Robotic Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages and is usually found in advanced stages. Surgical intervention holds a crucial place in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In recent years, performing surgery with minimally invasive methods has accelerated patient recovery and reduced complications. Robotic surgery is one of the most innovative developments in this field for pancreatic cancer treatment. In this article, we will examine the stages of a robotic surgical operation for pancreatic cancer in detail.

The Role of Robotic Surgery in Pancreatic Cancer

Robotic surgery, unlike traditional surgical methods, is a surgical technique performed using robotic arms and a special robotic surgical platform. The advantages of robotic surgery for pancreatic cancer include less bleeding, smaller incisions, a faster recovery process, and lower complication rates. Robotic surgery also provides the ability to intervene precisely in hard-to-reach parts of the pancreas.

Step 1: Pre-operative Preparation

Patient Evaluation:

Before planning robotic surgery for pancreatic cancer, the patient's overall health is comprehensively evaluated. The tumor's location, size, and spread are determined through a physical examination, blood tests, imaging methods (CT scans, MRI, PET scans), and endoscopic tests. After the patient is evaluated for suitability for surgery, the necessary preparations for robotic surgery begin.

Anesthesia Planning:

Pancreatic cancer surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist creates the most suitable anesthesia plan, considering the patient's condition.

Step 2: Setting Up the Robotic Surgical Platform

Preparing the Surgical Area:

The surgical area is sterilized for the operation. The area where robotic surgery will be performed is usually the upper part of the patient's abdomen. Access through two or three small incisions provides the necessary volume for the robotic arms to operate.

Robotic System Setup:

The robotic surgical system is typically set up by a surgeon and an assistant. The heart of robotic surgery is usually the da Vinci robotic surgical platform. Using the robotic arms, the surgeon can see the patient's internal organs in high resolution through monitors. The robotic system enhances the surgeon's fine motor skills, allowing for a precise surgical intervention.

Step 3: The Surgery

Determining the Tumor's Location:

The surgeon precisely approaches the tumorous part of the pancreas using the robotic arms. The robotic system allows the surgeon to operate on the tissues around the tumor with great accuracy. In pancreatic cancer, a part or all of the pancreas can be removed, depending on the tumor's size.

Tumor Removal:

Robotic surgery for pancreatic cancer is performed using minimally invasive techniques. During this process, the surgeon focuses on removing the tumor while preserving sensitive structures like vessels and nerves from the surrounding tissues of the pancreas. The robotic arms provide the surgeon with full precision using high-resolution images and 3D visualization technology. The most significant advantage of robotic surgery is the ability to reach the challenging parts of the pancreas with less trauma.

Lymph Node Removal:

Lymph nodes where pancreatic cancer tends to spread can also be removed during robotic surgery. This procedure is very important for preventing the spread of cancer.

Advanced Surgical Interventions:

In addition to removing the pancreas, additional surgical interventions may be necessary depending on the spread of the cancer. These interventions vary depending on whether the cancer has spread to neighboring organs such as the liver, stomach, or small intestine.

Step 4: The Recovery Process After Surgery

Recovery Process:

The biggest advantage of robotic pancreatic cancer surgeries is that patients recover faster. Thanks to small incisions and minimal trauma, patients generally experience less pain and recover more quickly. The recovery process is typically faster than traditional surgery, and the patient's hospital stay is shortened.

Monitoring and Follow-up:

After pancreatic cancer surgery, patients are monitored regularly. During this process, the possibility of cancer recurrence is observed. Also, any postoperative complications (infection, bleeding, etc.) are monitored.

Step 5: Potential Risks and Complications

While robotic surgery provides significant advantages in pancreatic cancer treatment, it carries some risks, as with any surgical procedure. These may include:

• Bleeding: Vessels may be damaged during the surgical intervention, leading to bleeding.

• Infection: Infection may develop in the surgical areas.

• Organ Damage: Neighboring organs to the pancreas may be damaged during robotic surgery.

• Cancer Recurrence: There is a risk of cancer recurrence after the surgery.

Conclusion

Robotic surgery offers significant advantages as a minimally invasive option for pancreatic cancer treatment. This surgical method provides the ability to operate on a sensitive and difficult area while accelerating patients' recovery and reducing complications. The role of robotic surgery in pancreatic cancer treatment makes this treatment method more accessible for a greater number of patients. By using this technology, surgeons are performing more accurate and effective operations while also improving patients' quality of life.