Feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy

To enhance the surgeon's dexterity in laparoscopic surgery, robotic telemanipulation systems have recently been introduced into the operating theatre. Feasibility of robot-assisted surgery was evaluated in this study during 20 laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The procedures were performed with the Da Vinci® robotic telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical). System set-up time, complications, technical problems and OR-time were recorded. The surgeon succeeded in completing the cholecystectomy laparoscopically in 19 out of 20 cases. Robot-related technical problems did occur in a low number of cases. This did not result in complications or harmful situations to the patient. OR time in robot-assisted cases exceeded the time needed for conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, mainly caused by time-loss during set-up.