A safe and effective anastomotic technique for robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy: Reverse-puncture anastomosis.

BACKGROUND

Oesophagogastric anastomosis is mainly complicated by its tediousness. We hope to modify an oesophagogastric anastomotic technique that simplifies anastomosis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 57 cases executed using reverse-puncture anastomotic (RPA) technique and 64 cases of manual purse anastomosis (MPA) technique for robot-assisted minimally invasive oesophagectomy (RAMIE). Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regards to demographic data and clinical features. All patients had R0 resection. Relative to MPA, RPA group experienced significantly shorter operation times (232.5 ± 33.84 min vs. 262.3 ± 83.94 min, p = 0.038).RPA group patients had shorter anastomotic times relative to MPA group patients (10.5 ± 3.4 min vs. 18.3 ± 4.1 min, p = 0.014). No adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Reverse-puncture anastomosis is safe, feasible in RAMIE. This approach has the potential to efficiently shorten the anastomotic time and ensure safe operation.