Shanghai, China, December 29, 2020 — The Toumai™ Endoscopic Surgery Robotic System (Toumai™), a proprietary product of Shanghai MicroPort MedBot (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (MicroPort® MedBot), completed the first robot-assisted extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy. Director Jianming Guo, Prof. Shuai Jiang and Prof. Zhibing Xu from Department of Urology of the Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University led the team. This first extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy performed by the Toumai™ Endoscopic Robot marked a new clinical milestone in the field of urology, following the recent first robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) procedure using retroperitoneal approach performed by the domestic surgical robot.
The patient, a 79-year-old male, underwent prostate puncture and was recently diagnosed with acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate, he sought treatment at Zhongshan Hospital. Based on his case, the team discussed and decided to use the domestically made Toumai™ Endoscopic Robot to perform robotic-assisted extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy. Prof. Jiang, who identified severe adhesions between the prostate and the rectum, performed the procedure. By leveraging Toumai™’s high-definition 3D view and the surgical instruments with seven degrees of freedom, Prof. Jiang completed a full dissociation and resection of the prostate and cleared the lymph nodes on both sides. The patient, who had 50 ml of intraoperative bleeding in the 90-minute surgery, was able to get back on his feet and take meals the day after the surgery.
Prof. Jiang commented[vAT1] , “With a wide 3D view and accurate yet flexible control, Toumai™ offers a clear view of the anatomical structure of tissues, organs and the neurovascular bundle. The precise separation can help clear the lymph nodes and allows the surgeon to best identify the tumor boundary. The high dexterity of the robotic wrist with seven degrees of freedom enables the surgeon to perform complex and delicate operations. Accurate suturing ensures accurate anastomosis, which helps to ensure the success of this extraperitoneal radical surgery for high-risk prostate cancer.”
The extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy technique used in a case of high-risk prostate cancer is more challenging than conventional robotic-assisted radical laparoscopic prostatectomy. However, due to its extraperitoneal nature, this surgical approach avoids interference with the intestine. Hence, it facilitates postoperative restoration of intestinal function and reduces the occurrence of intestinal adhesion, obstruction and incisional hernia. In addition, this approach can avoid peritonitis caused by urine flow into the peritoneal cavity in the event of postoperative extravasation. It allows for careful and precise handling of important structures of the pelvic floor, thereby reducing damage to the urethral sphincter and the neurovascular bundle of the corpus cavernosa. If adjuvant radiation therapy is undertaken after the surgery, radiation damage can also be reduced because peritoneal adhesions are avoided. Moreover, the small and less traumatic surgical incision allows the patient to recover more quickly after surgery.
Dr. Chao He, President of MicroPort® MedBot, said, “The successful completion of the first extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy fully demonstrated the technical strength and clinical value of the Toumai™ Endoscopic Robot in performing complex and difficult urological surgeries. MicroPort® MedBot will continue to work with clinical experts to provide universally accessible, intelligent total surgical solutions to save patients’ lives and help to reshape their quality of life.”
About Shanghai MicroPort MedBot (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
MicroPort® MedBot is a Shanghai MicroPort Medical (Group) Co., Ltd. (MicroPort®) subsidiary.
MicroPort® started strategizing its engagement in the medical robotics field as early as 2014 when it initiated the independent research and development of endoscopic robots. For years, MicroPort® MedBot has been focusing on the development and commercialization of minimally invasive surgical robots and has gradually developed and improved a multi-department integrated solution represented by the five “golden paths” – laparoscopy, orthopedics, vascular intervention, natural orifice surgery, and percutaneous puncture.
[vAT1]Attributed the quote to Prof. Jiang, please change if needed.