Robotic gastrectomy and esophagogastrectomy: A single center experience of 105 cases.
BACKGROUND
A robotic approach to general surgery procedures may provide improved postoperative outcomes compared to either open or laparoscopic approaches. The role of robotics for gastroesophageal surgery, however, is still being evaluated.


METHODS
A review of the prospective database for robotic surgery at Valley Hospital between January 2002 and March 2014 identified 105 patients who underwent robotic gastric and esophageal resection. Patient demographics and perioperative factors were studied.


RESULTS
Over a 12 years period, 105 patients underwent robotic gastroesophageal resection. The median operative time for distal gastrectomy (230 min [112-327]) was significantly less compared to either total gastrectomy (302 min [214-364]) or esophagogastrectomy (309 min [190-682]). The length of stay for patients undergoing distal gastrectomy (6 days [4-32]) was also significantly less than patients undergoing total gastrectomy (11 days [7-43]), as well as esophagogastrectomy (9 days [5-64]). In regard to the learning curve to perform robotic gastroesophageal surgery, there was a significant correlation between operative time and overall experience.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that robotic gastroesophageal surgery is feasible and can be safely performed. Assuming familiarity with the open procedures and acquisition of basic robotic skills, the learning curve for robotic gastroesophageal surgery requires approximately 20 cases.
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, Valley Health System, One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, New Jersey.
Lawrence E
LE
Harrison
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, Valley Health System, One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, New Jersey.
Anusak
A
Yiengpruksawan
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, Valley Health System, One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, New Jersey.
Jay
J
Patel
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, Valley Health System, One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, New Jersey.
Alex
A
Itskovich
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, Valley Health System, One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, New Jersey.
Benjamin
B
Lee
The Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center, Valley Health System, One Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, New Jersey.
Robert
R
Korst
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D059032:Learning Curve; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
esophagogastrectomy; gastrectomy; gastroesophageal; robotics