| Abstract: |
The robotic surgery platform has potential advantages over laparoscopy for gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy for cancer. Many surgeons in both the East and West feel that the wristed instrumentation, stable video platform, and three–dimensional view allow for more precise dissection around the mesenteric vessels than what can be achieved with standard laparoscopy. This advantage comes with significantly increased cost, however, and it is unclear whether it will translate into measureable clinical benefits for patients. The chapter discusses the technical steps of robotic–assisted gastrectomy and summarizes current literature regarding the learning curve, patient selection, outcomes, and cost. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. |
