Short-Term Results of Robot-Assisted Surgery for Esophageal Cancer in Japan 5 Years After Insurance Coverage

Abstract Background In Japan, robot-assisted surgery (RAMIE) for esophageal cancer surgery was covered by insurance in 2018, and its introduction has been rapidly progressing since then. In our department, RAMIE has been introduced and performed in 250 cases so far. In the process, we have improved the short-term results by introducing the standardization and NIM (neuromonitoring) according to the characteristics of RAMIE. In addition, we have recently expanded the use of RAMIE in advanced cancer patients due to its usefulness in stable operation. In this meeting, we will review the short- and mid-term results and discuss current issues. Methods We analyzed the short-term results of all 213 RAMIE cases performed at our department, and compared them with the short-term results of 51 post-standardization (late) MIE cases previously reported. The mid-term results to date were also reviewed. Results A total of 213 patients were included. 211, 222 mins thoracic operation time. 235, 190 ml blood loss in comparison to MIE (vs. RAMIE). Postoperative outcomes were similar: overall complications (Grade II) were 49, 54.9%, respiratory complications were 19.6, 23.9%, and recurrent nerve palsy was 15.7, 17.4%. Risk analysis demonstrated that paralysis in RAMIE was significantly related to prolonged thoracic operation time (p=0.021) and NIM (Odds=0.38, p=0.0447). In comparison between patients with early-stage and advanced cancer, pneumonia and anastomotic complications were not different. Prognosis was 81.7/64.2% (UICC 8th) for 3-year survival in cStage II/III patients. Conclusion RAMIE was considered to be highly useful for short-term and medium-term outcomes at this time.