Surgical safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To assess the safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy in thyroid tumor. Methods Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy and other approaches (open thyroidectomy, transoral robotic thyroidectomy, and bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy) were compared in studies from 6 databases. Results Twenty-two studies (8830 individuals) were included. Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had longer operation time, greater cosmetic satisfaction, and reduced transient hypoparathyroidism than conventional open thyroidectomy. Compared to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had greater amount of drainage, lower chances of transient vocal cord palsy and permanent hypothyroidism, and better surgical completeness (postopertive thyroblobulin level and lymph node removal). Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy induced greater postoperative drainage and greater patient dissatisfaction than transoral robotic thyroidectomy. Conclusion Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy is inferior to transoral robotic thyroidectomy in drainage and cosmetic satisfaction but superior to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy in surgical performance. Its operation time is longer, but its cosmetic satisfaction is higher than open thyroidectomy.

Clinical efficacy of da Vinci robotic and thoracoscopic transxiphoid approach in the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumors: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of the da Vinci robot and thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach for the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumors. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the subxiphoid approach admitted to the same medical group in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University between June 2020 and April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgery approach, the patients were divided into a robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) group and a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) group. The perioperative data and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 79 patients were enrolled. There were 41 patients in the RATS group, including 13 males and 28 females, with an average age of 45.61±14.99 years. There were 38 patients in the VATS group, including 14 males and 24 females, with an average age of 47.84±15.05 years. All patients completed the surgery successfully. Hospitalization cost and operative time were higher or longer in the RATS group than those in the VATS group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative water and food intake time, postoperative off-bed activity time, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage and visual analogue scale (VAS) score on the first postoperative day, white blood cell count and neutrophil percentage on the third postoperative day, duration of analgesic pump use, the number of voluntary compressions of the analgesic pump, and mediastinal drainage volume were all superior to those in the VATS group (P<0.05). The differences in VAS scores on the third postoperative day, duration of drainage tube retention and postoperative complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion RATS subxiphoid anterior mediastinum tumor resection is a safe and feasible surgical method with less injury and higher safety, which is conducive to rapid postoperative recovery and has wide clinical application prospects.

Effect of intraoperative alveolar recruitment maneuver on intraoperative oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary function tests in patients undergoing robotic-assisted hysterectomy: a single-blind randomized study

Abstract Background Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomies (RAH) require Trendelenburg positioning and pneumoperitoneum, which further accentuate alteration in respiratory mechanics induced by general anesthesia. The role of Recruitment Maneuver (RM) as a lung-protective strategy during intraoperative surgical settings has not been much studied. We planned this study to evaluate the effect of RM on perioperative oxygenation and postoperative spirometry using PaO2/FiO2 and FEV1/FVC, respectively in patients undergoing RAH. Methods Sixty-six ASA I‒II female patients scheduled for elective RAH were randomized into group R (recruitment maneuver, n = 33) or group C (control, n = 33). Portable spirometry was done one day before surgery. Patients were induced with general anesthesia, and mechanical ventilation started with volume control mode, with Tidal Volume (TV) of 6-8 mL.kg−1, Respiratory Rate (RR) of 12 min, inspiratory-expiratory ratio (I: E ratio) of 1:2, FiO2 of 0.4, and Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O. Patients in group R received recruitment maneuvers of 30 cmH2O every 30 minutes following tracheal intubation. The primary objectives were comparison of oxygenation and ventilation between two groups intraoperatively and portable spirometry postoperatively. Postoperative pulmonary complications, like desaturation, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, were monitored. Results Patients who received RM had significantly higher PaO2 (mmHg) (203.2+-24.3 vs. 167.8+-27.3, p < 0.001) at T2 (30 min after the pneumoperitoneum). However, there was no significant difference in portable spirometry between the groups in the postoperative period (FVC, 1.40 ± 0.5 L vs. 1.32 ± 0.46 L, p= 0.55). Conclusion This study concluded that intraoperative recruitment did not prevent deterioration of postoperative spirometry values; however, it led to improved oxygenation intraoperatively.

Câncer de reto: qual a melhor técnica para excisão total do mesorreto laparoscópica ou robótica? / Rectum cancer: which is the best technique for total excision of the mesorectum laparoscopic or robotic?

Introdução: As operações laparoscópicas, assistidas por robô e a abertas são técnicas cirúrgicas comumente utilizadas na vida diária. A viabilidade e os resultados em curto e longo prazos dos procedimentos laparoscópicos e robóticos têm sido amplamente relatados. Objetivos: Comparar os dados clínicos e oncológicos da cirurgia assistida por robô e laparoscópica no câncer retal. Métodos: Foram pesquisados o Pubmed/Medline, Embase, e Cochrane Library para artigos relevantes publicados até 2021. Estudos baseados na comparabilidade entre operação assistida por robô e laparoscópica para câncer retal foram designados. Os parâmetros analisados incluíram tempo operatório, conversão para procedimento aberto, perda estimada de sangue, tempo de recuperação da função intestinal, tempo de internação, vazamento da anastomose e complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Operação assistida por robô foi associada com maior tempo operatório (342 vs.192 min na cirurgia laparoscópica, p<0,001), menor conversão para procedimento aberto, menor tempo de internação hospitalar e recuperação mais rápida da função intestinal, menores complicações pós-operatórias de forma significativa (p=0,041). A perda estimada de sangue, a taxa de vazamento da anastomose e os resultados oncológicos, incluindo o número de linfonodos extraídos, não mostraram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Conclusão: A cirurgia assistida por robô para câncer retal mostrou maior tempo operatório, menor conversão, taxas de recuperação da função intestinal mais rápidas e menor permanência no hospital. Seus resultados oncológicos forram semelhantes à cirurgia laparoscópica.

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery and open surgery are the most commonly used surgical techniques in daily living. The feasibility and short- and long-term results of laparoscopic and robotic procedures have been widely reported. Objectives: To compare the clinical and oncological results of robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: PubMed/Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles published until 2021. Studies based on comparability between robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer were designed. The parameters analyzed included operative time, conversion to open surgery, estimated blood loss, bowel function recovery time, length of hospital stay, anastomosis leak, and postoperative complications. Results: The robot-assisted surgery group was associated with longer operative time (342 vs. 192 min in laparoscopic surgery,p <0.001), lower conversion to open surgery, shorter length of hospital stay, faster bowel function recovery and lower postoperative complications significantly (p=0.041). Estimated blood loss, anastomosis leak rate, and oncological outcomes including the number of lymph nodes extracted showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer showed longer operative time, lower conversion, faster bowel function recovery rates, shorter hospital stay, and similar oncological outcomes compared to laparoscopic surgery.

Effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with robot-assisted therapy on upper limb function of stroke patients / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with robot-assisted therapy on upper limb function of subacute stroke patients. MethodsFrom March, 2022 to March, 2023, 60 subacute stroke patients from Dushu Lake Hospital and the First People's Hospital of Kunshan were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), robot group (n = 20) and combined group (n = 20). All the groups received conventional treatments including medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy; the robot group received sham taVNS combined with hand robot-assisted therapy; while the combined group received taVNS combined with hand robot-assisted therapy, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and hand part, the root mean square (RMS) electromyography of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles during contraction, and the latency and amplitude of transcranial magnetic stimulation motor-evoked potential (TMS-MEP) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE and hand part, RMS of the extensor carpi radialis and extensor digitorum muscles, and latency and amplitude of TMS-MEP improved in all the groups (t > 2.099, P < 0.05); and they were the best in all indicators in the combined group (F > 9.106, P < 0.001). ConclusiontaVNS combined with robot-assisted therapy can promote central nervous system remodeling and further improve upper limb function in stroke patients.

The clinical efficacy of all-port robotic versus thoracoscopic lobectomy in stageⅠA non-small cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the perioperative efficacy and safety of all-port robotic lobectomy versus thoracoscopic lobectomy in stageⅠA non-small cell lung cancer. Methods    The clinical data of patients with stageⅠA non-small cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy with lymph node dissection performed by the same operator in our center from June 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a robotic group and a thoracoscopic group according to different procedures. We compared the relevant indexes such as operation time, intraoperative bleeding, number of lymph node dissection stations, number of lymph node dissection, postoperative tube time, postoperative hospitalization time, closed chest drainage volume, postoperative pain, postoperative complications and hospitalization cost between the two groups. Results    There were 83 patients in the robotic group, including 34 males and 49 females with a median age of 60.0 (53.0, 67.0) years, and 94 patients in the thoracoscopic group, including 36 males and 58 females with a median age of 60.5 (54.0, 65.3) years. There was no conversion to thoractomy or death in postoperative 90 days in both groups. No statistical difference was seen in the operation time, total postoperative drainage volume and postoperative complication rates between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients in the robotic group had less intraoperative bleeding (P<0.001), more lymph node dissection stations (P=0.002) and numbers (P=0.005), less postoperative pain (P=0.002), and shorter postoperative time with tubes (P=0.031) and hospital stay (P<0.001). However, the surgery was more expensive in the robotic group (P<0.001). Conclusion    All-port robotic surgery is safe and effective for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer with less intraoperative bleeding, more lymph node dissection, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay compared with the thoracoscopic surgery.

Animal experimental study of 5G remote robot-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To explore the feasibility of 5G remote robot-assisted pulmonary lobectomy through animal experiments. Methods     In this research, the Toumai® surgical robot was manipulated remotely by the surgeon in the Control Center of the MedBot Company through the 5G network established by China Telecom, and the experimental pig underwent lobectomy in simulated operating room. Results     The animal experiment surgery was successfully completed. The surgeon remotely manipulated the surgical robot to complete the lobectomy of right apical lobe and mediastinal lymph node dissection. The entire animal experiment took about 60 minutes, with an average round-trip network delay of 125 (110-155) ms, and no network interruption or robot malfunction occurred. Conclusion     This animal experiment is the first attempt of 5G remote thoracic surgery, which preliminarily proves the feasibility of completing remote lobectomy through the Toumai® surgical robot 5G wireless network connection. The systematic surgical procedure is summarized, which lays a foundation for the subsequent experiments and clinical applications of 5G remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery.

Clinical efficacy and learning curve of robot-assisted thymectomy via subxiphoid approach / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To explore the clinical efficacy and learning curve of robot-assisted thymectomy via subxiphoid approach. Methods    The clinical data of patients with robot-assisted thymectomy surgery via subxiphoid approach performed by the same surgical team in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from February 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis and best fit curve were used to analyze the learning curve of this surgery. The general information and perioperative indicators of patients at different learning stages were compared to explore the impact of different learning stages on clinical efficacy of patients. Results    A total of 67 patients were enrolled, including 31 males and 36 females, aged 57.10 (54.60, 59.60) years. The operation time was 117.00 (87.00, 150.00) min. The best fitting equation of CUSUM learning curve was y=0.021 2x3–3.192 5x2 +120.17x–84.444 (x was the number of surgical cases), which had a high R2 value of 0.977 8, and the fitting curve reached the top at the 25th case. Based on this, the learning curve was divided into a learning period and a proficiency period. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the proficiency stage were significantly shorter or less than those in the learning stage (P<0.001), and there was no statistical difference in thoracic drainage time and volume between the two stages (P>0.05). Conclusion    The learning process of robot-assisted thymectomy via subxiphoid approach is safe, and this technique can be skillfully mastered after 25 cases.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass in treating multi-vessel coronary artery disease: A retrospective study in a single center / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the early and mid-term results of robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RACAB) in the treatment of multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MV-CAD). Methods     Patients with MV-CAD who underwent RACAB from April 2018 to December 2021 in our hospital were included. Patients who underwent hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) which combined RACAB with percutaneous coronary intervention were allocated to a HCR-RACAB group, and patients who underwent multi-vessel RACAB were allocated to a MV-RACAB group. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected and compared between the two groups. Results     A total of 102 patients were included, including 81 males and 21 females with a mean age of 61.7±10.8 years. Two (2.0%) patients were transferred to conventional CABG due to sudden ventricular fibrillation and pleura adhesion. In the remaining 100 patients who underwent RACAB, 100 left internal mammary arteries (LIMA) and 46 right internal mammary arteries (RIMA) were harvested with a 100.0% success rate. Besides, all patients undergoing RACAB achieved LIMA/RIMA-left anterior descending branch reconstruction, with an average number of 2.5±0.6 target vessels revascularized by stent or graft. One patient had perioperative myocardial infarction with an outcome of death. The incidence of major perioperative adverse events was 1.0%. There was no perioperative stroke or re-sternotomy for hemostasis. The mean follow-up time was 28.2 months, with a follow-up rate of 99.0% and an overall major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate of 7.0%, including 3 all-cause deaths (3.0%), 2 strokes (2.0%) and 3 re-revascularizations (3.0%). The HCR-RACAB group had fewer red blood cell transfusion (P=0.030) and intraoperative blood loss (P=0.037) compared with the MV-RACAB group, and there was no statistical difference in the incidence of major perioperative adverse events or MACCE between the two groups during the follow-up period (P>0.05). Conclusion    RACAB can be safely applied in the treatment of MV-CAD with good early and mid-term outcomes. High-quality harvesting of LIMA/RIMA and aortic no-touch technique are crucial to achieve these results.

Clinical application of robotic-assistant living donor left lateral segmentectomy / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted living donor left lateral segmentectomy (LDLLS) in a large pediatric liver transplant program.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed for clinical data of 45 LDLLS donors and recipients from June 2021 to September 2022.Traditional open donor liver resection (n=30) and robotic-assisted segmentectomy (n=15) were performed.Two groups were compared with regards to operative duration, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative healing and postoperative complications.SPSS 21.0 was utilized for statistical analysis.Independent sample T, paired sample T, Wilcoxon rank sum and Chi-square tests were performed for examining the inter-group differences.Results:Operative duration of robot-assisted surgery group was substantially longer than that of traditional open surgery group ( P<0.001). Intraoperative blood loss was less in robot-assisted surgery group was less than that in traditional open surgery group[(106.0±39.8) vs.(251.0±144.8) ml, P=0.001]. Postoperative hospital stay of robot-assisted surgery group was shorter than that of traditional open surgery group[6.0(6.0, 6.0) vs.7.0(6.0, 9.0), P<0.05]. Two cases of postoperative biliary leakage were observed in donor of traditional open surgery group.Among 2 cases of abdominal infection, one was due to biliary leakage from liver section and secondary surgery was then performed.One case of incisional infection and another case of thrombosis occurred in donor of traditional open surgery group.In robot-assisted surgery group, only one donor had amylase elevation.In traditional open surgery group, there were one case of local thrombosis in middle hepatic vein and one case of bile duct stricture.No long-term complications occurred in robot-assisted surgery group during a follow-up period of over 6 months.Finally recipient data analysis indicated that no significant inter-group differences existed in operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay or postoperative abdominal infection ( P=0.634, P=0.180, P=0.86 and P=0.153). Conclusions:Robotic-assisted LDLLS proves to be be a safe and reliable option for living donor segmentectomy.It is superior to conventional LDLLS in terms of shorter hospital stay, less intraoperative blood loss and fewer postoperative complications.

Impact of body mass index on perioperative efficacy and complications of robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) on perioperative and oncological outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with intracorporeal urinary diversion.Methods:Clinical data of bladder cancer patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion in Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI, including 61 cases in normal group (<25.0 kg/m2), 52 cases in overweight group (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and 33 cases in obese group (≥30.0 kg/m2). In the normal group, the median age was 73.6(59, 79), including 45 male(73.8%), with 51 cases(83.6%) of ASA score 0-2, 10 cases (16.4%)of 3 or higher, and 10 cases (16.4%) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Past medical history included smoking in 34 cases (55.7%), hypertension in 19 cases (31.1%), diabetes in 10 cases (16.4%), heart disease in 12 cases (19.7%), and abdominal surgery in 6 cases (9.8%). In the overweight group, the median age was 69.7(60, 78), including 38 male (73.1%), with 25 cases (48.1%)of ASA score 0-2, 27 cases (51.9%) of 3 or higher, and 9 cases (17.3%) undergoing received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Past medical history included smoking in 30 cases (57.7%), hypertension in 20 cases (38.5%), diabetes in 10 cases (19.2%), heart disease in 9 cases (17.3%), and abdominal surgery in 5 cases (9.6%). In the obses group, the median age was 69.9(61, 78), including 21 male(63.7%), with 20 cases (60.6%)of ASA score 0-2, 13 cases(39.4%) of 3 or higher, 9 cases (27.3%) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Past medical history included smoking in 18 cases (54.5%), hypertension in 17 cases (51.5%), diabetes in 19 cases (57.6%), heart disease in 7 cases (21.2%), and abdominal surgery in 4 cases (12.1%). After statistical comparison among the three groups, it was found that the proportion of patients with hypertension and diabetes in the obesity group and overweight group was higher than that in the normal group (all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in other factors (all P>0.05). During the surgical process, robot-assisted radical cystectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection were performed firstly. The scope of lymph node dissection was divided into standard range and expanded range, and the diversion was divided into orthotopic neobladder and ileal bladder. During the orthotopic neobladder process, 40-50 cm ileum at the distance of 15 cm away from ileocecum was obtained by stapler, and then the U-shaped neobladder was made, and the new bladder was anastomosed with urethra and bilateral ureter. For ileal bladder, the ileum was cut off 15cm away from the ileocecum with stapler to obtain the 15 cm ileum to prepare the ileal conduit and restore the continuity of the ileum. The bilateral ureteral spacing 3cm was implanted on the ileal conduit. In the normal group, standard range lymphatic dissection was performed in 20 cases (32.8%), enlarged dissection in 41 cases (67.2%), orthotopic neobladder in 22 cases(36.1%), and ileal conduit in 39 cases (63.9%). In the overweight group, standard range lymphatic dissection was performed in 12 cases (23.1%), enlarged dissection in 40 cases (76.9%), orthotopic neobladder in 26 cases (49.1%), and ileal conduit in 26 cases (50.9%). In the obesity group, the standard range of lymphatic dissection was performed in 7 cases (21.2%), enlarged dissection in 26 cases (78.7%), orthotopic neobladder in 7 cases (21.2%), and ileal conduit in 26 cases (78.8%). There was no significant difference among the three groups (all P>0.05). Compared the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative exhaust time, postoperative time of taking solid food, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications (according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system, postoperative complications are reported inⅠ-Ⅱ grade as mild complications and above Ⅲ grade as serious complications) and pathology results in three groups. Results:All cases successfully underwent robotically without conversion or major intraoperative complications. The operation time in overweight and obsess group were longer than that of normal group with RARC or orthotopic neobladder [310(250, 350) min, 370(310, 420) min, 250(230, 310) min, ( P<0.05)], but there was no significant difference in RARC and ileal conduit[270(220, 300) min, 280(230, 300) min, 240(220, 290)min, P>0.05]. The estimated blood loss in overweight and obsess group was more than that in normal group [230(150, 450)ml, 310(250, 600)ml, 190(100, 350)ml, P<0.05], but there was no difference in blood transfusion rate [4(7.7%), 2(6.1%), 5(8.2%), P>0.05]. The exhaust time [2(1, 3) days, 2(1, 4)days, 2(1, 4)days], postoperative solid food intake time [4(3, 5)days, 4(3, 6)days, 4(3, 6)days] and the hospital stay[10(5, 16)days, 10(6, 17)days, 12(6, 20)days] were not different in three groups(all P>0.05). The mild complication rates in 90 days were significant higher in overweight and obsess groups[28 (53.8%), 16(48.5%), 20(32.8%), P<0.05], but the total and severe complication rates were not significantly different. The incidences of urinary system complications and incision complications in obese and overweight patients were significantly higher than those in normal group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal complications and ureteral anastomosis-related complications (stricture or urinary leakage)( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of dissected lymph node, positive lymph node, positive rate of incisional margin and postoperative pathological stage among three different BMI groups(all P>0.05). Conclusion:Robot-assisted radical cystectomy combined with intracorporeal urinary diversion is a safe and effective method for the treatment of overweight, obese and even morbidly obese patients with bladder cancer. The recovery of intestinal function and the oncological results are not affected by body mass index. However, laparoscopic radical cystectomy for overweight and obese patients, especially for orthotopic neobladder, has the risk of long operation time, large amount of intraoperative bleeding and increased risk of minor postoperative complications.

Robot-assisted percutaneous vertebroplasty combined with pediculoplasty in treating symptomatic chronic thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fracture without neurological impairment / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of robot-assisted and conventional fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with pediculoplasty in treating symptomatic chronic thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fracture (SCOVF) without neurological symptoms.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 120 patients with thoracolumbar SCOVF without neurological symptoms, who were admitted to Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2015 to January 2020. The patients included 34 males and 86 females, aged 63-85 years [(72.9±5.7)years]. All patients were treated with PVP combined with pediculoplasty. A total of 87 patients were treated with robot-assisted and C-arm X-ray machine guided puncture (robot group) and 33 patients with C-arm X-ray machine fluoroscopic-guided puncture (conventional group). The operation time, amount of bone cement injection and puncture accuracy were compared between the two groups. The results of vertebral body index, Cobb angle, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were also compared before operation, at 1 day and 1 year after operation and at the final follow-up. Complications such as bone cement leakage and displacement were observed.Results:All patients were followed up for 24-36 months [(29.4±3.4)months]. The operation time was (85.2±10.5)minutes in the robot group, significantly longer than (37.2±3.7)minutes in the conventional group ( P<0.01). The amount of bone cement injection was (5.0±0.7)ml in the robot group, significantly less than (5.3±0.8)ml in the conventional group ( P<0.05). The puncture accuracy in the robot group was 95.4% (83/87), significantly higher than 81.8% (27/33) in the conventional group ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences in vertebral body index, Cobb angle, VAS or ODI between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05). The values of vertebral body index were 87.1±4.5, 86.9±4.3, 86.8±4.3 in the robot group at 1 day after operation, 1 year after operation and the final follow up, respectively, which were significantly higher than 83.6±4.4, 84.1±3.8, 84.4±3.9 in the conventional group (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences in Cobb angle or ODI between the two groups at 1 day after operation, 1 year after operation or the final follow-up (all P>0.05). The values of VAS were (2.9±1.0)points, (1.8±0.7)points, (1.8±0.7)points in the robot group at 1 day after operation, 1 year after operation and the final follow-up, respectively, which were significantly lower than (4.4±1.1)points, (3.1±0.8)points, (3.0±0.9)points in the conventional group (all P<0.01). The bone cement leakage occurred in 7 patients in the robot group [8.0%(7/87)] and in 10 in the conventional group [30.3%(10/33)] ( P<0.01). No delayed bone cement displacement [0.0%(0/87)] occurred in the robot group from 1 day after operation to the final follow-up, but 3 patients [9.1%(3/33)] were noted in the conventional group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Both robot-assisted and conventional fluoroscopy-guided PVP combined with pediculoplasty have satisfactory effect for SCOVF patients without neurological impairment, but the robot-assisted one has the advantages of higher puncture accuracy, more satisfactory vertebral height recovery, more rapid pain relief, lower incidence of bone cement leakage and effective avoidance of cement displacement.

Application of robot-assisted lung basal segmentectomy: A retrospective study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To summarize the experience of robot-assisted lung basal segmentectomy, and analyze the clinical application value of intersegmental tunneling and pulmonary ligament approach for S9 and/or S10 segmentectomy. Methods    The clinical data of 78 patients who underwent robotic lung basal segmentectomy in our hospital between January 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 32 males and 46 females with a median age of 50 (33-72) years. The patients who underwent S9 and/or S10 segmentectomy were divided into a single-direction group (pulmonary ligament approach, n=19) and a bi-direction group (intersegmental tunneling, n=19) according to different approaches, and the perioperative outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results    All patients successfully completed the operation, without conversion to thoracotomy and lobectomy, serious complications, or perioperative death. The median operation time was 100 (40-185) min, the blood loss was 50 (10-210) mL, and the median number of dissected lymph nodes was 3 (1-14). There were 4 (5.1%) patients with postoperative air leakage, and 4 (5.1%) patients with hydropneumothorax. No patient showed localized atelectasis or lung congestion at 6 months after the operation. Further analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the operation time, blood loss, thoracic drainage time, complications or postoperative hospital stay between the single-direction and bi-direction groups (P>0.05). However, the number of dissected lymph nodes of the bi-direction group was more than that of the single-direction group [6 (1-13) vs. 5 (1-9), P=0.040]. Conclusion    The robotic lung basal segmentectomy for pulmonary nodules is safe and effective. The  perioperative results of robotic S9 and/or S10 complex segmentectomy using intersegmental tunneling and pulmonary ligament approach are similar.

Effect of robot-assisted training on upper limb motor in patients with stroke: a meta-analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of robot-assisted training on upper limb motor dysfunction in stroke patients. MethodsRelated literatures were searched in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, SinoMed, VIP data from July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2022. Two researchers screened the studies and extracted the data independently, and evaluated the methodological quality. Rev Man 5.4 was used for meta-analysis. ResultsA total of 19 randomised controlled trials with 1 258 subjects were finally included. The scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (SMD = 0.55, 95%CI 0.40 to 0.71, P < 0.001), modified Bathel Index (MD = 7.55, 95%CI 6.55 to 8.54, P < 0.001) and Motor Activity Log (SMD = -0.84, 95%CI -1.38 to -0.31, P = 0.002) were better in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant difference was found in the scores of Brunnstrom stages (upper extremity) (SMD = 0.61, 95%CI -0.08 to 1.30, P = 0.08) and modified Ashworth Scale (MD = -0.51, 95%CI -1.18 to 0.17, P = 0.14) between two groups. ConclusionRobot-assisted training could significantly improve the motor function of upper limbs in stroke patients.

Comparison of the learning curve of robot -assisted and laparoscopic -assisted gastrectomy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Da Vinci robot technology is widely used in clinic,with minimally invasive surgery development. This study aims to explore the possible influence of advanced surgical robotics on the surgery learning curve by comparing the initial clinical learning curves of 2 different surgical techniques: robotic-assisted gastrectomy (RAG) and laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy (LAG).@*METHODS@#From September 2017 to December 2020, a chief surgeon completed a total of 108 cases of radical gastric cancer from the initial stage, including 27 cases of RAG of the Da Vinci Si robotic system (RAG group) and 81 cases of LAG (LAG group). The lymph node of gastric cancer implemented by the Japanese treatment guidelines of gastric cancer. The surgical results, postoperative complications, oncology results and learning curve were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in general data, tumor size, pathological grade and clinical stage between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The incidence of serious complications in the RAG group was lower than the LAG group (P=0.003). The intraoperative blood loss in the RAG group was lower than that in the LAG group (P=0.046). The number of lymph nodes cleaned in the RAG group was more (P=0.003), among which there was obvious advantage in lymph node cleaning in the No.9 group (P=0.038) and 11p group (P=0.015). The operation time of the RAG group was significantly longer than the LAG group (P=0.015). The analysis of learning curve found that the cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) value of the RAG group decreased from the 10th case, while the CUSUM of the LAG group decreased from the 28th case. The learning curve of the RAG group had fewer closing cases than that of the LAG group. The unique design of the surgical robot might help to improve the surgical efficiency and shorten the surgical learning curve.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Advanced robotics helps experienced surgeons quickly learn to master RAG skills. With the help of robotics, RAG are superior to LAG in No.9 and 11p lymph node dissection and surgical trauma reduction. RAG can clear more lymph nodes than LAG, and has better perioperative effect.

Robot assisted radical nephrectomy with lymph node dissection for metastasis around inferior vena cava / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To summarize the key points of robot assisted radical nephrectomy combined with resection of metastatic lymph nodes around inferior vena cava. 【Methods】 The patients undergoing the operation during Jan.2019 and Dec.2021 were analyzed and followed up. The surgical procedures and key points for right renal cancer with huge lymph node metastasis around inferior vena cava were illustrated. 【Results】 A total of 5 patients completed operation successfully, including 4 cases of clear cell carcinoma and 1 case of papillary carcinoma. The average operation time and estimated blood loss were 135 min and 300 mL, respectively, with no major complications. 【Conclusion】 It is feasible to perform robot assisted radical nephrectomy with resection of metastatic lymph nodes for selected patients of renal cancer especially with large lymph node metastasis around vena cava. The value of minimally invasive surgery in the comprehensive treatment of renal cancer deserves further attention and research.

Comparison between robot-assisted and open radical nephrectomy in the treatment of complex kidney neoplasm >8 cm in diameter / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To compare the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of robot-assisted and open radical nephrectomy for complex kidney neoplasm >8 cm in diameter. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 24 patients with large kidney neoplasm undergoing robot-assisted radical nephrectomy (9 cases, 37.5%) and open radical nephrectomy (15 cases, 62.5%) during Nov.2015 and Aug.2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical parameters, perioperative complications and follow-up outcomes were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 All operations were successful. Compared with the robot group, the open group had a higher incidence of clinical symptoms (93.3% vs.44.4%, P=0.015) and larger maximum tumor diameter (124 mm vs.95 mm, P=0.021). There were no significant differences in other preoperative characteristics between the two groups. The robot group had less intraoperative blood loss (100 mL vs.800 mL, P=0.006) and lower blood transfusion rate (0% vs. 60.0%, P=0.007) than the open group. During the median follow-up of 50 (range: 25-67) months, 4 patients in the open group and 1 in the robot group developed new metastases, and 4 patients in the open group died due to advanced tumor stage. 【Conclusion】 Robot-assisted radical nephrectomy is safe in the treatment of complex and large renal tumors, and causes less intraoperative blood loss than open surgery.

Transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a report of 13 cases / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To share the technical key points and experience of transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (TvRARP). 【Methods】 The clinical data of 13 patients with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving TvRARP during Nov.2021 and May 2022 were collected. The operation time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rate, catheter removal time, postoperative length of hospital stay, immediate urinary continence rate, postoperative IIEF-5 score and perioperative complications were evaluated. 【Results】 The operation time was (142±39) min, estimated intraoperative blood loss was (76±40) mL, and no transfusion was needed. The median postoperative IIEF-5 score was 16 (12-22), hospital stay 3 (2-5)days, and catheter removal time 7(5-14)days. Of all 13 patients, 12(92.3%) achieved immediate urinary continence at the removal of catheter. There were no postoperative complications of Clavien Ⅲ and above. Clavien Ⅰ-Ⅱ complications were observed in 4 patients (30.8%). 【Conclusion】 TvRARP is feasible and safe for selected patients with clinically localized PCa, which can ensure promising postoperative urinary continence and preserve erectile functional.

Efficacy of robot-assisted single-port laparoscopic transvaginal surgery in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of robot-assisted single-port laparoscopic transvaginal vesicovaginal fistula repair. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 3 patients with high vesicovaginal fistula treated during Jun.2020 and Jun.2021 were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 All operations were completed successfully, with no conversion to other surgical methods. Operation time: 98 min, 104 min and 115 min; Intraoperative bleeding volume: 15 mL, 20 mL and 22 mL; Postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. The catheter was removed after 1-month follow-up, and the patients had no bleeding, urine leakage, infection or other complications. There was no recurrence of urine leakage at the end of 12-month follow-up. 【Conclusion】 Robot-assisted single-port laparoscopic transvaginal vesicovaginal fistula repair has the advantages of fine suture and minor damage, which can be an effective treatment of vesicovaginal fistula.

Adjustable "paper clip" techniques suturing the dorsal vein complex in radical prostatectomy / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of the adjustable "paper clip" techniques in the suture of dorsal vein complex (DVC) and retention of urethral function in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP). 【Methods】 A total of 30 cases of prostate cancer treated with RALRP were enrolled, all of which used the adjustable "paper clip" techniques. During operation, the DVC was sewed with barbed suture, and then a reverse suture was made through two sides of the prostatic ligaments. A Hem-o-lock was used to fasten the suture, which would be flexible to control the degree of tightness for the ligature. Perioperative and follow-up data of urinary continence and symptoms were collected and analyzed. 【Results】 All operations were successful. The estimated blood loss was (123.3±80.7) mL, 53.6% patients recovered continence in 1 month, and the continence rate increased to 92.9% and 96.3% at month 3 and 6. 92.9 of patients had no risk of incontinence 3 months after surgery. 【Conclusion】 The adjustable "paper clip" techniques have advantages in reducing blood loss, maintaining clear surgical field, preserving urethral function, and improving urinary continence.