Ablative and reconstructive robotic-assisted laparoscopic renal surgery

Introduction: The increasing role of robotic technology to facilitate surgical procedures has attracted much attention from surgeons and patients alike. In particular, the dramatic increase in the number of laparoscopic radical prostatectomies performed using the da Vinci^TM surgical system has led to interest in using this technology for other procedures. We have evaluated our own experience performing ablative and reconstructive laparoscopic renal surgery using the da Vinci^TM system to determine its potential role. Aims: To review our experience of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic procedures of the upper urinary tract. Materials and methods: Our da Vinci^TM system was installed in June 2004. A prospective database has been maintained concerning all patients and procedures performed from that time. Procedures involving the upper urinary tract were identified and the data was examined. This included patient demographics, operative time, blood loss, hospital stay and patient outcomes. Results: Twenty‐six robotic procedures involved the upper urinary tract. Of these, two had to be converted to conventional laparoscopic surgery because of da Vinci^TM mechanical failure. Robotic‐assisted procedures included pyeloplasty (n = 15), simple nephrectomy (n = 2), radical nephrectomy (n = 1), nephroureterectomy (n = 2), and live donor nephrectomy (n = 4). The mean operative time was 215 min. The anastomotic time for the pyeloplasties averaged 47 min. The mean blood loss was 75 ml. There were no conversions to open surgery. The complication rate was 8.7%. Postoperative stay averaged 2.9 days. Conclusion: The da Vinci^TM surgical system may be safely used to assist in the performance of laparoscopic renal surgery.     

Successful cholecystectomy during robotic gastrectomy

Abstract

Background: Surgeons have successfully combined various laparoscopic procedures with increasing technical ease. However, few reports exist regarding the feasibility of combined robotic operations. We present our institution's successful concomitant robotic surgery for early gastric cancer and coexisting gallbladder disease. Material and methods: From our prospectively collected database, seven patients who received robotic cholecystectomies during their robotic gastric cancer operations were retrospectively compared to 247 patients who underwent robotic gastrectomies alone. Preoperative patient characteristics, operative factors, postoperative length of stay, and complications were evaluated. Results: The preoperative patient characteristics and operative factors did not differ between the two groups. All robotic cholecystectomies were performed with the same ports and instruments used during robotic gastrectomies without open conversion, robot redocking or patient repositioning. Mean time to perform robotic cholecystectomies was 15.1 + 3.2 minutes. The combined group had no mortality, one wound infection, and one intraabdominal fluid collection at the gastric resection bed, which were comparable to the gastrectomy alone group. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was unaltered by the addition of the cholecystectomy. Conclusions: Robotic cholecystectomies can safely and efficiently be combined with robotic gastric cancer surgery, yielding several benefits. Improving robotic technology and experience may allow surgeons to efficiently combine more complicated procedures.     

Concept design of robotic modules for needlescopic surgery

Background: Many minimally invasive surgical procedures and assisting robotic systems have been developed to further minimize the number and size of incisions in the body surface. This paper presents a new idea combining the advantages of modular robotic surgery, single incision laparoscopic surgery and needlescopic surgery.

Material and methods: In the proposed concept, modules carrying therapeutic or diagnostic tools are inserted in the abdominal cavity from the navel as in single incision laparoscopic surgery and assembled to 3-mm needle shafts penetrating the abdominal wall.

Results: A three degree-of-freedom robotic module measuring 16?mm in diameter and 51?mm in length was designed and prototyped. The performance of the three connected robotic modules was evaluated.

Conclusion: A new idea of modular robotic surgery was proposed, and demonstrated by prototyping a 3-DOF robotic module. The performance of the connected robotic modules was evaluated, and the challenges and future work were summarized.     

Is the bipolar vessel sealer device an effective tool in robotic surgery? A retrospective analysis of our experience and a meta-analysis of the literature about different robotic procedures by investigating operative data and post-operative course

Background: The latest robotic bipolar vessel sealing tools have been described to be effective allowing to perform procedures with reduced blood loss and shorter operative times. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and reliability of these devices applied in different robotic procedures.

Material and methods: All robotic operations, between 2014 and 2016, were performed using the EndoWrist One VesselSealer (EWO, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA), a bipolar fully wristed device. Data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), were collected. Robot docking time, intraoperative blood loss, robot malfunctioning and overall operative time were analyzed. A meta-analysis of the literature was carried out to point the attention to three different parameters (mean blood loss, operating time and hospital stay) trying to identify how different coagulation devices may affect them.

Results: In 73 robotic procedures, the mean operative time was 118.2?minutes (75–125?minutes). Mean hospital stay was four days (2–10 days). There were two post-operative complications (2.74%).

Conclusions: The bipolar vessel sealer offers the efficacy of bipolar diathermy and the advantages of a fully wristed instrument. It does not require any change of instruments for coagulation or involvement of the bedside assistant surgeon. These characteristics lead to a reduction in operative time.     

Short-term clinical and oncological outcomes after single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid cancer: a retrospective clinical analysis of 30 cases

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic surgery+1 (SILS+1) radical resection of sigmoid and upper rectal cancer.MethodsThe clinical data of 30 consecutive patients with sigmoid and upper rectal cancer who underwent SILS+1 radical resection between October 2018 and January 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. An initial 5-cm periumbilical transverse incision was made. Then, a multiport device was placed in the umbilical incision. Two 10-mm ports were used for laparoscope insertion, and the other two ports were used for laparoscope device insertion. A 12-mm trocar was placed in the right lower abdominal quadrant under laparoscopic view and served as the surgeon’s dominant operating channel.ResultsAll operations were performed successfully without conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery or open operation. Three patients developed postoperative complications: one patient developed ileus, one developed postoperative bleeding, and one developed wound infection. There were no perioperative deaths.ConclusionsThe safety and feasibility of SILS+1 radical resection of sigmoid and upper rectal cancer was established by experienced surgeons in our study. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the advantages of this procedure compared with the benefits of conventional laparoscopic surgery.     

Needlescopic intragastric surgery facilitated by newly developed 2mm instruments

Background: Intragastric surgery is a percutaneous endoluminal surgery in the stomach aimed at resection of tumors located at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). We developed needlescopic intragastric surgery performed via 2?mm, 2?mm, and 5?mm ports (PEIGS-225).

Material and methods: In cooperation with Niti-On Co., Ltd. we developed a series of 2?mm instruments including grasping forceps, a cannula, a laparoscope, an electrocautery, scissors, and a needle holder. Operative technique: Two 2?mm trocars and a 5?mm one are inserted into the gastric lumen percutaneously. Intragastric procedures are performed by the instruments brought through those three ports. The specimen is extracted via the esophageal-oral route. The defect in the gastroesophageal wall is closed by hand-suture. After the intragastric procedure, the 5?mm stab wound on the gastric wall is closed by hand-suture, while the 2?mm wounds are left untreated. Patients: Between March and August 2015 PEIGS-225 was performed in five patients.

Results: There was no operative conversion. The mean operation time was 96?minutes. There were no perioperative complications. Pathological findings indicated that the margin was negative in all cases.

Conclusion: Needlescopic intragasric surgery performed via the smallest access (2?mm, 2?mm, 5?mm) is enabled by the 2?mm instruments developed by us.     

Under-table mounting for AESOP robot for laparoscopic flank surgery

Summary. Background and objectives: A new method of mounting the AESOP (Automated Endoscopic System for Optimal Positioning-Computer Motion Inc., Goleta, CA) robotic arm for use in laparoscopic flank procedures is described. Methods: The AESOP robotic arm was mounted on a specially developed bracket to allow under-table positioning of the device on a specially-designed radiolucent laparoscopic urology table (Orthopedic Systems Inc., Union City, CA). With the AESOP device controlling the laparoscope, laparoscopic right total nephrectomy was performed in a patient with renal failure and a lower pole renal mass. Results: The operative time was 315 min. The robotic arm was able to control the camera with the patient in the flank position, providing a stable, clear view during the procedure. Conclusions: The use of a robotic arm to manipulate the laparoscope can significantly assist laparoscopic surgery. The AESOP device, intended for attachment to a standard operating table to provide for robotic control of the laparoscope with the patient in the supine position, can be used for renal and/or ureteral laparoscopic surgery with the patient in the flank position using a new under-table mounting adapter.     

Initiation of a Robotic Program in Spinal Surgery: Experience at a Three-Site Medical Center

ObjectiveTo highlight the early experience of implementing a robotic spine surgery program at a three-site medical center, evaluating the impact of increasing experience on the operative time and number of procedures performed.Patients and MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients undergoing robotic screw placement between September 4, 2018, and October 16, 2019, was conducted. Baseline characteristics as well as intraoperative and post-operative outcomes were obtained.ResultsFor a total of 77 patients, the mean age (SD) was 55.7 years (11.5) and 49.4% (n=38) were female. A total of 402 screws were placed (384 pedicle screws, 18 cortical screws) using robotic guidance with a median of two operative levels (interquartile range [IQR], 1 to 2). Median (IQR) estimated blood loss was 100 mL (50 to 200 mL) and the median (IQR) operative time was 224 minutes (193 to 307 minutes). With accrual of surgical experience, operative time declined significantly (R=-0.39; P<.001) whereas the number of procedures performed per week increased (R=0.30; P=.05) throughout the study period. Median (IQR) length of hospital stay following surgery was 2 days (IQR, 2 to 3 days). There were two screws requiring revision intraoperatively. No postoperative revisions were required, and no complications were encountered related to screw placement.ConclusionEarly experience at our institution using a spinal robot has demonstrated no requirement for postoperative screw revisions and no complications related to screw malposition. The increased operative times were reduced as the frequency of procedures increased. Moreover, procedural times diminished over a short period with a weekly increasing number of procedures.     

Robot-integrated intraoperative ultrasound: Initial experience with hepatic malignancies

Purpose: A new robotic surgery tool allows intraoperative ultrasound to be performed using a fully robotic technique. Herein, we evaluate the feasibility and reliability of robotically integrated ultrasound to guide resection of malignant hepatic tumors. Material and methods: A consecutive series of ultrasound-guided robotic resections of primary and secondary hepatic malignancies was analyzed in terms of perioperative data and specimen evaluation, focusing on the reliability of the new robot-integrated ultrasound probe. Results: Ten consecutive patients underwent 15 robotic liver resections. Two patients were resected to excise primary hepatocellular cancers and eight underwent resections of liver metastases. R0 resections were achieved for all lesions. The median operative time was 247 min, and blood loss was limited. No mortality occurred. Conclusions: Our present analysis confirmed the reliability of fully robotic liver resection guided via robotically integrated ultrasonic assessment. Robotic surgery, particularly hepatic resection, may benefit greatly from better manageability, and the fact that the surgeon can directly manage both the operative and the diagnostic parts of the procedure.     

Torsion of Wandering Spleen: A Case Report

BackgroundWandering spleen is defined as the localization of the spleen in the lower parts of the abdomen or the pelvic region, rather than the left upper quadrant. The torsion of wandering spleen is a rare clinical condition.Case ReportWe evaluate a case diagnosed with torsion of wandering spleen and underwent splenectomy in our hospital and discuss it in light of the literature. A 26-year-old man presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and abdominal distention. The patient was diagnosed with the torsion of wandering spleen based on computed tomography scan results.Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This?The torsion of wandering spleen is rare in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain, but it is an important condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of wandering spleen should be made before the development of potentially life-threatening complications. Emergency surgery should be undertaken in patients with splenic infarction.     

Synchronous laparoscopic low anterior and transanal endoscopic microsurgery total mesorectal resection

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic low anterior resection (Lap LAR) and total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for mid and low rectal tumours. However, the pelvic resection in particular for bulky tumour in the narrow male pelvis has always been a challenge for surgeons. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a well-established technique and synchronous abdomino-perineal excision of rectum (APER) is also a standard procedure. Hence, we applied the same concept to Synchronous Lap LAR and Transanal-TME. Material and methods: Transanal TME was carried out with TEM instruments and rectoscope. Synchronous Lap LAR was performed and dissection joined to the pelvic part. The specimen was then retrieved via extension of the left lower quadrant port. An anvil was inserted into the proximal colon and intracorporeal transrectal anastomosis was performed to reconstitute the continuity of the bowel. Results: We reported the feasibility of transanal total mesorectal excision (TME) by combination of Synchronous Lap LAR and TEM. We operated on three cases, two male patients and one female patient. We performed an intracorporeal transanal stapled coloanal anastomosis in all of them using the KOL perineal set (Touchstone, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China). The trans-abdominal and transanal dissection can be joined together with ease and accuracy. Conclusions: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TME) by synchronous Lap LAR and TEM is feasible. We combine operative techniques which are well established, currently available and cost-effective for bulky tumour in the narrow pelvis.     

Laparoscopic approaches for splenic artery aneurysms

Abstract

Background: Therapeutic options for splenic artery aneurysm include endovascular management, laparoscopic surgery, and open surgery, although their indications and applications as standard therapy remain controversial. Methods: Between August 2009 and March 2011, three patients with splenic artery aneurysm were treated at our institution. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Results: There was no conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 204.7 min (range: 147–265 min) and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL (range: 0–90 mL). There was no mortality or morbidity. Conclusions: The laparoscopic approaches for splenic artery aneurysm were safe procedures.     

后腹腔镜加下腹小切口术治疗上尿路肿瘤（附18例报告）

目的探讨腹腔镜对肾盂或输尿管癌等上尿路肿瘤根治性切除术的手术方法,对加用下腹小切口术式的临床效果进行评价。方法回顾性分析18例行后腹腔镜加下腹部小切口肾盂癌或输尿管癌根治性切除术患者的临床资料及手术方法。结果手术均获成功,无一例中转开放;平均手术时间为120～176min,术中平均出血量110～200ml;术后肠功能恢复时间平均为26～48h,手术后30～48h下床活动;术后平均住院时间为6～8d。术中、术后未发生明显并发症。随访2～36个月均未见肿瘤复发及转移。结论后腹腔镜加下腹部小切口行肾盂癌和输尿管癌根治术是一种安全有效的微创方法,与传统开放手术和其他术式相比,具有手术时间短、出血少、恢复快、术后并发症少等优点。     

输尿管导管及锥形导丝在输尿管中上段碎石术中的临床应用

目的 探讨输尿管导管及锥形导丝在输尿管中上段碎石术中的临床应用效果。方法 选取于该院就诊的输尿管中上段结石患者150例,随机分为对照组（锥形导丝组）和观察组（输尿管导管组）,每组各75例。比较两组患者的手术时间、住院天数、总费用、术中结石逃逸情况、术后血尿、发热、肾绞痛等并发症发生情况和术后1个月结石排净率。结果 两组患者手术时间和治疗费用比较,差异均有统计学意义;住院天数、术中结石逃逸情况、术后并发症发生率和术后1个月结石排净率比较,差异均无统计学意义。结论 应用锥形导丝及输尿管导管治疗输尿管中上段结石,治疗效果明确且并发症少。输尿管导管较锥形导丝手术时间长,但锥形导丝治疗费用相对较高。     

Impact of stent design on clinical outcome after coronary stent implantation

Abstract

Robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System promises to extend the capabilities of minimally invasive surgery and many surgical specialties are applying this new technology. With the progress of robotic surgery, we have many opportunities to perform intracorporeal anastomosis and knotting. In these procedures, we use needle drivers, and we sometimes experience collapse of sutures after grasping them due to the lack of tactile feedback. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the decrease of durability and robotic manipulation and whether a difference in endurance can be observed using different types of robotic instruments or needle drivers for conventional laparoscopic surgery. We held 4-0 mono-filament sutures with three types of EndoWrist: Large Needle Driver (LND), Cadiere Forceps (CF) and Debaky Forceps (DF) of the da Vinci surgical system once or three times and measured the decrease of durability of the suture. The mean tensions of the suture were significantly decreased after robotic manipulation with LND. The mean tension after holding three times with LND was significantly less than that with the CF. During intracorporeal anastomosis and knotting in robotic surgery, it is important to decrease the necessity to hold the suture directly with EndoWrist. If needed, the best EndoWrist to use is CF or DF, but not LND.     

Crimped braided sleeves for soft,actuating arm in robotic abdominal surgery

Background: This paper investigates different types of crimped, braided sleeve used for a soft arm for robotic abdominal surgery, with the sleeve required to contain balloon expansion in the pneumatically actuating arm while it follows the required bending, elongation and diameter reduction of the arm. Material and methods: Three types of crimped, braided sleeves from PET (BraidPET) or nylon (BraidGreyNylon and BraidNylon, with different monofilament diameters) were fabricated and tested including geometrical and microstructural characterisation of the crimp and braid, mechanical tests and medical scratching tests for organ damage of domestic pigs. Results: BraidPET caused some organ damage, sliding under normal force of 2-5 N; this was attributed to the high roughness of the braid pattern, the higher friction coefficient of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) compared to nylon, and the high frequency of the crimp peaks for this sleeve. No organ damage was observed for the BraidNylon, attributed to both the lower roughness of the braid pattern and the low friction coefficient of nylon. BraidNylon also required the lowest tensile force during its elongation to similar maximum strain as that of BraidPET, translating to low power requirements. Conclusion: BraidNylon is recommended for the crimped sleeve of the arm designed for robotic abdominal surgery.     

Simultaneous bilateral robotic partial nephrectomy: Case report and critical evaluation of the technique

We report our first simultaneous bilateral robot assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN) in order to show and critically discuss the feasibility of this procedure. Materials and methods A 69-year-old male patient visited our department due to incidental finding of bilateral mesorenal small masses(2.5 cm on the right and 3.5 cm on the left) suspicious for malignancy. We started from the right side with patient in flank position. Port placement: 12-mm periumbilical camera port, two 8-mm robotic ports in wide ‘‘V'configuration, additional 12 mm assistant port on the midline between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis. A right unclamping RAPN with sliding clip renorrhaphy was performed. The trocars were removed and the robot undocked. Without interrupting the anesthesiological procedures, the patient was reported in supine position and, after 180 degrees rotation of the surgical bed, was newly placed in contralateral flank position. Using both the previous periumbilical and midline ports, two other 8-mm robotic trocars were placed. The robot was then redocked and RAPN was also performed on the left side using the same previously reported technique. Results Total time: 285 min. Estimated blood losses: 150 cc. Postoperativeperiod: uneventful. Pathological examination: bilateral renal cell carcinoma, negative surgical margins. Conclusions Our experience was encouraging and confirmed the feasibility and safety of this procedure. The planning of our technique was time and cost effective with cosmetic benefit for the patient. However, we think that an appropriate selection of the patients and a skill in robotic renal surgery are advisable before approaching this type of surgery.     

小儿经腹肠系膜间隙入路腹腔镜下肾盂成形术的疗效观察

目的总结经腹肠系膜间隙入路行腹腔镜下肾盂成形术的临床经验,探讨该术式治疗小儿左侧肾盂输尿管连接部狭窄导致肾盂积水的疗效。方法回顾性分析2014年5月-2020年5月该院18例采取经腹肠系膜间隙入路行腹腔镜下肾盂成形术患儿的临床资料。其中,男10例,女8例,年龄3~14岁,平均(5.7±2.9)岁,均为左侧。均采用经腹腔肠系膜间隙入路,术中将切开的肠系膜间隙用丝线悬吊于腹壁,便于手术野暴露。裁剪多余的肾盂后,采用Anderson-Hynes技术行肾盂输尿管成形术,自吻合口留置输尿管支架。统计手术时间、术中出血量、术后住院时间、术后肠道功能恢复时间,总结手术技巧及经验。术后通过彩超和发射体层仪(ECT)肾动态显像来评价手术效果。结果 18例患者均顺利完成手术,无中转开腹,手术时间75~130 min,平均(98.2±17.7) min,术中出血量5~20 mL,平均(10.0±3.7) mL,术后肠道功能恢复时间1~4 d,平均(1.9±1.0) d,术后住院时间2~5 d,平均(2.1±1.2) d,术后随访6~24个月,患者临床症状逐渐消失,术后6个月复查超声:肾盂前后径(APD)(7.9±1.7) mm,较术前的(34.8±2.0) mm明显缩小(P=0.000),术后6个月复查患侧分肾功能为(40.1±2.9)%,较术前的(28.1±3.0)%明显改善(P=0.000),手术成功率为100%。结论该入路行腹腔镜下肾盂成形术安全、有效,对患儿肠道影响较小,有利于患儿术后快速康复。     

A narrative review of thermoregulation techniques used by paediatric theatre staff during intra hospital transfer from paediatric theatres to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU)

IntroductionEffective thermoregulatory care during neonatal transfer for surgical procedures is crucial in preventing inadvertent neonatal hypothermia. This narrative review thereby aims to investigate thermoregulation techniques used by paediatric theatre staff to prevent neonatal hypothermia during the neonate's surgical journey from theatres to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).Key findingsThe review highlights the importance of continual temperature monitoring in ensuring prevention and diagnosis of hypothermia during intra hospital transfer. Additionally considerations for prevention of hypothermia in the theatre setting are identified including pre warming the theatre environment and equipment. The literature also identified that during intra hospital transfer of neonates following surgery there is a lack of specific guidelines relating to the exact combination of thermoregulation techniques required during such transfers. To prevent practices which are guided by theatre staff preference, findings suggest that guidelines are implemented that are clear, specific and standardised within surgical neonatal intra hospital transfer.ConclusionsThere is a lack of clinical guidelines pertaining specifically towards neonatal intra hospital transfer following neonatal surgery. Consequently, neonatal hypothermia has been reported post-transfer in research and the practice setting following transfers between Theatres to NICU. Thereby, further investigation of paediatric theatre staff neonatal thermoregulatory care is required along with the introduction of national standardised guidelines and paediatric theatre staff education to ensure evidence based practice.