Uniportal Surgery Research Articles

Subcostal uniportal robotic anatomic lung resection: A pilot trial

ObjectiveRobot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery typically necessitates the use of multiple ports. The new single-port robotic system (da Vinci SP system) platform is designed to perform uniportal surgery. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the da Vinci SP system when used for anatomical lung resection. MethodsPatients diagnosed with clinical stage I lung cancer requiring anatomical lung resections were considered eligible for this trial. The primary outcome measure was the rate of conversion, whereas the secondary objective focused on assessing the incidence of perioperative complications. ResultsThe study included 35 patients with a median age of 63 years (range, 48-74 years). Of these, 30 underwent lobectomy and 5 received segmentectomy. All surgeries were successfully performed using a subcostal approach, except for 1 patient, who required a thoracotomy conversion due to bleeding (conversion rate: 2.9%). The median docking time was 2 minutes (range, 1-8 minutes). For the 34 patients who completed uniportal surgery, the median total operating time was 194 minutes (range, 63-405 minutes), whereas the console time was 153 minutes (range, 93–267 minutes). The median number of harvested nodes was 13 (range, 5-37), while the median number of nodal stations was 6 (rang, 4-8). There were no in-hospital fatalities, and the median postoperative stay was 3 days (range, 2-12 days). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of using the da Vinci SP system for anatomical lung resection through a subcostal approach. ClinicalTrials.gov identifierNCT05535712.

Complications of Endoscopic Thoracic Spine Surgery: Overview and Complication Avoidance

In endoscopic thoracic spine surgery, adaptations of thoracic surgical techniques such as full endoscopic uniportal and biportal surgical techniques have been developed. Full endoscopic uniportal surgery for thoracic disc herniation or thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) has been performed via transforaminal and interlaminar approaches. In the case of thoracic OLF or thoracic spinal stenosis, the uniportal interlaminar approach is appropriate. The uniportal interlaminar approach has been used to treat thoracic OLF and has shown good surgical results. Thoracic OLF removal via a biportal endoscopic technique has been developed recently and is described in a few studies. Although endoscopic thoracic spine surgery has significant advantages, complications often occur with this approach. We reviewed the literature to date on the complications associated with endoscopic spine surgery in thoracic pathology. This review emphasizes how to avoid and manage complications. Based on the results of several previous studies, endoscopic thoracic spine surgery could be associated with fewer potential complications than conventional surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery has remarkable advantages; however, endoscopic thoracic surgery is technically challenging and is potentially associated with serious complications. To minimize the risk of avoidable complications, surgeons should be familiar with prevention methods and pitfalls.

Comparison of active versus passive robotic-endoscope-holder-assisted unisurgeon uniportal thoracoscopic surgery in terms of surgical efficacy and patient safety.

Few studies have compared robotic-arm-assisted unisurgeon uniportal surgeries with conventional human-assisted uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATSs) in terms of surgical efficacy and patient safety. In the present study, we compared the aforementioned surgeries. We explored two robotic endoscope holders-a passive robotic platform (ENDOFIXexo, EA group) and a pedal-controlled active robotic platform (MTG-100, MA group)-for unisurgeon uniportal surgeries and compared the surgical outcomes with those of human-assisted uniportal surgeries (HA group) in 228 patients with a lung lesion (size, <5 cm). The primary parameters for this comparison were surgical efficacy, patient safety, and short-term patient outcomes. No significant differences were observed among the EA, MA, and HA groups. The success rate of robotic-arm-assisted unisurgeon uniportal wedge resection was 100%, regardless of the group. No major differences were noted in preparation time between the EA and MA groups. Segmentectomy was more favorable in the EA group than in the MA group. The rates of surgical conversion were 5% and 60% in the EA and MA groups, respectively. The EA and MA groups did not differ considerably from the HA group in terms of postoperative complications. Unisurgeon uniportal wedge resection may be effectively performed using a robotic endoscope holder, without the need for any human assistants with an expert hand. However, the rate of surgical conversion increases with the complexity of uniportal anatomic resections. The passive platform appears to be more suitable for unisurgeon uniportal surgery than the active pedal-controlled platform given the equipment in contemporary operating rooms.

The transition to uniportal robotic surgery in the second decade of uniportal surgery.

The transition to uniportal robotic surgery in the second decade of uniportal surgery.

Clinical outcomes of uniportal compared with biportal endoscopic decompression for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) treatment has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques. Endoscopic methods take the concepts applied to MIS a step further, with multiple studies showing that endoscopic techniques have outcomes that are similar to those of more traditional approaches. The aim of this study was to perform an updated meta-analysis and systematic review of studies comparing the outcomes between both available endoscopic techniques (uni and biportal) for the treatment of LSS. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search and compared the randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies of uniportal and biportal endoscopy in the treatment of LSS from several databases. Bias was assessed using quality assessment criteria and funnel plots. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to synthesize the metadata. The authors used Review Manager 5.4 to manage the date and perform the review. After a preliminary selection of 388 studies from electronic databases, the full inclusion criteria were applied; three studies were found to be eligible for inclusion. There were 184 patients from three unique studies. Meta-analysis of visual analog scale score for low back pain and leg pain showed no significant difference at the final follow-up (P = 0.51 and P = 0.66). ODI score after biportal surgery was lower than uniportal surgery [SMD = 0.34, 95% CI (0.04, 0.63), P = 0.02]. The mean operation time was similar in the unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and uniportal groups (P = 0.53). The UBE group was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (P = 0.05). Complications were similar in both groups (P = 0.89). Current evidence shows no significant differences in most clinical outcomes between uniportal and biportal surgery. UBE may have a better ODI score at the end of the follow-up compared to uniportal. Further studies are required before drawing a definite conclusion. PROSPERO prospective register of systematic reviews: Registration Nº. CRD42022339078, Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/displayrecord.php?ID=CRD42022339078.

The transition to uniportal robotic surgery in the second decade of uniportal surgery.

Uniportal robotic surgery was created by Dr. Diego Gonzalez-Rivas as a fusion of his decade of experience with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and his recent experience with the Intuitive Robotic System. It represents, in his view, the natural evolution of the uniportal technique in the era of robotic surgery. In this article, we discuss some of the novel issues that this raises, including capacitive coupling, and we describe the technique in detail to help surgeons who may be interested in starting uniportal robotic surgery. We go through case selection, which should start with wedge resections and lymphadenectomy. We look at port placement, which is more posterior and lower than the usual uniportal VATS approach, and we discuss the optimal instruments and ports for the technique. We discuss the role of the assistant in uniportal robotic surgery, which is a key part of the operation as we regard this as a two-surgeon technique. We then discuss the future and other possible robotic platforms that might be suitable for uniportal robotic surgery. It is an exciting new development for robotic surgery, and we recommend that this technique is suitable for advanced surgeons who are experienced in uniportal VATS lobectomy and in multiportal robotic surgery.

Percutaneous full-endoscopic uniportal decompression for the treatment of symptomatic idiopathic lumbar spinal epidural lipomatosis: Technical note.

BackgroundLumbar spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue within the spinal canal, compressing the dura sac and/or nerve roots. When conservative treatments fail and clinical symptoms progress quickly and seriously, surgical decompression should be considered. With the rapid development of endoscopic armamentaria and techniques, the pathological scope that can be treated by percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery is ever expanding.ObjectiveIn this paper, the authors describe a patient with lumbar spinal epidural lipomatosis who was treated with a percutaneous full-endoscopic uniportal decompression surgery successfully. This article aims to validate the feasibility of percutaneous full-endoscopic uniportal decompression for the treatment of symptomatic idiopathic spinal epidural lipomatosis via interlaminar approach.MethodsWe describe a case of a 69-year-old man with a 10-year history of low back pain, intermittent claudication, and bilateral leg neuropathic pain. He was diagnosed with lumbar epidural lipomatosis, which did not respond to conservative therapy. After a comprehensive evaluation, he underwent percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery to remove hyperplastic adipose tissue and decompress nerve roots and dura sac.ResultsThe patient was treated with a percutaneous full-endoscopic uniportal decompression surgery successfully. After the procedure, his leg pain decreased and his walking capacity improved. There were no surgery-related complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, incision infection, etc.ConclusionsThe case with SEL was successfully treated with a percutaneous full-endoscopic uniportal surgery, which has the advantages of excellent presentation of anatomical structures, expanded field of vision, less surgical-related trauma, and bleeding. The key point of the procedure is to release and cut off the bands which divide the epidural space into small rooms filled with excess adipose tissue.

Splitting the imaging system from the laparoendoscopic single site surgery device in endoscopic uniportal surgery: ZEUS project

The use of a rigid tube endoscope (RTE) through a laparoendoscopic single site surgery device for intracavitary visualization during endoscopic uniportal surgery (EUS) is directly related to the fulcrum effect and physical competition (externally between surgeons and on instrumentation through the single port). These facts may have precluded a wider spread of EUS. In an attempt to separate the imaging system from the laparoendoscopic single site surgery device, a tiered project (3 models) that can help overcome these drawbacks is detailed. ZEUS1, a new non-RTE imaging system device for EUS was successfully tested in EUS surgery in a pig model. Still under investigation, ZEUS2 becomes a wired structure that serves as the basis for an endoscopic microcamera with intracavitary pan-tilt-zoom functions. ZEUS3 uses the inner ring of the surgical wound protector as a microchamber crown. Further studies are needed to materialize the ZEUS2 and ZEUS3 models and confirm their efficacy and safety.

Cirugía torácica por puerto único Experiencia inicial

Introduction: video assisted thoracic surgery is widely accepted today as a safe, feasible and effective procedure to treat almost all thoracic conditions. In 2010, uniportal complex procedures begin to appear in scientific publications around the world, evidencing major expansion. This surgical approach is at least comparable to the multiportal approach in terms of postoperative results or even in regards to pain, intercostal neuralgia and length of hospital stay. We performed a retrospective study of uniportal procedures between September 2018 and August 2020.Results: 40 patients underwent uniportal thoracic surgeries. 18 of these were subject to anatomic resections (45%), 19 to atypical resection (non-anatomic), one thymectomy and two pleural biopsies, 12 lobectomies (30%), 3 neumomectomies (7,5%) and 3 segmentomectomies (7,5%). In 6 patients the procedure was converted to an open surgery (15%) and one patient died for respiratory sepsis. As to the occurrence of complications, 8 complications were seen in anatomic resections (5 major complications) and 4 complications in non-anatomic resections (2 major complications). One patient reported pain that lasted over one week in the postoperative stage, another one referred paresthesia and two reported dyspnea. Length of stay in the hospital was 8 days in anatomic resections and 5.8 days of pleural drainage, whereas in non-anatomic resections it was 5.5 and 3.3 respectively.Conclusion: uniportal surgery is safe and feasible in a relatively small health center.

A World-First Surgical Instrument for Minimally Invasive Robotically-Enabled Transplantation of Heart Patches for Myocardial Regeneration: A Brief Research Report.

Background: Patch-based approaches to regenerating damaged myocardium include epicardial surgical transplantation of heart patches. By the time this therapy is ready for widespread clinical use, it may be important that patches can be delivered via minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches. This brief research report describes a world-first minimally invasive patch transplantation surgical device design enabled for human operation, master-slave, and fully automated robotic control.Method: Over a 12-month period (2019–20) in our multidisciplinary team we designed a surgical instrument to transplant heart patches to the epicardial surface. The device was designed for use via uni-portal or multi-portal Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS). For preliminary feasibility and sizing, we used a 3D printer to produce parts of a flexible resin model from a computer-aided design (CAD) software platform in preparation for more robust high-resolution metal manufacturing.Results: The instrument was designed as a sheath containing foldable arms, <2 cm in diameter when infolded to fit minimally invasive thoracic ports. The total length was 35 cm. When the arms were projected from the sheath, three moveable mechanical arms at the distal end were designed to hold a patch. Features included: a rotational head allowing for the arms to be angled in real time, a surface with micro-attachment points for patches and a releasing mechanism to release the patch.Conclusion: This brief research report represents a first step on a potential pathway towards minimally invasive robotic epicardial patch transplantation. For full feasibility testing, future proof-of-concept studies, and efficacy trials will be needed.

Separación del sistema de imagen del dispositivo de cirugía laparoendoscópica de puerto único en cirugía endoscópica uniportal: proyecto ZEUS

The use of a rigid tube endoscope (RTE) through a laparoendoscopic single site surgery device for intracavitary visualization during endoscopic uniportal surgery (EUS) is directly related to the fulcrum effect and physical competition (externally between surgeons and on instrumentation through the single port). These facts may have precluded a wider spread of EUS. In an attempt to separate the imaging system from the laparoendoscopic single site surgery device, a tiered project (3 models) that can help overcome these drawbacks is detailed. ZEUS1, a new non-RTE imaging system device for EUS was successfully tested in EUS surgery in a pig model. Still under investigation, ZEUS2 becomes a wired structure that serves as the basis for an endoscopic microcamera with intracavitary pan-tilt-zoom functions. ZEUS3 uses the inner ring of the surgical wound protector as a microchamber crown. Further studies are needed to materialize the ZEUS2 and ZEUS3 models and confirm their efficacy and safety.

Off-Label Use of T-Tube as Chest Drainage for Uniportal Surgery

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery implies the positioning of a single chest drain at the mid thorax level. Therefore, this tube cannot reach simultaneously the basal and apical regions of the pleural cavity. We propose the off-label use of a T-tube usually utilized in biliary duct surgery. Despite mid thorax insertion, this tube allows effective air and fluid drainage of the entire pleural space. We tested it in 10 patients undergoing uniportal surgery and report satisfactory results. No postoperative chest tube displacement, pleural effusion infection, or subatelectasies occurred. We conclude that the T-tube represents a good alternative in patients at high risk of postoperative effusion undergoing the uniportal approach.

Subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection

Subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection, in which all manipulations are performed via a 3-cm wound positioned below the xiphoid process, can be performed in the supine position without the patient having to change positions. It also enables one-stage bilateral lung resection. We report the surgical procedure and initial results of subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection. A 3-cm transverse incision was made 1 cm caudally below the xiphoid process. A port for uniportal surgery was inserted. After CO2 insufflation at 8 mmHg, the lung was grasped and lifted with bent grasping forceps, and by bending the tip of a stapler, the surgeon resected the affected portion of the bilateral lungs. In this approach, there is one incision, no intercostal nerve damage and bilateral surgery can be performed in the same procedure; therefore, the technique may have the benefit of lesser invasiveness for the patient. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of subxiphoid uniportal bilateral lung wedge resection with the one-stage lateral intercostal approach with a larger subject sample is needed.

Uniportal-video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery resection of a bronchogenic cyst: a case report

Bronchogenic cysts (BCs) are the most common benign cystic lesions in the mediastinum, 15–25% of cases originating from pulmonary parenchyma. It is often found incidentally as it is mostly asymptomatic until its growth in size and compression of surrounding structures, causing tachycardia, dysphagia, dyspnea, cough and chest pain or its complication (with symptoms such as fever, dyspnea and sputum production if the cyst communicates with a bronchus). In this paper we present the case of a 68-year-old female patient presenting a recurrent bronchogenic giant cyst in the right hemithorax, partially solved after drainage at its first presentation and finally resolved by excision in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) uniportal surgery after recurrence. Diagnosis was confirmed by a thoracic CT scan and pulmonary ultrasound. A multidisciplinary approach was necessary to decide the best strategy and timing for the treatment of the pathology. The surgical approach was necessary to allow removal of the source of infection that was not possible to treat with only antibiotic therapy. Uniportal-VATS (U-VATS) for the treatment of this case was safe and effective with good outcomes in terms of post-operative recovery. We therefore hope for future randomized studies to define the role of minimally invasive techniques in complicated BCs.

Uniportal and three-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy: analysis of the Italian video-assisted thoracic surgery group database

This study compares the uniportal with the 3-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) by examining the data collected in the Italian VATS Group Database. The primary end point was early postoperative pain; secondary end points were intraoperative and postoperative complications, surgical time, number of dissected lymph nodes and length of stay. This was an observational, retrospective, cohort, multicentre study on data collected by 49 Italian thoracic units. Inclusion criteria were clinical stage I-II non-small-cell lung cancer, uniportal or 3-portal VATS lobectomy and R0 resection. Exclusion criteria were cT3 disease, previous thoracic malignancy, induction therapy, significant comorbidities and conversion to other techniques. The pain parameter was dichotomized: the numeric rating scale ≤3 described mild pain, whereas the numeric rating scale score >3 described moderate/severe pain. The propensity score-adjusted generalized estimating equation was used to compare the uniportal with 3-portal lobectomy. Among 4338 patients enrolled from January 2014 to July 2017, 1980 met the inclusion criteria; 1808 patients underwent 3-portal lobectomy and 172 uniportal surgery. The adjusted generalized estimating equation regression model using the propensity score showed that over time pain decreased in both groups (P < 0.001). There was a statistical difference on the second and third postoperative days; odds ratio (OR) 2.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-3.21; P < 0.001] and OR 2.58 (95% CI 1.74-3.83; P < 0.001), respectively. The uniportal-VATS group had higher operative time (P < 0.001), shorter chest drain permanence (P < 0.001) and shorter length of stay (P < 0.001). Data from the Italian VATS Group Database showed that in clinical practice uniportal lobectomy seems to entail a higher risk of moderate/severe pain on second and third postoperative days.

Initial experience in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for major lung resections—Australia’s first uniportal VATS teaching program

The natural evolution of thoracic surgery has seen access to the thoracic cavity progress from open procedures to minimally invasive thoracoscopic techniques, viz; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The latter includes multi-port VATS, which is well-established around the world and likely the standard of care for many thoracic conditions. The clear advantages for VATS include a significant reduction in post-operative pain and associated chest wall paraesthesia, morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay with hastened recovery, whilst providing improved cosmetics. More recently, uniportal VATS surgery is gaining in popularity for the perceived benefits associated with breach of only a single intercostal space, while benefiting the surgeon with a view, which is similar to that of open surgery. In this article we describe our experience in establishing Australia’s first uniportal VATS teaching program with the proctorship of an internationally recognised expert and deliver the results of our first 12 months performing uniportal surgery.

Erratum to the development of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in São Paulo: from diagnosis to lobectomy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2016.10.79.].

Application of a three-dimensional video system in the training for uniportal thoracoscopic surgery.

Three-dimensional (3D) video systems offer better depth perception and are associated with improved performance during endoscopic or robotic surgery. We compared the impact of a 3D video system with a two-dimensional (2D) video system on a simulation program for uniportal thoracoscopic surgery. We launched an endoscopic simulation program for uniportal surgery using a 3D high-definition video system for training surgeons and medical students. This program included three basic surgical skills: (I) peg transfer, (II) passing a needle through a 3-mm hole, and (III) suturing on a tailor-made skin model. We evaluated the impact of 3D vision during simulation for uniportal surgery in each task. Overall, 113 trainees (85 surgeons in training and 28 medical students) who had not experienced a 3D video system were registered in the program. The three surgical simulation skills were evaluated under 2D and 3D video systems. The 3D video system allowed for shorter procedural times [92 participants (80.0%) in task 1, 102 (86.4%) in task 2, and 88 (74.6%) in task 3] and improved performance. Moreover, 65 s in task 1, 145 s in task 2, and 32 s in task 3 were shortened using the 3D video system. Post-simulation survey revealed improved depth perception (n=71, 60.2%) and handling of instruments on the uniportal surgical module (n=39, 33.1%) as advantages of the 3D video system during simulation. Sixty (50.8%) trainees were not negatively affected by the use of the 3D glasses; however, 53 (44.9%) felt eye discomfort during simulation. We concluded that the 3D video system has potential advantages, such as improved procedure time and handling of instruments, during basic simulation of uniportal surgery for surgical trainees.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery, and the uni-surgeon: new words for the contemporary world.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) is gaining popularity, and is currently performed by a team formed by one surgeon, one camera holder and one nurse. As expected, the new word "uni-surgeon" is becoming more and more common. In this article, using the example of thoracic surgery, I try briefly to analyze the pro and cons of the uniportal-single incision VATS and uni-surgeon in the modern world, and how uniportal surgery may bring a novel dimension to the future of surgery.

Perspective on uniportal thoracic surgery: where do we stand and what is the future.

Uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) is undoubtedly one of the recent most significant innovation in the field of pulmonary resection. The concept of a single incision, minimally invasive, thoracic procedure moved its first step in the late 90'. In more recent years we had several reports of uniportal surgery for major lung resection, complex surgery and also awake major pulmonary surgery. In this perspective we will try to understand the definitions, the potential benefit, its limitation and the future possible evolution of this relatively novel technique.