Efficacy of robot-assisted double-flap techniques with refinements to minimize anastomosis-related complications after proximal gastrectomy.

[PURPOSE] The double-flap technique (DFT) is an anti-reflux reconstruction procedure performed after proximal gastrectomy (PG), but its complexity and high incidence of anastomotic stenosis are problematic. We conducted this study to demonstrate the efficacy of robot-assisted DFT, with refinements, to address these issues.

[METHODS] Surgical outcomes were compared between the following procedures modified over time at our institution: conventional open DFT (group O, n = 16); early robotic DFT (group RE, n = 19), which follows the conventional open PG approach; and late robotic DFT (group RL, n = 21), which incorporates refinements to the early robotic DFT technique by exploiting more of the robotic capabilities available. These robotic capabilities include pre-anchoring the stomach to the diaphragmatic crus and connecting it to the esophagus, placing interrupted sutures for anastomosis, and maximally embedding the esophagus through the entire flap.

[RESULTS] Anastomotic stenosis requiring balloon dilatation developed in two (11.8%) patients from group O and three (14.3%) from group RE, but not in any patients from group RL. Reflux esophagitis, classified as Los Angeles Classification grade ≥ B, decreased from 25.0% in group O to 10.5% in group RE and was completely controlled in group RL (group RL vs group O, odds ratio 0.065, 95% confidence interval < 0.001-0.684, P = 0.007).

[CONCLUSION] Robotic surgery helps minimize anastomotic stenosis, while enhancing the benefits of anti-reflux reconstruction with DFT.