PS01.049: ENDOSTIM™ NON-RESPONDERS: AN ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Electronic stimulation oft the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a new promising anti-reflux procedure that is established in Germany since 2014. Basically two leads are inserted laparoscopicaly into the LES and connected to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) which is placed in a subcutaneous pocket. This stimulation is supposed to build up the muscular anti-reflux barrier. It is limited to patients with a small hiatal hernia < 3 cm and reflux esophagitis LA Classification Type A-C. Although long-term results up to 4 years with a good postoperative reflux control and an increased quality of life have been published, no data about Endostim™ non-responders, difficul…

Change from Hybrid to Fully Minimally Invasive and Robotic Esophagectomy is Possible without Compromises.

Background The incidence of esophageal carcinoma is increasing in the western world, and esophageal resection is the essential therapy. Several studies report advantages of minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIEs) versus conventional open procedures (OPs). The benefits of the use of fully MIE or robot-assisted MIE (RAMIE) compared with the hybrid approaches (laparoscopic gastric preparation and open transthoracic esophagectomy) remain unclear. Methods Between July 2015 and August 2017, the data of 75 patients with esophageal carcinoma were prospectively registered. Of the 75 patients, 25 treated with a hybrid MIE (hybrid), 25 with total MIE (MIE), and 25 with RAMIE. All patients were oper…

P123 ROBOT ASSISTED MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY (RAMIE4) WITH INTRATHORACIC ANASTOMOSIS: PROMISING RESULTS AND LESSONS LEARNED IN 100 PATIENTS

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to describe postoperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes for RAMIE4 with intrathoracic anastomosis for esophageal cancer within our case series of 100 consecutive patients. Background & Methods Robot assisted minimally-invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis is gaining popularity as a treatment for esophageal cancer. In this study, we present the results of 100 RAMIE procedures using the da Vinci Xi robotic system (RAMIE4). The aim of this study was to describe postoperative complications and short-term oncologic outcomes for RAMIE4 within our case series of 100 consecutive patients. Between January 2017 and F…

Fully robotic Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy (RAMIE4) for esophageal cancer after emergency surgery and ligation of the gastroduodenal artery

We report a case of a 69-year-old patient with esophageal cancer and severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding during neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy who required mass transfusion followed by complex emergency procedures. Despite endoscopic stenting, the bleeding recurred, and thus emergency open surgery was required. Gastric wedge resection of the minor curvature necessitated by perforation caused by the endoscopic stent maneuver and duodenotomy with ligation of the gastroduodenal artery, as the cause of persistent intraluminal bleeding, were performed. The already prepared gastric conduit during the emergency operation did not become ischemic, even though the gastroduodenal artery, left gastr…

Innovative fully robotic 4-arm Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (RAMIE4).

Nowadays robotic surgery is established for abdominal and thoracic surgery. It has been shown that complex procedures are feasible using robotic systems, e.g., da Vinci Xi, with a huge benefit in precision. Different techniques for esophageal cancer surgery are reported; however, only a few robotic and partial robotic procedures are described. Therefore, a fully robotic (abdominal and thoracic) Ivor Lewis esophageal resection using four robotic arms-RAMIE4-the standard technique used for lower esophageal cancer, is presented in this paper. The technique shown in the video was performed successfully in 100 cases in 24 months. The reconstruction is performed with a gastric conduit pull-up and…

Achalasia—an unnecessary long way to diagnosis

Although achalasia presents with typical symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, weight loss, and atypical chest pain, the time until first diagnosis often takes years and is frustrating for patients and nevertheless associated with high costs for the healthcare system. A total of 563 patients were interviewed with confirmed diagnosis of achalasia regarding their symptoms leading to diagnosis along with past clinical examinations and treatments. Included were patients who had undergone their medical investigations in Germany. Overall, 527 study subjects were included (male 46%, female 54%, mean age at time of interview 51 ± 14.8 years). Dysphagia was present in 86.7%, regurgitation in 82…

676 NECESSITY OF EXTENDED LOWER PARATRACHEAL LYMPH NODE RESECTION DURING ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Objective To evaluate the impact of lower paratracheal lymph node resection on oncological radicality and complication rate during esophagectomy for cancer. Backround The ideal extend of lymphadenectomy (LAD) in esophageal surgery is debated. Until today, there has been no proof for improved survival after standardized paratracheal lymph node resection performing oncological esophagectomy. Methods Lymph nodes from the lower paratracheal station are not standardly resected during 2-field Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Retrospectively, we identified 200 patients operated in our center for esophageal cancer from January 2017—December 2019. Histopathologically, 143 pat…

Technical details of the abdominal part during full robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy

Abstract The full robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is an upcoming approach in the treatment of esophageal and junctional cancer. Potential benefits are seen in angulated precise maneuvers in the abdominal part as well as in the thoracic part, but due to the novelty of this approach the optimal setting of the trocars, the instruments and the operating setting is still under debate. Hereafter, we present a technical description of the ‘Mainz technique’ of the abdominal part of RAMIE carried out as Ivor Lewis procedure. Postoperative complication rate and duration of the abdominal part of 100 consecutive patients from University Medical Center in Mainz are illustrated.…

FA04.03: MIE VERSUS RAMIE: PROMISING RESULTS OF A SINGLE-CENTER AND SINGLE-SURGEON ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Robot assisted surgery for esophageal cancer is rapidly increasing, especially high-volume centers with access to a robot. The fully robotic minimally invasive esophagectomy using 4 robotic arms in the abdomen and thorax (RAMIE4) is performed as standard procedure in our department. In this analysis we compare the results of our first 50 RAMIE4 procedures with our last 50 fully minimally-invasive esophagectomies (MIE), which was our standard prior the robotic era. Methods Between April 2016 and March 2018, the data from 100 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing modified Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, performed by the same surgeon using the identical intrat…

PS01.024: ENDOSTIMTM THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL MOTILITY DISORDERS

Abstract Background Electric stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter is a new surgical option for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a diaphragmatic hernia less than 3 cm. In comparison to standard anti-reflux procedures like Nissen or Toupet fundoplication the procedure`s advantage is that there had been no report on postoperative dysphagia. Esophageal motility disorders can increase the risk of dysphagia after fundoplication. Therefor EndostimÔ might be an alternative for these patients. Methods Between December 2015 and November 2017 twelve patients with GERD received Endostim™ therapy. All patients underwent endoscopy, high resolution impedance manometry (HRI…

Robot-assisted and conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy are associated with better postoperative results compared to hybrid and open transthoracic esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND Currently 4 surgical techniques are performed for transthoracic esophagectomy (open esophagectomy (OE), hybrid esophagectomy (HE), conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and robot assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Aim of this study was to compare these 4 different esophagectomy approaches regarding postoperative complications and short term oncologic outcomes. METHODS Between 2008 and 2019, consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction were included in this single center study. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of postoperative complications. RESULTS Overall 422 patients (OE (n = 107), HE (n = …

PS02.018: MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY (MIE): FROM HYBRID, TO FULLY MINIMALLY-INVASIVE (MIE) AND TO ROBOTIC ASSISTED MIE (RAMIE): A SINGLE SURGEON ANALYSIS

Abstract Background The incidence of esophageal carcinoma is increasing in the western world and esophageal resection is the essential therapy depending on the tumor stage. Several studies report advantages of minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIE) versus conventional open procedures. The use of totally MIE (thoraco- and laparoscopic) or robotic assisted MIE (RAMIE) compared to the hybrid approaches remain unclear. Methods Between July 2015 and August 2017, the data of 75 patients with esophageal carcinoma were prospectively registered. 25 were treated with a hybrid MIE (hybrid), another 25 with a totally MIE (MIE) and another 25 with a robotic assisted MIE (RAMIE). All patients were oper…

Preoperative endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation decreases the rate of delayed gastric emptying after Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy occurs postoperatively in up to 50% of the patients. This pyloric dysfunction can lead to severe secondary complications postoperatively such as early aspiration, pneumonia or may even have an impact on anastomotic healing and therefore leakage. Early detection of DGE is essential to prevent further complications. The common treatment postoperatively is endoscopic pyloric balloon dilatation (EPBD) after symptoms already occurred. In our work, we analyzed patients who received a preoperative EPBD during the routine restaging endoscopy and compared those patients to a control group to analyze if preoperative EPBD may prevent postop…

A structured training pathway to implement robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: the learning curve results from a high-volume center

ABSTRACTTo ensure safe implementation of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE), the learning process should be optimized. This study aimed to report the results of a surgeon who implemented RAMIE in a German high-volume center by following a tailored and structured training pathway that involved proctoring. Consecutive patients who underwent RAMIE during the course of the program were included from a prospective database. A single surgeon, who had prior experience in conventional MIE, performed all RAMIE procedures. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) learning curves were plotted for the thoracic operating time and intraoperative blood loss. Perioperative outcomes were compared between…

Temporäre Elektrostimulation des Magen – 1 Jahr Follow-Up

Head-Mounted Mixed-Reality Technology During Robotic-Assisted Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision

INTRODUCTION Head-mounted mixed-reality technologies may enable advanced intraoperative visualization during visceral surgery. In this technical note, we describe an innovative use of real-time mixed reality during robotic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision. TECHNIQUE Video signals from the robotic console and video endoscopic transanal approach were displayed on a virtual monitor using a head-up display. The surgeon, assistant, and a surgical trainee used this technique during abdominal and transanal robotic-assisted total mesorectal excision. We evaluated the feasibility and usability of this approach with the use of validated scales. RESULTS The technical feasibility of the rea…

Minimally-invasive temporary gastric stimulation: A pilot study to predict the outcome of electronic gastric stimulation with the Enterra™ system.

Abstract Introduction Gastroparesis (GP) is defined as delayed gastric emptying (GE) without any obstruction of the pylorus. It can be divided into idiopathic, diabetic, post surgical and rare causes. Electronic gastric stimulation (EGS) – Enterra Medtronic™ – is a part of GP therapy. Although its positive impact has been reported in open label trials, randomized controlled trials failed in demonstrating a positive outcome. The aim of this pilot study was to establish a reliable prediction for permanent gastric stimulation. Patients and procedure 6 female patients underwent laparoscopic implantation of 2 temporary electrodes. The Enterra™ system was connected and taped to the skin. Baseline…

C-reactive Protein Levels After Esophagectomy Are Associated With Increased Surgical Trauma and Complications.

With the introduction of minimally invasive esophagectomy, postoperative complications rates have decreased. Daily laboratory tests are used to screen patients for postoperative complications. The course of inflammatory indicators after esophagectomy after different surgical approaches has not been described yet. The aim of the study was to describe the postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte levels after different surgical approaches for esophagectomy and relate it to postoperative complications.Between 2010 and 2018, 217 consecutive patients underwent thoracoabdominal esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction. Blood tests to assess CRP and leukocytes were performed da…

FA04.04: IMPORTANT STEPS AND FIRST RESULTS OF FULLY ROBOTIC IVOR-LEWIS ESOPHAGEAL RESECTION (RAMIE4) FOR ESOPHAGEAL AND ESOPHAGOGASTRIC JUNCTION CANCER

Abstract Background Robotic-assisted surgery is increasing, especially in general tumor surgery. Minimal-invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is commonly the standard operation procedure in high-volume centers. Also the fully robotic minimally invasive esophagectomy using 4 robotic arms in the abdomen and thorax (RAMIE4) is performed more frequent. The advantages of RAMIE4 as well as advantages and disadvantages of special steps in the procedure and reconstruction are not clear so far and are under comparison with other MIE techniques. Methods Form January 2017 until March 2018 we prospectively collect the first 50 fully robotic RAMIE4 cases performed by one specialized surgeon and additionally the…

The da Vinci Xi Robotic Four-Arm Approach for Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

AbstractRobotic surgery is gaining importance in complex thoracoscopic surgery, such as robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The RAMIE procedure was designed using the first generation of the robotic system. The latest da Vinci Xi system has substantially increased the dexterity, especially designed for multiquadrant surgery. The original three-arm RAMIE approach was modified including the robotic four-arm use for the thoracoscopic and laparoscopic part of the operation. This extended approach (four-arm RAMIE approach) provides more flexibility and raises the independence of the surgeon.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) compared to conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer: a propensity-matched analysis.

SUMMARY Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly being applied as treatment for esophageal cancer. In this study, the results of 50 RAMIE procedures were compared with 50 conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) operations, which had been the standard treatment for esophageal cancer prior to the robotic era. Between April 2016 and March 2018, data of 100 consecutive patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing modified Ivor Lewis esophagectomy were prospectively collected. All operations were performed by the same surgeon using an identical intrathoracic anastomotic reconstruction technique with the same perioperative management and pain control re…