What is a Robotic Gastrectomy?

Robotic gastrectomy is an innovative form of stomach cancer treatment that takes a minimally invasive approach to surgery. In the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, our surgeons use the advanced da Vinci® Surgical System to perform gastric surgery with high levels of precision and control. For patients who elect surgery for stomach cancer treatment, a robotic gastrectomy can lead to a lower risk of complications, less scarring, a faster recovery and a better quality of life (as compared to a traditional surgical procedure).

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Using robotic-assisted technology, the da Vinci® Surgical System translates a surgeon’s hand motions into small, highly precise movements of tiny instruments within a patient’s body. One such instrument is a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a miniature camera and light attached to the end. During robotic gastrectomy surgery, the camera transmits real-time images to a video monitor in the operating room. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon can refer to the monitor for additional guidance.

The da Vinci^® Surgical System also enables a surgeon to perform robotic gastrectomy through a few small incisions. Some of its other key features include:

• An innovative patient-positioning system that provides a surgeon with optimal accessibility
• A magnified vision system that provides a surgeon with a high-definition, three-dimensional view of the surgical site
• Wristed instruments that bend and rotate much farther than the limits of a human hand allow

What is a Prophylactic Robotic Gastrectomy?   

A surgical oncologist may recommend a prophylactic robotic gastrectomy – the removal of the entire stomach before cancer develops – for individuals who are at very high risk of developing stomach cancer.

Unlike a total gastrectomy performed to treat an existing cancer, this procedure is preventive and most often considered for patients with hereditary cancer syndromes. For example, individuals with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) caused by mutations in the CDH1 gene have a significantly elevated lifetime risk of developing an aggressive form of stomach cancer that can be difficult to detect at an early stage. Because this type of cancer can spread throughout the stomach lining and may be difficult to detect early with imaging or endoscopy, prophylactic gastrectomy is frequently recommended as the most effective way to reduce cancer risk.

Stomach Cancer Outcomes

The primary aim of cancer treatment is to attain the best possible outcome with minimal side effects, ensuring the highest quality of life for the patient. On average, Moffitt's stomach cancer treatment survival rates exceed 1.5 times the national average.

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Support Before and After Prophylactic Robotic Gastrectomy

At Moffitt Cancer Center, our goal is to help each patient make an informed decision that balances cancer prevention with quality of life. Prophylactic robotic gastrectomy is a highly personal choice, and our multispecialty team provides comprehensive counseling and support before and after surgery.  

When this procedure is appropriate, we offer a full spectrum of supportive care services to help patients adapt, including:

• Preoperative genetic counseling and risk assessment
• Nutritional counseling before and after surgery
• Supplemental nutrition during the initial recovery period
• Long-term dietary guidance to maintain weight and nutritional health
• Vitamin and mineral supplementation as needed (such as vitamin B12, iron, and calcium)

Expert Surgical Team at Moffitt 

While the da Vinci^® Surgical System incorporates state-of-the-art technology, it is the surgeon's skill in using it to perform robotic gastrectomy and prophylactic robotic gastrectomy that can make a true difference in a patient’s outcome. Because Moffitt is a high-volume cancer center, our surgeons regularly perform complex robotic gastrointestinal procedures. As a result, they have acquired extensive experience with the da Vinci^® Surgical System and the most effective ways to use it.

In addition, Moffitt also offers access to a robust portfolio of clinical trials, giving eligible patients opportunities to receive promising new therapies before they are widely available. In recognition of our groundbreaking research, Moffitt has been designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, and we are the only cancer center based in Florida to have earned this prestigious title.

For more information about robotic gastrectomy or prophylactic robotic gastrectomy, call Moffitt Cancer Center at 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We accept patients with and without referrals.