Name: robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia
Uploaded: 2023-08-11T12:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 11 min 19 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia at JoVE.com

The recording of the surgical procedure and the use of its content for scientific and educational reasons were explained to the patient; he then signed a consent form, according to the Institution&#39;s human ethics committee. Written informed consent for the surgical and anesthetic procedures was also obtained.
NOTE: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of achalasia by manometry and barium esophagram findings can be included in the protocol for robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication. A preoperative pre-anesthesia evaluation was performed, and patients with increased surgical risk were excluded. Patients who failed to meet the diagnostic criteria of achalasia and/or presented other esophageal motility disorders were excluded. Failure to sign both anesthetic and surgical forms also implied exclusion.
1. Operative setting and trocar placement
<ol>
	<li>Once under general anesthesia, place the patient in a supine position.</li>
	<li>Create a pneumoperitoneum using a Veress needle. Insert the needle above the umbilical scar.</li>
	<li>Use four 8 mm robotic trocars, one 12 mm trocar and one 5 mm trocar in this procedure. Place the 12 mm trocar in the supraumbilical area, left to the midline, for the robotic camera system. This positioning allows better visualization of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).</li>
	<li>Place the remaining trocars along a straight line above the umbilicus: two 8 mm trocars, one at the left and one at the right midclavicular line subcostal margin, and the remaining two trocars at the left and right lateral abdominal walls (Figure 4). A 5 mm trocar is placed in a subxiphoid position and then replaced by a Nathanson liver retractor.</li>
</ol>
2. Dissection of the lower esophagus and division of the short gastric vessels
<ol>
	<li>Place a Nathanson liver retractor in a subxiphoid position in order to elevate the left lobe of the liver.</li>
	<li>Start the operation by dividing the short gastric vessels, starting from the middle of the great curvature of the stomach all the way to the angle of His.</li>
	<li>Perform full mobilization of the gastric fundus, using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel to free it from the retroperitoneum while an atraumatic grasper retracts the stomach.</li>
	<li>Divide the gastrohepatic ligament - below the hepatic branch of the vagus - and progressively dissect it in order to identify and expose both diaphragmatic crura.</li>
	<li>Place tape around the esophagus, allowing gentle traction.</li>
	<li>Proceed with the isolation of the esophagus by separating it from the left and right crura by blunt dissection. During the dissection, identify and preserve the posterior and anterior vagal trunks and both pleurae. The anterior vagal trunk is adhered to or embedded in the esophageal wall, and the posterior trunk lies on a layer of adipose tissue posterior to the esophagus.</li>
	<li>Mobilize the esophagus circumferentially, creating a longer intra-abdominal esophagus.</li>
</ol>
3. Heller myotomy
<ol>
	<li>Remove the fat pad by holding the adipose tissue that lies above the pharyngoesophageal ligament and separate it circumferentially from the esophagus wall with a harmonic scalpel in order to expose and better visualize the gastroesophageal junction.</li>
	<li>Before performing the myotomy, mark the esophageal wall with the bipolar forceps in the anterior midline of the esophagus, with an extension approximately 6 cm above the gastroesophageal junction.</li>
	<li>Grasp the borders of the myotomy and disrupt the muscular layer while moving the borders away from each other until exposure of the submucosal layer.</li>
	<li>Proceed with the myotomy with the harmonic scalpel by interposing the inactive jaw of the scalpel between the submucosal (pinkish) and muscular layers (whitish) and activating the trigger in order to cut and cauterize.</li>
	<li>During this dissection, make sure to separate the muscle edges of the myotomy laterally, thus avoiding it to fuse when healing. Use a sterile measuring stripe to ensure the length of the myotomy is 6 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and 3 cm below it.</li>
	<li>Continue the demarcation and myotomy below the gastroesophageal junction laterally into the stomach as the muscle fibers change direction from circular to oblique. Adequate extension of myotomy is crucial to achieve good postoperative results and avoid the recurrence of dysphagia.</li>
</ol>
4. Creation of the partial fundoplication
<ol>
	<li>Perform the repair of the hiatus with the figure of eight stitches, with 2.0 cotton sutures, although silk or polyester sutures may also be suitable options. Be aware not to tighten the hiatus, which may lead to postoperative dysphagia.</li>
	<li>Proceed with the Heller Pinotti fundoplication. That technique involves creating an anterior-lateral-posterior fundoplication using three suture lines to connect the gastric fundus and esophagus.</li>
	<li>Mobilize the gastric fundus and bring it around the back of the esophagus in order to perform the suturing of the gastric fundus to the posterior wall of the distal esophagus.</li>
	<li>Perform interrupted stitches with 2-0 cotton sutures, and attach the seromuscular layer of the stomach to the muscular layer of the esophagus. The extension of the suture should correspond to that of the myotomy; usually 2-3 stitches are enough. The first stitch of that row should also incorporate the hiatus. Although this maneuver does not prevent the migration of the valve, it restrains its rotation.</li>
	<li>Resect a muscular strip over the gastroesophageal junction, when needed.</li>
	<li>Next, perform the second row of sutures from the gastric fundus to the left edge of the myotomy. As with the first row, the initial stitch should also be attached to the hiatus.</li>
	<li>Perform the third and last row of sutures from the gastric fundus to the right edge of the myotomy. By the end of these steps, the exposed submucosa of the esophagus should be covered by gastric serosa.</li>
</ol>

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	<li>Moonen, A., Boeckxstaens, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+diagnosis+and+management+of+achalasia.">Current diagnosis and management of achalasia.</a> Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 48 (6), 484-490 (2014).</li><li>Tuason, J., Inoue, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+status+of+achalasia+management:+a+review+on+diagnosis+and+treatment.">Current status of achalasia management: a review on diagnosis and treatment.</a> Journal of Gastroenterology. 52 (4), 401-406 (2017).</li><li>Pasricha, P. J., Rai, R., Ravich, W. J., Hendrix, T. R., Kalloo, A. 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There are no disclosures.

This protocol describes robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication as a treatment for achalasia. The article highlights a Heller Pinotti fundoplication, which consists of a variation of the classic Dor fundoplication. This technique, presented in the article, demonstrates the performance of three rows of sutures, instead of the classic two sutures performed in the Dor fundoplication. The optimal type of fundoplication, including total, anterior, or posterior has been extensively studied in the literature, but there is st...

Achalasia is a primary neurodegenerative esophageal motility disorder characterized by abnormal peristalsisand failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax1. Treatment of achalasia aims to reduce the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby allowing esophageal emptying2. There are multiple options for treating achalasia, such as oral pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic pharmacologic therapy3, pneumatic dilatation4, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)5, and surgical myotomy6.
Surgical myotomy, in which the muscle fibers of the lower esophageal sphincter are divided, has been described as one of the three definitive therapies for non-advanced achalasia, along with pneumatic dilatation and peroral endoscopic myotomy7,8. The addition of a fundoplication is performed as an anti-reflux procedure since the myotomy reduces the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can result in potential gastroesophageal reflux disease9,10.
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has become the most common surgical procedure for treating achalasia due to decreased postoperative pain and reduced morbidity compared to other surgical approaches, such as thoracotomy, laparotomic, and thoracoscopic11,12. Robotic Heller myotomy has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopy for treating achalasia because of mechanical advantages provided by the robotic approach, such as magnified high-resolution three-dimensional visualization and minimized physiological tremor13,14,15.
This article presents a case of a 32-year-old patient with chronic dysphagia, regurgitation, and weight loss. The dysphagia was initially associated with solids, slowly progressing to liquids as well. The patient denied other clinical symptoms, such as pyrosis, epigastric pain, and postprandial fullness. An endoscopic evaluation was initially performed in order to exclude malignancy (Figure 1). The exam revealed dilatation and tortuosity of the esophagus, as well as retention of food, which was completely aspirated with the endoscope. Thickening of the mucosa was also identified, and no neoplastic lesions were detected. Narrow band imaging showed normal vascular and mucosal patterns. The gastroesophageal junction was located at the level of the diaphragmatic crus.
The investigation then proceeded with an esophageal manometry (Figure 2) and a barium esophagram (Figure 3). The manometry showed impaired gastroesophageal junction relaxation and esophagus with the absence of peristalsis. Barium esophagram findings were esophageal dilatation and delayed emptying of the barium. The diagnosis of achalasia was then established by the findings on the manometry and barium esophagram. The patient was considered eligible for robotic-assisted myotomy and partial fundoplication.
The aim of this article is to provide a step-by-step description of a robot-assisted Heller myotomy, performed at the University of S&#227;o Paulo.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Da Vinci Surgical System</td><td>Intuitive Surgical</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Needle driver</td><td>Intuitive Surgical</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bipolar forceps</td><td>Intuitive Surgical</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bipolar Fenestrated Grasper</td><td>Intuitive Surgical</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ultracision</td><td>Johnson &amp;amp;&amp;nbsp; Johnson</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is currently considered the standard definitive treatment of achalasia. With the advancements in technology, robotic Heller myotomy has emerged as an alternative approach to traditional laparoscopy due to three-dimensional (3D) visualization, fine motor control, and improved ergonomics provided by the robot. 
Although there is a lack of randomized controlled trials, robotic-assisted Heller myotomy seems to be associated with lower rates of intraoperative perforations compared to the laparoscopic approach. A robotic approach may also improve surgical outcomes by providing a more complete myotomy. 
Here, we describe the detailed steps of robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication for achalasia.

Representative results are shown in Table 1. The operation time was 112 min with a measured blood loss of 20 mL. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. The post-operative care was carried out in a regular hospital room. There was no need for an intensive care unit since there were no complications. A liquid diet was started after day one of the surgery - the patient did not report dysphagia. The patient was discharged in good condition on postoperative day 2, on a liquid diet. Soft food was graduall...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia at JoVE.com

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Surgical myotomy with a partial fundoplication may be used in selected patients as a definitive treatment for achalasia. This article provides a step-by-step description of a robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication in a 32-year-old patient with megaesophagus.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is currently considered the standard definitive treatment of achalasia. With the advancements in technology, robotic Heller ...

robotic-myotomy-and-partial-fundoplication-for-achalasia

Universidad de Cartagena UDEC

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

1.4K Views.  University of São Paulo. Surgical myotomy with a partial fundoplication may be used in selected patients as a definitive treatment for achalasia. This article provides a step-by-step description of a robotic myotomy and partial fundoplication in a 32-year-old patient with megaesophagus. 

Video: Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia

Remote Magnetic Navigation for Accurate, Real-time Catheter Positioning and Ablation in Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures

New remote navigation systems have been developed to improve current limitations of conventional manually guided catheter ablation in complex cardiac substrates such as left atrial flutter. This protocol describes all the clinical and invasive interventional steps performed during a human electrophysiological study and ablation to assess the accuracy, safety and real-time navigation of the Catheter Guidance, Control and Imaging (CGCI) system. Patients who underwent ablation of a right or left atrium flutter substrate were included. Specifically, data from three left atrial flutter and two counterclockwise right atrial flutter procedures are shown in this report. One representative left atrial flutter procedure is shown in the movie. This system is based on eight coil-core electromagnets, which generate a dynamic magnetic field focused on the heart. Remote navigation by rapid changes (msec) in the magnetic field magnitude and a very flexible magnetized catheter allow real-time closed-loop integration and accurate, stable positioning and ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate.

This report provides a detailed description of a new remote navigation system based on magnetic driven forces, which has been recently introduced as a new robotic tool for human cardiac electrophysiology procedures.

New remote navigation systems have been developed to improve current limitations of conventional manually guided catheter ablation in complex cardiac ...

Surgical Procedures for a Rat Model of Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplantation with Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats using a whole or partial graft is an indispensable experimental model for transplantation research, such as studies on graft preservation and ischemia-reperfusion injury 1,2, immunological responses 3,4, hemodynamics 5,6, and small-for-size syndrome 7. The rat OLT is among the most difficult animal models in experimental surgery and demands advanced microsurgical skills that take a long time to learn. Consequently, the use of this model has been limited. Since the reliability and reproducibility of results are key components of the experiments in which such complex animal models are used, it is essential for surgeons who are involved in rat OLT to be trained in well-standardized and sophisticated procedures for this model.
While various techniques and modifications of OLT in rats have been reported 8 since the first model was described by Lee et al. 9 in 1973, the elimination of the hepatic arterial reconstruction 10 and the introduction of the cuff anastomosis technique by Kamada et al. 11 were a major advancement in this model, because they simplified the reconstruction procedures to a great degree. In the model by Kamada et al., the hepatic rearterialization was also eliminated. Since rats could survive without hepatic arterial flow after liver transplantation, there was considerable controversy over the value of hepatic arterialization. However, the physiological superiority of the arterialized model has been increasingly acknowledged, especially in terms of preserving the bile duct system 8,12 and the liver integrity 8,13,14.
In this article, we present detailed surgical procedures for a rat model of OLT with hepatic arterial reconstruction using a 50% partial graft after ex vivo liver resection. The reconstruction procedures for each vessel and the bile duct are performed by the following methods: a 7-0 polypropylene continuous suture for the supra- and infrahepatic vena cava; a cuff technique for the portal vein; and a stent technique for the hepatic artery and the bile duct.

Orthotopic liver transplantation in rats is an indispensable experimental model for biomedical research. Here we present our surgical procedures for orthotopic rat liver transplantation with hepatic arterial reconstruction using a 50% partial graft.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in rats using a whole or partial graft is an indispensable experimental model for transplantation research, such as ...

Robotic Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy for Chronic Pancreatitis

Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) has shown good postoperative outcomes in patients with painful, morphine dependent, chronic pancreatitis (CP). The recent rise of robotic and laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has found benefits such as reduced time to functional recovery. Few studies have reported on the feasibility, technique and outcome of robotic LPJ, especially including transection of the gastroduodenal artery. The present study describes the main steps for robotic LPJ in a patient with painful chronic pancreatitis with a dilated main pancreatic duct. The patient underwent robotic LPJ. The LPJ anastomosis is performed using a running suture technique in a longitudinal side-to-side manner. Routinely, the gastroduodenal artery is transected to drain the entire length of the main pancreatic duct. The patient is in French position; 7 trocars are placed (4 robotic, 2 laparoscopic assistants, 1 liver-retractor). After docking of the robot system, the omental bursa is opened, and the right gastroepiploic artery and vein are ligated at their base at the lower border of the pancreas. Intraoperative ultrasonography is performed in order to determine trajectory of the dilated main pancreatic duct which is opened for its entire length after the gastroduodenal artery has been suture ligated both cranially and caudally from the main pancreatic duct. A Roux limb is created, and a latero-lateral PJ is fashioned using several 3-0 barbed sutures. A stapled jejuno-jejunostomy is created at sufficient distance from the pancreatic anastomosis, aided by a 50 cm suture. The described technique for robotic LPJ is a complex but feasible operation for patients with treatment refractory CP and a dilated main pancreatic duct. Due to its complexity, implementation in high volume centers with extensive experience with CP surgery may improve outcomes.

Robotic lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (RLPJ) may be used in patients with painful, morphine dependent, chronic pancreatitis and a dilated main pancreatic duct. We describe a standardized and reproducible technique for RLPJ, which includes transection of the gastroduodenal artery.

Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) has shown good postoperative outcomes in patients with painful, morphine dependent, chronic pancreatitis (CP). The ...

Use of the Scissor-Type Knife During the Peroral Endoscopy Myotomy Procedure for the Treatment of Achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the first-line treatment modalities along with pneumatic dilation and Heller myotomy for patients with achalasia. Endoscopists, especially trainees during the learning phase, commonly face difficulty in tissue plane dissection and selective myotomy while working near the esophagogastric junction, with increased risks of inadvertent injury, unexpected bleeding, and inadequate myotomy. To minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of POEM, we describe a protocol for using a scissor-type knife for the main steps of POEM, including mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and hemostasis. The standard techniques used with the scissor-type knife involve grasping the target tissue, and then dissection or coagulation. The confirmation of the cutting line after grasping improves the accuracy and reliability of dissection, which is particularly useful for the selective myotomy of the internal circular muscle. Meanwhile, the scissor-type knife provides enhanced hemostatic capability and enables hemostasis and pre-coagulation without the device exchange for hemostatic forceps. Evaluation of the clinical outcomes in three patients who successfully received POEM using the scissor-type knife revealed no perioperative adverse events. At the 3-month follow-up, all patients achieved clinical success with postoperative Eckardt scores ranging from 0 to 1. In conclusion, the use of a scissor-type knife could minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of the POEM procedures, which may be suitable for trainees during the learning phase.

To minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), we describe a protocol for using a scissor-type knife for the main steps of POEM, including mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and hemostasis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the first-line treatment modalities along with pneumatic dilation and Heller myotomy for patients with ...

Reoperative Hiatal Hernia Repair

Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery

Foregut surgical techniques have advanced significantly over the years and have become increasingly popular. However, new challenges and technical considerations have arisen when dealing with reoperation for complications or surgical failure. This study focuses on the technical considerations and approach when dealing with reoperative foregut surgery, particularly redo&#160;hiatal hernia repair. We describe our approach starting from the preoperative workup to the procedural steps of the surgery. The present study describes the main steps for robotic reoperative hiatal hernia repair in a patient who had previously undergone laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with Nissen fundoplication but did not present a recurrence of reflux and dysphagia symptoms. The patient is positioned supine with arms out and a footboard for steep Trendelenburg. We place six trocars, including an assistant port and a liver retractor port,&#160;to facilitate visualization and retraction. After docking the robot, we use a combination of electrocautery and sharp dissection&#160;to free the hernia sac and reduce the hiatal hernia. The previous fundoplication is then taken down carefully and the esophagus is mobilized through a transhiatal approach with a combination of blunt and sharp dissection until at least 3 cm of intra-abdominal esophageal length is achieved, after which a leak test is performed. We then perform a crural repair to reapproximate the hiatus with two posterior stitches and one anterior stitch. Lastly, a redo Nissen fundoplication is performed over a bougie, and endoscopy is used to confirm a loose stack-of-coin appearance. By emphasizing the crucial steps of redo hiatal hernia repair, including preoperative evaluation, our goal is to provide an approach for the foregut surgeon to maximize patient outcomes.

Author Spotlight: Recent Advancements in Reoperative Foregut Surgery

Redo foregut surgery is associated with increased patient morbidity and presents a technical challenge for the surgeon. We describe our approach and considerations when performing a redo hiatal hernia repair to provide a guide for other surgeons and improve patient outcomes.

Foregut surgical techniques have advanced significantly over the years and have become increasingly popular. However, new challenges and technical ...

Surgical Treatment of Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis and intestinal dysmotility are life-altering diagnoses with no cure. Lifestyle changes, pharmacological, and surgical interventions are combined in a multidisciplinary fashion to improve the quality of life in this patient population. Starting with lifestyle changes, adjustments are made to the types and amounts of food consumed, medical conditions are optimized, and the use of narcotic pain medications as well as smoking is discontinued. For many, these changes are not enough, and antiemetics and promotility agents are used to control symptoms. Finally, when these measures fail, patients turn to surgery, which can include surgical alterations to the stomach, implantation of a gastric stimulator, placement of drainage tubes, and possibly even the complete removal of different organs, including the stomach or gallbladder. In our clinic, patients not only see a surgeon but also a gastroenterologist, dietitian, and psychologist. We strongly believe in a multidisciplinary approach to this condition. The goal is to provide patients with hope and help them live fuller and happier lives.
The study primarily addresses technical considerations and the surgical approach for patients diagnosed with gastroparesis. It outlines the entire process, starting from preparations before the surgery, encompassing the preoperative work-up, and detailing the steps involved in the surgical procedure. One of the key diagnostic challenges faced in treating gastroparesis patients is determining the underlying cause of the condition, as this information is critical for selecting the appropriate surgical intervention. Once the patient&#39;s condition has been categorized based on the cause, the medical team engages in a discussion with the patient regarding potential treatment options, which may include endoscopic procedures, minimally invasive techniques, or open surgery.

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach does not empty properly. While it is initially managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, some patients eventually require surgical intervention. This study focuses on the technical considerations and surgical approaches for dealing with gastroparesis patients, which include endoscopic, minimally-invasive, and open surgical techniques.

Gastroparesis and intestinal dysmotility are life-altering diagnoses with no cure. Lifestyle changes, pharmacological, and surgical interventions are ...

Robotic Vagus-Sparing Total Gastrectomy for CDH1 Gene Mutation Treatment

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) caused by the CDH1 gene mutation is an inherited cancer syndrome that increases the risk of diffuse gastric cancer and is nearly impossible to detect by screening gastroscopy. The recommended preventative treatment is a total gastrectomy. Robotic surgery facilitates the use of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for anastomoses and posterior vagus preservation to potentially reduce adverse functional outcomes. An asymptomatic 24 year old male with the CDH1 gene mutation proven by genetic testing and a family history of a brother having a total gastrectomy for HDGC was treated with this technique. This video case report demonstrates the techniques and pitfalls of robotic surgery in terms of the patient positioning and port placement, posterior vagus-preserving dissection, sutured esophagojejunostomy, jejunal pouch formation, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction with a staple-stapled jejunojejunostomy. While these techniques are demonstrated in the case of prophylactic gastrectomy, many of them can be applied to other benign and bariatric foregut and general surgery types.Robotic surgery can facilitate the foregut MIS technique, as described in this case of a vagus-sparing total gastrectomy.

This article focuses on robotic vagus-sparing total gastrectomy. The techniques and pitfalls of vagus preservation, sutured esophagojejunostomy, jejunal pouch formation, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction with a staple-stapled jejunojejunostomy are discussed.

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) caused by the CDH1 gene mutation is an inherited cancer syndrome that increases the risk of diffuse gastric ...

Robotic D3 Partial Duodenal Resection with Primary Side-to-Side Anastomosis

Duodenal stenosis is a condition that can be related to several diseases, being either intrinsic, such as neoplasm and inflammatory stenosis, or extrinsic, such as pancreatic pseudocyst, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, and foreign bodies. Current treatments range from endoscopic approaches, such as endoscopic resection and stent placement, to surgical approaches, including duodenal resection, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and gastrointestinal bypass. Minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery is gaining importance due to its potential to decrease surgical stress, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative pain, while its instruments and 3D-vision facilitate fine dissection and intra-abdominal suturing, all leading to a reduced time to functional recovery and shorter hospital stay. We present a case of a 75-year-old female who underwent robotic D3 partial duodenal resection with primary side-to-side duodeno-jejunal anastomosis for a 5 cm adenoma with focal high-grade dysplasia.

This protocol presents a case of a robotic partial duodenal resection with primary side-to-side duodeno-jejunal reconstruction in a patient with a 5 cm duodenal stenosis. This is done at the third duodenal segment (D3) after an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for a duodenal polyp.

Duodenal stenosis is a condition that can be related to several diseases, being either intrinsic, such as neoplasm and inflammatory stenosis, or ...

Treatment of Achalasia by Robot-Assisted Heller Myotomy

Robotic Heller Myotomy for Advancements in Surgical Management of Achalasia

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder. It occurs due to the destruction of nerves in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which leads to the failure of the LES to relax. Patients typically complain of dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation. They often report drinking liquids with solids intake to help propel food boluses into the stomach. The diagnosis of achalasia is typically confirmed with an esophagogram and a motility study (esophageal manometry). An esophagogram classically shows the bird beak sign with tapering in the distal esophagus. The treatment for achalasia includes both surgical and non-surgical options. Surgical treatment is associated with a lower rate of recurrences, high clinical success rate, and durability of symptom relief. The current gold standard of surgical technique is myotomy, or the dividing of the muscle fibers of the distal esophagus. Surgical myotomy can be accomplished via a laparoscopic or robotic technique; per-oral endoscopic myotomy is a new alternative intervention. Due to the theoretical risk of gastroesophageal reflux following a myotomy, an antireflux procedure is sometimes performed. We reviewed the approach to a robotic heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia.

Author Spotlight: Cutting-Edge Robotic Heller Myotomy Protocol for Treatment of Achalasia

The protocol presents a robotic approach to Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder. It occurs due to the destruction of nerves in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which leads to the ...

Robotics in Surgery: A Modular Robotic Platform Driven Gastric Wedge Resection

Robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular since the introduction of the first robotic platform. Recently, a modular robotic system was approved for in-human use in Europe. Possible applications for this new robotic system are being explored, and standardized approaches are evolving. In lieu of this, a gastric wedge resection and the standardized setup for upper gastrointestinal procedures using this new system are presented here. This safe and feasible robotic procedure is demonstrated in a 69-year-old patient with a gastric tumor. All steps of the surgery are described in a detailed and reproducible manner. The article also details trocar positioning, arm adjustments, and required surgical instruments. Docking time amounted to 13 min, whereas the console time took 115 min. The patient was discharged after 4 days after ensuring an uneventful course. The presented method is also suitable for other surgical purposes, such as fundoplications or hiatoplasties, and ensures both generalizability and reproducibility.

Robotically assisted surgery has become highly popular in recent years. Presented here is the standard care for upper gastrointestinal procedures, including a demonstration of a robotic-assisted gastric wedge resection using a modular robotic device.

Robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular since the introduction of the first robotic platform. Recently, a modular robotic system was ...