Supported by the General project of technology innovation and application development of Chongqing (Grant No. CSTC2019jscx-msxmX0196).

This study follows the guidelines of the Army Medical University&#39;s Human Research Ethics Committee. All patients mentioned in the study signed informed consent forms.
1. Preoperative preparation
<ol>
	<li>After successful nasotracheal intubation, place the patient supine with the head and neck into hyperextension.</li>
	<li>Let the eyes close naturally. Apply eye ointment and cover the area from the top of the brow bone to the nasal flanks with an appropriate eye patch or surgical patch to prevent disinfectant, blood, and other fluids from flowing into the eyes.</li>
	<li>Fill both external ear canals with cotton balls to prevent disinfectant and blood from entering the ear canals and cover the face with a cotton pad folded in half lest the face be crushed by the tracheal intubation.</li>
	<li>Cover the surface of the cotton pad with a non-woven surgical cap up to the nostrils. Apply surgical lamination externally, down to the level of the upper lip, while leaving the area at the foot of the horizontal line of the corners of the mouth uncovered, the lateral sides of the lamination reaching the edge of the sideburns while its upper side flush with the hairline.</li>
	<li>Use a robot surgical system. Place the patient in the supine position. Administer general anesthesia via nasotracheal intubation as per the anesthetist&#39;s recommendations.</li>
</ol>
2. Surgical procedure
<ol>
	<li>Inject Lidocaine (10 mL) + Ropivacaine (10 mL) + Adrenaline hydrochloride (10 drops) under the oral mucosa.</li>
	<li>Make an incision of approximately 8 mm above the lower lip ligament. Ensure that the incisions on both sides are approximately 8 mm long, between the sharp teeth and the first molar (Figure 5).</li>
	<li>Maintain the CO2 gas pressure at 6 mmHg and the gas flow rate in the 20 mL/min range.</li>
	<li>Dock the robot arm.</li>
	<li>Place Maryland bipolar coagulator into the left trocar, and ultrasonic scalpel into the right trocar, completing the flap freeing.
	<ol>
		<li>Using an ultrasonic scalpel, separate the flap downward to the clavicle and bilaterally to the anterior border of the Sternocleidomastoid muscle.</li>
		<li>Use unipolar curved scissors to separate the white cervical line and part of the banded muscle to expose a portion of the thyroid gland (Figure 6) and use a 25 G syringe to inject approximately 0.1 mL of carbon nanoparticle suspension injection from the neck to the thyroid parenchyma under surgical observation to complete a negative image to illustrate the parathyroid gland (Figure 7).</li>
		<li>Use an ultrasound knife to release the striated muscle and use 4-0 absorbable sutures to suspend the striated muscle sutures, facilitating surgical visualization.</li>
		<li>Inject 1 mL of 2.5 mg/mL indocyanine green intravenously for better visualization and protection of the parathyroid glands. Switch to automatic fluorescence imaging mode for clear visualization of fluorescent parathyroid glands and comparison with non-fluorescent lymph nodes.</li>
		<li>Use an ultrasound knife to disconnect the blood vessels at the upper pole of the thyroid gland while searching for and protecting the parathyroid gland at the upper pole (Figure 8). Use curved bipolar forceps to complete the delicate operation of in situ parathyroid preservation (Figure 9).</li>
		<li>Reveal the laryngeal entry of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (Figure 10). Usually, the recurrent laryngeal nerve can be found more quickly within the triangular area formed by the medial parathyroid gland, thyroid gland, and laryngeal muscles. This area is rich in blood supply. Deal with bleeding and exudate at the entry larynx promptly to secure a straight field of view operation and reduce the difficulty of robotic thyroid surgery.</li>
		<li>Use the smoke evacuation device (mastoid suction device12; Figure 11) to remove the exudate and blood during the mass resection, maintaining the cleanness of the lens and the definition of the image of the local surgical area, ensuring accurate exposure and protection of recurrent laryngeal nerve during the surgery. Then, conduct the prophylactic unilateral central neck dissection.</li>
		<li>Perform a contralateral hemithyroidectomy with ipsilateral central lymph node prophylactic dissection in the same manner.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Place all excised tissues in a specimen bag and remove them. Rinse the wound with saline.</li>
	<li>Place a negative pressure drainage tube into the thyroid bed through the cervical puncture hole. Use 4-0 absorbable barbed sutures to continuously suture the strap muscles. Use absorbable threads for the suturing of the oral incisions.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Shimazu, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+thyroid+surgery+through+the+axillo-bilateral-breast+approach.">Endoscopic thyroid surgery through the axillo-bilateral-breast approach.</a> Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy &amp; Percutaneous Techniques. 13 (3), 196-201 (2003).</li><li>Ikeda, Y., Takami, H., Niimi, M., Kan, S., Sasaki, Y., Takayama, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+thyroidectomy+by+the+axillary+approach.">Endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 15 (11), 1362-1364 (2001).</li><li>Alabbas, H., Bu Ali, D., Kandil, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+retroauricular+thyroid+surgery.">Robotic retroauricular thyroid surgery.</a> Gland Surgery. 5 (6), 603-606 (2016).</li><li>Witzel, K., von Rahden, B. H. A., Kaminski, C., Stein, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transoral+access+for+endoscopic+thyroid+resection.">Transoral access for endoscopic thyroid resection.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 22 (8), 1871-1875 (2008).</li><li>Benhidjeb, T., Wilhelm, T., Harlaar, J., Kleinrensink, G. -. J., Schneider, T. A. J., Stark, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Natural+orifice+surgery+on+thyroid+gland:+totally+transoral+video-assisted+thyroidectomy+(TOVAT):+report+of+first+experimental+results+of+a+new+surgical+method.">Natural orifice surgery on thyroid gland: totally transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy (TOVAT): report of first experimental results of a new surgical method.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 23 (5), 1119-1120 (2009).</li><li>Wilhelm, T., Metzig, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Video.+Endoscopic+minimally+invasive+thyroidectomy:+first+clinical+experience.">Video. Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy: first clinical experience.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 24 (7), 1757-1758 (2010).</li><li>Park, J. O., Sun, D. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transoral+endoscopic+thyroidectomy:+our+initial+experience+using+a+new+endoscopic+technique.">Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy: our initial experience using a new endoscopic technique.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 31 (12), 5436-5443 (2017).</li><li>Clark, J. H., Kim, H. Y., Richmon, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transoral+robotic+thyroid+surgery.">Transoral robotic thyroid surgery.</a> Gland Surgery. 4 (5), 429-434 (2015).</li><li>Richmon, J. D., Pattani, K. M., Benhidjeb, T., Tufano, R. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transoral+robotic-assisted+thyroidectomy:+a+preclinical+feasibility+study+in+2+cadavers.">Transoral robotic-assisted thyroidectomy: a preclinical feasibility study in 2 cadavers.</a> Head &amp; Neck. 33 (3), 330-333 (2011).</li><li>Wilhelm, T., Metzig, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+minimally+invasive+thyroidectomy+(eMIT):+a+prospective+proof-of-concept+study+in+humans.">Endoscopic minimally invasive thyroidectomy (eMIT): a prospective proof-of-concept study in humans.</a> World Journal of Surgery. 35 (3), 543-551 (2011).</li><li>Nakajo, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Trans-oral+video-assisted+neck+surgery+(TOVANS).+A+new+transoral+technique+of+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+with+gasless+premandible+approach.">Trans-oral video-assisted neck surgery (TOVANS). A new transoral technique of endoscopic thyroidectomy with gasless premandible approach.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 27 (4), 1105-1110 (2013).</li><li>Anuwong, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transoral+endoscopic+thyroidectomy+vestibular+approach:+a+series+of+the+first+60+human+cases.">Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: a series of the first 60 human cases.</a> World Journal of Surgery. 40 (3), 491-497 (2016).</li><li>Kim, H. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transoral+robotic+thyroidectomy:+lessons+learned+from+an+initial+consecutive+series+of+24+patients.">Transoral robotic thyroidectomy: lessons learned from an initial consecutive series of 24 patients.</a> Surgical Endoscopy. 32 (2), 688-694 (2018).</li><li>Kim, H. Y., Park, D., Bertelli, A. A. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+pros+and+cons+of+additional+axillary+arm+for+transoral+robotic+thyroidectomy.">The pros and cons of additional axillary arm for transoral robotic thyroidectomy.</a> World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 6 (3), 161-164 (2020).</li><li>Park, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Robotic+versus+endoscopic+transoral+thyroidectomy+with+vestibular+approach:+A+literature+review+focusing+on+differential+patient+suitability.">Robotic versus endoscopic transoral thyroidectomy with vestibular approach: A literature review focusing on differential patient suitability.</a> Current Surgery Reports. 10, 133-139 (2022).</li><li>Park, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Institutional+experience+of+200+consecutive+papillary+thyroid+carcinoma+patients+in+transoral+robotic+thyroidectomy+surgeries.">Institutional experience of 200 consecutive papillary thyroid carcinoma patients in transoral robotic thyroidectomy surgeries.</a> Head &amp; Neck. 42 (8), 2106-2114 (2020).</li></ol>

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Some scholars have reported transoral robotic thyroid surgery. In Kim's series of TORT studies, the authors used four robotic arms on's automated platforms to perform the TORT procedure. A fourth arm was used via a transaxillary incision primarily for traction of the strap muscles, and this access was also used to extract specimens and place drains when needed13,14.
In this three-port robot approach, one transverse incision of about 8 ...

Thyroid surgeons use different surgical approaches (bilateral axillary breast approach1 [Figure 1], axillary approach2 [Figure 2], retroauricular approach3 [Figure 3], etc.) to conceal surgical incisions and achieve scarless thyroid surgery in the neck. However, none of these technologies can completely avoid scars on the patient&#39;s skin surface. In all methods, only the oral vestibule approach (Figure 4) can achieve the shortest distance of flap separation, leaving no scar on the whole body surface4,5,6. In recent years, natural mouth endoscopic surgery (NOTES)7has been introduced in oral thyroid surgery.
Thyroid surgery performed through this method can be completed through an endoscope or robotic surgical system. Compared with the endoscopic surgery system for thyroid surgery, this robot system has an enlarged three-dimensional high-definition field of view and a rotatable mechanical wrist capable of intuitive motion, making surgeons more flexible in performing satisfactory surgeries8,9. The benefits of this innovative technology include minimally invasive dissection and channels for both thyroid glands10,11,12. However, oral thyroidectomy often requires an axillary-assisted incision to complete the surgery. To achieve the ultimate cosmetic effect, our surgical team delves into the feasibility of an oral three-port robotic thyroidectomy without an axillary incision for the treatment of early papillary thyroid cancer.
This article introduces the application of a robotic surgical system to complete oral thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph node dissection. Furthermore, the feasibility and safety of this approach have been demonstrated by successfully completing a three-port robotic thyroidectomy without axillary incision and central regional lymph node dissection.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>4-0 absorbable sutures</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>VLOCM0023</td>
			<td>Suture the linea alba cervicalis&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5-0 Polyglactin braided absorbable suture</td>
			<td>Johnson &#38; Johnson</td>
			<td>VCP433H</td>
			<td>Oral mucosa suture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8 mm Cadiere forceps&#160;</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical, Inc</td>
			<td>LOT N10210823</td>
			<td>Clamp tissue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8 mm Harmonic ACE scalpel&#160;</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical, Inc</td>
			<td>REF 480275</td>
			<td>Coagulation, expand operating space</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8 mm Maryland bipolar forceps&#160;</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical, Inc</td>
			<td>LOT K10210830 REF 470172</td>
			<td>Expose the recurrent laryngeal nerve</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8 mm Monopolar curved scissors</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical, Inc</td>
			<td>LOT K10211108 REF 470179</td>
			<td>Fine capsular anatomy</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Carbon Nanoparticles Suspension Injection</td>
			<td>Chongqing Laimei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1 mL/50 mg; used for tracing regional drainage lymph nodes.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Da Vinci Xi Surgical System</td>
			<td>Intuitive Surgical, Inc</td>
			<td>Xi</td>
			<td>Surgical system</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endoscopy surgical specimen setrieval bag</td>
			<td>Hangzhou Kangji Medical Equipment Co.Ltd.</td>
			<td>LOT 22021921 REF 104Y.111</td>
			<td>Remove specimens from air cavity</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Medical pressure garment</td>
			<td>Foshan qiaoke bio technology Co.Ltd.</td>
			<td>20200149</td>
			<td>Pressure dressing of the anterior neck area of the mandible</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

transoral robotic total thyroidectomy and bilateral central regional lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Currently, the common approaches to thyroid surgery include conventional thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast, axillary, retroauricular, and oral vestibule approaches. Essentially, various approaches to thyroid surgery only move the traditional surgical incision to a more concealed position but still leave scars on the body surface. Among them, thyroid surgery via the oral vestibule approach can obtain the best cosmetic outcome through the shortest natural cavity. However, in the early time, thyroid surgery via the oral vestibule approach usually requires three incisions in the mouth and one axillary incision. We have introduced a robotic surgical system into thyroidectomy via the oral vestibule approach and successfully completed total thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph node dissection. During the operation, only three incisions were made at the oral vestibule without an axillary incision. This article aims to present the unique three-port method of robotic thyroidectomy via oral vestibule for the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

The average operative time was ~253 min (minimum time: 205 min, maximum time: 300 min), with an average blood loss of ~20 mL (minimum blood loss: 10 mL, maximum blood loss: 50 mL). The drain was removed until the drainage fell to less than 30 mL/day, and the patients were discharged 2-3 days postoperatively. Figure 12 shows the follow-up images of the 4 patients 1-month post-surgery. The images show that there are no surgical scars on the body of the patients.&#160;The clinical data of 4 pat...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma at JoVE.com

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

The transoral robotic total thyroidectomy and bilateral central regional lymph node dissection using three ports without axillary incision are feasible and safe for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma. Here we present the operative techniques of this operation.

Currently, the common approaches to thyroid surgery include conventional thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast, axillary, retroauricular, and oral ...

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656 Views.  Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University). The transoral robotic total thyroidectomy and bilateral central regional lymph node dissection using three ports without axillary incision are feasible and safe for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma. Here we present the operative techniques of this operation.

Video: Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Multispectral Real-time Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Detection of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Gynecologic Oncology

The prognosis in virtually all solid tumors depends on the presence or absence of lymph node metastases.1-3 Surgical treatment most often combines radical excision of the tumor with a full lymphadenectomy in the drainage area of the tumor. However, removal of lymph nodes is associated with increased morbidity due to infection, wound breakdown and lymphedema.4,5 As an alternative, the sentinel lymph node procedure (SLN) was developed several decades ago to detect the first draining lymph node from the tumor.6 In case of lymphogenic dissemination, the SLN is the first lymph node that is affected (Figure 1). Hence, if the SLN does not contain metastases, downstream lymph nodes will also be free from tumor metastases and need not to be removed. The SLN procedure is part of the treatment for many tumor types, like breast cancer and melanoma, but also for cancer of the vulva and cervix.7 The current standard methodology for SLN-detection is by peritumoral injection of radiocolloid one day prior to surgery, and a colored dye intraoperatively. Disadvantages of the procedure in cervical and vulvar cancer are multiple injections in the genital area, leading to increased psychological distress for the patient, and the use of radioactive colloid.
Multispectral fluorescence imaging is an emerging imaging modality that can be applied intraoperatively without the need for injection of radiocolloid. For intraoperative fluorescence imaging, two components are needed: a fluorescent agent and a quantitative optical system for intraoperative imaging. As a fluorophore we have used indocyanine green (ICG). ICG has been used for many decades to assess cardiac function, cerebral perfusion and liver perfusion.8 It is an inert drug with a safe pharmaco-biological profile. When excited at around 750 nm, it emits light in the near-infrared spectrum around 800 nm. A custom-made multispectral fluorescence imaging camera system was used.9.
The aim of this video article is to demonstrate the detection of the SLN using intraoperative fluorescence imaging in patients with cervical and vulvar cancer. Fluorescence imaging is used in conjunction with the standard procedure, consisting of radiocolloid and a blue dye. In the future, intraoperative fluorescence imaging might replace the current method and is also easily transferable to other indications like breast cancer and melanoma.

Fluorescence imaging is a promising innovative modality for image-guided surgery in surgical oncology. In this video we describe the technical procedure for detection of the sentinel lymph node using fluorescence imaging as showcased in gynecologic oncologicy. A multispectral fluorescence camera system, together with the fluorescent agent indocyanine green, is applied.

The prognosis in virtually all solid tumors depends on the presence or absence of lymph node metastases.1-3 Surgical treatment most often combines radical ...

Remote Magnetic Navigation for Accurate, Real-time Catheter Positioning and Ablation in Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures

New remote navigation systems have been developed to improve current limitations of conventional manually guided catheter ablation in complex cardiac substrates such as left atrial flutter. This protocol describes all the clinical and invasive interventional steps performed during a human electrophysiological study and ablation to assess the accuracy, safety and real-time navigation of the Catheter Guidance, Control and Imaging (CGCI) system. Patients who underwent ablation of a right or left atrium flutter substrate were included. Specifically, data from three left atrial flutter and two counterclockwise right atrial flutter procedures are shown in this report. One representative left atrial flutter procedure is shown in the movie. This system is based on eight coil-core electromagnets, which generate a dynamic magnetic field focused on the heart. Remote navigation by rapid changes (msec) in the magnetic field magnitude and a very flexible magnetized catheter allow real-time closed-loop integration and accurate, stable positioning and ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate.

This report provides a detailed description of a new remote navigation system based on magnetic driven forces, which has been recently introduced as a new robotic tool for human cardiac electrophysiology procedures.

New remote navigation systems have been developed to improve current limitations of conventional manually guided catheter ablation in complex cardiac ...

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

Several types of animal models of human thyroid carcinomas have been established, including subcutaneous xenograft and orthotopic implantation of cancer cells into immunodeficient mice. Subcutaneous xenograft models have been valuable for preclinical screening and evaluation of new therapeutic treatments. There are a number of advantages to using a subcutaneous model; 1) rapid, 2) reproducible, and 3) tumor establishment, growth, and response to therapeutic agents may be monitored by visual inspection. However, substantial evidence has shed light on the short-comings of subcutaneous xenograft models1-3. For instance, medicinal treatments demonstrating curative properties in subcutaneous xenograft models often have no notable impact on the human disease. The microenvironment of the site of xenographic transplantation or injection lies at the heart of this dissimilarity.
Orthotopic tumor xenograft models provide a more biologically relevant context in which to study the disease. The advantages of implanting diseased cells or tissue into their anatomical origin equivalent within a host animal includes a suitable site for tumor-host interactions, development of disease-related metastases and the ability to examine site-specific influence on investigational therapeutic remedies. Therefore, orthotopic xenograft models harbor far more clinical value because they closely reproduce human disease. For these reasons, a number of groups have taken advantage of an orthotopic thyroid cancer model as a research tool4-7.
Here, we describe an approach that establishes an orthotopic model for the study of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), which is highly invasive, resists treatment, and is virtually fatal in all diagnosed patients. Cultured ATC cells are prepared as a dissociated cellular suspension in a solution containing a basement membrane matrix. A small volume is slowly injected into the right thyroid gland. Overall appearance and health of the mice are monitored to ensure minimal post-operative complications and to gauge pathological penetrance of the cancer. Mice are sacrificed at 4 weeks, and tissue is collected for histological analysis. Animals may be taken at later time-points to examine more advance progression of the disease. Production of this orthotopic mouse model establishes a platform that accomplishes two objectives: 1) further our understanding of ATC pathology, and 2) screen current and future therapeutic agents for efficacy in combating ATC.

Generation of an orthotopic mouse model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is described here. This technique employs surgical placement of human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells into the thyroid of immunodeficient mice, thus creating a more clinically relevant setting to study disease progression as well as screen innovative therapeutic interventions.

Several types of animal models of human thyroid carcinomas have been established, including subcutaneous xenograft and orthotopic implantation of cancer ...

Dissection of the Mouse Pancreas for Histological Analysis and Metabolic Profiling

We have been investigating the pancreas specific transcription factor, 1a cre-recombinase; lox-stop-lox- Kristen rat sarcoma, glycine to aspartic acid at the 12 codon (Ptf1acre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+) mouse strain as a model of human pancreatic cancer. The goal of our current studies is to identify novel metabolic biomarkers of pancreatic cancer progression. We have performed metabolic profiling of urine, feces, blood, and pancreas tissue extracts, as well as histological analyses of the pancreas to stage the cancer progression. The mouse pancreas is not a well-defined solid organ like in humans, but rather is a diffusely distributed soft tissue that is not easily identified by individuals unfamiliar with mouse internal anatomy or by individuals that have little or no experience performing mouse organ dissections. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed step-wise visual demonstration to guide novices in the removal of the mouse pancreas by dissection. This article should be especially valuable to students and investigators new to research that requires harvesting of the mouse pancreas by dissection for metabolic profiling or histological analyses.

This video article provides a detailed demonstration of the procedures required to successfully remove the pancreas from a mouse by dissection for histological analysis and metabolic profiling.

We have been investigating the pancreas specific transcription factor, 1a cre-recombinase; lox-stop-lox- Kristen rat sarcoma, glycine to aspartic acid at ...

Application of End-to-end Anastomosis in Robotic Central Pancreatectomy

Central pancreatectomy is carried out for the treatment of benign or low-malignant potential tumors located in the pancreatic neck or proximal part of pancreatic body. With technological development, the robotic surgical system has shown its advantage in minimally invasive surgery and been increasingly applied in central pancreatectomy. However, reconstruction of the continuity of pancreas with end-to-end anastomosis after robotic central pancreatectomy has not been applied. In this study, we report surgical techniques for robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end anastomosis. The pancreas is reconstructed by duct-to-duct anastomosis of the pancreatic duct with a pancreatic stent inserted in the two stumps of pancreatic duct, and by end-to-end anastomosis of the pancreatic parenchyma. Compared with traditional central pancreatectomy with pancreaticoenteric anastomosis, this approach decreases the operative injury to the patient, and also conserves the integrity and continuity of the digestive duct and pancreatic duct. The robotic surgical system integrated with multiple instruments with flexible and precise movement is particularly suitable for the dissection and reconstruction of the pancreatic duct. We found that robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end anastomosis is safe and feasible, and we need more experience to evaluate its best indications and long-term outcomes.

The robotic central pancreatectomy with end-to-end anastomosis is feasible and safe for tumor in the pancreatic neck and proximal portion of pancreatic body. The operative techniques of this operation are presented.

Central pancreatectomy is carried out for the treatment of benign or low-malignant potential tumors located in the pancreatic neck or proximal part of ...

Robotic Lateral Pancreaticojejunostomy for Chronic Pancreatitis

Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) has shown good postoperative outcomes in patients with painful, morphine dependent, chronic pancreatitis (CP). The recent rise of robotic and laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has found benefits such as reduced time to functional recovery. Few studies have reported on the feasibility, technique and outcome of robotic LPJ, especially including transection of the gastroduodenal artery. The present study describes the main steps for robotic LPJ in a patient with painful chronic pancreatitis with a dilated main pancreatic duct. The patient underwent robotic LPJ. The LPJ anastomosis is performed using a running suture technique in a longitudinal side-to-side manner. Routinely, the gastroduodenal artery is transected to drain the entire length of the main pancreatic duct. The patient is in French position; 7 trocars are placed (4 robotic, 2 laparoscopic assistants, 1 liver-retractor). After docking of the robot system, the omental bursa is opened, and the right gastroepiploic artery and vein are ligated at their base at the lower border of the pancreas. Intraoperative ultrasonography is performed in order to determine trajectory of the dilated main pancreatic duct which is opened for its entire length after the gastroduodenal artery has been suture ligated both cranially and caudally from the main pancreatic duct. A Roux limb is created, and a latero-lateral PJ is fashioned using several 3-0 barbed sutures. A stapled jejuno-jejunostomy is created at sufficient distance from the pancreatic anastomosis, aided by a 50 cm suture. The described technique for robotic LPJ is a complex but feasible operation for patients with treatment refractory CP and a dilated main pancreatic duct. Due to its complexity, implementation in high volume centers with extensive experience with CP surgery may improve outcomes.

Robotic lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (RLPJ) may be used in patients with painful, morphine dependent, chronic pancreatitis and a dilated main pancreatic duct. We describe a standardized and reproducible technique for RLPJ, which includes transection of the gastroduodenal artery.

Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) has shown good postoperative outcomes in patients with painful, morphine dependent, chronic pancreatitis (CP). The ...

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment procedure. At present, different choices still exist for treating the ureteral end during laparoscopic ureteral bladder sleeve resection. Our center has adopted a new method for treating the ureteral end. This new method can increase the operating space and reduce the difficulty of the surgery compared with current methods.

Here, we present a protocol to increase the surgical field of view and reduce the difficulty of total transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery by precutting the umbilical ligament before treating the terminal ureter.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment ...

Robotic Central Pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y Pancreaticojejunostomy

Central pancreatectomy is a parenchyma-sparing alternative to distal pancreatectomy in patients with a benign or low-grade malignant tumor in the body of the pancreas. The aim of central pancreatectomy is to prevent postoperative life-long endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. The downside of central pancreatectomy is the high rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula, which is the main reason that many surgeons do not routinely use central pancreatectomy in eligible patients. Most studies report open or laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with a pancreatico-gastrostomy anastomosis in adults. This is the first description of a standardized approach to robotic central pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy reconstruction in an adolescent (16-year-old boy) with a pseudopapillary tumor in the body of the pancreas. The operation time was 248 min with 20 mL of blood loss. The postoperative course was uneventful except for the short-term medical treatment for a grade B pancreatic fistula. Robotic central pancreatectomy can be safely applied in selected patients in experienced centers.

Robotic central pancreatectomy may be used in selected patients in experienced centers. This protocol presents all steps and the feasibility of a robotic central pancreatectomy with Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy in a 16-year-old adolescent patient.

Central pancreatectomy is a parenchyma-sparing alternative to distal pancreatectomy in patients with a benign or low-grade malignant tumor in the body of ...

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer

Since their approval for clinical use, da Vinci surgical robots have shown great advantages in gastrointestinal surgical operations, especially in complex procedures. The high-quality 3-D visual, multijoint arm and natural tremor filtration allow the surgeon to expose and dissect more accurately with minimal invasion. Total mesorectal excision is the standard surgical technique for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer. To reduce the lateral recurrence rate, lateral pelvic lymph node dissection can be performed, as it is a safe and feasible procedure for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer with a high possibility of metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes. However, the complexity of the anatomic structures and the high postoperative complication rate limit its application. Recently, several surgeons have increasingly used robotic techniques for total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, the robotic technique has several advantages, such as less blood loss, fewer blood transfusions, minimal trauma, shorter postoperative hospitalization, and quicker recovery. A robotic approach is generally regarded as a reasonable alternative for complicated procedures such as lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, although there are a limited number of high-quality prospective randomized controlled studies reporting direct evidence. Here, we provide the detailed steps of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi&#39;an Jiaotong University.

The robotic technique described herein aims to detail a stepwise approach to robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally advanced (T3/T4) rectal cancer located below the peritoneal reflection.

Since their approval for clinical use, da Vinci surgical robots have shown great advantages in gastrointestinal surgical operations, especially in complex ...

Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access

Robot-assisted systems offer great potential for gentler and more precise cochlear implantation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical workflow for robotic cochlear implantation using a robotic system specifically developed for a minimally invasive, direct cochlear access. The clinical workflow involves experts from various disciplines and requires training to ensure a smooth and safe procedure. The protocol briefly summarizes the history of robotic cochlear implantation. The clinical sequence is explained in detail, beginning with the assessment of patient eligibility and covering surgical preparation, preoperative planning with the special planning software, drilling of the middle ear access, intraoperative imaging to confirm the trajectory, milling of the inner ear access, insertion of the electrode array, and implant management. The steps that require special attention are discussed. As an example, the postoperative outcome of robotic cochlear implantation in a patient with advanced otosclerosis is presented. Finally, the procedure is discussed in the context of the authors' experience.

Robotic cochlear implantation is a procedure for minimally invasive inner ear access. Compared to conventional surgery, robotic cochlear implantation involves additional steps that need to be carried out in the operating room. In this article we give a description of the procedure and highlight the important aspects of robotic cochlear implantation.

Robot-assisted systems offer great potential for gentler and more precise cochlear implantation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of ...