ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in pulmonary function after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) segmentectomy.MethodsA total of 59 patients (30 males and 29 females) who underwent segmentectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from July to October 2017 were included. There were 33 patients (18 males and 15 females) in the VATS group and 26 patients (12 males and 14 females) in the RATS group. Lung function tests were performed before surgery, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Intra- and inter-group comparisons of lung function retention values were performed between the two groups of patients to analyze differences in lung function retention after VATS and RATS segmentectomy.ResultsThe forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in the VATS group and the RATS group were significantly lower than those before surgery (P<0.05), and they increased significantly within 6 months after surgery (P<0.05). The recovery was not obvious after 6 months (P>0.05), and they were still lower than those before surgery. In addition, the retentions of FEV1 and FVC in the VATS group and the RATS group were similar in 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after operation with no statistical difference(P>0.05). ConclusionPulmonary function decreases significantly in 1 month after minimally invasive segmentectomy, and the recovery is obvious in 6 months after the operation, then the pulmonary function recovery gradually stabilizes 12 months after surgery. FEV1 of the patients in the two groups recovers to 93% and 94%, respectively. There is no statistical difference in pulmonary function retention after VATS and RATS segmentectomy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficiency of robotic lung segmentectomy.MethodsThe clinical data of 110 patients receiving robotic or thoracoscopic segmentectomy in our hospital between June 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a robotic group [n=50, 13 males and 37 females aged 53.0 (46.0, 60.0) years] and a thoracoscopic group [n=60, 21 males and 39 females aged 61.0 (53.0, 67.0) years]. A propensity score-matched analysis was adopted to compare the perioperative data between the two groups.ResultsAfter the propensity score-matched analysis, 34 patients were included in each group. In comparison with the thoracoscopic group, patients in the robotic group had less blood loss [40.0 (20.0, 50.0) mL vs. 60.0 (40.0, 80.0) mL, P<0.001], more stations of lymph node dissection [7.0 (6.0, 8.0) vs. 4.0 (3.0, 6.0), P<0.001], larger number of lymph node dissection [15.0 (11.0, 21.0) vs. 10.0 (6.0, 14.0), P=0.002], and a higher total cost of hospitalization [97.0 (92.0, 103.0) thousand yuan vs. 54.0 (42.0, 59.0) thousand yuan, P<0.001].ConclusionIn contrast with the thoracoscopic segmentectomy, robotic segmentectomy has a similar operative safety, but less blood loss and a thorough lymphadenectomy.
Objective To explore the clinical application value of the spinal robot-assisted surgical system in mild to moderate lumbar spondylolisthesis and evaluate the accuracy of its implantation. Methods The clinical data of 56 patients with Meyerding grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) between January 2017 and December 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Among them, 28 cases were preoperatively planned with robotic arm and percutaneous pedicle screw placement according to preoperative planning (group A); the other 28 cases underwent fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, slippage type, Meyerding grade, and surgical segmental distribution between the two groups (P>0.05). The screw insertion angle was measured by CT, the accuracy of screw implantation was evaluated by Neo’s criteria, and the invasion of superior articular process was evaluated by Babu’s method. Results One hundred and twelve screws were implanted in the two groups respectively, 5 screws (4.5%) in group A and 26 screws (23.2%) in group B penetrated the lateral wall of pedicle, and the difference was significant (χ2=9.157, P=0.002); the accuracy of nail implantation was assessed according to Neo’s criteria, the results were 107 screws of degree 0, 3 of degree 1, 2 of degree 2 in group A, and 86 screws of degree 0, 16 of degree 1, 6 of degree 2, 4 of degree 3 in group B, showing significant difference between the two groups (Z=4.915, P=0.031). In group B, 20 (17.9%) screws penetrated the superior articular process, while in group A, 80 screws were removed from the decompression side, and only 3 (3.8%) screws penetrated the superior articular process. According to Babu’s method, the degree of screw penetration into the facet joint was assessed. The results were 77 screws of grade 0, 2 of grade 1, 1 of grade 2 in group A, and 92 screws of grade 0, 13 of grade 1, 4 of grade 2, 3 of grade 3 in group B, showing significant difference between the two groups (Z=7.814, P=0.029). The screw insertion angles of groups A and B were (23.5±6.6)° and (18.1±7.5)° respectively, showing significant difference (t=3.100, P=0.003). Conclusion Compared to fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement, robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement has the advantages such as greater accuracy, lower incidence of screw penetration of the pedicle wall and invasion of the facet joints, and has a better screw insertion angle. Combined with MIS-TLIF, robot-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw placement is an effective minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis.
ObjectiveTo compare the effect on postoperative immune function between da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) , and to provide clinical support for more effective surgical procedures.MethodsA total of 90 patients undergoing radical resection of pulmonary carcinoma in our hospital from June to November 2019 were included. There were 49 males and 41 females with an average age of 62.67 (37-84) years. Among them, 50 patients underwent da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (a RATS group) and 40 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (a VATS group). The perioperative indexes as well as postoperative inflammatory factors and immune level effects between the two groups were compared.ResultsCompared with the VATS, RATS could significantly shorten the operation time and decrease intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). RATS also effectively reduced the increase of postoperative inflammatory factor level (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in postoperative immune function between the RATS group and the VATS group (P>0.05).ConclusionRATS is superior to VATS in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer in perioperative indicators and inflammatory factors.
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of upper limb rehabilitation robot-assisted training combined with mirror therapy on unilateral spatial neglect (USN) in stroke patients.MethodsA total of 40 patients with USN admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2017 to December 2018 were selected and randomly divided into the trial group and the control group, with 20 cases in each group. The trial group used upper limb rehabilitation robot-assisted training combined with mirror therapy and USN comprehensive rehabilitation treatment. The control group patients only received USN comprehensive rehabilitation treatment. All patients continued treatment for 4 weeks. Before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment, the modified Barthel index (MBI) was used to assess the activities of daily living, the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) was used to assess motor function, and the Catherine-Bergego scale was used to assess the degree of USN.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in general information between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in MBI, FMA or USN degree scores between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the MBI, FMA and USN degree scores of the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The improvements in MBI, FMA and USN degree scores of the trial group were 14.75±1.97, 17.05±3.93 and 5.25±2.29, respectively, and those of the control group were 9.75±4.44, 8.30±2.06 and 3.10±0.72, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).ConclusionsUpper limb rehabilitation robot-assisted training combined with mirror therapy can effectively improve the spatial neglect of USN patients, and improve the ability of daily living and motor functions.
Objective To explore the application progress and clinical value of digital technologies in the surgical treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods By systematically reviewing domestic and international literature, the study summarized the specific application scenarios, operational procedures, and technical advantages of digital technologies [including preoperative three-dimensional (3D) planning, intraoperative real-time navigation, robot-assisted surgery, and 3D printing] in AS surgery, and analyzed their impact on surgical accuracy, complication rates, and clinical outcomes. ResultsDigital technologies significantly improve the precision and safety of AS surgery. Preoperative 3D planning enables personalized surgical protocols; intraoperative navigation systems dynamically adjusts surgical trajectories, reducing the risk of iatrogenic injury; robot-assisted surgery can minimize human errors and enhance implant positioning accuracy; 3D-printed anatomical models and guides optimize the correction of complex spinal deformities. Furthermore, the combined applications of these technologies shorten operative time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, decrease postoperative complications (e.g., infection, nerve injury), and accelerate functional recovery.ConclusionThrough multidimensional integration and innovation, digital technologies provide a precise and minimally invasive solution for AS surgical treatment. Future research should focus on their synergy with biomaterials and intelligent algorithms to further refine surgical strategies and improve long-term prognosis.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the early and mid-term results of robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RACAB) in the treatment of multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MV-CAD). Methods Patients with MV-CAD who underwent RACAB from April 2018 to December 2021 in our hospital were included. Patients who underwent hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) which combined RACAB with percutaneous coronary intervention were allocated to a HCR-RACAB group, and patients who underwent multi-vessel RACAB were allocated to a MV-RACAB group. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected and compared between the two groups. Results A total of 102 patients were included, including 81 males and 21 females with a mean age of 61.7±10.8 years. Two (2.0%) patients were transferred to conventional CABG due to sudden ventricular fibrillation and pleura adhesion. In the remaining 100 patients who underwent RACAB, 100 left internal mammary arteries (LIMA) and 46 right internal mammary arteries (RIMA) were harvested with a 100.0% success rate. Besides, all patients undergoing RACAB achieved LIMA/RIMA-left anterior descending branch reconstruction, with an average number of 2.5±0.6 target vessels revascularized by stent or graft. One patient had perioperative myocardial infarction with an outcome of death. The incidence of major perioperative adverse events was 1.0%. There was no perioperative stroke or re-sternotomy for hemostasis. The mean follow-up time was 28.2 months, with a follow-up rate of 99.0% and an overall major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate of 7.0%, including 3 all-cause deaths (3.0%), 2 strokes (2.0%) and 3 re-revascularizations (3.0%). The HCR-RACAB group had fewer red blood cell transfusion (P=0.030) and intraoperative blood loss (P=0.037) compared with the MV-RACAB group, and there was no statistical difference in the incidence of major perioperative adverse events or MACCE between the two groups during the follow-up period (P>0.05). ConclusionRACAB can be safely applied in the treatment of MV-CAD with good early and mid-term outcomes. High-quality harvesting of LIMA/RIMA and aortic no-touch technique are crucial to achieve these results.
Objective To investigate short-term outcomes of robot-assisted Heller-Dor myotomy (RAHM-Dor) for achalasia of cardia and our learning curve experience. Methods The clinical data and recent follow-up results of 42 patients who received RAHM-Dor from November 2015 to January 2020 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 males and 22 females with a mean age of 40.8±18.4 years. ResultsDysphagia was the most common symptom, followed by heartburn and regurgitation. The mean operation time was 122.8±23.9 min. The mean blood loss was 47.5±32.7 mL. Two patients suffered mucosal injury, and successfully repaired by suturing during surgery. There was no esophageal fistula, conversion to an open operation or perioperative death in this series. The median length of hospital stay was 8 (6, 9) d. In all patients, the Stooler and Eckardt scores of postoperative 1, 6 and 12 months decreased compared to those of pre-operation (P<0.001). Conclusion RAHM-Dor is a safe and feasible avenue for the treatment of achalasia of cardia, and can achieve a satisfying short-term results. The learning curve shows a transition to the standard stage from the learning stage after 16-18 operations.
ObjectiveTo compare the surgical efficacy of Da-Vinci robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsOnline databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and CBM from inception to 18 February, 2022 were searched by two researchers independently. The references of related studies were also searched to re-enroll the potential studies. The quality of the studies was evaluated with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3. Results A total of 43 studies including 33 089 patients were enrolled in the final study. The NOS scores of the included studies were ≥6 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that the operation time was longer [MD=8.50, 95%CI (1.59, 15.41), P=0.020], the blood loss was less [MD=?46.58, 95%CI (?62.86, ?30.29), P＜0.001], the dissected lymph nodes stations were more [MD=0.67, 95%CI (0.40, 0.93), P＜0.001], the dissected lymph nodes were more [MD=2.39, 95%CI (1.43, 3.36), P＜0.001], the conversion rate was lower [OR=0.52, 95%CI (0.46, 0.59), P＜0.001], the time of chest tube drainage was shorter [MD=?0.35, 95%CI (?0.58, ?0.11), P=0.004], the length of hospital stay was shorter [MD=?0.32, 95%CI (?0.45, ?0.19), P＜0.001], and the recurrence rate was lower [OR=0.51, 95%CI (0.36, 0.72), P＜0.001] in the RATS group than those in the VATS group. The rate of overall postoperative complications [OR=0.95, 95%CI (0.89, 1.01), P=0.110] and postoperative mortality rate [OR=0.85, 95%CI (0.62, 1.16), P=0.300] were not significantly different between the two groups. ConclusionCompared with VATS, although RATS prolongs the operation time, it does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications and mortality rates. Moreover, RATS can dissect more lymph nodes, effectively control intraoperative bleeding, shorten the duration of chest drainage tube indwelling and shorten the postoperative hospital stay to a certain extent.
Robotic surgery system has been widely used in various types of pulmonary resections. With the unremitting efforts of Chinese thoracic surgeons, the quantity and quality of robotic pulmonary resections in China have reached a remarkable level. With the development and rapid promotion of this technology, the popularity of robotic surgery is also increasing. In order to standardize the clinical practice, guarantee the quality of treatment and promote the development of robotic pulmonary resections, the Committee of Thoracic Surgery, Doctor Society of Medical Robotics, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized relevant domestic experts to formulate the consensus of Chinese clinical experts on robot-assisted lung cancer surgery.