Robotics and general surgery

Seven years of pediatric robotic-assisted surgery: insights from 105 procedures

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has recently expanded its role in pediatric patients. We conducted a retrospective review of 105 cases over 7 years (2017-2024) to evaluate outcomes, efficiency, and training experiences. A total of 105 children (58 boys, 47 girls) aged 2-15 years underwent robotic-assisted procedures using the Da Vinci Xi system. The most common indications were ureteropelvic junction obstruction (n = 33), varicocele (n = 29), and primary obstructive megaureter (n = 16). Two senior surgeons performed the procedures, training seven junior surgeons via the dual-console system. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests for docking time and operative duration comparisons, and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Docking time significantly improved over time from 45 to 15 min (median 25 min) (p = 0.001). The total operative time significantly decreased over time (p = 0.001), with a median of 125 min (range 50-250). Robotic system-related issues were reported in 3/105 (2.8%). Conversion to laparoscopy was necessary in 1 (0.9%). Postoperative complications (Clavien grade 3b) occurred in 2/105 (1.8%) patients, requiring reintervention. The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-7). Monthly case volume increased from 1-2 to 4-7. Our 7 year experience with pediatric RAS demonstrates its safety, effectiveness, and growing role, especially in pediatric urology. It offers ergonomic advantages and facilitates training but is still limited by cost, larger instrument size (8 mm), and longer setup times compared to laparoscopy. Future developments, such as smaller robotic instruments and single-port technology, may help overcome these limitations and expand the applicability of RAS to younger and smaller patients.

Evaluating the benefit of contact-force feedback in robotic surgery using the Saroa surgical system: A preclinical study

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgery without contact-force feedback could be less safe, as forces exerted by the robot system may exceed tissue tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of contact-force feedback.

METHODS

Nine junior and 11 senior surgeons performed two tasks using Saroa, a robotic surgical system with a force feedback function. In Task A, the participants estimated the order of stiffness of substances when feedback was on and off. In Task B, the effect of feedback on compression with a designated force (3 N) was assessed.

RESULTS

In Task A, the proportion of participants who correctly estimated the order of stiffness of the substances was similar when feedback was on and off. However, the median maximum force applied to the substances was significantly smaller when feedback was on than when it was off (5.0 vs. 6.9 N, p = .011), which was more obvious among the junior surgeons (5.0 vs. 7.7 N, p = .015) than among the senior surgeons (4.7 vs. 5.9 N, p = .288). In Task B, deviations from the designated force (3 N) for three substances were smaller when feedback was on (0, -0.1, and 0.7, respectively) than when it was off (-0.3, -0.5, and 1.3, respectively). Regarding the dispersion of the force to the substances, the interquartile range tended to be smaller with feedback; this trend was more obvious in the junior surgeons.

CONCLUSION

With contact-force feedback, tissue stiffness could be estimated with a small force, particularly by the junior surgeons; specified force could be accurately applied to the tissue.

[Robotic esophageal surgery]

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is increasingly becoming established as a standard procedure in surgical centers for esophagectomy in cases of cancer. To date, RAMIE has been shown to have fewer postoperative complications and at least equivalent oncological outcomes compared with open resection. Compared with classical minimally invasive resection, there seem to be fewer cases of postoperative pneumonia after RAMIE. In addition, a higher number of harvested lymph nodes could lead to better oncological long-term outcomes. The learning curve for this complex surgical procedure is relatively shallow but can be greatly reduced at high-volume centers through special training and proctoring programs. Robotic surgical approaches have also been described for other esophageal diseases; however, no clear superiority compared to laparoscopic surgery has so far been shown.

Medical malpractice in robotic surgery: a Westlaw database analysis

Malpractice claims involving robot-assisted surgical procedures have increased more than 250% in the past 7 years compared to the seven years prior. We examined robotic surgery malpractice claims to identify trends in claimed liabilities, describe legal outcomes, and determine strategies to minimize future litigation. The Westlaw legal database was queried retrospectively for U.S. state and federal trials regarding robot-assisted surgical procedures from 2006 to 2013 and 2014 to 2021. Data abstracted from verdict reports included year, state, court type, defendant specialty, procedure performed, claimed injuries and liabilities, verdict, and damage amount awarded. Sixty-one cases across 25 states were identified, 16 cases between 2006 and 2013, and 45 from 2014 to 2021. Among those 45 cases, defendant verdicts predominated (n = 35, 77.8%), with only four plaintiff verdicts (8.9%) and six settlements (13.3%). Overall, 169 liabilities were claimed, most commonly negligent surgery (82.2%), misdiagnosis/failure to diagnose (46.7%), delayed treatment (35.6%), and lack of informed consent (31.1%). Thirteen cases resulted in indemnity payments (mean = $1,251,274), with damages ranging from $10,087 (infection and retained foreign body) to $5,008,922 (patient death). Hysterectomy (n = 19, 42.2%) was the most commonly litigated surgery, followed by prostatectomy (n = 5) and hernia repair (n = 4). The most litigated specialties were obstetrics/gynecology (48.9%), general surgery (28.9%), and urology (15.6%). Malpractice litigation in robot-assisted surgery is infrequent. As robotic procedures become more commonplace, surgeons must keep common liabilities in mind, as there are valuable and actionable lessons to be learned from these cases. Malpractice reform, continuing medical education activities, and improved informed consent protocols may help minimize future litigation.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatolithiasis: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The indication for laparoscopic treatment of hepatolithiasis is early-stage regional hepatolithiasis. Open surgery (OS) is the traditional treatment for complex hepatolithiasis. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RLS) overcomes the limitations of the traditional laparoscopic approach in terms of the visual field, instruments, and operational flexibility. RLS is thus theoretically indicated for the treatment of complicated hepatolithiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of RLS for the treatment of complicated hepatolithiasis.

METHODS

From October 2010 to August 2017, 26 consecutive patients who underwent RLS and 287 consecutive patients who underwent OS for the treatment of complicated hepatolithiasis at our center were included in this study. We performed a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis between patients who underwent RLS and patients who underwent OS at a ratio of 1:2. Twenty-six patients were included in the RLS group, and 52 patients were included in the OS group.

RESULTS

The groups exhibited no differences with respect to age, sex, location of stones, liver function, history of previous surgery, or Child-Pugh classification. There were no differences in the postoperative complication rates (46.2% vs. 63.5%, p = 0.145), intraoperative stone clearance rates (96.2% vs. 90.4%, p = 1.000), or final stone clearance rates (100% vs. 98.1%, p = 0.652) between the two groups. The RLS group had less blood loss (315.38 ± 237.81 vs. 542.88 ± 518.70 ml, p = 0.037), a lower transfusion rate (15.4% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.008), shorter oral intake times (3.50 ± 1.30 vs. 5.88 ± 4.00 days, p = 0.004), and shorter postoperative hospital stays (13.54 ± 6.54 vs. 17.81 ± 7.49 days, p = 0.016) than the OS group. At a median follow-up of 48 months (range 7-90 months), there were no differences in stone recurrence rate (3.8% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.356) or recurrent cholangitis rate (3.8% vs. 3.8%, p = 1.000) between RLS and OS patients.

CONCLUSION

RLS for complicated hepatolithiasis is safe and feasible with advantages over OS in terms of intraoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, duration of hospital stays, and postoperative recovery.

Prevalence of haptic feedback in robot-mediated surgery: a systematic review of literature

With the successful uptake and inclusion of robotic systems in minimally invasive surgery and with the increasing application of robotic surgery (RS) in numerous surgical specialities worldwide, there is now a need to develop and enhance the technology further. One such improvement is the implementation and amalgamation of haptic feedback technology into RS which will permit the operating surgeon on the console to receive haptic information on the type of tissue being operated on. The main advantage of using this is to allow the operating surgeon to feel and control the amount of force applied to different tissues during surgery thus minimising the risk of tissue damage due to both the direct and indirect effects of excessive tissue force or tension being applied during RS. We performed a two-rater systematic review to identify the latest developments and potential avenues of improving technology in the application and implementation of haptic feedback technology to the operating surgeon on the console during RS. This review provides a summary of technological enhancements in RS, considering different stages of work, from proof of concept to cadaver tissue testing, surgery in animals, and finally real implementation in surgical practice. We identify that at the time of this review, while there is a unanimous agreement regarding need for haptic and tactile feedback, there are no solutions or products available that address this need. There is a scope and need for new developments in haptic augmentation for robot-mediated surgery with the aim of improving patient care and robotic surgical technology further.

Feasibility study on robot-assisted retinal vascular bypass surgery in an ex vivo porcine model

PURPOSE

To describe a new robot-assisted surgical system for retinal vascular bypass surgery (RVBS) and to compare the success rate with freehand RVBS.

METHODS

A robot-assisted system for retinal microsurgery was constructed to include two independent robotic arms. A 23-gauge light probe and an intraocular forceps were affixed to the arm end effectors to perform the intraocular manipulation. Harvested porcine eyes were introduced to be established animal models of closed-sky eyeballs after that pars plana vitrectomy using temporary keratoprosthesis was performed by a skilful surgeon. Retinal vascular bypass surgery (RVBS) was performed by an inexperienced ophthalmologist to test the ease of use. A stainless steel wire (45-μm pipe diameter) was used as an artificial vessel. Before RVBS, the wires were prepositioned at the retinal surface of the eyes. The Control group (n = 20) underwent freehand RVBS, and the Experimental group (n = 20) underwent robot-assisted RVBS. To create the simulated bypass, the distal end of the wire was inserted into the selected vessel and advanced ~4 mm away from the optic disc. If successful, then the proximal wire end was inserted and advanced ~2 mm towards the optic disc. The difference in the success rate for the freehand and robot-assisted procedures was analysed by the chi-square test.

RESULTS

The success rate for the freehand RVBS was 5% (1/20 eyes). In contrast, the robot-assisted success rate was 35% (7/20) of eyes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the feasibility of robot-assisted RVBS in ex vivo porcine eyes. The robotic system increased the accuracy and stability of manipulation by eliminating freehand tremor, leading to a higher surgical success rate.

The Development of Robotic Technology in Cardiac and Vascular Interventions

Robotic technology has been used in cardiovascular medicine for over a decade, and over that period its use has been expanded to interventional cardiology and percutaneous coronary and peripheral vascular interventions. The safety and feasibility of robotically assisted interventions has been demonstrated in multiple studies ranging from simple to complex coronary lesions, and in the treatment of iliofemoral and infrapopliteal disease. These studies have shown a reduction in operator exposure to harmful ionizing radiation, and the use of robotics has the intuitive benefit of alleviating the occupational hazard of operator orthopedic injuries. In addition to the interventional operator benefits, robotically assisted intervention has the potential to also be beneficial for patients by allowing more accurate lesion length measurement, stent placement, and patient radiation exposure; however, more investigation is required to elucidate these benefits fully.

Investing in New Technology in Pulmonary Medicine: Navigating the Tortuous Path to Success

The introduction of new technologies offers the promise to advance medicine. This occurs alongside improved efforts to control costs of health care by hospital administrators, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) pivot to value programs, and commercial payers' efforts to reduce reimbursement. These trends present a challenge for the pulmonologist, among others, who must navigate increasingly complex and highly scrutinized evaluation processes used to secure new technology (NT). Health-care providers are turning toward value assessments while simultaneously tasked with the mission of offering state of the art technologies and services. Pulmonologists desiring NT are thus faced with increased scrutiny in their evaluation of costs and clinical data to support investments. Consideration of this scrutiny and further evidence to temper the evaluation will improve the likelihood of adoption and patient access to clinically impactful technology. The identification of this evidence may provide a comprehensive view of the clinical and economic benefits of such technologies to both administrators and pulmonary clinicians. It is imperative that all parties involved in the decision process work collaboratively to deploy value added and clinically impactful technologies. Although a physician group might invest in such NT, the capital required often leads such decisions to a larger organization such as a hospital, health-care system, or privately owned entity. This article aims to provide a framework for pulmonary clinicians to better understand the processes that purchasers use to evaluate NT, the pressures that influence their consideration, and what resources may be leveraged toward success.

Cooperative robot assistant for vitreoretinal microsurgery: development of the RVRMS and feasibility studies in an animal model

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to describe the development of a robotic aided surgical system named RVRMS (robotic vitreous retinal microsurgery system) and to evaluate the capability for using it to perform vitreoretinal surgery.

METHODS

The RVRMS was designed and built to include the key components of two independent arms. End-effectors of each arm fix various surgical instruments and perform intraocular manipulation. To evaluate properly the RVRMS, robot-assisted 23-gauge surgical tasks including endolaser for retinal photocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), retinal foreign body removal and retinal vascular cannulation were performed in two different sizes of an animal model. Endolaser was performed in the eye of a living Irish rabbit and the other tasks were done in a harvested porcine eye. For each evaluation, the duration and the successful completion of the task was assessed.

RESULTS

Robot-assisted vitreoretinal operations were successfully performed in nine rabbit eyes and 25 porcine eyes without any iatrogenic complication such as retinal tear or retinal detachment. In the task of using an endolaser, three rows of burns around the induced retinal hole were performed in nine rabbit eyes with half size intervals of laser spots. Nine procine eyes underwent PPV followed by successful posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) induction assisted with triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Nine porcine eyes completed removal of a fine stainless steel wire, which was inserted into prepared retinal tissue. Finally, retinal vascular cannulation with a piece of stainless steel wire (6mm length, 45 μm pipe diameter and one end cut to ∼30° slope) was successfully achieved in seven porcine eyes. The average duration of each procedure was 10.91±1.22 min, 11.68±2.11min, 5.90±0.46 min and 13.5±6.2 min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Maneuverability, accuracy and stability of robot-assisted vitreoretinal microsurgery using the RVRMS were demonstrated in this study. Wider application research of robotic surgery and improvement of a robotic system should be continued.

Robotic thyroid surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma: lessons learned from 100 consecutive surgeries

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic thyroidectomy using the da Vinci surgical system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2008 and April 2011, the data revealed an initial series of 100 consecutive patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy with the da Vinci-S surgical system using the bilateral axillo-breast approach for thyroid cancer. Prospectively collected data were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 88 cases of total thyroidectomy, 11 cases of lobectomy, and 1 case of total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection. There was no conversion. The mean total operation time was 287.15±45.19 minutes for total thyroidectomy and 236.27±48.98 minutes for lobectomy. Nineteen patients experienced transient hypocalcemia and 3 patients experienced transient vocal fold palsy. All of the patients recovered within 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic thyroid surgery for patients with thyroid malignancy is safe and results in fewer postoperative complications than open thyroid surgery.

Evaluating tactile feedback in robotic surgery for potential clinical application using an animal model

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) grasping forces with the application of a tactile feedback system in vivo and (2) the incidence of tissue damage incurred during robotic tissue manipulation. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of surgical specialties, particularly radical prostatectomy. This innovative surgical tool offers advantages over traditional laparoscopic techniques, such as improved wrist-like maneuverability, stereoscopic video displays, and scaling of surgical gestures to increase precision. A widely cited disadvantage associated with robotic systems is the absence of tactile feedback.

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

Nineteen subjects were categorized into two groups: 5 experts (six or more robotic cases) and 14 novices (five cases or less). The subjects used the da Vinci with integrated tactile feedback to run porcine bowel in the following conditions: (T1: deactivated tactile feedback; T2: activated tactile feedback; and T3: deactivated tactile feedback). The grasping force, incidence of tissue damage, and the correlation of grasping force and tissue damage were analyzed. Tissue damage was evaluated both grossly and histologically by a pathologist blinded to the sample.

RESULTS

Tactile feedback resulted in significantly decreased grasping forces for both experts and novices (P < 0.001 in both conditions). The overall incidence of tissue damage was significantly decreased in all subjects (P < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between grasping forces and incidence of tissue damage (P = 0.008). The decreased forces and tissue damage were retained through the third trial when the system was deactivated (P > 0.05 in all subjects).

CONCLUSION

The in vivo application of integrated tactile feedback in the robotic system demonstrates significantly reduced grasping forces, resulting in significantly less tissue damage. This tactile feedback system may improve surgical outcomes and broaden the use of robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery.

State of the art in robotic hepatobiliary surgery

Hepatobiliary (HB) surgery is a challenging surgical subspecialty that requires highly specialized training and an adequate level of experience in order to be performed safely. As a result, minimally invasive HB surgery has been met with slower acceptance as compared to other subspecialties, with many surgeons in the field still reluctant to adopt the approach. Recently development of the robotic platform has provided a tool that can overcome many of the limitations of conventional laparoscopic HB surgery. Augmented dexterity enabled by the endowristed movements, software filtration of the surgeon's movements, and high-definition three-dimensional vision provided by the stereoscopic camera combine to allow steady and careful dissection of the liver hilum structures, as well as prompt and precise endosuturing in cases of intraoperative bleeding. These advantages have fostered many centers to widen the indications for minimally invasive HB and gastric surgery, with encouraging initial results. As one of the surgical groups that has performed the largest number of robot-assisted procedures worldwide, we provide a review of the state of the art in minimally invasive robot-assisted HB surgery.

Does the cost of robotic cholecystectomy translate to a financial burden?

INTRODUCTION

Robotic application to cholecystectomy has dramatically increased, though its impact on cost of care and reimbursement has not been elucidated. We undertook this study to evaluate and compare cost of care and reimbursement with robotic versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The charges and reimbursement of all robotic and laparoscopic cholecystectomies at one hospital undertaken from June 2012 to June 2013 were determined. Operative duration is defined as time into and time out of the operating room. Data are presented as median data. Comparisons were undertaken using the Mann-Whitney U-test with significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Robotic cholecystectomy took longer (47 min longer) and had greater charges ($8,182.57 greater) than laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p < 0.05 for each). However, revenue, earnings before depreciation, interest, and taxes (EBDIT), and Net Income were not impacted by approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, robotic cholecystectomy takes longer and has greater charges. Revenue, EBDIT, and Net Income are similar after either approach; this indicates that costs with either approach are similar. Notably, this is possible because much of hospital-based costs are determined by cost allocation and not cost accounting. Thus, the cost of longer operations and costs inherent to the robotic approach for cholecystectomy do not translate to a perceived financial burden.

Novel application of simultaneous multi-image display during complex robotic abdominal procedures

Background

The surgical robot offers the potential to integrate multiple views into the surgical console screen, and for the assistant’s monitors to provide real-time views of both fields of operation. This function has the potential to increase patient safety and surgical efficiency during an operation. Herein, we present a novel application of the multi-image display system for simultaneous visualization of endoscopic views during various complex robotic gastrointestinal operations.

All operations were performed using the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) with the assistance of Tilepro, multi-input display software, during employment of the intraoperative scopes. Three robotic operations, left hepatectomy with intraoperative common bile duct exploration, low anterior resection, and radical distal subtotal gastrectomy with intracorporeal gastrojejunostomy, were performed by three different surgeons at a tertiary academic medical center.

Results

The three complex robotic abdominal operations were successfully completed without difficulty or intraoperative complications. The use of the Tilepro to simultaneously visualize the images from the colonoscope, gastroscope, and choledochoscope made it possible to perform additional intraoperative endoscopic procedures without extra monitors or interference with the operations.

Conclusion

We present a novel use of the multi-input display program on the da Vinci Surgical System to facilitate the performance of intraoperative endoscopies during complex robotic operations. Our study offers another potentially beneficial application of the robotic surgery platform toward integration and simplification of combining additional procedures with complex minimally invasive operations.

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery: An overview of the literature and experiences of a single center

Pancreatic surgery was reported as early as 1898. Since then significant developments have been made in the field of pancreatic resections. In addition, advances in laparoscopic surgery in general have seen the description of this approach in pancreatic surgery with increasing frequency. Although there are no randomized controlled trials, several large series and comparative studies have reported on the short and long term outcome of laparoscopic pancreatic surgery. Furthermore, in the last decade published systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported on cost effectiveness and outcomes of these procedures.

A five-year survivor without recurrence following robotic anterior radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for a well-selected left-sided pancreatic cancer

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) is regarded as a reasonable approach for margin-negative and systemic lymph node clearance in left-sided pancreatic cancer. We present a patient with more than 5 years disease-free survival after robotic anterior RAMPS for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the body of the pancreas. The distal part of pancreas, soft tissue around the celiac trunk, and the origin of splenic vessels was dissected with the underlying fascia between the pancreas and adrenal gland. Resected specimen was removed through small vertical abdominal incision. Robot working time was about 8 hours, and blood loss was about 700 mL without blood transfusion. He returned to an oral diet on the postoperative first day and recovered without any clinically relevant complications. There was no lymph node metastasis, perineural or lymphovascular invasion. Both the pancreatic resection margin and the tangential posterior margin were free of carcinoma. The patient received only postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy around the tumor bed. The patient has survived for more than 5 years without evidence of cancer recurrence. Minimally invasive radical left-sided pancreatectomy with splenectomy may be oncologically feasible in well-selected pancreatic cancer.

Robotic versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a meta-analysis

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge was performed. Systematic review was carried out to identify studies comparing robotic gastrectomy and open gastrectomy in gastric cancer. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were also analyzed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the surgery. A fixed effects model or a random effects model was utilized according to the heterogeneity.

Results

Four studies involving 5780 patients with 520 (9.00%) cases of robotic gastrectomy and 5260 (91.00%) cases of open gastrectomy were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to open gastrectomy, robotic gastrectomy has a significantly longer operation time (weighted mean differences (WMD) =92.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 55.63 to 129.12, P<0.00001), lower blood loss (WMD: -126.08, 95% CI: -189.02 to -63.13, P<0.0001), and shorter hospital stay (WMD = -2.87; 95% CI: -4.17 to -1.56; P<0.0001). No statistical difference was noted based on the rate of overall postoperative complication, wound infection, bleeding, number of harvested lymph nodes, anastomotic leakage and postoperative mortality rate.

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that robotic gastrectomy is a better alternative technique to open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. However, more prospective, well-designed, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are necessary to further evaluate the safety and efficacy as well as the long-term outcome.

Robotic abdominal surgery: a Brazilian initial experience

BACKGROUND

Robotic brought to laparoscopy the enrichment of movements, the easy to perform maneuvers and procedures, visualization in three dimensions, and ergonomics for the surgeon.

AIM

To describe Brazilian experience with robotically-assisted abdominal surgery.

METHODS

From July 2008 to April 2010, patients were admitted for abdominal surgery and agreed to being operated with the help of the robot by a trained medical staff. All patients were operated by the same surgical robotic approach. Time required for complete surgery, and console time, were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were operated, most for hernial hiatal correction or bariatric surgery. All patients, except one, were discharged in the day after surgery. The only complication was a fistula due to a videolaparoscopic clamping procedure during bariatric surgery. There was no hemorrhage. No re-operation was necessary, neither conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. Mean surgery time for the whole sample was 249.7 minutes (4.1 hours) and console time was 153.4 minutes (2.5 hours). Patients' blood lost was minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically assisted abdominal surgery is safe for the patients, with reduced bleeding and acceptable surgical time, and also ergonomic for the surgeons.

[Robotic hepatobiliary and gastric surgery]

Hepatobiliary surgery is a challenging surgical subspecialty that requires highly specialized training and an adequate level of experience in order to be performed safely. As a result, minimally invasive hepatobiliary surgery has been met with slower acceptance as compared to other subspecialties, with many surgeons in the field still reluctant about the approach. On the other hand, gastric surgery is a very popular field of surgery with an extensive amount of literature especially regarding open and laparoscopic surgery but not much about the robotic approach especially for oncological disease. Recent development of the robotic platform has provided a tool able to overcome many of the limitations of conventional laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery. Augmented dexterity enabled by the endowristed movements, software filtration of the surgeon's movements, and high-definition three-dimensional vision provided by the stereoscopic camera, allow for steady and careful dissection of the liver hilum structures, as well as prompt and precise endosuturing in cases of intraoperative bleeding. These advantages have fostered many centers to widen the indications for minimally invasive hepatobiliary and gastric surgery, with encouraging initial results. As one of the surgical groups that has performed the largest number of robot-assisted procedures worldwide, we provide a review of the state of the art in minimally invasive robot-assisted hepatobiliary and gastric surgery.The English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink (under supplemental).

Robotic assistance may reduce conversion to open in rectal carcinoma laparoscopic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that robotic assistance (RARS) could provide better intraoperative and short-term outcomes than a traditional laparoscopic approach (LARS) to rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature, including electronic searches and communications to international robotic meetings.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

studies involving rectal cancer patients and comparing outcomes of robotic surgery vs laparoscopic surgery. Primary end-points: conversion and postoperative short-term complications. Meta-analysis performed using Review Manager 5.0 software.

RESULTS

Five case-control studies involving 486 patients (203 RARS-283 LARS) were finally included. Conversion to open rate (RR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.12,0.78) was lower for RARS. No differences were found in oncological outcomes, hospital stay or anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis of available non-randomized studies suggests that conversion to open rate may be reduced when using RARS instead of LARS for rectal cancer.

Robotic versus laparoscopic resection of large adrenal tumors

BACKGROUND

Although recent studies have shown the feasibility and safety of robotic adrenalectomy, an advantage over the laparoscopic approach has not been demonstrated. Our hypothesis was that the use of the robot would facilitate minimally invasive resection of large adrenal tumors.

METHODS

Adrenal tumors≥5 cm resected robotically were compared with those removed laparoscopically from a prospective institutional review board-approved adrenal database. Clinical and perioperative parameters were analyzed using t and chi-square tests. All data are expressed as mean±standard error of mean.

RESULTS

There were 24 patients with 25 tumors in the robotic group and 38 patients with 38 tumors in the laparoscopic group. Tumor size was similar in both groups (6.5±0.4 [robotic] vs 6.2±0.3 cm [laparoscopic], P=.661). Operative time was shorter for the robotic versus laparoscopic group (159.4±13.4 vs 187.2±8.3 min, respectively, P=.043), while estimated blood loss was similar (P=.147). The conversion to open rate was less in the robotic (4%) versus the laparoscopic (11%) group; P=.043. Hospital stay was shorter for the robotic group (1.4±0.2 vs 1.9±0.1 days, respectively, P=.009). The 30-day morbidity was 0 in robotic and 2.7% in laparoscopic group. Pathology was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the use of the robot could shorten operative time and decrease the rate of conversion to open for adrenal tumors larger than 5 cm. Based on our favorable experience, robotic adrenalectomy has become our preferred minimally invasive surgical approach for removing large adrenal tumors.

Robot-assisted surgery for gastric cancer: experience at our institute

OBJECTIVE

The robot-assisted surgical system was developed for minimally invasive surgery and is thought to have the potential to overcome the shortcomings of laparoscopic surgery. We introduced this system for the treatment of gastric cancer in 2008. Here we report our initial experiences of robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci system.

METHODS

A retrospective review of robot-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients was performed in our institute. The clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Whereas the procedures of the gastrectomy were similar to those of the usual laparoscopic surgery, several aspects such as the port placement and the role of the assistant were modified from those for conventional laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

From January 2008 to December 2010, 61 patients with gastric cancer underwent robot-assisted surgery. Gastrectomy was distal in 46 patients, total in 14, proximal in 1 and no operation was converted to the open procedure. D2 lymph node dissection was performed on 28 patients in the distal gastrectomy group and on 11 in the total gastrectomy group. Complications occurred in 2 cases (4%): these consisted of ruptured sutures and hemorrhage from the anastomotic site.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that robot-assisted gastrectomy using the da Vinci system can be applied safely and effectively for patients with gastric cancer.

From Conception to Application of a Tele-Operated Assistance Robot for Middle Ear Surgery

The authors’ goal was to design and evaluate a robot dedicated to middle ear surgery. Specifications for dimensions, forces, and kinematics were collected, based on the otosclerosis procedure. The robot structure has a compact geometry with 3 linear and 3 rotatory motors. It is remotely piloted via a robot–surgeon interface under operative microscope. Ability to reach anatomical targets, to perform stapedectomy, and to place prosthesis in a model of stapedotomy was evaluated by 6 surgeons. Multiple anatomical targets in the middle ear could be successfully reached without damaging surrounding structures. The robot could be used under operative microscope with minimal visual field impairment or jointly with a 4-mm endoscope through the external auditory canal to perform stapedectomy in temporal bone specimens. Prosthesis could be inserted in the stapedotomy model. The assistance robot is the first prototype with 6 degrees of freedom, a kinematic structure, and dimensions optimized for tele-operated middle ear surgery.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy in China: initial experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND

The development of minimally invasive surgery has led to an increase in the use of laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, laparoscopic hepatectomy remains technically challenging and is not widely developed. Robotic surgery represents a recent evolution in minimally invasive surgery that is being used increasingly for complex minimally invasive surgical procedures. Herein, we report our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy in 13 consecutive patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April and July 2009, 13 consecutive patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomies for benign and malignant hepatic diseases. Major hepatectomies were performed in 9 patients, left lateral sectionectomies in 4 patients. Eight major hepatectomies were for malignant diseases and 5 hepatectomies (1 left hepatectomy and 4 left lateral sectionectomies) were for benign diseases. All the robotic-assisted hepatectomy procedures were performed anatomically with hilum dissection. Prior to starting the parenchymal transaction, vascular control of the portal vessels was carried out whenever possible. These robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomies were compared with 20 traditional laparoscopic hepatectomies and 32 open resections that were contemporaneous and cohort-matched.

RESULTS

All 13 robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomies were performed successfully in the manner of pure laparoscopic resection. No conversion to laparotomy or hand-assisted laparoscopic resection occurred. Despite its longer operative time (338 minutes) and higher hospital cost ($12,046), robotic liver surgery compared favorably with traditional laparoscopic hepatectomy and open resection in blood loss (280 vs. 350, 470 mL), transfusion requirement (0 vs. 3 of 20, 4 of 32), use of the Pringle maneuver (0 vs. 3 of 20, 6 of 32) and overall operative complications (7.8% vs. 10%,12.5%). Neither ascites nor transient hepatic decompensation occurred in the robotic group. The surgical margins in all 8 patients with malignant lesions were negative and as yet, no intrahepatic recurrences or metastases have been observed in the robotic group. The mean postoperative stay was shorter with the traditional laparoscopic procedure (5.2 days) than with robotic (6.7 days)or open surgery (9.6 days). Conversions from traditional laparoscopic to open and hand-assisted laparoscopic resection occurred in 2 patients (10.0%) who underwent right hemihepatectomy and left hepatectomy, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary results show that robotic-assisted laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy is safe and feasible with a much lower complication and conversion rate than traditional laparoscopic hepatectomy or open resection. The robotic surgical system may broaden the indications for laparoscopic hepatactomy, and it enabled the surgeon to perform precise laparoscopic liver resection which required hylum dissection, hepatocaval dissection, endoscopic suturing, and microanastamosis. However, more long-term, evidence-based outcomes will be necessary to prove its efficacy, and further research on its cost-effectiveness is still required.

Robotic versus laparoscopic resection of liver tumours

BACKGROUND

There are scant data in the literature regarding the role of robotic liver surgery. The aim of the present study was to develop techniques for robotic liver tumour resection and to draw a comparison with laparoscopic resection.

METHODS

Over a 1-year period, nine patients underwent robotic resection of peripherally located malignant lesions measuring <5 cm. These patients were compared prospectively with 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of similar tumours at the same institution. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test, χ(2) -test and Kaplan-Meier survival. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM.

RESULTS

The groups were similar with regards to age, gender and tumour type (P= NS). Tumour size was similar in both groups (robotic -3.2 ± 1.3 cm vs. laparoscopic -2.9 ± 1.3 cm, P= 0.6). Skin-to-skin operative time was 259 ± 28 min in the robotic vs. 234 ± 17 min in the laparoscopic group (P= 0.4). There was no difference between the two groups regarding estimated blood loss (EBL) and resection margin status. Conversion to an open operation was only necessary in one patient in the robotic group. Complications were observed in one patient in the robotic and four patients in the laparoscopic groups. The patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months and disease-free survival (DFS) was equivalent in both groups (P= 0.6).

CONCLUSION

The results of this initial study suggest that, for selected liver lesions, a robotic approach provides similar peri-operative outcomes compared with laparoscopic liver resection (LLR).

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for recurrent diverticulitis: experience in consecutive cases and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has recently gained enthusiasm for application in colorectal surgery. We present the safety and feasibility of using the da Vinci® robotic system for the surgical treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis.

METHODS

Between August 2008 and November 2009, robotic-assisted laparoscopic anterior rectosigmoid resection (RALS-AR) for diverticulitis was performed in 24 consecutive patients. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

RALS-AR was performed in 14 male (58.3%) and 10 female (41.7%) patients with a diagnosis of recurrent diverticulitis. The mean patient age and BMI were 49.8 ± 9.3 years (range = 30-62 years) and 29.9 ± 6.3 kg/m(2) (range = 15.9-46.9 kg/m(2)), respectively. Disease stratification identified 15 cases of uncomplicated (62.5%) and 9 cases of complicated (37.5%) disease. The procedures required 14.1 ± 6.7 min (range = 6-30 min) for robotic docking, 100.5 ± 31.0 min (range = 50-180 min) for surgeon console time, and 224.2 ± 47.1 min (range = 150-330 min) for the total operative time. Robotic docking and surgeon console time represented 51.9% of the total operative time. A primary colorectal anastomosis was fashioned with avoidance of colostomy in all patients. There were no significant intraoperative complications, and none of the procedures required conversion to open, hand-assisted, or conventional laparoscopic technique. The length of hospital stay was 3.4 ± 2.6 days (range = 2-14 days), and the postoperative complication rate was 12.5% (n = 3). There were no anastomotic leaks, secondary surgical interventions, or hospital readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique is a safe and feasible option for the surgical treatment of diverticulitis. The approach may be offered to patients with uncomplicated or complicated disease, and it results in a short hospital stay and low complication rate.

Robot-assisted endoscopic surgery for thyroid cancer: experience with the first 100 patients

BACKGROUND

Various robotic surgical procedures have been performed in recent years, and most reports have proved that the application of robotic technology for surgery is technically feasible and safe. This study aimed to introduce the authors' technique of robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery and to demonstrate its applicability in the surgical management of thyroid cancer.

METHODS

From 4 October 2007 through 14 March 2008, 100 patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach. This novel robotic surgical approach allowed adequate endoscopic access for thyroid surgeries. All the procedures were completed successfully using the da Vinci S surgical robot system. Four robotic arms were used with this system: a 12-mm telescope and three 8-mm instruments. The three-dimensional magnified visualization obtained by the dual-channel endoscope and the tremor-free instruments controlled by the robotic systems allowed surgeons to perform sharp and precise endoscopic dissections.

RESULTS

Ipsilateral central compartment node dissection was used for 84 less-than-total and 16 total thyroidectomies. The mean operation time was 136.5 min (range, 79-267 min). The actual time for thyroidectomy with lymphadenectomy (console time) was 60 min (range, 25-157 min). The average number of lymph nodes resected was 5.3 (range, 1-28). No serious complications occurred. Most of the patients could return home within 3 days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of robot-assisted endoscopic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach is a feasible, safe, and effective method for selected patients with thyroid cancer. The authors suggest that application of robotic technology for endoscopic thyroid surgeries could overcome the limitations of conventional endoscopic surgeries in the surgical management of thyroid cancer.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: outcome and cost analyses of a case-matched control study

OBJECTIVE

To compare safety and costs of robotic-assisted and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis.

BACKGROUND

Technical benefits of robotic-assisted surgery are well documented. However, pressure is currently applied to decrease costs, leading to restriction of development, and implementation of new technologies. So far, no convincing data are available comparing outcome or costs between computer assisted and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A prospective case-matched study was conducted on 50 consecutive patients, who underwent robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (Da Vinci Robot, Intuitive Surgical) between December 2004 and February 2006. These patients were matched 1:1 to 50 patients with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, according to age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, histology, and surgical experience. Endpoints were complications after surgery (mean follow-up of 12.3 months [SD 1.2]), conversion rates, operative time, and hospital costs (ClinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT00562900).

RESULTS

No minor, but 1 major complication occurred in each group (2%). No conversion to open surgery was needed in either group. Operation time (skin-to-skin, 55 minutes vs. 50 minutes, P < 0.85) and hospital stay (2.6 days vs. 2.8 days) were similar. Overall hospital costs were significantly higher for robotic-assisted cholecystectomy $7985.4 (SD 1760.9) versus $6255.3 (SD 1956.4), P < 0.001, with a raw difference of $1730.1(95% CI 991.4-2468.7) and a difference adjusted for confounders of $1606.4 (95% CI 1076.7-2136.2). This difference was mainly related to the amortization and consumables of the robotic system.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy is safe and, therefore, a valuable approach. Costs of robots, however, are high and do not justify the use of this technology considering the lack of benefits for patients. A reduction of acquisition and maintenance costs for the robotic system is a prerequisite for large-scale adoption and implementation.

A case of robot-assisted excision of choledochal cyst, hepaticojejunostomy, and extracorporeal Roux-en-y anastomosis using the da Vinci surgical system

Choledochal cyst is a rare disease in the Western world, but a high incidence is noted in Asia. Complete cyst excision with Roux-en-y hepaticoenterostomy is the treatment of choice for choledochal cyst, which has been attempted laparoscopically with the advancement of laparoscopic experience. Recently, a telemanipulative robotic surgical system was introduced, providing instruments with wrist-type end-effectors and 3-dimensional visualization of the operative field. Herein, we present a case of robot-assisted correction of a choledochal cyst.

3-D ultrasound guidance of surgical robotics: a feasibility study

Laparoscopic ultrasound has seen increased use as a surgical aide in general, gynecological, and urological procedures. The application of real-time, three-dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound to these laparoscopic procedures may increase information available to the surgeon and serve as an additional intraoperative guidance tool. The integration of RT3D with recent advances in robotic surgery also can increase automation and ease of use. In this study, a 1-cm diameter probe for RT3D has been used laparoscopically for in vivo imaging of a canine. The probe, which operates at 5 MHz, was used to image the spleen, liver, and gall bladder as well as to guide surgical instruments. Furthermore, the three-dimensional (3-D) measurement system of the volumetric scanner used with this probe was tested as a guidance mechanism for a robotic linear motion system in order to simulate the feasibility of RT3D/robotic surgery integration. Using images acquired with the 3-D laparoscopic ultrasound device, coordinates were acquired by the scanner and used to direct a robotically controlled needle toward desired in vitro targets as well as targets in a post-mortem canine. The rms error for these measurements was 1.34 mm using optical alignment and 0.76 mm using ultrasound alignment.

Telemedicine and Electronic Health Information for Clinical Continuity in a Mobile Surgery Program

INTRODUCTION

An intermittent surgical services program in rural Ecuador was able to benefit from close collaboration between surgeons and primary care physicians through the use of telemedicine technologies.

METHODS

Inexpensive telemedicine workstations capable of patient documentation, imaging, and video-conferencing at extremely low bandwidth were established in collaborative primary care sites in rural Ecuador. Patients were screened for intermittent surgical services by primary caregivers according to the surgeons' guidelines. Real-time and store-and-forward telemedicine allowed appropriate collaborative, informed decision-making. Surgery was performed, and postoperative care was similarly handled by on-site, familiar primary caregivers.

RESULTS

To date, this system has been used in more than 124 patient encounters (74 preoperative and 50 postoperative visits). The system allowed advance screening of patients on the part of the surgeons, leading to cancellations for 9 patients. Postoperatively, the system allowed 100% concurrence in postoperative diagnoses between the primary caregivers and the surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

Inexpensive, low-bandwidth telemedicine solutions can support intermittent surgical services by providing patients to have contact with specialist care through their familiar, local primary caregivers.

Robots en cirugía general: presente y futuro

Robotic surgery is an emerging technology. We began to use this technique in 2000, after it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Our preliminary experience was satisfactory. We report 4 years' experience of using this technique in our institution. Between August 2000 and December 2004, 399 patients underwent robotic surgery using the Da Vinci system. We performed 110 gastric bypass procedures, 30 Lap band, 59 Heller myotomies, 12 Nissen fundoplications, 6 epiphrenic diverticula, 18 total esophagectomies, 3 esophageal leiomyoma resections, 1 pyloroplasty, 2 gastrojejunostomies, 2 transduodenal sphincteroplasties, 10 adrenalectomies and 145 living-related donor nephrectomies. Operating times for fundoplications and Lap band were longer. After the learning curve, the operating times and morbidity of the remaining procedures were considerably reduced. Robot-assisted surgery allows advanced laparoscopic procedures to be performed with enhanced results given that it reduces the learning curve as measured by operating time and morbidity.

Microsurgical robotic system for the deep surgical field: development of a prototype and feasibility studies in animal and cadaveric models

Object. To enhance the surgeon's dexterity and maneuverability in the deep surgical field, the authors developed a master—slave microsurgical robotic system. This concept and the results of preliminary experiments are reported in this paper.

Methods. The system has a master control unit, which conveys motion commands in six degrees of freedom (X, Y, and Z directions; rotation; tip flexion; and grasping) to two arms. The slave manipulator has a hanging base with an additional six degrees of freedom; it holds a motorized operating unit with two manipulators (5 mm in diameter, 18 cm in length). The accuracy of the prototype in both shallow and deep surgical fields was compared with routine freehand microsurgery. Closure of a partial arteriotomy and complete end-to-end anastomosis of the carotid artery (CA) in the deep operative field were performed in 20 Wistar rats. Three routine surgical procedures were also performed in cadavers.

The accuracy of pointing with the nondominant hand in the deep surgical field was significantly improved through the use of robotics. The authors successfully closed the partial arteriotomy and completely anastomosed the rat CAs in the deep surgical field. The time needed for stitching was significantly shortened over the course of the first 10 rat experiments. The robotic instruments also moved satisfactorily in cadavers, but the manipulators still need to be smaller to fit into the narrow intracranial space.

Conclusions. Computer-controlled surgical manipulation will be an important tool for neurosurgery, and preliminary experiments involving this robotic system demonstrate its promising maneuverability.

Laparoscopic splenectomy with the da Vinci robot

BACKGROUND

We report our first series of minimally invasive splenectomies with a robotic surgical system.

METHODS

From August 2001 to October 2003, laparoscopic splenectomies with the da Vinci operating robot were performed in 7 patients (five females and two males, ages 20 to 74 years).

RESULTS

Indications for splenectomy were hematologic disorders in four patients and hypersplenism in three patients. Median dimensions of the resected spleens were 140 +/- 34 mm x 80 +/- 11 mm x 50 +/- 17 mm and median weight was 307 +/- 193 g. Median total operative time was 147 +/- 58 minutes including 107 +/- 49 minutes for the robotic act. There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions to open surgery. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days.

CONCLUSION

This first series suggests that robotic splenectomy with the da Vinci surgical system is technically feasible and safe. It provides an alternative to the conventional laparoscopic procedure. Nevertheless, justification for this new technique will require a larger prospective series and longer follow-up.

A Critical Comparison of Robotic Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Splenectomies

The benefit of robotic systems for general surgery is a matter of debate. We compare our initial series of robotic splenectomies with our first series of conventional laparoscopic ones. A retrospective analysis of the first six robotic versus the first six conventional laparoscopic splenectomies is presented. Patients were matched with regard to age, body-mass index, ASA score, and preoperative platelet levels. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Size and weight of the resected specimens were comparable in both groups. Median overall operating time was 154 (range, 115-292) min for the robotic and 127 (range, 95-174) min for the laparoscopic group. No complications occurred. There were no open conversions. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (robotic group) and 6 (laparoscopic group) days. Median average costs were 6927 dollars for the robotic procedure versus $4084 for the conventional laparoscopic procedure (p < 0.05). Minimally invasive splenectomies are feasible using either conventional laparoscopic techniques or the da Vinci robotic system. In this analysis, procedures performed with the da Vinci robotic system resulted in prolonged overall operative time and significantly higher procedural costs. The use of a robotic system for laparoscopic splenectomy offers, at this stage, no relevant benefit and thus is not justified.

Robot-assisted pediatric surgery

Computer-enhanced robotic surgical systems have been increasingly used to facilitate complex minimal access surgical procedures. In adult patients, such systems have been used to perform a wide variety of operations including coronary artery bypass grafting, mitral valve repair, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, colon resection, nephrectomy, and radical prostatectomy. In the field of pediatric surgery, the experience with robotic surgical systems has been more limited. However, with improvements in robotic technology, interest and experience with robotic pediatric surgery have grown rapidly. The purpose of this article is to review the current experimental and clinical literature regarding the use of robotic surgical systems in the pediatric patient population.

Advantages and limits of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery: preliminary experience

BACKGROUND

In the last few years, robotics has been applied in clinical practice for a variety of laparoscopic procedures. This study reports our preliminary experience using robotics in the field of general surgery to evaluate the advantages and limitations of robot-assisted laparoscopy.

METHODS

Thirty-two consecutive patients were scheduled to undergo robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in our units from March 2002 to July 2003. The indications were cholecystectomy, 20 patients; right adrenalectomy, two points; bilateral varicocelectomy, two points; Heller's cardiomyotomy, two points; Nissen's fundoplication, two points; total splenectomy, one point; right colectomy, one point; left colectomy, 1 point; and bilateral inguinal hernia repair, one point. In all cases, we used the da Vinci surgical system, with the surgeon at the robotic work station and an assistant by the operating table.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine of 32 procedures (90.6%) were completed robotically, whereas three were converted to laparoscopic surgery. Conversion to laparoscopy was due in two patients to minor bleeding that could not be managed robotically and to robot malfunction in the third patient. There were no deaths. Median hospital stay was 2.2 days (range, 2-8).

CONCLUSIONS

The main advantages of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery are the availability of three-dimensional vision and easier instrument manipulation than can be obtain with standard laparoscopy. The learning curve to master the robot was >or= 10 robotic procedures. The main limitations are the large diameter of the instruments (8 mm) and the limited number of robotic arms (maximum, three). We consider these technical shortcomings to be the cause for our conversions, because it is difficult to manage bleeding episodes with only two operating instruments. The benefit to the patient must be evaluated carefully and proven before this technology can become widely accepted in general surgery.