Learning Curve for da Vinci Single-Port Robotic System Cholecystectomy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery is recognized as the gold standard for cholecystectomy, with various approaches having been implemented over time. Since 2018, the da Vinci Single-Port (DVSP) robotic system (Intuitive) has been used in experimental surgical contexts, revitalizing interest in single-site surgical techniques. The authors' aim is to describe the learning curve associated with single-port robotic cholecystectomy (SPRC). METHODS: A prospective series of 266 consecutive off-label SPRC performed by a single surgeon experienced in laparoscopy, single-site surgery, and multiport robotic surgery was analyzed. These procedures were conducted under an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and organized. Indications for SPRC included symptomatic cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, porcelain gallbladder, gallbladder polyps, choledocholithiasis, and gallstone pancreatitis. A learning curve was generated using the cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) to assess changes in overall operation time, docking time, pre-console time, and surgeon console time. RESULTS: Our analysis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in docking time and pre-console time ( P <0.001) in the 3 phases identified by the CUSUM analysis. The CUSUM analysis identified only 1 phase regarding the console time with a mean time of 20 (7 to 113) minutes. The average overall time was 59 (19 to 175) minutes. CUSUM analysis identified 3 phases for overall time, with reduction from 59 to 46 minutes ( P <0.001). The general characteristics of the groups identified for OT were homogeneous. Analysis of early surgical outcomes did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: SPRC is a safe and feasible procedure, the docking time, pre-console time, and overall time were improving over time, meanwhile the console time was stable throughout the case series demonstrating a significant ability transfer between other mininvasive approaches and DVSP Platform.