Robotic partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly decreased rate of postoperative pseudoaneurysm compared to open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

While partial nephrectomy offers oncologic efficacy and preserves renal function for T1 renal tumors, renal artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP) remains a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. This study compared RAP incidence across robotic-assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN), and open (OPN) partial nephrectomies in a large tertiary oncological center. This retrospective study analyzed 785 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy between 2012 and 2022 (398 RAPN, 122 LPN, 265 OPN). Data included demographics, tumor size/location, surgical type, clinical presentation, treatment, and post-operative outcomes. The primary outcome was RAP incidence, with secondary outcomes including presentation, treatment efficacy, and renal function. Seventeen patients (2.1%) developed RAP, presenting with massive hematuria (100%), hemorrhagic shock (5.8%), and clot retention (23%). The median onset was 12 days postoperatively. RAP occurred in 4 (1%), 4 (3.3%), and 9 (3.4%) patients following RAPN, LPN, and OPN, respectively (p = 0.04). Only operative length and surgical approach were independently associated with RAP. Selective embolization achieved immediate bleeding control in 94%, with one patient requiring a second embolization. No additional surgery or nephrectomy was needed. Estimated GFR at one year was similar across both groups (p = 0.53). RAPN demonstrated a significantly lower RAP incidence compared to LPN and OPN (p = 0.04). Emergency angiographic embolization proved effective, with no long-term renal function impact. This retrospective study lacked randomization and long-term follow-up. Further research with larger datasets and longer follow-ups is warranted. This study suggests that robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of RAP compared to traditional approaches. Emergency embolization effectively treats RAP without compromising long-term renal function.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term outcomes: robot-assisted versus laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer patients with visceral obesity.

The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the comparative efficacy of robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery in treating gastric cancer among patients characterized by a high visceral fat area (VFA). In April 2024, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using major international databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. We restricted our selection to articles written in English, excluding reviews, protocols without published data, conference abstracts, and irrelevant content. Our analysis focused on continuous data using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and standard mean differences (SMDs), while dichotomous data were assessed with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We set the threshold for statistical significance at P < 0.05. Data extraction included baseline characteristics, primary outcomes (such as operative time, major complications, lymph node yield, and anastomotic leakage), and secondary outcomes. The meta-analysis included three cohort studies totaling 970 patients. The robotic-assisted group demonstrated a significantly longer operative time compared to the laparoscopic group, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of - 55.76 min (95% CI - 74.03 to - 37.50; P < 0.00001). This group also showed a reduction in major complications, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.48 (95% CI 1.09-5.66; P = 0.03) and fewer occurrences of abdominal infections (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.41-7.14; P = 0.005), abdominal abscesses (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.53-9.57; P = 0.004), anastomotic leaks (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.73-9.65; P = 0.001), and pancreatic leaks (OR 8.93, 95% CI 2.33-34.13; P = 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding length of hospital stay, overall complications, estimated blood loss, or lymph node yield. Based on our findings, robot-assisted gastric cancer surgery in obese patients with visceral fat appears to be correlated with fewer major complications compared to laparoscopic surgery, while maintaining similar outcomes in other surgical aspects. However, it is important to note that robot-assisted procedures do tend to have longer operative times.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery and robotic-assisted first-rib excision and thoracic outlet syndrome decompression.

Multiple surgical approaches have been used in the management of thoracic outlet syndrome. These approaches have traditionally been "open" approaches and have been associated with the inherent morbidities of an open approach, including a risk of injury to the neurovascular structures due to traction and trauma while resecting the first rib. In addition, there has been concern that recurrence of symptoms may be related to incomplete resection of the rib with conventional open techniques. With the advent of minimally invasive thoracic surgery, surgeons began to explore first-rib resection via a thoracoscopic approach. Unfortunately, the existing video-assisted thoracic surgery technology and equipment was not well suited to working in the apex of the chest. With the introduction and subsequent progress in robotic surgery and instrumentation, this dissection can be performed with all the advantages of robotics, but also with minimal traction and trauma to the neurovascular structures, and incorporates almost complete resection of the rib with minimal residual stump. Robotics has developed as a reliable, safe, and less invasive approach to first-rib resection, yielding excellent results while limiting the morbidity of the procedure.

Robotic gastrectomy is safe in geriatric patients with gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of robotic surgery in oncological operations has been demonstrated, but its applicability in the elderly population (≥70 years) is limited in studies. This study aims to investigate the feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of robotic surgery in gastric cancer surgery in geriatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent robotic surgery for gastric cancer between July 2021 and September 2023 were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: the elderly group (≥70 years) and the younger group (<70 years). Demographic data, clinical findings, perioperative outcomes, and pathology results were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: 63 patients were included in our study. Group 1, the younger patients (<70 years), consisted of 44 patients, while Group 2, the older patients (>70 years), consisted of 19 patients. The male gender was dominant in both groups (70.5% vs. 78.9%, p=0.486). ASA 2 was the most common score in both groups (70.5% vs. 52.6%, p=0.261). Group 2 had lower hemoglobin (11.3 vs. 10.1, p=0.017) and albumin levels (39.9 vs. 37.6, p=0.049). The average operation times were similar in both groups (255 min vs. 242 min, p=0.457). The median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days in both groups. The distributions of postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were similar. Postoperative 30-day mortality was observed in one patient in Group 2. The 90-day hospital readmission rates were similar (11.3% vs. 10.6%, p=0.459). The average tumor diameters were similar (38 mm vs. 48 mm, p=0.165), as were the numbers of dissected lymph nodes (35 vs. 34, p=0.796). According to pathology results, T4a tumors were most common in Group 1 and T0 tumors in Group 2 (34.1% vs. 31.6%, p=0.149). The most common lymph node involvements were N0 in Group 1 and N1 in Group 2 (36.4% vs. 36.8%, p=0.515). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery in gastric cancer is considered a safe and feasible method in the elderly population due to its successful early outcomes, suggesting its reliability and effectiveness.

Preoperative smoking and robot-assisted radical cystectomy outcomes & complications in multicenter KORARC database.

To investigate the influence of preoperative smoking history on the survival outcomes and complications in a cohort from a large multicenter database. Many patients who undergo radical cystectomy (RC) have a history of smoking; however, the direct association between preoperative smoking history and survival outcomes and complications in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who undergo robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) remains unexplored. We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from 749 patients in the Korean Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy Study Group (KORARC) database, with an average follow-up duration of 30.8 months. The cohort was divided into two groups: smokers (n = 351) and non-smokers (n = 398). Propensity score matching was employed to address differences in sample size and baseline demographics between the two groups (n = 274, each). Comparative analyses included assessments of oncological outcomes and complications. After matching, smoking did not significantly affect the overall complication rate (p = 0.121). Preoperative smoking did not significantly increase the occurrence of complications based on complication type (p = 0.322), nor did it increase the readmission rate (p = 0.076). There were no perioperative death in either group. Furthermore, preoperative smoking history showed no significant impact on overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.87, interquartile range (IQR): 0.54-1.42; p = 0.589] and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.12, IQR: 0.83-1.53; p = 0.458) following RARC for MIBC. The extent of preoperative smoking (≤ 10, 10-30, and ≥ 30 pack-years) had no significant influence on OS and RFS in any of the categories (all p > 0.05). Preoperative smoking history did not significantly affect OS, RFS, or complications in patients with MIBC undergoing RARC.

Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy in patients aged 75 years or older - comparing the risk of complications with their younger counterparts.

BACKGROUND & AIM: More elderly patients are diagnosed with kidney tumors where partial nephrectomy is technically possible. We investigated whether patients ≥ 75 years old had an increased risk of complications following robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) compared to younger patients. METHODS: Retrospective, consecutive study including patients who underwent RAPN between May 2016 - April 2023. Preoperative data, operative data and complications within 90 days were recorded by patient record review. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo (CD). RESULTS: 451 patients underwent RAPN and a postoperative complication was recorded in 131 (29%) patients of which 28 (6%) were CD ≥ III. Any postoperative complication was recorded in 24/113 patients (21%) < 55 years, 40/127 patients (31%) 55-64 years, 45/151 patients (42%) 65-74 years, and 22/60 patients (37%) ≥ 75 years. Comparable numbers for a CD ≥ III postoperative complication were 2/113 (2%) < 55 years, 6/127 (7%) 55-64 years, 12/151 (8%) 65-74 years, and 5/60 (8%) ≥ 75 years. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients ≥ 75 years had a non-significant increased risk of complications when controlling for preoperative variables (OR 1.82 [95% CI 0.80-4.13]) or perioperative variables (OR 1.98 [95% CI 0.86-4.58]) compared to patients < 55 years. Two patients died postoperatively. Both were ≥ 75 years (2/60, 3%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Selected patients ≥ 75 years can undergo RAPN without a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications. However, a mortality rate of 3% in this age group indicates that these patients are frail when postoperative complications occur.

Survivorship and Outcomes of Robotic Arm-Assisted Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate implant survivor-ship, complications, and re-operation rates following robotic arm-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at mid-term follow-up. METHODS: Patient satisfaction, clinical outcome, and knee alignment restoration were evaluated. All patients undergo-ing robotic arm-assisted medial UKA during a 2-year period were prospectively enrolled. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, varus-valgus deformity, and knee range of motion were studied pre- and postoperatively. Revisions and surgery-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included in the study (mean age: 71.2 years). The mean follow-up was 74.7 months. One conversion to total knee arthroplasty was performed due to periprosthetic fracture 4.5 years after initial surgery result-ing in a survivorship rate of 98.8%. Overall satisfaction was excellent; 97.7% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied, while none was dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. WOMAC score in total, as well as in each component, exhibited sig-nificant improvement postoperatively. Additionally, knee alignment in the coronal plane as well as flexion contracture were significantly improved following the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of the present cohort revealed that precise prosthesis implantation through the robotic arm-assisted system in UKA provided excellent overall satisfac-tion rates and clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up.

Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction as the Treatment of Choice versus Robotic-Assisted Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Similar Patients with Emphysema - An Initial Experience of the Benefits and Complications.

Objective: There is an assumption that because EBLVR requires less use of hospital resources, offsetting the higher cost of endobronchial valves, it should therefore be the treatment of choice wherever possible. We have tested this hypothesis in a retrospective analysis of the two in similar groups of patients. Methods: In a 4-year experience, we performed 177 consecutive LVR procedures: 83 patients underwent Robot Assisted Thoracoscopic (RATS) LVRS and 94 EBLVR. EBLVR was intentionally precluded by evidence of incomplete fissure integrity or intra-operative assessment of collateral ventilation. Unilateral RATS LVRS was performed in these cases together with those with unsuitable targets for EBLVR. Results: EBLVR was uncomplicated in 37 (39%) cases; complicated by post-procedure spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in 28(30%) and required revision in 29 (31%). In the LVRS group, 7 (8%) patients were readmitted with treatment-related complications, but no revisional procedure was needed. When compared with uncomplicated EBLVR, LVRS had a significantly longer operating time: 85 (14-82) vs 40 (15-151) minutes (p<0.001) and hospital stay: 7.5 (2-80) vs 2 (1-14) days (p<0.01). However, LVRS had a similar total operating time to both EBLVR requiring revision: 78 (38-292) minutes and hospital stay to EBLVR complicated by pneumothorax of 11.5 (6.5-24.25) days. Use of critical care was significantly longer in RATS group, and it was also significantly longer in EBV with SP group than in uncomplicated EBV group. Conclusion: Endobronchial LVR does use less hospital resources than RATS LVRS in comparable groups if the recovery is uncomplicated. However, this advantage is lost if one includes the resources needed for the treatment of complications and revisional procedures. Any decision to favour EBLVR over LVRS should not be based on the assumption of a smoother, faster perioperative course.

Single-layer versus double-layer renorrhaphy technique during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: impact on perioperative outcomes, complications, and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The debate between single-layer and double-layer renorrhaphy techniques during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) represents a subject of ongoing discourse. The present analysis aims to compare the perioperative and functional outcomes of single- versus double-layer renorrhaphy during RPN. METHODS: Study data were retrieved from prospectively maintained institutional database (Jan2018-May2023). Study population was divided into two groups according to the number of layers (single vs. double) used for renorrhaphy. Baseline and perioperative data were compared. Postoperative surgical outcomes included type and grade of complications as classified according to Clavien-Dindo. Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate were used to measure renal function. RESULTS: Three hundred seventeen patients were included in the analysis: 209 received single-layer closure, while 108 underwent double-layer renorrhaphy. Baseline characteristics were not statistically different between the groups. Comparable low incidence of intraoperative complications was observed between the cohorts (P=0.5). No difference was found in terms of mean (95% CI) Hb level drop postoperation (single-layer: 1.6 g/dL [1.5-1.7] vs. double-layer: 1.4 g/dL [1.2-1.5], P=0.3). Overall and "major" rate of complications were 16% and 3%, respectively, with no difference observed in terms of any grade (P=0.2) and major complications (P=0.7). Postoperative renal function was not statistically different between the treatment modalities. At logistic regression analyses, no difference in terms of probability of overall (OR 0.82 [0.63-1.88]) and major (OR 0.94 [0.77-6.44]) complications for the number of suture layers was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Single-layer and double-layer renorrhaphy demonstrated comparable perioperative and functional outcomes within the setting of the present study.

Minimally invasive transperitoneal partial versus radical nephrectomy in obese patients: perioperative and long-term functional outcomes from a large perspective contemporary series (RECORd2 project).

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the perioperative and long-term functional outcomes of laparoscopic (LPN) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in comparison to laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in obese patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: Clinical data of 4325 consecutive patients from The Italian REgistry of COnservative and Radical Surgery for cortical renal tumor Disease (RECORD 2 Project) were gathered. Only patients treated with transperitoneal LPN, RAPN, or LRN with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, clinical T1 renal tumor and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min, were included. Perioperative, and long-term functional outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Overall, 388 patients were included, of these 123 (31.7%), 120 (30.9%) and 145 (37.4%) patients were treated with LRN, LPN, and RAPN, respectively. No significant difference was observed in preoperative characteristics. Overall, intra and postoperative complication rates were comparable among the groups. The LRN group had a significantly increased occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to LPN and RAPN (40.6% vs. 15.3% vs. 7.6%, P=0.001). Laparoscopic RN showed a statistically significant higher renal function decline at 60-month follow-up assessment compared to LPN and RAPN. A significant renal function loss was recorded in 30.1% of patients treated with LRN compared to 16.7% and 10.3% of patients treated with LPN and RAPN (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients, both LPN and RAPN showcased comparable complication rates and higher renal function preservation than LRN. These findings highlighted the potential benefits of minimally invasive PN over radical surgery in the context of obese individuals.

Feasibility and safety of dual-console telesurgery with the KangDuo Surgical Robot-1500 System using fifth-generation and wired networks: an animal experiment and sea-spanning clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of dual-console telesurgery with the new KangDuo system in an animal experiment and clinical study. METHODS: Six canine models were performed radical prostatectomy with dual-console KanDuo surgical robot-1500 (KD-SR-1500-RARP). The perioperative outcomes, physical and mental workload of the surgeon were collected. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with NASA-TLX. After conducting animal experiments to verify safety of dual-console KD-SR-1500-RARP, we conducted the clinical trial using 5G and wired networks. RESULTS: In the animal experiment, all surgeries were performed successfully. The operative time was 80.2±32.1 min. The docking time was 2.4±0.5 min. The console time was 49.7±25.3 min. There were no perioperative complications or equipment related adverse events. All dogs can micturate after catheter removal at one week postoperatively. The mental workload was at a low level (a scale ranging from 0 to 60), which scored 15.7±6.9. Among the eight recorded muscles, the fatigue degree of the right radial flexor and left biceps was the highest two (iEMG, resection, 299.8±344 uV, 109.9±16.9 uV; suture, 849.4±1252.5 uV, 423.1±621.3 uV, respectively). In the clinical study, the console time was 136 min. The mean latency time was ≤200 ms. The data pocket loss was <1%. The operation was successfully completed without malfunctions occurring throughout the entire process. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-console telesurgery with the KD-SR-1500 system was shown to be feasible and safe in radical prostatectomy using 5G and wired networks.

The impact of low pressure pneumoperitoneum in robotic assisted radical prostatectomy II: a prospective, randomized, double blinded trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze postoperative ileus rates and postoperative complications between the different pneumoperitoneum settings. The secondary objective was to evaluate narcotic use and intraoperative blood loss between the different pneumoperitoneum settings. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double blinded study was conducted at pneumoperitoneum pressures of either 12 mmHg or 15 mmHg for patients undergoing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection by a single high volume surgeon. RESULTS: The risk of ileus in the 12 mmHg group was 1.9% (2/105) compared to 3.2% (3/93) in the 15 mmHg group (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.1-3.6). There was no difference in the risk of any complication with a complication rate of 4.8% (5/105) in the 12 mmHg arm compared to 4.3% (4/93) in the 15 mmHg arm (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.3 - 4.3). CONCLUSION: Pneumoperitoneum pressure setting of 12 mmHg has no significant difference to 15 mmHg in the rate of postoperative complications, narcotic use, and intraoperative bleeding. Additional research is warranted to understand the optimal.

Surgical outcomes of robotic thyroidectomy for thyroid tumors over 4 cm via the bilateral axillo-breast approach.

The study investigated the feasibility of robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) thyroidectomy for patients with thyroid tumors larger than 4 cm. BABA thyroidectomy has previously shown safety and effectiveness for thyroid surgeries but lacked extensive data on its application to larger tumors. Between October 2008 and August 2022, there were 74 patients underwent robotic BABA thyroidectomy due to thyroid nodules exceeding 4 cm in size. The mean patient age was 40.3 years. Fine needle aspiration results classified the tumors as benign (50.0%), atypia of undetermined significance (27.0%), follicular neoplasm (16.2%), suspicious for malignancy/malignancy (5.4%), or lymphoma (1.4%). The average tumor size was 4.9 cm, with the majority (85.1%) undergoing thyroid lobectomy, and the rest (14.9%) receiving total thyroidectomy. The mean total operation time was 178.4 min for lobectomy and 207.3 min for total thyroidectomy. Transient vocal cord palsy (VCP) was found in 3 patients (4.1%), and there was no permanent VCP. Among patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in three (27.2%), and permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in one (9.1%). There were no cases of open conversion, tumor spillage, bleeding, flap injury, or tumor recurrence. In conclusion, robotic BABA thyroidectomy may be a safe treatment option for large-sized thyroid tumors that carries no significant increase in complication rates.

Effectiveness and safety of SR-ENS-600endoscopic surgical system in benign and malignant gynecological diseases: a prospective, multicenter, clinical trial with 63 cases.

Single-port laparoscopy has gained more attention, but inherent technical challenges hinder its wider use. To overcome the disadvantage of traditional single-port surgery, robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery system was designed and clinically utilized. This multi-center single-arm trial was aimed to present the clinical outcomes of the SHURUI robotic endoscopic single-site surgery system. 63 women with ovary cysts, myoma, cervical epithelial neoplasm, or endometrial carcinoma were recruited at 6 academic medical centers in different districts of China. The trial was registered on September 5, 2023, with the register number: ChiCTR2300075431, retrospectively registered. Patients underwent robotic LESS surgery with the SHURUI endoscopic surgical system from January 17 to May 26, 2023. Demographic information, perioperative parameters, complications, scar healing, and operator satisfaction scores were recorded. Patients were followed up for 30 ± 4 days. Average operative time and estimated blood loss were 157.03 ± 75.24 min and 63.86 ± 98.33 ml, respectively, for all surgeries. Average anal exhaust time and hospitalization stay were 30.99 ± 14.25 h and 3.63 ± 1.59 days, respectively. Patients' postoperative rehabilitation assessment showed satisfactory results on the day of discharge and 30 ± 4 days after surgery. The surgery achieved good cosmetic benefits and was surgeon friendly. There were no conversions to alternative surgical modalities, complications, or readmissions. The SHURUI endoscopic surgical system showed both the technical feasibility and safety of this surgical modality for gynecologic patients. Further randomized studies comparing this modality with traditional LESS surgery are suggested.

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS): current evidence in the treatment of early rectal neoplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (R-TAMIS) was introduced in 2012 for the excision of benign rectal polyps and low grade rectal cancer. Ergonomic improvements over traditional laparoscopic TAMIS (L-TAMIS) include increased dexterity within a small operative field, with possibility of better surgical precision. We aim to collate the existing data surrounding the use of R-TAMIS to treat rectal neoplasms from cohort studies and larger case series, providing a foundation for future, large-scale, comparative studies. METHODS: Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched as part of our review. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies or large case series (≥ 5 patients) investigating the use of R-TAMIS to resect rectal neoplasia (benign or malignant) were eligible for inclusion in our analysis. Quality assessment of included studies was performed via the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) risk of bias tool. Outcomes extracted included basic participant characteristics, operative details and histopathological/oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen studies on 317 participants were included in our analysis. The quality of studies was generally satisfactory. Overall complication rate from R-TAMIS was 9.7%. Clear margins (R0) were reported in 96.2% of patients. Local recurrence (benign or malignant) occurred in 2.2% of patients during the specified follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Our review highlights the current evidence for R-TAMIS in the local excision of rectal lesions. While R-TAMIS appears to have complication, margin negativity and recurrence rates superior to those of published L-TAMIS series, comparative studies are needed.

Robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection for advanced rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral pelvic node dissection (LPND) poses significant technical challenges. Despite the advent of robotic surgery, determining the optimal minimally invasive approach remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between robotic total mesorectal excision with LPND (R-LPND) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with LPND (L-LPND). METHODS: This meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) guidelines. Utilizing the RevMan 5.3.5 statistical package from the Cochrane Collaboration, a random-effects model was employed. RESULTS: Six eligible studies involving 652 patients (316 and 336 in the R-LPND and L-LPND groups, respectively) were retrieved. The robotic approach demonstrated favourable outcomes compared with the laparoscopic approach, manifesting in lower morbidity rates, reduced urinary complications, shorter hospital stays, and a higher number of harvested lateral pelvic lymph nodes. However, longer operative time was associated with the robotic approach. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding major complications, anastomotic leak, intra-abdominal infection, neurological complications, LPND time, overall recurrence, and local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the robotic approach is a safe and feasible alternative for Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) with LPND in advanced rectal cancer. Notably, it is associated with lower morbidity, particularly a reduction in urinary complications, a shorter hospital stay and increased number of harvested lateral pelvic nodes. The trade-off for these benefits is a longer operative time.

Robotic, transanal, and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for locally advanced mid/low rectal cancer: European multicentre, propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard surgery for low/mid locally advanced rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to compare three minimally invasive surgical approaches for TME with primary anastomosis (laparoscopic TME, robotic TME, and transanal TME). METHODS: Records of patients undergoing laparoscopic TME, robotic TME, or transanal TME between 2013 and 2022 according to standardized techniques in expert centres contributing to the European MRI and Rectal Cancer Surgery III (EuMaRCS-III) database were analysed. Propensity score matching was applied to compare the three groups with respect to the complication rate (primary outcome), conversion rate, postoperative recovery, and survival. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients (mean(s.d.) age of 64.1(11) years) were included; 190 (40.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic TME, 141 (30.1%) patients underwent robotic TME, and 137 (29.3%) patients underwent transanal TME. Comparative analyses after propensity score matching demonstrated a higher rate of postoperative complications for laparoscopic TME compared with both robotic TME (OR 1.80, 95% c.i. 1.11-2.91) and transanal TME (OR 2.87, 95% c.i. 1.72-4.80). Robotic TME was associated with a lower rate of grade A anastomotic leakage (2%) compared with both laparoscopic TME (8.8%) and transanal TME (8.1%) (P = 0.031). Robotic TME (1.4%) and transanal TME (0.7%) were both associated with a lower conversion rate to open surgery compared with laparoscopic TME (8.8%) (P < 0.001). Time to flatus and duration of hospital stay were shorter for patients treated with transanal TME (P = 0.003 and 0.001 respectively). There were no differences in operating time, intraoperative complications, blood loss, mortality, readmission, R0 resection, or survival. CONCLUSION: In this multicentre, retrospective, propensity score-matched, cohort study of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, newer minimally invasive approaches (robotic TME and transanal TME) demonstrated improved outcomes compared with laparoscopic TME.