Skip to main content

Essentials and Future Directions of Robotic Esophageal Surgery

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Essentials of Robotic Surgery

Abstract

Although dramatic advancements have been made since the first reported esophagectomy in 1911, surgery of the esophagus remains one of the most challenging operations with high morbidity and mortality. Introduction and continuous development of laparoscopic techniques during the last two decades have led to a significant shift in the treatment algorithm of esophageal diseases, and, in most cases, minimally invasive esophageal surgery has now replaced open procedures as the standard of care. Recently, robotic applications in the realm of minimally invasive esophageal surgery are gaining acceptance, and this chapter will explore the safety and feasibility of such techniques.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Kelling GE. Olsophagoplastik mit Hiffeder Querkolon. Zentralbl Chir. 1911;38:209.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Siegel R, Naishadham D, Jemal A. Cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin. 2012;62(1):10–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. van Hagen P, Hulshof MC, van Lanschot JJ, Steyerberg EW, van Berge Henegouwen MI, Wijnhoven BP, et al. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy for esophageal or junctional cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(22):2074–84.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Orringer MB, Sloan H. Esophagectomy without thoracotomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1978;76(5):643–54.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Lewis I. The surgical treatment of carcinoma of the oesophagus; with special reference to a new operation for growths of the middle third. Br J Surg. 1946;34:18–31.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. McKeown KC. Trends in oesophageal resection for carcinoma with special reference to total oesophagectomy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1972;51(4):213–39.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Churchill ED, Sweet RH. Transthoracic resection of tumors of the esophagus and stomach. Ann Surg. 1942;115(6):897–920.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Collard JM, Lengele B, Otte JB, Kestens PJ. En bloc and standard esophagectomies by thoracoscopy. Ann Thorac Surg. 1993;56(3):675–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. DePaula AL, Hashiba K, Ferreira EA, de Paula RA, Grecco E. Laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy with esophagogastroplasty. Surg Laparosc Endosc. 1995;5(1):1–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Swanstrom LL, Hansen P. Laparoscopic total esophagectomy. Arch Surg. 1997;132(9):943–7. discussion 7–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Levy RM, Trivedi D, Luketich JD. Minimally invasive esophagectomy. Surg Clin North Am. 2012;92(5):1265–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Nguyen NT, Hinojosa MW, Smith BR, Chang KJ, Gray J, Hoyt D. Minimally invasive esophagectomy: lessons learned from 104 operations. Ann Surg. 2008;248(6):1081–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Pennathur A, Awais O, Luketich JD. Technique of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Ann Thorac Surg. 2010;89(6):S2159–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Levy RM, Wizorek J, Shende M, Luketich JD. Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Adv Surg. 2010;44:101–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Mamidanna R, Bottle A, Aylin P, Faiz O, Hanna GB. Short-term outcomes following open versus minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer in England: a population-based national study. Ann Surg. 2012;255(2):197–203.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Lazzarino AI, Nagpal K, Bottle A, Faiz O, Moorthy K, Aylin P. Open versus minimally invasive esophagectomy: trends of utilization and associated outcomes in England. Ann Surg. 2010;252(2):292–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Boone J, Livestro DP, Elias SG, Borel Rinkes IH, van Hillegersberg R. International survey on esophageal cancer: part I surgical techniques. Dis Esophagus. 2009;22(3):195–202.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Luketich JD, Pennathur A, Awais O, Levy RM, Keeley S, Shende M, et al. Outcomes after minimally invasive esophagectomy: review of over 1000 patients. Ann Surg. 2012;256(1):95–103.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Hernandez JM, Dimou F, Weber J, Almhanna K, Hoffe S, Shridhar R, et al. Defining the learning curve for robotic-assisted esophagogastrectomy. J Gastrointest Surg. 2013;17(8):1346–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Horgan S, Berger RA, Elli EF, Espat NJ. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive transhiatal esophagectomy. Am Surg. 2003;69(7):624–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Kernstine KH, DeArmond DT, Karimi M, Van Natta TL, Campos JH, Yoder MR, et al. The robotic, 2-stage, 3-field esophagolymphadenectomy. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2004;127(6):1847–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Kim DJ, Hyung WJ, Lee CY, Lee JG, Haam SJ, Park IK, et al. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: feasibility and safety of robotic assistance in the prone position. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010;139(1):53–9. e1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Puntambekar SP, Rayate N, Joshi S, Agarwal G. Robotic transthoracic esophagectomy in the prone position: experience with 32 patients with esophageal cancer. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011;142(5):1283–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Weksler B, Sharma P, Moudgill N, Chojnacki KA, Rosato EL. Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy is equivalent to thoracoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy. Dis Esophagus. 2012;25(5):403–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. de la Fuente SG, Weber J, Hoffe SE, Shridhar R, Karl R, Meredith KL. Initial experience from a large referral center with robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for oncologic purposes. Surg Endosc. 2013;27(9):3339–47.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Sarkaria IS, Rizk NP, Finley DJ, Bains MS, Adusumilli PS, Huang J, et al. Combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy using a four-arm platform: experience, technique and cautions during early procedure development. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2013;43(5):e107–15.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Galvani CA, Gorodner MV, Moser F, Jacobsen G, Chretien C, Espat NJ, et al. Robotically assisted laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy. Surg Endosc. 2008;22(1):188–95.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Dunn DH, Johnson EM, Morphew JA, Dilworth HP, Krueger JL, Banerji N. Robot-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy: a 3-year single-center experience. Dis Esophagus. 2013;26(2):159–66.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Coker AM, Barajas-Gamboa JS, Cheverie J, Jacobsen GR, Sandler BJ, Talamini MA, et al. Outcomes of robotic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2014;24(2):89–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Kernstine KH, DeArmond DT, Shamoun DM, Campos JH. The first series of completely robotic esophagectomies with three-field lymphadenectomy: initial experience. Surg Endosc. 2007;21(12):2285–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Clark J, Sodergren MH, Purkayastha S, Mayer EK, James D, Athanasiou T, et al. The role of robotic assisted laparoscopy for oesophagogastric oncological resection; an appraisal of the literature. Dis Esophagus. 2011;24(4):240–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. van der Sluis PC, Ruurda JP, van der Horst S, Verhage RJ, Besselink MG, Prins MJ, et al. Robot-assisted minimally invasive thoraco-laparoscopic esophagectomy versus open transthoracic esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer, a randomized controlled trial (ROBOT trial). Trials. 2012;13:230.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Eckardt AJ, Eckardt VF. Treatment and surveillance strategies in achalasia: an update. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;8(6):311–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Campos GM, Vittinghoff E, Rabl C, Takata M, Gadenstatter M, Lin F, et al. Endoscopic and surgical treatments for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Surg. 2009;249(1):45–57.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Heller E. Extramukose Cardiaplastik mit dilatation des oesophagus. Mitt Grenzgels Med Chir. 1913;27:141.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Shimi S, Nathanson LK, Cuschieri A. Laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia. J R Coll Surg Edinb. 1991;36(3):152–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Pellegrini C, Wetter LA, Patti M, Leichter R, Mussan G, Mori T, et al. Thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy. Initial experience with a new approach for the treatment of achalasia. Ann Surg. 1992;216(3):291–6. discussion 6–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Katilius M, Velanovich V. Heller myotomy for achalasia: quality of life comparison of laparoscopic and open approaches. JSLS. 2001;5(3):227–31.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Patti MG, Arcerito M, De Pinto M, Feo CV, Tong J, Gantert W, et al. Comparison of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia. J Gastrointest Surg. 1998;2(6):561–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Stewart KC, Finley RJ, Clifton JC, Graham AJ, Storseth C, Inculet R. Thoracoscopic versus laparoscopic modified Heller Myotomy for achalasia: efficacy and safety in 87 patients. J Am Coll Surg. 1999;189(2):164–9. discussion 9–70.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Rebecchi F, Giaccone C, Farinella E, Campaci R, Morino M. Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic Heller myotomy plus Dor fundoplication versus Nissen fundoplication for achalasia: long-term results. Ann Surg. 2008;248(6):1023–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Rawlings A, Soper NJ, Oelschlager B, Swanstrom L, Matthews BD, Pellegrini C, et al. Laparoscopic Dor versus Toupet fundoplication following Heller myotomy for achalasia: results of a multicenter, prospective, randomized-controlled trial. Surg Endosc. 2012;26(1):18–26.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Falkenback D, Johansson J, Oberg S, Kjellin A, Wenner J, Zilling T, et al. Heller’s esophagomyotomy with or without a 360 degrees floppy Nissen fundoplication for achalasia. Long-term results from a prospective randomized study. Dis Esophagus. 2003;16(4):284–90.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Melvin WS, Needleman BJ, Krause KR, Wolf RK, Michler RE, Ellison EC. Computer-assisted robotic Heller myotomy: initial case report. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2001;11(4):251–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Horgan S, Galvani C, Gorodner MV, Omelanczuck P, Elli F, Moser F, et al. Robotic-assisted Heller myotomy versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of esophageal achalasia: multicenter study. J Gastrointest Surg. 2005;9(8):1020–9. discussion 9–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Melvin WS, Dundon JM, Talamini M, Horgan S. Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery minimizes esophageal perforation during Heller myotomy. Surgery. 2005;138(4):553–8. discussion 8–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Huffmanm LC, Pandalai PK, Boulton BJ, James L, Starnes SL, Reed MF, et al. Robotic Heller myotomy: a safe operation with higher postoperative quality-of-life indices. Surgery. 2007;142(4):613–8. discussion 8–20.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Shaligram A, Unnirevi J, Simorov A, Kothari VM, Oleynikov D. How does the robot affect outcomes? A retrospective review of open, laparoscopic, and robotic Heller myotomy for achalasia. Surg Endosc. 2012;26(4):1047–50.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Galvani C, Gorodner MV, Moser F, Baptista M, Donahue P, Horgan S. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia facilitated by robotic assistance. Surg Endosc. 2006;20(7):1105–12.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Plachta A. Benign tumors of the esophagus. Review of literature and report of 99 cases. Am J Gastroenterol. 1962;38:639–52.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Moersch HJ, Harrington SW. Benign tumor of the esophagus. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1944;53:800.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Elli E, Espat NJ, Berger R, Jacobsen G, Knoblock L, Horgan S. Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection of esophageal leiomyoma. Surg Endosc. 2004;18(4):713–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. DeUgarte DA, Teitelbaum D, Hirschl RB, Geiger JD. Robotic extirpation of complex massive esophageal leiomyoma. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2008;18(2):286–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Khalaileh A, Savetsky I, Adileh M, Elazary R, Abu-Gazala M, Gazala SA, et al. Robotic-assisted enucleation of a large lower esophageal leiomyoma and review of literature. Int J Med Robot. 2013;9(3):253–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Fernando HC, Erdem CC, Daly B, Shemin RJ. Robotic assisted thoracic surgery for resection of an esophageal cyst. Dis Esophagus. 2006;19(6):509–11.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Ringley C, Bochkarev V, Oleynikov D. Esophageal duplication cyst–a guest case in robotic and computer-assisted surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. MedGenMed. 2006;8(4):25.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  57. Obasi PC, Hebra A, Varela JC. Excision of esophageal duplication cysts with robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. JSLS. 2011;15(2):244–7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  58. Elola-Olaso AM, Mullett TW, Gagliardi RJ. Epiphrenic diverticulum: robotic-assisted transhiatal approach. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2009;19(5):e184–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Dean C, Etienne D, Carpentier B, Gielecki J, Tubbs RS, Loukas M. Hiatal hernias. Surg Radiol Anat. 2012;34(4):291–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Davis Jr SS. Current controversies in paraesophageal hernia repair. Surg Clin North Am. 2008;88(5):959–78. vi.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Kehdy F. Current management of paraesophageal hernia. Am Surg. 2011;77(12):1565–73.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Schauer PR, Ikramuddin S, McLaughlin RH, Graham TO, Slivka A, Lee KK, et al. Comparison of laparoscopic versus open repair of paraesophageal hernia. Am J Surg. 1998;176(6):659–65.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Wiechmann RJ, Ferguson MK, Naunheim KS, McKesey P, Hazelrigg SJ, Santucci TS, et al. Laparoscopic management of giant paraesophageal herniation. Ann Thorac Surg. 2001;71(4):1080–6. discussion 6–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Andujar JJ, Papasavas PK, Birdas T, Robke J, Raftopoulos Y, Gagne DJ, et al. Laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hernia is associated with a low incidence of recurrence and reoperation. Surg Endosc. 2004;18(3):444–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Karmali S, McFadden S, Mitchell P, Graham A, Debru E, Gelfand G, et al. Primary laparoscopic and open repair of paraesophageal hernias: a comparison of short-term outcomes. Dis Esophagus. 2008;21(1):63–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Nguyen NT, Christie C, Masoomi H, Matin T, Laugenour K, Hohmann S. Utilization and outcomes of laparoscopic versus open paraesophageal hernia repair. Am Surg. 2011;77(10):1353–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Oelschlager BK, Petersen RP, Brunt LM, Soper NJ, Sheppard BC, Mitsumori L, et al. Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair: defining long-term clinical and anatomic outcomes. J Gastrointest Surg. 2012;16(3):453–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Draaisma WA, Gooszen HG, Consten EC, Broeders IA. Mid-term results of robot-assisted laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia: a symptomatic and radiological prospective cohort study. Surg Technol Int. 2008;17:165–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Gehrig T, Mehrabi A, Fischer L, Kenngott H, Hinz U, Gutt CN, et al. Robotic-assisted paraesophageal hernia repair–a case–control study. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2013;398(5):691–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Seetharamaiah R, Romero RJ, Kosanovic R, Gallas M, Verdeja JC, Rabaza J, et al. Robotic repair of giant paraesophageal hernias. JSLS. 2013;17(4):570–7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Umer I. Chaudhry M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Chaudhry, U.I., Melvin, W.S. (2015). Essentials and Future Directions of Robotic Esophageal Surgery. In: Kroh, M., Chalikonda, S. (eds) Essentials of Robotic Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09564-6_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09564-6_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-09563-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-09564-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics