Role of robotic surgery as an element of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although the current trend in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has shifted from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery (MIS), evidence on the role of MIS as an element of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in PD is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of robotic surgery using the ERAS protocol on the outcomes of patients undergoing PD. METHODS: This retrospective study included 252 patients who underwent open PD (OPD) or robotic PD (RPD) managed using the ERAS protocol between January 2017 and March 2023. Outcomes stratified by the surgical approach were compared. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ERAS items, including robotic surgery, on outcomes after PD. RESULTS: Of 252 patients, 202 (80.2%) underwent OPD, and 50 (19.2%) underwent RPD. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that perioperative management center support (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% CI, 1.14-7.72; P = .025), robotic surgery (OR, 6.40; 95% CI, 1.94-26.1; P = .002), early solid intake (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.46-5.63; P = .002), and early drain removal (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.04-7.06; P < .001) were significant ERAS items related to early discharge after PD. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that employing the ERAS protocol for OPD and RPD is feasible and safe. Moreover, our results suggested the role of robotic surgery as an element of the ERAS protocol for PD. A combination of ERAS protocols and MIS may be safe and feasible for accelerating postoperative recovery after PD.

Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy in Portal Annular Pancreas Using a Hanging Maneuver with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient knowledge and surgical management of portal annular pancreas (PAP) are essential for pancreatic surgery. As PAP is a relatively rare pancreatic anomaly, few studies have described surgical techniques for patients with PAP undergoing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An 82-year-old female patient who underwent RPD presented with distal cholangiocarcinoma and type III PAP (the fusion of the uncinate process with the anteportal main pancreatic duct). After the Kocher maneuver and stomach transection, the pancreas was transected into the neck of the anteportal portion. The retroportal portion was dissected, encircled with hanging tape, and compressed. Blood supply from the mesenteric vessels was confirmed using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the retroportal portion was stapled. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a unique surgical technique for type III PAP using the hanging maneuver with ICG fluorescence imaging. Surgeons should decide on the surgical strategy on the basis of the fusion and ductal anatomy of the pancreas.

Innovative suture technique for robotic hepaticojejunostomy: double-layer interrupted sutures.

PURPOSE: Biliary reconstruction remains a technically demanding and complicated procedure in minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary surgeries. No optimal hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) technique has been demonstrated to be superior for preventing biliary complications. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of our unique technique of posterior double-layer interrupted sutures in robotic HJ. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Forty-two patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenectomy using this technique between September 2020 and November 2022 at our center were reviewed. In the posterior double-layer interrupted technique, sutures were placed to bite the bile duct, posterior seromuscular layer of the jejunum, and full thickness of the jejunum. RESULTS: The median operative time was 410 (interquartile range [IQR], 388-478) min, and the median HJ time was 30 (IQR, 28-39) min. The median bile duct diameter was 7 (IQR, 6-10) mm. Of the 42 patients, one patient (2.4%) had grade B bile leakage. During the median follow-up of 12.6 months, one patient (2.4%) with bile leakage developed anastomotic stenosis. Perioperative mortality was not observed. A surgical video showing the posterior double-layer interrupted sutures in the robotic HJ is included. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior double-layer interrupted sutures in robotic HJ provided a simple and feasible method for biliary reconstruction with a low risk of biliary complications.

Clinical implications and optimal extent of lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A multicenter analysis of the therapeutic index.

Aims: Lymph node metastases (LNM) are associated with lethal prognosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Lymphadenectomy is crucial for accurate staging and hopes of possible oncological treatment. However, the therapeutic implications and optimal extent of lymphadenectomy remain contentious. Methods: To clarify the prognostic value and optimal extent of lymphadenectomy, the therapeutic index (TI) for each lymph node was analyzed for 279 cases that had undergone lymphadenectomy in a multi-institutional database. Tumor localization was divided into hilar lesions (n = 130), right peripheral lesions (n = 60), and left peripheral lesions (n = 89). In addition, the lymph node station was classified as Level 1 (LV1: hepatoduodenal ligament node), Level 2 (LV2: postpancreatic or common hepatic artery nodes), or Level 3 (LV3: gastrocardiac, left gastric artery, or celiac artery nodes). Results: Lymph node metastases were confirmed in 109 patients (39%). Five-y survival rates were 45.3% for N0 disease, 27.1% for LV1-LNM, 22.9% for LV2-LNM, and 7.3% for LV3-LNM (P < 0.001). LV3-LNM were the most frequent and earliest recurrence outcome, including multisite recurrence, followed by LV2, LV1, and N0 disease. The 5-year TI (5year-TI) for lymphadenectomy was 7.2 for LV1, 5.5 for LV2, and 1.9 for LV3. Regarding tumor location, hilar lesions showed 5-year TI >5.0 in LV1 and LV2, whereas bilateral peripheral lesions showed 5-year TI > 5.0 in LV1. Conclusion: The implications and extent of lymphadenectomy for ICC appear to rely on tumor location. In the peripheral type, the benefit of lymphadenectomy would be limited and dissection beyond LV1 should be avoided, while in the hilar type, lymphadenectomy up to LV2 could be recommended.

Impact of cancer-associated fibroblasts on survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma.

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reportedly enhance the progression of gastrointestinal surgery; however, the role of CAFs in ampullary carcinomas remains poorly examined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CAFs on the survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 67 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2000 and December 2021 was performed. CAFs were defined as spindle-shaped cells that expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The impact of CAFs on survival, including recurrence-free (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS), as well as prognostic factors associated with survival, was analyzed. Results: The high-α-SMA group had significantly worse 5-year RFS (47.6% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.003) and 5-year DSS (67.5% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.01) than the low-α-SMA group. RFS (p = 0.04) and DSS (p = 0.02) in the high-FAP group were significantly worse than those in the low-FAP group. Multivariable analyses found that high α-SMA expression was an independent predictor of RFS [hazard ratio (HR): 3.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.21-12.4; p = 0.02] and DSS (HR: 8.54; 95% CI: 1.21-170; p = 0.03). Conclusions: CAFs, particularly α-SMA, can be useful predictors of survival in patients undergoing radical resection for ampullary carcinomas.

Impact of educational video on performance in robotic simulation training (TAKUMI-1): a randomized controlled trial.

The use of virtual reality for simulations plays an important role in the initial training for robotic surgery. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of educational video on the performance of robotic simulation. Participants were randomized into the intervention (video) group that received an educational video and robotic simulation training or the control group that received only simulation training. The da Vinci® Skills Simulator was used for the basic course, including nine drills. The primary endpoint was the overall score of nine drills in cycles 1-10. Secondary endpoints included overall, efficiency, and penalty scores in each cycle, as well as the learning curves evaluated by the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Between September 2021 and May 2022, 20 participants were assigned to the video (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The video group had significantly higher overall scores than the control group (90.8 vs. 72.4, P < 0.001). Significantly higher overall scores and lower penalty scores were confirmed, mainly in cycles 1-5. CUSUM analysis revealed a shorter learning curve in the video group. The present study demonstrated that educational video training can be effective in improving the performance of robotic simulation training and shortening the learning curve.

Role of the Pfannenstiel Incision in Robotic Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.

Studies remain limited on the role of the Pfannenstiel incision in minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, especially robotic surgery. The role of various extraction sites in robotic HPB surgery should be understood. Herein, we describe the surgical techniques, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of the Pfannenstiel incision in robotic pancreatic surgery. Seventy patients underwent robotic pancreatectomy at our institution between September 2020 and October 2022. The Pfannenstiel incision was used for specimen retrieval in 55 patients. Advantages of the Pfannenstiel incision include less pain, cosmetic benefits, and a lower incidence of complications. Moreover, the specimen could be removed using the robotic system docked. However, all complex reconstructions should be performed intra-abdominally during robotic pancreatoduodenectomies. The incidence of mortality and postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B) was 0% and 9.1%, respectively. During the median follow-up (11.2 months) after surgery, complications at the Pfannenstiel incision site included surgical site infection (n = 1, 1.8%) and incisional hernia (n = 1, 1.8%). The Pfannenstiel incision can be a useful option for specimen retrieval in minimally invasive HPB surgery, according to the surgeon's preferences and the patient's condition.

ADAR1 is a promising risk stratification biomarker of remnant liver recurrence after hepatic metastasectomy for colorectal cancer.

Adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing is a process mediated by adenosine deaminases that act on the RNA (ADAR) gene family. It has been discovered recently as an epigenetic modification dysregulated in human cancers. However, the clinical significance of RNA editing in patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The current study aimed to systematically and comprehensively investigate the significance of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) expression status in 83 liver metastatic tissue samples collected from 36 patients with CRC. The ADAR1 expression level was significantly elevated in liver metastatic tissue samples obtained from patients with right-sided, synchronous, or RAS mutant-type CRC. ADAR1-high liver metastasis was significantly correlated with remnant liver recurrence after hepatic metastasectomy. A high ADAR1 expression was a predictive factor of remnant liver recurrence (area under the curve = 0.72). Results showed that the ADAR1 expression level could be a clinically relevant predictive indicator of remnant liver recurrence. Patients with liver metastases who have a high ADAR1 expression requires adjuvant chemotherapy after hepatic metastasectomy.

Robotic surgery for congenital biliary dilatation using the scope switch technique (with video).

TECHNIQUE: Minimally invasive congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) surgery is technically demanding. However, few studies have reported surgical approaches of robotic surgery for CBD. This report presents robotic CBD surgery using a scope-switch technique. Our robotic surgery technique for CBD consisted of four steps: step 1, Kocher's maneuver; step 2, dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament using the scope switch technique; step 3, preparation for the Roux-en-Y loop; and step 4, hepaticojejunostomy. RESULTS: The scope switch technique can provide different surgical approaches for dissecting the bile duct, including anterior approach by the standard position and right approach by the scope switch position. When approaching the ventral and left side of the bile duct, anterior approach with the standard position is suitable. In contrast, the lateral view by the scope switch position is preferable for approaching the bile duct laterally and dorsally. Using this technique, the dilated bile duct can be dissected circumferentially from four directions: anterior, medial, lateral, and posterior. Thereafter, complete resection of the choledochal cyst can be achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The scope switch technique in robotic surgery for CBD can be useful for dissecting around the bile duct with different surgical views, leading to the complete resection of the choledochal cyst.

Role of Surgery for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in the Era of Multidisciplinary Treatment.

The incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have increased in recent years worldwide [...].

Surgical Techniques of Gastrojejunostomy in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Robot-Sewn versus Stapled Gastrojejunostomy Anastomosis.

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a major complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Several efforts have been made to decrease the incidence of DGE. However, the optimal anastomotic method for gastro/duodenojejunostomy (GJ) remains debatable. Moreover, few studies have reported the impact of GJ surgical techniques on outcomes following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes of robot-sewn and stapled GJ anastomoses in RPD. Methods: Forty patients who underwent RPD at the Okayama University Hospital between September 2020 and October 2022 were included. The outcomes between robot-sewn and stapled anastomoses were compared. Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] operative and GJ time were 428 (63.5) and 34.0 (15.0) minutes, respectively. Postoperative outcomes included an overall incidence of DGE of 15.0%, and the mean postoperative hospital stays were 11.6 (5.3) days in length. The stapled group (n = 21) had significantly shorter GJ time than the robot-sewn group (n = 19) (22.7 min versus 46.5 min, p < 0.001). Moreover, stapled GJ cases were significantly associated with a lower incidence of DGE (0% versus 21%, p = 0.01). Although not significant, the stapled group tended to have shorter postoperative hospital stays (9.9 days versus 13.5 days, p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that stapled GJ anastomosis might decrease anastomotic GJ time and incidence of DGE after RPD. Surgeons should select a suitable method for GJ anastomosis based on their experiences with RPD.

The preoperative M2BPGi score predicts operative difficulty and the incidence of postoperative complications in laparoscopic liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis or cirrhosis frequently makes parenchymal transection more difficult, but the difficulty score of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR), including the IWATE criteria, does not include a factor related to liver fibrosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate M2BPGi as a predictor of the difficulty of parenchymal transection and the incidence of postoperative complications in LLR. METHODS: Data from 54 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial liver resection (LLR-P) and 24 patients who underwent laparoscopic anatomical liver resection between 2017 and 2019 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were classified according to M2BPGi scores, and reserve liver function, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were compared among these groups. RESULTS: Sixteen cases (29.6%) were M2BPGi negative (cut-off index < 1.0), 25 cases (46.3%) were 1+ (1.0 ≤ cut-off index < 3.0), and 13 cases (24.1%) were 2+ (cut-off index ≥ 3.0). M2BPGi-positive cases had significantly worse hepatic reserve function (K-ICG: 0.16 vs 0.14 vs 0.08, p < 0.0001). Intraoperative bleeding was significantly greater in M2BPGi-positive cases [50 ml vs 150 ml vs 200 ml, M2BPGi (-) or (1+) vs M2BPGi (2+), p = 0.045]. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ II) were significantly more frequent in M2BPGi-positive cases [0% vs 4% vs 33%, M2BPGi (-) or (1+) vs M2BPGi (2+), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: M2BPGi could predict surgical difficulty and complications in LLR-P. In particular, it might be better not to select M2BPGi (2+) cases as teaching cases because of the massive bleeding during parenchymal transection.

Surgical Strategies to Dissect around the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy.

The concept of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach has been widely accepted in pancreatoduodenectomy. However, few studies have reported surgical approaches to the SMA in robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). Herein, we present our surgical strategies to dissect around the SMA in RPD. Among the various approaches, our standard protocol for RPD included the right approach to the SMA, which can result in complete tumor resection in most cases. In patients with malignant diseases requiring lymphadenectomy around the SMA, we developed a novel approach by combining the left and right approaches in RPD. Using this approach, circumferential dissection around the SMA can be achieved through both the left and right sides. This approach can also be helpful in patients with obesity or intra-abdominal adhesions. The present study summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of both the approaches during RPD. To perform RPD safely, surgeons should understand the different surgical approaches and select the best approach or a combination of different approaches, depending on demographic, anatomical, and oncological factors.

Robotic Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy with Preservation of Splenic Vessels Using the Gastrohepatic Ligament Approach: The Superior Window Approach in the Kimura Technique.

Minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) is technically challenging, and only a few reports have described surgical approaches for minimally invasive SPDP. This report demonstrates our novel gastrohepatic ligament approach in robotic SPDP with preservation of the splenic vessels (the superior window approach in the Kimura technique). Our gastrohepatic ligament approach for robotic SPDP included four steps. First, the gastrohepatic ligament was divided extensively, and the pancreas was confirmed (step 1). In this step, we did not lift the stomach, nor did we divide the gastrocolic ligament. Next, the superior and inferior borders of the pancreas were dissected, and the tunneling of the pancreas on the superior mesenteric vein was performed (step 2). Following the division of the pancreas (step 3), the pancreatic body and tail were dissected from the medial to the lateral side with preservation of the splenic vessels (step 4). Using this approach, the pancreas can be directly accessed via the gastrohepatic ligament route and dissected without division of the gastrocolic ligament or retraction of the stomach. The present approach for robotic SPDP preserves splenic vessels, facilitating easy access to the pancreas with minimal dissection, and may be optional in selected patients, including those with low body mass index.

Surgical Strategies to Approaching the Splenic Artery in Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Understanding different surgical approaches and anatomical landmarks adjacent to the splenic artery (SpA) is important for safe robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). Herein, we propose our standardized RDP techniques, focusing on these issues. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2021 and April 2022, 19 patients who underwent RDP at our Institution were reviewed. Anatomical patterns of the SpA were classified into three types: Type 1, no pancreatic parenchyma on the root of the SpA; type 2, any pancreatic parenchyma on the root of the SpA; and type 3, dorsal pancreatic artery around the bifurcation of the common hepatic artery and SpA. Next, the surgical strategy for approaching the SPA was determined according to the location of the pancreatic transection line: On the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) or on the left side of the root of the SpA. RESULTS: There were seven cases of type 1, nine cases of type 2, and three cases of type 3. When transecting the pancreas on the SMV, the SpA-first ligation technique was used for type 1 SpA anatomy, and the pancreas-first division technique was applied for types 2 and 3. In patients in whom the pancreas was transected at the left side of the root of the SpA, the SpA-first ligation technique was used. CONCLUSION: Our standardized surgical strategy based on anatomical landmarks and focusing on the approach to the SpA in RDP is demonstrated. Our strategy should help trainees approach the SpA and perform RDP safely.

Optimal surveillance of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas focusing on remnant pancreas recurrence after surgical resection.

BACKGROUND: The international consensus guidelines for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas (IPMN) presented clinical features as indications for surgery. Whereas surveillance for recurrence, including de novo lesions, is essential, optimal surveillance protocols have not been established. AIM AND METHODS: This study aimed to assess the clinical features of recurrence at the remnant pancreas (Rem-Panc) and extra-pancreas (Ex-Panc) after surgery for IPMN. Ninety-one patients of IPMN that underwent detailed preoperative assessment and pancreatectomy were retrospectively analyzed, focusing especially on the type of recurrence. RESULTS: The IPMNs were finally diagnosed as low-grade dysplasia (LDA, n = 42), high-grade dysplasia (HAD, n = 19), and invasive carcinoma (IPMC, n = 30). Recurrence was observed in 26 patients (29%), of which recurrence was seen at Rem-Panc in 19 patients (21%) and Ex-Panc in 7 patients (8%). The frequency of Rem-Panc recurrence was 10% in LDA, 21% in HDA, and 37% in IPMC. On the other hand, Ex-Panc recurrence was observed only in IPMC (23%). Ex-Panc recurrence showed shorter median recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than Rem-Panc recurrence (median RFS 8 months vs. 35 months, p < 0.001; median OS 25 months vs. 72 months, p < 0.001). Regarding treatment for Rem-Panc recurrence, repeat pancreatectomy resulted in better OS than no repeat pancreatectomy (MST 36 months vs. 15.5 months, p = 0.033). On multivariate analysis, main duct stenosis or disruption as a preoperative feature (hazard ratio [HR] 10.6, p = 0.002) and positive surgical margin (HR 4.4, p = 0.018) were identified as risk factors for Rem-Panc recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for Rem-Panc and Ex-Panc recurrence differ. Therefore, optimal surveillance on these features is desirable to ensure that repeat pancreatectomy for Rem-Panc recurrence can be an appropriate surgical intervention.