Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and upside-down stomach using the Da Vinci robotic system. A prospective study

Comparative analysis of robotic and laparoscopic techniques in hiatal hernia and crural repair: a review of current evidence and outcomes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the implementation of robotic surgery in hiatal hernia and crural repair, based on the existing literature and to compare this approach to other established techniques.

METHODS

We performed a non- systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE on February 25, 2024 for papers published to date focusing on the surgical repair of hiatal hernias using the robotic platform. After eliminating publications based on eligibility criteria, 13 studies were selected for analysis.

RESULTS

Robotic surgery is increasingly utilized in hiatal hernia repair due to its enhanced ergonomics and superior visualization capabilities. Operative times vary, with some studies indicating longer durations for robotic surgery (e.g., Giovannetti et al. demonstrated median operative time of 196 min for robotic compared to 145 min for laparoscopic) while others report shorter times (e.g., Lang F et al. demonstrated 88 min for robotic versus 102 min for laparoscopic). Recurrence rates between robotic and laparoscopic repairs are comparable, with reported recurrence rates of 1.8% for robotic and 1.2% for laparoscopic approaches by Benedix et al. Robotic surgery offers potential advantages, including reduced intraoperative blood loss (e.g., Giovannetti et al. mentioned median blood loss of 20 ml for robotic versus 50 ml for laparoscopic). The length of hospital stay and postoperative complication rates also vary, with some studies suggesting shorter stays and fewer complications for robotic surgery as surgeons become more proficient. Soliman et al. reported a statistically significant reduction in complication rates with robotic surgery (6.3% versus 19.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic surgery presents promising results regarding the length of hospital stay, conversion rate to open surgery and postoperative complication rates when compared to laparoscopy based on the existing literature. Despite the lack of striking differences, robotic hiatal hernia repair is a valid and evolving approach.

A systematic review of robot-assisted anti-reflux surgery to examine reporting standards

Robot-assisted anti-reflux surgery (RA-ARS) is increasingly being used to treat refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow up) Collaboration's framework aims to improve the evaluation of surgical innovation, but the extent to which the evolution of RA-ARS has followed this model is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the standard to which RA-ARS has been reported during its evolution, in relation to the IDEAL framework. A systematic review from inception to June 2020 was undertaken to identify all primary English language studies pertaining to RA-ARS. Studies of paraoesophageal or giant hernias were excluded. Data extraction was informed by IDEAL guidelines and summarised by narrative synthesis. Twenty-three studies were included: two case reports, five case series, ten cohort studies and six randomised controlled trials. The majority were single-centre studies comparing RA-ARS and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Eleven (48%) studies reported patient selection criteria, with high variability between studies. Few studies reported conflicts of interest (30%), funding arrangements (26%), or surgeons' prior robotic experience (13%). Outcome reporting was heterogeneous; 157 distinct outcomes were identified. No single outcome was reported in all studies.The under-reporting of important aspects of study design and high degree of outcome heterogeneity impedes the ability to draw meaningful conclusions from the body of evidence. There is a need for further well-designed prospective studies and randomised trials, alongside agreement about outcome selection, measurement and reporting for future RA-ARS studies.

Robot-assisted vs. laparoscopic repair of complete upside-down stomach hiatal hernia (the RATHER-study): a prospective comparative single center study

BACKGROUND

Complete upside-down stomach (cUDS) hernias are a subgroup of large hiatal hernias characterized by high risk of life-threatening complications and technically challenging surgical repair including complex mediastinal dissection. In a prospective, comparative clinical study, we evaluated intra- and postoperative outcomes, quality of life and symptomatic recurrence rates in patients with cUDS undergoing robot-assisted, as compared to standard laparoscopic repair (the RATHER-study).

METHODS

All patients with cUDS herniation requiring elective surgery in our institution between July 2015 and June 2019 were evaluated. Patients undergoing primary open surgery or additional associated procedures were not considered. Primary endpoints were intra- and postoperative complications, 30-day morbidity, and mortality. During the 8-53 months follow-up period, patients were contacted by telephone to assess symptoms associated to recurrence, whereas quality of life was evaluated utilizing the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients were included. 36 operations were performed with robot-assisted (Rob-G), and 19 with standard laparoscopic (Lap-G) technique. Patients characteristics were similar in both groups. Median operation time was 232 min. (IQR: 145-420) in robot-assisted vs. 163 min. (IQR:112-280) in laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.001). Intraoperative complications occurred in 5/36 (12.5%) cases in the Rob-G group and in 5/19 (26%) cases in the Lap-G group (p = 0.28). No conversion was necessary in either group. Minor postoperative complications occurred in 13/36 (36%) Rob-G patients and 4/19 (21%) Lap-G patients (p = 0.36). Mortality or major complications did not occur in either group. Two asymptomatic recurrences were observed in the Rob-G group only. No patient required revision surgery. Finally, all patients expressed satisfaction for treatment outcome, as indicated by similar GERD-HRQL scores.

CONCLUSION

While robot-assisted surgery provides additional precision, enhanced visualization, and greater feasibility in cUDS hiatal hernia repair, its clinical outcome is at least equal to that obtained by standard laparoscopic surgery.

A retrospective study on the evaluation of the symptoms, medications and improvement of the quality of life of patients undergoing robotic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder requiring lifestyle adaptations and administration of medications. Another approach is the surgical treatment of GERD through laparoscopic or robotic operations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the improvement of symptoms and quality of life of patients with GERD, before and after robotic surgical restoration using the Nissen robotic fundoplication technique. The potential effects of body weight, age and sex, as well as the response to medications and progress over time, were also assessed. A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital between October 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected and recorded from 144 patients who underwent robotic surgery, using the Nissen fundoplication technique, during the period 2009-2019. All patients involved in this analysis pre-operatively exhibited severe symptoms of heartburn and reflux, as well as poor quality of life. All of these symptoms were re-examined after surgery, and a marked decrease was observed with respect to their frequency and intensity. Improvement was not affected by body mass index, whereas older patients exhibited greater improvement. Women initially experienced more severe symptoms before the surgery, but they appeared to respond as well as the male patients. The long-term beneficial effects of surgery for up to the 10-year period studied were validated. After the robotic surgical rehabilitation, the vast majority of patients overcame the unpleasant symptoms of GERD and stayed off their medications. More than 4/5 of the patients were satisfied after surgery. In conclusion, restoration of GERD, using Nissen robotic fundoplication, led to the minimization of symptoms and to a marked improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Safety of robotic assisted laparoscopic recurrent paraesophageal hernia repair: insights from a large single institution experience

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair of recurrent as opposed to primary paraesophageal hernias (PEHs) are historically associated with increased peri-operative complication rates, worsened outcomes, and increased conversion rates. The robotic platform may aid surgeons in these complex revision procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing robotic assisted laparoscopic (RAL) repair of recurrent as opposed to primary PEHs.

METHODS

Patients undergoing RAL primary and recurrent PEH repairs from 2009 to 2017 at a single institution were reviewed. Demographics, use of mesh, estimated blood loss, intra-operative complications, conversion rates, operative time, rates of esophageal/gastric injury, hospital length of stay, re-admission/re-operation rates, recurrence, dysphagia, gas bloat, and pre- and post-operative proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use were analyzed. Analysis was accomplished using Chi-square test/Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

There were 298 patients who underwent RAL PEH repairs (247 primary, 51 recurrent). They were followed for a median (interquartile range) of 120 (44, 470) days. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between groups. Patients in the recurrent PEH group had longer operative times, increased use of mesh, and increased length of hospital stay. They were also less likely to undergo fundoplication. There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, incidence of intra-operative complications, re-admission rates, incidence of post-operative dysphagia and gas bloat, and incidence of post-operative PPI use. There were no conversions to open operative intervention or gastric/esophageal injury/leaks.

CONCLUSIONS

Although repair of recurrent PEHs are historically associated with worse outcomes, in this series, RAL recurrent PEH repairs have similar peri-operative and post-operative outcomes as compared to primary PEH repairs. Whether this is secondary to the potential advantages afforded by the robotic platform deserves further study.

[Gastro-esophageal reflux and chronic respiratory diseases]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently occurs in association with chronic respiratory diseases although the casual link is not always clear. Several pathophysiological and experimental factors are considered to support a role for GERD in respiratory disease. Conversely, respiratory diseases and bronchodilator treatment can themselves exacerbate GERD. When cough or severe asthma is being investigated, GERD does not need to be systematically looked for and a therapeutic test with proton pump inhibitors is not always recommended. pH impedance monitoring is now the reference diagnostic tool to detect non acid reflux, a form of reflux for which proton pump inhibitor treatment is ineffective. Recent data have shown a potential role of GERD in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation, leading to discussions about the place of surgery in this context. However, studies using pH impedance monitoring are still needed to better understand and manage the association between GERD and chronic respiratory diseases.

Robot-assisted oesophageal and gastric surgery for benign disease: antireflux operations and Heller's myotomy

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted general surgery operations are being performed more frequently. This review investigates whether robotic assistance results in significant advantages or disadvantages for the operative treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and achalasia.

METHODS

The electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PubMed) were searched for original English language publications for antireflux surgery and Heller's myotomy between January 1990 and December 2013.

RESULTS

Thirty-three publications included antireflux operations and 20 included Heller's myotomy. The publications indicate that the safety and effectiveness of robotic surgery is similar to that of conventional minimally invasive surgery for both operations. The six randomized trials of robot-assisted versus laparoscopic antireflux surgery showed no significant advantages but significantly higher costs for the robotic method. Gastric perforation during non-redo robotic fundoplication occurred in four trials.

CONCLUSIONS

No consistent advantage for robot-assisted antireflux surgery has been demonstrated, and there is an increased cost with current robotic technology. A reported advantage for robotic in reducing the perforation rate during Heller's myotomy for achalasia remains unproven. Gastric perforation during robotic fundoplication may be due to the lack of haptic feedback combined with the superhuman strength of the robot.

Upside-down stomach - results of mini-invasive surgical therapy

AIM

The authors evaluate the results of mini-invasive therapy in patients diagnosed with upside-down stomach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 1998 to 2008, a total of 27 patients diagnosed with upside-down stomach were surgically treated at the 1st Department of Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc. Before the operation, patients were examined endoscopically and a barium swallow was performed. In all 27 patients (100%), the operation was performed electively laparoscopically. The principle of the operation in all cases was reposition of the stomach into the abdominal cavity, resection of the hernial sac and hiatoplasty. In addition, in 15 patients (56%) with reflux symptoms or endoscopic findings of reflux oesophagitis, fundoplication in Nissen's modification was also performed. Fundopexy was indicated in 12 patients (44%).

RESULTS

In all patients (100%), the operation was performed mini-invasively; conversion to an open procedure was never necessary. In 3 cases (11%), the left pleural cavity was opened during the operation; this was treated by introducing a chest drain. The operation mortality in the patient set was zero; morbidity was 11%. A year after the operation, patients were re-examined, and follow-up endoscopy and barium swallow were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In all patients diagnosed with upside-down stomach, surgical treatment is indicated due to the risk of developing severe complications. Mini-invasive surgical therapy in the hands of an experienced surgeon is a safe procedure which offers patients all the benefits of mini-invasive therapy with promising short- and long-term results.

Kinematic fundamentals of a biomechatronic laparoscopy system

BACKGROUND

Optical assistance in laparoscopic surgery is essential for an optimal procedure. Unlike conventional surgery, it requires new systems to reduce spatial location time, navigation and cleanliness without compromising surgical quality. This article shows the kinematic analysis of a new bio-mechatronic design to assist laparoscopic visual perspective in real time, either during training or in surgery.

METHODS

The bio-mechatronic system is analyzed in order to get the kinematic model of the system.

RESULTS

The set of kinematic equations for the bio-mechatronic system are presented here. The system has been tested functionally in several surgical procedures successfully.

CONCLUSION

The analysis shows the workspace under postural conditions of navigation in real time, where it is possible to get visually self assistance during training or specific surgeries. The new bio-mechatronic system has been tested in training with inanimate and biological models, in veterinary surgery and pediatrics, with the appropriate consent and respecting the Treaty of Helsinki.

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery; a useful tool in resident training--the Peoria experience, 2002-2009

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to review the use of robotic-assisted general surgery at our institution. We evaluated the 8 year experience of one minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship-trained surgeon in Peoria, IL, performing 240 cases of foregut, colon, solid organ and biliary surgery using the da Vinci system, with resident assistance. Foregut and colon procedures are the fifth and sixth most commonly performed procedures of the senior author annually.

METHODS

An IRB-approved retrospective review of prospectively collected data representing 124 foregut and 102 colon operations was performed. Data analysed were procedure performed and indications for surgery, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), estimated blood loss (EBL), port set-up time (PST), robot operating time (ROT), total case time (TCT), length of stay (LOS), complications, conversions and resident involvement were recorded. Fourteen cases were excluded from the data review. Statistical analysis using the ANOVA test was applied. A specific review of resident participation was performed.

RESULTS

Times for 226 foregut and colon cases were: PST 31.2 ± 9.4 (range 10-64) min, ROT 119.3 ± 41.5 (range 12-306) min, and TCT 194.8 ± 50.3 (range 50-380) min. The EBL was 48.6 ± 55.0 (range 5-500) ml, BMI 28.5 ± 4.7 (range 15.4-46.8) kg/m(2) , and median LOS 2.0 (range 0-27) days. The overall complication rate was 13.3%. No deaths occurred. Over the 8 year study period the number of cases participated in by residents was 0, 16, 22, 15, 29, 26, 28 and 10 (as of June 2009), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This series demonstrates the technical feasibility and safety of robotic surgery for the foregut and colon in a clinical setting where the surgeon does far more of other types of MIS. This series compares favorably with the literature. Incorporation of robotic training in the curriculum has allowed residents to learn robotic techniques in an effective manner.

Cost-utility of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication versus proton pump inhibitors for chronic and controlled gastroesophageal reflux disease: a 3-year prospective randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) medical management for patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Larger RCTs have been relatively short in duration, and have reported mixed results regarding symptom control and effect on quality of life (QOL). Economic evaluations have reported conflicting results.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incremental cost-utility of LNF versus PPI for treating patients with chronic and controlled GERD over 3 years from the societal perspective.

METHODS

Economic evaluation was conducted alongside a RCT that enrolled 104 patients from October 2000 to September 2004. Primary study outcome was GERD symptoms (secondary outcomes included QOL and cost-utility). Resource utilization and QOL data collected at regular follow-up intervals determined incremental cost/QALY gained. Stochastic uncertainty was assessed using bootstrapping and methodologic assumptions were assessed using sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences in GERD symptom scores, but LNF did result in fewer heartburn days and improved QOL. Costs were higher for LNF patients by $3205/patient over 3 years but QOL was also higher as measured by either QOL instrument. Based on total costs, incremental cost-utility of LNF was $29,404/QALY gained using the Health Utility Index 3. Cost-utility results were sensitive to the utility instrument used ($29,404/QALY for Health Utility Index 3, $31,117/QALY for the Short Form 6D, and $76,310/QALY for EuroQol 5D) and if current lower prices for PPIs were used in the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Results varied depending on resource use/costs included in the analysis, the QOL instrument used, and the cost of PPIs; however, LNF was generally found to be a cost-effective treatment for patients with symptomatic controlled GERD requiring long-term management.

Whether robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplication is better for gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective, minimally invasive surgical technique for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that failed to be treated with medicine, with wide implementation its technical limitations have become increasingly clear. Recently, robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplication (RALF) was considered a new approach that makes up for the deficiency of conventional laparoscopic fundoplication (CLF). This systematic review aimed to assess the feasibility and efficiency of robot-assisted laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently searched and identified seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four clinical controlled trials (CCTs) of RALF versus CLF for GERD in the Cochrane database, Medline, Embase, and Science citation index between 2001 and 2009. The main outcomes were operating time, complication rate, hospital stay, and costs. The meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.0 software. The effect size of the clinical outcomes was evaluated by odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and standard mean difference (SMD) according to different data type. Heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis were used to account for rationality of pooling data and sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of 483 studies found, a total of 11 trials were included in this review; among 533 patients, 198 patients underwent RALF and 335 patients underwent CLF. The results of meta-analysis showed that the postoperative complication rate (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = [0.13, 0.93], p = 0.04) is lower for RALF, but the total operating time (WMD = 24.05, 95% CI = [5.19, 42.92], p = 0.01) is longer for RALF compared with those for CLF. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to perioperative complication rate (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = [0.30, 1.48], p = 1.00) and length of hospital stay (WMD = 0.00, 95% CI = [-0.25, 0.26], p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic review of the literature indicates that RALF is a feasible and safe alternative to surgical treatment of GERD. However, since it lacks obvious advantages with respect to operating time, length of hospital stay and cost, RALF has limitations for its extensive application in clinics.

Robot-assisted endoscopic surgery for thyroid cancer: experience with the first 100 patients

BACKGROUND

Various robotic surgical procedures have been performed in recent years, and most reports have proved that the application of robotic technology for surgery is technically feasible and safe. This study aimed to introduce the authors' technique of robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery and to demonstrate its applicability in the surgical management of thyroid cancer.

METHODS

From 4 October 2007 through 14 March 2008, 100 patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach. This novel robotic surgical approach allowed adequate endoscopic access for thyroid surgeries. All the procedures were completed successfully using the da Vinci S surgical robot system. Four robotic arms were used with this system: a 12-mm telescope and three 8-mm instruments. The three-dimensional magnified visualization obtained by the dual-channel endoscope and the tremor-free instruments controlled by the robotic systems allowed surgeons to perform sharp and precise endoscopic dissections.

RESULTS

Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection was used for 84 less-than-total and 16 total thyroidectomies. The mean operation time was 136.5 min (range, 79-267 min). The actual time for thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy (console time) was 60 min (range, 25-157 min). The average number of lymph nodes resected was 5.3 (range, 1-28). No serious complications occurred. Most of the patients could return home within 3 days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach is a feasible, safe, and effective method for selected patients with thyroid cancer. The authors suggest that application of robotic technology for endoscopic thyroid surgeries could overcome the limitations of conventional endoscopic surgeries in the surgical management of thyroid cancer.