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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Technical Considerations and Approach to Redo Foregut Surgery
Published on: September 22, 2023
Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery. Initial experience in foregut surgery
W S Melvin1, B J Needleman, K R Krause
1Department of Surgery and Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Ohio State University School of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA. Melvin.14@osu.edu
Background:
A new type of computer-enhanced telemanipulator device for "robotic" laparoscopic surgery was recently approved. We prospectively evaluated the initial patients undergoing procedures with this new device at our institution.
Methods:
Patient demographics, operative indications, port placement, operative time, robot time, complications, and hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluation was appropriate for the individual procedure.
Results:
Initially, 35 cases were managed. There were 22 anti-reflux procedures, 9 Heller myotomies, 1 pyloroplasty, 1 distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, 1 esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis, and 1 diagnostic laparoscopy. The operative times ranged from 88 to 458 min. The robot use times were between 16 and 185 min. There were no device-related complications.
Conclusions:
Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery is a safe and effective treatment method for a variety of diseases of the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Further study is needed to determine the benefits of this approach as compared with current technology.
