancer. Compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery is expected to improve surgical outcomes due to the multi-joint movement of its surgical instruments. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of pelvic anatomical indicators on short-term outcomes of patients with rectal cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 129 patients with rectal cancer who underwent conventional laparoscopic low anterior resection (L-LAR) or robot-assisted low anterior resection (R-LAR) with total mesorectal excision or tumor-specific mesorectal excision between January 2014 and December 2022. The transverse diameter of the lesser pelvis and the sacral promontory angle were used as indicators of pelvic anatomy. The sacral promontory angle was not associated with age and sex while the pelvic width was smaller in male than in female. The pelvic width did not affect postoperative complications in both L-LAR and R-LAR. In contrast, postoperative urinary dysfunction occurred more frequently in patients with a small sacral promontory angle (p = 0.005) in L-LAR although there was no impact on short-term outcomes in R-LAR. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a small sacral promontory angle was an independent predictive factor for urinary dysfunction (p = 0.032). Sharp angulation of the sacral promontory was a risk factor for UD after L-LAR. Robot-assisted surgery could overcome anatomical difficulties and reduce the incidence of UD.

Robotic-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer shows similar clinical efficacy to laparoscopic surgery: A propensity score matched study.

Rectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating surgical resection as the sole treatment option. Over the years, there has been a growing adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques such as robotic and laparoscopic approaches. Robotic surgery represents an innovative modality that effectively addresses the limitations associated with traditional laparoscopic techniques. While previous studies have reported favorable perioperative outcomes for robot-assisted radical resection in rectal cancer patients, further evidence regarding its oncological safety is still warranted. To conduct a comparative analysis of perioperative and oncological outcomes between robot-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection (LALAR) procedures. The clinical data of 125 patients who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection (RALAR) and 279 patients who underwent LALAR resection at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from December 2019 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. After performing a 1:1 propensity score matching, the patients were divided into two groups: The RALAR group and the LALAR group (111 cases in each group). Subsequently, a comparison was made between the short-term outcomes within 30 d after surgery and the 3-year survival outcomes of these two groups. Compared to the LALAR group, the RALAR group exhibited a significantly earlier time to first flatus [2 (2-2) d vs 3 (3-3) d, P = 0.000], as well as a shorter time to first fluid diet [4 (3-4) d vs 5 (4-6) d, P = 0.001]. Additionally, the RALAR group demonstrated reduced postoperative indwelling catheter time [2 (1-3) d vs 4 (3-5) d, P = 0.000] and decreased length of hospital stay after surgery [5 (5-7) d vs 7(6-8) d, P = 0.009]. Moreover, there was an observed increase in total cost of hospitalization for the RALAR group compared to the LALAR group [10777 (10780-11850) dollars vs 10550 (8766-11715) dollars, P = 0.012]. No significant differences were found in terms of conversion rate to laparotomy or incidence of postoperative complications between both groups. Furthermore, no significant disparities were noted regarding the 3-year overall survival rate and 3-year disease-free survival rate between both groups. Robotic surgery offers potential advantages in terms of accelerated recovery of gastrointestinal and urologic function compared to LALAR resection, while maintaining similar perioperative and 3-year oncological outcomes.

Robot-assisted resection of exposed colon with TaTME after heavy ion radiotherapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer

Abstract Introduction Heavy ion radiotherapy has shown promising results in treating pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer. We report a case where a patient underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection with transanal mesorectal excision (TaTME) following heavy ion radiotherapy, owing to challenges associated with spacer placement. Case presentation A 54-year-old man was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer. He underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection. Eight courses of CapeOX were administered as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Immediately after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy (8 months postoperatively), computer tomography (CT) scan revealed a 30-mm large nodule on the dorsal surface of the oral anastomotic intestine, which was detected by PET-CT. Given that the tumor had an indistinct border with the sacrum and its superior margin extended to the second sacrum, it was concluded that a combined sacral resection was not advisable, and heavy ion radiotherapy was indicated. Robot-assisted low anterior resection combined with TaTME was performed approximately 2 months after heavy particle radiotherapy (73.6 Gy (RBE)/16 sessions). CT scan conducted 3 months after irradiation revealed substantial shrinkage of the recurrent tumor. Conclusions Robot-assisted resection of exposed colon with TaTME after heavy ion radiotherapy is regarded as an effective strategy for treating locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Articulating forceps in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: A video comparison with robotic surgery

AbstractIntroductionTotal mesorectal excision (TME) is an established standard procedure for rectal surgery; however, it is technically challenging because of the deep and narrow pelvis. Minimally invasive surgeries have gained prominence for TME with favorable outcomes but come with limitations. Laparoscopic surgery often has dexterity restrictions because of the use of straight forceps, whereas robotic surgery is impeded by high costs and extended operative times. Articulating forceps aim to bridge the gap between these methods by offering enhanced dexterity at a lower cost.Patients and Surgical TechniqueThis video study involves two female patients diagnosed with lower rectal cancer. One patient underwent laparoscopic intersphincteric resection (Lap‐ISR) using the ArtiSential articulating forceps (LIVSMED Inc.), and the other underwent robot‐assisted low anterior resection (Rob‐LAR) using the da Vinci Xi System. Both operations involved similar mesorectal dissection steps, except for the anastomosis. The standard port placement was used, and dissection was performed circumferentially down to the perianal region.DiscussionThe ArtiSential demonstrated effectiveness comparable with the da Vinci Xi system in TME surgery, with the potential advantage of improved cost‐effectiveness.

CO114 Comparative 30-Day Postoperative Outcomes between Robotic-Assisted Low Anterior Resection (RALAR) and Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection (LLAR) Among Rectal Cancer Patients in Japan

CO114 Comparative 30-Day Postoperative Outcomes between Robotic-Assisted Low Anterior Resection (RALAR) and Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection (LLAR) Among Rectal Cancer Patients in Japan

Double inferior vena cava, an uncommon but relevant anatomical anomaly in surgery for lower rectal cancer: a report of two cases

BackgroundDouble inferior vena cava (DIVC) is rare and usually detected incidentally. DIVC may be associated with several anatomical variants of the retroperitoneal and pelvic veins. These variants can pose a clinical problem during colorectal surgery. We present two patients with lower rectal cancer who also had a DIVC.Case presentationCase 1 was a 72-year-old man with advanced lower rectal cancer (T3N0M0) who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection after neoadjuvant therapy. A DIVC was detected on preoperative computed tomography (CT). During the operation, a presacral vein was injured while mobilizing the rectum and hemostasis could not be achieved. We converted to open surgery and packed the pelvic cavity for hemostasis. Retrospective analysis suggested the injured vein arose from an interiliac vein of the presacral pelvic venous plexus. Case 2 was a 50-year-old woman with lower rectal cancer (T3N0M0), immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and a DIVC. Although preoperative three-dimensional CT angiography showed no obvious pelvic vein abnormalities, a short course of preoperative radiotherapy was delivered to avoid lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Chemotherapy was deferred owing to her thrombocytopenic disease. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection was performed meticulously to minimize bleeding and achieve rapid hemostasis. No intraoperative complications occurred.ConclusionDIVC is often accompanied by venous malformations that may pose a problem when mobilizing the mesorectum from the retroperitoneum. Preoperative assessment of pelvic vessel anatomy using three-dimensional CT is essential in patients with a DIVC who undergo rectal surgery.

A novel training program: laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer can be trained simultaneously.

Current expectations are that surgeons should be technically proficient in minimally invasive low anterior resection (LAR)-both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. However, methods to effectively train surgeons for both approaches are under-explored. We aimed to compare two different training programs for minimally invasive LAR, focusing on the learning curve and perioperative outcomes of two trainee surgeons. We reviewed 272 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic LAR by surgeons A and B, who were novices in conducting minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Surgeon A was trained by first operating on 80 cases by laparoscopy and then 56 cases by robotic-assisted surgery. Surgeon B was trained by simultaneously performing 80 cases by laparoscopy and 56 by robotic-assisted surgery. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to evaluate the learning curves of operative time and surgical failure. For laparoscopic surgery, the CUSUM plots showed a longer learning process for surgeon A than surgeon B (47 vs. 32 cases) for operative time, but a similar trend in surgical failure (23 vs. 19 cases). For robotic surgery, the plots of the two surgeons showed similar trends for both operative times (23 vs. 25 cases) and surgical failure (17 vs. 19 cases). Therefore, the learning curves of surgeons A and B were respectively divided into two phases at the 47th and 32nd cases for laparoscopic surgery and at the 23rd and 25th cases for robotic surgery. The clinicopathological outcomes of the two surgeons were similar in each phase of the learning curve for each surgery. For surgeons with rich experience in open colorectal resections, simultaneous training for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted LAR of rectal cancer is safe, effective, and associated with accelerated learning curves.

CO207 Post-Operative ICU Admission and SOFA Score Assessment after Elective Surgery: A Comparative Case Study of Laparoscopic and Robot-Assisted Low Anterior Resection

A use of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, a scoring system to assess the level of organ dysfunction/failure, after surgery can be a predictor of post-operative outcomes. We conducted a study comparing the differences of ICU admissions, cost of ICU patients and SOFA scores by surgical modality to investigate the impact of surgical modality on surgical outcomes.

Anastomotic perfusion assessment with indocyanine green in robot-assisted low-anterior resection, a multicenter study of interobserver variation

BackgroundSecuring sufficient blood perfusion to the anastomotic area after low-anterior resection is a crucial factor in preventing anastomotic leakage (AL). Intra-operative indocyanine green fluorescent imaging (ICG-FI) has been suggested as a tool to assess perfusion. However, knowledge of inter-observer variation among surgeons in the interpretation of ICG-FI is sparse. Our primary objective was to evaluate inter-observer variation among surgeons in the interpretation of bowel blood-perfusion assessed visually by ICG-FI. Our secondary objective was to compare the results both from the visual assessment of ICG and from computer-based quantitative analyses of ICG-FI between patients with and without the development of AL.MethodA multicenter study, including patients undergoing robot-assisted low anterior resection with stapled anastomosis. ICG-FI was evaluated visually by the surgeon intra-operatively. Postoperatively, recorded videos were anonymized and exchanged between centers for inter-observer evaluation. Time to visibility (TTV), time to maximum visibility (TMV), and time to wash-out (TWO) were visually assessed. In addition, the ICG-FI video-recordings were analyzed using validated pixel analysis software to quantify blood perfusion.ResultsFifty-five patients were included, and five developed clinical AL. Bland–Altman plots (BA plots) demonstrated wide inter-observer variation for visually assessed fluorescence on all parameters (TTV, TMV, and TWO). Comparing leak-group with no-leak group, we found no significant differences for TTV: Hazard Ratio; HR = 0.82 (CI 0.32; 2.08), TMV: HR = 0.62 (CI 0.24; 1.59), or TWO: HR = 1.11 (CI 0.40; 3.11). In the quantitative pixel analysis, a lower slope of the fluorescence time-curve was found in patients with a subsequent leak: median 0.08 (0.07;0.10) compared with non-leak patients: median 0.13 (0.10;0.17) (p = 0.04).ConclusionThe surgeon’s visual assessment of the ICG-FI demonstrated wide inter-observer variation, there were no differences between patients with and without AL. However, quantitative pixel analysis showed a significant difference between groups.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04766060.

Prospective analysis of impact of learning curve in robotic-assisted rectal surgery in the high-volume Indian tertiary care centre.

Minimally invasive surgery in rectal cancer has gained prominence owing to its various advantages in surgical outcomes. Due to rapid adoption of robotics in rectal surgery, we intended to assess the pace in which surgeons gain proficiency using cumulative summation (CUSUM) technique in learning curve. This was a prospective study of 262 rectal cancer cases who underwent robotic-assisted low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection (RA-LAR and RA-APR). Parameters considered for the study were console time, docking time, lymph nodal yield, total operative time and post-operative outcomes. We used Manipal technique of port placements and modified centroside docking for the procedure. The mean age of our study was 46.62 ± 5.7 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.51 ± 3.2 kg/m2. 215 (82.06%) underwent RA-LAR and 47 (17.93%) underwent RA-APR. 2.67% of cases required to open during our initial period. We had three phases of learning curve, initial phase (11th case), plateau phase (29th case) and then phases of mastery (30th case onwards). Our mean total operative time reduced from 5.5 to 3.5 h (210 ± 8.2 min), console time from 4.5 to 2.9 h (174 ± 4.5 min) and docking time from 15 to 9 ± 1 min from 30th case onwards. RA surgeries for rectal cancer have got good oncological and functional outcomes in high BMI, male pelvis and low rectal cancers. Learning curve can be shortened with constant self-auditing of the surgeon and team with each surgeries performed, reviewing the steps and by improving techniques.

Outcomes of robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer: propensity-matched analysis of the National Clinical Database in Japan.

BackgroundRobot-assisted laparoscopic surgery has several advantages over conventional laparoscopy. However, population-based comparative studies for low anterior resection are limited. This article aimed to compare peri-operative results of robot-assisted low anterior resection (RALAR) and laparoscopyMethodsThis retrospective cohort study used data from patients treated with RALAR or conventional laparoscopic low anterior resection (CLLAR) between October 2018 and December 2019, as recorded in the Japanese National Clinical Database, a data set registering clinical information, perioperative outcomes, and mortality. Of note, the registry does not include information on the tumour location (centimetres from the anal verge) and diverting stoma creation. Perioperative outcomes, including rate of conversion to open surgery, were compared between RALAR and CLLAR groups. Confounding factors were adjusted for using propensity score matching.ResultsOf 21 415 patients treated during the study interval, 20 220 were reviewed. Two homogeneous groups of 2843 patients were created by propensity score matching. The conversion rate to open surgery was significantly lower in the RALAR group than in the CLLAR group (0.7 versus 2.0 per cent; P < 0.001). The RALAR group had a longer operating time (median: 352 versus 283 min; P < 0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (15 versus 20 ml; P < 0.001), a lower in-hospital mortality rate (0.1 versus 0.5 per cent; P = 0.007), and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (median: 13 versus 14 days; P < 0.001) compared with the CLLAR group. The CLLAR group had a lower rate of readmission within 30 days (2.4 versus 3.3 per cent; P = 0.045).ConclusionThese data highlight the reduced conversion rate, in-hospital mortality rate, intraoperative blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay for rectal cancer surgery in patients treated using robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery compared with laparoscopic low anterior resection.

Colorectal cancer surgery: by Cambridge Medical Robotics Versius Surgical Robot System-a single-institution study. Our experience.

With the previous experiences in performing laparoscopic for over a period of 15years and da Vinci colorectal surgeries from 2010 to 2013, we started operating using the CambridgeMedicalRobotics (CMR) Versius Surgical Robot System. The aim of the study is a prospective analysis and evaluation of short-term results of consecutive patients to study the technical feasibility and oncological outcome of robot-assisted low anterior resection (LAR) and ultralow anterior resection (ULAR), using the CMR Versius Surgical Robot System. This study was conducted at single minimal access surgery institute. 31 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma underwent robot-assisted LAR and ULAR between August 2019 and March 2020. Patient characteristics, perioperative parameters and complications were evaluated. Surgical and pathological outcomes such as quality of Total Mesorectal Excision (TME), free circumferential resection margins and number of lymph nodes dissected were also evaluated. Of 31 patients, 23 were men and 8 women, with mean age of 55.6years. The mean robotic operative time was 51min and the mean blood loss was 55ml. The mean robot docking and undocking time was 17min and 5min, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 7days. The longitudinal and circumferential resection margins were negative in all patients. Histopathological reports of 27 among 31 patients showed complete TME. Splenic flexure of colon mobilization was done laparoscopically. We feel that Versius robot has the qualities in terms of dexterity, vision and intuitive movements, and to translate this technical ability into oncological safety.

Early results of novel robotic surgery-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer and transvaginal specimen extraction by using Da Vinci XI: initial clinical experience.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the early results of robotic surgery-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer and transvaginal specimen extraction, regarding the operative time, operative and early postoperative complications, hospital stay, and pathological reports in a series of 10 patients. From November 2016 to October 2019, case series study on patients diagnosed with RC was included in this study. All robotic-assisted low anterior resection of the rectum, vaginal removal of the specimen, colorectal anastomosis, and loop ileostomies were performed using the Da Vinci XI system. The mean age of patient was 64.8 (58-72) years. Low anterior resection was performed to seven patients, and very low anterior resection was performed to three patients. Total mesorectal excision of the rectum, transvaginal specimen extraction, transanal anastomoses, and protective ileostomy were performed in all 10 patients. The mean operative time was 275±30.50 min, and estimated blood loss was 50±10.50 mL. No patient required conversion to conventional surgery. Negative circumferential resection, proximal, and distal margins were accomplished negative. Mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 20±5.5. According to the pathological reports, all were adenocarcinoma. T1 stage was 80.0%, and T2 stage was 20.0%. Lymph node metastasis accounted for 80.0%. To our literature search, this is the first study reporting the early outcomes of the novel robotic surgery-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer and transvaginal specimen extraction by using the Da Vinci Xi system. It can be performed safely and successfully in selected patients by providing an excellent cosmetic body image, which may be important for women.

Complete intersphincteric longitudinal muscle excision May Be key to reducing local recurrence during intersphincteric resection

BackgroundAlthough total mesorectal excision (TME) is regarded as a standard procedure for rectal cancer, technical definition and evaluation method have not yet been investigated for intersphincteric resection (ISR). This study was performed to introduce a complete ISR procedure, and to assess whether total intersphincteric longitudinal muscle excision (TILME) facilitated the completeness of ISR and reduced recurrence. MethodsA total of 1080 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection (LAR) over 10 years were consecutively enrolled. Propensity-score matching of the two LAR groups (ISR vs LAR group, 1:1) and three ISR subgroups (partial vs subtotal vs total ISR subgroup, 2:2:1) was performed by strict adjustment of baseline characteristics. Archived specimens and video-/photo-records were reevaluated to examine completeness of TILME. ResultsComplete-TILME was performed in 84.5% of patients who underwent ISR. Multivariate analysis showed that incomplete-TILME was the only parameter independently associated with increased 5-year cumulative local recurrence (odds ratio = 23.385; 95% confidence interval = 1.492–366.421; p = 0.03), and that incomplete-TILME was independently associated with adipose tissue surrounding the intersphincteric longitudinal muscle, coloanal anastomosis, and total ISR (p < 0.001–0.05). Although mean incontinence scores and anorectal manometry deteriorated to some degree 12–24 months after surgery in all patients, they remained acceptable. The 5-year cumulative DFS (74.1% vs 60%, p = 0.18) and OS (85.9% vs 70%, p = 0.10) rates tended to be higher in patients with complete than incomplete-TILME. ConclusionsThe completeness of TILME appears to be an independent indicator of complete ISR, reducing local recurrence following lower rectal cancer surgery.

European expert consensus on a structured approach to training robotic-assisted low anterior resection using performance metrics.

AimThe aim was to develop and operationally define ‘performance metrics’ that characterize a reference approach to robotic‐assisted low anterior resection (RA‐LAR) and to obtain face and content validity through a consensus meeting.MethodThree senior colorectal surgeons with robotic experience and a senior behavioural scientist formed the Metrics Group. We used published guidelines, training materials, manufacturers’ instructions and unedited videos of RA‐LAR to deconstruct the operation into defined, measurable components – performance metrics (i.e. procedure phases, steps, errors and critical errors). The performance metrics were then subjected to detailed critique by 18 expert colorectal surgeons in a modified Delphi process.ResultsPerformance metrics for RA‐LAR had 15 procedure phases, 128 steps, 89 errors and 117 critical errors in women, 88 errors and 118 critical errors in men. After the modified Delphi process the final performance metrics consisted of 14 procedure phases, 129 steps, 88 errors and 115 critical errors in women, 87 errors and 116 critical errors in men. After discussion by the Delphi panel, all procedure phases received unanimous consensus apart from phase I (patient positioning and preparation, 83%) and phase IV (docking, 94%).ConclusionA robotic rectal operation can be broken down into procedure phases, steps, with errors and critical errors, known as performance metrics. The face and content of these metrics have been validated by a large group of expert robotic colorectal surgeons from Europe. We consider the metrics essential for the development of a structured training curriculum and standardized procedural assessment for RA‐LAR.

Robot-assisted low anterior resection after aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerosing therapy for internal hemorrhoids

BackgroundInternal hemorrhoids are the most common anal diseases. Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) injection is a new sclerosing therapy for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. Although ALTA injection has been widely used, there are no previous reports of rectal cancer patients who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection (Rob-LAR) after ALTA injection to treat internal hemorrhoids.Case presentationA 70-year-old man with rectal cancer was presented to our hospital. He had an ALTA injection 2 months before presentation at a clinic due to hematochezia with internal hemorrhoids. The rectal tumor was located 7 cm above the anal verge, and Rob-LAR with the da Vinci Xi system was performed. The patient had sclerosis on the stump of the anal side, which made it difficult to transect the rectum with linear staplers. This required multiple repeats of compression through the SmartClamp feedback. After anastomosis with the double-stapling technique, we constructed a diverting ileostomy.ConclusionAlthough ALTA injection is a promising strategy for internal hemorrhoids, rectal cancer should be excluded before the sclerosing therapy.

The effect of laparoscopic versus robotic low anterior resection of rectum on postoperative pain: A propensity score matching analysis

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes regarding pain and pain management in patients who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection (RA-LAR) with laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection (LA-LAR). Methods Medical records of adult patients who underwent LA-LAR (group L) or RA-LAR (group R) using robotic system (da Vinci Surgical System, Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) were collected prospectively at Chung-Ang University Hospital between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. Patients were matched at a 1 to 1 ratio from Group L and R using propensity score-matching method. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) was applied to the patients postoperatively, and the severity of postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and nausea as the numerical rating scale (NRS) was evaluated. The incidence of vomiting, dizziness, headache, and PCA clamping was also recorded. Additional fentanyl was administered as a rescue analgesic if the VAS score was over 3, and until VAS was less than 3. Results In the overall series, there was no significant difference between group L and group R regarding pain VAS, nausea NRS, number of vomiting episodes at day 0 and day 1. However, after propensity score analysis, pain VAS and the use of rescue analgesic at day 0 was lower in group L compared to group R (P=0.038, P=0.040). Conclusion In regards to postoperative pain, RA-LAR did not show clear benefit over LA-LAR. Keywords: Laparoscopy, Robotics, Postoperative pain, Propensity score, Rectal cancer

Simultaneous robotic low anterior resection and prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of rectum and prostate: initial case report.

BackgroundWe report a case of synchronous rectal and prostate cancer treated successfully with simultaneous da Vinci robotic-assisted low anterior resection of the rectum and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to address both cancers.Case presentationRecently, minimally invasive surgical techniques using da Vinci robot® system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, USA) were introduced as curative surgical modality of prostate and rectal malignancies. Herein, we report an initial case of simultaneous robotic low anterior resection and robotic prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of rectum and prostate sharing a considerable number of port sites.ConclusionSimultaneous robotic-assisted low anterior resection could be performed with robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy safely and effectively in synchronous rectal and prostate cancer.

Trocar Site Hernia after Use of an 8-mm Bladeless Trocar in Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Port site hernias are a rare complication after laparoscopic and robotic surgery. The current case is an 8-㎜ port site hernia which occurred after robot-assisted colorectal surgery. A 70-year-old female with a BMI (body mass index) of 25.7 was diagnosed as rectosigmoid colon cancer. She underwent a robot-assisted low anterior resection with double-stapled anastomosis for AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) stage IIIB. After the main procedure, fascial defects in the supra-pubic and the supra-umbilical site were closed with a routine procedure (12 ㎜). Thirty two months after surgery, she developed an incisional hernia in the left mid abdomen (8-㎜ port). Recognition of the potential for a port site hernia using an 8-mm bladeless trocar port as well as a 12-㎜ port is essential in robotic surgery. Patients with risk factors for a port site hernia may require complete port site closure.

Transmural Rectosigmoid Endometriosis Causing Rectal Bleeding and Partial Colonic Obstruction

Introduction: Intestinal endometriosis occurs in 10% of endometriosis cases. Most patients are asymptomatic while some may experience non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosis is challenging due to lack of characteristic clinical, radiological, and endoscopic findings. Endoscopic biopsies are rarely helpful as intestinal endometriosis frequently involves deeper layers of the bowel wall. We report a rare occurrence of transmural rectosigmoid endometriosis and its unusual presentation as rectal bleeding and partial colonic obstruction. Case Presentation: A 46 year-old-woman presented with six months of severe constipation and hematochezia that worsened monthly, around the time of menstruation. Colonoscopy revealed a circumferential and partially obstructing rectosigmoid lesion which was biopsied, but pathology was non-diagnostic. CT abdomen and pelvis revealed a 3-cm intraluminal mass in the mid-sigmoid colon and a 4-cm well-circumscribed mass in the right adnexa. A pelvic ultrasound confirmed a complex right ovarian cyst, as well as a left hemorrhagic ovarian follicular cyst. Labs revealed normal CBC, CMP, CEA and CA-125 levels. The patient was referred to colorectal and gynecologic oncology surgery, and subsequently underwent robotic-assisted low anterior resection of the rectosigmoid colon with anastomosis, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Surgical pathology of the rectosigmoid colon ultimately revealed endometriosis involving the entire thickness of the bowel wall with focal extension into the mucosa. On follow up visits, the patient reported complete resolution of rectal bleeding and constipation. Discussion: Intestinal endometriosis rarely affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall, making endoscopic biopsies typically futile. In cases where mucosal endometriosis was confirmed with endoscopic biopsies, patients were post-menarche women with cyclic gastrointestinal symptoms and hematochezia, similar to our patient. Despite initial non-diagnostic endoscopic biopsies, our patient did prove to have mucosal involvement of the colon on surgical pathology. Symptomatology of cyclic rectal bleeding and severe constipation in post-menarche women may be an indication of transmural involvement of intestinal endometriosis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, these patients may benefit from more thorough endoscopic sampling which may improve the diagnostic yield of endoscopy.Figure 1Figure 2