Navigating the Pathway to Robotic Competency in General Thoracic Surgery

Author(s):  
Christopher W. Seder ◽  
Stephen D. Cassivi ◽  
Dennis A. Wigle

Objective Although robotic technology has addressed many of the limitations of traditional videoscopic surgery, robotic surgery has not gained widespread acceptance in the general thoracic community. We report our initial robotic surgery experience and propose a structured, competency-based pathway for the development of robotic skills. Methods Between December 2008 and February 2012, a total of 79 robot-assisted pulmonary, mediastinal, benign esophageal, or diaphragmatic procedures were performed. Data on patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were retrospectively collected and analyzed. During the study period, one surgeon and three residents participated in a triphasic, competency-based pathway designed to teach robotic skills. The pathway consisted of individual preclinical learning followed by mentored preclinical exercises and progressive clinical responsibility. Results The robot-assisted procedures performed included lung resection (n = 38), mediastinal mass resection (n = 19), hiatal or para-esophageal hernia repair (n = 12), and Heller myotomy (n = 7), among others (n = 3). There were no perioperative mortalities, with a 20% complication rate and a 3% readmission rate. Conversion to a thoracoscopic or open approach was required in eight pulmonary resections to facilitate dissection (six) or to control hemorrhage (two). Fewer major perioperative complications were observed in the later half of the experience. All residents who participated in the thoracic surgery robotic pathway perform robot-assisted procedures as part of their clinical practice. Conclusions Robot-assisted thoracic surgery can be safely learned when skill acquisition is guided by a structured, competency-based pathway.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Ng ◽  
A Nathan ◽  
N Campain ◽  
Y Yuminaga ◽  
F Mumtaz ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Horseshoe kidneys (HSK) are the most common renal fusion abnormality. However, they are only present in 0.2% of the population. Due to anatomical variation in vasculature, ectopia and malrotation, surgery has traditionally been performed via an open approach. We aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted surgery for HSK. Method Six patients (four female, two male) with HSKs were operated on between 2016 and 2019 across two high-volume centres by high-volume surgeons. All operations were robot-assisted, with three partial nephrectomies and one nephroureterectomy for renal masses and two benign nephrectomies for non-functioning kidneys. 3D reconstruction using CT renal angiograms was used to help identify vasculature and tumour location (where appropriate). Results The median age was 53 years (IQR 47-58.3) and the median BMI was 25 (IQR 25-25.8). Median tumour size in the four patients with renal masses was 35.5 mm (IQR 25.3-44.8). Median console time was 120 minutes (IQR 117-172.5) and the median estimated blood loss was 150 mL (IQR 112.5-262.5). The median pre-operative eGFR was 76 (IQR 70-86.5) and median post-operative eGFR was 65.5 (IQR 59.3-80.8). All operations were uneventful, there were no perioperative transfusions and no complications reported. Length of stay was two days for all patients. Conclusions We report the largest series of mixed robotic-assisted surgery on HSK. Robotic surgery is safe and feasible for HSK in high-volume centres with acceptable perioperative outcomes. Further prospective, longer-term, multi-centre studies are required to evaluative if robotic surgery for HSK is superior to open surgery.


Author(s):  
Byron D. Patton ◽  
Daniel Zarif ◽  
Donna M. Bahroloomi ◽  
Iam C. Sarmiento ◽  
Paul C. Lee ◽  
...  

Objective In the tide of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, few cases of robot-assisted pneumonectomy exist in the literature. This study evaluates the perioperative outcomes and risk factors for conversion to thoracotomy with an initial robotic approach to pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Methods This study is a single-center retrospective review of all pneumonectomies for lung cancer with an initial robotic approach between 2015 and 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups: surgeries completed robotically and surgeries converted to thoracotomy. Patient demographics, preoperative clinical data, surgical pathology, and perioperative outcomes were compared for meaningful differences between the groups. Results Thirteen total patients underwent robotic pneumonectomy with 8 of them completed robotically and 5 converted to thoracotomy. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the groups. The Robotic group had a shorter operative time ( P < 0.01) and less estimated blood loss ( P = 0.02). There were more lymph nodes harvested in the Robotic group ( P = 0.08) but without statistical significance. There were 2 major complications in the Robotic group and none in the Conversion group. Neither tumor size nor stage were predictive of conversion to thoracotomy. Conversions decreased over time with a majority occurring in the first 2 years. There were no conversions for bleeding and no mortalities. Conclusions Robotic pneumonectomy for lung cancer is a safe procedure and a reasonable alternative to thoracotomy. With meticulous technique, major bleeding can be avoided and most procedures can be completed robotically. Larger studies are needed to elucidate any advantages of a robotic versus open approach.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amr A. Faddan ◽  
Mahmoud M. Shalaby ◽  
Mohamed Gadelmoula ◽  
Younis Alshamsi ◽  
Daniar K. Osmonov ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The standard surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa) has been rapidly changed along the last two decades from open to laparoscopic and finally robot-assisted techniques. Herein, we compare the three procedures for radical prostatectomy (RP), namely radical retropubic (RRP), laparoscopic (LRP), and robot-assisted laparoscopic (RALRP) regarding the perioperative clinical outcome and complication rate in four academic institutions. Methods A total of 394 patients underwent RP between January 2016 and December 2018 in four academic institutions; their records were reviewed. We recorded the patient age, BMI, PSA level, Gleason score and TNM stage, type of surgery, the pathological data from the surgical specimen, the perioperative complications, unplanned reoperating, and readmission rates within 3 months postoperatively. Statistical significance was set at (P < 0.05). All reported P values are two-sided. Results A total of 123 patients underwent RALRP, 220 patients underwent RRP, and 51 underwent LRP. There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding age, BMI, prostatic volume, and preoperative PSA. However, there were statistically significant differences between them regarding the operating time (P < .0001), catheterization period (P < .001), hospital stay (P < .0001), and overall complications rate (P = .023). Conclusions The minimally invasive procedures (RALRP and LRP) are followed by a significantly lower complication rate. However, the patients’ factors and surgical experience likely impact perioperative outcomes and complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 658-658
Author(s):  
Sandeep Gurram ◽  
Siobhan Telfer ◽  
Winston Li ◽  
Heather Chalfin ◽  
W. Marston Linehan ◽  
...  

658 Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has shown equal oncologic efficacy as the open approach for treating small renal masses but results in improved perioperative parameters. Surgical principles also dictate that the open technique should be considered when facing difficult surgeries though this is experience and not evidenced based. The goal of our study is to explore differences in outcomes amongst open or robotic approaches in complex reoperative partial nephrectomies. Methods: 194 patients who had prior renal surgery from 2008 to 2019 were identified, the majority of which presented with multiple tumors due to known or suspected hereditary kidney cancer syndrome. Patients were stratified into the following cohorts based on surgical history: open after open surgery, open after MIS, robotic after open surgery, and robotic after MIS. Perioperative outcomes were compared amongst cohorts. Results: Significant differences were noted in estimated blood loss (EBL), number of tumors resected, and postoperative complications as assessed by Clavien score. Univariate regression analysis of EBL showed that the number of tumors resected (p <.0001, coefficient: 111 ml), number of prior renal procedures (p=.012, coefficient: 419 ml), hilar clamping (p = .015, coefficient: 840 ml), and intended surgical approach (p = .001; coefficient: 905 ml) were significant. On multivariate analysis, number of tumors resected (p<.0001, coefficient: 97 ml) was the only significant factor. Univariate analysis on post-operative complications showed that number of prior surgeries (p = 0.03, OR: 1.5) and final intended approach (p < .0001, OR: 4.6) were significant. On multivariate analysis, the final intended surgical approach (p = .001, OR: 4.3) was shown to be significant. Conclusions: These data show that the surgical approach of prior procedures is not a significant factor that affects perioperative outcomes, but the use of robotic surgery was associated with decreased post-operative complications in reoperative renal surgery . While open surgery will likely continue to be the standard of care for complex reoperative procedures, these data suggest that robotic surgery is safe and well tolerated in select cases.


Author(s):  
Hee-Jin Jang ◽  
Hyun-Sung Lee ◽  
Seong Yong Park ◽  
Jae Ill Zo

Objective Robotic surgery has evolved in urology, gynecology, and general surgery and seems to be an oncologically sound surgical approach. Robotic surgery has been infrequently reported for pulmonary lobectomy. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of our early experience in performing robot-assisted lobectomy (RAL) with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Between February and October 2009, 40 patients underwent RAL for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. The dissection and anatomic isolation of the hilar structures were performed using two arms of the da Vinci S system. A retrospective comparison with two VATS groups was performed, our initial 40 VATS patients (between January 2006 and February 2007) and our most recent 40 VATS patients (between June 2008 and September 2009). The entire experience with VATS lobectomy is 163 cases. Results In the RAL group, the mean age was 64 years, and there were 23 male patients. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 29 patients with a mean tumor size of 3.5 cm. There were no conversions to open thoracotomy. Among the patients in our initial and recent VATS lobectomy groups, the conversion rate was 3 (8%) and 2 (5%) patients, respectively. The operative time for the RAL (240 ± 62 minutes) and the initial VATS lobectomy groups (257 ± 57 minutes) were similar but was longer than the recent VATS lobectomy group (161 ± 39 minutes, P < 0.001). However, the rate of postoperative complications in the RAL group (n = 4, 10%) was significantly lower than that of the initial VATS group (n = 13, 32.5%, P = 0.027) and similar to that of the recent VATS group (n = 7, 17.5%, P = 0.755). Intraoperative bleeding was reduced in the RAL group compared with the initial VATS group (219 mL vs 374 mL P = 0.017), and the median length of postoperative stay was significantly shorter for the RAL group compared with the initial VATS group (6 vs 9 days, P < 0.001). Conclusions The outcomes of our early RAL experience was comparable to the our outcomes achieved with VATS lobectomy, whether performed early or late.


2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Foell ◽  
Antonio Finelli ◽  
Kazuhiro Yasufuku ◽  
Marcus Q. Bernardini ◽  
Thomas K Waddell ◽  
...  

Purpose: Simulation-based training improves clinical skills, while minimizing the impact of the educational process on patient care. We present results of a pilot multidisciplinary, simulation-based robotic surgery basic skills training curriculum (BSTC) for robotic novices.Methods: A 4-week, simulation-based, robotic surgery BSTC was offered to the Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology (ObGyn) at the University of Toronto. The course consisted of various instructional strategies: didactic lecture, self-directed online training modules, introductory hands-on training with the da Vinci robot (dVR) (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA), and dedicated training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) (dVSS). A third of trainees participated in competency-based dVSS training, all others engaged in traditional time-based training. Pre- and post-course skill testing was conducted on the dVR using 2 standardized skill tasks: ring transfer (RT) and needle passing (NP). Retention of skills was assessed at 5 months post-BSTC.Results: A total of 37 participants completed training. The mean task completion time and number of errors improved significantly post-course on both RT (180.6 vs. 107.4 sec, p < 0.01 and 3.5 vs. 1.3 sec, p < 0.01, respectively) and NP (197.1 vs. 154.1 sec, p < 0.01 and 4.5 vs. 1.8 sec, p = 0.04, respectively) tasks. No significant difference in performance was seen between specialties. Competency-based training was associated with significantly better post-course performance. The dVSS demonstrated excellent face validity.Conclusions: The implementation of a pilot multidisciplinary, simulation-based robotic surgery BSTC revealed significantly improved basic robotic skills among novice trainees, regardless of specialty or level of training. Competency-based training was associated with significantly better acquisition of basic robotic skills.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Yasui ◽  
Keiichi Tozawa ◽  
Atsushi Okada ◽  
Satoshi Kurokawa ◽  
Hiroki Kubota ◽  
...  

Background. The goal of this study was to analyze the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (RALPs) performed at our center. Methodology. We retrospectively reviewed 300 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent RALP with a posterior dissection approach to the seminal vesicle between May 2011 and November 2013. The mean patient age was 67.2±5.5 years (range: 41–78 years), and the mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration, at diagnosis of prostate cancer, was 9.16±6.50 ng/mL (range: 2.20–55.31 ng/mL). Results. The median duration of robotic surgery was 160 min (mean: 165±40 min; range: 75–345 min). Median estimated blood loss, including that in urine, was 200 mL (mean: 277±324 mL; range: 4–3250 mL). Intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications occurred in 3.0% of patients; 4 patients required allogeneic blood transfusion. As a measure of patient continence, 82.4% did not use more than 1 absorbent pad in 24 h, at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion. RALP with an initial posterior dissection to the seminal vesicle was a safe and efficient method for controlling prostate cancer, even in these initial cases.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shangxun Xie ◽  
Zihan Zhao ◽  
Baofu Feng ◽  
Shiwei Zhang ◽  
Gutian Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the standard treatment for bladder cancer, but the safety and efficacy of this treatment for elderly people need to be considered. We compare perioperative data and survival outcomes between elderly (≥80 years) and younger (<80 years) patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC).Methods: We reviewed demographic, perioperative clinical and follow-up data of 190 consecutive patients with urothelial carcinoma of bladder who received RARC from M ay 2015 to December 2018 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The patients were divided into 2 groups by age: ≥80 years and <80 years. Perioperative outcomes were compared between 2 groups. Logistic regression method was used to analyze the factors that may affect preoperative complications. Cox regression model was employed to analyze the factors affecting 3-year overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).Results: Of the 190 patients, 44 (23.2%) were octogenarians. The elderly patients did not statistically differ from younger patients in most of the demographic, perioperative and pathological information. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p=0.045) and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p=0.035) could predicted high-grade and any grade complications, respectively. Positive lymph node and pT≥3 were main factors affecting OS, RFS and CSS. ASA score (p=0.048) and CCI (p=0.003) could predicted OS and RFS, respectively. Elderly group had worse OS (p=0.007) and CSS (p=0.027) but similar RFS (p=0.147) compared with younger group.Conclusion: The elderly who received RARC had similar risk of perioperative complications and RFS compared with younger patients. RARC could be an alternative treatment for select octogenarians.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Riccardo Mastroianni ◽  
Giuseppe Simone

Bladder cancer (BC) remains one of the most common cancer worldwide. Radical cystectomy (RC) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) with urinary diversion (UD) is still considered the gold standard treatment for non-metastatic muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and for recurrent non-muscle invasive disease. The open approach remains the reference option of treatment for RC, even if robotic surgery is rapidly increasing. Nowadays, several studies have reported perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), but data are still immature to compare both procedures. All the current randomized controlled trials (RCTs), did not prove any significant difference between open RC and RARC, underlining no superiority between both procedures. Therefore, RARC is still considered an investigational procedure. On the other hand, modern robotic surgical practice has been evolved by the introduction of innovative technologies. The technological progress is improving, in particular in robotic surgery, offering several future perspectives, such as the ICG technique. The aim of the review is to describe the state of art, and to outline future perspectives of RARC, in order to establish the role of robotic surgery in the complex field of radical cystectomy.


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