{"title":"A Training System for Surgeons to Safely Introduce Robotic Colectomy Using a Real-Time Annotation Tool and Hybrid Surgery: Learning Curve Evaluation via Cumulative Sum Analysis","authors":"Susumu Inamoto, Akinari Nomura, Shota Tsukasaki, Tomoaki Okada, Seiichiro Kanaya, Yoshiharu Sakai","doi":"10.1111/ases.70103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70103","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Robotic surgery has gained worldwide popularity due to its versatility and clinical benefits. However, issues associated with high costs, safety, specialized training requirements, and trainee education remain. Despite several preclinical training strategies, it is necessary to train while performing surgery in order to improve surgical technique. Since most institutions lack dual-console systems, alternative training strategies must be developed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To enhance surgical training, a real-time annotation tool and hybrid surgery—where assistant surgeons actively utilize laparoscopic instruments—was implemented in trainee-performed colectomies. Short-term clinical outcomes were compared between robotic colectomies performed by proctors and those performed by trainees. Robotic colectomy learning curves were assessed using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Between August 2021 and October 2024, 58 and 52 robotic colectomies were performed by proctors and trainee surgeons, respectively. Although no significant differences were observed in patient characteristics or clinical outcomes, operative time (265 vs. 343 min, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and console time (184 vs. 263.5 min, <i>p</i> < 0.05) were significantly longer in the trainee group. CUSUM analysis indicated that proctors required 16 cases to reach the learning phase and 33 cases to achieve mastery. The trainee learning curve displayed a short bimodal pattern, which was distinctly separated in April 2024, corresponding to between-batch transition. This suggests that the real-time annotation tool and hybrid surgery effectively maintained surgical quality.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The combination of a real-time annotation tool and hybrid surgery represents a safe and effective training strategy for trainee surgeons performing robotic colectomy in a single-console institution.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144323428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Endoscopic Lens Cleaning Device Without In-And-Out Decreased Operative Time","authors":"Masaaki Moriyama, Keitaro Matsumoto, Katsunori Takagi, Daisuke Taniguchi, Ryoichiro Doi, Junichi Arai, Takashi Nonaka, Takeshi Nagayasu","doi":"10.1111/ases.70080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Purpose</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In endoscopic surgeries, the use of a scope is essential due to the detrimental effects of limited vision on surgical safety, operative time, and surgeon stress. A significant challenge in endoscopy is the compromised field of view caused by fog, fat droplets, and blood during surgical procedures. This study aimed to assess the necessity of washing equipment and evaluate the performance of a new device in both dry and wet laboratory settings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study involved calculating the cleaning time for the endoscope and evaluating the functionality of washing equipment in dry and wet laboratories. Four prototypes of washing equipment (designed as Prototypes A, B, C, and D) were developed and tested using pig models. The time required to remove blood and fat stains from the endoscope was measured for five different procedures: LADG, LAC, Ro-LAR, VATS, and RATS.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>LADG required the longest cleaning time, which correlated with extended operative time (<i>r</i> = 0.89, <i>p</i> < 0.05). In dry laboratories, Prototype B yielded the best results for the bleeding model, whereas Prototype C showed the best results for the fat deposition model. In animal experiments, Prototype C showed the most favorable outcomes. Based on the results of three experiments, Prototype C demonstrates the most balanced and effective cleaning performance overall.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our findings suggest that the implementation of these cleaning devices can significantly reduce the duration of endoscopic surgeries, consequently alleviating surgeon stress, optimizing medical resources, and enhancing surgical safety. Further validation in clinical settings is necessary to confirm these findings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144315197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Critique on “Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: When Do Risks Seem Imminent?”","authors":"Kamran Hussain, Abida Nawab, Brijesh Sathian, Javed Iqbal, Ayesha Parvaiz Malik","doi":"10.1111/ases.70089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70089","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144308805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Initial Clinical Experience of Robot-Assisted Rectal Surgery by Using Hugo RAS System: Horizontal Line Port Placement With Contralateral Reserve Arm Manipulation","authors":"Yoshiro Itatani, Koya Hida, Ryosuke Okamura, Hisatsugu Maekawa, Nobuaki Hoshino, Hiromitsu Kinoshita, Yuki Aisu, Yu Yoshida, Tatsuto Kurosaki, Kyoko Inada, Kyoichi Hashimoto, Satoshi Nagayama, Kazutaka Obama","doi":"10.1111/ases.70099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The benefits and advantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) over conventional laparoscopic surgery are reported in many fields. Hugo RAS system is one of the newest surgical robots; it features a modular-type robot with four independent arms mounted onto independent surgical carts. Here, we report our initial experience of RALS for rectal cancer surgery by using Hugo. We employ horizontal line port placement (HLPP) at the umbilicus with contralateral reserve arm manipulation (CRAM) technique in which the reserve arm from the left side is manipulated with the operator's right hand, allowing tissue manipulation and tissue dissection with two hands by swapping between reserve and right arms, respectively. The flex-wrist function allows easier handling immediately after swapping. Moreover, HLPP provides sufficient space for the bedside surgeon to provide comfortable assistance. Our procedure of RALS for rectal cancer with Hugo RAS system with HLPP and CRAM technique was safe and feasible.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Laparoscopic Hepatic Cyst Fenestration Using Linear Staplers for a Ruptured Recurrent Hepatic Cyst: A Case Report","authors":"Takuma Karasuyama, Gozo Kiguchi, Hideyuki Masui, Osamu Takeyama","doi":"10.1111/ases.70100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70100","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Laparoscopic fenestration of hepatic cysts is recommended for the treatment of symptomatic simple hepatic cysts. However, postoperative recurrence is frequently reported; there is no standardized treatment strategy for recurrent hepatic cysts. We herein present the case of a 78-year-old woman who underwent emergency laparoscopic hepatic cyst fenestration for a ruptured recurrent hepatic cyst 9 months after the initial surgery. To shorten the operation time, reduce perioperative complications, and prevent postoperative recurrence, we performed a large fenestration using linear staplers. No significant perioperative complications were observed, and the patient remained recurrence-free after the second surgery. Spontaneous rupture of a simple hepatic cyst is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of laparoscopic hepatic cyst fenestration for a ruptured recurrent hepatic cyst. Laparoscopic hepatic cyst fenestration using staplers may be effective in preventing the recurrence of hepatic cysts and managing emergency cases.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thoracoscopic Transthoracic Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Budd-Chiari Syndrome","authors":"Atsushi Takebe, Masaya Nakano, Katsuya Ami, Chihoko Nobori, Yuta Yoshida, Takaaki Murase, Keiko Kamei, Ippei Matsumoto","doi":"10.1111/ases.70101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70101","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), caused by venous outflow obstruction, results in hepatic congestion and portal hypertension. BCS is also associated with a relatively high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Selecting a minimally invasive approach based on hemodynamic assessment for the management of HCC arising from BCS is essential. A hepatic tumor located in liver segment 8 region was identified in an 88-year-old female patient with BCS. Following a detailed preoperative hemodynamic evaluation using angiography, a thoracoscopic transthoracic hepatectomy (TTH) was successfully performed. TTH may represent a feasible and effective surgical option for HCC in high-risk patients, including those with BCS.</p>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ases.70101","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Low Geriatric-8 Score as a Potential Risk Factor for Minimally Invasive Surgery in Elderly Patients With Gynecologic Malignancies","authors":"Shiina Sawada, Satoshi Nagamata, Keitaro Yamanaka, Naohisa Masuko, Ryosuke Takahashi, Yuuki Sasagawa, Masashi Nishimoto, Sen Wakahashi, Yoshito Terai","doi":"10.1111/ases.70098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Geriatric-8 (G8) is a validated screening tool for identifying frailty in elderly cancer patients. Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly performed in older adults with gynecologic malignancies, few studies have evaluated the association between G8 scores and perioperative complications in this setting.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This single-center retrospective study included patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent MIS for gynecologic malignancies between January 2019 and March 2024. G8 scores were retrospectively calculated using medical records, with a threshold of ≤ 12.5 indicating geriatric risk. Perioperative complications were defined as either (1) Clavien-Dindo classification or CTCAE version 5 grade II or higher within 30 days postoperatively or (2) the need for rehabilitation intervention due to a decline in activities of daily living (ADL). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify associated factors.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 68 patients were included (median age: 72.5 years). The median G8 score was significantly lower in the complication group than in the non-complication group (12.5 vs. 14.5, <i>p</i> = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, a G8 score ≤ 12.5 was independently associated with perioperative complications (OR: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.38–11.70, <i>p</i> = 0.011). No significant associations were found for operative time, hysterectomy, or lymphadenectomy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A low G8 score was independently associated with perioperative complications and may be useful for preoperative risk assessment in elderly patients undergoing MIS for gynecologic malignancies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery for Rare Cystic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach: A Case Report","authors":"Shun Kasatani, Tomohiko Yasuda, Hiroki Arai, Daisuke Kakinuma, Masanori Watanabe, Yoshiharu Nakamura, Hiroshi Yoshida","doi":"10.1111/ases.70102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70102","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach usually form a solid cellular mass; however, large, predominantly cystic tumors have rarely been reported. Although laparoscopic-endoscopic combined surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, most cystic gastrointestinal stromal tumors reported to date have been treated with open surgery because of concerns that they have a significantly increased risk of recurrence owing to tumor rupture during resection. The safety of laparoscopic-endoscopic combined surgery for cystic gastrointestinal stromal tumors is unknown. In this report, we describe a case in which laparoscopic-endoscopic combined surgery using the combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach for neoplasia with a non-exposure technique was safely performed for a cystic gastrointestinal stromal tumor < 5 cm with external growth in the greater curvature of the lower body using a device to avoid capsular damage.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144273543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"First Robotic Hysterectomy Using Hugo RAS System for a 2-Kg Uterus: Technical Insights From a High-Volume Center","authors":"Ikuko Sakamoto, Takahiro Nozaki, Kippei Hayano, Kosuke Matsuda, Keiko Kagami","doi":"10.1111/ases.70088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We present the first documented case of a 2-kg uterus successfully managed with the Hugo RAS system. The patient was a 45-year-old nulliparous woman with multiple fibroids and bilateral ovarian cysts. After a six-month course of relugolix to improve anemia, we performed a total hysterectomy using Hugo. A “Narrow setting” port configuration was employed. The procedure was completed in 155 min, with a console time of 77 min and a docking time of 7 min; estimated blood loss was 50 mL. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Strategic port placement, early uterine artery ligation, and dividing the surgical procedure into defined anatomical zones helped minimize blood loss and maintain clear visualization. While this single-case experience is limited in generalizability, it provides valuable insights into surgical strategies for large benign uterine conditions.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144273542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Complete Intracorporeal Single-Stapling Technique Anastomosis Using a Novel Detachable Purse-String Instrument in Robotic Surgery With Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Low Rectal Cancer","authors":"Masayuki Hiraki, Kiminori Yanagisawa, Asami Arita, Masayoshi Yasui, Mamoru Uemura, Wataru Osumi, Masakazu Ikenaga, Yoshiro Yukawa, Shinsuke Katsuyama, Go Shinke, Mitsuru Kinoshita, Yoshifumi Iwagami, Keijiro Sugimura, Yutaka Takeda, Kohei Murata","doi":"10.1111/ases.70096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ases.70096","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>New techniques for creating anastomoses have been evolving as colorectal surgery shifts toward more minimally invasive robotic platforms. However, robotic rectal cancer surgery still typically involves partial extracorporeal manipulation to secure the anastomotic anvil. We previously performed a simple robotic purse-string suture (RPSS) in complete intracorporeal double-stapling technique (DST) anastomosis and first reported its benefit in the surgical time and the burden on the assistant. Moreover, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for lower rectal cancer has attracted much attention due to emphasis on oncological safety and functional preservation. Even in TaTME, fixation of the anvil for single-stapling technique (SST) anastomosis is usually performed extracorporeally through the perineum, but in some cases, bulky tumor and/or narrow pelvis can make it difficult to get the specimen out of the perineum.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Surgical Technique</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We first introduce and report complete intracorporeal SST anastomosis in robotic low rectal cancer surgery with TaTME using a novel detachable purse-string instrument (PSI). The proximal mesentery is excised with a vessel sealer under pneumoperitoneum. Detachable PSI and anvil head are inserted into the body through the planned ileostomy site for SLAR with AV less than 5 cm. After fixation of the anvil to the proximal intestinal stump with the detachable PSI, the specimen is exteriorized from the same site. SST anastomosis with the rectal stump is performed using a Powered Stapler.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>When it is difficult to remove the specimen from the perineum, this minimally invasive technique using a detachable PSI may be an option for SST anastomosis in robotic rectal cancer surgery with TaTME.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":47019,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144256020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}