Robotic Cholecystectomy Research Articles

Robot assisted Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy- A Comparative study

Background- Robotic surgery has recently grown in acceptance and usefulness in general surgery, and it may offer superior results to laparoscopic surgery in some gastrointestinal operations. Objectives- To assess if the use of robot assistance during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is warranted when compared to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods- It was a retrospective record based study. All patients undergoing robotic or laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2019 and 2022 at a single academic medical center were captured using institutional data. A total of 110 robotic surgeries were done and 1200 Laparoscopic cholecystectomies was done during the study period. The bulk of cases were primarily handled by two acute care general surgeons, who also conducted robotic and laparoscopic cholecystectomies. The institutional Clinical Data Repository provided the financial information. The study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee. Age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and comorbid conditions of the patient were examined prior to surgery. SPSS was used for analysis. Results- A total of 1310 patients were identified who underwent robotic or laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2019 and 2022 among them Robotic-assisted approach was used in 9.1% (n = 110) of cases. There were no demographic differences in age, sex, race, and body mass index (BMI). Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and CHF disease were statistically significantly different between groups. Mean age (Robotic: 41 [29-56] vs. Laparoscopic: 43 [30-54] years, p = 0.11) and BMI (Robotic: 28.4 [26.6-32.4] vs. Laparoscopic: 29.2 [27.5-33.4]) were similar between groups. both operative duration was greater and hospital cost were greater in robotic-assisted cholecystectomy and it was statistically significant (p<0.05), but hospital duration of stay and 90-day related readmission rates were less in robotic-assisted cholecystectomy which was significant; 30-day readmission rates were similar between both groups. Conclusion- When compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, robotic cholecystectomy has longer operating times and higher hospital costs, but it is also related with shorter hospital stays and a lower readmission rate within 90 days after the index procedure. Before exploring robotic cholecystectomy, hospitals and surgeons must weigh the enhanced clinical outcomes against the time and money necessary.

Full robotic cholecystectomy: first worldwide experiences with HUGO RAS surgical platform.

The Hugo RAS™ system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), approved for gynaecological and urological procedures, has been recently certified for the use in few general surgeries. Only bariatric and colorectal procedures have been described so far. Here, we report the first worldwide experience with three cases of full-robotic cholecystectomies with the Hugo RAS™ system. A description of the operative room setup, of the docking angles and details of the procedures is reported. Docking time was 12, 10, and 6 min, respectively. The total operative time was 105 min in the first case, 100 min in the second and 88 in the third case. Intra- and post-operative courses were uneventful. With this pre-defined set up, the innovative conformation of Hugo RAS™ system can safely allow performing full robotic cholecystectomy avoiding the need for additional ports.

OGBN V03 Robotic choledochoduodenostomy for benign common bile duct stricture

Abstract Background A 54-year-old male patient was referred with benign distal common bile duct (CBD) stricture secondary to chronic pancreatitis. He had multiple admissions with recurrent cholangitis requiring numerous Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatographies (ERCPs) and stent exchanges including SpyGlass procedure which did not demonstrate evidence of malignancy. His quality of life was poor due to debilitating pain and recurrent hospital admissions so he was offered elective choldechoduodenostomy aiming to bypass the bile duct stricture, but also allowing continued endoscopic surveillance. Methods A robotic choledochoduodenostomy was performed using the DaVinciXi system, a 12mm Airseal and four 8mm robotic ports. The patient was supine with split legs(15degrees) in reverse Trendelenburg position with a slight left tilt. Initially, robotic cholecystectomy was carried out following which the CBD was dissected and its anterior wall delineated. The duodenum was kocherised to allow sufficient mobility for anastomosis. Subsequently, a longitudinal choledochotomy was performed and a metal stent was extracted. Then, an enterotomy was made perpendicularly to the choledochotomy. A choledochoduodenostomy was performed using continuous 4-0-V-Loc sutures for posterior wall and 4-0-PDS continuous sutures for anterior wall. Results The post-operative period was uncomplicated. The patient experienced minimal pain after procedure and was discharged home on post-operative day 2. He was reviewed in outpatient clinic 6 weeks after, and reported he had successfully discontinued all regular opiates and benzodiazepines previously used for pain control. Conclusions A robotic choledochoduodenostomy is an excellent alternative for the treatment of benign bile duct strictures in patients with recurrent cholangitis requiring repeated stent exchanges. Moreover, it has the advantage of continued endoscopic surveillance which is not possible with traditional hepatico-jejunostomy.

OGBN P11 Robotic Benign Upper GI Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Robotic surgery has gained popularity in General Surgical units for resectional procedures, however its use in ‘benign' operations is limited in the UK. We aim to review the current literature for common benign UGI operations. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, we completed a literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE including all evidence for Robotic Cholecystectomy (RC), Robotic Heller Cardiomyotomy (RH), Robotic Fundoplication (RF), Robotic Hiatus Hernia Repair (RHHR). Data was extracted and synthesised by independent reviewers. 103 studies were included. 55 for RC, 12 for RH, 20 for RF and 14 for RHHR. The majority of these studies were cohort and case-control studies (53%). There were only 9 RCTs. Results Due to significant heterogeneity in patient population, study design and outcome reporting, meta analyses were not appropriate. Trends observed for RC suggested that the robotic method can lead to improved post-operative pain and cosmesis, especially in single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC). However 2 cohort studies stated a small increased risk of CBD injury. Evidence for RH show shorter operative time and reduced risk of oesophageal perforation, with other outcomes equivalent. Studies for RF showed equivalence between laparoscopic and robotic methods. In more complex hiatus hernia repair or re-operative operations (RHHR), studies showed shorter operative time, reduced complication rate and equivalent recurrence. Conclusions This systematic review has highlighted the paucity of high quality evidence for robotic Upper GI procedures. Studies show at least equivalence between robotic and laparoscopy for less complex procedures, with some strong trends towards superiority for more complex procedures such as RH and RHHR.

OGBN V02 Robotic common bile duct clearance

Abstract Background A 44-yar old male patient presented with painful obstructive jaundice and bilirubin of 127 μmol/L. A Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) revealed dilated biliary tree as a result of obstructing stone in the proximal common bile duct (CBD). The patient underwent an Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy which demonstrated pus in the bile duct, but also a stone impacted in the common hepatic duct which could not be extracted endoscopically. Therefore, a 7Fr pigtail stent was inserted. Subsequently, he was discharged home and re-admitted for an elective robotic cholecystectomy and bile duct clearance 6 weeks later. Methods Robotic CBD clearance was performed using DaVinciXi system, a 12mm Airseal and four 8mm robotic ports. The patient was supine with split legs(15 degrees), in reverse Trendelenburg position and left tilt. The CBD was dissected out, the anterior duct wall was delineated and longitudinal choledochotomy was carried out. A large stone was extracted through the choledochotomy site followed by removal of stent. Subsequently, a cholangioscopy was performed using a single-use flexible ureteroscope and no further stone disease was identified proximally or distally. Following this, a bile duct closure was performed using 4-0 Polydioxanone interrupted sutures and SutureCut Needle Driver. Results There were no intra- or post-operative complications. The patient made an excellent recovery from robotic common bile duct clearance and was discharged home less than 24 hours post procedure. Conclusions This video presentation highlights the technical aspects of robotic common bile duct clearance and demonstrates that the robotic system allows for accurate dissection and precise suturing which could reduce the risk of bile duct stricture.

Kinematic metrics and surgeon experience in robotic cholecystectomies: a pilot study on breaking down technical performance.

Recent studies have correlated surgical skill measured by video-based assessment with improved clinical outcomes. Certain automated measures of operative performance in robotic surgery can be gathered beyond video review called objective performance indicators (OPIs). We explore the relationship between OPIs, surgeon experience, and postoperative recovery, hypothesizing that more efficient dissection will be associated with experience. Fifty-six robotic cholecystectomies between February 2022 and March 2023 were recorded at a large tertiary referral center. Surgeon experience and clinical outcomes data from the EMR were obtained for all 56 cases with 10 completing the QOL survey. Two steps of robotic cholecystectomies were reviewed: dissection of Calot's triangle (DCT) and dissection of the gallbladder from the liver (DGL). Postoperative recovery was measured using the SF-36 well-being survey. Univariate analysis was conducted using Pearson's coefficient. Increased operative experience was associated with more efficient camera and instrument movements. DCT had 7 and DGL had 31 of 41 OPIs that correlated with experience. With respect to DGL, more experienced surgeons had reduced step duration and instrument path length and increased camera and instrument speeds. Several OPIs correlate with surgical experience and may form the basis of more instructive feedback for trainees and less experienced surgeons in improving intraoperative technique.

A multifactorial evaluation of objective performance indicators and video analysis in the context of case complexity and clinical outcomes in robotic-assisted cholecystectomy.

The increased digitization in robotic surgical procedures today enables surgeons to quantify their movements through data captured directly from the robotic system. These calculations, called objective performance indicators (OPIs), offer unprecedented detail into surgical performance. In this study, we link case- and surgical step-specific OPIs to case complexity, surgical experience and console utilization, and post-operative clinical complications across 87 robotic cholecystectomy (RC) cases. Videos of RCs performed by a principal surgeon with and without fellows were segmented into eight surgical steps and linked to patients' clinical data. Data for OPI calculations were extracted from an Intuitive Data Recorder and the da Vinci ® robotic system. RC cases were each assigned a Nassar and Parkland Grading score and categorized as standard or complex. OPIs were compared across complexity groups, console attributions, and post-surgical complication severities to determine objective relationships across variables. Across cases, differences in camera control and head positioning metrics of the principal surgeon were observed when comparing standard and complex cases. Further, OPI differences across the principal surgeon and the fellow(s) were observed in standard cases and include differences in arm swapping, camera control, and clutching behaviors. Monopolar coagulation energy usage differences were also observed. Select surgical step duration differences were observed across complexities and console attributions, and additional surgical task analyses determine the adhesion removal and liver bed hemostasis steps to be the most impactful steps for case complexity and post-surgical complications, respectively. This is the first study to establish the association between OPIs, case complexities, and clinical complications in RC. We identified OPI differences in intra-operative behaviors and post-surgical complications dependent on surgeon expertise and case complexity, opening the door for more standardized assessments of teaching cases, surgical behaviors and case complexities.

S3408 Recurrent Choledocholithiasis Secondary to Migrated Surgical Clips in Patient With Near Complete Resection of Bile Duct Following a Robotic Cholecystectomy

S3408 Recurrent Choledocholithiasis Secondary to Migrated Surgical Clips in Patient With Near Complete Resection of Bile Duct Following a Robotic Cholecystectomy

The first experience of using the "Senhance" robotic surgical system during cholecystectomy

The aim of our study was to evaluate the differences in intra­operative and postoperative outcomes of cholecystectomy using the Senhance robotic platform and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A retrospective analysis of medical cases history of patients who underwent cholecystectomy from December 2021 to February 2022 was conducted. The treatment outcomes of patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis who underwent robotic cholecystectomy (RC) were compared with those who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Robotic cholecystectomy was performed using the Senhance robotic platform. The RC and LC groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index and compared for the duration of the operation and hospital stay. For normally distributed data, the mean and standard deviation, determined using the Shapiro-Wilk test (p-value>0.05), were applied. Median and interquartile range (IQR) were also used. Difference between cohorts - 95% confidence interval (95% Confidence Interval) were estimated for normally distributed data. Data analysis was performed using standard summary statistics on the Jamovi 2.2.5 platform. Data were processed using application program packages. All surgical procedures were performed by two surgeons from Odesa National Medical University. Robotic cholecystectomy was performed on 18 pa­tients and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on 20 patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of length of hospital stay, blood loss or complications. There were no bile duct injuries, intra­operative complications, or conversions in either group. The only statistically significant difference was the total time under anesthesia (p>0.05), which was longer in the robotic cholecystectomy group. Cholecystectomy using the Senhance robotic platform was found to be safe, with an average operative time of 35.2±5.0 minutes, while the duration of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 32.2±3.3 minutes. The study results showed that robotic cholecystectomy using the Senhance system is safe and effective. The use of robotic systems can improve precision and control during surgery, reduce blood loss and complications.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Clinical Outcomes of Robotic Cholecystectomy.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strained the health care sector, putting severe constraints on surgical departments. In this study, we evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the outcomes of patients undergoing robotic cholecystectomy (RC). Patients who underwent RC 1 year before and after March 2020 were included in this retrospective study and assigned accordingly to the pre or post-COVID group. Pre, intra, and postoperative variables were compared between groups. In total, 110 patients were assigned to the pre-COVID group versus 80 in the post-COVID group. There were no differences in the demographics, except for a higher rate of previous gallbladder disease in the pre-COVID group (35.5% vs 13.8,% P < 0.001). The post-COVID group had a higher rate of emergent RCs (62.5% vs 39.1%, P = 0.002). Operative times were greater in the post-COVID group due to the more frequent participation of clinical fellows in the cases. The median hospital length of stay for both groups was 1 day, with higher rates of same-day discharge (pre-COVID 40.9% vs post-COVID 57.5%, P = 0.028). Complications were comparable between both groups, with no recorded cases of COVID-19 contraction within the virus incubation period. The median follow-up was 10 months for the entire cohort. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in emergent cases, as well as higher rates of same-day discharge, were recorded, with no impact on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RC.

Intra-operative ultrasound assessment of the biliary tree during robotic cholecystectomy.

Image-guided assessment of bile ducts and associated anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be achieved with intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) or laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS). Rates of robotically assisted cholecystectomy (RC) are increasing and herein we describe the technique of intra-corporeal biliary ultrasound during RC using the Da Vinci system. For intraoperative evaluation of the biliary tree during RC, in cases of suspected choledocholithiasis, the L51K Ultrasound Probe (Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan) is used. The extrahepatic biliary tree is scanned along its length, capitalising on the benefits of the full range of motion offered by the articulated robotic instruments and integrated ultrasonic image display using TileProTM software. Additionally, this technique avoids the additional time and efforts required to undock and re-dock the robot that would otherwise be required for selective IOC or LUS. The average time taken to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the biliary tree, from the hepatic ducts to the ampulla of Vater, is 164.1s. This assessment is supplemented by Doppler ultrasound, which is used to fully delineate anatomy of the porta hepatis, and accurate measurements of the biliary tree and any ductal stones can be taken, allowing for contemporaneous decision making and management of ductal pathologies. Biliary tract ultrasound has been shown to be equal to IOC in its ability to diagnose choledocholithiasis, but with the additional benefits of being quicker and having higher completion rates. We have described our practice of using biliary ultrasound during robotically assisted cholecystectomy, which is ergonomically superior to LUS, accurate and reproducible.

191 Minimally Invasive General Surgery Landmark Trials and Lessons Learned - A Narrative Review

Abstract Aims The aim of this review is to explore the history of minimally invasive (MI) surgery and landmark trials that guide modern practice. Methods A narrative review was conducted according to the four steps outlined by Demiris et al. Results MI surgery has become the gold-standard for many operations. Laparoscopic surgery has equivalent operative outcomes to open surgery with reduced recovery time and hospital stay. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating complex laparoscopic upper gastrointestinal oncological resections demonstrate reduced blood loss and postoperative pain. Within colorectal surgery, the CLASSIC and COREAN trials described comparable mortality and oncological clearance in MI colorectal cancer resections versus open surgery. Conversely, ALaCaRT and ACOSOG raised concerns about oncological results. Robotic surgery provides a high degree of instrument freedom and stabilises hand tremors, however substantial associated costs remain a barrier. Robotic cholecystectomy (RC) is a safe and effective tool, and RC outcomes are comparable to laparoscopic surgery in the elective setting; although more evidence is required for more complex disease outcomes. For rectal cancer, the ROLARR trial found no difference in complications, conversion rate, or circumferential margin positivity for robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic surgery. Recently, the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot performed the first autonomous intestinal anastomosis on porcupines, outperforming expert surgeons for both consistency and accuracy, demonstrating the potential future of robotic surgery. Conclusion This review gives an overview of MI general surgery; demonstrating the advantages as well as some concerns for the different surgical techniques, and raises suggestions for future uses.

FTP5.13 Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more cost effective than robotic cholecystectomy: a systematic review of published studies

Abstract Objective Robotic cholecystectomy (RC) has been proven safe and postoperative outcomes have also been quoted to be equivalent to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The objective of this review to evaluate the cost effectiveness of RC compared to LC. Materials and methods All types of comparative studies reporting the cost of RC versus LC were retrieved from the search of standard medical electronic databases and analysis was conducted by using the principles of meta-analysis on the statistical software RevMan version 5.4. Results Four comparative studies (one randomised trial and 3 retrospective studies) on 817 patients undergoing RC versus LC were found and deemed suitable for analysis. There were 559 patients in the LC group and 258 patients in the RC group. In the random effects model analysis, LC was associated with the reduced cost [standardised mean difference -5.39, 95%, CI (-8.97, -1.81), Z = 2.95, P=0.003] compared to RC. However, there was significant heterogeneity (Tau2 = 13.06; Chi2 = 583.52, df = 3; (p &amp;lt; 0.00001; I2 = 99%) among included studies. Conclusion The LC seems to be more cost effective compared to RC in terms of procedural cost. However, due to statistically significant heterogeneity among included studies and paucity of the randomised, controlled trials, these findings should be taken cautiously. A Major multicentre randomised, controlled trial is needed to validate these findings.

557 Laparoscopic versus robotic cholecystectomy: a meta-analysis to differentiate between postoperative outcomes

Abstract Objective Robotic cholecystectomy (RC) may be an option to replace conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) due to several reported advantages. The objective of this study is to compare the postoperative surgical outcomes in patients undergoing RC versus LC. Materials and methods RCTs reporting postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing RC versus LC were selected from the search of standard medical electronic databases and analysis was conducted by using the principles of meta-analysis on the statistical software RevMan version 5. Results Two RCTs on 196 (113 patients in RC group and 83 patients in LC group) patients were found suitable for meta-analysis according to the inclusion criteria. In the random effects model analysis, the duration of operation [standardised mean difference -15.83, 95%, CI (-22.99, -8.67), Z = 4.33, p &amp;lt; 0.0001] was shorter in the LC group. However, the risk of bile leak [standardised mean difference 3.15, 95%, CI (0.69, 14.44), Z = 1.48, p = 0.14] and postoperative complications [standardised mean difference -0.48, 95%, CI (0.10, 2.33), Z =0.91, p = 0.36] were statistically similar between RC and LC groups. There was no heterogeneity (Tau 2 = 0.09; Chi 2 = 1.06, df = 1; (p = 0.30; I 2 = 6 %) between included RCTs. Conclusion RC failed to prove any clinical advantage over LC for postoperative outcomes including longer duration of operation. These findings are insufficient to draw a stronger conclusion due to the paucity of RTCs and a major multicentre RCT is required to strengthen the existing evidence.

Safety and Feasibility of Cholecystectomy with the HugoTM RAS: Proof of Setup Guides and First-In-Human German Experience

Introduction: The Hugo RAS robotic platform by Medtronic was recently certified for human use in Europe. Several centers have gained initial experience with this system in urology and gynecology. However, few data about its feasibility and safety in general surgery have been published. Methods: The first-in-human surgical procedures with the Hugo RAS in Germany were performed at our hospital in February 2023. We report our early experience with robotic cholecystectomy using this new platform. The primary aim was to test the setup guides of the manufacturer and to evaluate the safety and feasibility of Hugo RAS for this procedure. Results: A modified setup with two 11-mm ports and two 8-mm ports without an assistant port was used in 14 consecutive cases. A 30° or a 0° camera, a bipolar grasper or a Maryland on the left arm, a monopolar scissors on the right arm, and a double-fenestrated grasper on the additional arm were mounted. Clip application and gallbladder extraction were performed by the bedside assistant through the right arm 11-mm port. There were no complications, no adverse events, and no conversions. Arm collisions were reduced through slight corrections in trocar positions. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy with the Hugo RAS was safe and feasible. The modularity of robotic arms allows individual setup modifications which may be of advantage for patients and surgeons.

Learning Curve of Multiport Robotic Cholecystectomy: A Cumulative Sum Analysis.

To establish the learning curve of multiport robotic cholecystectomy (MRC). A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing MRC was performed. A cumulative sum analysis helped define the learning curve through the evaluation of skin-to-skin (STS) time and postoperative complications rate. Direct comparison of variables was conducted between the phases. Two hundred forty-five MRC cases were included. Average STS and console times were 50.6 and 29.9 minutes, respectively. Cumulative sum analysis established 3 phases with inflection points at cases 84th and 134th. A significant decrease in STS time was observed between the phases. Middle and late phases encompassed patients with higher comorbidities. Two conversions to open were recorded in the early phase. Postoperative complication rates were comparable among the early (2.5%), middle (6.8%), and late (5.6%) phases (P = 0.482). A steady decrease in STS time was observed across the 3 different phases established at the 84th and 134th patients.

Preliminary experience with robotic cholecystectomy illustrates feasibility in a canine cadaver model.

To evaluate the feasibility and describe the relevant differences between robotic cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a canine model. Canine cadavers (n = 4) weighing between 30 and 42 kg. Dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency. A surgical robot was used to perform the RC and was placed at the cranial aspect of the surgical table. One 12-mm and 3 8-mm robotic ports and 1 5-mm laparoscopic port were placed as needed to perform the RC. The specific steps of the procedure were described and timed. Perceived differences between psychomotor skills between robotics and laparoscopy were noted. RC was successful in all dogs, but minor intraoperative complications did occur during the manipulation of the gallbladder in 1 dog. The median length of time for ports to be appropriately docked was 19.5 minutes, and the median procedure time was 119.5 minutes. Psychomotor skills specific to robotics can be learned during this procedure. Robotic cholecystectomy is feasible. RC allowed for experience with the different psychomotor skills utilized with robotic instrumentation and may be an appropriate training procedure for veterinary surgeons wishing to gain basic experience with robotic instrumentation.

Utility of near infrared fluorescent cholangiography in detecting biliary structures during challenging minimally invasive cholecystectomy.

Surgeons can minimize the risk of bile duct injury (BDI) during challenging mini-invasive cholecystectomy through technical standardization by means of a precise anatomical landmark identification (Critical View of Safety) and advanced technology for biliary visualization. Among these systems, the adoption of magnified stereoscopic 3-dimensional view provided by robotic platforms and near infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIRF-C) is the most promising. In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated all consecutive minimally invasive cholecystectomies (laparoscopic and robotic) performed with NIRF-C between May 2022 and January 2023 at General Surgery Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital (Milan, Italy). Inclusions criteria were as follows: (1) acute cholecystitis (emergency group), (2) history of chronic cholecystitis or complicated cholelithiasis (deferred urgent group), (3) difficult cases (patients affected by cirrhosis, with scleroatrophic gallbladder or BMI > 35kg/m2). For each group, the detection rate and visualization order of the main biliary structures were reported (cystic duct, CD; common hepatic duct, CHD; common bile duct, CBD; and CD-CHD junction). A total of 101 consecutive patients were enrolled, including 83 laparoscopic and 18 robotic cholecystectomies. All patients were stratified into three subgroups: (a) emergency group (n = 33, 32.7%), (b) deferred urgent group (n = 46, 45.5%), (c) difficult group (n = 22, 21.8%). Visualization of at least one biliary structure was possible in 94.1% of cases (95/101). Interestingly, all four main structures were detected in 43.6% of cases (44/101). The CD was the structure identified most frequently, being recognized in 91/101 patients (90.1%), followed by CBD (83.2%), CHD (62.4%), and CD-CHD junction (52.5%). In the subset of patients that underwent emergency surgery for AC, the CD-CHD confluence was identified in only 45.5% of cases. However, early and precise identification of CBD (75.8%) and CD (87.9%) allowed safe isolation, clipping, and transection of the cystic duct. In the deferred urgent group, the CBD and the CD were easily identified as first structure in a high percentage of cases (65.2% and 41.3% respectively), whereas the CD-CHD junction was the third structure to be identified in 67.4% of cases, the highest value among the three subgroups. In the difficult group, NIRF-C did not prove to be a useful tool for biliary visualization. The rates of failure of visualization were elevated: CBD (27.3%), CD (18.2%), CHD (54.5%), and CD-CHD (68.2%). NIRF-C is a powerful real-time diagnostic tool to detect CBD and CD during minimally invasive cholecystectomy, especially when inflammation due to acute or chronic cholecystitis subverted the anatomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament.

Systematic review: robot-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic multiport cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard of care for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. In the context of the increasing uptake of robotic surgery, robotic cholecystectomy has seen a substantial growth over the past decades. Despite this, a formal assessment of the evidence for this practice remains elusive and a randomised controlled trial is yet to be performed. This paper reviews the evidence to date for robotic multiport cholecystectomy compared to conventional multiport cholecystectomy. This systematic review was performed conducted using the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases; in line with the PRISMA guideline. All articles that compared robotic and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. The studies were assessed with regards to operative outcomes, postoperative recovery and complications. Fourteen studies were included, describing a total of 3002 patients. There was no difference in operative blood loss, complication rates, incidence of bile duct injury or length of hospital stay between the robotic and laparoscopic groups. The operative time for robotic cholecystectomy was longer, whereas the risk of conversion to open surgery was lower. There was marked variation in definitions of measured outcomes, and most studies lacked data on training and quality assessment, leading to substantial heterogeneity of the data. Available evidence on multiport robotic cholecystectomy compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy is scarce and the quality of the available studies is generally poor. Results suggest longer operating time for robotic cholecystectomy, although many studies included the learning curve period. Postoperative recovery and complications were similar in both groups.

Effects of extremely low-pressure pneumoperitoneum on postoperative recovery after single site robot-assisted cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

A robotic platform has enabled extremely low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (ELPP, 4 mmHg) to reduce surgical insults to human physiology during a minimally invasive surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ELPP in single-site robotic cholecystectomy (SSRC) on postoperative pain, shoulder pain, and physiological changes during surgery compared to a standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (SPP, 12-14 mmHg). A total of 182 patients who underwent an elective cholecystectomy were randomized into an ELPP SSRC group (n = 91) and an SPP SSRC group (n = 91). Postoperative pain was assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. The number of patients complaining of shoulder pain was observed. Intraoperative changes of ventilatory parameters were also measured. Postoperative pain scores (p = 0.038, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.015 at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery, respectively) and the number of patients with shoulder pain (p <0.001) were significantly lower in the ELPP SSRC group than in the SPP SSRC group. Intraoperative changes in peak inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001), plateau pressure (p < 0.001), EtCO2 (p < 0.001), and lung compliance (p < 0.001) were also less in the ELPP SSRC group. The ELPP during robotic cholecystectomy could significantly relieve postoperative pain and shoulder pain. In addition, the ELPP can reduce changes in lung compliance during surgery and the demand for postoperative analgesics, thereby improving the quality of life of patients during early stages of postoperative rehabilitation.