Robot-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: initial experience

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of robotic surgery in gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: Between April and October 2009, 12 patients who were diagnosed with stage I gastric cancer underwent robot-assisted distal gastrectomy (RADG) using the da Vinci System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). The clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients and surgical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: All procedures were completed successfully, with no laparoscopic or open conversion. The mean operating time was 253 minutes (range 170-365), and the mean blood loss was 135 mL (range 30-500). The resection margin was negative in all specimens, and a mean of 46 (range 21-115) lymph nodes was retrieved. The mean time to resume a soft diet and hospital stay was 4.6 and 6.6 days, respectively. Acute pancreatitis occurred in 1 patient and resolved with conservative management. CONCLUSIONS: In our initial experience, RADG was feasible, enabling a fast patient recovery and good operative outcome. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.