Advantages of the umbilical minilaparotomy-first approach in robotic rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Since 2018, we have performed robotic rectal cancer surgery at our institution via the umbilical mini-laparotomy-first approach. In the present technical note, we introduce the advantages of this approach. METHODS: In this approach, a 3-cm mini-laparotomy and the wound protector attachment are performed prior to port placement for the da Vinci® Xi system. During robotic surgery, the assistant can adjust the location of the camera port within the wound protector. RESULTS: This approach is only different from the standard port placement in terms of the timing of minilaparotomy; therefore, there is no additional cost. This approach has several advantages. 1: Intraabdominal adhesion around the umbilicus can be dissected under direct vision. 2: Robot arm collision can be diminished. 3: The diverting stoma can be located just at the preoperative stoma-site marking. 4: The da Vinci® camera is less likely to be dirty. 5: Assistant ports can be added through the wound protector. However, sometimes interference between the wound protector extends inside the abdomen and other ports can be a problem, especially in small patients. A smaller-size wound protector is thus recommended in such cases. CONCLUSIONS: The umbilical minilaparotomy-first approach in robotic rectal cancer surgery is a simple and feasible technique with great advantages for not only ensuring successful robotic surgery but also reducing the stoma-associated complications.

A case of a malignant serous neoplasm of the pancreas with synchronous vascular invasion and metachronous metastases.

Serous neoplasms (SNs) of the pancreas are usually considered benign tumors. However, they rarely manifest malignant behaviors. Here we present a case of malignant SN and review the literature of malignant SN. A 71-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a palpable abdominal mass. Imaging studies revealed a 7 cm mass with a cluster of microcysts having a honeycomb appearance in the head of the pancreas, which invaded the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). After being clinically diagnosed with SN, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed with resection of limited SMV. Microscopically, the tumor was diagnosed as an SN concomitant with the tumor thrombus in the SMV. Four years after the surgery, two liver tumors and two peritoneal nodules were detected and three of them were surgically resected. All of those lesions had a honeycomb appearance in their cut surfaces and they were microscopically indistinguishable from the originally resected SN. A review of the literature identified 22 cases of malignant metastatic SNs published to date. Even though extremely rare, metachronous metastasis could occur in SNs of the pancreas. Local invasion indicated an increased likelihood of future metastasis. Thus, periodic surveillance should be considered for SNs after resection, especially when they have a local invasion.