Robotic Surgery

Single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with magnetic retraction: first experience using the SP da Vinci platform Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe technical considerations and first outcomes from a single-port robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSC) using the da Vinci SP platform (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and the Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System (San Mateo, CA, USA), a novel magnetic retraction system. Three females with pelvic organ prolapse elected to undergo RSC using the da Vinci SP platform. The supraumbilical incision length was 25 mm through which SP trocar was placed. A 12-mm assistant port was placed in the right upper quadrant. The external magnet was attached to the left side of the bed and used for bowel and bladder retraction. We then proceeded by duplicating the steps of our approach for a RSC performed using a multi-port robotic platform with necessary modifications given the SP approach. Intra-operative outcomes and peri-operative outcomes were collected and reported. The patients were women of 64, 66 and 73 years of age with BMI of 22, 25, and 34, respectively, and POP-Q stage III and IV prolapse. The RSC was performed between 198 and 247 min, estimated blood loss was 10–50 cc, and there were no complications. All patients were discharged home on post-operative day 1. All patients were doing well 1 month out with resolution of bulge symptoms. To our knowledge, this represents the first case series of robotic, magnetic-assisted sacrocolpopexies using the da Vinci SP platform and the Levita™ Magnetic Surgical System. It appears to be a safe and feasible approach, but long-term comparative studies will be necessary to assess functional outcomes.

Single-port robotic partial and radical nephrectomies for renal cortical tumors: initial clinical experience Abstract To describe our institution’s initial experience with radical (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) using the SP robotic system. The recent FDA approval of the da Vinci® SP robotic platform has led to its use in minimally invasive approaches to urologic malignancies. There are little data on its feasibility and safety after implementation for radical and partial nephrectomy. All patients who underwent PN or RN using the SP system at our institution were reviewed. All PNs were performed off-clamp. Patient demographics, preoperative imaging, operative approaches, and perioperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Sixteen patients underwent PN (n = 13) or RN (n = 3) utilizing the SP robotic system between January 2019 and June 2019. Average age was 58.6 ± 13.9 and 61.0 ± 1.7 years in each group, respectively. A retroperitoneal approach was performed in 7 (53.8%) PN patients and 1 (33.3%) RN patient. A transperitoneal approach was performed in 6 (46.1%) PNs and 2 (66.7%) RNs. Mean operative time and median estimated blood loss for PN was 176.9 ± 64.0 min and 200 (50–800) ml compared to 176.3 ± 73.8 min and 50 (50–400) ml for RN. There was one operative conversion (7.7%) to an open approach in the PN group. Length of hospital stay postoperatively averaged 1.9 ± 1.3 days and 3.3 ± 1.2 days for patients undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy, respectively. SP partial and radical nephrectomies through transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches appear to be feasible surgical techniques in the management of cortical renal masses. Off-clamp PN is also a feasible approach using the SP system. However, further study is needed to establish its safety and use in renal surgery across multiple institutions and larger patient cohorts.

Robot-assisted orthotopic “W” ileal neobladder in male patients: step-by-step video-illustrated technique and preliminary outcomes Abstract The objective was to describe our step-by-step technique for robot-assisted orthotopic “W” ileal neobladder (INB) for urinary diversion following radical cystectomy for oncological purpose, and to report the outcomes of this technique for the first six male patients treated at our center. Patients underwent robot-assisted radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer and had a “W” ileal neaobladder as urinary diversion. Our surgical technique is described step by step and video illustrated. Patients and operative data were collected and reported. The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Short Form (EPIC-26) self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the urinary, sexual and bowel functions outcomes at 90 days postoperatively. The mean operative time was 475 min [420–525] and mean length of stay was 13 days [11–15]. No major complications occurred (Clavien grade ≥ 3). Regarding the continence four patients reported they leaked urine rarely or never and two patients having urine leak once a day. Two patients did not wear any pad, the four others reported using pad at night. Two patients reported urinary function as not a problem, one as a very small problem, two as a small problem and one as a moderate problem. These results from our six first cases using the technique described here are promising with interesting early functional outcomes. This has to be confirmed on larger cohort and with long-term follow-up.

How I do it: transnasal retraction during transoral robotic oropharyngeal resection Abstract Collapse of the resection plane presents a frustrating problem during transoral robotic resection, in a situation already typified by limited vision and access for instruments. We present a quick and cost-effective retraction technique to effectively mitigate this issue and increase the ease and reliability of robotic oropharyngeal resection. This technique utilises a simple transnasal apparatus to create greater exposure of the resection plane. A Y-suction catheter is inserted into the oropharynx via the nasal cavity. A silk suture is then used to attach it to the oropharyngeal resection specimen. When pulled from the nasal cavity, this apparatus adds a non-intrusive, tremor-free fixation point that pulls the resected specimen along a unique cephalo-posterior vector. This significantly improves access and vision of the desired dissection plane. The entire process takes approximately 1–2 min per side to properly execute. It can be adapted for various pathologies and subsites of the oropharynx. This transnasal technique is a simple, minimally invasive, and inexpensive method for improving wound tension during transoral oropharyngeal resection.

HALS, EVAR and robot-assisted surgery as minimally invasive approaches for abdominal aneurysm treatment

A cost effective custom dental guard for transoral robotic surgery Abstract There has been an increasing use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) as studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for treating a variety of conditions. Postoperative complications of TORS include hemorrhage, tooth injury, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and prolonged percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube dependency. Dental injury has not been adequately discussed although it has been reported to be a common complication in multiple studies, with repair costs ranging from $700 to $3000 and average time spent to address the injury estimated to be 2.6 h. The incidence of this injury is likely due to the standard dental guard, which is not customizable to the patient’s teeth, therefore, not optimal for dental protection. Many alternative dental guards have been proposed to reduce the rate of dental injury. However, the previously presented alternatives are high cost, not time efficient, or have the potential for molding error rendering them less effective. We propose a guard that is cheap, time efficient, and effective in preventing dental injury. A retrospective study of 124 patients who underwent TORS over a period of 6 years with the proposed dental guard was conducted. No dental complications were observed in any of these cases. A cost analysis showed that this guard saved $4526.64 for our relatively small patient cohort. This guard can save money, time, and stress for both the patient and the surgeon, as well as reduce the number and severity of medico-legal claims related to perioperative dental injury.

A novel combined transoral and transcervical surgical approach for recurrent metastatic medullary thyroid cancer to the parapharyngeal space Abstract Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) represents less than 1% of all thyroid cancers. Complete surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for locoregional disease. Unfortunately, patients with recurrence may present with metastasis to challenging anatomic locations. We describe the first case of a recurrent MTC metastatic to the parapharyngeal space (PPS) that was managed using a combined transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and transcervical (TC) approach. We review the presentation, natural history, diagnosis and management of recurrent MTC, and describe a novel combined TORS–TC surgical approach for the treatment of PPS metastasis. A 66-year-old male with history of MTC treated with total thyroidectomy in 2000 and a liver resection in 2011 for metastatic MTC was referred to our Head and Neck Surgery Clinic in October 2016 due to increased calcitonin and CEA levels. Exam was significant for mild right tonsillar/pharyngeal bulging and induration. Imaging with PET–CT and MRI showed an enlarging ovoid mass centered within the right PPS without the presence of another systemic metastasis. FNA was consistent with MTC. The patient was taken to the operating room for a combined TORS–TC approach. Final pathology was consistent with metastatic MTC. Until recently, PPS tumors have been managed using highly morbid and cosmetically disfiguring open surgical approach. TORS provides a safe and effective alternative.

Robotic-assisted navigated minimally invasive pedicle screw placement in the first 100 cases at a single institution Abstract Proper pedicle screw placement is an integral part of spine fusion requiring expertly trained spine surgeons. Advances in medical imaging guidance have improved accuracy. There is high interest in the emerging field of robot-assisted spine surgery; however, safety and accuracy studies are needed. This study describes the pedicle screw placement of the first 100 cases in which navigated robotic assistance was used in a private practice clinical setting. A single-surgeon, single-site retrospective Institutional Review Board-exempt review of the first 100 navigated robot-assisted spine surgery cases was performed. An orthopaedic surgeon evaluated screw placement using plain film radiographs. In addition, pedicle screw malposition, reposition, and return to operating room (OR) rates were collected. Results demonstrated a high level (99%) of successful surgeon assessed pedicle screw placement in minimally invasive navigated robot-assisted spine surgery, with no malpositions requiring return to the OR.

Robot-assisted repair of ureterosciatic hernia with mesh Abstract Ureterosciatic hernias (USH) are rare conditions, reported in less than 100 patients worldwide. Robot-assisted surgical management has been reported only twice in the available literature. We present the first report of robot-assisted reduction and repair of an USH using mesh interposition. A 68 year old female presented with left flank pain for the past three weeks. A computed topography urogram revealed an USH. She began having flank pain with nausea and vomiting during the diuresis portion of the study. She was admitted, and a left percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed. A left retrograde pyelogram confirmed a pathognomonic “curlicue” distal ureter. She underwent robot-assisted repair of the USH, during which time the left ureter was mobilized and traced down to the point of herniation. After reduction, a 4 × 4cm piece of bioavailable mesh was placed over the defect, and fibrin sealant coated on the mesh. A ureteral stent was placed in retrograde fashion. Total blood loss was 25 mL, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day one. Her nephrostomy tube was removed prior to discharge, and the stent removed at 8 weeks postoperatively. This represents the first reported case of robotic repair of an ureterosciatic hernia with mesh.

The role of robotic-assisted surgery for the treatment of diverticular disease