Robotic double-loop reconstruction method following total gastrectomy

Minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer is a challenge. The reconstructive time is a particular issue and researchers have adopted a large variety of solutions and produced heterogeneous data.

The reconstructive phase can be divided into two major categories based on the approach adopted: the execution of extracorporeal versus intracorporeal anastomosis. In turn, the surgical team can perform the latter with laparoscopic or robotic assistance. However, the question is, how should a robotic esophagojejunal anastomosis be performed after total gastrectomy?

Most articles in the literature have reported the execution of mechanical anastomoses [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6], especially with circular staplers via the creation of a manual purse-string around the anvil. Other solutions have described the use of the Orvil or the overlap technique. Only three authors have reported intracorporeal sutures with a completely robotic-sewn anastomosis [7] [8] [9].

A new robotic technique (the Parisi technique) was developed and adopted at St. Mary’s Hospital, Terni, Italy. A double-loop reconstruction method with an intracorporeal robot-sewn anastomosis is performed ([Video 1]).

The double-loop reconstruction method with intracorporeal robot-sewn anastomoses: the selected intestinal segment is joined to the esophagus (becoming the first loop); an end-to-side esophagojejunal robot-sewn anastomosis is created; the second loop is formed from the alimentary limb, which is placed close to the first anastomosis, defining the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis; finally a mechanical stapler is used to interrupt the continuity of the bowel between the two anastomoses.

A selected intestinal segment, coming from the ligament of Treitz, must be free of tension or torsion. The small intestine is then joined to the esophagus with two stitches that pair the esophageal angles to the selected loop so as to locate the biliary side to the left of the esophagus and the alimentary side to the right. This represents the first loop ([Fig. 1 a]).

Fig. 1 Photographs and schematics showing: a the first loop, which allows the creation of the esophagojejunal (E-J) anastomosis; b the jejuno-jejunal (J-J) anastomosis, which is created between the alimentary and biliary limbs on the left side of the first anastomosis; c the interruption between the E-J and J-J anastomoses, using a linear stapler, that converts the procedure into a modified Roux-en-Y.

Now, the surgeon can perform an end-to-side esophagojejunal robot-sewn anastomosis. Initially, the suturing begins on the posterior margin. The external posterior layer is sutured with interrupted stitches taking the jejunal serosa and the esophageal muscle fibers. The small intestine is then opened as well as the end of the esophagus.

The internal posterior layer is sutured by either an interrupted or a continuous suture from one angle to the opposite one. The jejunum and the esophagus are now well matched and the internal suture continues on the anterior plane. Next, suturing of the external anterior layer is performed with interrupted stitches to complete the esophagojejunal anastomosis.

The route of the alimentary limb is followed upward to reach a distance of about 30 – 40 cm from the esophagojejunal anastomosis. In this way, the bowel that will form the second loop is identified. It is carried upward, avoiding intestinal twisting, and placed close to the first anastomosis ([Fig. 1 b]). The jejuno-jejunal anastomosis is then created using a mechanical stapler fired by an assistant. The opening is closed with a robotic suture.

The last step of the procedure is the interruption of continuity between the esophagojejunal and jejuno-jejunal anastomoses to create the Roux-en-Y, by firing the linear stapler ([Fig. 1 c]).

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Competing interests: None

• References

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