Our Summary

This paper discusses a new surgical technique for removing adrenal tumors using a robotic system. Traditionally, surgeons have used a technique called laparoscopic adrenalectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions. However, a robotic system called the da Vinci multi-arm robotic system has been used since 2011 to perform this operation.

The researchers in this study introduced a new version of this robotic system, the da Vinci SP, in 2020. They compared the outcomes of 8 patients who had their adrenal tumors removed with this new system to 11 patients who had the operation with the older system between 2011 and 2015.

The results showed that the patients’ age, sex, body mass index, type of operation, and final diagnosis were similar for both groups. However, they found that the new system resulted in slightly shorter operation times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays, even though these differences were not significant.

The researchers concluded that the da Vinci SP robotic system is a new, safe, and feasible technique for this type of surgery, and it may improve the convenience and cosmetic outcomes for patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the da Vinci SP robotic system used for in surgery?
  2. How does the da Vinci SP robotic system compare to the multi-arm da Vinci system in terms of operation time, blood loss, and length of hospitalization?
  3. What are the benefits of using the da Vinci SP robotic system for adrenalectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

Helpful tip: The Da Vinci SP robotic system is a safe and feasible option for adrenalectomy, offering potential advantages such as shorter operation times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. Be sure to discuss this option with your doctor to determine if it is the right choice for you.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for adrenalectomy include those with adrenal tumors, such as adrenal adenomas, adrenal carcinomas, aldosteronomas, pheochromocytomas, and Cushing’s syndrome. Other indications for adrenalectomy may include adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal metastases, and adrenal incidentalomas. Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as hypertension, hyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, or adrenal hormone excess may also benefit from adrenalectomy. Additionally, patients with adrenal lesions that are suspicious for malignancy or those with large or symptomatic adrenal tumors may be recommended for adrenalectomy.

Timeline

Before adrenalectomy:

  • Patient is diagnosed with an adrenal tumor
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations such as imaging studies, blood tests, and possibly hormonal studies
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider
  • Patient decides to undergo adrenalectomy
  • Surgery date is scheduled

After adrenalectomy:

  • Patient undergoes robotic adrenalectomy using the Da Vinci SP robotic system
  • Surgery is performed with a single-port access
  • Surgery results in moderately less operation time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospitalization compared to traditional robotic adrenalectomy using the Da Vinci multi-arm robotic system
  • Patient recovers in the hospital post-surgery
  • Patient is discharged home with instructions for post-operative care
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up appointments

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adrenalectomy using the robotic single-port system?
  2. How does the recovery process compare between traditional laparoscopic adrenalectomy and robotic adrenalectomy using the single-port system?
  3. Are there any specific criteria or factors that make a patient a good candidate for robotic adrenalectomy using the single-port system?
  4. How does the cost of robotic adrenalectomy using the single-port system compare to other surgical options?
  5. What is the long-term prognosis and outcomes for patients who undergo adrenalectomy using the robotic single-port system?
  6. How experienced is the surgical team in performing adrenalectomies using the robotic single-port system?
  7. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions or precautions that I should be aware of if I choose to undergo adrenalectomy using the robotic single-port system?
  8. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or tests after undergoing adrenalectomy using the robotic single-port system?
  9. How does the technology of the da Vinci SP robotic system differ from other robotic systems used for adrenalectomy?
  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies evaluating the effectiveness of adrenalectomy using the robotic single-port system?

Reference

Authors: Lee IA, Kim JK, Kim K, Kang SW, Lee J, Jeong JJ, Nam KH, Chung WY. Journal: Ann Surg Oncol. 2022 May;29(5):3085-3092. doi: 10.1245/s10434-021-11208-2. Epub 2022 Jan 7. PMID: 34994892