Our Summary

This research paper is about robotic surgery for stomach cancer, specifically a procedure called a gastrectomy, which is the removal of part or all of the stomach. The da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic system, is being used around the world for many types of surgeries. However, its use for gastrectomy for stomach cancer is mostly only done in specialized centers. The robotic system was introduced to improve upon the laparoscopic approach, which is a less invasive surgery using small incisions. According to numerous studies, using the robot for this type of surgery is safe and feasible. However, it’s not yet proven if it’s better than the laparoscopic method. This study aims to discuss the technical aspects of robot-assisted gastrectomy for stomach cancer and the most recent evidence on this topic.

FAQs

  1. What is robot-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer?
  2. Has the superiority of robotic gastrectomy over the laparoscopic approach been proven?
  3. What are the technical aspects of robot-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing gastrectomy to follow a specific diet plan post-surgery to aid in recovery and prevent complications. This may include consuming smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding certain foods that can irritate the stomach, and staying hydrated. It is important to follow these guidelines to promote healing and ensure a successful outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended gastrectomy are those with gastric adenocarcinoma or gastric cancer. These patients may undergo robot-assisted gastrectomy for the treatment of their stomach neoplasm. Robot-assisted gastrectomy is often recommended for patients who are seeking a minimally invasive surgery option and may be performed in specialized centers with expertise in minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer. The safety and feasibility of robotic radical gastrectomy have been reported in various studies, although the superiority of robotic gastrectomy over laparoscopic approaches has not yet been definitively proven.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with gastric cancer through imaging tests, biopsies, and other diagnostic procedures.
  2. Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations to assess overall health and fitness for surgery.
  3. Patient may undergo neoadjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation to shrink the tumor before surgery.

During gastrectomy:

  1. Robotic-assisted gastrectomy is performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, with the surgeon controlling robotic arms to remove part or all of the stomach.
  2. Lymph nodes in the abdomen may also be removed during the procedure to check for cancer spread.
  3. The surgery typically lasts several hours and requires general anesthesia.

After gastrectomy:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room for postoperative care.
  2. Patient may experience pain, nausea, and difficulty eating in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient will be gradually introduced to a liquid and then solid diet as they recover.
  4. Patient may need to undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery.
  5. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor recovery and check for any signs of cancer recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of gastrectomy surgery?

  2. What is the recovery process like after gastrectomy surgery?

  3. How will gastrectomy surgery affect my diet and nutrition?

  4. What are the long-term effects of gastrectomy surgery?

  5. How experienced are you in performing robot-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer?

  6. What are the advantages of robot-assisted gastrectomy compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery?

  7. How many robot-assisted gastrectomy procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?

  8. What is the expected outcome of robot-assisted gastrectomy for my specific case of gastric cancer?

  9. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after gastrectomy surgery?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for gastric cancer that I should consider before deciding on gastrectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Barchi LC, Souza WP, Franciss MY, Ramos MFKP, Dias AR, Hyung WJ, Zilberstein B. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2020 Feb;30(2):127-139. doi: 10.1089/lap.2019.0345. Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31219395