Minimally invasive cardiac surgeries are the trend in the future. Among them, robotic cardiac surgery is the latest iteration with several key-hole incision, 3-dimentional visualization, and articulated instrumentation of 7 degree of ergonomic freedom for those complex procedures in the heart. In particular, robotic mitral valve surgery, as well as coronary artery bypass grafting, has evolved over the last decade and become the preferred method at certain specialized centers worldwide because of excellent results. Other cardiac procedures are in various stages of evolution. Stepwise innovation of robotic technology will continue to make robotic operations simpler, more efficient, and less invasive, which will encourage more surgeons to take up this technology and extend the benefits of robotic surgery to a larger patient population.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of robotic intersphincteric resection (ISR) for rectal cancer.MethodsA literature search was performed using the China biomedical literature database, Chinese CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. The retrieval time was from the establishment of databases to April 1, 2019. Related interest indicators were brought into meta-analysis by Review Manager 5.2 software.ResultsA total of 510 patients were included in 5 studies, including 273 patients in the robot group and 237 patients in the laparoscopic group. As compared to the laparoscopic group, the robot group had significantly longer operative time [MD=43.27, 95%CI (16.48, 70.07), P=0.002], less blood loss [MD=–19.98.27, 95%CI (–33.14, –6.81), P=0.003], lower conversion rate [MD=0.20, 95%CI (0.04, –0.95), P=0.04], less lymph node harvest [MD=–1.71, 95%CI (–3.21, –0.21), P=0.03] and shorter hospital stay [MD=–1.61, 95%CI (–2.26, –0.97), P<0.000 01]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the first flatus [MD=–0.01, 95%CI (–0.48, 0.46), P=0.96], time to diet [MD=–0.20, 95%CI (–0.67, 0.27), P=0.41], incidence of complications [OR=0.76, 95%CI (0.50, 1.14), P=0.18], distal resection margin [MD=0.00, 95%CI (–0.17, 0.17), P=0.98] and positive rate of circumferential resection margin [OR=0.61, 95%CI (0.27, 1.37), P=0.23].ConclusionsRobotic and laparoscopic ISR for rectal cancer shows comparable perioperative outcomes. Compared with laparoscopic ISR, robotic ISR has the advantages of less blood loss, lower conversion rate, and longer operation times. These findings suggest that robotic ISR is a safe and effective technique for treating low rectal cancer.
ObjectiveTo explore the method of preventing heat steam induced skin damage in robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction (R-NSM-IBR) using Da Vinci Robots. Methods A clinical data of 128 female patients with breast cancer, who were treated with R-NSM-IBR between September 2022 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. During robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy, the breasts were covered with gauze cooled by ice water to reduce skin temperature in 99 cases (group A) and were not treated in 29 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in the age, affected side, body mass index, pathological type of breast cancer, and constituent ratios of adjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy between the two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative breast skin temperature, unilateral robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy time, and the incidence of complications of breast heat steam induced skin damage were recorded. Results The time for unilateral robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy was (77.18±9.23) minutes in group A and (76.38±12.88) minutes in group B, with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The intraoperative breast skin temperature was significantly lower in group A than in group B [(25.61±0.91)℃ vs (33.38±1.14)℃; P<0.05]. Seven cases of heat steam skin damage occurred during operation, including 2 cases (2.0%) in group A and 5 cases (17.2%) in group B, with a significant difference in incidence between the two groups (P<0.05). Among them, 1 patient in group B had a vesication rupture and infection, which eventually led to the removal of the implant; the rest of the patients were treated with postoperative interventions for skin recovery. Conclusion The use of breast covered with gauze cooled by ice water during R-NSM-IBR can effectively reduce the risk of heat steam induced skin damage.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and advantage of the da Vinci S Surgical System in operation of the mediastinal tumor without chest tube. MethodsFrom March 2011 up to March 2015, 39 patients in our hospital with mediastinal tumor underwent resection without a chest tube by da Vinci System were as a no chest tube group with 24 males and 15 females at age of 47.28 (18-73) years. In the same period, 50 patients with mediastinal cyst underwent resection with a chest tube insertion by da Vinci System were as a chest tube group with 25 males and 25 females at age of 49.24 (22-82) years. Clinical data of the two groups were collected and compared. ResultThere were statistical differences in mean operative time (61.97±16.41min vs. 79.90±33.19 min, P=0.003), time of ICU stay (1.23±0.48 d vs. 2.16±0.82 d, P=0.000), time of postoperative hospitalization (3.77±1.16 d vs. 5.62±2.22 d, P=0.000), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score (3.05±1.76 vs. 4.54±1.83). The clinical results in the no chest tube group were better than those in the chest tube group. All the procedures were successfully completed by da Vinci System in all the patients without conversions and any compilcation. ConclusionIt's safe and beneficial for patients without a chest tube after a mediastinal tumor resection with da Vinci S Surgical System with shorter hospital stay.
ObjectiveTo summarize the data of robotic hysterectomy in patients with large and super-large uterus in single center, and explore the relevant clinical experience and advantages of robotic surgery.MethodsThe medical records of the patients with large uterus caused by gynecological diseases who underwent robotic hysterectomy in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with uterine size from 12 to 16 weeks of gestation were divided into large uterus group and those with uterine volume larger than 16 weeks of gestation were divided into super large uterus group.ResultsA total of 62 patients were included, including 28 in the large uterus group with the average uterus size of (14.3±2.1) gestational weeks, and 34 in the super large uterus group with the average uterus size of (19.9±2.8) gestational weeks. There was no significant difference in mean age, body mass index, history of abdominal surgery or diagnostic composition between the two groups (P>0.05), except for the size of the uterus (t=8.772, P<0.001). The operation time in the large uterus group was less than that in the super-large uterus group [(75.4±22.6) vs. (91.7±27.8) min; t=2.495, P=0.015]. The incidence of complications after robotic hysterectomy was 14.5% (9/62) in the 62 patients, including 14.3% (4/28) in the large uterus group and 14.7% (5/34) in the super-large uterus group. There was no significant difference in the amount of bleeding, blood transfusion rate, ratio of conversion to open surgery, average hospitalization days or incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionsRobotic hysterectomy has the advantages of flexible manipulator, 3-D operative field of vision and stability of manipulation. In addition, increased uterine volume does not lead to increased surgical trauma, nor apparently affect the prognosis.
Objective To investigate the risk factors for arrhythmia after robotic cardiac surgery. Methods The data of the patients who underwent robotic cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from July 2016 to June 2022 in Daping Hospital of Army Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether arrhythmia occurred after operation, the patients were divided into an arrhythmia group and a non-arrhythmia group. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic analysis were used to screen the risk factors for arrhythmia after robotic cardiac surgery. ResultsA total of 146 patients were enrolled, including 55 males and 91 females, with an average age of 43.03±13.11 years. There were 23 patients in the arrhythmia group and 123 patients in the non-arrhythmia group. One (0.49%) patient died in the hospital. Univariate analysis suggested that age, body weight, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, left atrial anteroposterior diameter, left ventricular anteroposterior diameter, right ventricular anteroposterior diameter, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, uric acid, red blood cell width, operation time, CPB time, aortic cross-clamping time, and operation type were associated with postoperative arrhythmia (P<0.05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis suggested that direct bilirubin (OR=1.334, 95%CI 1.003-1.774, P=0.048) and aortic cross-clamping time (OR=1.018, 95%CI 1.005-1.031, P=0.008) were independent risk factors for arrhythmia after robotic cardiac surgery. In the arrhythmia group, postoperative tracheal intubation time (P<0.001), intensive care unit stay (P<0.001) and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.001) were significantly prolonged, and postoperative high-dose blood transfusion events were significantly increased (P=0.002). Conclusion Preoperative direct bilirubin level and aortic cross-clamping time are independent risk factors for arrhythmia after robotic cardiac surgery. Postoperative tracheal intubation time, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative hospital stay are significantly prolonged in patients with postoperative arrhythmia, and postoperative high-dose blood transfusion events are significantly increased.
ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement of femoral rotation alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by robotic-arm assisted positioning and osteotomy and its short-term effectiveness.MethodsBetween June 2020 and November 2020, 60 patients (60 knees) with advanced osteoarthritis of the knee, who met the selection criteria, were selected as the study subjects. Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. Patients were treated with robotic-arm assisted TKA (RATKA) in trial group, and with conventional TKA in control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side and course of osteoarthritis, body mass index, and the preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior condylar angle (PCA), knee society score-knee (KSS-K) and KSS-function (KSS-F) scores between the two groups (P>0.05). The clinical (KSS-K, KSS-F scores) and imaging (HKA, LDFA, MPTA, PCA) evaluation indexes of the knee joints were compared between the two groups at 3 months after operation.ResultsAll patients were successfully operated. The incisions in the two groups healed by first intention, with no complications related to the operation. Patients in the two groups were followed up 3-6 months, with an average of 3.9 months. KSS-K and KSS-F scores of the two groups at 3 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). X-ray re-examination showed that the prosthesis was in good position, and no prosthesis loosening or sinking occurred. HKA, MPTA, and PCA significantly improved in both groups at 3 months after operation (P<0.05) except LDFA. There was no significant difference in HKA, LDFA, and MPTA between the two groups (P>0.05). PCA in trial group was significantly smaller than that in control group (t=2.635, P=0.010).ConclusionRATKA can not only correct knee deformity, relieve pain, improve the quality of life, but also achieve the goal of restoring accurate femoral rotation alignment. There was no adverse event after short-term follow-up and the effectiveness was satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical experience of 180 general surgeries under da Vinci surgical system. MethodsFrom January 2009 to October 2010, 180 patients with hepatopancreaticobiliary and gastrointestinal disease underwent robotic surgeries by using da Vinci surgical system. The case distribution, intra-and post-operative data were analyzed. ResultsA total of 171 patients had underwent total robotic surgeries and nine patients converted to hand-assisted procedure (5.0%, 9/180). The surgery for hepatic portal was performed in 63 cases of patients, including surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma in 36 cases, gallbladder carcinoma in 10 cases, complex calculus of intrahepatic duct in 12 cases, and iatrogenic biliary duct injury in 5 cases. The pancreatic surgery was performed in 44 cases of patients, including pancreatoduodenectomy in 16 cases, distal pancreatectomy in 6 cases, medial pancreatectomy in 1 case, pancreatic cyst-jejunum anastomosis in 1 case, and palliative surgery in 20 cases. Hepatic surgery was in 19 cases and gastrointestinal surgery in 12 cases of patients. Other procedures were in 42 cases of patients, including common bile duct exploration and removing the stone, retroperitoneal lymph nodes dissection, and splenectomy, etc. All of ten cases of patients with obstructive suppurative cholangitis received emergency surgery by the robot and postoperative infection symptoms were controlled, and shock was corrected quickly. No death occurred during the perioperative period. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 cases (6.7%, 12/180) and 2 cases died (1.1%, 2/180). Conclusionsda Vinci surgical system can carry out all kinds of general surgery, especially complicated and difficult hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, which improves the development of minimally invasive surgery.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the treatment of esophageal carcinoma. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 79 patients with robotassisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in our hospital from August 2010 to June 2015. There were 43 males and 36 females at average age of 62 years. The clinical effect was analyzed. ResultsThe mean operation time was 245 min (range 170 min to 330 min). The mean blood loss was 75 ml (range 20 ml to 310 ml). The mean hospital stay was 10.2 days (range 7 days to 26 days). Two perioperative deaths occurred. A total of 14 (17.7%) patients with complication were reported. Mean lymph node harvest was 20.7 nodes with 10.9 in chest, 9.6 in abdomen. ConclusionRobot-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy is technically feasible and safe. It is expected to reduce surgical trauma and reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications.
Objective To systematically review the efficacy of robotic, laparoscopic-assisted, and open total mesorectal excision (TME) for the treatment of rectal cancer. Methods The PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were electronically searched to identify cohort studies on robotic, laparoscopic-assisted, and open TME for rectal cancer published from January 2016 to January 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies. Subsequently, network meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software and R software. Results A total of 24 studies involving 12 348 patients were included. The results indicated that among the three types of surgical procedures, robotic TME showed the best outcomes by shortening the length of hospital stay, reducing the incidence of postoperative anastomotic fistula and intestinal obstruction, and lowering the overall postoperative complication rate. However, differences in the number of dissected peritumoural lymph nodes were not statistically significant. Conclusion Robotic TME shows better outcomes in terms of the radicality of excision and postoperative short-term outcomes in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, clinicians should consider the patients’ actual condition for the selection of surgical methods to achieve individualised treatment for patients with rectal cancer.