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Introduction There has been a rapid proliferation of the robotic approach to inguinal hernia, mainly in the United States, as it has shown similar outcomes to the laparoscopic approach but with a significant increase in associated costs. Our objective is to conduct a cost analysis in our setting (Spanish National Health System). Materials and methods A retrospective single-center comparative study on inguinal hernia repair using a robotic approach versus laparoscopic approach. Results A total of 98 patients who underwent either robotic or laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair between October 2021 and July 2023 were analyzed. Out of these 98 patients, 20 (20.4%) were treated with the robotic approach, while 78 (79.6%) underwent the laparoscopic approach. When comparing both approaches, no significant differences were found in terms of complications, recurrences, or readmissions. However, the robotic group exhibited a longer surgical time (86 ± 33.07 min vs. 40 ± 14.46 min, p  < 0.001), an extended hospital stays (1.6 ± 0.503 days vs. 1.13 ± 0.727 days, p  < 0.007), as well as higher procedural costs (2318.63 ± 205.15 € vs. 356.81 ± 110.14 €, p  < 0.001) and total hospitalization costs (3272.48 ± 408.49 € vs. 1048.61 ± 460.06 €, p  < 0.001). These results were consistent when performing subgroup analysis for unilateral and bilateral hernias. Conclusions The benefits observed in terms of recurrence rates and post-surgical complications do not justify the additional costs incurred by the robotic approach to inguinal hernia within the national public healthcare system. Nevertheless, it represents a simpler way to initiate the robotic learning curve, justifying its use in a training context.

PurposeThe aim of this study is to present our innovative robotic approach for the treatment of rectus diastasis with concurrent primary or incisional ventral hernias.MethodsWe performed 45 r-TARRD repairs for symptomatic rectus diastasis with concomitant associated ventral/incisional umbilical and/or epigastric hernias between January 2019 and January 2020. Data on patient demographics, type of hernia, operative time, complications, recurrence rate, and hospital stay were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up was scheduled at 1, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.Results45 patients (13 M, 32 F) underwent r-TARRD repair. Mean age was 54.8 years (range 31–68) and mean BMI was 26.74 kg/m2 (range 21.1–31). Mean ASA was 2.2 (range 1–3). In all patients we used a polypropylene mesh 25 × 15 cm, properly shaped. Mean operative time was 192 min (range 115–260). Mean hospital stay 4.2 days (range 2–7). No conversion to laparoscopy or open surgery and no major complications occurred. At 1-month follow-up one mesh infection (2.22%) was observed and it was treated conservatively. Four recurrences (8.88%) were reported at 1-year follow-up.ConclusionsRobot-assisted TARRD repair is conceived as a novel alternative minimally invasive procedure for RD with concurrent midline defects ensuring a primary fascial defect closure and mesh implantation in a sublay position with a wide overlap. It is important to better evaluate the suture that should be used to perform the repair, and multicenter studies with standardization of patient’s demographics, RD characteristics, and long-term follow-up outcomes are mandatory to assess the effectiveness and durability of r-TARDD repair.

Background Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains one of the most challenging abdominal procedures, and its application is poorly reported in the literature so far. To date, few data are available comparing a minimally invasive approach to open PD. The aim of the present study is to compare the robotic and open approaches for PD at a single institution. Methods Data from 83 consecutive PD procedures performed between January 2002 and May 2010 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into two groups: the open group ( n  = 39; 47%) and the robotic group ( n  = 44; 53%). Results Patients in the robotic group were statistically older (63 years of age versus 56 years; p  = 0.04) and heavier (body mass index: 27.7 vs. 24.8; p  = 0.01); and had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (2.5 vs. 2.15; p  = 0.01) when compared to the open group. Indications for surgery were the same in both groups. The robotic group had a significantly shorter operative time (444 vs. 559 min; p  = 0.0001), reduced blood loss (387 vs. 827 ml; p  = 0.0001), and a higher number of lymph nodes harvested (16.8 vs. 11; p  = 0.02) compared to the open group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complication rates, mortality rates, and hospital stay. Conclusions The authors present one of the first studies comparing open and robotic PD. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions concerning the long-term outcomes, short-term results show a positive trend in favor of the robotic approach without compromising the oncological principles associated with the open approach.

Background After comparing with open approach, left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) has become standard in terms of short-term outcomes without jeopardizing long-term survival when performed for malignancy. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term and economic outcomes of laparoscopic (L-LLS) and robotic (R-LLS) LLS. Methods All consecutive patients who underwent L-LLS or R-LLS from 1997 to 2014 were analyzed. Short-term and economic outcomes were compared between the two groups using a propensity score matching (PSM). Results Ninety-six consecutive cases of LLS were performed using the laparoscopic (80 cases; 83 %) or robotic (16 cases; 17 %) approach. The two groups were similar for operative and surgical outcomes. Operation time was similar in the R-LLS compared to the L-LLS group (190 vs. 162 min; p  = 0.10). Perioperative costs were higher (1457 € vs. 576 €; p  < 0.0001) in the R-LLS group than in the L-LLS group; however, postoperative costs were similar between the two groups (4065 € in the R-LLS group vs. 5459 € in the L-LLS group; p  = 0.30). Total costs were similar between the two groups (5522 € in the R-LLS group vs. 6035€ in the L-LLS group; p  = 0.70). The PSM included 14 patients for each group. Surgical and economic outcomes remained similar after PSM, except for total operating time which was significantly longer in the R-LLS group than in the L-LLS group. Conclusions Even if feasible and safe, the robotic approach does not seem so far to offer additional benefit in terms of intra- and postoperative outcomes over the laparoscopic approach in patients requiring LLS. Total costs associated with the R-LLS group are not greater than that associated with the L-LLS group, which is the standard of care so far.

Although there’s growing information about the long-term oncological effects of robotic surgery for rectal cancer, the procedure is still relatively new. This study aimed to assess the long-term oncological results of total mesorectal excision (TME) performed laparoscopically versus robotically in the setting of rectal cancer. Restrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database. A total of 489 laparoscopic (L-TME) and 183 robotic total mesorectal excisions (R-TME) were carried out by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2023. The groups were compared in terms of perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes. In the R-TME and L-TME groups, male sex predominated (75.4% and 57.3%, respectively), although the robotic group was significantly greater ( p  = 0.008). There was no conversion in R-TME group, whereas three (0.6%) converted to open surgery in L-TME group. The R-TME group had a statistically significant higher number of distal rectal tumors (85%) compared to the L-TME group (54.6%). Only three (1.7%) patients in the R-TME group received abdomineperineal resection (APR); in contrast, 25 (5%) patients in the L-TME group received APR ( p  < 0.001). For R-TME, the mean follow-up was 70.7 months (range 18–138) and for L-TME, it was 60 months (range 14–140). Frequency of completed mesorectum was significantly greater in R-TME group (98.9% vs 94.2%, p  < 0.001). The 5 year overall survival rates for R-TME and L-TME groups were 89.6% and 88.7%, respectively. The 5 year disease-free survival for R-TME and L-TME groups were 84.1% and 81.1%, respectively. The local recurrences rates were 7.6% and 6.3%, respectively in R-TME and L-TME groups ( p  = 0.274). R-TME is characterized by no conversion and improved mesorectal integrity. R-TME had longer operation time. The long-term oncological outcomes were comparable between groups.

The use of the robotic approach in liver surgery is exponentially increasing. Although technically the robot introduces several innovative features, the instruments linked with the traditional laparoscopic approach for the liver parenchymal transection are not available, which may result in multiple technical variants that may bias the comparative analysis between the different series worldwide. A real robotic approach, minimally efficient for the liver parenchymal transection, with no requirement of external tool, available for the already existing platforms, and applicable to any type of liver resection, counting on the selective use of the plugged bipolar forceps and the monopolar scissors, or “microfracture-coagulation” (MFC) transection method, is described in detail. The relevant aspects of the technique, its indications and methodological basis are discussed.

Objective To compare the surgical outcomes between the transoral-vestibular robotic thyroidectomy (TOVRT) and bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy (BABART). Methods A total of 99 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma but no distant metastasis were enrolled in this study from May 2020 to April 2021. Lobectomy or total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were performed in all cases. All 99 patients were received an ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy prior to surgical intervention, out of which 49 patients underwent TOVRT, while rest 50 patients underwent BABART. During the procedure, intraoperative neuromonitoring system was used and all recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) were preserved, additionally for TOVRT procedure, three intraoral ports or right axillary fold incision was used to allow for fine countertraction of tissue for radical oncological dissection. The clinical data including age, gender, height, weight, BMI, primary tumor size, number of central lymph node removed, central lymph node metastasis, operating time, total hospital stays, postoperative hospital stays, total postoperative drainage volume, postoperative pain score, cosmetic effect and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results There were no significant differences in gender, height, weight, BMI and removed central lymph nodes between the two groups ( P  > 0.05). Patients accepted TOVRT were younger and had smaller primary tumor size than those who accepted BABART. The TOVRT group had a longer surgical time than the BABART group, but with smaller postoperative drainage volume and superior cosmetic effect (under visual analogue scale, VAS) ( P  < 0.05). There was no significant difference in lymph node metastasis, hospital stay and postoperative pain score (under numerical rating scale, NRS) between the two groups ( P  > 0.05). Last but not least, certain peculiar complications were observed in TOVRT group: paresthesia of the lower lip and the chin (one case), surgical site infection (one case) and skin burn (one case). Conclusion Transoral-vestibular robotic thyroidectomy is safe and feasible for certain patients, which could be considered an alternative approach for patients who require no scarring on their neck.

BackgroundThe journey from radical treatments to the precision of robotic surgery underscores a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care in the field of head and neck oncology.Purpose of reviewThis article provides a comprehensive overview that not only informs but also stimulates ongoing discourse and investigation into the optimization of patient care through robotic surgery. The literature on current robotic applications within head and neck region was systematically reviewed.Recent findingsThirty-four studies with a total of 1835 patients undergoing robotic surgery in head and neck region were included. Clinical staging, histological types, operative duration, postoperative complications, functional recovery and survival outcomes were compared and evaluated.SummaryClinical outcomes have shown promising results and thus the indication on the robotic usage has no longer been limited to oropharyngeal region but from skull base to neck dissection. The latest advancement in robotic surgery further refines the capabilities of surgeons into previously difficult-to-access head and neck regions and heralds a new era of surgical treatment for head and neck oncology.

Background Robot-assisted and endoscopic thyroidectomy are superior to conventional open thyroidectomy in improving cosmetic outcomes and postoperative quality of life. The procedure of these thyroidectomies was similar in terms of surgical view, feasibility, and invasiveness. However, it remains uncertain whether the robotic-assisted bilateral axilla-breast approach (BABA) was superior to the endoscopic bilateral areolar approach (BAA) thyroidectomy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical benefit of these two surgical procedures to evaluate the difference between these two surgical procedures by comparing the pathological and surgical outcomes of endoscopic BAA and robotic-assisted BABA thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Methods From November 2018 to September 2021, 278 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma underwent BABA robot-assisted, and 49 underwent BAA approach endoscopic thyroidectomy. Of these patients, we analyzed 42 and 135 patients of endoscopic and robotic matched pairs using 1:4 propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study methods. These two groups were retrospectively compared by surgical outcomes, clinicopathological characteristics, and postoperative complications. Results The mean operation time was significantly longer in the EG than in the RG ( p  < 0.001), The number of retrieved lymph nodes was significantly lower in the ET group than in the RT group ( p  < 0.001). The mean maximum diameter of the thyroid was more expansive in the EG than in the RG ( p  = 0.04). There were no significant differences in the total drainage amount and drain insertion days between the two groups ( p  = 0.241, p  = 0.316, respectively). Both groups showed that cosmetic satisfaction ( p  = 0.837) and pain score ( p  = 0.077) were similar. There were no significant differences in complication frequencies. Conclusion Robotic and endoscopic thyroidectomy are similar minimally invasive thyroid surgeries, each with its advantages, both of which can achieve the expected surgical outcomes. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Background Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) occur when neutrophil chromatin is decondensed and extruded into the extracellular space in a web-like structure. Originally described as an anti-microbial function, this process has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatic disease. In addition, NETs are upregulated during physiologic wound-healing and coagulation. This study evaluated how the inflammatory response to pancreatic surgery influences NET formation. Methods For this study, 126 patients undergoing pancreatectomy gave consent before participation. Plasma was collected at several time points (preoperatively and through the postoperative outpatient visit). Plasma levels of NET markers, including cell-free DNA (cfDNA), citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patient clinical data were retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database. Results After pancreatic resection, NET markers (cfDNA and CitH3) were elevated, peaking on postoperative days 3 and 4. This increase in NETs was due to an inherent change in neutrophil biology. Postoperatively, NET-inducing cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, and G-CSF) were increased, peaking early in the postoperative course. The patients undergoing the robotic approach had a reduction in NETs during the postoperative period compared with those who underwent the open approach. The patients who experienced a pancreatic leak had an increase in NET markers during the postoperative period. Conclusions Pancreatectomy induces cancer-promoting NET formation. The minimally invasive robotic approach may induce fewer NETs, although the current analysis was limited by selection bias. Pancreatic leak resulted in increased NETs. Further study into the potential for NET inhibition during the perioperative period is warranted.