Robotic thymectomy for advanced thymic epithelial tumor: indications and technical aspects

Introduction

Thymic epithelial tumor (TET) is a rare neoplasm occurring in the anterior mediastinum. It is the most common primary neoplasm of the mediastinum in the adult population, and it frequently occurs alongside autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis (1). Complete surgical resection is the primary treatment for TET (2) and many different types of surgical approaches have been introduced for thymectomy. Specifically, minimally invasive thymectomy (MIT) has several advantages over open thymectomy; for instance, it is associated with less trauma and fewer postoperative complications (3-8). However, many surgeons are still reluctant to adopt MIT, fearing incomplete resection or pleural seeding, particularly in cases of advanced-stage TET.

One form of MIT, robotic thymectomy, has been widely accepted as a valuable treatment option. Robotic surgical systems provide 3D visualization and can magnify the region of interest 10 times, and robotic arms are capable of free articulation. These advantages may be especially beneficial in patients with advanced TET invading the surrounding organs; such cases require complex resection or reconstruction, and are therefore technically demanding under thoracoscopy.

In the present paper, we describe our experience of robotic thymectomy to treat anterior mediastinal tumor, including the indications and surgical techniques of robotic thymectomy in patients with advanced TET.

Indications for robotic thymectomy to treat advanced TET

The important considerations for surgical resection of TET are complete resection (R0 resection). To prevent capsule disruption and tumor dissemination into the pleural space, which can lead to local recurrence of TET, it should be ensured that a surgeon should undertake only minimal tumor manipulation. Technical advancements in robotic surgery and its superior clinical outcomes over open thymectomy have expanded the surgical indications for this technique in the treatment of TET. However, to ensure complete resection in all cases of advanced TET, the indications for robotic thymectomy must be more strictly defined. A multi-disciplinary approach should be adopted, and thorough examination must be undertaken to ensure complete surgical resection of TET.

Size and relationship with adjacent structures

The size of the TET is critical in determining whether a robotic thymectomy should be performed. Large tumors are more often subject to excessive manipulation, increasing possibility of capsular disruption, as the anterior mediastinum is very narrow. Moreover, several studies have shown that TET size is an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival (9-11). Nonetheless, many centers have performed robotic thymectomy to treat large TET (3,12-14), and Kneuertz et al. (14) demonstrated that the procedure can be performed safely and effectively in a radical fashion. In our own center, malignant tumors larger than 8 cm are excluded from robotic thymectomy, while no size limit is applied to benign tumors (3), such as teratomas. In cases of invasive TET, free handling of the tumor is sometimes impossible because it risks capsule disruption and pleural seeding, so size criteria are more important in malignant tumor than benign tumors. In large-sized tumor, intrathoracic space is also important because robotic arms cannot work efficiently without enough space. The bilateral lateral or subxiphoid approach are good alternatives in cases of large advanced TET.

Tumor infiltration into adjacent structures is also a major determinant for performing robotic thymectomy, and it should be carefully examined in preoperative imaging studies. Currently, TET invading the pericardium, phrenic nerve, lung, and innominate vein are not contraindications for robotic thymectomy in our center (3). Several previous studies in other centers have reported concomitant resection of these structures by robotic thymectomy (12-14). However, TET invasion of the chest wall or major vessels, including the superior vena cava, aorta, and main pulmonary artery, is considered a contraindication for robotic thymectomy, as the procedure is not technically feasible is such cases.

Mediastinal lymph node metastasis

Lymph node metastasis has been alleged as an independent prognostic factor in thymic malignancies, especially thymic carcinoma (15-17), so lymph node dissection plays a role in precise staging and improved prognosis prediction (15). In the past, we considered robotic thymectomy to be contraindicated when mediastinal lymph node dissection was necessary (3); however, we currently do not consider it as a contraindication because we can perform complete mediastinal lymph node dissection using the subxiphoid approach. More specifically, using the lateral approach, we could only remove the perithymic, internal mammary, hilar, and aortopulmonary lymph nodes. However, adopting the subxiphoid approach, we can additionally remove the paratracheal and lower cervical lymph nodes. Using the robotic subxiphoid approach, we can perform full and complete dissection of the anterior mediastinal lymph nodes.

Pleural metastasis

Robotic thymectomy in pleural metastasis can be performed in highly selected patients, however, in most of the cases, robotic thymectomy cannot be considered as surgical indication. Incidentally detected pleural nodule can be removed by robotic technique, however, thorough evaluation of the whole pleural space must be carried out. When pleural seeding is detected before surgery, open conversion due to multiple pleural seeding is quite common, so thoracoscopic exploration is a valuable option.

Preoperative evaluation

In patients with an anterior mediastinal mass suspected to be advanced TET, complete preoperative evaluation is needed, mainly to determine whether the mass is resectable or not. High-quality, contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) remains the mainstay preoperative imaging technique to determine whether complete resection is feasible (18-20). The CT scans can determine the size of the TET, evaluate the mass for signs of local invasion, and rule out metastatic disease (18-20). In particular, contrast-enhanced CT must be performed to examine the relationship between the adjacent major vascular structures and TET. Usually, contrast-enhanced CT scan is sufficient to evaluate the resectability of TET, although chest magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes useful when TET invasion into the major vessels is not evidenced by CT (21). As advanced TET is more likely to show lymph node, pleural, or distant metastasis than early-stage TET, combined positron emission tomography/CT may be useful to determine whether intra- or extra-thoracic metastasis is present. Pulmonary function tests must also be performed, and the results should be examined carefully in patients with advanced TET, as the concomitant resection of the lung may be necessary.

Approach

In our center, we previously performed robotic thymectomy by lateral thoracic approach as we reported our initial experience of robotic thymectomy (3,4). However, we currently changed our strategy to subxiphoid approach for robotic thymectomy since we initiated first subxiphoid robotic thymectomy in 2016. For those patients who are suspicious for advanced TET requiring hilar structures dissection for complete resection, we use a novel technique called “modified subxiphoid approach”.

Lateral thoracic approach

Most studies reporting the outcomes of robotic thymectomy have used the lateral thoracic approach for surgical resection of TET (3,4,12-14). This approach is usually performed using the three-arm technique. Resection of adjacent structures using this approach has also been reported, including the pericardium, phrenic nerve, innominate vein, and lung. In a report by Kneuertz et al. (14), 50% of patients who were subjected to robotic thymectomy for large TET resection had undergone concomitant resection of adjacent structures. They concluded that concomitant resection of the pericardium, lung, and phrenic nerve was technically feasible using the lateral thoracic approach, and only two of their patients required thoracotomy for additional access to ensure safe resection. We have reported our own experience of robotic thymectomy using the lateral thoracic approach (3,4).

Subxiphoid approach

Recently, several authors reported the safety and technical feasibility of subxiphoid robotic thymectomy for surgical resection of TET (22,23). This approach provides excellent visualization of the mediastinum, particularly both upper poles of the thymus and the bilateral phrenic nerves, and it allows safe and effective dissection of the mediastinal fatty tissue. Although subxiphoid robotic thymectomy is usually performed using the three-arm technique (22,23), we mostly use the four-arm technique in cases of advanced TET to ensure safe handling of the thymic tissues and allow complex procedures to be performed. Suda et al. reported the technical feasibility of subxiphoid robotic thymectomy, also mentioning that concomitant resection of lung and pericardium is possible using articulating robotic instruments such as the robotic stapler (23). Moreover, a recent paper by Zhang et al. demonstrated good early clinical outcomes of subxiphoid robotic thymectomy (24).

Modified subxiphoid approach

In our center, we recently developed a novel technique, named the “modified subxiphoid approach” for complete resection of advanced TET. Briefly, the patient is placed in a position similar to that adopted in the lateral thoracic approach (supine position with ipsilateral side elevation). A vertical incision is made in the subxiphoid area, followed by three additional robotic ports on the hemithorax, where the mass is located (Figure 1). This approach has several advantages: (I) the surgical view of the thymic tumor and pulmonary hilum is better than with the conventional subxiphoid approach, allowing a more complex operation to be performed around the hilum, including combined pulmonary lobectomy; (II) conflict between the sternum and robotic camera can be minimized; (III) the lower pleural space can be better visualized.

Figure 1 The modified subxiphoid robotic thymectomy.

Combined resection of adjacent structures

Pericardium (Figure 2)

Figure 2 Combined resection of the pericardium during robotic thymectomy (25). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/watch/33087

The pericardium is one of the most common structures requiring concomitant resection in cases of advanced TET. If surgeons suspect direct invasion by TET, the pericardium should be opened, with sufficient margin from the TET, and a concomitant resection can be performed using monopolar scissors, a harmonic scalpel (Ethicon Endo-surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA), or da Vinci vessel sealers (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). The most challenging procedures while performing concomitant resection of the pericardium are when there is dense adhesion between the pericardium and the major vessels. Even when the TET shows no direct infiltration into the major vessels, there is sometimes dense adhesion inside the invaded pericardium. As robotic surgical systems provide a 3D view with 10× magnification, and surgeons can use four robotic arms to carry out precise procedures, with assistance from articulating arms, fine dissection can be performed between major vessels and densely adherent thymic tissue.

In our center, we always reconstruct pericardial defects using a prosthetic membrane to prevent severe adhesion between cardiac structures and the lower border of the sternum. We use an articulating needle driver, anchoring the sheet to the surrounding pericardium with multiple interrupted sutures using silk or polypropylene sutures.

Phrenic nerve

Both phrenic nerves are surrounded by the thymic tissue, so they are also commonly involved in advanced TET. Ipsilateral hemidiaphragm elevation in patients with TET suggests direct invasion and paralysis of the phrenic nerve; the concomitant resection of the phrenic nerve is necessary in those patients. However, many other patients who require this procedure do not present any preoperative signs or symptoms of diaphragmatic paralysis. As the course of the phrenic nerve is not visualized under imaging studies, involvement of the phrenic nerve in TET is often identified during surgery itself.

When the phrenic nerve abuts the TET without evidence of invasion or encasement of the nerve, meticulous dissection between the phrenic nerve and the TET can usually be achieved without difficulty using robotic surgical techniques. If the direct invasion or encasement of the phrenic nerve by the TET is observed, concomitant resection of the phrenic nerve segment is necessary to ensure complete resection of the TET. In our center, we mostly perform diaphragmatic plication for the diaphragm paralysis, followed by the concomitant resection of the TET and phrenic nerve. Diaphragmatic plication is performed using additional thoracoscopic technique after complete resection of the TET by robotic thymectomy. However, we do not perform diaphragmatic plication in patients who have undergone concomitant resection of a large volume of lung parenchyma. Some studies have reported successful immediate reconstruction of the phrenic nerve in cases of phrenic nerve injury during mediastinal tumor resection (26,27). Most relevant studies have reported using sural nerve transfer to reconstruct the phrenic nerve, with favorable outcomes for diaphragmatic function (26,27). Recently, we performed a reconstruction after a short, segmental resection of the phrenic nerve using end-to-end anastomosis by robotic surgery. We used 5/0 polypropylene suture for the end-to-end anastomosis, and some patients showed restored diaphragmatic function by fluoroscopy during follow-up (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Neurorrhaphy of the phrenic nerve injury during robotic thymectomy (28). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/watch/33088

Lung

Many cases require wedge resection of the lung to ensure complete TET resection; this can be performed using the EndoWrist stapler (Intuitive Surgical Inc.)—an articulated stapler that is attached to the da Vinci system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.), allowing the surgeon to carry out resection with control and autonomy from the surgery console. By inserting the stapler through subxiphoid or lateral thoracic ports, wedge resection of the lung can be performed.

In some cases, lobectomy of the lung is required to ensure complete resection of the TET, particularly when the tumor is infiltrating close to the hilar structures or broadly across the surface of the lung. To date, no studies have reported concomitant resection of TET with major pulmonary resection by robotic surgery. In the past, we preferred to use additional thoracoscopic technique if the patient required lobectomy of the lung to ensure complete TET resection (3). As described earlier, we now prefer the modified subxiphoid approach for this purpose, and concomitant major pulmonary resection plus TET resection is technically feasible and can be safely performed. Some previous studies have reported that thoracoscopic lobectomy through the subxiphoid incision is technically feasible and safe (29,30), and that it could be a good surgical option in patients who have undergone subxiphoid robotic thymectomy and require combined major pulmonary resection to ensure complete TET resection.

Innominate vein (Figure 4)

Figure 4 Combined resection of the innominate vein during robotic thymectomy (31). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/watch/33089

When TET infiltrates the innominate vein, concomitant resection can be performed using a robotic stapler. To perform this procedure safely, the upper cervical poles and both the proximal and distal end of the innominate vein must be completely dissected. Distal end invasion is not problematic in most cases: even when the tumor invades the left mammary vein, the vein can be resected at the level of proximal left jugular vein or subclavian vein. However, if the tumor invades the proximal end of the innominate vein, the possibility of superior vena cava invasion must be considered. Partial resection of the superior vena cava can be performed if technically feasible. However, considering postoperative narrowing of the superior vena cava and risk of major bleeding, open conversion may be a safer approach.

Postoperative management

A drain should be placed across the mediastinum to drain both thoracic cavities. The Jackson Pratt drain is usually adequate; however, a chest tube should be placed in patients who have undergone concomitant resection of the lung parenchyma. Respiratory symptoms or signs should be carefully monitored in patients who have undergone concomitant lung or phrenic nerve resection. Patients are usually discharged 2–3 days after surgery if they recover without complications.

Outcomes of robotic thymectomy

Between May 2008 and June 2019, 291 patients underwent robotic thymectomy to treat treatment anterior mediastinal tumors in our institute, 168 of whom had a TET, and their clinical profiles are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Clinical profiles of patients who underwent robotic thymectomy to treat thymic epithelial tumor
Full table

No postoperative mortality occurred, while seven patients showed postoperative complications (4.2%). Major complications with a Clavidien-Dindo classification of more than grade 3 occurred in one patient (0.6%). The mean hospital stay after surgery was 3.1±2.5 days (range, 1–20 days).

Forty-four patients with large tumors (>6 cm) underwent robotic thymectomy. Only one open conversion was necessary because of possible invasion into the superior vena cava. Despite their large size, most of these tumors were at an early stage: only one was stage III and two were stage IV tumors, indicating that invasiveness does not always correspond with TET size. Recurrence was noted in two patients: one was cured by reoperation and the other is still alive with the disease following chemoradiation therapy.

A total of 29 patients (17.3%) underwent concomitant resection of adjacent organs. Lung resection was performed in 20 patients (including four lobectomies), pericardium resection in 18 patients, phrenic nerve resection in six patients, and innominate vein resection in six patients. Two patients who underwent phrenic nerve resection received neurorrhaphy. Lymph node sampling or dissection was performed in 41 patients (24.4%), although full mediastinal lymph node dissection according to the AJCC lymph node map was performed in only seven patients (4.2%). Lymph node metastasis was confirmed in four patients (2.4%).

One patient died of intestinal lymphoma not related to the TET. The 7-year overall survival rate of robotic thymectomy to treat TET was 98% in our institute. Recurrence was noted in two patients with thymoma and three with thymic carcinoma. Three of these had stage IV TET before surgery. Pleural seeding was a common mechanism of recurrence in patients with thymoma, while multi-organ recurrence was common in thymic carcinoma.

Summary

As the early clinical outcomes of MIT are superior to those of open thymectomy, robotic thymectomy has gained in popularity over the decades. Technical advancements in robotic surgical systems have allowed complex procedures to be performed in adjacent organs, enabling complete resection of advanced TET using robotic surgery. However, the surgical indications in patients with advanced TET must be subject to a multi-disciplinary approach and thorough preoperative evaluation, because complete resection without tumor disruption is critical in the surgical treatment of TET. Furthermore, the long-term oncological outcomes after robotic thymectomy should be evaluated in patients with advanced TET.

Acknowledgments

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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