ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted pulmonary lobectomy using da Vinci S System, and explore its advantages in minimally invasive surgery. MethodsFrom May 2009 to May 2013, 12 patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) underwent robot-assisted lobectomy using da Vinci S System in Shanghai Chest Hospital. There were 6 male and 6 female patients with their age of 40-61 (52±8) years. Robotic instruments were used through a 12-mm observation port, two 8-mm thoracoscopic ports and a 12 to 40 mm utility incision without rib spreading. Perioperative data of the patients were collected and analyzed. ResultsAll the 12 patients successfully received surgical resection. All types of lobectomy were performed, and all the procedures were radical resection. Each patient received 4 to 9 (5±1) stations of lymph node dissection. None of the patients underwent conversion to thoracotomy. There was no perioperative mortality or morbidity in this group. Chest drainage duration was 3-11 (8±7) days. Length of hospital stay was 6 to 18 (14±8) days. Operation time was 60 to 280 (185±78) minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 20 to 200 (108±71) ml. There was no perioperative blood transfusion. ConclusionsRobot-assisted lobectomy is initially proven a safe and effective procedure with enhanced visualization and better dexterity and stability than video-assisted thoracopscopic surgery. Thus surgical indications for robot-assisted lobectomy can be widened. Robot-assisted lobectomy is an important choice in the new age of minimally invasive thoracic surgery.
ObjectivesTo investigate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted surgery for mediastinal tumor. MethodsWe respectively analyzed the clinical data of 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of mediastinal tumor undergoing robot-assisted surgery in our hospital from May 2009 to March 2015. There were 29 males and 18 females at age of 48 (20-78) years. Robotic instruments were used through two 8 mm thoracoscopic ports and camera placed through a 12 mm observation port, without any additional utility incision. ResultsAll 47 surgeries were accomplished successfully. The operative time was 73±36 minutes. The blood loss was 48±15 ml. There was only one conversion due to bleeding during the operation. No perioperative mortality or morbidity occurred. There was no perioperative transfusion. Learning curve showed operative time shortened sharply as the procedures increased. After 20 cases of procedure, operative time was stabilized as the learning curve established. The equation is y(min)=-20.41ln(x)+119.43, R2=0.312, P<0.01. ConclusionRobot-assisted surgery for mediastinal tumor are initially proved safe and feasible with great perspective in the new age of minimally invasive thoracic surgery.
The concept of "enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)" has been well known by care providers. Implementation of the ERAS principles requires minimally invasive surgical technology in conjunction with multidisciplinary teamwork. Only if these two aspects of peri-operative care regime optimization and "all-in-one model in medical" care were linked up associatelly, ERAS could be realized. Thoracoscopic surgery was a milestone in thoracic surgery. The successful application of such a recovery program requires the foundation of pain and risk free ward in perioperative period and improving quality of life post discharge. This review summarizes the peri-operative regimen care optimization regarding the utility of ERAS in the VATS lobectomy of patients with lung cancer. The first one is preoperative evaluation issues. It involves conditioning the patient and implementing a pre-operative exercise and a physical therapy regimen. The second one is operative and individual anesthetic maneuvers and the selective use of tube in the post-operative period. The third one is the foundation of pain and risk free ward:what are methods optimum of post operative management? The fourth one is medical management of patient's outcomes and the ERAS regimen continuing optimum. The fifth one is the importance of function of multi-departmental coordination in ERAS.