Journal of robotic surgery
-
Robotic surgery enhances the precision of minimally invasive surgery through improved three-dimensional views and articulated instruments. There has been increasing interest in adopting this technology to colorectal surgery and this has recently been introduced to the Irish health system. This paper gives an account of our early institutional experience with adoption of robotic colorectal surgery using structured training. ⋯ Median lymph nodes harvest was 15 in non-neoadjuvant cases (range 7-23) and 8 in neoadjuvant cases (2-14). Our early results demonstrate that colorectal robotic surgery can be adopted safely for both benign and neoplastic conditions using a structured training programme without compromising clinical or oncological outcomes. The early learning curve can be time intensive.
-
Credentialing processes for surgeons seeking robotic thoracic surgical privileges are not evidence-based, and the learning curve has not been reported. The goal of this study is to review our experience with robotic lobectomies and provide evidence for the development of a more uniform credentialing process. We performed a retrospective review of the first 272 consecutive robotic lobectomies performed between 2011 and 2017 by a single surgeon with prior video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) experience. ⋯ The learning curve for robotic surgery for a surgeon with prior VATS experience is that of a continuous improvement with experience instead of a particular change point. Since most thoracic surgeons who perform robotic-assisted surgery have already gotten past their VATS learning curves, they no longer have a definable learning curve for robotic surgery. Hence, if a surgeon is already proficient and credentialed to perform VATS lung resections, he or she is no longer faced with a significant learning curve for robotic lung resections, and should be credentialed to do so once he or she has undergone the appropriate training with the equipment and technology.
-
The safety of hepatectomy continues to improve and it holds a key role in the management of benign and malignant hepatic lesions. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches to hepatectomy are increasingly utilized. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes and costs of laparoscopic and robotic vs. open approaches to hepatectomy and to determine the national nonelective postoperative readmission rate, including readmission to other hospitals. ⋯ Nearly one-fifth of patients readmitted after hepatectomy present to a different hospital. Robotic hepatectomy was associated with favorable cost and readmission outcomes compared to laparoscopic and open hepatectomy patients, despite similar patient comorbid burdens and patient's age. Length of stay over 7 days and anastomosis of hepatic duct to GI tract are strong risk factors for readmission and mortality.
-
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) provides improved access to head and neck subsites resulting in well-validated functional and oncological outcomes, but access to and cost of robotic platforms can limit their use. Evidence suggests TORS is increasingly being adopted globally, but there is a paucity of data on the adoption and diffusion of TORS in Australia and New Zealand. A cross-sectional analysis was performed. ⋯ Perceived barriers to adoption were high costs, access to and availability of the robotic platform and limited training opportunities. This study provides evidence of adoption of TORS in Australia and New Zealand; however, there is a perception that significant barriers to adoption persist. Results from this study may help guide decisions on how we train and license surgeons in the era of this technology.
-
The use of the robotic platform is increasingly being utilized for lung resections. Our aim was to compare outcomes of thoracoscopic (VATS) versus robotic-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) lobectomy early in a program's adoption of robotic surgery, including perioperative outcomes, cost, and long-term quality of life. A prospective database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing minimally invasive lobectomy by either VATS or RATS techniques from 2010 to 2012. ⋯ The global health status and symptom scale median scores were similar to the general population and did not significantly differ between groups. While transitioning from thoracoscopic to robotic lobectomy incurs increased operative and total hospital cost, equivalent operative outcomes, length of hospitalization, and long-term quality of life can be maintained during this transition. With increasing patient and surgeon interest in robotic resection, it appears both safe and feasible to adopt this approach while maintaining outcomes.