Early results of one-year robotic surgery using the Da Vinci system to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures

Robotic technology has recently been introduced to gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery. We prospectively evaluated early results of robotic surgery using the Da Vinci system in our department. Data were prospectively collected in 40 patients who underwent robotic surgery during a 1-year period. We performed 3 cholecystectomies, 10 anterior fundoplications for gastroesophageal reflux disease, 17 transperitoneal adrenalectomies, 2 Heller myotomies, 5 procedures for rectal prolapse, and 3 colpohysteropexies for genital prolapse. The results for robotic adrenalectomies and anterior fundoplications were compared with the results from patients who underwent these procedures laparoscopically without robotic assistance at our department during the same period. We encountered two conversions to laparotomy (5%) and one conversion to standard laparoscopy (2.5%). There was no morbidity imputable to the robotic approach and no deaths. The mean operative times were significantly longer in robotic groups compared with laparoscopic groups for adrenalectomies and fundoplications. The Da Vinci robotic system enables surgeons to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures with ease, safety, and precision. We believe that preferable indications for using this system are to perform surgery in narrow spaces (pelvic surgery) or when precise dissection is mandatory (Heller myotomy).     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Preliminary results at our Center

The aim of our study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery, in terms of operative times, complications and length of hospital stay, using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.). Twenty-five patients underwent robotic procedures. The indications were gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 13 cases, achalasia in 2, cholelithiasis in 2, adrenal adenoma in Cushing syndrome in 6, pheochromocytoma in 2, and incidentaloma in 1. Robotic surgery was compared with the traditional laparoscopic approach. From January to September 2002 13 Nissen-Rossetti fundoplications, 2 Heller myotomies with Dor fundoplication, 2 cholecystectomies and 9 adrenalectomies (6 left adrenalectomies, 3 right adrenalectomies) were performed. There were no significant differences in age, preoperative body mass index (mean 28; range: 18-32) or sex between patients treated by robotic surgery and those treated by traditional laparoscopy. Operative times were significantly longer in the robotic surgery group (97.1 minutes, range: 77-126 minutes, versus 82.5 minutes, range: 65-100 minutes, for Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication; 132.8 minutes, range 104-181 minutes, versus 82.1 minutes, range 55-120 minutes, for adrenalectomy). There were no intraoperative complications. Conversion to traditional laparoscopy was necessary owing to technical difficulties in 4/9 adrenalectomies (44.4%; 3 left, 1 right). There was no significant difference in length of hospital stay (3.2 days, range 2-7 days, for Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication; 5.7 days, range 4-9 days, for adrenalectomy). Our study confirms the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. However, operative times were longer and costs higher, with no difference in outcomes. Given the current level of technology and experience, robotic surgery would not appear to afford any advantage over standard laparoscopic approaches.     

Robots in laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND: The Da Vinci Robotic System became available at our institution in late August 2000. We decided to utilize this system to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures. METHODS: This is a review of the status of robotics and its application in surgery. We report our experience using the Da Vinci system. RESULTS: We have used the Da Vinci for 34 advanced laparoscopic cases: 7 gastric bypasses for morbid obesity, 9 Heller myotomies for achalasia, 11 donor nephrectomies, 2 gastrojejunostomies, and single cases of bilateral adrenalectomy, Nissen fundoplication, Toupet fundoplication, and cholecystectomy. No robot-related complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This early experience suggests that robotic surgery is a safe and effective alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery. We believe that robotic surgery, with its ability to restore the hand-eye coordination and three-dimensional view lost in laparoscopic surgery, will allow us to perform complex procedures with greater precision and confidence and better results.     

达芬奇机器人系统与腹腔镜在子宫内膜癌手术治疗中的对比分析

目的:对比并探讨达芬奇机器人手术系统与传统腹腔镜手术在子宫内膜癌手术治疗中的安全性、有效性,并进行自我效能分析.方法:回顾性分析2015年9月～2020年1月上海交通大学医学院附属仁济医院妇产科收治的同一术者进行初始手术治疗的137例子宫内膜恶性肿瘤患者,其中达芬奇机器人组64例,腹腔镜组73例.统计分析两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结切除数目、术后肛门排气时间、术后引流放置时间、住院时间、术后自我效能评价.结果:达芬奇机器人组和腹腔镜组比较,患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后肛门排气时间、术后引流放置时间、住院时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);清扫淋巴结数量无差异(P>0.05).且达芬奇机器人组较腹腔镜组患者术后自我效能感评估更佳(P=0.001).结论:对于子宫内膜癌的手术治疗,达芬奇机器人手术系统较传统腹腔镜手术能够缩短患者恢复时间,在保证手术安全性下可以提高有效性.且达芬奇机器人较腹腔镜手术治疗子宫内膜恶性肿瘤患者术后自我效能感更佳,更利于子宫内膜癌患者术后心理康复.     

Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy using a remote-controlled robotic surgical system

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered the standard method for removal of benign adrenal tumors. Although laparoscopic surgery provides clear patient benefit, laparoscopic adrenalectomy using conventional instrumentation is complex. Our objective was to evaluate whether the da Vinci trade mark Surgical System, a comprehensive robotic endoscopic surgical device, could be used effectively to perform laparoscopic adrenalectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Through a transperitoneal approach, three right and one left adrenal tumors were removed in four patients using this method. RESULTS: There were no complications, and the clinical results were excellent. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the feasibility of performing laparoscopic adrenalectomy exclusively by using robotic telepresent technology from a remote workstation. The da Vinci System enables conventionally trained urologic surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive procedures with ease and precision. Therefore, we are convinced that the system helps the urologist to adapt the whole spectrum of laparoscopic procedure in this field.     

我国内地应用机器人与腹腔镜治疗直肠癌安全性和近期疗效比较的Meta分析

目的 系统评价我国内地应用达芬奇机器人手术系统与腹腔镜治疗直肠癌的安全性和近期疗效.方法 计算机检索PubMed、Cochrane Library、Embase、Geenmedical、Springer、中国知网、万方等数据库,检索收集我国内地应用达芬奇机器人手术系统与腹腔镜治疗直肠癌的随机对照试验和非随机对照试验.检...     

Early experiences of robotic surgery in children

Background: Laparoscopic surgery using a robotic system (Da Vinci) was recently introduced into surgical practice for adult patients. To investigate the feasibility of this system in pediatric surgery, laparoscopic fundoplication (Thal and Nissen), cholecystectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Methods: Eleven children with a mean age of 12 years (range, 7–16 years) underwent either laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication (Thal, n = 8) or Nissen fundoplication (n = 3) for correction of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the presence of uncontrolled symptoms of regurgitation and pulmonary infection. Two children underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. One child underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy due to a gonadoblastoma. Results: Mean operating time for fundoplication was 146 min (range, l05–180 min), the operating times for cholecystectomy were 150 and 105 min, and that for salpingo-oophorectomy was 95 min. No complications were registered during either the robotic procedures or the postoperative courses. Conclusions: Compared to conventional laparoscopy, the three-dimensional high-quality vision, advanced instrument movement, and improved ergonomic position of the surgeon appear to enhance surgical precision. Robotic surgery in children using the Da Vinci system seems to be feasible and safe. However, the technique is limited due to the fact that instruments adapted to the size of small children are not available. Furthermore, the high costs and prolonged system setup are disadvantages.     

Laparoscopic surgery in Europe. Where are we going?

The most important factors that have facilitated the development of laparoscopic surgery (LS) are technological innovations and the vision of a small number of surgeons who took advantage of these advances. There are few surgical innovations that have stimulated such controversies and concerns and have raised so many medico-legal issues as LS. Although much progress has been made in LS, some important controversies remain unresolved, which are reviewed in the present article: 1. Evolution of the laparoscopic approach: total laparoscopic approach through positive-pressure capnoperitoneum, gasless laparoscopy, hand-assisted laparoscopy, and laparoscopy-assisted surgery. 2. Classification of current instrumental technology in laparoscopic surgery: a) facilitating instruments (high-power ultrasonic dissection systems); b) enabling instruments (endostapling and linear dissection devices), and c) complementary instruments: the Da Vinci robotic system. 3. Current laparoscopic surgical practice: a) interventions that definitively improve the patient's outcome (diagnostic and staging laparoscopy, cholecystectomy, adrenalectomy, splenectomy, antireflux surgery, cardiomyotomy, bariatric surgery, laparoscopic colon surgery, living donor nephrectomy); b) interventions that seem to be useful to the patient (distal pancreatic surgery, laparoscopic left hepatic resection, gastric and esophageal resections, hernioplasty), and c) interventions with uncertain benefit (right hepatectomy, pancreatoduodenectomy). 4. Future lines of development: video monitors in laparoscopic surgery, endoluminal surgery, robotic surgery, and finally, 5. Problems faced by laparoscopic surgery: quality guarantees in laparoscopic surgery, training the future laparoscopic generation, and allocation of sufficient material and human resources to laparoscopic surgery and its subspecialties.     

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure performed with the da Vinci robot system: is it worth it?

BACKGROUND: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP) is in many countries the gold standard for obtaining long-lasting weight reduction and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. However, performing this operation by standard laparoscopic techniques requires important surgical skills because of the anastomoses involved. The da Vinci surgical robot system with its enhanced degrees of freedom in motion and three-dimensional vision is designed to overcome the difficulties encountered in traditional laparoscopic surgery with suturing and delicate tissue handling. METHODS: For this study, 45 patients (9 men) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 44.2 (range, 35.1-55.4) underwent RYGBP with the aid of the da Vinci robot system. They were compared with 45 consecutive patients with a mean BMI of 43.9 (range, 35.1-56.2) who underwent a laparoscopic RYGBP by the same surgeon during the same period. RESULTS: Overall, the total operating time was shorter for the laparoscopic cases (127 vs 212 min; p < 0.05). However, the last 10 robotic cases were performed in the same time span as the laparoscopic cases (136 vs 127 min). The total robotic setup time remained constant at about 30 min. There were no differences in postoperative complications between the two groups in terms of anastomotic leakage or stenosis. In the robotic group, more conversions to open surgery were noted. Early in the study, four patients (9%) had to undergo conversion to standard laparoscopic techniques due to inadequate setup of the robotic arms. Five patients (11%), however, had to undergo conversion to open surgery because of intestinal laceration during manipulation of the intestines with the robotic instruments. The costs were higher for robotic surgery than for standard laparoscopic RYGBP, mainly because of the extra equipment used, such as ultrasonic devices. CONCLUSION: The RYGBP procedure can be performed safely with the da Vinci robot after a learning curve of about 35 cases. At this writing, however, it is not clear whether the da Vinci system offers a real advantage over standard laparoscopic techniques.     

Robotic radical hysterectomy: applying principles of the laparoscopic Pune technique

Minimal access surgery is an accepted treatment modality in cervical cancer. Despite the advantages of laparoscopy, the surgical technique of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is not very commonly performed. Robotic surgery is an emerging field with rapid acceptance because of the 3-dimensional image, dexterity of instruments and autonomy of camera control. We report here our technique of performing robotic radical hysterectomy using the Da Vinci surgical system. Twenty patients with cervical cancer stage 1a1–1b2 underwent robotic radical hysterectomy since December 2009. The median duration of surgery was 122 min, and the average blood loss was 100 ml. Postoperative ureteric fistulas occurred in two patients and were managed by ureteric stenting. The median lymph node retrieval was 30 nodes (range 18–38). We compared our robotic results with our published data on laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (Pune technique). We were able to complete all 20 cases robotically with minimal morbidity, and could duplicate our laparoscopic steps in robotic radical hysterectomy.     

应用达芬奇机器人手术系统治疗低位直肠癌

The first few cases of colonic surgery using Da Vinci surgical system were reported in 2002;since then,Da Vinci surgical system has gradually been used in several centers for rectal cancer and with favorable outcomes.Laparoscopy has opened a new era in modern surgery,however,the inherent limitations of traditional laparoscopic surgery may cause certain difficulties during manipulation,especially in the demanding field of colonic laparoscopic surgery,which prolonged the learning curve.The advantages of Da Vinci surgical system include stable camera platform,three-dimensional imaging,excellent ergonomics,tremor elimination,ambidextrous capability,motion scaling,and instruments with multiple degrees of freedom.Low rectal region was regarded as the"forbidden zone"for laparoscopy,so we applied the Da Vinci surgical system in low anterior resection for rectal cancer.Because of mulyiquadrant operations in low anterior resection of rectal cancer,moving the robotic cart twice during the operation is necessary,which increased the operation time.In order to solve the problem,many surgeons use conventional laparoscopy for vessel ligation and flexure mobilization,and adopt the Da Vinci surgical system only in the lower quadrant of the abdomen.We present a technique that allows for the complete isolation of the mesorectum from the same position of the robotic cart,during the process,the enhanced dexterity and precise dissection offered by the Da Vinci surgical system were fully utilized.     

Roboterassistierte Operationen in der Urologie

Since 1990, laparoscopic surgery has undergone a tremendous evolution. As patients and surgeons alike push toward minimally invasive surgery, more and more complex operations have been performed by laparoscopy. However, highly complex and technically demanding procedures - such as radical prostatectomy - have revealed the limits of classical laparoscopic surgery. The introduction of the Da Vinci robot has changed the face of modern laparoscopy because it provides the surgeon with three-dimensional vision, more instrumental degrees of freedom, and greater ergonomics.Thus, laparoscopy has been able to strengthen its role in urology and is increasingly being used for radical prostatectomies, pyeloplasties, and ureteral operations such as ureterovesical reimplantations. For most types of operations, functional and early oncological outcomes appear similar to those of conventional laparoscopy or open surgery. The main drawbacks of robotic surgery are the costs of the disposable instruments and maintenance, which overshadow the initial purchase price. The near future will show how European health systems will react to this new financial burden.Our institution, within a university hospital with moderate patient recruitment, was equipped with a four-arm Da Vinci robot in February 2006. As of April 2008, 120 urological operations had been performed. Because robotic surgery is associated with a specific learning curve, divisions with limited case numbers may refrain from doing this type of surgery. The aim of this article is to evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the initial period of a robotic program in a midsize division.     

Application of robotics in general surgery: initial experience

Robotic surgery was recently approved for clinical use in general abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the da Vinci surgical system during laparoscopic general surgical procedures. Eighteen patients underwent robotically assisted laparoscopic abdominal surgery between June 2002 and March 2003. Main outcome measures were operative time, room setup time, robotic arm-positioning and surgical time, blood loss, conversion to laparoscopy, length of stay, and morbidity. The types of robotically assisted laparoscopic procedures were excision of gastric leiomyoma (n = 1), Heller myotomy (n = 1), cholecystectomy (n = 2), gastric banding (n = 2), Nissen fundoplication (n = 4), and gastric bypass (n = 8). The mean room setup time was 63 +/- 14 minutes, and the mean robotic arm-positioning time was 16 +/- 7 minutes. Conversion to laparoscopy occurred in two (11%) of 18 cases because of equipment difficulty (n = 1) and technical difficulty (n = 1). Estimated blood loss was 91 +/- 71 mL. The mean operative time was 156 +/- 42 minutes, and the robotic operative time was 27% of the total operative time. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.2 +/- 1.5 days. There was one postoperative wound infection and one anastomotic stricture. Robotically assisted laparoscopic abdominal surgery is feasible and safe; however, the theoretical advantages of the da Vinci surgical system were not clinically apparent.     

Malfunction of the da Vinci robotic system in urology

Objectives: To analyze the incidence of malfunction of the da Vinci robotic system in a single center and to provide potential solutions. Methods: A total of 400 patients underwent da Vinci robotic urological surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital in Taichung, Taiwan, from December 2005 to April 2011. Episodes of malfunction of the robotic system were analyzed by period of operation, type of procedure, type of malfunction and management of the event. Results: Overall, 14 cases of malfunction occurred (3.5% of the entire series). Among them, five (1.25%) occurred before the surgery and nine (2.25%) intraoperatively. Operative procedures included radical prostatectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, dismembered pyeloplasty, partial nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, and radical and partial cystectomies. Areas of malfunctions included the robotic arm system and joint (11/14), optical system (1/14), power system and connector (1/14), endoscopic instrument (1/14), and software (1/14). In 10 cases, the failure was recoverable, whereas in four cases there was a critical failure, requiring a conversion to standard laparoscopy in three of them, and the rescheduling of the surgery in one case. Conclusions: The da Vinci robotic system is extremely reliable for use in urology. Malfunction is rare and the risk of critical failure is very low. Managing mechanical failure before or during the surgery is the key to maintaining the safety of patients undergoing robotic surgical procedures.     

Robotic surgery: considerations after 250 procedures

The aim of this study was to investigate the results of the first 250 procedures performed on 216 patients with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System (34/216 patients were submitted to double procedure). The purpose of the da Vinci surgical system is to exactly translate the surgeon's hand movements to the robotic arms that manipulate the laparoscopic instruments, thus facilitating minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci system has been available in our department since 2001. The first 50 procedures were simple cases (cholecystectomies and transperitoneal hernia repairs) and were performed during the learning curve of the surgical team. The last 200 procedures were more complex cases. Time of preparation of the robot gradually decreased with growing experience. The total conversion rate (to standard laparoscopy and to open surgery) was 4.8% (12/250); conversion to laparotomy was 2.8% (7/250). Morbidity was 8.8% (19/216), and reoperation was needed in 6 patients. Mortality was 1.8% (4/216). We conclude that robotic surgery has now moved beyond the learning phase with the device and may be routinely used in selected, more complex cases, such as colorectal surgery and surgery of the gastro-oesophageal junction. The device can also be used in pancreatic and gastric surgery.     

达芬奇机器人用于妇科手术的技术评价

目的:快速评估达芬奇机器人系统(Da Vinci surgical system,DVSS)用于妇科手术的有效性、安全性和经济性,为决策者提供决策证据.方法:计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、CNKI等数据库.由2位评价者根据纳入与排除标准独立筛选文献、提取资料和评价质量后行描述性分析.结果:纳入28篇涉及妇科恶性肿瘤及部分良性妇科疾病手术文献,包括22篇系统评价/Meta分析以及6篇经济性分析的研究.结果显示,达芬奇手术系统针对不同疾病的临床有效性和安全性结果有所差异.与传统开放手术方法相比,达芬奇手术系统虽延长了手术时间,但可缩短住院时间,并降低手术过程中的转换率、失血量和输血率;与传统腹腔镜手术相比,达芬奇手术系统可缩短住院时间,降低手术过程中的转换率、失血量和输血率.结论:达芬奇机器人手术系统在安全性和有效性上优于传统开放手术,但目前仍缺少证据证明达芬奇机器人手术系统比腹腔镜手术更具优越性,不过机器人手术在缩短住院时间方面可能会降低住院费用,这是机器人手术的潜在经济性.     

应用达芬奇机器人手术系统治疗94例肝胆胰疾病的经验总结

目的 总结达芬奇机器人手术系统治疗肝胆胰疾病的临床经验.方法 回顾性分析2009年1月至12月第二炮兵总医院应用达芬奇机器人手术系统治疗94例肝胆胰疾病患者的临床资料.结果 90例患者由达芬奇机器人手术系统完成手术,4例中转开腹,中转率为4%(4/94).肝脏手术16例,其中1例右肝后叶巨大血管瘤患者因血管瘤与下腔静脉关系密切,中转开腹;肝门部手术27例;胰腺手术19例,其中2例因胰头肿瘤巨大暴露不佳,1例因胆总管下段肿瘤太小,术中通过胆道镜探查+活组织检查无法明确肿瘤性质而中转开腹;其他部位手术32例(包括胆肠吻合6例,胆总管探查取石11例等).结论 应用达芬奇机器人手术系统可以完成各类型肝胆胰外科手术,拓展了腹腔镜外科的手术适应证.     

达芬奇机器人直肠癌根治术的现状和发展

达芬奇机器人手术是当前微创外科的最新潮流之一,它克服了传统腹腔镜的很多技术局限性,在提供立体视野、手术操作精细化和消除操作抖动等方面的优势显著。越来越多研究表明达芬奇机器人直肠癌手术安全可行。与传统腹腔镜手术相比较,机器人手术在降低中转开腹率、减少术后并发症率、改善术后生活质量等方面具有优势。在肿瘤远期生存方面,机器人术式与开腹手术、传统腹腔镜手术相当。近年来,机器人经自然腔道标本取出手术成为直肠癌治疗发展的重要分支。另外,在高速通信时代背景下,机器人系统将成为远程医疗的重点发展方向之一,积极推动远程会诊、学术交流、医院建设甚至就医模式的革新。     

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy. A new standard of care.

OBJECTIVE: The authors review their experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with benign adrenal neoplasms. Efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of the procedure are examined. BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is replacing open adrenalectomy in some medical centers as the standard surgical approach for uncomplicated tumors. However, laparoscopic adrenalectomy often is considered more difficult and more expensive than traditional "open" surgery. METHODS: Perioperative and postoperative records as well as hospital charges from the first 19 patients undergoing laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomies at the authors' medical institutions were examined and compared with 19 patients who underwent open unilateral adrenalectomies. RESULTS: None of the 19 patients undergoing unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy required conversion to open adrenalectomy. Mean operative times as well as total hospital charges were similar in those patients undergoing either laparoscopic or open adrenalectomy. However, the morbidity and postoperative length of hospital stay were significantly less in those patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be performed safety and with the benefits associated with minimally invasive surgery. In addition, the procedure is cost effective. These factors suggest that laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be the preferential surgical technique for benign adrenal disease.     

Long-term outcomes after robotic sacrocolpopexy in pelvic organ prolapse: prospective analysis

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and long-term outcomes of our initial series of robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Methods: We conducted a prospective analysis of our series of robotic sacrocolpopexy. Inclusion criteria: patients with grades III and IV cystocele and or other symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. We performed a transperitoneal four-trocar technique with the Da Vinci robotic system using two polypropylene meshes for fixation to the sacral promontory. The primary outcome was recurrence; secondary outcomes included operating room time, blood loss, conversion to open surgery, complications and length of stay. Results: 31 consecutive procedures were included. Mean patient age was 65.2 (50-81) years. Mean operating room time was 186 (150-230) min. We converted 1 case to laparoscopy (3.2%). There were two major complications (1 acute myocardial infarction and 1 reoperation for excess tension with syncopes), two minor complications (1 wound infection and 1 ileus) and no recurrences at a mean follow-up of 24.5 (16-33) months. Conclusions: Robotic sacrocolpopexy could possibly improve with experience after overcoming the learning curve. There is no doubt it is a reproducible technique, but its safety and efficacy still need to be proven. Our initial series demonstrated good outcomes and no recurrences at 24.5 months of follow-up.