Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy with the Dexter Robotic System: Initial Experience and Insights into On-demand Robotics

Abstract

We report the world’s first case series of ten robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedures performed with the Dexter robotic system (Distalmotion SA, Épalinges, Switzerland). The Dexter system is an open robotic platform that integrates into the existing operating room (OR) equipment. The optional sterile environment for the surgeon console provides flexibility for transition between a robot-assisted surgical procedure and a traditional laparoscopic setup, allowing surgeons to selectively use their preferred laparoscopic devices for specific surgical maneuvers on-demand. Ten patients underwent RARP ± lymph node dissection at Saintes Hospital (Saintes, France). Positioning and docking of the system were quickly mastered by the OR team. All procedures were successfully completed, without any intraprocedural complication, conversion to open surgery, or major technical failure. The median operative time was 230 min (interquartile range [IQR] 226–235), and the median length of stay was 3 d (IQR 3–4). This case series demonstrates the safety and feasibility of RARP with the Dexter system and provides the first insights into what an on-demand robotics platform could offer to hospitals willing to start or expand their robotic surgery program.