Single-incision robotic cholecystectomy is associated with a high rate of trocar-site infection.

Abstract

Single-incision robotic cholecystectomy has been developed to decrease post-operative pain and improve cosmetic results. Thirty-seven patients underwent single-site robotic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2015. Postoperative outcomes and costs were compared to reported outcomes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the configuration of suprapubic trocars. The median age was comparable between the two groups (46years in the robotic group vs. 47years in the laparoscopic group). The operative time was longer in the robotic group (132minutes) than in the laparoscopic group (53minutes). The average length of stay was 1day in the robotic group and 1.7days in the laparoscopic group. Costs were higher in the robotic group (2229.46 €) than in the laparoscopic group (1141 €). In the robotic group, the trocar-site infection rate was 13.5%. The robotic approach does not seem to offer additional benefit in terms of surgical outcomes.