Alexander Urbanski · Benjamin Babic · Wolfgang Schröder · Lars Schiffmann · Dolores T. Müller · Christiane J. Bruns · Hans F. Fuchs
Department and Polyclinic for General, Visceral, Tumor and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
Surgery
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00104-020-01317-1
© Springer Medical Publishing LLC, a part of Springer Nature 2020
Editor
C.J. Bruns, Cologne
Abstract
Introduction. Robotic systems were introduced into visceral surgery more than 20 years ago.
Shortly thereafter, in 2003, Horgan performed the first robot-assisted esophagus resection in Chicago. The objective of this article is to present new techniques and training methods in robot-assisted surgery with a cost-benefit analysis using the example of the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.
Methods. We performed a systematic literature search regarding new technologies in the field of robotic surgery and a cost analysis of the intraoperative consumable materials for both the hybrid Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy and the robot-assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy.
Results. Robot-assisted esophageal surgery is complex and involves an extensive learning phase, which can be significantly shortened with modern training methods. New robotic systems focus on the use of image-guided surgery and artificial intelligence. Robot-assisted procedures for esophageal tumors are significantly more expensive than comparable procedures without this technology.
Conclusion. Oncological short-term and long-term benefits for patients after robot-assisted procedures on the upper gastrointestinal tract must be further evaluated to justify the use of robotic technology.
Key words
Robotics · Esophageal cancer · Medical technology · Minimally invasive surgery · Hybrid esophagectomy
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