Robotic surgery in a routine procedure an evaluation of 40 robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomies

Background: Laparoscopic surgery offers distinct benefits to patients but places a burden on surgeons regarding manoeuvrability of instruments and visualization of the operating field. The introduction of robotic telemanipulation systems offers a solution to these problems in videoscopic surgery. Methods: In this study, the feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery was assessed by performing 40 laparoscopic cholecystectomies with the da Vinci™ robotic system. Time necessary for system set-up and operation was recorded, as well as complications, technical problems, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. Results: 39/40 procedures were completed laparoscopically with the da Vinci™ system. There were no intraoperative complications and only minor technical problems. Median hospitalization was 2 days. System set-up time decreased with increasing experience of the operating team. Operating time was at least comparable to times reported for standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the literature. There was neither postoperative mortality nor morbidity at the time of discharge and during short-term follow-up. Conclusions: Robot-assisted surgery was repeatedly proven as a safe and feasible approach to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.