Robot-assisted ramicotomy: evaluation in a swine model

• Published in: European surgical research Vol. 51; no. 1-2; p. 41
• Main Authors: Coveliers, H, Hoexum, F, Yeung, K K, Tangelder, G-J, Rauwerda, J, Wisselink, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01-01-2013
• Subjects: Animals; Body Temperature; Female; Models, Animal; Robotics; Swine; Sympathectomy - methods; Thoracoscopy - methods
• ISSN: 1421-9921
• DOI: 10.1159/000346732

To evaluate the feasibility of robot-assisted thoracoscopic T2-T5 ramicotomy.
In 5 pigs, a robot-assisted thoracoscopic T2-T5 ramicotomy was performed, followed by T2-T5 sympathectomy 10 min later. Ramicotomy and sympathectomy times, and core (esophageal) and surface (left front foot) temperatures, were monitored and recorded.
The procedure was successfully completed in all 5 animals. In all cases, the sympathetic chain remained intact. No major hemorrhage occurred. The mean operating time for T2-T5 ramicotomy from incision until transsection of the last efferent ramus was 34 min (32-40). After completion of the ramicotomy, a total T2-T5 sympathectomy was performed, with a mean duration of 7 min (4-12). Mean core temperature before the operation was 37.6°C (36.7-38.0). Mean surface temperature before the operation was 34.2°C (33.3-35.5). Ten minutes after completion of the ramicotomy, temperatures stabilized. Mean postramicotomy core temperature was 37.4°C (36.3-38) and mean postramicotomy surface temperature was 35.4°C (33.9-37). Mean postsympathectomy temperatures were: core 37.3°C (36.1-38) and surface 35.8°C (33.8-37.1).
Robot-assisted thoracoscopic T2-T5 ramicotomy is feasible and effective in a porcine model.