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Published in: Surgery Today 3/2024

20-07-2023 | Rectal Cancer | Original Article

Learning process analysis of robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for local advanced rectal cancer: the CUSUM curve of 78 consecutive patients

Authors: Lei Zhang, Chenhao Hu, Qian Qin, Ruizhe Li, Jiamian Zhao, Zhe Zhang, Zhe Wang, Junjun She, Feiyu Shi

Published in: Surgery Today | Issue 3/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Robotic lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) has been described as a safe and feasible procedure for local advanced rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for robotic-assisted LLND.

Methods

We collected data on 78 consecutive patients who underwent robotic-LLND at our hospital. The learning curve was analyzed using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method to assess changes in the unilateral LLND operative times across the case sequence.

Results

Among the 78 patients, 52 underwent bilateral LLND and 26 underwent unilateral LLND. A total of 130 consecutive data were recorded. We arranged unilateral robotic-LLND operative times and calculated cumulative sum values, allowing the differentiation of three phases: phase I (learning period, cases 1–51); phase II (proficiency period, cases 52–83); and phase III (mastery period, cases 84–130). As the learning curve accumulated, the operation time and estimated blood loss of unilateral robotic-LLND decreased significantly with each phase (P < 0.05). By 12 months after surgery, the International Prostatic Symptom Score of patients at phase III was significantly lower than at phase I (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The CUSUM curve shows three phases in the learning of robotic-LLND. The estimated learning curve for robotic-assisted rectal-LLND is achieved after 51 cases.
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Metadata
Title
Learning process analysis of robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for local advanced rectal cancer: the CUSUM curve of 78 consecutive patients
Authors
Lei Zhang
Chenhao Hu
Qian Qin
Ruizhe Li
Jiamian Zhao
Zhe Zhang
Zhe Wang
Junjun She
Feiyu Shi
Publication date
20-07-2023
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Published in
Surgery Today / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 0941-1291
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2813
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-023-02725-6

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