UZ Brussel has achieved a remarkable milestone as the pioneer in dual-robot-assisted lymphoedema surgery globally.
This innovative approach offers profound patient benefits, minimising invasiveness, reducing postoperative discomfort and shortening hospital stays.
The precision of robot-assisted procedures surpasses traditional surgery, marking a significant advancement in medical technology.
The team used the integrated Da Vinci Xi surgical system and MMI’s Symani surgical system to perform the procedure.
Abdominal surgeon Dr Martijn Schoneveld spearheaded the operation, which was conducted under Professor Moustapha Hamdi, head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at UZ Brussel, Belgium, in collaboration with the plastic and reconstructive surgery team.
Dr Martijn Schoneveld explained: ‘First, we use the Da Vinci Xi to remove a part of the peritoneal fold at the level of the stomach in a patient suffering from lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery. With the robot, we can harvest the necessary tissue from the stomach with tools that offer more dexterity and finer motor control, leaving little scarring.
‘The magnified 3D image on the console helps us carry out this surgical procedure, which requires a great deal of precision, ensuring minimal damage to blood vessels and lymph node tissue before reimplantation in the armpit, which is important for the successful outcome of the surgery.’
Professor Moustapha Hamdi, head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at UZ Brussel, added: ‘Afterwards, the plastic surgeon transplanted this flap to the armpit using MMI’s Symani surgical system. This procedure facilitates lymphatic drainage from the upper limb. The aim is also to prevent future arm swelling and thus reduce the swelling and pain caused by lymphoedema.’
Hailing the Symani surgical system as a game-changer, Professor Alexandru Nistor, a plastic surgeon involved in the procedure, said it was beneficial in connecting delicate anatomical structures like blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. He underscored its pivotal role in ensuring optimal transplant success rates while minimising patient risks.
This milestone marks a significant advancement in treating lymphoedema, building upon previous achievements at UZ Brussel.
In 2018, the hospital pioneered robotic-assisted lymph node transplantation in Europe, laying the groundwork for further innovations. Last year, the introduction of the Symani surgical system for micro and super microsurgery heralded a new era, enhancing precision and efficacy in complex procedures aimed at addressing lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema remains a pressing concern, affecting individuals due to various factors, including cancer treatment and congenital conditions.
Characterised by limb swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation, it substantially challenges patients’ quality of life.
With up to 30% of breast cancer patients experiencing lymphoedema, innovative approaches like robotic-assisted surgery offer hope for improved outcomes and enhanced patient wellbeing.
Photo caption - The team that operated successfully was Dr. Schoneveld, Prof. Nistor, Dr. Giunta, and Prof Hamdi. Credit: UZ Brussel
