Fully robotic da Vinci Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy in four-arm technique-problems and solutions

The aim of this technical note is a step-by-step description of a fully robotic abdominothoracic esophagectomy with an intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy. We report on our technique and short-term results of 75 patients undergoing an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy using a fully robotic 4-arm approach in the abdominal and thoracic phase with a hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis. There are several important steps and differences to consider compared to the conventional minimal invasive approach (patient's positioning, anaesthesiological set up, port placement, gastric conduit pull up, technique of esophagostrostomy). Mean operative time was 392 minutes (240-610) with a 94% R0 resection status. Conversion to open procedure occurred in 2 (2.6%) in the abdominal, and 14 (18.2%) in the thoracic phase. Main reasons for conversion were problems during the lifting of the gastric conduit and difficulties in the construction of the esophagogastrostomy. The rate dropped during the last 20 patients (1/20 (10%). Our results suggest that the reported technique is safe and feasible. It satisfies the oncological principles and provides the advantages of robotic assisted minimal invasive surgery.