Technique and follow-up of minimally invasive Heller myotomy for achalasia

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has been proven effective. Reliable predictive factors for outcome and the true benefit of the da Vinci robotic system, however, remain unknown. METHODS: Seventy patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy. The number of intraoperative perforations and the symptom-predictive value of postoperative esophagogram width measurement at the gastroesophageal junction were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 11%. Four patients experienced intraoperative perforation during the laparoscopic technique. No perforations were experienced with the da Vinci robotic system (n = 19). Of the total, 82% of patients had resolution of dysphagia, 91% of regurgitation, 91% of heartburn and 82% of chest pain. Immediate postoperative esophagogram gastroesophageal junction width demonstrated a positive predictive trend from 0 to 10 mm for dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is an effective treatment for achalasia. Immediate postoperative esophagogram gastroesophageal junction width measurement as a predictor for symptom resolution requires further study.     

Initial experience with the four-arm computer-enhanced telesurgery device in foregut surgery

BACKGROUND: The da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) has been used effectively and with good results. Previously, the surgeon could manipulate three arms on the robot: one camera port and two working ports. This configuration required a second surgeon for most general surgical procedures. Recently, the robotic device has been modified to include a fourth arm, adding another computer-assisted instrument that the surgeon can manipulate. In this report, we describe our experience with the da Vinci robot with a fourth arm modification for the performance of selected surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of six patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent surgery using the modified da Vinci robot. Their average age was 56 years. Five patients underwent Nissen fundoplication, and one patient underwent Heller myotomy. Operative time, defined as the time from skin incision to completed skin closure, as well as robotic time, defined as the time during which the robot was being used, were recorded. Intra-operative and perioperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Average operative and robotic times for Nissen fundoplication were 134 and 80 minutes, respectively. Operative and robotic times for the Heller myotomy were 118 and 70 minutes. All patients tolerated the procedure well and experienced no perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The da Vinci robot with the addition of the fourth arm results in a efficient and safe operation and allows the surgeon to perform additional maneuvers without the use of a surgical assistant.     

达芬奇机器人胃癌根治术的现状与发展

作为微创手术领域的前沿技术,达芬奇机器人手术系统受到越来越多的关注。与传统腹腔镜手术相比,达芬奇机器人胃癌根治术具有术中出血少、术后并发症发生率低等优势,但也存在手术时间长、费用昂贵等不足。随着手术机器人缺陷的改进、新型手术机器人的研制以及通信技术的发展,机器人手术系统在胃癌外科领域有广阔的应用前景。     

Robotic surgery using Senhance® robotic platform: single center experience with first 100 cases

Journal of Robotic Surgery - Until recently, robotic surgery has been associated only with the da Vinci robotic system. A novel Senhance® robotic system (TransEnterix Surgical Inc.,...     

Robotic technology and the translation of open radical prostatectomy to laparoscopy: the early Frankfurt experience with robotic radical prostatectomy and one year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a complex procedure and has been standardized only during the last years. The remote controlled da Vinci Surgical System has opened up a new era in minimally invasive surgery. We here present our initial experience with the translation of open retropubic radical prostatectomy to laparoscopic technique using da Vinci and a one year follow-up. METHODS: After a period of technical development and training on cadavers, 40 consecutive patients eligible for radical prostatectomy were treated. After port placement, the urologist took control of the 3D 30 degrees laparoscope and the two instrument arms at the da Vinci remote console to perform bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, radical prostatovesiculectomy and urethrovesical anastomosis. RESULTS: The procedure was completed laparoscopically in all but two patients. Mean procedure time was 8.3 hours and mean intra-operative blood loss 570 ml. Learning curves associated with the use of the da Vinci Surgical System show that there is a 22-minute decrease in time required to perform the radical prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy for each case (p<0.0001). Patients recovered rapidly after surgery with early oncological and functional results that were similar to those obtained with our standard radical prostatectomy technique. CONCLUSIONS: Remote controlled robotic surgical systems are useful to translate open retropubic radical prostatectomy to laparoscopy. This new technology has the potential to equip the urologist with the microsurgical precision needed to preserve the delicate structural integrity of the pelvic floor in order to improve functional results without compromising the oncological outcome.     

Early experience using the da Vinci Surgical System for the treatment of mediastinal tumors

Purpose  

The da Vinci Surgical System has been used in only a few cases for treating mediastinal tumors in Japan. Recently, we used the da Vinci Surgical System for various types of anterior and middle mediastinal tumors in clinical practice. We report our early experience using the da Vinci Surgical System.     

Robot‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Hybrid Esophagectomy in the Semi‐Prone Position Under Pneumothorax

We performed robot‐assisted thoracoscopic hybrid esophagectomy using the da Vinci Surgical System and demonstrated the potential benefit of this minimally invasive lymphadenectomy. Between April 2010 and October 2011, four patients with intrathoracic esophageal cancer underwent hybrid esophagectomy in the semi‐prone position using a 3‐arm standard da Vinci and a conventional thoracoscopic maneuver. All thoracoscopic procedures were completed using a robot‐assisted technique. Robot‐assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the semi‐prone position is safe and technically feasible. A hybrid procedure that combined standard da Vinci with conventional thoracosopic maneuvers overcomes the difficulties associated with using a standard da Vinci.     

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??Application value and evaluation of robotic surgical system in robotic thyroidectomy YAN Ji-qi. Department of General Surgery, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
Abstract With advantages of excellent three dimension visualization and increased dexterous manipulation??da Vinci robotic system has been widely used in surgical operation practice??and gradually extended to all surgical subspecialities. Since the first introduce of robotic thyroidectomy in 2007??da Vinci system integrates the advantages of endoscopic and open thyroid surgery. The high system technique assures accuracy and safety of robotic thyroidectomy. Under the clinical accumulation of operation experience??robotic thyroidectomy gradually demonstrates its unique advantages.     

Precision in robotic rectal surgery using the da Vinci Xi system and integrated table motion,a technical note

Robotic rectal surgery is becoming increasingly more popular among colorectal surgeons. However, time spent on robotic platform docking, arm clashing and undocking of the platform during the procedure are factors that surgeons often find cumbersome and time consuming. The newest surgical platform, the da Vinci Xi, coupled with integrated table motion can help to overcome these problems. This technical note aims to describe a standardised operative technique of single docking robotic rectal surgery using the da Vinci Xi system and integrated table motion. A stepwise approach of the da Vinci docking process and surgical technique is described accompanied by an intra-operative video that demonstrates this technique. We also present data collected from a prospectively maintained database. 33 consecutive rectal cancer patients (24 male, 9 female) received robotic rectal surgery with the da Vinci Xi during the preparation of this technical note. 29 (88%) patients had anterior resections, and four (12%) had abdominoperineal excisions. There were no conversions, no anastomotic leaks and no mortality. Median operation time was 331 (249–372) min, blood loss 20 (20–45) mls and length of stay 6.5 (4–8) days. 30-day readmission rate and re-operation rates were 3% (n = 1). This standardised technique of single docking robotic rectal surgery with the da Vinci Xi is safe, feasible and reproducible. The technological advances of the new robotic system facilitate the totally robotic single docking approach.     

应用机器人手术系统行甲状腺手术价值及评价

达芬奇机器人手术系统已经广泛应用于外科手术操作实践中,凭借其卓越的三维成像系统和高度灵活的操作系统,正逐步推广至外科各亚专科领域。2007年达芬奇机器人手术系统被首次引入甲状腺手术操作,其整合了腔镜与开放甲状腺手术的优势,高度保证了甲状腺手术的精准度和安全性,并随着手术经验的积累,逐渐显示出其独特的优势。     

Robot-assisted surgical staging for ovarian cancer in pregnant women

The use of the da Vinci Surgical System is becoming popular among surgeons as it allows more control than the standard laparoscopic approach, with comparable benefits and risks. The use of the da Vinci Surgical System during pregnancy was reported earlier and showed to be as safe as laparoscopy. The use of the da Vinci Surgical System in ovarian cancer during pregnancy has not been reported before. To our knowledge, this is the first report of robot-assisted surgical staging for presumed early ovarian cancer. Two women aged 29 and 39 underwent laparotomy for ovarian cystectomy, for presumed benign pathology; the final pathology showed ovarian malignancy. Both patients were referred to a tertiary center and meanwhile became pregnant, and decided to keep the pregnancy. The staging was achieved using robot-assisted surgery in mid-trimester. The use of the da Vinci Surgical System during pregnancy is feasible and safe at mid-trimester. More robot-assisted surgeries during pregnancy will be needed before final recommendations can be made.     

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。     

Robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site pyeloplasty: technique using the da Vinci Si robotic platform

Conventional laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LP) is an established alternative to open pyeloplasty given equivalent intermediate-term outcomes and decreased morbidity. Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) pyeloplasty has the potential to further decrease the morbidity of LP, while yielding superior cosmesis. It is, however, technically very challenging even with the use of an accessory port, largely because of the difficulty of intracorporeal suturing through a single umbilical incision. Application of the da Vinci robotic surgical platform to LESS pyeloplasty (R-LESS) has the potential to overcome these limitations. We describe our technique for R-LESS pyeloplasty using the da Vinci Si robot. We have found that use of the robotic system in conjunction with certain technique modifications helps to reduce the technical difficulty of LESS pyeloplasty and to shorten the physical learning curve associated with the procedure.     

Robotic‐assisted deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap abdominal harvest for breast reconstruction: A case report

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a mainstay of autologous breast reconstruction. The da Vinci robot has recently been adapted for an increasing number of reconstructive surgeries. The literature has yet to describe its use for the intra‐abdominal harvest of the deep inferior epigastric vessels (DIEV) during DIEP flap breast reconstruction. We show the use of the da Vinci robotic surgical system for the intra‐abdominal dissection of DIEV during delayed breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap in a 51‐year‐old female who had undergone a right modified radical mastectomy. After dissecting the flap from the anterior abdominal wall leaving only the targeted perforating vessels intact, a 1.5 cm fascial incision was made adjacent to the perforator and the vessels were dissected to below the level of the fascia. The intra‐abdominal robotic‐assisted dissection of the DIEV up to the perforator was then completed. The DIEV were divided at their origin using the robot and the flap removed from the abdomen for subsequent reconstruction. This technique enabled improved precision of flap harvest while also decreasing the donor‐site morbidity by minimizing the incision length of the anterior rectus sheath. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and, at 9‐month follow‐up, exhibited no evidence of flap or donor‐site complications, specifically hernia or bulge. This novel approach for the harvest of a DIEP flap introduces an alternative technique to the conventional DIEP flap procedure in the appropriate patient population. Risks inherent to this technique as well as additional costs must be considered.     

Robotic harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle: a preclinical investigation and case report

In an attempt to decrease donor-site morbidity for rectus abdominis muscle harvest during free tissue transfer, we developed a technique of minimally invasive harvest. The da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) was used in two cadavers for dissection and harvest of four rectus abdominis muscles. After the cadaver dissections were performed, the technique was used in a 30-year-old woman to harvest the left rectus abdominis muscle for free tissue transfer to a lower extremity defect. Four cadaver dissections for harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle using the da Vinci Surgical System were performed. In the cadavers and actual case, three ports (11 mm, 11 mm, and 15 mm) were used to access the abdominal cavity and perform the dissection. An additional 3 cm incision was used to remove the muscle from the abdominal cavity. The patient has not developed any surgical-site morbidity, including bulge or hernia in the 6 months postprocedure. Minimally invasive harvest of the rectus abdominis muscle is possible with the assistance of the da Vinci Surgical System. Potential benefits may include decreased surgical-site morbidity. Also, this may provide an approach to minimally invasive transperitoneal reconstruction.     

Robot-assisted intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer: technique and short-term outcome for 29 consecutive patients

Background  

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancer has been described as the ultimate sphincter-saving procedure. Laparoscopic ISR has been proved safe with early postoperative benefits. Recently, some colorectal surgeons have begun to perform robot-assisted ISR to harness the advantages of the da Vinci robotic system. The authors present their short-term results for a robotic technique of ISR.     

Novel use of da Vinci Robotic Surgical System: removal of seminal vesicle cyst in previously dissected pelvis

We report a novel use of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System to remove a seminal vesicle cyst in a previously dissected pelvis.     

Robotic Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting

Purpose Great progress has been made in robotic surgery, and several reports on robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have been published. Our team at Kanazawa University began using the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) in 2005. We report our experience of using the da Vinci Surgical System for totally endoscopic internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting. Methods Between December 2005 and May 2006, we used the da Vinci Surgical System to harvest the ITA through three ports placed on the left side of the chest in 10 patients. Results All 10 ITAs were harvested successfully in a skeletonized fashion. The robotic harvesting time was reasonable at 38.8 ± 25.2 min, and the average length of harvested ITA was 16.2 ± 3.1 cm. After computer-enhanced ITA harvesting, seven patients underwent off-pump CABG and three patients underwent minimally invasive direct CABG. There was no mortality, and the postoperative patency rate of all grafts was 100%. Conclusions The da Vinci Surgical System provides a high-resolution stereoscopic image and allows remote, tremor-free, and scaled control of endoscopic surgical instruments with seven degrees of freedom. Computer-enhanced ITA harvesting was performed safely with excellent results.     

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: the Frankfurt technique

The robotic technique, which was first introduced in laparoscopic heart surgery, has revolutionized laparoscopic surgery over the last 5 years. In May 2000, our department accomplished the first robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Since that time we have performed more than 118 such procedures and several other laparoscopic operations using the robotic technique. We here summarize our experience in robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy as it has been developed over the past 3 years. Between May 2000 and May 2003, 118 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were operated using the telerobotic da Vinci Surgical System. Operations were performed with a senior surgeon at the console, assisted by an assistant and a nurse at the operating table. Bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection was undertaken as a first step in all patients. In the initial 60 cases, we investigated different laparoscopic approaches. We used transperitoneal as well as extraperitoneal approaches. For dissection of the prostate we used ascending, descending as well as combined techniques. The combined ascending and descending technique via the transperitoneal route was chosen in 30 patients, and via the extraperitoneal route in seven patients. A modification of the descending Montsouris technique was performed in 81 patients. The robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the da Vinci system has been well standardized. After performing more than 100 radical prostatectomies with this system, we conclude that in our hands the Mountsouris technique with only minor adoptions is the most appropriate technique for performing robot assisted radical prostatectomy.     

Detrusor myotomy: a 5-year review in unstable and non-compliant bladders

OBJECTIVE: To identify urodynamic factors that might determine the clinical outcome of detrusor myotomy in incontinent children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six girls and three boys (aged 5-14 years) underwent detrusor myotomy for severe urinary incontinence. Seven children had spina bifida, one had traumatic paraplegia and one had low bladder compliance. The patients were followed for a minimum of 5 years. RESULTS: Urodynamic studies before surgery showed that three patients had normal compliance with grossly unstable detrusor contractions, and six had low bladder compliance with few phasic detrusor contractions. Detrusor leak-point pressures were > 40 cmH2O in five patients and < 40 cmH2O in four. Only two patients, both with grossly unstable detrusor contractions and leak-point pressures of > 40 cmH2O, had a successful 5-year outcome. The other seven patients remained incontinent; six underwent further surgery and one died from unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: Detrusor myotomy appears to have the best outcome in those patients with marked phasic unstable detrusor contractions with a competent urethral sphincter. In this group it may have distinct advantages over more commonly used procedures.