Robotic-assisted Surgery Group Research Articles

Сравнение робот-ассистированной и лапароскопической пиелопластики в лечении обструкции пиелоуретерального сегмента у детей

Purpose of this research was to evaluate the perioperative and functional outcomes of robot-assisted and laparoscopic pyeloplasty performed in a specialized pediatric surgical center with the use of the Versius modular & portable surgical robot by “CMR Surgical,” Ltd. (Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom). Material and methods used: Authors present retrospective data on all patients (34) with pyeloureteral junction obstruction who had undergone the Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty using either robot-assisted or laparoscopic techniques at the Irkutsk Oblast Regional Children's Clinical Hospital (Irkutsk, Russia) in Jan. 2020-May 2023. Robotic surgical interventions were performed using the Versius modular & portable surgical robot. All surgical procedures were performed in the manner of the Anderson-Hynes procedure. The study recorded patients' perioperative parameters related to demographics, surgical details and both early and long-term outcomes. Results: all surgical interventions were considered successful based on the fact that the desired result was achieved: a decrease in the size of the pelvis after the surgery. Robot-assisted procedures were performed in 10 and a laparoscopic method was used in 24. The mean age of patients was significantly lower in the laparoscopy group (4.0 [1,9;6,8] y/o v. 11,0 [7,0;15,0] y/o; p=0.001) as was the mean patients’ weight (17. 0 [11.5; 26.8] kg v. 54.6 [29.1; 63.0] kg; p=0.003). The gender composition in both groups was comparable (p=0.252) and demonstrated the dominance of male patients. The indicator of the total duration of surgical interventions was higher in the robot-assisted surgery group (157,5 [128,8; 196,3] minutes v. 117,5 [95.0; 161.3] minutes in the laparoscopy group; p=0,037). The average duration of the installation of the robotic system (i.e. the “docking time”) was 15,0 [10,0; 20,0] minutes. During the study, no statistical difference was found between the length of stay of patients in the intensive care unit (19,0 [16,9; 19,6] minutes v. 19,0 [17.0; 19.0] minutes). There was a significant difference in hospital stay in favor of a reduction in the robot-assisted surgery group (p<0,001), with a median hospital stay after robot-assisted surgery of 7,0 [6.0; 7.0] days, while patients who underwent laparoscopy were discharged only after 14 [13.0; 14.0] days. Authors did register neither early nor late postoperative complications of any kind in both groups. Conclusion: the robotic pyeloplasty is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of pyeloureteral junction obstruction. The robotic approach in the treatment of hydronephrosis in children is accompanied by the benefits of earlier recovery of patients after the surgery which in its turn is confirmed by a shorter time spent both in the intensive care unit and in the hospital.

Robotics can decrease the rate of post-operative ventral hernia: a single centre retrospective cohort study.

Midline incision for extra-corporeal anastomosis is common with traditional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Incisional hernias develop in up to 20% of these patients within a year adding considerable morbidity and healthcare costs. Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) improves technical ease of intra-corporeal anastomosis, preventing midline extraction but its benefit over laparoscopy remains debated. We aimed to determine if robotic assisted surgery and Pfannenstiel extraction decreased the rate of radiologically detected incisional hernias compared to standard laparoscopy with extra-corporeal anastomosis. The secondary outcomes aimed to evaluate incidence of port site hernias in 8mm robotic ports for which routine closure is not followed. Our single centre retrospective cohort study included patients who had minimally invasive right hemicolectomy and had cross-sectional imaging at least 1-year later. Patient demographics, body mass index, history of smoking or previous surgery was recorded. At imaging, evidence of new extraction site or port site-site hernia, contents and clinical impact was noted. A total of 100 patients (50 robotic and 50 laparoscopic) were included. Baseline characteristics appeared equally distributed. 16% (8 patients) who had laparoscopic surgery developed midline extraction site hernias which was significantly higher to RAS group (0 patients). 3 patients developed hernias at the site of robotic ports and this was more commonly at the right iliac fossa port. RAS, by simplifying intra-corporeal anastomosis has potential to eliminate incisional hernias, particularly when Pfannenstiel extraction is used. The potential for 8mm robotic ports to develop clinically significant hernias cannot be ignored and meticulous closure can prevent patient harm.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Results in Shorter Navigation Working Time With Similar Clinical Outcomes Compared to Computer-Navigated Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundEarly clinical data are important in the appraisal of newly introduced robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) systems in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there are few studies to date comparing 1-year clinical outcomes between RAS and computer-assisted navigation (CAS), the forerunner in reducing alignment outliers. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a difference between these two groups in early clinical outcomes, including functional outcome and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). MethodsA total of 158 propensity score-matched patients who underwent primary TKA with either CAS or RAS were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative outcomes (navigation time, length of stay, complications, readmissions, transfusions, and technical failure), as well as functional outcome measures (range of motion, sit to stand test, timed-up-and-go test, single-leg stance test, calf raises, and step count), and PROMs (Oxford Knee Score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 12-item Short Form Survey, Forgotten Joint Score-12, and satisfaction) were compared between those who underwent CAS and those who underwent RAS. ResultsNavigation time was shorter in the RAS group compared to the CAS group (mean difference, 15.4 minutes; P < 0.001). There were 2 complications reported in the CAS group (one patellar clunk, one periprosthetic joint infection), but none in the RAS group. There were no other readmissions, transfusions, or technical failures in either group. Postoperatively, there were no clinical differences in function between groups. Clinically meaningful improvement in PROMs was observed in both groups, with no differences. ConclusionsThe use of RAS resulted in shorter navigation time compared to CAS in TKA. No other differences were observed in early clinical outcomes between patients who underwent RAS and CAS.

Robotic surgery versus conventional laparoscopy in sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease-a comparison of operative trauma and cost-effectiveness: retrospective, single-center analysis

PurposeRobotic assisted surgery is an alternative, fast evolving technique for performing colorectal surgery. The primary aim of this single center analysis is to compare elective laparoscopic and robotic sigmoid colectomies for diverticular disease on the extent of operative trauma and the costs.MethodsRetrospective analysis from our prospective clinical database to identify all consecutive patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent elective minimally invasive left sided colectomy for diverticular disease from January 2016 until December 2020 at our tertiary referral institution.ResultsIn total, 83 patients (31 female and 52 male) with sigmoid diverticulitis underwent elective minimally invasive sigmoid colectomy, of which 42 underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery (LS) and 41 robotic assisted surgery (RS). The mean C-reactive protein difference between the preoperative and postoperative value was significantly lower in the robotic assisted group (4,03 mg/dL) than in the laparoscopic group (7.32 mg/dL) (p = 0.030). Similarly, the robotic´s hemoglobin difference was significantly lower (p = 0.039). The first postoperative bowel movement in the LS group occurred after a mean of 2.19 days, later than after a mean of 1.63 days in the RS group (p = 0.011). An overview of overall charge revealed significantly lower total costs per operation and postoperative hospital stay for the robotic approach, 6058 € vs. 6142 € (p = 0,014) not including the acquisition and maintenance costs for both systems.ConclusionRobotic colon resection for diverticular disease is cost-effective and delivers reduced intraoperative trauma with significantly lower postoperative C-reactive protein and hemoglobin drift compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Comparison of a robotic surgery program for rectal cancer: short- and long-term results from a comparative, retrospective study between two laparoscopic and robotic reference centers.

It is assumed that robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) may facilitate complex pelvic dissection for rectal cancer compared to the laparoscopic-assisted resection(LAR). The aim of this study was to compare perioperative morbidity, short- and long-term oncologic, and functional outcomes between the RAS and LAR approaches. Between 2015 and 2021, all rectal cancers operated on by (LAR) or (RAS) were retrospectively reviewed in two colorectal surgery centers. A total of 197 patients were included in the study, with 70% in the LAR group and 30% in the RAS group. The tumor location and stage were identical in both groups (not significant = NS). The overall postoperative mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups. (0% LAR; 0.5% RAS; NS). The postoperative morbidity was similar between the two groups (60% LAR vs 57% RAS; NS). The number of early surgical re-interventions within the first 30days was similar (10% for the LAR group and 3% for the RAS group; NS). The rate of complete TME was similar (88% for the LAR group and 94% for the RAS group; NS). However, the rate of circumferential R1 was significantly higher in the LAR group (13%) compared to the RAS group (2%) (p = 0.009). The 3-year recurrence rate did not differ between the two groups (77% for both groups; NS). After a mean follow-up of three years, the incidence of anterior resection syndrome was significantly lower in the LAR group compared to the RAS group (54 vs 76%; p = 0.030). The use of a RAS was found to be reliable for oncologic outcomes and morbidity. However, the expected benefits for functional outcomes were not observed. Therefore, the added value of RAS for rectal cancer needs to be reassessed in light of new laparoscopic technologies and patient management options.

The role of robotic-assisted surgery in the management of rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rectal cancer poses a significant global health burden. There is a lack of concrete evidence concerning the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) for rectal cancer surgery as compared to laparoscopic and open techniques. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative, postoperative, and safety outcomes of robotic surgery in this context. MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane library were searched till May 2023 for randomized and non-randomized studies comparing robotic surgery with either laparoscopic or open approach for rectal cancers. The outcomes of interest were operative time, blood loss, harvested lymph nodes, conversion rate, postoperative hospital stay, survival to hospital discharge, urinary retention rate, and anastomotic leakage rate. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool means and dichotomous data to derive weighted mean differences and odds ratios, respectively. A total of 56 studies were shortlisted after the study selection process with a total of 25,458 rectal cancer patients. From the intraoperative outcomes, RAS was significantly associated with an increased operative time (WMD: 41.04, P <0.00001), decreased blood loss (WMD: -24.56, P <0.00001), decreased conversion rates (OR: 0.39, P <0.00001), lesser stay at the hospital (WMD: -1.93, P <0.00001), and no difference was found in lymph nodes harvested. Similarly, RAS group had a significantly greater survival to hospital discharge (OR: 1.90, P =0.04), decreased urinary retention rate (OR: 0.59, P =0.002), and no difference was seen in anastomotic leakage rate. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) demonstrates favourable outcomes for rectal cancer patients, contributing to global prevention and control efforts, health promotion, and addressing non-communicable disease risk factors. Further research and public awareness are needed to optimize RAS utilization in this context.

The effects of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery with Trendelenburg position on short-term postoperative respiratory diaphragmatic function

ObjectiveTo study how Pneumoperitoneum under Trendelenburg position for robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery impact the perioperative respiratory parameters, diagrammatic function, etc.MethodsPatients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position and patients undergoing general surgery in the supine position were selected. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery: robot-assisted surgery group and general surgery group. ① Respiratory parameters such as lung compliance, oxygenation index, and airway pressure were recorded at 5 min after intubation, 1 and 2 h after pneumoperitoneum. ② Diaphragm excursion (DE) and diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) were recorded before entering the operating room (T1), immediately after extubation (T2), 10 min after extubation (T3), and upon leaving the postanesthesia care unit (T4). ③ Peripheral venous blood (5 ml) was collected before surgery and 30 min after extubation and was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the serum concentration of Clara cell secretory protein 16 (CC16) and surfactant protein D (SP-D).Result① Compared with the general surgery group (N = 42), the robot-assisted surgery group (N = 46) presented a significantly higher airway pressure and lower lung compliance during the surgery(P < 0.001). ② In the robot-assisted surgery group, the DE significantly decreased after surgery (P < 0.001), which persisted until patients were discharged from the PACU (P < 0.001), whereas the DTF only showed a transient decrease postoperatively (P < 0.001) and returned to its preoperative levels at discharge (P = 0.115). In the general surgery group, the DE showed a transient decrease after surgery(P = 0.011) which recovered to the preoperative levels at discharge (P = 1). No significant difference in the DTF was observed among T1, T2, T3, and T4. ③ Both the general and robot-assisted surgery reduced the postoperative serum levels of SP-D (P < 0.05), while the robot-assisted surgery increased the postoperative levels of CC16 (P < 0.001).ConclusionRobot-assisted laparoscopic surgery significantly impairs postoperative diaphragm function, which does not recover to preoperative levels at PACU discharge. Elevated levels of serum CC16 after surgery suggest potential lung injury. The adverse effects may be attributed to the prolonged Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery.

Comparative study of orthopaedic robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery and open surgery for limb osteoid osteoma

To compare the accuracy and effectiveness of orthopaedic robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery versus open surgery for limb osteoid osteoma. A clinical data of 36 patients with limb osteoid osteomas admitted between June 2016 and June 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 16 patients underwent orthopaedic robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (robot-assisted surgery group), and 20 patients underwent tumor resection after lotcated by C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy (open surgery group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the gender, age, lesion site, tumor nidus diameter, and preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ( P>0.05). The operation time, lesion resection time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, lesion resection accuracy, and postoperative analgesic use frequency were recorded and compared between the two groups. The VAS scores for pain severity were compared preoperatively and at 3 days and 3 months postoperatively. Compared with the open surgery group, the robot-assisted surgery group had a longer operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, less fluoroscopy frequency, less postoperative analgesic use frequency, and higher lesion resection accuracy ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in lesion resection time ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up after surgery, with a follow-up period of 3-24 months (median, 12 months) in the two groups. No postoperative complication such as wound infection or fracture occurred in either group during follow-up. No tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up. The VAS scores significantly improved in both groups at 3 days and 3 months after surgery when compared with preoperative value ( P<0.05). The VAS score at 3 days after surgery was significantly lower in robot-assisted surgery group than that in open surgery group ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in VAS scores at 3 months between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with open surgery, robot-assisted resection of limb osteoid osteomas has longer operation time, but the accuracy of lesion resection improve, intraoperative blood loss reduce, and early postoperative pain is lighter. It has the advantages of precision and minimally invasive surgery.

Robot-Assisted versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Gynecologic Malignancies.

The objective of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes for pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) performed through conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) versus robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Perioperative data, including operative time, estimated blood loss, and complications, were retrospectively analyzed in 731 patients with gynecologic malignancies who underwent transperitoneal PLND, including 460 and 271 in the CLS and RAS groups, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test or Student's t-test as appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age was 50 ± 14 years and 53 ± 13 years in the RAS and CLS groups (P < 0.01), respectively. The mean body mass index was 23.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2 and 22.4 ± 3.6 kg/m2 in the RAS group and CLS groups (P < 0.01), respectively. The operative time, blood loss, and number of resected lymph nodes were 52 ± 15 min, 110 ± 88 mL, and 45 ± 17, respectively, in the RAS group and 46 ± 15 min, 89 ± 78 mL, and 38 ± 16, respectively, in the CLS group (all P < 0.01). The rate of Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥ III complications was 6.3% and 8.7% in the RAS and CLS groups, respectively (P = 0.17). Shorter operative time and lower blood loss are achieved when PLND for gynecologic malignancies is performed through CLS rather than RAS. However, RAS results in the resection of a greater number of pelvic lymph nodes.

Short-term effectiveness of orthopedic robot-assisted resection for osteoid osteoma

To investigate short-term effectiveness and clinical application advantages of orthopedic robot-assisted resection for osteoid osteoma compared with traditional open surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 48 osteoid osteoma patients who met the selection criteria between July 2022 and April 2023. Among them, 23 patients underwent orthopedic robot-assisted resection (robot-assisted surgery group), and 25 patients received traditional open surgery (traditional surgery group). There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in gender, age, disease duration, lesion location and size, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score between the two groups. The surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative lesion localization time, initial localization success rate, infection, and recurrence were recorded and compared. VAS scores before surgery and at 24 hours, 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery and MSTS score before surgery and at 3 months after surgery were assessed. All patients completed the surgery successfully, with no significant difference in surgical time between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared to the traditional surgery group, the robot-assisted surgery group had less intraoperative blood loss, shorter lesion localization time, and shorter hospitalization time, with significant differences ( P<0.05). The initial localization success rate was higher in the robot-assisted surgery group than in the traditional surgery group, but the difference between the two groups was not significant ( P>0.05). All patients in both groups were followed up, with the follow-up time of 3-12 months in the robot-assisted surgery group (median, 6 months) and 3-14 months in the traditional surgery group (median, 6 months). The postoperative MSTS scores of both groups improved significantly when compared to those before surgery ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the changes in MSTS scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative VAS scores of both groups showed a gradually decreasing trend over time ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups after surgery ( P>0.05). During follow-up, except for 1 case of postoperative infection in the traditional surgery group, there was no infections or recurrences in other cases. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative infection between the two groups ( P>0.05). Orthopedic robot-assisted osteoid osteoma resection achieves similar short-term effectiveness when compared to traditional open surgery, with shorter lesion localization time.

Influence de la voie d’abord chirurgicale sur les suites opératoires après segmentectomie pulmonaire

Pulmonary segmentectomy is becoming increasingly widespread but remains technically challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the surgical approach applied on postoperative complications after pulmonary segmentectomy. All patients having undergone pulmonary segmentectomy by thoracotomy, videothoracoscopy or robot-assisted surgery from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2021 were included. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were operative time, length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission rate, 30-day and 90-day mortality. Two hundred and twenty-three patients were included, 30% (n=67) in the thoracotomy group, 9.4% (n=21) in the videothoracoscopy group and 60.5% (n=135) in the robot-assisted surgery group. There was no difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications according to type of approach (P=0.564), 26.9% of patients (n=60) had at least one postoperative complication. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of operative time (P=0.385), length of hospital stay (P=0.107), 30 and 90-day mortality (P=0.124 and P=0.249, respectively). Mini-invasive surgery significantly reduced the 30-day readmission rate (P=0.049). The surgical approach applied does not influence the postoperative complications of pulmonary segmentectomy.

Comparation of robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic‑assisted surgery in children with Hirschsprung’s disease: a single-centered retrospective study

BackgroundThere are few studies comparing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) and laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LAS) in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). This study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between RAS and LAS performed during the same period.MethodsAll consecutive 75 patients with pathologically diagnosed as HSCR who underwent Swenson pull-through surgery from April 2020 to Nov 2022, were included. Patients were divided into RAS group and LAS group and a retrospective analysis was performed based on clinical indexes and prognosis.ResultsA total of 75 patients were included, among which, 31 patients received RAS and 44 received LAS. The RAS and LAS groups had similar ages, sex, weight, postoperative hospital stays, and fasting times. Compared with LAS, blood loss (p = 0.002) and the incidence of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (p = 0.046) were significantly lower in the RAS group. The first onset of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in patients younger than 3 months occurred significantly earlier (p = 0.043). Two patients experienced anastomotic leakage in the LAS group and one patient experienced incisional hernia in the RAS group. The cost of RAS was significantly higher than that of LAS (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsRAS is a safe and effective alternative for HSCR children, and a delaying primary surgery until later in infancy (> 3 months) may improve outcomes.

Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Performed with Different Robotic Platforms: First Comparative Evidence Between Da Vinci and HUGO Robot-assisted Surgery Robots

BackgroundIn the field of robotic surgery, there is a lack of comparative evidence on surgical and functional outcomes of different robotic platforms. ObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of patients receiving robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) at a high-volume robotic center with daVinci and HUGO robot-assisted surgery (RAS) surgical systems. Design, setting, and participantsWe analyzed the data of 542 patients undergoing RARP ± extended pelvic lymph node dissection at OLV hospital (Aalst, Belgium) between 2021 and 2023. All procedures were performed by six surgeons using daVinci or HUGO RAS robots; the use of one platform rather than the other did not follow any specific preference and/or indication. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisMultivariable analyses investigated the association between robotic system (daVinci vs HUGO RAS) and surgical outcomes after adjustment for patient- and tumor-related factors. Urinary continence recovery was defined as the use of no/one safety pad. Results and limitationsA total of 378 (70%) and 164 (30%) patients underwent RARP with daVinci and HUGO RAS surgical systems, respectively. Despite a higher rate of palpable disease in the HUGO RAS group (34% vs 25%), baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups (all p > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, we did not find evidence of a difference between the groups with respect to operative time (estimate: 16.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –6.35, 39.78; p = 0.12), estimated blood loss (estimate: 3.12; 95% CI: –67.03, 73.27; p = 0.9), and postoperative Clavien-Dindo ≥2 complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.34, 8.15; p = 0.5). On final pathology, 55 (15%) and 20 (12%) men in, respectively, the daVinci and the HUGO RAS group had positive surgical margins (PSMs; p = 0.5). On multivariable analyses, we did not find evidence of an association between a robotic system and PSMs (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.56, 2.07; p = 0.8). Similarly, the odds of recovering continence did not differ between daVinci and HUGO RAS cases after both 1 mo (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.38; p = 0.4) and 3 mo (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.49, 2.79; p = 0.7). ConclusionsAmong patients receiving RARP with daVinci or HUGO RAS surgical platforms, we did not find differences in surgical and functional outcomes between the robots. This may be a result of a standardized surgical technique that allowed surgeons to transfer their skills between robotic systems. Awaiting future investigations with longer follow-up, these results have important implications for patients, surgeons, and health care policymakers. Patient summaryWe compared surgical and functional outcomes of patients receiving robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with daVinci versus HUGO robot-assisted surgery (RAS) robots. The two platforms were able to achieve similar outcomes, suggesting that the introduction of HUGO RAS is safe and allows for optimal outcomes after radical prostatectomy.

FTP3.6 Robotic Assisted Surgery – the future for patients with increased BMI?

Abstract Introduction Obesity increases the technical difficulty of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The ROLAR trial concluded robotic assisted surgery (RAS) did not significantly reduce the risk of conversion to open surgery in rectal cancer resections. In Scotland, in 2021, 30% of adult population were obese (BMI ≥30kg/m2) and 4% morbidly obesity (BMI ≥40kg/m2.) We describe local experience of laparoscopic surgery and RAS in the obese population. Methods Retrospective review of patients with obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m2) undergoing laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery by three colorectal surgeons. Conversion to open, 30-day morbidity and mortality and length of stay were assessed. Results 30 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and 37 patients undergoing RAS. Procedures include anterior resection; Hartmann’s procedure; left and right hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, APER, subtotal colectomy, panproctocolectomy and completion proctectomy for benign and malignant conditions. Conclusions RAS resulted in fewer conversions to open procedures compared to laparoscopic surgery in the obese population. Fewer complications and returns to theatre in RAS group. The increased length of stay in RAS group can be explained by geographic considerations (25 RAS patients live &amp;gt;2 hours from hospital).

Comparison of Robot-Assisted Percutaneous Cannulated Screws Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Calcaneal Fractures.

Accurate placement of the screws is challenging in percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of calcaneal fractures, and robot-assisted (RA) surgery enhances the accuracy. We investigated the outcome of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of Sander's type II and III calcaneal fractures. This retrospective study analyzed clinical data of 26 patients with fresh closed calcaneal fractures (28 fractures) who were admitted to our center from January 2022 to July 2022. All fractures were divided into the RA group and the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group according to the surgeries performed. RA surgery was performed by closed reduction or open reduction combined with a tarsal sinus approach. Age, sex, operation time, preoperative waiting time, length of postoperative hospital stay, wound complications, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) at 3 months postoperatively were compared. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters (calcaneal length, width, height, Böhler angle, and fixation rate of the sustentaculum tali) were documented. The chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and Wilcoxon test were used for the comparison of categorical, normally distributed, and nonnormally distributed continuous variables, respectively. The calcaneal width, height, and Böhler angle were significantly corrected postoperatively in both groups. The postoperative calcaneal lengths in both groups were also corrected. However, no significant difference was found. No significant differences in calcaneal length, width, height, and Böhler angle were observed between the two groups. The operation time (p < 0.001), preoperative waiting time (p < 0.001), and length of postoperative hospital stay (p=0.003) in the RA surgery group were significantly shorter than those in the ORIF group. The fixation rate of the sustentaculum tali (p < 0.001) in the RA surgery group was significantly superior to that in the ORIF group. All wound complications occurred in the ORIF group. All fractures healed within 3 months. The AOFAS scores at 3 months postoperatively were not significantly different. RA percutaneous screw fixation of the calcaneal fracture is a safe, effective, rapid, and minimally invasive surgical option for surgeons.

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Assessment of Intravesical Prostatic Protrusion in Radical Prostatectomy.

Background: Intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) is common in prostate-related diseases, whose clinical significance in radical prostatectomy was unknown. Methods: 791 patients underwent robot-assisted or open radical prostatectomy at our institution were enrolled. The transabdominal ultrasound examination of prostate and IPP was carried out preoperatively, by which IPP was classified as no (0-0.5cm, grade 0), slight (0.6-1.0cm, grade 1) and noticeable (>1.0cm, grade 2). Results: 185 (23.4%), 170 (21.5%) and 436 (55.1%) patients had no, slight and noticeable IPP, respectively. Generally, prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score and pT stage increased with IPP grade. In particular, cases with grade 0 IPP had a decreased proportion of seminal vesicles' involvement than those with grade 1 and grade 2 IPP (p=0.035). Reconstruction of the bladder neck (in robot-assisted group), increased surgical bleeding (>200ml), and prolonged postoperative hospital stays (>14 days) happened more in patients with grade 2 IPP. Blood transfusion only happened in patients with noticeable IPP. PSM of bladder neck was only associated with higher IPP grade in open surgery group (p=0.032), not in robot-assisted surgery group. Conclusion: IPP is associated with cancer aggressiveness, surgery difficulty and PSM of bladder neck in prostate cancer. Assessment of it provides more information for operations.

Robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer: long-term comparison of outcomes.

There is a lack of multi-institutional large-volume and long-term follow-up data on comparisons between robot-assisted surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery. This study compared the surgical and long-term survival outcomes between patients who underwent robot-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients from five large academic institutions who underwent either robot-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of endometrial cancer between 2012 and 2017, ensuring at least 5 years of potential follow-up. Intra- and postoperative outcomes, long-term disease-free survival, and overall survival were compared. The study cohort included 1,003 unselected patients: 551 and 452 patients received conventional laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 57 months. Postoperative complications were significantly less likely to occur in the robot-assisted surgery group compared to the laparoscopic surgery group (7.74% vs. 13.79%, P = 0.002), primarily limited to minor complications. There were no significant differences in survival: 5-year disease-free survival was 91.2% versus 90.0% (P = 0.628) and overall survival was 97.9% versus 96.8% (P = 0.285) in the robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery cohorts, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression models demonstrated that the mode of surgery was not associated with disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.897; confidence interval, 0.563-1.429) or overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.791; confidence interval, 0.330-1.895) after adjusting for confounding factors. Robot-assisted surgery for endometrial cancer demonstrates comparable long-term survival outcomes and a reduced incidence of postoperative minor complications when compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Lung mechanics during video-assisted abdominal surgery in Trendelenburg position: a cross-sectional propensity-matched comparison between classic laparoscopy and robotic-assisted surgery

BackgroundVideo-assisted surgery has become an increasingly used surgical technique in patients undergoing major thoracic and abdominal surgery and is associated with significant perioperative respiratory and cardiovascular changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intraoperative pneumoperitoneum during video-assisted surgery on respiratory physiology in patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery compared to patients undergoing classic laparoscopy in Trendelenburg position.MethodsTwenty-five patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) were compared with twenty patients undergoing classic laparoscopy (LAS). Intraoperative ventilatory parameters (lung compliance and plateau airway pressure) were recorded at five specific timepoints: after induction of anesthesia, after carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation, one-hour, and two-hours into surgery and at the end of surgery. At the same time, arterial and end-tidal CO2 values were noted and arterial to end-tidal CO2 gradient was calculated.ResultsWe observed a statistically significant difference in plateau pressure between RAS and LAS at one-hour (26.2 ± 4.5 cmH2O vs. 20.2 ± 3.5 cmH2O, p = 0.05) and two-hour intervals (25.2 ± 5.7 cmH2O vs. 17.9 ± 3.1 cmH2O, p = 0.01) during surgery and at the end of surgery (19.9 ± 5.0 cmH2O vs. 17.0 ± 2.7 cmH2O, p = 0.02). Significant changes in lung compliance were also observed between groups at one-hour (28.2 ± 8.5 mL/cmH2O vs. 40.5 ± 13.9 mL/cmH2O, p = 0.01) and two-hour intervals (26.2 ± 7.8 mL/cmH2O vs. 54.6 ± 16.9 mL/cmH2O, p = 0.01) and at the end of surgery (36.3 ± 9.9 mL/cmH2O vs. 58.2 ± 21.3 mL/cmH2O, p = 0.01). At the end of surgery, plateau pressures remained higher than preoperative values in both groups, but lung compliance remained significantly lower than preoperative values only in patients undergoing RAS with a mean 24% change compared to 1.7% change in the LAS group (p = 0.01). We also noted a more significant arterial to end-tidal CO2 gradient in the RAS group compared to LAS group at one-hour (12.9 ± 4.5 mmHg vs. 7.4 ± 4.4 mmHg, p = 0.02) and two-hours interval (15.2 ± 4.5 mmHg vs. 7.7 ± 4.9 mmHg, p = 0.02), as well as at the end of surgery (11.0 ± 6.6 mmHg vs. 7.0 ± 4.6 mmHg, p = 0.03).ConclusionVideo-assisted surgery is associated with significant changes in lung mechanics after induction of pneumoperitoneum. The observed changes are more severe and longer-lasting in patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery compared to classic laparoscopy.

Faster postoperative recovery by robotic-assisted surgery in elderly patients with sigmoid colon and rectal cancer

BackgroundCurrently, no published studies have compared the short-term and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted and open surgery for elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) with sigmoid colon and rectal cancer in China. Hence, our study was conducted to assess whether robotic-assisted surgery is superior to traditional approaches. MethodsA total of 208 patients who received either open resection (n ​= ​93) or robotic-assisted resection (n ​= ​115) between October 2010 and October 2014 were included in the study. We compared clinical characteristic variables and patient demographics between the two approaches and assessed short- and long-term outcomes. ResultsPatient characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. First flatus postoperative days (P ​< .001), less time to liquid diet (P ​= ​.004), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P ​= ​.046) were found in the robotic-assisted surgery group. The operation time was also more in the robotic-assisted surgery group (P ​= ​.03). The 3-year overall survival rate was 83.0% in the robotic-assisted surgery group and 78.0% in the open surgery group (P ​= ​.938). The 3-year disease free survival rate was 76.0% and 72.0% in the robotic-assisted surgery and open surgery groups, respectively (P ​= ​.817). No significant difference was found in the overall survival and disease-free survival between the two approaches. ConclusionsRobotic-assisted surgery is safe and feasible for elderly patients with sigmoid colon and rectal cancer and is associated with more operation time and faster recovery as compared to open surgery. No significant differences were found in 3-year survival outcomes between the two groups.

Robot-Assisted Resection of Intestinal Duplication in Children.

Background: Intestinal duplication is the most common type of alimentary tract duplications in childhood. Laparoscopic-assisted surgery has become the main surgical procedure, but robot-assisted resection has rarely been reported; the aim of this study was to retrospectively present our experience with robot-assisted intestinal duplication excision using the Da Vinci Xi surgical system and discuss the technical points. Methods: In total, 49 patients who were diagnosed with intestinal duplication and underwent surgery from April 2020 to February 2022 in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, were retrospectively analyzed. The data were collected including the clinical information of the patients, operative details, and postoperative outcomes. Results: Among these 49 patients, a total of 15 underwent robot-assisted surgery and 34 underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery. For the robot-assisted surgery group, all the cysts were peeled off by complete endoscope, the integrity of the intestine was preserved and intestinal resection and anastomosis were not required. The operation time of 80 minutes for the robot-assisted group was not significantly longer than the 90 minutes for the laparoscopic-assisted surgery group(P > .05), but the mean time to take the liquid diet after surgery and the average length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter (P < .05). Conclusion: Robot-assisted resection of intestinal duplication is safe and feasible and the refinement of the Da Vinci Xi surgical system was much better than that of the conventional laparoscopic equipment, resulting in significantly improved intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.