Long-term survival analysis of robotic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Robotic esophagectomy has improved early outcomes and enhanced the quality of lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer surgery. This study aimed to determine risk factors for long-term survival following robotic esophagectomy and the causes of long-term mortality. We included patients who underwent robotic esophagectomy at our institute between 2010 and 2022. Robotic esophagectomy was defined as a surgical procedure performed robotically in both the abdomen and thorax. Robotic esophagectomy was performed in patients at all stages, including advanced stages, even in patients with stage IV and supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. A total of 340 patients underwent robotic esophagectomy during the study period. Ivor-Lewis operation and McKeown operation were performed on 153 (45.0%) and 187 (55.0%) patients, respectively. The five-year survival rates based on clinical stages were as follows: 85.2% in stage I, 62.0% in stage II, 54.5% in stage III, and 40.3% in stage IV. Risk factors for long-term survival included body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, clinical stages, and postoperative complications of grade 4 or higher. Among the cases of long-term mortality, recurrence accounted for 42 patients (61.7%), while non-cancer-related death occurred in 26 patients (38.2%). The most common cause of non-cancer-related death was malnutrition and poor general condition, observed in 11 patients (16.2%). Robotic esophagectomy has demonstrated the ability to achieve acceptable long-term survival rates, even in patients with cervical lymph node metastasis. However, addressing high-grade postoperative complications and long-term malnutrition remains crucial for further improving the long-term survival outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer.

The Role of Robotics in Meeting Institutional Goals: A Unified Strategy to Facilitate Program Excellence.

PURPOSE: The rapid expansion of robotic surgical equipment necessitates a review of the needs and challenges faced by hospitals introducing robots for the first time to compete with experienced institutions. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of robotic surgery on our hospital compared to open and laparoscopic surgery, examine internal transformations, and assess regional, domestic, and international implications. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of electronic medical records (EMRs) from 2019 to 2022 at Inha University Hospital, including patients who underwent common robotic procedures and equivalent open and laparoscopic operations. The study investigated clinical and operational performance changes in the hospital after the introduction of robotic technology. It also evaluated the operational effectiveness of robot implementation in local, national, and international contexts. To facilitate comparison with other hospitals, the data were transmitted to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. for analysis. The study was conducted in compliance with domestic personal information regulations and received approval from our Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: We analyzed EMR data from 3,147 patients who underwent surgical treatment. Over a period of 3.5 years, the adoption of robotic technology in a hospital setting significantly enhanced the technical skills of all professors involved. The introduction of robotic systems led to increased patient utilization of conventional surgical techniques, as well as a rise in the number of patients choosing robotic surgery. This collective trend contributed to an overall increase in patient numbers. This favorable evaluation of the operational effectiveness of our hospital's robot implementation in the context of local, national, and global factors is expected to positively influence policy changes. CONCLUSION: Stakeholders should embrace data science and evidence-based techniques to generate valuable insights from objective data, assess the health of robot-assisted surgery programs, and identify opportunities for improvement and excellence.

Robotic-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer shows similar clinical efficacy to laparoscopic surgery: A propensity score matched study.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating surgical resection as the sole treatment option. Over the years, there has been a growing adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques such as robotic and laparoscopic approaches. Robotic surgery represents an innovative modality that effectively addresses the limitations associated with traditional laparoscopic techniques. While previous studies have reported favorable perioperative outcomes for robot-assisted radical resection in rectal cancer patients, further evidence regarding its oncological safety is still warranted. AIM: To conduct a comparative analysis of perioperative and oncological outcomes between robot-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection (LALAR) procedures. METHODS: The clinical data of 125 patients who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection (RALAR) and 279 patients who underwent LALAR resection at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from December 2019 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. After performing a 1:1 propensity score matching, the patients were divided into two groups: The RALAR group and the LALAR group (111 cases in each group). Subsequently, a comparison was made between the short-term outcomes within 30 d after surgery and the 3-year survival outcomes of these two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the LALAR group, the RALAR group exhibited a significantly earlier time to first flatus [2 (2-2) d vs 3 (3-3) d, P = 0.000], as well as a shorter time to first fluid diet [4 (3-4) d vs 5 (4-6) d, P = 0.001]. Additionally, the RALAR group demonstrated reduced postoperative indwelling catheter time [2 (1-3) d vs 4 (3-5) d, P = 0.000] and decreased length of hospital stay after surgery [5 (5-7) d vs 7(6-8) d, P = 0.009]. Moreover, there was an observed increase in total cost of hospitalization for the RALAR group compared to the LALAR group [10777 (10780-11850) dollars vs 10550 (8766-11715) dollars, P = 0.012]. No significant differences were found in terms of conversion rate to laparotomy or incidence of postoperative complications between both groups. Furthermore, no significant disparities were noted regarding the 3-year overall survival rate and 3-year disease-free survival rate between both groups. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery offers potential advantages in terms of accelerated recovery of gastrointestinal and urologic function compared to LALAR resection, while maintaining similar perioperative and 3-year oncological outcomes.

Oncological outcomes after laparotomic, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted laparoscopic staging for early high-intermediate or high-risk endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To compare oncological outcomes in patients with early-stage high-intermediate or high-risk endometrial cancer undergoing surgical staging by laparotomy, conventional laparoscopy, or robot-assisted laparoscopy. METHODS: Patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 with stage I-II (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009), high-intermediate or high-risk endometrial cancer who underwent staging surgery, were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between groups were evaluated using log-rank testing. Additionally, survival analyses were stratified by histological subtype. The effect of surgical modality on risk of recurrence and all-cause death was assessed by performing Cox regression analysis with inverse probability treatment weighting. RESULTS: In total 941 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 399 (42.4%) underwent staging surgery by laparotomy, 273 (29.0%) by laparoscopy, and 269 (28.6%) by robot-assisted laparoscopy. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the three groups. No difference in disease-free survival (75.0% vs 71.2% vs 79.0% p=0.35) or overall survival (72.7% vs 72.3% vs 71.2% p=0.98) was observed between patients after laparotomy, laparoscopy, or robot-assisted laparoscopy, respectively. Subanalyses based on histological subtype showed comparable disease-free survival and overall survival between surgical approaches. After correcting for possible confounders by means of inverse probability treatment weighting, there was no significantly increased risk of recurrence or risk of all-cause death after laparoscopy or robot-assisted laparoscopy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic staging surgery in women with early-stage high-intermediate or high-risk endometrial cancer are safe alternatives to laparotomic staging surgery.

Puncture Accuracy of Robot-Assisted CT-Based Punctures in Interventional Radiology: An Ex Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of an optically tracked robot for computed-tomography (CT)-guided needle placements in a phantom study. METHODS: In total, 240 needle punctures were carried out with the help of an optically tracked robotic device (Micromate) based on CT image datasets at three different slice thicknesses (1, 3, and 5 mm). Conically shaped targets inside a gelatin-filled plexiglass phantom were punctured. The target positioning error between the planned and actual needle trajectory was assessed by measuring the lateral positioning error (ND) between the target and the puncture needle and the Euclidean distance (ED) between the needle tip and target in control CTs. RESULTS: The mean ND and ED for the thinnest CT slice thickness were 1.34 mm (SD ± 0.82) and 2.1 mm (SD ± 0.75), respectively. There was no significant impact of target depth on targeting accuracy for ND (p = 0.094) or ED (p = 0.187). The mean duration for the planning of one trajectory and for needle positioning were 42 s (SD ± 4) and 64 s (SD ± 7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this ex vivo study, the robotic targeting device yielded satisfactory accuracy results at CT slice thicknesses of 1 and 3 mm. This technology may be particularly useful in interventions where the accurate placement of needle-like instruments is required.

Evaluation of safety and operative time in tumescent-free robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy: a retrospective single-center cohort study.

Purpose: Tumescent in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has been reported to increase the risk of necrosis by impairing blood flow to the skin flap and nipple-areolar complex. At our institution, we introduced a tumescent-free robotic NSM using the da Vinci single-port system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent tumescent-free robotic NSM between October 2020 and March 2023 at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). Clinicopathological characteristics, adverse events, and operative time were evaluated. Results: During the study period, 118 patients underwent tumescent-free robotic NSM. Thirty-one patients (26.3%) experienced an adverse event. Five patients (4.2%) were classified as grade III based on the Clavien-Dindo classification and required surgery. The mean total operative time was 467 minutes for autologous tissue reconstruction (n = 49) and 252 minutes for implants (n = 69). No correlation was found between the cumulative number of surgical cases and the breast operative time (P = 0.30, 0.52, 0.59 for surgeons A, B, C) for the 3 surgeons. However, a significant linear relationship (P < 0.001) was observed, with the operative time increasing by 13 minutes for every 100-g increase in specimen weight. Conclusion: Tumescent-free robotic NSM is a safe procedure with a feasible operative time and few adverse events.

[Robotic Colorectal Surgery: Analysis of the First Three Years of Activity in a Hospital of the Portuguese National Health Service]. / Cirurgia Robótica em Patologia Colorretal: Análise dos Primeiros Três Anos de Atividade num Hospital do Serviço Nacional de Saúde em Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery has been increasingly accepted and used in colorectal surgery. Several studies report that robotic surgery may provide advantages over 'conventional' laparoscopy, namely in rectal surgery. This paper provides an account of the first three years of experience with robotic surgery in the Unidade de Patologia Colorretal of the Unidade Local de Saúde S. José. METHODS: Variables were defined to develop a prospective database containing the data of consecutive patients operated by three internationally certified colorectal surgeons using the Da Vinci Xi® system between November 2019 and October 2022. The database was converted into an anonymized version that was used for this study. The analysis was performed on the data of all the patients operated during this period. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included, 47 male, median age 70 years, and median BMI 26 kg/m2 . ASA score was II in 53.7% and III in 41.3% of pa- tients. Of the total, 97.6% had malignant or potentially malignant disease. Operative procedures consisted of 34 colectomies proximal to the splenic flexure, 20 distal colectomies and 26 anterior resections. There were two synchronous resections of liver metastases. Early perioperative outcomes and histopathological results were analyzed: median operative time: 300 minutes; median estimated blood loss: 50 mL; conversion rate: 2.5%; median days until first bowel movement: three days; median length of hospital stay: six days; complication rate: 20%, of which 5% were Clavien III and 0% Clavien IV/V; anastomotic leak rate: 2.5%; 30-day readmission rate: 1.3%; median lymph nodes resected: 20; R0 resection rate: 100%; mesorectal integrity rate: 95,8% complete/near complete. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the adoption of robotic colorectal surgery in our center was safe and resulted in similar or improved short-term clinical outcomes and histopathological results when compared to those described in the literature.

Introdução: A utilização da cirurgia minimamente invasiva no tratamento da patologia colorretal é hoje cientificamente aceite e o seu uso na prática clí- nica diária tem vindo a aumentar de forma sustentada. Diversos estudos indicam que a abordagem robótica pode trazer vantagens sobre a laparoscopia 'convencional', especialmente na cirurgia do reto. Este trabalho descreve e analisa os resultados dos primeiros três anos de cirurgia robótica na Unidade de Patologia Colorretal da Unidade Local de Saúde S. José. Métodos: Foram definidas as variáveis a analisar e construída uma base de dados prospetiva com os dados referentes aos doentes operados conse- cutivamente por três cirurgiões colorretais, acreditados internacionalmente na utilização do sistema Da Vinci Xi®, entre novembro de 2019 e outubro de 2022. A base de dados foi convertida numa versão anonimizada e foi sobre essa mesma que se procedeu à análise de dados. Foram analisados os dados de todos doentes operados nesse período. Resultados: Foram incluídos 80 doentes, 47 homens, mediana de idade de 70 anos e de IMC de 26 kg/m2 . O score ASA era II em 53,7% e III em 41,3% dos doentes. Do total, 97,6% apresentavam doença maligna ou potencialmente maligna. Realizaram-se 34 colectomias proximais ao ângulo esplénico, 20 distais e 26 ressecções anteriores do reto. Houve ressecção síncrona de metástases hepáticas em dois casos. Foram analisados os resultados peri-operatórios a curto prazo e histopatológicos: duração (mediana): 300 minutos; perda hemática estimada (mediana): 50 mL; taxa de conversão: 2,5%; dias até retomar trânsito intestinal (mediana): três dias; dias de internamento (mediana): seis dias; taxa de complicações pós-operatórias: 20%, das quais 5% Clavien III e 0% Clavien IV/V; taxa de deiscência anastomótica: 2,5%; taxa de reintervenção: 2,5%; taxa de readmissão pós-alta: 1,3%; gânglios linfáticos ressecados (mediana): 20; taxa de ressecção R0: 100%; taxa de integridade mesorretal: 95,8% completo/quase completo. Conclusão: Os nossos resultados mostram que a introdução da cirurgia colorretal robótica no nosso centro foi segura e garantiu resultados clínicos a curto prazo e histopatológicos semelhantes ou favoráveis face aos descritos na literatura.

Limitations and complications of robotic urological surgery in younger children: debunking old beliefs. / Limitaciones y complicaciones de la cirugía urológica robótica en niños pequeños. Desmontando viejas creencias.

INTRODUCTION: Even though certain technical limitations associated with the small size of the patients were taken for granted in the advent of pediatric robotic surgery, we could now be facing a paradigm shift challenging these old beliefs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing Da-Vinci-Xi(IS4000)-assisted urological surgery from May 2022 to October 2023 was carried out. Patients were divided into two groups -Group A < 15 kg and Group B ≥ 15 kg. Operating times, hospital stay, and intra- and postoperative complications were compared. RESULTS: 17 patients (9 in Group A, 8 in Group B) underwent surgery. Median age was 29 months (A) and 109 months (B) (p< 0.001). Median weight was 12.0 kg (A) and 31.5 kg (p< 0.001). Operating time was 162 min (A) and 130 min (p= 0.203). Console time was 99 min (A) and 70 min (B) (p= 0.065). Mean hospital stay was 2 days (A) and 3 days (B) (p= 0.41). No differences were found in terms of intraoperative (p= 0.453) or postoperative (p= 0.485) complications. CONCLUSIONS: Even though operating on younger children seemed more complicated than on older ones in the advent of robotic surgery, the results in our series were similar. The fact patients under 12 months of age were not included means larger studies are required to prove this.

INTRODUCCION: Aunque en los inicios de la cirugía robótica pediátrica solíamos asumir la existencia de ciertas limitaciones técnicas asociadas al pequeño tamaño de nuestros pacientes, podríamos encontrarnos ante un cambio de paradigma y cuestionar estas antiguas creencias. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye los pacientes a los que se les practicó una cirugía urológica asistida por robot Da Vinci Xi (IS4000), entre mayo de 2022 y octubre de 2023. Se dividieron en dos grupos: A < 15 kg, B ≥ 15 kg. Se compararon tiempos quirúrgicos, estancia hospitalaria y complicaciones intra y postoperatorias. RESULTADOS: Intervenimos 17 pacientes (9 A, 8 B). Edad mediana 29 (A) y 109 meses (B) (p < 0,001). Peso mediano A: 12 kg, B 31,5 kg (p < 0,001). Tiempo quirúrgico A 162 min, B 130 min (p= 0,203). Tiempo de consola A 99 min, B 70 min (p= 0,065). Estancia media A 2, B 3 días (p= 0,41). No se encontraron diferencias en la tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias (p= 0,453) ni postoperatorias (p=0,485). CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de que al comienzo de la cirugía robótica se pensaba que sería más complicado operar a los niños pequeños que a los más mayores, en nuestra serie los resultados son similares. Por no incluir menores de 12 meses, necesitamos estudios más extensos para probar estas afirmaciones.

Propensity score matched analysis of functional outcome in five thousand cases of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus high-intensity focused ultrasound.

Background: To evaluate functional outcome after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation for prostate cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 4,983 RARP and 230 HIFU procedures performed at a single tertiary center. A 1:4 ratio propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to achieve baseline equivalence in age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, clinical stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, biopsy grade, and number of positive cores. Functional outcomes based on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores, and incontinence rates were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results: total of 193 HIFU cases matched to 760 cases of RARP, were included. No differences were observed in perioperative IPSS at all follow-up periods. Despite comparative erectile function at baseline, HIFU showed significantly better erectile function preservation compared to RARP, with mean IIEF-5 scores of 9.5 versus 4.8, 9.5 versus 5.8, and 8.4 versus 6.7 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively (all P < 0.001). Pad-free rates at 6 and 12 months were comparable, with over 96% achieving continence at 12 months in both groups, although the rate of ≤1 pad/day at last follow-up was slightly better in HIFU (98.9% vs. 96.7%, P = 0.049). Subgroup analysis on partial (PGA) and whole gland ablation (WGA) showed no differences in IIEF-5 and incontinence but increased voiding difficulty in WGA versus PGA after 12 months of therapy (P < 0.05). Preoperative IIEF-5 ≥17 and HIFU were significant predictors of early erectile function recovery at 6 months (HR 4.4 and 5.0; all P < 0.001). No differences were observed in treatment-free survival between PGA, WGA, and RARP. Conclusion: HIFU shows better performance in early recovery and preservation of erectile function after treatment for prostate cancer without increasing the risk of treatment failure. Patients with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 <17) prior to surgery should be warned of poor recovery after treatment.

Is the learning curve of the urology resident for conventional radical prostatectomy similar to that of staff initiating robot-assisted radical prostatectomy?

ABSTRACT Introduction: The superiority of the functional results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomyis still controversial. Despite this, it is known that minimally invasive surgery obtains better results when analyzing blood loss, blood transfusion and length of stay, for example. Several studies have analyzed the impact of the resident physician's involvement on the results of urological surgeries. The simple learning curve for robot-assisted radical prostate surgery is estimated to be around 10 to 12 cases. Learning curve data for robotic surgeons is heterogeneous, making it difficult to analyze. Rare studies compare the results of a radical prostatectomy of an inexperienced surgeon starting his training in open surgery, with the results of the same surgeon, a few years later, starting training in robotic surgery. Objective: to analyze the results of open radical prostatectomy surgeries (ORP) performed by urology residents, comparing them to the results of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), performed by these same surgeons, after completing their training in urology. Materials and methods: a retrospective analysis of the cases of only 3 surgeons was performed. 50 patients underwent ORP (group A). The surgeons who operated on the ORP patients were in the 3rd and final year of the urology residency program and beginners in ORP surgery, but with at least 4 years of experience in open surgery. The same surgeons, already trained urologists, began their training in robotic surgery and performed 56 RARP surgeries (group B). For the comparative analysis, data were collected on age, number of lymph nodes removed, surgery time, hospitalization time, drain volume, drain permanence time, indwelling bladdercateter (IBC) permanence time, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification (ISUP), intra and postoperative complications, urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The console used was the Da Vinci Si, from Intuitive®. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test verified that the data did not follow normality, the Levene test guaranteed homogeneity, and the Mann-Whitney test performed the comparative analysis of the quantitative data. For the analysis of qualitative data, the Chi-square test was used for nominal variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for ordinal variables. Additionally, the Friedman test analyzed whether there was an improvement in the perception of UI or ED over the months, for each group individually (without comparing them), and the post-hoc Durbin-Conover test, for the results with statistically significant difference. We used a p-value < 0.05, and the Jamovi® program (Version 2.0). Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for age, number of lymph nodes removed, positive surgical margin, biochemical recurrence, risk classification and urinary incontinence. Additionally, we observed that the surgical time was longer in group B. On the other hand, the length of stay, drain volume, drain time, IBC time, complication rate and levels of erectile dysfunction in the third and sixth months were higher in group A, when compared to group B. We also observed that there was no evolutionary improvement in ED over the months in both groups, and that there was a perception of improvement in UI from the 1st to the 3rd month in group A, and from the 1st to the 6th month, and from the 3rd to the 12th month, in group B. Conclusion: the learning curve of RARP is equivalent to the curve of ORP. In general, the results for the robotic group were better, however, the functional results were similar between the groups, with a slight tendency of advantage for the robotic arm.

Task division by multiple console surgeons is beneficial for safe robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy implementation and education.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach for the safe implementation and education of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) remains unclear. Prolonged operation time may cause surgeon fatigue and result in perioperative complications. To solve this issue, our department adopted task division by the console surgeon turnover between resection and reconstruction in 2022. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated consecutive patients who underwent RPD from November 2009 (initial introduction of RPD) to December 2023. The analysis excluded patients who underwent concomitant resection of other organs. The cases performed by a single console surgeon (single approach) were compared with those performed by two or more console surgeons (multiple approach). RESULTS: This study analyzed 85 consecutive RPD cases, including 51 with the single approach and 34 with the multiple approach. The operation time was significantly shorter (832 vs. 618 min, p < 0.001), and the postoperative major complication was less frequent (45% vs. 12%, p = 0.003) in the multiple approach group, although less experienced surgeons performed the multiple approach (number of RPD experiences: 19 cases vs. 5 cases, p < 0.001). The console surgeon turnover between the resection and reconstruction resulted in a safe pancreatojejunostomy performed by the less experienced surgeon (number of pancreatic reconstruction experiences: 6.5 vs. 14 cases, p = 0.010). Surgeons who started RPD with a multiple approach observed a reduction in surgical time and a lower incidence of complications earlier than those who started with a single approach. CONCLUSION: Task division during the early introduction phase of RPD using the multiple approach demonstrated potential contributions to improved surgical outcomes and enhanced educational benefits.

Robotic subtotal left pancreatectomy with preservation of the bile duct and spleen for multifocal pancreatic metastases: a video vignette of organ-sparing pancreatectomy for tumors that do not require regional lymphadenectomy.

Pancreatectomy for pancreatic metastases (PM) yields acceptable survival outcomes in selected renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. We describe a technique for robotic subtotal left pancreatectomy with preservation of the common bile duct (CBD) and spleen in a patient with multifocal RCC-PM. The patient, who had RCC and underwent nephrectomy 20 years ago, presented with a pancreatic mass. Computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated one mass at the head of pancreas (HOP), and other three lesions at neck, body, and tail. HOP lesion located near CBD. Subtotal left pancreatectomy was more preferred option than total pancreatectomy due to better endocrine function. The ultrasound-guided CBD and uncinate-preserving resection started at HOP, and then continued with distal pancreatectomy. The pathology revealed metastatic RCC with a negative margin. The patient experienced only biochemical pancreatic leakage. One month after surgery, the patient only required oral medication for diabetes treatment. In conclusion, the robot-assisted technique is helpful in increasing the success rate of organ-sparing pancreatectomy.

EAES/SAGES evidence-based recommendations and expert consensus on optimization of perioperative care in older adults.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages, more older adults are presenting for surgery. Age-related declines in physiological reserve and functional capacity can result in frailty and poor outcomes after surgery. Hence, optimizing perioperative care in older patients is imperative. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways and Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) may influence surgical outcomes, but current use and impact on older adults patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to provide evidence-based recommendations on perioperative care of older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery. METHODS: Expert consensus determined working definitions for key terms and metrics related to perioperative care. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases for 24 pre-defined key questions in the topic areas of prehabilitation, MIS, and ERAS in major abdominal surgery (colorectal, upper gastrointestinal (UGI), Hernia, and hepatopancreatic biliary (HPB)) to generate evidence-based recommendations following the GRADE methodology. RESULT: Older adults were defined as 65 years and older. Over 20,000 articles were initially retrieved from search parameters. Evidence synthesis was performed across the three topic areas from 172 studies, with meta-analyses conducted for MIS and ERAS topics. The use of MIS and ERAS was recommended for older adult patients particularly when undergoing colorectal surgery. Expert opinion recommended prehabilitation, cessation of smoking and alcohol, and correction of anemia in all colorectal, UGI, Hernia, and HPB procedures in older adults. All recommendations were conditional, with low to very low certainty of evidence, with the exception of ERAS program in colorectal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MIS and ERAS are recommended in older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery, with evidence supporting use in colorectal surgery. Though expert opinion supported prehabilitation, there is insufficient evidence supporting use. This work has identified evidence gaps for further studies to optimize older adults undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Evaluation of the Dimensional Accuracy of Robot-Guided Laser Osteotomy in Reconstruction with Patient-Specific Implants-An Accuracy Study of Digital High-Tech Procedures.

Background/Objective: With the rapid advancement in surgical technologies, new workflows for mandibular reconstruction are constantly being evaluated. Cutting guides are extensively employed for defining osteotomy planes but are prone to errors during fabrication and positioning. A virtually defined osteotomy plane and drilling holes in robotic surgery minimize potential sources of error and yield highly accurate outcomes. Methods: Ten mandibular replicas were evaluated after cutting-guided saw osteotomy and robot-guided laser osteotomy following reconstruction with patient-specific implants. The descriptive data analysis summarizes the mean, standard deviation (SD), median, minimum, maximum, and root mean square (RMS) values of the surface comparison for 3D printed models regarding trueness and precision. Results: The saw group had a median trueness RMS value of 2.0 mm (SD ± 1.7) and a precision of 1.6 mm (SD ± 1.4). The laser group had a median trueness RMS value of 1.2 mm (SD ± 1.1) and an equal precision of 1.6 mm (SD ± 1.4). These results indicate that robot-guided laser osteotomies have a comparable accuracy to cutting-guided saw osteotomies, even though there was a lack of statistical significance. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample size, this digital high-tech procedure has been shown to be potentially equivalent to the conventional osteotomy method. Robotic surgery and laser osteotomy offers enormous advantages, as they enable the seamless integration of precise virtual preoperative planning and exact execution in the human body, eliminating the need for surgical guides in the future.

Thymectomy for juvenile myasthenia gravis: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Thymectomy as a management strategy for juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) has been increasingly adopted with the advent of minimally invasive surgical techniques. This review evaluates existing evidence regarding the surgical management of JMG, including the benefits of surgical compared to medical therapy, important considerations when evaluating surgical candidacy and determining optimal timing of intervention. In addition, we provide an overview of the open, thoracoscopic and robotic surgical approaches available for thymectomy and compare the existing data to characterize optimal surgical management. Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted for full length research articles, including systematic reviews, retrospective cohort studies and case series, published between January 2000 and July 2023 regarding open, thoracoscopic or robotic thymectomy for management of JMG. Reference lists of the identified articles were manually searched for additional studies. Evidence was summarized in a narrative fashion with the incorporation of the authors' knowledge gained through clinical experience. Key Content and Findings: Although data specific to JMG are limited to small retrospective cohort studies, available evidence supports equal to greater disease control following thymectomy versus pharmacologic management. Furthermore, outcomes may be optimized when surgery is performed earlier in the disease course, particularly for patients who are post-pubertal with generalized or severe disease and those necessitating high-dose steroid administration thereby limiting its metabolic and growth inhibitory effects. Open transsternal resection is the historic gold-standard; however, as surgeons become more comfortable with thoracoscopic and robotic-assisted thymectomy, an increasing proportion of patients are expected to undergo thymectomy. At present, the data available is unable to support conclusions regarding which surgical approach is superior; however, minimally invasive approaches may be non-inferior while offering superior cosmesis and decreased morbidity. Conclusions: Higher-level investigation through the use of multi-institutional databases and randomized prospective trials is warranted in order to understand which child warrants thymectomy, at what point in their disease course and their development, and which surgical approach will optimize postoperative outcomes.

Robotic-Assisted Endovascular Treatment for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: A Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: To describe a single-center experience with robotic-assisted endovascular treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective, feasibility study of 4 consecutive cases of robotic-assisted endovascular surgery for transplant renal artery stenosis from October 2021 to August 2022. RESULTS: All lesions were identified, and stenting was performed with no complications. Conversion to manual control was not necessary. The mean fluoroscopy time was 25.25 min (range 12-60.9). A control Doppler ultrasound was routinely performed, demonstrating no residual lesions in all cases. There was no reintervention during the follow-up period. The operator learning curve was felt to be acceptable. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted endovascular treatment is a feasible technique for transplant renal artery stenosis.

Hospital volume-outcome relationships for robot-assisted surgeries: a population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Associations between procedure volumes and outcomes can inform minimum volume standards and the regionalization of health services. Robot-assisted surgery continues to expand globally; however, data are limited regarding which hospitals should be using the technology. STUDY DESIGN: Using administrative health data for all residents of Ontario, Canada, this retrospective cohort study included adult patients who underwent a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), total robotic hysterectomy (TRH), robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), or robotic portal lobectomy using 4 arms (RPL-4) between January 2010 and September 2021. Associations between yearly hospital volumes and 90-day major complications were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for patient characteristics and clustering at the level of the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 10,879 patients were included, with 7567, 1776, 724, and 812 undergoing a RARP, TRH, RAPN, and RPL-4, respectively. Yearly hospital volume was not associated with 90-day complications for any procedure. Doubling of yearly volume was associated with a 17-min decrease in operative time for RARP (95% confidence interval [CI] - 23 to - 10), 8-min decrease for RAPN (95% CI - 14 to - 2), 24-min decrease for RPL-4 (95% CI - 29 to - 19), and no significant change for TRH (- 7 min; 95% CI - 17 to 3). CONCLUSION: The risk of 90-day major complications does not appear to be higher in low volume hospitals; however, they may not be as efficient with operating room utilization. Careful case selection may have contributed to the lack of an observed association between volumes and complications.

Robotic Single-Site Plus One-Port Myomectomy versus Robotic Single-Site Plus Two-Port Myomectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

PURPOSE: Robotic single-site plus one-port myomectomy (RSOM) was designed to reduce the number of incision sites for greater cosmetic satisfaction of patients while retaining the benefits of conventional robotic multi-site myomectomy (CRM). Robotic single-site plus two-port myomectomy (RSTM) eliminated one port relative to conventional CRM, and RSOM achieved the same advantage with respect to RSTM. This study aimed to compare RSOM with RSTM in terms of their respective methodologies and surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 230 patients who had undergone RSOM and 146 patients who had undergone RSTM were reviewed. The groups' surgical outcomes were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: In the total data, RSOM had a shorter operative time (135.1±57.4 min vs. 149.9±46.2 min, p=0.009) and a shorter hospital stay (5.2±0.5 days vs. 5.4±0.7 days, p=0.033) relative to RSTM. The PSM analysis showed that there were no statistically significant intergroup differences in the patients' baseline characteristics. Regarding the surgical outcomes, the RSOM group showed shorter operative time (129.2±49.3 min vs. 148.7±46.3 min, p=0.001) compared to the RSTM group. CONCLUSION: Compared with RSTM, RSOM was associated with shorter operative time. Additionally, more detailed comparative and prospective studies are needed to evaluate RSOM relative to RSTM.