Esophagojejunostomy reconstruction using a robot-sewing technique during totally robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to report on the feasibility of esophagojejunostomy reconstruction using a robot-sewing technique during a completely robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methodology: Between May 2011 and July 2012, 65 patients in whom gastric adenocarcinoma was diagnosed underwent a completely robotic total gastrectomy, including a robot-sewing esophagojejunal anastomosis. We demonstrated the surgical techniques with analysis of clinicopathologic data and short-term surgical outcomes.

Results: All robotic surgeries were successfully performed without conversion. Among the 65 patients, 46 were men and 19 were women. The mean age (± SD) was 57.8 ± 6.5 y. The mean total operative time (± SD), EJ anastomosis time (± SD), and blood loss (± SD) were 245 ± 53 min, 45 ± 26 min, and 75 ± 50 ml, respectively. The mean (± SD) post-operative hospital stay was 5.4 ± 2.5 d. One patient was readmitted for an intestinal obstruction and underwent re-operation 14 d post-operatively; he recovered uneventfully and was discharged 10 d post- operatively. During the follow-up, no patients developed an esophgojejunostomy stricture.

Conclusions: A robot-sewing anastomosis for esophagojejunostomy reconstruction during robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer is feasible. Indeed, a robot-sewing anastomosis for esophagojejunostomy reconstruction may become a standard surgical technique during completely robotic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.