Early outcomes of robotic single site cholecystectomy using the davinci xi® system

Abstract

Purpose: Robotic surgery has become an established alternative to conventional laparoscopy or single site laparoscopy by solving the problems of angulation, improving the ergonomics of single-incision technology, and overcoming the intrinsic limitations of single-incision laparoscopy. Although the robotic single site technology is non-wristed and, unlike other conventional robotic instruments, only provides rota-tion, the ergonomics are nevertheless excellent. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present our initial experience in robotic single site cholecystectomy (RSSC) by a surgeon. Through this, we suggest that RSSC could be a feasible and safe procedure for overcoming the shortcomings of single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). Methods: This study is a retrospective data review of 74 patients who underwent RSSC between April 2019 and August 2020 at our institution. The demographic, pre-, and postoperative data were retrospectively collected. Results: A total of 74 patients underwent RSSC. The mean age of patients was 44.7 ± 9.5 years, and their mean body mass index was 24 ± 3 kg/m2. Symptomatic gallbladder stone (56.8%) was the most common pre-op-erative diagnosis. Mean of total operation and docking times was 39.3 ± 12.5 (20 – 85) and 7.6 ± 3.1 (4 – 20) minutes, respectively. There was no conversion, addi-tional port insertion, bleeding, or intra-operative compli-cation; however, one patient had wound seroma. Conclusions: RSSC for uncomplicated gallbladder dis-ease may serve as an excellent alternative to SILC or conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of its low complication rates, good cosmesis, and ease of reproducibility without a substantial learning curve.