Da Vinci robot-assisted pylorus- and vagus nerve-preserving gastrectomy for early gastric cancer: A single-center study

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of robot-assisted pylorus- and vagus nerve-preserving gastroplasty (RA[PPG]), using the da Vinci Surgical System, compared with those of laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG). Methods Clinical and follow-up data of patients who underwent PPG were retrospectively analyzed, which included 14 RAPPG and 21 LAPPG cases. The histological data, surgical results, postoperative recovery, and complication rates were compared between the two groups; the surgical experience was also summarized. Results The operation time was slightly longer in the RAPPG group (309.3 ± 59.9 vs. 236.2 ± 36.5 min, P < 0.05), but this group had less intraoperative bleeding. The length of the preserved pyloric canal, number of dissected lymph nodes, postoperative recovery, and overall complication rates were not significantly different. The proportion of delayed gastric emptying and acid reflux symptoms in the LAPPG group was slightly greater than that in the RAPPG group. Conclusion The da Vinci Surgical System is a safe and feasible way to control the postoperative gastric emptying speed and to effectively reduce reflux.