Surgical treatment of hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease in complex cases using robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery: a prospective study/consistent experience in a single institution

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.

International consensus statement on robotic hepatectomy surgery in 2018

The robotic surgical system has been applied in liver surgery. However, controversies concerns exist regarding a variety of factors including the safety, feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery. To promote the development of robotic hepatectomy, this study aimed to evaluate the current status of robotic hepatectomy and provide sixty experts’ consensus and recommendations to promote its development. Based on the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development, a Consensus Steering Group and a Consensus Development Group were established to determine the topics, prepare evidence-based documents, and generate recommendations. The GRADE Grid method and Delphi vote were used to formulate the recommendations. A total of 22 topics were prepared analyzed and widely discussed during the 4 meetings. Based on the published articles and expert panel opinion, 7 recommendations were generated by the GRADE method using an evidence-based method, which focused on the safety, feasibility, indication, techniques and cost-effectiveness of hepatectomy. Given that the current evidences were low to very low as evaluated by the GRADE method, further randomized-controlled trials are needed in the future to validate these recommendations.

Comparison of the morbidity, weight loss, and relative costs between robotic and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of obesity in Brazil

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in using robotics in bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity. However, the high cost of a robotic surgical system has hindered its widespread use in developing countries. This study aims to compare the rate of morbidity, weight loss, and relative costs between laparoscopic (LSG) and robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) performed for the treatment of obesity in a single center in Brazil.

METHODS

From January 2011 to March 2013, 48 severely obese patients underwent either LSG or RSG at our institution and were prospectively followed up for 12 months. Patients were free to choose either approach and were informed of any extra costs that may be incurred.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients underwent LSG and 16 patients, RSG. No significant differences were observed between LSG and RSG groups regarding age, sex, BMI, incidence of comorbidities, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay. Also, there were no significant between-group differences in BMI values evaluated at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Surgical costs were almost twice as high and total hospital costs were approximately 50 % higher in the robotic approach compared to the laparoscopic approach.

CONCLUSION

Both RSG and LSG had excellent and similar post-operative clinical outcomes. However, the much higher costs of purchasing and maintaining the robotic system are still precluding the use of RSG as a routine approach in the treatment of morbid obesity in Brazil.