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Published on: February 12, 2022
Port site metastases after robot-assisted surgery: a systematic review
Christos Iavazzo1, Ioannis D Gkegkes
1IASO Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Background:
Robotic surgery is a new technique and the aim of this study was to review the available literature on robotic port-site metastasis in oncological patients.
Methods:
The results of this study were retrieved after performing a systematic electronic search in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases.
Results:
In total 204 patients were included in the study, of which five had robotic port-site metastasis. Their age ranged from 35-77 years. The types of cancers causing port-site metastasis were one squamous cell cervical carcinoma, two cervical adenocarcinomas, one gallbladder carcinoma and one transitional cell bladder carcinoma. The port-site metastasis occurred from 3 weeks up to 18 months postoperatively with the tumor measuring from 1.1 to 10.5 cm.
Conclusions:
Port-site metastasis is an extremely rare complication of robotic surgery. No safe conclusion can be drawn, but the aim of this study was to raise doctors' suspicion levels to such a rare new entity.
Insights
Robotic surgery, while innovative, presents a rare risk of port-site metastasis in cancer patients. This review highlights five cases, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness of this uncommon complication.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Research
Background:
- Robotic surgery is an emerging surgical technique.
- Port-site metastasis is a potential complication.
- Oncological patients undergoing robotic procedures are the focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on robotic port-site metastasis.
- To analyze cases of metastasis in oncological patients.
- To increase awareness of this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- Systematic electronic literature search conducted.
- Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane.
- Review of retrieved studies on robotic port-site metastasis.
Main Results:
- Five cases of port-site metastasis identified among 204 patients.
- Metastasis occurred in patients aged 35-77 years.
- Cancers involved included cervical, gallbladder, and bladder carcinomas.
- Metastasis appeared 3 weeks to 18 months post-surgery, measuring 1.1-10.5 cm.
Conclusions:
- Port-site metastasis is an extremely rare complication of robotic surgery.
- Further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this rare entity.
