Robotic abdominal surgery: a Brazilian initial experience

Abstract

Background: Robotic brought to laparoscopy the enrichment of movements, the easy to perform maneuvers and procedures, visualization in three dimensions, and ergonomics for the surgeon.

Aim: To describe Brazilian experience with robotically-assisted abdominal surgery.

Methods: From July 2008 to April 2010, patients were admitted for abdominal surgery and agreed to being operated with the help of the robot by a trained medical staff. All patients were operated by the same surgical robotic approach. Time required for complete surgery, and console time, were recorded.

Results: Forty-four patients were operated, most for hernial hiatal correction or bariatric surgery. All patients, except one, were discharged in the day after surgery. The only complication was a fistula due to a videolaparoscopic clamping procedure during bariatric surgery. There was no hemorrhage. No re-operation was necessary, neither conversion to laparoscopic or open surgery. Mean surgery time for the whole sample was 249.7 minutes (4.1 hours) and console time was 153.4 minutes (2.5 hours). Patients' blood lost was minimal.

Conclusions: Robotically assisted abdominal surgery is safe for the patients, with reduced bleeding and acceptable surgical time, and also ergonomic for the surgeons.