Robotic left-stapled total intracorporeal bowel anastomosis versus stapled partial extracorporeal anastomosis: operative technical description and outcomes

Robotic Sigmoidectomy for Diverticular Disease

Introduction: Historically, colon resection was recommended after one episode of complicated diverticulitis. However, current trends favor a more individualized approach. This review examines elective sigmoidectomy for complicated diverticulitis as well as robotic approaches for diverticular disease. Methods: The literature was reviewed for timely (post 2000) and relevant articles regarding robotics and diverticulitis. The articles included large prospective series, retrospective analysis, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials. Results: Primary anastomosis with or without protective ileostomy has emerged as an alternative to the Hartman's procedure in emergent or urgent surgery in patients without significant comorbidities. Elective sigmoidectomy after an episode of complicated diverticulitis should be decided on a case-by-case basis considering patient characteristics, continued subacute symptoms, complications from the disease, and chance of recurrence episodes. Conclusions: There are several variations techniques for robotic sigmoidectomy outlined in this article, and familiarity with all can help depending on the logistics of the case. Minimally invasive colectomy provides superior patient satisfaction and outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of intraperitoneal anastomosis versus extraperitoneal anastomosis in laparoscopic left colectomy

Background

The effectiveness of the anastomosis method for laparoscopic left colectomy (LLC) remains inconclusive. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the outcomes between intraperitoneal anastomosis (IPA) and extraperitoneal anastomosis(EPA)in LLC.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFangData were systematically searched for relevant literature. The literature was screened independently by two groups, and data were extracted and evaluated for bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.4 software.

Results

Twelve studies with a total of 1,278 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with the EPA group, the IPA group had less blood loss [odds ratio (OR)=-20.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-27.98-12.65), p<0.00001], a lower overall complication rate [OR=0.45, 95% CI (0.33-0.63), p<0.00001], fewer non-severe complications [OR=0.44, 95% CI (0.30-0.64), p<0.0001], and fewer surgical site infections [OR=0.39, 95% CI (0.21-0.71), p=0.002]. Additionally, a longer operation time appeared in the multicenter and propensity score matching (PSM) subgroups of the IPA group. Furthermore, patients in the IPA group had an earlier exhaust time and shorter hospital stays. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding severe complications, anastomose-related complications, postoperative blood transfusion, ileus, reoperation rate, time to stool, pathologic sample length, and lymph node dissection number.

Conclusion

IPA seems more advantageous than EPA for patients receiving LCC in terms of complications and postoperative recovery and has similar oncological outcomes. However, it may take longer and be more difficult to perform.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails PROSPERO, identifier (CRD4202454391).

Robotic purse-string suture technique for intracorporeal anastomosis using double-stapling technique in robotic resection of rectal and sigmoid colon cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Robotic three-dimensional magnified visual effects and field of view stabilization have enabled precise surgical operations. Intracorporeal anastomosis in right-sided colorectal cancer surgery is expected to shorten operation times, avoid paralytic ileus, and shorten wound lengths; however, there are few reports of intracorporeal anvil fixation for intestinal anastomosis in left-sided colorectal cancer surgery. Herein, we introduce a simple, novel procedure for using robotic purse-string suture (RPSS) in intracorporeal anastomosis with the double-stapling technique in rectal and sigmoid cancer surgery and report short-term outcomes.

METHODS

From September 2022 to April 2024, 105 consecutive patients underwent robotic surgery with double-stapling technique anastomosis for rectal or sigmoid colon cancer at our institution. Their data were retrospectively analyzed. Intracorporeal anastomosis with the double-stapling technique using RPSS was performed in 26 patients (the RPSS group), while the double-stapling technique anastomosis with extracorporeal anvil fixation was performed in 79 patients (the EC group). A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was performed (matching criteria: sex, age, body mass index (BMI), tumor location and tumor size) using a caliper 0.3. In the RPSS group, after tumor-specific or total mesorectal excision, specimens were extracted from the umbilical wound with simultaneous anvil placement in the body cavity. The oral colonic stump was robotically excised and robotically circumferentially stitched with 3-0 Prolene in all layers. After anvil insertion into the stump, the bowel wall of the colon was completely sewn onto the central rod of the anvil. Reconstructions were anastomosed using the double-stapling technique.

RESULTS

The matched cohort contained 23 patients in each group. The RPSS group had significantly less bleeding than the EC group (p = 0.038). Super-low anterior resection (SLAR) in the RPSS group had shorter total operative times than those in the EC group (p = 0.045). The RPSS group experienced no perioperative complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade III or any anastomosis-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The RPSS technique can be performed safely without any anastomosis-related complications and reduces the total operative times in SLAR and blood loss through total robotic surgery. This may be a useful modality for robotic colorectal surgery.

Minimally invasive left colectomy with total intracorporeal anastomosis versus extracorporeal anastomosis. A single center cohort study. Stage 2b IDEAL framework for evaluating surgical innovation

PURPOSE

Performing intracorporeal anastomoses in minimally invasive colon surgery appears to provide better short-term outcomes for patients with colon cancer. The aim of the study is to compare surgical aspects and short-term outcomes between intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques in left colectomies with both laparoscopic and robotic approaches and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of intracorporeal anastomosis according to IDEAL framework (Exploration, stage 2b).

METHODS

This is a single center, ambispective cohort study comparing total intracorporeal anastomosis (TIA) and standard surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). Patients with colon cancer treated by left colectomy, sigmoidectomy and high anterior resection by total intracorporeal anastomosis between May 2020 and January 2023 without exclusion criteria were prospectively included in a standardized database. Short-term outcomes in the group undergoing TIA were compared with a historical EA cohort. The main assessment outcomes were intraoperative complications, postoperative morbidity according to the Clavien-Dindo scale and the comparison of pathological. We conducted a preliminary comparative study within the TIA group between approaches, a primary analysis between the two anastomotic techniques, and a propensity score matched analysis including only the laparoscopic approach, between both anastomotic techniques.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-six patients were included: 103 who underwent TIA, 35 of them with laparoscopic approach and 68 with robotic approach, and a comparison group comprising another 103 eligible consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic EA. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic variables. No statistically significant differences were observed in anastomotic dehiscence. Intraoperative complications are fewer in the TIA group, with a higher C-Reactive Protein levels. Relevant anastomotic bleeding and the number of retrieved lymph nodes were higher in EA group. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in terms of overall morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive left colectomy with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis is technically feasible and safe suing either a laparoscopic or a robotic approach. Clinical data from this cohort demonstrate outcomes comparable to those achieved through the conventional EA procedure in relation to postoperative morbidity and oncological efficacy, with indications suggesting that the utilization of robotic-assisted techniques may play a contributing role in enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

The deconstructed procedural description in robotic colorectal surgery

Increasing robotic surgical utilisation in colorectal surgery internationally has strengthened the need for standardised training. Deconstructed procedural descriptions identify components of an operation that can be integrated into proficiency-based progression training. This approach allows both access to skill level appropriate training opportunities and objective and comparable assessment. Robotic colorectal surgery has graded difficulty of operative procedures lending itself ideally to component training. Developing deconstructed procedural descriptions may assist in the structure and progression components in robotic colorectal surgical training. There is no currently published guide to procedural descriptions in robotic colorectal surgical or assessment of their training utility. This scoping review was conducted in June 2022 following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to identify which robotic colorectal surgical procedures have available component-based procedural descriptions. Secondary aims were identifying the method of development of these descriptions and how they have been adapted in a training context. 20 published procedural descriptions were identified covering 8 robotic colorectal surgical procedures with anterior resection the most frequently described procedure. Five publications included descriptions of how the procedural description has been utilised for education and training. From these publications terminology relating to using deconstructed procedural descriptions in robotic colorectal surgical training is proposed. Development of deconstructed robotic colorectal procedural descriptions (DPDs) in an international context may assist in the development of a global curriculum of component operating competencies supported by objective metrics. This will allow for standardisation of robotic colorectal surgical training and supports a proficiency-based training approach.

Comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in left hemicolectomy: updated meta-analysis of retrospective control trials

BACKGROUND

The feasibility and effectiveness of selecting an intracorporeal or extracorporeal technique in left hemicolectomy remain poorly understood. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the difference between the two approaches regarding intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

A thorough exploration of online databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science) was executed to identify randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case control studies. The outcomes contained four aspects: intraoperative outcomes, postoperative complications, postoperative patient conditions, and postoperative outcomes. All of these data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4. Seven retrospective control trials (intracorporeal, 396 patients; extracorporeal, 426 patients) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared to the extracorporeal group, the intracorporeal group demonstrated superiority in incision length (P = 0.005), overall complications (P = 0.01), time to first flatus (P < 0.001), time to first stool (P = 0.005), time to first diet (P < 0.001) and hospital stay duration (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The intracorporeal technique is associated with superiority over the extracorporeal technique in reducing postoperative complications, promoting postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, and reducing hospital stay duration.

Three-row versus two-row circular staplers for left-sided colorectal anastomosis: a propensity score-matched analysis of the iCral 2 and 3 prospective cohorts

BACKGROUND

Since most anastomoses after left-sided colorectal resections are performed with a circular stapler, any technological change in stapling devices may influence the incidence of anastomotic adverse events. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of a three-row circular stapler on anastomotic leakage and related morbidity after left-sided colorectal resections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A circular stapled anastomosis was performed in 4255 (50.9%) out of 8359 patients enrolled in two prospective multicenter studies in Italy, and, after exclusion criteria to reduce heterogeneity, 2799 (65.8%) cases were retrospectively analyzed through a 1:1 propensity score-matching model including 20 covariates relative to patient characteristics, to surgery and to perioperative management. Two well-balanced groups of 425 patients each were obtained: group (A) - true population of interest, anastomosis performed with a three-row circular stapler; group (B) - control population, anastomosis performed with a two-row circular stapler. The target of inferences was the average treatment effect in the treated (ATT). The primary endpoints were overall and major anastomotic leakage and overall anastomotic bleeding; the secondary endpoints were overall and major morbidity and mortality rates. The results of multiple logistic regression analyses for the outcomes, including the 20 covariates selected for matching, were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Group A versus group B showed a significantly lower risk of overall anastomotic leakage (2.1 vs. 6.1%; OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.15-0.73; P =0.006), major anastomotic leakage (2.1 vs. 5.2%; OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17-0.87; P =0.022), and major morbidity (3.5 vs. 6.6% events; OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.24-0.91; P =0.026).

CONCLUSION

The use of three-row circular staplers independently reduced the risk of anastomotic leakage and related morbidity after left-sided colorectal resection. Twenty-five patients were required to avoid one leakage.