Robotic general surgery experience: a gradual progress from simple to more complex procedures

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery was introduced at our institution in 2003, and we used a progressive approach advancing from simple to more complex procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review. RESULTS: Cases included totalled 129. Set-up and operative times have improved over time and with experience. Conversion rates to standard laparoscopic or open techniques were 4.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Intraoperative complications (6.2%), blood loss and hospital stay were directly proportional to complexity. There were no mortalities and the postoperative complication rate (13.2%) was within accepted norms. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that robot technology is presently most useful in cases tailored toward its advantages, i.e. those confined to a single space, those that require performance of complex tasks, and re-do procedures.