Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study conducted to test the effectiveness and safety of a surgical robot, the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System, in performing gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach) for patients with stomach cancer. The study involved 16 patients, with various stages of gastric cancer, who underwent this robotic surgery between June 2023 and January 2024. The robot was operated by surgeons to perform the removal of lymph nodes and blood vessels.

The study found that the robot was able to successfully perform different types of gastrectomy on the patients. The average operation time was 282 minutes, and the average blood loss was 28 mL. The recovery was fairly quick, with patients staying in the hospital for an average of 12.5 days after the operation.

There was one instance of complications (a leakage in the area where the stomach was stitched back together), but overall, the robot-assisted surgeries were deemed safe and effective. The study suggests that the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System could be a viable tool for performing gastrectomy in patients with stomach cancer.

FAQs

  1. What is the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System and what procedures can it perform?
  2. What were the results of the study on the use of the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System for gastrectomy?
  3. How safe and effective was the use of the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System in the gastrectomy study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to follow a strict diet plan post-surgery. This may include starting with clear liquids and gradually progressing to soft foods as recommended by a healthcare provider. It’s important to eat small, frequent meals to aid in digestion and prevent discomfort. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can help improve recovery and overall well-being after gastrectomy. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are also crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer, particularly those with early-stage or locally advanced disease. Other conditions that may warrant a gastrectomy include:

  • Peptic ulcers that are not responding to medication or have complications such as bleeding or perforation
  • Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that has not improved with lifestyle changes or medication
  • Benign tumors or growths in the stomach that are causing symptoms or complications
  • Inflammation or narrowing of the stomach lining (gastritis or gastric stricture) that is not responding to other treatments
  • Rare conditions such as stomach polyps or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that require surgical removal

Patients who are considered for gastrectomy should undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical team, including a gastroenterologist, surgeon, oncologist, and other specialists as needed. The decision to recommend gastrectomy will depend on the specific condition of the patient, the stage of the disease, the overall health and fitness of the patient, and other factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery.

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of gastrectomy with their healthcare providers, and to explore all available treatment options before making a decision. Robotic-assisted surgery, such as the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System mentioned in the research paper, may be a suitable option for some patients, but individualized care and treatment plans should always be considered.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer through various tests such as endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging scans.
  2. Patient undergoes consultations with oncologists and surgeons to discuss treatment options.
  3. Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as fasting and bowel cleansing.

After gastrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes gastrectomy surgery using the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System, operated by surgeons.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for an average of 12.5 days post-operation for recovery.
  3. Patient may experience side effects such as pain, nausea, and changes in diet.
  4. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor recovery and address any complications.
  5. Patient may need to make dietary and lifestyle changes to adjust to life without a full stomach.
  6. Patient undergoes post-operative tests and scans to monitor for recurrence or spread of cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with gastrectomy surgery, particularly when performed with a surgical robot?

  2. How does the use of a surgical robot in gastrectomy differ from traditional open surgery or laparoscopic surgery in terms of recovery time, pain management, and long-term outcomes?

  3. How experienced is the surgical team with using the hinotori™ Surgical Robot System for gastrectomy procedures? What is their success rate with this technology?

  4. What are the criteria for determining if a patient is a good candidate for robotic-assisted gastrectomy versus other surgical options?

  5. How will my diet and eating habits need to change after undergoing a gastrectomy procedure? Will I need to take any additional supplements or medications to support digestion and nutrition?

  6. What is the expected timeline for recovery and returning to normal activities after gastrectomy surgery with a surgical robot?

  7. How frequently will I need to follow up with my healthcare team after the surgery, and what are the key signs or symptoms to watch for that may indicate complications or the need for further intervention?

  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of after undergoing gastrectomy surgery, particularly in terms of stomach function and digestion?

  9. How will my care plan be coordinated between the surgical team, oncologist (if applicable), and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and personalized follow-up care?

  10. What resources or support services are available to help me navigate the emotional and practical challenges of living with a modified stomach after gastrectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kitadani J, Ojima T, Hayata K, Goda T, Takeuchi A, Tominaga S, Fukuda N, Nakai T, Nagano S, Kawai M. Journal: Asian J Endosc Surg. 2024 Jul;17(3):e13349. doi: 10.1111/ases.13349. PMID: 38953286