A safe and effective anastomotic technique for robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy: Reverse-puncture anastomosis

Int J Med Robot. 2022 Feb;18(1):e2336. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2336. Epub 2021 Oct 8.

Abstract

Background: Oesophagogastric anastomosis is mainly complicated by its tediousness. We hope to modify an oesophagogastric anastomotic technique that simplifies anastomosis.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 57 cases executed using reverse-puncture anastomotic (RPA) technique and 64 cases of manual purse anastomosis (MPA) technique for robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE). Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analysed.

Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regards to demographic data and clinical features. All patients had R0 resection. Relative to MPA, RPA group experienced significantly shorter operation times (232.5 ± 33.84 min vs. 262.3 ± 83.94 min, p = 0.038).RPA group patients had shorter anastomotic times relative to MPA group patients (10.5 ± 3.4 min vs. 18.3 ± 4.1 min, p = 0.014). No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions: Reverse-puncture anastomosis is safe, feasible in RAMIE. This approach has the potential to efficiently shorten the anastomotic time and ensure safe operation.

Keywords: 3D; minimal invasive surgery; oesophagectomy; oesophagus.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Esophagectomy
  • Humans
  • Punctures
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Robotics*