Outcomes of Salvage Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy in the last decade: systematic review and perspectives of referral centers

ABSTRACT Purpose: Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (S-RARP) has gained prominence in recent years for treating patients with cancer recurrence following non-surgical treatments of Prostate Cancer. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the role and outcomes of S-RARP over the past decade. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted, encompassing articles published between January 1st, 2013, and June 1st, 2023, on S-RARP outcomes. Articles were screened according to PRISMA guidelines, resulting in 33 selected studies. Data were extracted, including patient demographics, operative times, complications, functional outcomes, and oncological outcomes. Results: Among 1,630 patients from 33 studies, radiotherapy was the most common primary treatment (42%). Operative times ranged from 110 to 303 minutes, with estimated blood loss between 50 to 745 mL. Intraoperative complications occurred in 0 to 9% of cases, while postoperative complications ranged from 0 to 90% (Clavien 1-5). Continence rates varied (from 0 to 100%), and potency rates ranged from 0 to 66.7%. Positive surgical margins were reported up to 65.6%, and biochemical recurrence ranged from 0 to 57%. Conclusion: Salvage robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with cancer recurrence after previous prostate cancer treatment is safe and feasible. The literature is based on retrospective studies with inherent limitations describing low rates of intraoperative complications and small blood loss. However, potency and continence rates are largely reduced compared to the primary RARP series, despite the type of the primary treatment. Better-designed studies to assess the long-term outcomes and individually specify each primary therapy impact on the salvage treatment are still needed. Future articles should be more specific and provide more details regarding the previous therapies and S-RARP surgical techniques.

Colecistectomia robótica por incisão única na doença da vesícula biliar: revisão sistemática e metanálise / Robotic single-incision cholecystectomy in gallbladder disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introdução: A colecistectomia por incisão única assistida por robótica é técnica cirúrgica emergente para o tratamento da doença da vesícula biliar. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados clínicos e o custo efetividade dela, com foco no tempo de permanência hospitalar, tempo de operação, custo total e taxa de conversão entre robótica e outros procedimentos. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e metanálise foram realizadas de acordo com o Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Os bancos de dados PubMed, Embase e Cochrane foram pesquisados desde o início até março de 2023. Análise estatística foi feita usando o R versão 6.2.1. Metanálise de efeitos aleatórios com razão de risco, diferença média e intervalo de confiança de 95% foi estimada usando a variância inversa e o método de Mantel-Haenszel para resultados binários e o estimador DerSimonian-Laird para resultados contínuos. Resultados: Um total de 452 pacientes foram envolvidos, incluindo 4 estudos randomizados. Os desfechos escolhidos para metanálise foram: permanência hospitalar (MD −0.03 dias, CI 95% −0.12 a 0.18, p=0.708), tempo de operação (MD 12.93 min, CI 95% −21.40 a 47.25, p=0.460) e taxa de conversão (RR 0.90, CI 95% 0.44 a 1.83, p=0.771). Conclusão: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação à duração da permanência hospitalar, tempo de operação e taxa de conversão entre a colecistectomia robótica por incisão única e outras técnicas cirúrgicas para a doença da vesícula biliar.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted single-incision cholecystectomy is an emerging surgical technique for the treatment of gallbladder disease. Objective: To analyze the clinical results and its cost effectiveness, focusing on length of hospital stay, operating time, total cost and conversion rate between robotics and other procedures. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception through March 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 6.2.1. Random effects meta-analysis with hazard ratio, mean difference and 95% confidence interval was estimated using inverse variance and the Mantel-Haenszel method for binary outcomes and the DerSimonian-Laird estimator for continuous results. Results: A total of 452 patients were enrolled, including 4 randomized trials. The outcomes chosen for meta-analysis were: hospital stay (MD −0.03 days, CI 95% −0.12 to 0.18, p=0.708), operating time (MD 12.93 min, CI 95% −21.40 to 47.25, p=0.460) and of conversion (RR 0.90, CI 95% 0.44 to 1.83, p=0.771). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference regarding length of hospital stay, operating time and conversion rate between single-incision robotic cholecystectomy and other surgical techniques for gallbladder disease.

Clinical analysis of gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:This study aimed to explore the safety and feasibility of gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts. Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts at the Department of otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun yat-sen university from September 2020 to May 2022 were analyzed. The operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, postoperative pain score, postoperative aesthetic score, and recurrence were prospectively evaluated. Results:All patients completed the operation successfully and no case conversed to an open operation. The operation time was 104.00（95.00, 131.25） minutes, and the surgical blood loss was 15.00（10.00, 16.25） mL. The drainage volume was（59.71±9.20） mL. Postoperative pathology was consistent with thyroglossal duct cysts. There was no local reswelling, subcutaneous hematoma, emphysema, skin flap necrosis, infection and other complications. The postoperative hospital stay was 3.00（2.00, 3.00） days. Six patients had mild sensory abnormalities of the lower lip 3 months after surgery, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. No recurrence was found during the 5-26 months follow-up. Conclusion:gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts is safe and feasible, with hidden postoperative scars and good cosmetic outcomes. It can provide a new choice for patients with thyroglossal duct cysts.

Da-vinci robot-assisted surgery vs laparoscopic repair for the treatment of hiatal hernia repair / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To compare Da-vinci robotic surgical system with laparoscopic surgery for the repair of hiatal hernia.Methods:The clinical data of 115 patients undergoing minimally invasive Nissen fundoplication at the Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital,Xuzhou Medical University from Dec 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively studied. After propensity score matching (PSM), 46 cases in each group were included:Robot-assisted surgery (RS group) and laparoscopic surgery (LS group). Postoperative complications were collected and GERD Questionnaire (GERDQ) were used as the standard in evaluation of the results.Results:Patients in RS group had less intraoperative bleeding ( P<0.001), shorter postoperative gastrointestinal recovery time ( P<0.001), and shorter postoperative hospital stay ( P=0.002). The LS group had a shorter operative time ( P<0.001) and lower total hospital cost ( P<0.001). GERD-Q scores decreased significantly in both groups at 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications ( P>0.05). No recurrence was seen in both groups during postoperative follow-up. Conclusion:Da-vinci robot-assisted repair of hiatal hernia is as safe and feasible as laparoscopic procedures, with less intraoperative trauma and quicker, earlier recovery.

The research on the efficiency of single-port plus-one robot-assisted pyeloplasty for children with UPJO / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Da Vinci robot-assisted single-port plus-one laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RSPY) in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).Methods:The clinical data of 13 children with UPJO diagnosed by robot-assisted single-port plus-one laparoscopic pyeloplasty in Fujian Provincial Hospital from September 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the children was 60.0 (1.3, 108.0) months. The lesions of 10 patients were on the left, and 3 were on the right. The clinical manifestations were abdominal pain in 3 cases, urinary tract infection in 2 cases, and no symptoms in 10 cases. Preoperative isotope renogram showed affected renal function (28.32±1.82)%, and bilateral renal function difference > 10% in 7 cases. Mechanical obstruction existed in 5 cases. Preoperative ultrasound showed the affected side's renal cortex thickness of (1.98 ± 0.23) cm. During the operation, a single-port multi-channel trocar was placed in the umbilicus with another single port in the epigastrium, and a robotic system was placed to explore the subperitoneal dilated renal pelvis. The renal pelvis was suspended and pulled through the abdominal wall. The visual field was exposed, and the dilated renal pelvis was incised. The dilated renal pelvis was cut, a ureteral stent was placed, and the ureteropelvic duct was anastomosed.Results:The operation of 13 cases was successfully completed, without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was 180.0(165.0, 190.2)min. The intraoperative blood loss was < 5 ml. The postoperative hospital stay was 7.0(7.0, 7.0)d, and hospitalization costs were 56.3(52.1, 56.5)thousand yuan. The ureteral stent was removed 2 months after the operation, and no obvious complications such as urinary tract infection or low back pain occurred. The median postoperative follow-up was 12 months, ranged from 6 to 18 months. Urinary color ultrasound showed that the renal cortex was (4.95±0.57) cm, which was thicker than before. Isotope renogram showed that the renal function was (38.02±1.76)%, which was higher than before. Mechanical obstruction was transformed into incomplete obstruction.Conclusions:Da Vinci robot-assisted single-port plus-one laparoscopic pyeloplasty is precise and could achieve good surgical results on the basis of the effective restoration of lesion kidney function.

Preliminary experience of suprapubic three-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of suprapubic three-arm robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (STA-RLRP). Fifteen patients with prostatic cancer underwent STA-RLRP. All the 15 procedures were completed successfully, without the need for ancillary trocars or additional instruments. No patient required conversion to standard laparoscopy or open surgery. STA-RLRP is feasible and safe with good short-term tumor control, satisfactory recovery of urinary control function and good cosmetic outcome, which is worthy of clinical application.

The experience and enlightenment of robotic surgery training course in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To introduce the experience of robotic surgery training course in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Methods:The specific process of the training course was introduced in detail, and the results of the training course were summarized and analyzed. A total of 15 surgeons completed the first step of the training (operation table simulation training), 14 (93.3%) completed the second step (pancreatoduodenectomy tissue anastomosis simulation training), and 196 cases of tissue anastomosis simulation training were completed. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA and SPSS software. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze the data.Results:The average scores of the surface validity Likert scale for anastomosis simulation training were: (15/20) for Pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ), (15/20) for Gastrojejunostomy (GJ), and (17/20) for Hepatocholangiojejunostomy (HJ). In the PJ and GJ simulation training, compared with the gold standard, the error rate and OSATS score were significantly improved ( P > 0.05), and the operation time was not significantly reduced ( P < 0.05). In HJ simulation training, the error rate, OSATS score and operation time did not show significant improvement ( P < 0.05). However, it could be concluded that all the simulation operations performed by the trainees after the training were better than the first time, when linear regression and quadratic fitting models were performed to analyze continuous trainings of the trainees as a group. Conclusion:The training course carried out by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is valid and effective, and it can be used for reference to explore a way for the development of robotic surgery fitting to the real conditions of our country.

Quality control of robotic surgical system natural orifice specimen extraction surgery in rectal cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Robotic surgical system natural orifice specimen extraction surgery in rectal cancer has been carried out for nearly 10 years, which has entered the mature stage of technology. Development of the surgery in a healthy, orderly, scientific and standardized manner needs systema-tic, strict and whole-process quality control. Based on relevant literatures at home and abroad, and combined with team practical experiences, the authors elaborate on the key points of quality control of robotic surgical system natural orifice specimen extraction surgery in radical resection of rectal cancer, from the aspects of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative quality control, as well as the quality control of surgeon training and qualifications, in order to provide reference for safe implementation and promotion of the surgery.

Future of innovation and development of minimally invasive surgical technology and instruments / 中华消化外科杂志

The application of minimally invasive surgery has experienced rapid develop-ment for more than 30 years. The continuous development of minimally invasive technology and instru-ments in the fields of energy platform and imaging equipment has promoted the progress of laparos-copic surgery to be more accurate and secure, and the development of laparoscopic surgery itself has also continuously fed back the innovation of technology and instruments. In recent years, the innovative development of minimally invasive technology and instruments has been more closely combined with the current scientific and technological frontier, leading to the innovative achievements in the fields of robotic surgery, screenless surgery, artificial intelligence, electronic instrument, virtualization and so on. In the new era, surgeons should always keep an eye on the forefront of science and technology, the combination of surgery and technology, application of advanced technology to solve the key problems of current surgery, so as to inject new vitality into the next development of minimally invasive surgery.

Research progress of complications related to robotic thyroid surgery-comparison of TORT and BABA approaches / 中华内分泌外科杂志

In recent years, clinical applications of robotic thyroid surgery have been gradually promoted with the continuous improvement of the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Unlike traditional open surgery, robotic thyroid surgery mainly adopts remote access, which has many advantages, such as magnified high-definition 3D view and hand vibration stabilization. The rates and causes of postoperative complications differ due to different approaches, view angles, and operation sequences. This paper presents the literature on both transoral and bilateral areolar axillary approaches in robotic thyroid surgery, focusing on five common complications under both approaches, including laryngeal recurrent nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism, to provide theoretical support for the standardization of robotic thyroid surgery.

Efficacy of modified anterior robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with preservation of Retzius space in 10 cases / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the safety, feasibility and clinical efficacy of modified anterior robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) with preservation of Retzius space. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 10 patients who underwent RALRP using the modified anterior approach to preserve the Retzius space in our hospital during June 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including the preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative and follow-up data. 【Results】 All operations were successful without conversion to open surgery. The average operation time (robotic arm operation time) was (98.6±47.7) min, blood loss (105.0±57.3) mL, postoperative drainage tube indwelling time (5.3±1.3) d, postoperative urinary catheter indwelling time (7.2±0.8) d, and postoperative hospital stay (9.2±2.2) d. Urinary continence was achieved immediately after removal of the urinary catheter in 6 patients, 2 patients recovered 2 weeks after extubation, and 2 patients recovered 3 months after extubation. Postoperative pathology showed pT2a stage in 1 case, pT2b stage in 2 cases, and pT2c stage in 7 cases; Gleason score was 6-7 points; all postoperative resection margins were negative. During the follow-up of 3-12 months, no tumor recurrence was observed, and no patient was readmitted due to surgical complications. 【Conclusion】 RALRP with modified anterior approach to preserve the Retzius space is safe and feasible, with no serious complications during and after surgery, and the early postoperative urinary continence effect is comparable to that of the posterior approach.

Hepaticoyeyunostomía asistida por Robot vs la técnica abierta en un Hospital de tercer nivel / Robotic-Assisted vs open technique Hepaticojejunostomy in a third level Hospital

Resumen A pesar de la evidencia científica de la seguridad, la eficacia de la cirugía robótica, existen pocas publicaciones en la reparación de la vía biliar. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los resultados de la hepaticoyeyunostomía en Y de Roux asistida por robot (HYR) y la hepaticoyeyunostomía en Y de Roux abierta (HYA) en el HCM en el periodo de enero de 2012 a enero de 2019. Este es un estudio retrospectivo se recolectaron los datos sociodemográficos, las principales comorbilidades y se determinó la principal indicación quirúrgica de la hepaticoyeyunostomía; se agruparon según la indicación quirúrgica para comparar el sangrado transoperatorio, tiempo quirúrgico, los días de estancia hospitalaria y morbilidad entre la HYR vs HYA. Se registraron 78 hepaticoyeyunostomías (31 fueron HYR y 47 HYA), la edad promedio fue 55.2 ± 17.7 años predominio del género femenino, la principal comorbilidad fue la hipertensión arterial. La principal indicación quirúrgica de hepaticoyeyunostomía fue la disrupción de vía la biliar, en estos pacientes se encontró menor tiempo quirúrgico, días de hospitalización, y morbilidad en los pacientes sometidos a HYR que los pacientes tratados mediante HYA.

Abstract Despite the scientific evidence of safety, the efficacy of robotic surgery, there are few publications on bile duct repair. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the results of Robotic-assisted Hepaticojejunostomy (RHJ) versus open Hepaticoyejunostomy (OHJ) in the HCM during the period from January 2012 to January 2019. This is a retrospective study, database of patients was collected: sociodemographic data, the main comorbidities, and the main surgical indication of hepaticojejunostomy were determined. They were grouped according to the surgical indication to compare: transoperative bleeding, surgical time, hospital length of stay and morbidity RHJ vs. OHJ. Seventy-eight hepaticojejunostomies were registered (31 RHJ and 47 OHJ), the average age was 55.2 ± 17.7 years, predominantly female, the main comorbidity was arterial hypertension. The main surgical indication of hepaticoyeynostomy was bile duct disruption. Shorter surgical time, days of hospitalization, and morbidity were found in patients undergoing RHJ than patients treated with OHJ.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva del páncreas / Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery

Introducción: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva del páncreas se enmarca dentro de la actual historia de la cirugía con gran impacto y desarrollo, especialmente en el campo de las pancreatectomías distales. Objetivo: Actualizar los aspectos generales y actuales de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva en las afecciones pancreáticas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática a partir de la consulta de artículos científicos relacionados con el tema, indexados en las bases de datos Pubmed, Ebsco y SciELO. La información se analizó y se seleccionaron artículos publicados hasta 2020, relacionados con las indicaciones de cirugía laparoscópica y la robótica en las afecciones pancreáticas, la variabilidad de procederes quirúrgicos laparoscópicos y la morbimortalidad. Desarrollo: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva del páncreas ha alcanzado considerables niveles de complejidad y seguridad (desde la laparoscopia diagnóstica hasta las grandes resecciones pancreáticas). Se identifican las indicaciones de cirugía laparoscópica y la robótica en las afecciones pancreáticas, la variabilidad de procederes quirúrgicos laparoscópicos y se exponen los procederes realizados en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso durante estos últimos 3 años por el grupo dedicado a esta entidad. Conclusiones: La cirugía mínimamente invasiva y la robótica en afecciones pancreáticas son capaces de ofrecer resultados satisfactorios, siempre que sean realizadas por cirujanos con experiencia en cirugía hepato-biliopancreática y cirugía laparoscópica. Garantiza un riesgo de intervención mucho menor y una óptima recuperación en el menor tiempo posible con resultados similares en cuanto a morbimortalidad con la cirugía convencional(AU)

Introduction: Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery is framed within the current history of surgery with great impact and development, especially in the field of distal pancreatectomies. Objective: To update the general and current aspects of minimally invasive surgery in pancreatic disorders. Methods: A systematic review was carried out based on the consultation of scientific articles about the subject, indexed in the Pubmed, Ebsco and SciELO databases. The information was analyzed and articles published up to 2020 were selected, related to the indications for laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pancreatic conditions, the variability of laparoscopic surgical procedures, as well as morbidity and mortality. Development: Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery has reached considerable levels of complexity and safety (from diagnostic laparoscopy to large pancreatic resections). The indications for laparoscopic and robotic surgery in pancreatic disorders, together with the variability of laparoscopic surgical procedures, are identified, and the procedures performed at the National Center for Minimally Access Surgery during the last three years by the group dedicated to this entity are presented. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery in pancreatic affections can offer satisfactory outcomes, as long as they are performed by surgeons with experience in hepatobiliopancreatic surgery and laparoscopic surgery. It guarantees a much lower risk of intervention and optimal recovery in the shortest possible time, with similar outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality to conventional surgery(AU)

Preoperative botulinum A toxin as an adjunct for abdominal wall reconstruction: a single-center early experience at an Academic Center in New York / Toxina botulínica A pré-operatória como adjuvante na reconstrução da parede abdominal: experiência inicial em Centro Acadêmico em Nova York

ABSTRACT Introduction: the botulinum toxin A (BTA) has been used to achieve a chemical component separation, and it has been used with favorable outcomes for the repair of complex ventral hernia (CVH) with and without loss of domain (LD). The aim of this study is to describe our early experience with the chemical component separation in the United Sates. Methods: a retrospective observational study of all patients who underwent ventral hernia repair for CVH with or without LD between July 2018 and June 2020. Preoperative BTA was injected in all patients via sonographic guidance bilaterally, between the lateral muscles to achieve chemical denervation before the operation. Patient demographics, anatomical location of the hernia, perioperative data and postoperative data are described. Results: 36 patients underwent this technique before their hernia repair between July 2018 to June 2020. Median age was 62 years (range 30-87). Median preoperative defect size was 12cm (range 6-25) and median intraoperative defect size was 13cm (range 5-27). Median preoperative hernia sac volume (HSV) was 1338cc (128-14040), median preoperative abdominal cavity volume (ACV) was 8784cc (5197-18289) and median volume ration (HSV/ACV) was 14%. The median OR time for BTA administration was 45 minutes (range 28-495). Seroma was the most common postoperative complication in 8 of the patients (22%). Median follow up was 43 days (range 0-580). Conclusion: preoperative chemical component separation with BTA is a safe and effective adjunct to hernia repair in CVH repairs where a challenging midline fascial approximation is anticipated.

RESUMO Introdução: a toxina botulínica A (TBA) tem sido usada para alcançar a separação química dos componentes, com resultados favoráveis para o reparo de hérnias ventrais complexas (HVC) com ou sem perda de domínio (PD). O objetivo deste estudo é descrever nossa experiência inicial com a separação química dos componentes nos Estados Unidos. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo observacional com todos os pacientes submetidos a reparo de hérnia ventral complexa com ou sem PD entre julho de 2018 e junho de 2020. A TBA pré-operatória foi injetada em todos os pacientes, guiada por ultrassonografia, bilateralmente entre os músculos laterais para alcançar a denervação química antes da operação. Dados demográficos dos pacientes, local da hérnia, dados peri-operatórios e pós-operatórios são descritos. Resultados: 36 pacientes foram submetidos a esta técnica antes do reparo da hérnia. A idade mediana foi 62 anos (30-87). O tamanho mediano pré-operatório do defeito herniário foi 12cm (6-25) e o defeito mediano intra-operatorio foi 13cm (5-27). O volume mediano do saco herniário pré-operatório foi 1.338mL (128-14.040), o volume mediano da cavidade abdominal pré-operatório foi 8.784 (5.197-18.289) mL e a razão dos volumes foi 14%. A duração mediana da operação para aplicação da TBA foi 45 minutos (28-495). O seroma foi a complicação mais comum no pós-operatório, em oito pacientes (22%). O seguimento pós-operatório mediano foi de 43 dias (0-580). Conclusão: a separação pré-operatória de componentes com TBA é tratamento adjuvante seguro e eficaz em reparos de HVC em que aproximação da fáscia é antecipadamente desafiadora.

Application value of Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for local resection of rectal neoplasms / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of Da Vinci robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) for local resection of rectal neoplasms.Methods:The retros-pective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 7 rectal neoplasms patients undergoing R-TAMIS in Daping Hospital of Army Medical University from June 2017 to March 2021 were collected. There were 3 males and 4 females, aged (60±7)years. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative situations; (2) postoperative recovery; (3) postoperative histopatholo-gical examinations; (4) follow-up. Follow-up was conducted using telephone interview or outpatient examination to detect readmission of patients within postoperative 30 days, tumor recurrence and metastasis and survival of patients. Follow-up was performed at postoperative 1, 3, 6 months and once every 6 months thereafter up to April 2021. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Intraoperative situations. All the 7 patients underwent R-TAMIS successfully without conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. Of the 7 patients, 2 cases underwent full-thickness rectal resection and 5 cases underwent submucosal dissection of tumor. The rectal wounds were not sutured in 2 cases because of large lesions, and the rectal wounds were sutured with synthetic sutures in 5 cases after resection of lesions. Transanal drainage tube was placed in 2 cases and not in 5 cases. The volume of intra-operative blood loss of the 7 patients was 15(range, 2?50)mL. The total operation time of the 7 patients was (91.4±18.4)minutes, including (19.1±2.3)minutes for transanal platform placement and Da Vinci robotic surgical system installation, and (72.3±16.6)minutes for operation. There was no intraoperative complication such as urethral injury. (2) Postoperative recovery. All the 7 patients started water drinking and out-of-bed activities at postoperative day 1 and liquid food intake at postoperative day 2. The time to postoperative first flatus of the 7 patients was 1(range, 1?3)days. The two cases with transanal drainage underwent removing of transanal drainage at postoperative day 2. There was no postoperative complication and the duration of postoperative hospital stay of the 7 patients was 3(range, 3?9)days. (3) Postoperative histopathological examinations. Of the 7 patients, 3 cases had villous adenoma, 2 cases had villous adenoma combined with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, local canceration and tumor invasion into submucosa (stage SM1), 1 case had villous adenoma combined with high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, local canceration and tumor localized in the inner mucosa (stage Tis) and 1 case had moderately differentiated adeno-carcinoma with tumor invasion into superficial muscle layer (stage T2). All the 7 patients had negative surgical margins with none of tumor cell remained in the base. (4) Follow-up. All the 7 patients were followed up for 18(range, 1?42)months. One of the 7 patients showed rectal adenocarcinoma with tumor invasion into superficial muscle layer by the postoperative histopathological examina-tion and was recommended for remedial radical surgery. The patient refused further surgery and underwent 3 courses of oral capecitabine chemotherapy. The other 6 patients did not receive postoperative chemotherapy. None of 7 patients underwent readmission within postoperative 30 days, and no patient had tumor local recurrence, distant metastasis or death during the follow-up.Conclusion:R-TAMIS for local resection of rectal neoplasms is safe and feasible for patients with rectal adenoma and early rectal cancer, with reliable short-term efficacy and short-term oncological efficacy.

Prognostic analysis of robotic and open pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the prognosis of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy after the learning curve and open pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer.Methods:The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 396 patients who underwent curative pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic duct adenocar-cinoma in Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2017 to December 2018 were collected. There were 244 males and 152 females, aged 64(range, 36?92)years. Of 396 patients, 86 cases undergoing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy were divided into robotic group, 310 cases undergoing open pancreatoduodenectomy were divided into open group. Observa-tion indicators: (1) propensity score matching and comparison of general data between the two groups after matching; (2) follow-up and survival analysis. Follow-up was conducted by telephone interview or outpatient examinations including tumor markers and abdominal imaging examina-tions to detect survival of patients up to March 2022. Overall survival was defined as the time from the surgery date to death or the last follow-up. Disease-free survival was defined as the time from the surgery date to tumor recurrence or the last follow-up. The propensity score matching was conducted by 1∶1 matching using the nearest neighbor method. Normality of measurement data was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney rank-sum test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves, and Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed in this study, patients who were converted to laparotomy from robotic surgery were still divided into the robotic group. Results:(1) Propensity score matching and comparison of general data between the two groups after matching: 164 of 396 patients had successful matching, including 82 cases in robotic group and open group, respectively. Before propensity score matching, the body mass index, cases in stage T1, T2, T3, T4, cases in N0, N1, N2 were 23.4(range, 21.4?25.3)kg/m 2,24, 41, 10, 11, 52, 27, 7 for the robotic group, versus 22.4(range,20.3?23.9)kg/m 2,57, 144, 22, 87, 131, 132, 47 for the open group, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=3.01, 2.63, 3.03, P<0.05). After propensity score matching, cases of males, age, body mass index, cases with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score as 1, 2, 3, CA19-9, cases with preoperative biliary drainage, cases with portal vein resection, cases with pancreatic resection margin <1 mm, cases in stage T1, T2, T3, T4, cases in stage N0, N1, N2, cases with nerve invasion, cases with tumor differentiation as high-medium differentiation, medium-low differentiation, low differentiation, cases with adjuvant chemotherapy were 51, 65(range, 59?69)years, 23.0(range, 21.0?25.2)kg/m 2, 32, 41, 9, 160.4(range, 46.7?377.2)U/mL, 21, 9, 8, 21, 40, 10, 11, 48, 27, 7, 76, 26, 47, 9, 53 for the robotic group, versus 58, 65(range, 58?69)years, 23.3(range, 21.4?25.3)kg/m 2, 35, 39, 8, 172.0(range, 69.7?402.9)U/mL, 26, 9, 10, 24, 40, 7, 11, 49, 28, 5, 76, 22, 49, 11, 57 for the open group, showing no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( χ2=1.34, Z=0.18, 0.34, 0.49, 0.51, χ2=0.75, 0.00,0.25, Z=0.59, 0.27, χ2=0.00, Z=0.76, χ2=0.44, P>0.05). (2) Follow-up and survival analysis: after propensity score matching, 164 patients were followed up for 54(range, 1?67)months. The follow-up time of patients was 55(range, 51?59)months for the robotic group, versus 54(range, 50?58)months for the open group, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=0.48, P>0.05). During the follow-up, the 1-year overall survival rate, 3-year overall survival rate, the median survival time, 1-year disease-free survival rate, 3-year disease-free survival rate, the median disease-free survival time, tumor recurrence rate, cases with recurrence pattern as local recurrence, liver recurrence, other distant recurrence, local and distant recurrence were 81.7%, 39.0%, 27 months(95% confidence interval as 19?33 months), 61.0%, 34.2%, 15 months(95% confidence interval as 12?18 months), 54.9%(45/82), 12, 16, 9, 8 for the robotic group. The above indicators were 79.3%, 36.0%, 24 months(95% confidence interval as 19?31 months), 59.8%, 27.5%, 15 months(95% confidence interval as 10?20 months), 58.5% (48/82), 10, 22, 6, 10 for the open group. There was no significant difference in overall survival or disease-free survival between the two groups ( χ2=0.39, 0.47, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in tumor recurrence rate or tumor recurrence site between the two groups either ( χ2=0.22, 1.86, P>0.05). Conclusion:After the learning curve, robotic pancreato-duodenectomy has non-inferior prognosis compared with open pancreatoduodenectomy.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy in a patient with giant uterine fibroids and complex pelvic adhesions: a case report / 南方医科大学学报

We report a case of giant hysteromyoma and complex pelvic adhesion treated by robotic assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy. The patient was diagnosed with uterine fibroids after physical examination in 1998 but did not receive any treatment, and regular examinations reported progressive growth of the fibroids. Ultrasound suggested multiple uterine fibroids, and pelvic MRI indicated large uterine fibroids with bleeding. Robot-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy were performed after relevant examinations, and the operation was completed smoothly. The patient was discharged 4 days after surgery with good appearance of the abdominal wall and good recovery during the follow-up. With its unique advantages, robot-assisted laparoscopy provides a minimally invasive surgical approach for giant hysterectomy with complex pelvic adhesions.

Retropharyngeal lymph node dissection in head and neck cancers treated with transoral robotic surgery / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To evaluate the indications, safety, feasibility, and surgical technique for patients with head and neck cancers undergoing transoral robotic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) dissection. Methods: The current study enrolled 12 consecutive head and neck cancer patients (seven males and four females) who underwent transoral robotic RPLN dissection with the da Vinci surgical robotic system at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from May 2019 to July 2020. Seven patients were diagnosed as nasopharyngeal carcinoma with RPLN metastasis after initial treatments, 4 patients were diagnosed as thyroid carcinoma with RPLN metastasis after initial treatments, and one patient was diagnosed as oropharyngeal carcinoma with RPLN metastasis before initial treatments. The operation procedure and duration time, intraoperative blood loss volume and complications, nasogastric feeding tube dependence, tracheostomy dependence, postoperative complications, and hospitalization time were recorded and analyzed. Results: All patients were successfully treated by transoral robotic dissection of the metastatic RPLNs, none of which was converted to open surgery. RPLNs were completely resected in 10 patients, and partly resected in 2 patients (both were nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients). The mean number of RPLN dissected was 1.7. The operation duration time and intraoperative blood loss volume were (191.3±101.1) min and (150.0±86.6) ml, respectively. There was no severe intraoperative complication such as massive haemorrhage or adjacent organ injury during surgery. Nasogastric tube use was required in all patients with (17.1±10.6) days of dependence, while tracheotomy was performed in 8 patients with (11.6±10.7) days of dependence. The postoperative hospitalization stay was (8.5±5.7) days. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients, including 2 of retropharyngeal incision and 2 of dysphagia. During a follow-up of (6.5±5.1) months, disease-free progression was observed in all patients, 10 patients were disease-free survival and other 2 patients were survival with tumor burden. Conclusions: The transoral robotic RPLN dissection is safety and feasible. Compared with the traditional open surgical approach, it is less traumatic and safer, has fewer complications and good clinical application potentiality. The indications for transoral robotic RPLN dissection include thyroid carcinoma, oropharyngeal carcinoma, and some selected nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other head and neck cancers. Metastatic RPLNs from some nasopharyngeal carcinoma with incomplete capsule, unclear border and adhesion to the surrounding vessels are not suitable for transoral robotic RPLN dissection.

The clinical value of oral robotic surgery in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effects of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and traditional surgical modes in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: The clinicopathological data of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. 135 cases were treated with traditional surgery (non-TORS group), while 52 cases were treated with TORS (TORS group). The prognosis of the two groups of patients were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test, the influencing factors were analyzed by Cox regression model. Results: The 2-year overall survival (OS, 94.2%) and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS, 93.8%) of patients in the TORS group were better than those in the non-TORS group (71.4% and 71.4%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (93.3%) and 2-year PFS (92.8%) of TORS group patients in T1-2 stage were better than those of non-TORS group (73.1% and 72.8%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (95.8%) and 2-year PFS (95.2%) of patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ in the TORS group were not significantly different from those in the non-TORS group (84.1% and 83.9%, respectively, P>0.05). The 2-year OS (92.9%) and 2-year PFS rate (92.7%) of patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ in the TORS group were better than those in the non-TORS group (64.7% and 63.9%, respectively, P<0.05). The 2-year OS (94.4%) of HPV-positive patients in the TORS group was not significantly different from that in the non-TORS group (83.3%, P=0.222). The 2-year OS of HPV-negative patients in the TORS group (94.1%) was significantly different from that in the non-TORS group (43.7%, P<0.001). HPV status was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.008). Conclusions: TORS has a better prognosis in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma compared with the traditional treatment methods. The patients with T1-T2 can achieve better survival benefits after TORS treatment. The HPV-positive OPSCC patients has a better prognosis than that of HPV-negative OPSCC patients, and regardless of HPV status, OPSCC patients in the TORS group could obtain a better survival prognosis.

Perioperative efficacy of robotic versus open approach for pancreaticoduodenectomy: a Meta-analysis / 中华消化外科杂志

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a very challenging operation in pancreatic surgery. Robotic surgery system has obvious advantages in precise operation. In specific patients, minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic surgery system) PD is less invasive than conventional open PD, showing good safety and feasibility. There are some differences between robotic surgery system and laparoscopic system in surgical field of vision, surgical operation and anastomosis mode. The authors review the relevant studies and conduct a Meta-analysis to evaluate the perioperative efficacy of robotic versus open approach for PD.