Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of da Vinci robot with totally no tube (TNT) versus subxiphoid video-assisted thymectomy surgery (SVATS) in the treatment of thymic tumors. Methods From 2019 to 2021, a retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with thymic tumor resection in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command. All patients underwent total thymectomy and mediastinal fat removal, and they were divided into a TNT group and a SVATS group according to the operation method. The intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, postoperative visual analogue score (VAS), postoperative hospital stay time and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results We finally included 435 patiets. There were 168 patients with 83 males and 85 females at an average age of 61.920±9.210 years in the TNT group and 267 patients with 147 males and 120 females at an average age of 61.460±8.119 years in the SVATS group. There was no death or postoperative myasthenic crisis in both groups. There was no statistical difference in postoperative hospital stay (1.540±0.500 d vs. 3.400±0.561 d, P=0.000), intraoperative blood loss (13.450±5.498 mL vs. 108.610±54.462 mL, P=0.000), postoperative 24 h VAS score (4.960±1.757 points vs. 3.600±1.708 points, P=0.000), or postoperative complication rate (3.0% vs. 11.6%, P=0.001).Conclusion TNT is a more efficient, safe, and effective surgical approach for treating thymic tumors, which can shorten hospital stay time and reduce postoperative complications. However, SVATS can minimize postoperative pain.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of da Vinci robotic surgery for elderly patients with pulmonary lobectomy.
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 50 patients in General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region of Thoracic Surgery between May 2012 and March 2015.The patients were divided into two groups. Twenty five patients aged over 70 years underwent radical operation of lung cancer with da Vinci Robot System were allocated into a robot group with 17 males and 8 females at age of 72.6 ±2.5 years. Another 25 senile patients with radical surgery by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were allocated into a thoracoscopic group with 17 males and 8 females at age of 72.5±2.4 years. The patients in the two groups underwent pulmonary lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. The clinical effect of the two groups was compared.
ResultsAll patients were diagnosed as lung cancer. Twenty five patients all completed surgery under da Vinci Robot System in the robot group. In the thoracoscopic group, one patient was converted to thoracotomy. There were statistical differences in amount of blood loss (66.2±44.2 ml vs. 356.0±349.2 ml, P=0.000), lymph node number (23.2±9.8 vs. 11.3±5.6, P=0.012), and postoperative bed time (3.5±0.9 d vs. 4.2±1.1 d, P=0.017) between the two groups. Effect in the robot group was superior to that in the thoracoscopic group.
ConclusionDa Vinci robotic surgery system for elderly patients with lung cancer radical surgery is safe, effective, and less thoracoscopic surgery trauma, recovery faster.
Objective To analyze the risk factors for postoperative length of stay (PLOS) after mediastinal tumor resection by robot-assisted non-endotracheal intubation and to optimize the perioperative process. MethodsThe clinical data of patients who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted mediastinal tumor resection with non-endotracheal intubation at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the median PLOS, the patients were divided into two groups. The univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze risk factors for prolonged PLOS (longer than median PLOS). ResultsA total of 190 patients were enrolled, including 92 males and 98 females with a median age of 51.5 (41.0, 59.0) years. The median PLOS of all patients was 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) d. There were 71 patients in the PLOS>3 d group and 119 patients in the PLOS≤3 d group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that indwelled thoracic catheter [OR=11.852, 95%CI (2.384, 58.912), P=0.003], preoperative symptoms of muscle weakness [OR=4.814, 95%CI (1.337, 17.337), P=0.016] and postoperative visual analogue scale>5 points [OR=6.696, 95%CI (3.033, 14.783), P<0.001] were independent factors for prolonged PLOS. Totally no tube (TNT) allowed patients to be discharged on the first day after surgery. ConclusionRobot-assisted mediastinal tumor resection with non-endotracheal intubation can promote rapid recovery. The methods of optimizing perioperative process are TNT, controlling muscle weakness symptoms and postoperative pain relief.
ObjectiveTo analyze risk factors for chronic cough after minimally invasive resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore the possible prevention measures.MethodsA total of 128 NSCLC patients who received minimally invasive resection in 2018 in our hospital were enrolled, including 63 males and 65 females with an average age of 60.82±9.89 years. The patients were allocated into two groups: a robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) group (56 patients) and a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) group (72 patients). Chronic cough was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), meanwhile, other perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative chronic cough and explore the prevention strategies.ResultsOverall, 61 (47.7%) patients were diagnosed with chronic cough after surgery, including 25 (44.6%) patients in the RATS group and 36 (50.0%) patients in the VATS group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the VATS group, the RATS group got shorter endotracheal intubation time (P=0.009) and less blood loss (P<0.001). The univariate analysis showed that age (P=0.014), range of surgery (P=0.021), number of dissected lymph nodes (P=0.015), preoperative cough (P=0.006), endotracheal intubation time (P=0.004) were the influencing factors for postoperative chronic cough. The multivariate analysis showed that age <57 years (OR=3.006, 95%CI 1.294-6.986, P=0.011), preoperative cough (OR=3.944, 95%CI 4.548-10.048, P=0.004), endotracheal intubation time ≥172 min (OR=2.316, 95%CI 1.027-5.219, P=0.043), lobectomy (OR=2.651, 95%CI 1.052-6.681, P=0.039) were the independent risk factors for chronic cough.ConclusionThere is no statistical difference in postoperative chronic cough between the RATS and VATS groups. The RATS group gets less blood loss and shorter endotracheal intubation time. Patients with younger age (<57 years), preoperative cough, lobectomy, and longer duration of endotracheal intubation (≥172 min) are more likely to have chronic cough after surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of three-port Da Vinci robot-assisted radical resection of lung cancer. MethodsThe clinical data of patients who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted radical resection of lung cancer in the Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from April 2021 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the number of surgical ports, they were divided into two groups: a three-port group (three-port Da Vinci robot-assisted radical resection of lung cancer), and a four-port group (traditional Da Vinci robot-assisted radical resection of lung cancer). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, lymphadenectomy, total thoracic drainage, extubation time, postoperative complications and postoperative pain of the two groups were compared and analyzed. ResultsA total of 58 patients were included, including 19 males and 39 females, aged 31-79 years. There were 21 patients in the three-port group, and 37 patients in the four-port group. The visual analogue scores on the first and third day after the operation were 4.33±1.20 points and 2.24±0.77 points in the three-port group, and 5.11±1.22 points and 2.78±1.06 points in the four-port group, and there were statistical differences between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, lymph node dissection, postoperative thoracic drainage, time of thoracic tube insertion or postoperative complications (P>0.05). ConclusionThree-port Da Vinci robot-assisted radical resection of lung cancer can reduce the postoperative pain without increasing the operation difficulty and complications, and can be widely used in the clinical practice.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting through a small incision in the left intercostal space in the treatment of multivessel coronary disease. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting through a small incision in the left intercostal space at Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2023 to October 15, 2024. Patients were divided into a robotic group and a minimally invasive group based on whether the surgery was assisted by the Da Vinci robot. ResultsA total of 81 patients were included, with 57 in the minimally invasive group, including 41 males and 16 females, with a median age of 65.0 (57.5, 69.5) years; and 24 in the robotic group, including 17 males and 7 females, with a median age of 61.0 (56.0, 69.0) years. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The robotic group had less intraoperative bleeding [300 (200, 438) mL vs. 500 (375, 600) mL, P=0.006], shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time [15.0 (13.3, 23.5) h vs. 22.0 (15.5, 39.5) h, P=0.037], and lower incidence of postoperative pain [8 (33.3%) vs. 33 (57.9%), P=0.043]. The hospitalization cost in the robotic group was higher than that in the minimally invasive group [130491 (123298, 135691) yuan vs. 123892 (115543, 133449) yuan, P=0.023]. There was no statistical difference in postoperative laboratory indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). There was also no statistical difference in the duration of surgery, postoperative 24 h drainage volume, ICU stay time, postoperative hospital stay or incidences of perioperative compications including pleural effusion, transfusion, new-onset atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, non-union of incision, major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events, and reoperation between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with the minimally invasive group, the robotic group shows satisfactory efficacy and can effectively reduce postoperative pain and intraoperative bleeding, and shorten postoperative mechanical ventilation time.
Myasthenia gravies is a common disease in the clinic. Extended thymectomy is an important way to treat myasthenia gravis. Median thoracotomy, thoracoscopy, and robots are important surgical methods. Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is more and more widely used in extended thymectomy, with high surgical safety and good stability. The surgical approach includes intercostal approach, subxiphoid approach, etc. Different surgical approaches have their own advantages, and their surgical effects are different. This article introduces the indications, technical steps, and effects of da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, analyzes the advantages and limitations of treating myasthenia gravis, and looks forward to its development prospects.
Objective To summary the early experience of Dixon procedures with Da Vinci robotics surgical system for rectal cancer. Methods Eleven patients with rectal cancer underwent the combination of laparoscope and Da Vinci robotics surgical system with 4 trocars in our hospital from May. 2011 to Jan. 2012. Laparoscopy was firstly used to identify the possibility of the surgical procedure， then placed the 4 trocars， and maked sure the suspension of the sigmoid colon and the uterus. Transections of rectum were performed by a conventional laparoscopic method， and endoscopic separations were performed by Da Vinci robotics surgical system. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and the experience was summarized. Results The Da Vinci robotics-assisted Dixon procedures were successfully performed in 11 patients and no one turned to laparotomy. The operating time was 210-330min （mean 288.6min）；the blood loss was 20-100ml （mean 40ml）； The number of lymph nodes dissected was 12-21 per case （mean 13.9 per case）；the duration of bowel movement and hospital stay were 18-26h （mean 22h） and 7-16d （mean 11.5d）， respectively. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the use of robotics， and no residual cancer cells at resection margin. Conclusions Da Vinci robotics-assisted Dixion procedure with 4 trocars and suspension of sigmoid colon are safe and feasible， and it is beneficial to the recovery of patients
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term outcomes of Da Vinci robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and video-assisted thoracoscopic-laparoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy (VAMIE) for esophageal cancer. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of patients with esophageal cancer admitted to Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from January 2021 to February 2025. Based on the surgical method, patients were divided into a RAMIE group and a VAMIE group. Both groups underwent standard McKeown three-incision surgery and systematic three-field lymph node dissection. Intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected, postoperative recovery indicators, and complication rates were compared. ResultsA total of 126 patients with esophageal cancer were included, of which 109 were male and 17 were female, with an average age of (64.6±8.8) years. The RAMIE group consisted of 36 patients and the VAMIE group 90 patients. There was no statistical difference in baseline indicators such as age, sex, and body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). The difference in operation time between the two groups was not statistically significant [305.0 (280.0, 348.0) min vs. 300.0 (268.8, 340.0) min, P=0.457]. Compared with the VAMIE group, the RAMIE group had less intraoperative blood loss [100.0 (100.0, 120.0) mL vs. 100.0 (100.0, 200.0) mL, P=0.035], more intraoperative fluid infusion [(2244.7±610.3) mL vs. (1954.4±457.9) mL, P=0.013], a higher number of lymph nodes dissected [(27.9±10.6) nodes vs. (21.3±5.1) nodes, P<0.001], and the difference in the number of lymph node dissection groups was not statistically significant [8.0 (6.0, 8.0) groups vs. 7.0 (5.0, 8.0) groups, P=0.268]. In terms of postoperative recovery indicators, compared with the VAMIE group, the RAMIE group had shorter postoperative hospital stay [12.5 (9.0, 18.0) d vs. 17.0 (14.0, 22.0) d, P＜0.001] and shorter time with tubes [9.0 (8.0, 10.0) d vs. 10.0 (9.0, 12.0) d, P=0.007]. In terms of postoperative complications, the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in the RAMIE group was significantly lower than that in the VAMIE group (2.8% vs. 16.7%, P=0.039), there was no statistical difference in pulmonary infection, anastomosis leakage, and incision infection between the two groups (P>0.05). The total hospitalization cost of the RAMIE group was significantly higher than that of the VAMIE group (P<0.001). ConclusionRAMIE has significant advantages over VAMIE in terms of intraoperative bleeding control, the number of lymph node dissections, postoperative recovery speed, and reducing the risk of incision infection and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, with good safety and feasibility.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of minimally invasive anterior mediastinal tumor resection in our center, and compare the Da Vinci robotic and video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches in the treatment of mediastinal tumor.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to continuously enroll 102 patients who underwent minimally invasive mediastinal tumor resection between September 2014 and November 2019 by the single medical group in our department. They were divided into two groups: a robotic group (n=47, 23 males and 24 females, average age of 52 years) and a thoracoscopic group (n=55, 29 males and 26 females, average age of 53 years). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative thoracic drainage volume, postoperative thoracic drainage time, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization expense and other clinical data of two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsAll the patients successfully completed the surgery and recovered from hospital, with no perioperative death. Myasthenia gravis occurred in 4 patients of the robotic group and 5 of the thoracoscopic group. The tumor size was 2.5 (0.8-8.7) cm in the robotic group and 3.0 (0.8-7.7) cm in the thoracoscopic group. Operation time was 62 (30-132) min in the robotic group and 60 (29-118) min in the thoracoscopic group. Intraoperative bleeding volume was 20 (2-50) mL in the robotic group and 20 (5-100) mL in the thoracoscopic group. The postoperative drainage volume was 240 (20-14 130) mL in the robotic group and 295 (20-1 070) mL in the thoracoscopic group. The postoperative drainage time was 2 (1-15) days in the robotic group and 2 (1-5) days in the thoracoscopic group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the above parameters and postoperative complications (P>0.05). The postoperative hospital stay were 3 (2-18) days in the robotic group and 4 (2-14) in the thoracoscopic group (P=0.014). The hospitalization cost was 67 489(26 486-89 570) yuan in the robotic group and 27 917 (16 817-67 603) yuan in the thoracoscopic group (P=0.000).ConclusionCompared with the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, Da Vinci robot-assisted surgery owns the same efficacy and safety in the treatment of mediastinal tumor, with shorter postoperative hospital stay, but higher cost.
