Dexterity enhancement with robotic surgery

Fetoscopic Robotic Open Spina Bifida Treatment (FROST): A Preclinical Feasibility and Learning Curve Study

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to assess the feasibility of robotic OSB repair in a simulation training model, documenting the learning curve and ensuring quality control among surgeons.

DESIGN

The learning curve was assessed using the cumulative summation test (LC-CUSUM). Following LC-CUSUM, six additional experiments were performed for competency-cumulative summation (C-CUSUM) analysis to ensure ongoing quality control.

SETTING

The simulator was created through 3D printing and hand sculpting, simulating a partially exteriorised uterus for laparotomy-assisted laparoscopic OSB surgery. It included a silicone uterus, placenta and foetal manikin with a simulated OSB lesion, replicating the lesion sac, paraspinal muscles and neural placode.

POPULATION

Four surgeons participated: an expert Maternal Fetal Medicine consultant, a neurosurgical consultant, a Maternal Fetal Medicine fellow and a neurosurgical resident.

METHODS

The surgical procedure included eight steps: uterine access, working space creation, lesion exposition, junctional zone dissection, skin mobilisation, dural patch application, closure of myofascial flaps and closure of skin. Success was defined by precise restoration (suture interval < 3 mm), foetal repair time ≤ 120 min and a GEARS score > 21/30.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Learning curve and competency were documented via LC-CUSUM and C-CUSUM.

RESULTS

Competence was achieved after 15-21 procedures, with novices reaching competency within this range. Participants maintained high performance in subsequent quality-controlled procedures.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted foetal OSB surgery in a high-fidelity simulation is feasible, showing promising outcomes for a large animal model and clinical translation.

Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in the Use of Robotic-Assisted Proctectomy in Rectal Cancer

BackgroundRectal cancer surgery is technically demanding, especially in males. Robotic assistance may help overcome these challenges. This study aimed to identify factors associated with robotic-assisted proctectomy in rectal cancer.MethodsRetrospective case-control analysis of patients with clinical stage I-III rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent proctectomy from the National Cancer Database (2010-2019) was conducted. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine predictive factors of robotic-assisted proctectomy in rectal cancer.Results67 145 patients (60.9% male; mean age: 61.15 ± 12.49 years) were included. 44.7% had stage III disease and 66.2% received neoadjuvant radiation. The surgical approach was laparotomy (n = 29 725), laparoscopy (n = 21 657), and robotic-assisted proctectomy (n = 15 763). Independent predictors for the use of robotic-assisted proctectomy were age <50 years (OR: 1.06; P = .032), male sex (OR: 1.07, P < .001), Asian race (OR: 1.25; P < .001), private insurance (OR: 1.25; P < .001), rectal cancer treatment between 2015 and 2019 (OR: 3.52; P < .001), stage III disease (OR: 1.06; P = .048), neoadjuvant radiation (OR: 1.26; P < .001), and pull-through coloanal anastomosis (OR: 1.15; P < .001). Robotic-assisted surgery was less often used in Black (OR: .857, P < .001) and American Indian patients (OR: .62, P = .002) and those with a Charlson score = 3 (OR: .818, P = .002), living in rural areas (OR: .865, P = .033), who were uninsured (OR: .611, P < .001), and undergoing pelvic exenteration (OR: .461, P < .001).ConclusionsDemographic and insurance disparities of robotic-assisted proctectomy are Black and American Indian patients and those with higher Charlson comorbidity index scores and uninsured patients were less likely to undergo robotic-assisted proctectomy. While patients with advanced disease and/or received neoadjuvant radiation were more likely to undergo robotic-assisted proctectomy, robotic-assisted surgery was less often performed in pelvic exenteration.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on robotic assisted ventral hernia repair: the ROVER review

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgery for ventral hernia repair (VHR) is gaining attention for its potential advantages over laparoscopic and open techniques. This approach combines the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with the ability to perform technically challenging procedures, often required in open surgery but difficult with conventional laparoscopy. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of robotic VHR compared to other surgical approaches, focusing on postoperative complications, operative time, and costs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review with meta-analysis were conducted, including 67 studies from January 2010 to May 2023 on Robotic VHR compared with other techniques. Primary outcome was 30-days postoperative complications; SSI, SSO, seroma, mortality, recurrence, length of hospital stay, operative time and costs were analysed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Robotic surgery was associated with longer operative times compared to both laparoscopic (MD 64.67 min; p < 0.001) and open repairs (MD 69.69 min; p < 0.001). However, it resulted, compared to open surgery, in fewer SSIs (OR 0.62; p 0.05), mortality (OR 0.44; p 0.04) and shorter hospital stay (MD -3.77 days; p < 0.001). No differences were found in overall complications or length of stay between robotic and laparoscopic approaches but higher costs and longer operative times were reported in robotic VHR.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the currently available low-quality evidence, robotic VHR appears to offer limited advantages compared to laparoscopic techniques. However, when compared to open approaches, robotic VHR may demonstrate reduced postoperative complications and shorter hospital stays even if an higher rate of seroma formation was retrieved probably related to technical details. Nevertheless, longer operative times and higher costs remain significant limitations. Further high-quality comparative studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Augmenting Robot-Assisted Pattern-Cutting With Periodic Perturbations: Can We Make Dry Lab Training More Realistic?

OBJECTIVE

Teleoperated robot-assisted minimally-invasive surgery (RAMIS) offers many advan tages over open surgery, but RAMIS training still requires optimization. Existing motor learning theories could improve RAMIS training. However, there is a gap between current knowledge based on simple movements and training approaches required for the more complicated work of RAMIS surgeons. Here, we studied how surgeons cope with time-dependent perturbations.

METHODS

We used the da Vinci Research Kit and investigated the effect of time-dependent force and motion perturbations on learning a circular pattern-cutting surgical task. Fifty-four participants were assigned to two experiments, with two groups for each: a control group trained without perturbations and an experimental group trained with 1 Hz perturbations. In the first experiment, force perturbations alternatingly pushed participants' hands inwards and outwards in the radial direction. In the second experiment, the perturbation constituted a periodic up-and-down motion of the task platform.

RESULTS

Participants trained with perturbations learned how to overcome them and improve their performances during training without impairing them after the perturbations were removed. Moreover, training with motion perturbations provided participants with an advantage when encountering the same or other perturbations after training, compared to training without perturbations.

CONCLUSION

Periodic perturbations can enhance RAMIS training without impeding the learning of the perturbed task.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results demonstrate that using challenging training tasks that include perturbations can better prepare surgical trainees for the dynamic environment they will face with patients in the operating room.

Learning curve in robotic liver surgery: easily achievable, evolving from laparoscopic background and team-based

BACKGROUND

Limited and heterogeneous literature data necessitate a focused examination of the learning curve in robotic liver resections. This study aims to assess the learning curve of two surgeons from the same team with differing laparoscopic backgrounds.

METHODS

Since February 2021, San Raffaele Hospital in Milan has implemented a robotic liver surgery program, performing 250 resections by three trained console surgeons. Using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, the learning curve was evaluated for a Pioneer Surgeon (PS) with around 1200 laparoscopic cases and a New Generation Surgeon (NGS) with approximately 100 laparoscopic cases. Cases were stratified by complexity (38 low, 74 intermediate, 85 high).

RESULTS

Both PS and NGS demonstrated a learning curve for operative time after 15 low-complexity and 10 intermediate-complexity cases, with high-complexity learning curves apparent after 10 cases for PS and 18 cases for NGS. Conversion rates remained unaffected, and neither surgeon experienced increased blood loss or postoperative complications. A "team learning curve" effect in terms of operative time emerged after 12 cases, suggesting the importance of a cohesive surgical team.

CONCLUSION

The robotic platform facilitated a relatively brief learning curve for low and intermediate complexity cases, irrespective of laparoscopic background, underscoring the benefits of team collaboration.

Global trends and hotspots in robotic surgery over the past decade: a bibliometric and visualized analysis

Since its introduction, robotic surgery has experienced rapid development and has been extensively implemented across various medical disciplines. It is crucial to comprehend the advancements in research and the evolutionary trajectory of its thematic priorities. This research conducted a bibliometric analysis on the literature pertaining to robotic surgery, spanning the period from 2014 to 2023, sourced from the Web of Science database. The objective was to delineate the publication trends and trace the development of research topics within the domain of robotic surgery. From 2014 to 2023, there has been a consistent upward trend in the annual volume of publications concerning robotic surgery. The United States emerges as the leading country in terms of both the number of publications (n=3402) and citations (n=57731). The Journal of Robotic Surgery has the highest number of publications (n=506), while IEEE Transactions on Robotics has the highest number of citations (n=53). Yonsei University is the institution with the greatest number of publications (n=196), and the University of Washington has the highest average citation count (n=30). Alexandre Mottrie is the author with the most publications and citations (n=70 publications, n=1816 citations). Keyword analysis revealed seven distinct clusters: (1) applications and techniques of robotic surgery; (2) urological surgery and associated complications; (3) gastrointestinal diseases and surgical interventions; (4) robotic thyroid surgery and related complications; (5) gynecological diseases and corresponding surgical procedures; (6) Da Vinci robot and its training; (7) pulmonary diseases and associated surgeries. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been identified as a newly emerging keyword in the field. The corpus of literature on robotic surgery has seen a steady rise over the past decade, marked by extensive collaboration among various countries, institutions, and researchers. This study has delineated the global trends, identified research hotspots, highlighted emerging topics, and outlined the foundational knowledge within the field of robotic surgery. Looking forward, the integration of AI with robotic surgery is poised to offer substantial benefits and is anticipated to become a pivotal trend and area of focus in the field's future advancement.

Impact of innovative technologies on quality and safety in surgery

Technological advancements gradually lead to the revision and transformation of healthcare, training, and research. Surgery is a field of medicine where the collaboration of human resources and the application of innovative technologies could elevate faithfulness and efficiency. The article, exploring the technologies and analyzing them in terms of their reliability, the benefits of performing precision surgeries, the effectiveness in the outcome of surgery with less psychosomatic fatigue, and the improvements in the training process for surgeons, emphasizes the safety and quality that can be achieved. The study was conducted by searching the relevant papers mainly from 2016-2024 using different online databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed to examine the impact of adopting new technologies in medicine. This paper highlights that the use of innovative technologies in a wide range of surgical procedures could, by adapting interdisciplinary procedures, provide significant results in issues related to safety, quality, reliability, and training.

The Role and Future of Artificial Intelligence in Robotic Image-Guided Interventions

Artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming interventional radiology, driven by advancements in computer vision, robotics and procedural automation. Historically focused on diagnostics, AI now also enhances procedural capabilities in IR, enabling future robotic systems to handle complex tasks such as catheter manipulation or needle placement with increasing precision and reliability. Early robotic systems in IR demonstrated improved accuracy in both vascular and percutaneous interventions, though none were equipped with automatic decision-making. This review tends to show the potential in improving procedural outcomes with AI for robotics, though challenges remain. Techniques like reinforcement learning and haptic vision are under investigation to address several issues, training robots to adapt based on real-time feedback from the environment. As AI-driven robotics evolve, IR could shift towards a model where human expertise oversees the technology rather than performs the intervention itself.

Evaluating the benefit of contact-force feedback in robotic surgery using the Saroa surgical system: A preclinical study

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgery without contact-force feedback could be less safe, as forces exerted by the robot system may exceed tissue tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of contact-force feedback.

METHODS

Nine junior and 11 senior surgeons performed two tasks using Saroa, a robotic surgical system with a force feedback function. In Task A, the participants estimated the order of stiffness of substances when feedback was on and off. In Task B, the effect of feedback on compression with a designated force (3 N) was assessed.

RESULTS

In Task A, the proportion of participants who correctly estimated the order of stiffness of the substances was similar when feedback was on and off. However, the median maximum force applied to the substances was significantly smaller when feedback was on than when it was off (5.0 vs. 6.9 N, p = .011), which was more obvious among the junior surgeons (5.0 vs. 7.7 N, p = .015) than among the senior surgeons (4.7 vs. 5.9 N, p = .288). In Task B, deviations from the designated force (3 N) for three substances were smaller when feedback was on (0, -0.1, and 0.7, respectively) than when it was off (-0.3, -0.5, and 1.3, respectively). Regarding the dispersion of the force to the substances, the interquartile range tended to be smaller with feedback; this trend was more obvious in the junior surgeons.

CONCLUSION

With contact-force feedback, tissue stiffness could be estimated with a small force, particularly by the junior surgeons; specified force could be accurately applied to the tissue.

Evaluation of forces applied to tissues during robotic-assisted surgical tasks using a novel force feedback technology

BACKGROUND

The absence of force feedback (FFB) is considered a technical limitation in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). This pre-clinical study aims to evaluate the forces applied to tissues using a novel integrated FFB technology, which allows surgeons to sense forces exerted at the instrument tips.

METHODS

Twenty-eight surgeons with varying experience levels employed FFB instruments to perform three robotic-assisted surgical tasks, including retraction, dissection, and suturing, on inanimate or ex-vivo models, while the instrument sensors recorded and conveyed the applied forces to the surgeon hand controllers of the robotic system. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were used to analyze the mean and maximal forces applied during each task with the FFB sensor at the "Off" setting compared to the "High" sensitivity setting for retraction and to the "Low", "Medium", and "High" sensitivity settings for dissection and suturing. Sub-analysis was also performed on surgeon experience levels.

RESULTS

The use of FFB at any of the sensitivity settings resulted in a significant reduction in both the mean and maximal forces exerted on tissue during all three robotic-assisted surgical tasks (p < 0.0001). The maximal force exerted, potentially associated with tissue damage, was decreased by 36%, 41%, and 55% with the use of FFB at the "High" sensitivity setting while performing retraction, dissection, and interrupted suturing tasks, respectively. Further, the use of FFB resulted in substantial reductions in force variance during the performance of all three types of tasks. In general, reductions in mean and maximal forces were observed among surgeons at all experience levels. The degree of force reduction depends on the sensitivity setting selected and the types of surgical tasks evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the utilization of FFB technology integrated in the robotic surgical system significantly reduced the forces exerted on tissue during the performance of surgical tasks at all surgeon experience levels. The reduction in the force applied and a consistency of force application achieved with FFB use, could result in decreases in tissue trauma and blood loss, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes in patients undergoing RAS. Future studies will be important to determine the impact of FFB instruments in a live clinical environment.

Internal validation of the Tampa Robotic Difficulty Scoring System: real-time assessment of the novel robotic scoring system in predicting clinical outcomes after hepatectomy

INTRODUCTION

As the robotic approach in hepatectomy gains prominence, the need to establish a robotic-specific difficulty scoring system (DSS) is evident. The Tampa Difficulty Score was conceived to bridge this gap, offering a novel and dedicated robotic DSS aimed at improving preoperative surgical planning and predicting potential clinical challenges in robotic hepatectomies. In this study, we internally validated the recently published Tampa DSS by applying the scoring system to our most recent cohort of patients.

METHODS

The Tampa Difficulty Score was applied to 170 recent patients who underwent robotic hepatectomy in our center. Patients were classified into: Group 1 (score 1-8, n = 23), Group 2 (score 9-24, n = 120), Group 3 (score 25-32, n = 20), and Group 4 (score 33-49, n = 7). Key variables for each of the groups were analyzed and compared. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Notable correlations were found between the Tampa Difficulty Score and key clinical parameters such as operative duration (p < 0.0001), estimated blood loss (p < 0.0001), and percentage of major resection (p = 0.00007), affirming the score's predictive capacity for operative technical complexity. The Tampa Difficulty Score also correlated with major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) (p < 0.0001), length of stay (p = 0.011), and 30-day readmission (p = 0.046) after robotic hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The Tampa Difficulty Score, through the internal validation process, has confirmed its effectiveness in predicting intra- and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy. The predictive capacity of this system is useful in preoperative surgical planning and risk categorization. External validation is necessary to further explore the accuracy of this robotic DSS.

Haptic Guidance and Haptic Error Amplification in a Virtual Surgical Robotic Training Environment

Teleoperated robotic systems have introduced more intuitive control for minimally invasive surgery, but the optimal method for training remains unknown. Recent motor learning studies have demonstrated that exaggeration of errors helps trainees learn to perform tasks with greater speed and accuracy. We hypothesized that training in a force field that pushes the user away from a desired path would improve their performance on a virtual reality ring-on-wire task. Thirty-eight surgical novices trained under a no-force, guidance, or error-amplifying force field over five days. Completion time, translational and rotational path error, and combined error-time were evaluated under no force field on the final day. The groups significantly differed in combined error-time, with the guidance group performing the worst. Error-amplifying field participants did not plateau in their performance during training, suggesting that learning was still ongoing. Guidance field participants had the worst performance on the final day, confirming the guidance hypothesis. Observed trends also suggested that participants who had high initial path error benefited more from guidance. Error-amplifying and error-reducing haptic training for robot-assisted telesurgery benefits trainees of different abilities differently, with our results indicating that participants with high initial combined error-time benefited more from guidance and error-amplifying force field training.

How long do we need to reach sufficient expertise with the avatera® robotic system?

PURPOSE

To investigate the learning curve in four basic surgical skills in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and evaluate the approximate time needed to reach sufficient expertise in performing these tasks with the avatera® system.

METHODS

Twenty urology residents with no previous experience in dry-lab and robotic surgery were asked to complete four basic laparoscopic tasks (peg transfer, circle cutting, needle guidance, and suturing) laparoscopically and robotically. All participants were asked to complete the tasks first after watching the Uroweb educational material and, second, after undertaking a 2-hour training in robotic and laparoscopic dry-lab. Thereafter, all trainees continued to undertake 2-hour training programs until being able to complete the tasks with the avatera® robot at the desired time. Paired t test and one-way ANOVA test were used to analyze time differences between the groups.

RESULTS

Time needed to complete all tasks either robotically or laparoscopically was significantly less in the second compared to the first attempt for all Groups in each Task. In the robotic dry-lab, time needed to complete the tasks was significantly less than in the laparoscopic dry-lab. A significant effect of previous laparoscopic experience of the participants on the training time needed to achieve most of the goal times was detected.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study highlight the role of previous laparoscopic experience in the training time needed to achieve the performance time goals and demonstrate that the learning curve of basic surgical skills using the avatera® system is steeper than the laparoscopic one.

Current Status of Robotic Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is performed worldwide and has clear economic and social benefits in terms of patient recovery time. It is used for most gastrointestinal surgical procedures, but laparoscopic surgery for more complex procedures in the esophageal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic regions remains challenging. Minimally invasive surgery that results in accurate tumor dissection is vital in surgical oncology, and development of surgical systems and instruments plays a key role in assisting surgeons to achieve this. A notable advance in the latter half of the 1990s was the da Vinci Surgical System, which involves master-slave surgical support robots. Featuring high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging with magnification capabilities and forceps with multi-joint function, anti-shake function, and motion scaling, the system compensates for the drawbacks of conventional laparoscopic surgery. It is expected to be particularly useful in the field of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, which requires delicate reconstruction involving complex liver anatomy with diverse vascular and biliary systems and anastomosis of the biliary tract, pancreas, and intestines. The learning curve is said to be short, and it is hoped that robotic surgery will be standardized in the near future. There is also a need for a standardized robotic surgery training system for young surgeons that can later be adapted to a wider range of surgeries. This systematic review describes trends and future prospects for robotic surgery in the hepatobiliary-pancreatic region.

Robot-assisted pelvic and renal surgery compared with laparoscopic or open surgery: Literature review of cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical experiences and cost-effectiveness by comparing robot-assisted surgery with laparoscopic- or open surgery for pelvic and renal operations.

METHODS

A narrative review was carried out.

RESULTS

When using robotic-assisted surgery, oncological and functional results are similar to after laparoscopic or open surgery. One exception may be a shorter survival in cancer of the cervix uteri. In addition, postoperative complications after robotic-assisted surgery are similar, bleeding and transfusion needs are less, and the hospital stay is shorter but the preparation of the operating theater before and after surgery and the operation times are longer. Finally, robot-assisted surgery has, in several studies, been reported to be not cost-effective primarily due to high investment costs. However, more recent studies provide improved cost-effectiveness estimates due to more effective preparation of the operating theater before surgery, improved surgeon experience, and decreased investment costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications and functional and oncological outcomes after robot-assisted surgery are similar to open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. The cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery is likely to equal or surpass the alternatives.

The downtrending cost of robotic bariatric surgery: a cost analysis of 47,788 bariatric patients

The surgical robot is assumed to be a fixed, indirect cost. We hypothesized rising volume of robotic bariatric procedures would decrease cost per patient over time. Patients who underwent elective, initial gastric bypass (GB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) for morbid obesity were selected from Florida Agency for Health Care Administration database from 2017 to 2021. Inflation-adjusted cost per patient was collected. Cost-over-time ($/patient year) and change in cost-over-time were calculated for open, laparoscopic, and robotic cases. Linear regression on cost generated predictive parameters. Density plots utilizing area under the curve demonstrated cost overlap. Among 76 hospitals, 11,472 bypasses (223 open, 6885 laparoscopic, 4364 robotic) and 36,316 sleeves (26,596 laparoscopic, 9724 robotic) were included. Total cost for robotic was approximately 1.5-fold higher (p < 0.001) than laparoscopic for both procedures. For GB, laparoscopic had lower total ($15,520) and operative ($6497) average cost compared to open (total $17,779; operative $9273) and robotic (total $21,756; operative $10,896). For SG, laparoscopic total cost was significantly less than robotic ($10,691 vs. $16,393). Robotic GB cost-over-time increased until 2021, when there was a large decrease in cost (-$944, compared with 2020). Robotic SG total cost-over time fluctuated, but decreased significantly in 2021 (-$490 compared with 2020). While surgical costs rose significantly in 2020 for bariatric procedures, our study suggests a possible downward trend in robotic bariatric surgery as total and operative costs are decreasing at a higher rate than laparoscopic costs.

Preoperative Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy for Definite Biliary Drainage in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Laparoscopic Resection: A Hybrid Minimal-Invasive Technique

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Laparoscopic approach of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is still challenging. We report the original use of a endoscopic hepaticogastrostomy (EHG) for definite biliary drainage in order to avoid biliary reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 70-year-old man presenting with jaundice was referred for resection of a Bismuth type IIIa PHC. Repeated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failed to drain the future liver remnant, enabling only right anterior liver section drainage. EHG was performed three weeks before surgery. A hepatogastric anastomosis was created, placing a half-coated self-expanding endoprosthesis between biliary duct of segment 2 and the lesser gastric curvature.

RESULTS

A laparoscopic right hepatectomy extended to segment 1, common bile duct, and hepatic pedicle lymphadenectomy was performed. The left hepatic duct was sectioned and ligated downstream to the biliary confluence of segment 2-3 and 4 allowing exclusive biliary flow through the EHG. The patient was disease free at 12 months, postoperative outcomes were uneventful except three readmissions for acute cholangitis due to prosthesis obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

EHG may be used as definite biliary drainage technique in laparoscopic PHC resection, at the expense of prosthesis obstruction and cholangitis.

Surgical Perspectives of Open vs. Laparoscopic Approaches to Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy: A Comprehensive Review

Pancreaticojejunostomy, a critical step in pancreatic surgery, has significantly evolved surgical approaches, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques. This comprehensive review explores open surgery's historical success, advantages, and disadvantages, emphasizing surgeons' accrued experience and familiarity with this approach. However, heightened morbidity and prolonged recovery associated with open pancreaticojejunostomy underscore the need for a nuanced evaluation of alternatives. The advent of robotic-assisted surgery introduces a paradigm shift in pancreatic procedures. Enhanced dexterity, facilitated by wristed instruments, allows intricate suturing and precise tissue manipulation crucial in pancreatic surgery. Three-dimensional visualization augments surgeon perception, improving spatial orientation and anastomotic alignment. Moreover, the potential for a reduced learning curve may enhance accessibility, especially for surgeons transitioning from open techniques. Emerging technologies, including advanced imaging modalities and artificial intelligence, present promising avenues for refining both open and minimally invasive approaches. The ongoing pursuit of optimal outcomes mandates a judicious consideration of surgical techniques, incorporating technological advancements to navigate challenges and enhance patient care in pancreaticojejunostomy.

Revolutionising Breast Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Robotic Innovations in Breast Surgery and Reconstruction

Robotic innovations in breast surgery have ushered in a new era of precision, safety, and patient-centred care. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted realm of robotic breast surgery, from preoperative planning to postoperative outcomes, learning curves for surgeons, and the implications for healthcare policies. We examine the ethical considerations, cost-effectiveness, and future directions, including integrating artificial intelligence and telesurgery. Key findings reveal that robotic systems provide improved surgical precision, reduced complications, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Ethical concerns encompass informed consent, resource allocation, and equitable access. The future of breast surgery lies in continued research and development, ensuring that robotics becomes a standard of care accessible to all patients. This technology is reshaping breast surgery and offering new possibilities for minimally invasive, patient-centred care, ultimately redefining the standards of care in this critical field of medicine.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery in Adult Choledochal Cysts

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is widely performed for adult choledochal cysts. Few articles compared the robotic and laparoscopic approaches for choledochal cysts. Methods: Between 2014 and 2022, 157 patients who underwent MIS for choledochal cysts were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent totally robotic surgery, robot-assisted surgery, and laparoscopic surgery were compared, respectively. Also, postoperative outcomes of patients with robotic reconstruction and laparoscopic reconstruction during HJ were compared. Results: Perioperative outcomes were comparable between robotic and laparoscopic groups. The suturing technique for the anterior and posterior walls of the HJ differed significantly between the robotic and laparoscopic reconstruction groups (P = .001). However, there were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes, including total complications (P = .304), major complications (P = .411), and postoperative interventions (P = .411), between the two groups. Conclusions: The robotic and laparoscopic approaches for adult choledochal cysts have comparable surgical outcomes. In the MIS era, robotic surgery could be an alternative surgical option for adult choledochal cysts.

Advancements in Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Utilizations and Upcoming Frontiers

Robotic surgery, a groundbreaking advancement in medical technology, has redefined the landscape of surgical procedures. This comprehensive overview explores the multifaceted world of robotic surgery, encompassing its definition, historical development, current applications, clinical outcomes, benefits, emerging frontiers, challenges, and future implications. We delve into the fundamentals of robotic surgical systems, examining their components and advantages. From general and gynecological surgery to urology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and beyond, we highlight the diverse specialties where robotic surgery is making a significant impact. The many benefits discussed include improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, faster recovery times, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced surgeon experiences. The outlook reveals a healthcare landscape where robotic surgery is increasingly vital, enabling personalized medicine, bridging healthcare disparities, and advancing surgical precision. However, challenges such as cost, surgeon training, technical issues, ethical considerations, and patient acceptance remain relevant. In conclusion, robotic surgery is poised to continue shaping the future of health care, offering transformative possibilities while emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ethical governance.

Impact of Hospital Volume on Utilization of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gastric cancer is increasingly performed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate trends in utilization of laparoscopic and robotic techniques compared to open surgery as well as utilization based on hospital volume.

METHODS

We used the National Cancer Database to query patients who underwent gastrectomy from 2010 to 2017 for adenocarcinoma. Regression analyses were used to determine associations between MIS and clinical factors, the trend of MIS over time, and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 18,380 patients met inclusion criteria. The annual rates of MIS increased for all hospital volumes, though lower volume centers were less likely to undergo MIS. MIS was associated with a shorter length of stay compared to open, and robotic gastrectomy had a higher rate of obtaining at least 15 lymph nodes and lower rate of having a positive margin.

CONCLUSIONS

MIS utilization for resection of gastric cancer increased over time, with robotic surgery increasing at a higher rate than laparoscopic surgery. Importantly, this occurred without increased in mortality or sacrificing adequate oncologic outcomes.

Application of robot-assisted endoscopic technique in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in 106 children

The objective is to evaluate and apply the robot-assisted endoscopic surgical technique for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in children. Clinical data of 106 children with PDA who underwent robot-assisted endoscopic operation were retrospectively analyzed from August, 2020 to March, 2022. Demographic and preoperative data were collected, including the patient's age, weight, diameter of the ductus arteriosus, operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and hospitalization cost. The age ranged from 6 months to 12 years with median age of 2.5 years. In addition, the weight ranged from 6.6 kg (kg) to 51.6 kg with median weight of 12.5 kg. Patients who received transcatheter PDA closure were also enrolled during the same period. Clinical features and perioperative data were compared between the two groups. All the 106 cases underwent robotically assisted surgery for PDA ligation. No one was converted to thoracotomy. The length of operation time was 15-84 min, with an average of 39.4 min. There was no obvious bleeding during the operation. The length of postoperative hospital stays were 1-3 days, with an average of 1.1 ± 0.2 days, which was significantly shorter than that of patients underwent transcatheter approach PDA closure (2.2 ± 0.2 days) (p < 0.05). The average hospitalization costs were US$ 8180 in the 106 patients, which were more expensive than that of ones who received transcatheter procedure (US$ 5076 ± 406) (p < 0.05). Only one case was found to have residual ductus shunt during early postoperative follow-up. One case was found with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The two cases recovered after 3 months of follow-up. The median duration of follow-up was 12 (1-20) months. No other short-term complications occurred during the follow-up period. Robotic surgical technique for PDA ligation in children is a safe, effective and reliable surgical method with less trauma, faster recovery and fewer surgical risks. This approach should be considered as an option in children patients requiring PDA ligation.

The application of augmented reality in plastic surgery training and education: A narrative review

Continuing problems with fewer training opportunities and a greater awareness of patient safety have led to a constant search for an alternative technique to bridge the existing theory-practice gap in plastic surgery training and education. The current COVID-19 epidemic has aggravated the situation, making it urgent to implement breakthrough technological initiatives currently underway to improve surgical education. The cutting edge of technological development, augmented reality (AR), has already been applied in numerous facets of plastic surgery training, and it is capable of realizing the aims of education and training in this field. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important ways that AR is now being used in plastic surgery education and training, as well as offer an exciting glimpse into the potential future of this field thanks to technological advancements.

Robotic surgery: extending the minimally invasive approach in patients with splenomegaly. A case report

Splenomegaly represents a challenge during splenectomy. Despite the laparoscopic approach becoming the gold standard for spleen removal, it remains controversial in this condition since the limited working space and increased risk of bleeding portray the leading causes of conversion, preventing patients from experiencing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. The robotic platform was used to perform a splenectomy on a 55-year-old female with severe thrombocytopenia due to a relapsed large B cell lymphoma with splenomegaly. The advantages of this approach, favoring less blood loss and precise movements in a small surgical field, may allow MIS to become the first choice in this unfavorable setting, even in hematologic malignancies, which are associated with higher complication rates.

National analysis of cost disparities in robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic abdominal operations

BACKGROUND

Although the use of robotic-assisted surgery continues to expand, the cost-effectiveness of this platform remains unclear. The present study aimed to compare hospitalization costs and clinical outcomes between robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic approaches for major abdominal operations.

METHODS

All adults receiving minimally invasive gastrectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy (right, left, transverse, sigmoid), ventral hernia repair, hysterectomy, and abdominoperineal resection were identified in the 2012 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample. Records with concurrent operations were excluded. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were developed to examine the association of the operative approach with costs, length of stay, and complications. An interaction term between the year and operative approach was used to analyze cost differences over time.

RESULTS

Of an estimated 1,124,450 patients, 75.8% had laparoscopic surgery, and 24.2% had robotic-assisted surgery. Compared to laparoscopic, patients with robotic-assisted operations were younger and more commonly privately insured. The average hospitalization cost for laparoscopic cases was $16,000 ± 14,800 and robotic-assisted cases was $18,300 ± 13,900 (P < .001). Regardless of procedure type, all robotic-assisted operations had higher costs compared to laparoscopic operations. Risk-adjusted trend analysis revealed that the discrepancy in costs between laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery persisted and widened over time from $1,600 in 2012 to $2,600 in 2019. Compared to laparoscopic procedures, robotic procedures had a 2.2% reduction in complications (9.4 vs 11.6%, P < .001) and a 0.7-day decrement in the length of stay (95% confidence interval -0.8 to -0.7).

CONCLUSION

Disparities in costs between robotic and laparoscopic abdominal operations have persisted over time. Given the modest decrement in adverse outcomes, further investigation into the clinical benefits of robotic surgery is warranted to justify its greater costs.

Risk factors and outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive hepatectomy with unplanned conversion: a contemporary NSQIP analysis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive techniques are growing for hepatectomies. Laparoscopic and robotic liver resections have been shown to differ in conversions. We hypothesize that robotic approach will have decreased conversion to open and complications despite being a newer technique than laparoscopy.

METHODS

ACS NSQIP study using the targeted Liver PUF from 2014 to 2020. Patients grouped based on hepatectomy type and approach. Multivariable and propensity scored matching (PSM) was used to analyze the groups.

RESULTS

Of 7767 patients who underwent hepatectomy, 6834 were laparoscopic and 933 were robotic. The rate of conversions was significantly lower in robotic vs laparoscopic (7.8% vs 14.7%; p < 0.001). Robotic hepatectomy was associated with decreased conversion for minor (6.2% vs 13.1%; p < 0.001), but not major, right, or left hepatectomy. Operative factors associated with conversion included Pringle (OR = 2.09 [95% CI 1.05-4.19]; p = 0.0369), and a laparoscopic approach (OR = 1.96 [95% CI 1.53-2.52]; p < 0.001). Undergoing conversion was associated with increases in bile leak (13.7% vs 4.9%; p < 0.001), readmission (11.5% vs 6.1%; p < 0.001), mortality (2.1% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), length of stay (5 days vs 3 days; p < 0.001), and surgical (30.5% vs 10.1%; p < 0.001), wound (4.9% vs 1.5%; p < 0.001) and medical (17.5% vs 6.7%; p < 0.001) complications.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive hepatectomy with conversion is associated with increased complications, and conversion is increased in the laparoscopic compared to a robotic approach.

Figures do matter: A literature review of 4587 robotic pancreatic resections and their implications on training

BACKGROUND

The use of robotic assistance in minimally invasive pancreatic resection is quickly growing.

METHODS

We present a systematic review of the literature regarding all types of robotic pancreatic resection (RPR). Our aim is to show for which procedures there is enough experience to permit safe training and provide an estimation of how many centers could serve as teaching institutions.

RESULTS

Sixty-four studies reporting on 4587 RPRs were analyzed. A total of 2598 pancreatoduodenectomies (PD) were reported by 28 centers from Europe (6/28; 21.4%), the Americas (11/28; 39.3%), and Asia (11/28; 39.3%). Six studies reported >100 robot PD (1694/2598; 65.2%). A total of 1618 distal pancreatectomies (DP) were reported by 29 centers from Europe (10/29; 34.5%), the Americas (10/29; 34.5%), and Asia (9/29; 31%). Five studies reported >100 robotic DP (748/1618; 46.2%). A total of 154 central pancreatectomies were reported by six centers from Europe (1/6; 16.7%), the Americas (2/6; 33.3%), and Asia (3/6; 50%). Only 49 total pancreatectomies were reported. Finally, 168 enucleations were reported in seven studies (with a mean of 15.4 cases per study). A single center reported on 60 enucleations (35.7%). Results of each type of robotic procedure are also presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Experience with RPR is still quite limited. Despite high case volume not being sufficient to warrant optimal training opportunities, it is certainly a key component of every successful training program and is a major criterion for fellowship accreditation. From this review, it appears that only PD and DP can currently be taught at few institutions worldwide.

An Early Prospective Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Performance of the Versius Surgical System in Robot-Assisted Cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ability of the Versius Surgical System to successfully and safely complete cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND

The system has been developed in-line with surgeon feedback to overcome limitations of conventional laparoscopy to enhance surgeon experience and patient outcomes. Here we present results from the cholecystectomy cohort from a completed early clinical trial, which was designed to broadly align with Stage 2b of the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow-up framework for surgical innovation.

METHODS

Procedures were performed between March 2019 and September 2020 by surgical teams consisting of a lead surgeon and operating room (OR) assistants. Male or female patients aged 18 years and over and requiring cholecystectomy were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the rate of unplanned conversion from robot-assisted surgery to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery. Adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs were adjudicated by video review of the surgery and patient study reports by an independent Clinical Expert Committee.

RESULTS

Overall, 134/143 (93.7%) cholecystectomies were successfully completed using the device. Of the 9 (6.3%) conversions to another surgical modality, 7 were deemed to be related to the device. A total of 6 serious AEs and 3 AEs occurred in 8 patients (5.6%), resulting in 4 (2.8%) readmissions to hospital within 30 days of surgery and 1 death.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates cholecystectomy performed using the device is as safe and effective as conventional laparoscopy and supports the implementation of the device on a wider scale, pending instrument modifications, in alignment with Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow-up Stage 3 (Assessment).

Evaluation of the learning curve for robotic single-anastomosis duodenal–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy

Background

The robotic surgical system is being used in various bariatric procedures. However, only a few studies with very small sample size are present on robotic single-anastomosis duodenal–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S). Moreover, to date, the learning curve of robotic SADI-S has been poorly evaluated yet.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to estimate the learning curve of robotic SADI-S.

Methods

102 consecutive patients who underwent robotic SADI-S between March 2020 and December 2021 were included. Textbook outcome standard was performed to comprehensively evaluate clinical outcome of robotic SADI-S. Based on the textbook outcome, we evaluated the learning curve of robotic SADI-S by the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method.

Results

The mean operative time was 186.13 ± 36.91 min. No conversion to laparotomy or deaths occurred during the study period. The rate of complications was 6.9% (n = 7), of which major complications were identified in 2.9% (n = 3), including 2 gastric leakages and 1 respiratory failure. A total of 60 patients reached the textbook outcome standard. The rate of textbook outcome was positive and was steadily increasing after the number of surgical cases accumulated to the 58th case. Taking the 58th case as the boundary, all the patients were divided into the learning stage group (the first 58 patients) and mastery stage group (the last 44 patients). The rate of complications, proportion of abdominal drainage tubes and postoperative hospital stay were significantly higher in the learning stage group compared with the mastery stage group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of patient demographic data, operative times, reoperations and readmission.

Conclusion

Robotic SADI-S is a feasible and reproducible surgical technique with a learning curve of 58 cases.

Overcoming the impact of physiologic tremors in ophthalmology

PURPOSE

Ophthalmic surgery involves the manipulation of micron-level sized structures such as the internal limiting membrane where tactile sensation is practically absent. All humans have physiologic tremors that are of low amplitude and not discernible to the naked eye; they do not adversely affect the majority of the population's daily functioning. However, during microsurgery, such tremors can be problematic. In this review, we focus on the impact of physiological tremors on ophthalmic microsurgery and offer a comparative discussion on the impact of such tremors on other surgical specialties.

METHODS

A single investigator used the MEDLINE database (via PubMed) to search for and identify articles for inclusion in this systematic review. Ten key factors were identified as potentially having an impact on tremor amplitude: beta-blockers, muscle fatigue, robotic systems, handheld tools/micromanipulators, armrests/wrist supports, caffeine, diet, sleep deprivation, consuming alcohol, and workouts (exercise). These key terms were then searched using the advanced Boolean search tool and operators (i.e., AND, OR) available on PubMed: (*keyword*) AND (surgeon tremor OR microsurgery tremor OR hand steadiness OR simulator score).

RESULTS

Ten studies attempted to quantify the baseline severity of operator physiologic tremor. Approximately 89% of studies accessing the impact of tremors on performance in regards to surgical metrics reported an improvement in performance compared to 57% of studies concluding that tremor elimination was of benefit when considering procedural outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic technology, new instruments, exoskeletons, technique modifications, and lifestyle factors have all demonstrated the potential to assist in overcoming tremors in ophthalmology.

Gesture Recognition in Robotic Surgery With Multimodal Attention

Automatically recognising surgical gestures from surgical data is an important building block of automated activity recognition and analytics, technical skill assessment, intra-operative assistance and eventually robotic automation. The complexity of articulated instrument trajectories and the inherent variability due to surgical style and patient anatomy make analysis and fine-grained segmentation of surgical motion patterns from robot kinematics alone very difficult. Surgical video provides crucial information from the surgical site with context for the kinematic data and the interaction between the instruments and tissue. Yet sensor fusion between the robot data and surgical video stream is non-trivial because the data have different frequency, dimensions and discriminative capability. In this paper, we integrate multimodal attention mechanisms in a two-stream temporal convolutional network to compute relevance scores and weight kinematic and visual feature representations dynamically in time, aiming to aid multimodal network training and achieve effective sensor fusion. We report the results of our system on the JIGSAWS benchmark dataset and on a new in vivo dataset of suturing segments from robotic prostatectomy procedures. Our results are promising and obtain multimodal prediction sequences with higher accuracy and better temporal structure than corresponding unimodal solutions. Visualization of attention scores also gives physically interpretable insights on network understanding of strengths and weaknesses of each sensor.

A Novel Sensor for Tissue Mechanical Property Detection During Robotic Surgery

Haptic feedback relays important tissue mechanical properties to surgeons during open surgery. However, this information is lost during Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RMIS). Here we present a proof-of-concept for a novel instrument-integrated sensor that uses fiber Bragg grating (FBG) arrays to identify tissues based on mechanical properties. Subjects were tasked with sorting tissue phantoms based on hardness. When using a conventional surgical robot, the average error for novices (N=5) and the expert user was 22.5% and 12.5% respectively. This reduced to 2.5% and 0% when sorting with direct palpation by hand. In contrast, the senorized instrument with automated analysis was able to perform the task without any error across all trials. Clinical Relevance - The proposed sensor has the potential of identifying different tissues based on mechanical properties and thus characterize tumors and other relevant structures. It is envisaged that this will improve decision making process during RMIS and also provide useful sensory information for autonomous surgery.

The impact of robotic technology on the learning curve for robot-assisted gastrectomy in the initial clinical application stage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of robotic technology on the learning curve for robot-assisted gastrectomy in the initial clinical application stage and to compare RAG with laparoscopic-assisted gastrectomy using a short-term evaluation.

METHODS

Between September 2016 and December 2018, 111 consecutive distal gastric cancer patients who were candidates for RAG or LAG were prospectively enrolled. Operative findings, morbidity, oncological findings, and the learning curve were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty patients underwent RAG with the da Vinci Si robot system, and eighty-one patients underwent LAG. Blood loss was lower during RAG than during LAG (133.80 ± 95.28 vs. 178.83 ± 98.37, P = 0.046). The operative time for RAG was significantly longer (304.45 ± 42.08 vs. 281.17 ± 32.69, P = 0.015). The number of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) was greater (37.33 ± 8.25 vs. 32.78 ± 5.98, P = 0.003) with RAG. Notably, RAG had an advantage in the dissection of No. 9 and 11p LNs (3.56 ± 1.76 vs. 2.78 ± 1.30, P = 0.038; 2.48 ± 0.93 vs. 1.99 ± 0.84, P = 0.015, respectively). Severe complications were less frequent in the RAG group (7 (8.6%) vs. 1 (3.3%), P = 0.003). No significant differences in terms of postoperative recovery were found between the two groups. The learning curve for RAG showed that the cumulative sum value decreased from the 10th case, while it decreased from the 28th case in the LAG group.

CONCLUSION

By means of robotic technology, RAG is better than LAG for the dissection of No. 9 and 11p LNs and for the alleviation of surgical trauma, and the technique is learned more rapidly during the preliminary stage than the LAG technique.

Controversial Role of Robot in Primary and Revisional Bariatric Surgery Procedures: Review of the Literature and Personal Experience

Laparoscopy is the surgical standard of care for bariatric procedures; however, during the last two decades, the robotic approach has gained increasing interest. It is currently considered a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopy. This literature review investigates the role of the robotic approach for primary and revisional bariatric procedures, with the particular aim of comparing this technique with the standard-of-care laparoscopic approach. The feasibility of robotic dissection and suturing could have potential advantages: robotics may prevent the risk of leak and bleeding and other surgical complications, determining potential benefits in terms of operative time, length of hospital stay, and learning curve. Considering primary procedures, the literature reveals no advantages in robotic versus the laparoscopic approach for adjustable gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy. Robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is associated with a longer operative time and a shorter hospital length of stay than laparoscopy. The robotic approach in revisional surgery has been proven to be safe and effective. Despite the longer operative time, the robotic platform could achieve a lower bleeding rate compared with laparoscopy. The surgeon’s selection criteria related to referrals to the robotic approach of difficult-perceived cases could represent a bias. In conclusion, robotic surgery can be considered a safe and effective approach in both primary and revisional bariatric surgery, despite the lack of evidence to support its routine use in primary bariatric surgery. However, in revisional bariatric surgery and in surgical complex procedures, the robotic approach could have potential benefits in terms of surgical complications and learning curves.

Robot-Assisted Orbital Fat Decompression Surgery: First in Human

Purpose

To explore the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted orbital fat decompression surgery.

Methods

Ten prospectively enrolled patients (18 eyes) with Graves’ ophthalmopathy underwent robot-assisted orbital fat decompression surgery with the da Vinci Xi surgical system. Intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and complications were recorded. For every patient, the exophthalmos of the operated eyes and Graves’ orbitopathy quality of life (GO-QoL) were measured both preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively to assess the surgical effect.

Results

All surgical procedures were successfully performed. The mean duration to complete the whole procedure was 124.3 ± 33.2 minutes (range, 60–188). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 17.8 ± 6.2 mL (range, 7.5–28). There were neither complications nor unexpected events in terms of either orbital decompression surgery or robot-assisted procedures. The mean exophthalmos was 20.2 ± 1.8 mm before surgery and 17.9 ± 1.4 mm postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The preoperative and postoperative GO-QoL on the visual function arm was 84.38 ± 20.04 and 93.75 ± 9.32, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative GO-QoL on the appearance arm was 42.50 ± 14.97 and 64.38 ± 21.46, respectively (P = 0.027).

Conclusions

The da Vinci Xi surgical system provided the stability, dexterity, and good visualization necessary for orbital fat decompression surgery, indicating the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted orbital fat decompression surgery.

Translational Relevance

Based on a literature search using EMBASE and MEDLINE databases, we believe that this study reports the first in-human results of the safety and effectiveness of da Vinci robot-assisted orbital fat decompression surgery.

Bile leak incidence, risk factors and associated outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy: a contemporary NSQIP propensity matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in surgical technique, bile leak remains a common complication following hepatectomy. We sought to identify incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes associated with biliary leak.

STUDY DESIGN

This is an ACS-NSQIP study. Distribution of bile leak stratified by surgical approach and hepatectomy type were identified. Univariate and multivariate factors associated with bile leak and outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Robotic hepatectomy was associated with less bile leak (5.4% vs. 11.4%; p < 0.001) compared to open. There were no significant differences in bile leak between robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomy (5.4% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.905, respectively). Operative factors risk factors for bile leak in patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy included right hepatectomy [OR 4.42 (95% CI 1.74-11.20); p = 0.002], conversion [OR 4.40 (95% CI 1.39-11.72); p = 0.010], pringle maneuver [OR 3.19 (95% CI 1.03-9.88); p = 0.044], and drain placement [OR 28.25 (95% CI 8.34-95.72); p < 0.001]. Bile leak was associated with increased reoperation (8.7% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001), 30-day readmission (26.6% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001), 30-day mortality (2% vs 0.9%, p < 0.001), and complications (67.2% vs 23.4%, p < 0.001) for patients undergoing MIS hepatectomy.

CONCLUSION

While MIS confers less risk for bile leak than open hepatectomy, risk factors for bile leak in patients undergoing MIS hepatectomy were identified. Bile leaks were associated with multiple additional complications, and the robotic approach had an equal risk for bile leak than laparoscopic in this time period.

Postsurgical complications after robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy: critical analysis of a large cohort of European patients

In the last decade, robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy has spread rapidly and has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure. However, several case series have reported new complications that have led to criticism regarding this approach. This study analyzed the incidence of complications in a large cohort of European patients. We enrolled all patients who underwent robot-assisted trans-axillary thyroidectomy from 2012 to 2020 at the University Hospital of Pisa Department of Endocrine Surgery. We analyzed complications and divided them into 2 groups. Group A included conventional complications, such as transient or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, transient or permanent hypocalcemia, hemorrhage, and tracheal injury. Group B included unconventional complications, such as brachial plexus palsy, track seeding, seroma, great vessels injury, and skin flap perforation. There were 31 postsurgical complications (5.7%). Group A included 25 complications (4.6%): transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 7 patients (1.3%) and in 1 (0.2%), respectively; transient and permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 9 patients (1.7%) and in 1 (0.2%), respectively. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 6 patients (1.1%) and tracheal injury in 1 (0.2%). Group B included 6 complications (1.1%): 1 patient with brachial plexus injury (0.2%), 1 with track seeding (0.2%), and 4 with seroma (0.7%). Robotic trans-axillary thyroidectomy is a safe approach with a risk of postoperative complications comparable to the conventional technique. Almost all complications after a novel introduction are anecdotal. With an accurate patient selection, high-volume institutions with experienced surgeons can perform this technique safely.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cervical Cancer in Light of the LACC Trial: What Have We Learned?

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy and the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Over the last two decades, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) emerged as the mainstay in the surgical management of cervical cancer, bringing advantages such as lower operative morbidity and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery while maintaining comparable oncologic outcomes in numerous retrospective studies. However, in 2018, a prospective phase III randomized controlled trial, “Laparoscopic Approach to Carcinoma of the Cervix (LACC)”, unexpectedly reported that MIS was associated with a statistically significant poorer overall survival and disease-free survival compared to open surgery in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Various hypotheses have been raised by the authors to try to explain these results, but the LACC trial was not powered to answer those questions. In this study, through an exhaustive literature review, we wish to explore some of the potential causes that may explain the poorer oncologic outcomes associated with MIS, including the type of MIS surgery, the size of the lesion, the impact of CO2 pneumoperitoneum, prior conization, the use of uterine manipulator, the use of protective measures, and the effect of surgical expertise/learning curve.

The learning curve in robotic colorectal surgery compared with laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic review

AIM

The learning curve has implications for efficient surgical training. Robotic surgery is perceived to have a shorter learning curve than laparoscopy; however, detailed analysis is lacking. The aim of this work was to analyse studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic colorectal learning curves. Simulation studies comparing novices' learning curves were analysed in order to surmise applicability to colorectal surgery.

METHOD

A systematic search of Medline, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library identified colorectal papers (from 1 January 2000 to 3 March 2021) comparing robotic and laparoscopic learning curves where surgeons lacked laparoscopic colorectal experience. Simulation studies comparing learning curves were also included. The learning curve was defined as the period of ongoing improvement in speed and/or accuracy.

RESULTS

From 576 abstracts reviewed, three operative and 16 simulation studies were included. The robotic learning curve for right colectomy was significantly faster in one study (16 vs. 25 cases) and equal for anterior resection in two studies (44 vs. 41 cases and 55 vs. 55). One study showed fewer complications for robotic patients (14.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.013). Ten simulation studies reported faster times and eight recorded error rates favouring robotic surgery. Seven studies measured the learning curve. Four favoured laparoscopic surgery, but operating times were faster using the robotic platform.

CONCLUSION

Operating times for robotic surgery may be faster than laparoscopy when surgeons are inexperienced with both platforms. This may be related to a superior baseline performance rather than a shorter learning curve. Whether a shorter learning curve on the laparoscopic platform will persist for long enough to enable skills to overtake robotic ability needs further investigation.

Robotic gastrointestinal surgery: learning curve, educational programs and outcomes

The use of the robotic platform for gastrointestinal surgery was introduced nearly 20 years ago. However, significant growth and advancement has occurred primarily in the last decade. This is due to several advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgery allowing for more complex dissections and reconstructions. Several randomized controlled trials and retrospective reviews have demonstrated equivalent oncologic outcomes compared to open surgery with improved short-term outcomes. Unfortunately, there are currently no universally accepted or implemented training programs for robotic surgery and robotic surgery experience varies greatly. Additionally, several limitations to the robotic platform exist resulting in a distinct learning curve associated with various procedures. Therefore, implementation of robotic surgery requires a multidisciplinary team approach with commitment and investment from clinical faculty, operating room staff and hospital administrators. Additionally, there is a need for wider distribution of educational modules to train more surgeons and reduce the associated learning curve. This article will focus on the implementation of the robotic platform for surgery of the pancreas, stomach, liver, colon and rectum with an emphasis on the associated learning curve, educational platforms to develop proficiency and perioperative outcomes.

Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy for Benign Indications of Uteri Less Than Fourteen Weeks Size Versus More Than Fourteen Weeks Size: A Comparative Study

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of robotic hysterectomy for benign indications in patients with small size (<14 weeks) versus large size (>14 weeks) uterus.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted in a single centre from August 2018 to January 2020 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh (Uttarakhand). Surgical outcomes of 216 patients who underwent a robotic hysterectomy in our institution for benign indications were analysed. Women opting for definitive surgical management by minimally invasive technique were divided into two groups according to the size of the uterus less than 14 weeks (group 1) versus more than equal to 14 weeks (group 2). Data collected in both groups included intra-operative and post-operative parameters, length of hospital stay and morbidity if any.

Results

The demographic profile was comparable in both groups. The mean estimated blood loss was 180.78 ±68.0 ml (range, 10-340 ml) in group 1 and 253.49 ±57ml (range, 60-360 ml) in group 2 (p-value < 0.0001). However, the fall in haemoglobin level after 24 hours of surgery was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. The total duration of surgery in group 1 was 97.86 ± 12.0 minutes (range, 78-132 minutes) and in group 2 was 116.60 ± 15.4 minutes (range, 97-156 minutes), the difference being statically significant (p-value < 0.0001, 95% CI 103±2.1). Console time in group 1 was 43.84 ±6.0 minutes (range, 34-57 minutes) and in group 2 53.22 ±5.5 minutes (range, 44-66 minutes), the difference being statistically significant (p-value < 0.0001, 95% CI 46.57±0.97). There was no difference observed in terms of intra-operative and post-operative complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

The total duration of surgery and estimated blood loss were directly proportional to the size of the uterus. However, complication rate, hospital stay and requirement of post-op analgesia were comparable in both groups. Robotic surgery in a larger uterus is a feasible option in terms of better surgical outcomes and postoperative course. Thus, robotic hysterectomy in women with a large uterus is a suitable approach in the narrow region of the pelvis.

Gesture Recognition in Robotic Surgery: A Review

OBJECTIVE

Surgical activity recognition is a fundamental step in computer-assisted interventions. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in methods for automatic recognition of fine-grained gestures in robotic surgery focusing on recent data-driven approaches and outlines the open questions and future research directions.

METHODS

An article search was performed on 5 bibliographic databases with the following search terms: robotic, robot-assisted, JIGSAWS, surgery, surgical, gesture, fine-grained, surgeme, action, trajectory, segmentation, recognition, parsing. Selected articles were classified based on the level of supervision required for training and divided into different groups representing major frameworks for time series analysis and data modelling.

RESULTS

A total of 52 articles were reviewed. The research field is showing rapid expansion, with the majority of articles published in the last 4 years. Deep-learning-based temporal models with discriminative feature extraction and multi-modal data integration have demonstrated promising results on small surgical datasets. Currently, unsupervised methods perform significantly less well than the supervised approaches.

CONCLUSION

The development of large and diverse open-source datasets of annotated demonstrations is essential for development and validation of robust solutions for surgical gesture recognition. While new strategies for discriminative feature extraction and knowledge transfer, or unsupervised and semi-supervised approaches, can mitigate the need for data and labels, they have not yet been demonstrated to achieve comparable performance. Important future research directions include detection and forecast of gesture-specific errors and anomalies.

SIGNIFICANCE

This paper is a comprehensive and structured analysis of surgical gesture recognition methods aiming to summarize the status of this rapidly evolving field.

The Artisential® Articulated Laparoscopic Forceps: A Dry Lab Study to Examine Dexterity and Learning Effects in Operators with Different Levels of Laparoscopic Experience

PURPOSE

The advent of robotic surgery has highlighted the advantages of articulation. This dry-lab study examined the dexterity and learning effect of a new articulated laparoscopic instrument: the ArtiSential® forceps (LIVSMED, Seongnam, Republic of Korea).

METHODS

A peg board task was designed. Three groups of volunteers with varying levels of laparoscopic expertise were organized to perform the task: expert, intermediate and novice. The participants performed the task using articulated and straight instruments, once before a 30-min training session and once afterwards. The times required to perform the task were recorded. The performances were analyzed and compared between the groups as well as between the straight and articulated instruments.

RESULTS

The experts were significantly faster than the novices with both instruments before the 30-min training session (p = 0.0317 for each instrument). No significant time difference was found among the three groups after the 30-min training session. The decrease in the time required to perform the peg-transfer task with the articulated instrument was significantly greater in the novice and intermediate groups (p = 0.0159 for each group). No significant difference in time reduction was observed between the groups with the straight instrument. Regardless of the user, the articulated device was associated with faster task performance than the straight device after 8 hours of training (p = 0.0039).

CONCLUSION

The ArtiSential® articulated device can improve dexterity. A significantly greater learning effect was observed in the novice and intermediate groups in comparison with experts. A plateau in the learning curve was observed after a few hours of training.

Robotic hepatectomy and biliary reconstruction for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a pioneer western case series

Open surgery is the standard of care for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). With the aim of oncologic radicality, it requires a complex major hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction. The postoperative course is consequently often complicated, with severe morbidity and mortality rates of up to 27.5–54% and 18%, respectively. Robotic liver surgery is emerging as a safe, minimally-invasive technique with huge potential for pCCA management. After the first case described by Giulianotti in 2010, here we present the first western series of robot-assisted liver resections with biliary reconstruction for pCCA with the aim to preliminarily assess the feasibility and repeatability of the procedure. At our high-volume teaching hospital center dedicated to HPB surgery, 128 pCCA patients have been surgically treated in the last 15 years whereas more than 800 laparoscopic liver resections have been performed. Since the Da Vinci Xi Robotic platform was introduced in late 2018, 6 major robotic liver resections with biliary reconstruction have been performed, 4 of which were for pCCA. All 4 cases involved a left hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy. The median operating time was 840 min, with a median blood loss of 700 ml. One case was converted to open surgery during the reconstruction due to a short mesentery preventing the hepatico-jejunostomy. None of the patients experienced major complications, while minor complications occurred in 3 out of 4 cases. One biliary leak was managed conservatively. The median postoperative stay was 9 days. Negative biliary margins were achieved in 3 of the 4 cases. An included video clip shows the most relevant technical details. This preliminary series demonstrates that robot-assisted liver resection for pCCA is feasible. We speculate that the da Vinci platform has a relevant potential in pCCA surgery with particular reference to the multi-duct biliary reconstruction. Further studies are needed to better clarify the role of this high-cost technology in the minimally-invasive treatment of pCCA.

Robotics and AI for Teleoperation, Tele-Assessment, and Tele-Training for Surgery in the Era of COVID-19: Existing Challenges, and Future Vision

The unprecedented shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has severely influenced the delivery of regular healthcare services. Most non-urgent medical activities, including elective surgeries, have been paused to mitigate the risk of infection and to dedicate medical resources to managing the pandemic. In this regard, not only surgeries are substantially influenced, but also pre- and post-operative assessment of patients and training for surgical procedures have been significantly impacted due to the pandemic. Many countries are planning a phased reopening, which includes the resumption of some surgical procedures. However, it is not clear how the reopening safe-practice guidelines will impact the quality of healthcare delivery. This perspective article evaluates the use of robotics and AI in 1) robotics-assisted surgery, 2) tele-examination of patients for pre- and post-surgery, and 3) tele-training for surgical procedures. Surgeons interact with a large number of staff and patients on a daily basis. Thus, the risk of infection transmission between them raises concerns. In addition, pre- and post-operative assessment also raises concerns about increasing the risk of disease transmission, in particular, since many patients may have other underlying conditions, which can increase their chances of mortality due to the virus. The pandemic has also limited the time and access that trainee surgeons have for training in the OR and/or in the presence of an expert. In this article, we describe existing challenges and possible solutions and suggest future research directions that may be relevant for robotics and AI in addressing the three tasks mentioned above.

Skill-Oriented and Performance-Driven Adaptive Curricula for Training in Robot-Assisted Surgery Using Simulators: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

Virtual Reality (VR) simulators represent a remarkable educational opportunity in order to acquire and refine surgical practical skills. Nevertheless, there exists no consensus regarding a standard curriculum of simulation-based training. This study introduces an automatic, adaptive curriculum where the training session is real-time scheduled on the basis of the trainee's performances.

METHODS

An experimental study using the master console of the da Vinci Research Kit (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, US) was carried out to test this approach. Tasks involving fundamental skills of robotic surgery were designed and simulated in VR. Twelve participants without medical background along with twelve medical residents were randomly and equally divided into two groups: a control group, self-managing the training session, and an experimental group, undergoing the proposed adaptive training.

RESULTS

The performances of the experimental users were significantly better with respect to the ones of the control group after training (non-medical: p < 0.01; medical: p = 0.02). This trend was analogous in the non-medical and medical populations and no significant difference was identified between these two classes (even in the baseline assessment).

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the learning of the involved surgical skills highlighted how the proposed adaptive training managed to better identify and compensate for the trainee's gaps. The absence of initial difference between the non-medical and medical users underlines that robotic surgical devices require specific training before clinical practice.

SIGNIFICANCE

This feasibility study could pave the way towards the improvement of simulation-based training curricula.

A study on safe forceps grip force for the intestinal tract using haptic technology

PURPOSE

The present study used haptic technology to determine the safe forceps grip force for preventing organ damage when handling the intestinal tract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The small intestines of ten male beagle dogs (weighing 9.5-10 kg) were grasped with the entire forceps for one minute; the small intestines were then pulled out of the forceps and evaluated for damage. The force at which the shaft inside the forceps was pulled to close the tip of the forceps was defined as the grip force. Small intestine damage was classified into macroscopic (serosal defects, hemorrhage, hematomas, grip marks) and microscopic (damage layer to the mucosa, submucosa/muscularis mucosa, inner orbicularis muscle, external longitudinal muscle, serosa/subserosa). Grip marks and damage layer to the serosa/subserosa have been considered as acceptable safety margins when grasping the small intestines of beagle dogs.

RESULTS

The macroscopic findings showed that the maximum grip force that produced a 0% incidence of hemorrhage and hematoma was 15 N. At the microscopic level, the maximum grip force that produced a 0% incidence of external longitudinal muscle injury was 15 N, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A grip force of 15 N does not damage the small intestines of beagle dogs.

Review of Advanced Medical Telerobots

The advent of telerobotic systems has revolutionized various aspects of the industry and human life. This technology is designed to augment human sensorimotor capabilities to extend them beyond natural competence. Classic examples are space and underwater applications when distance and access are the two major physical barriers to be combated with this technology. In modern examples, telerobotic systems have been used in several clinical applications, including teleoperated surgery and telerehabilitation. In this regard, there has been a significant amount of research and development due to the major benefits in terms of medical outcomes. Recently telerobotic systems are combined with advanced artificial intelligence modules to better share the agency with the operator and open new doors of medical automation. In this review paper, we have provided a comprehensive analysis of the literature considering various topologies of telerobotic systems in the medical domain while shedding light on different levels of autonomy for this technology, starting from direct control, going up to command-tracking autonomous telerobots. Existing challenges, including instrumentation, transparency, autonomy, stochastic communication delays, and stability, in addition to the current direction of research related to benefit in telemedicine and medical automation, and future vision of this technology, are discussed in this review paper.