Transcervical minimally invasive esophagectomy using da Vinci® SP™ Surgical System: a feasibility study in cadaveric model

Background: This is a preclinical cadaveric study to investigate the feasibility of transcervical esophagectomy using a novel single-port robotic surgical system.

Methods: A 40-mm cervical incision was created over left supraclavicular fossa. The novel da Vinci® SP™ Surgical System was introduced through a wound retraction port. The mobilization of esophagus was performed using da Vinci SP from cervical, thoracic to abdominal segments. Lymph nodes were dissected en bloc with esophagus.

Results: The transcervical esophagectomy with complete mobilization of the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal esophagus was completed in 60 min. The procedure was completed using the novel da Vinci SP Surgical System, which was introduced via the cranial side over the left cervical incision. No additional port was used for retraction and dissection, and the esophageal hiatus could be reached after complete transcervical dissection.

Conclusion: This preclinical study demonstrated that transcervical esophagectomy is technically feasible and can be completed with the novel da Vinci SP Surgical System without additional ports or assistance. This will serve as an important step to the performance of robotic transcervical esophagectomy without the necessity of one-lung ventilation.