Hinotori™ robotic esophagectomy: a feasibility cadaver study

This preclinical feasibility study investigates the potential of utilizing the hinotori™ robot system for esophagectomy. In three human cadaver models, the esophagus was successfully mobilized and resected using the hinotori™ system, with a mean thoracic procedure time of 57 minutes. The system allowed for precise dissection and radical lymphadenectomy without arm collision, attributed to its versatile design and docking-free trocars. Standard robot-specific patient positioning, including a 35° left lateral inclination, and trocar placement in a posterior axillary line configuration were employed. Notably, trocars suitable for both laparoscopy and the hinotori™ robot were utilized, providing flexibility in trocar selection. Unique features, such as the ergonomic console and pointer-based pivot point identification system, contributed to procedural success. While these findings highlight the promising potential of the hinotori™ system in advancing esophageal surgery, further clinical studies are warranted to validate its reproducibility and clinical utility. Additionally, enhancements to the pivot point identification system and evaluation of the arm base's features may further optimize surgical outcomes.