Journal of robotic surgery
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Comparative Study
Comparison of robotic versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair.
Despite growing popularity and potential advantages of robotics in general surgery, there is very little published data regarding robotic inguinal hernia repair. This study examines a single surgeon's early experience with robotic TAPP inguinal hernia repair compared with laparoscopic TAPP repair in terms of feasibility and cost. We performed a retrospective review of 63 consecutive patients (24 laparoscopic and 39 robotic) who underwent inguinal hernia repair between December 2012-December 2014 at a single institution by a single surgeon. ⋯ Robotic TAPP inguinal hernia repair had longer operative times, but patients spent less time in recovery and noted less pain than patients who underwent laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair. The direct cost and contribution margin are nearly equivalent. These results should allow the continued investigation of this technique without concern over excess cost.
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The laparoscopic approach to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a highly regarded and frequently used bariatric procedure. We review our experience with robotic approaches to RYGB. We hypothesized that the robotic approach is safe and may produce similar outcomes to previously reported laparoscopic surgery. ⋯ Intraoperative complications included one liver laceration and one bowel injury. There were two cases each of bowel obstruction, transfusions, and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus, but no deaths or anastomotic leaks. Early experience with TR approach for RYGB is safe, with similar outcomes to the laparoscopic approach.
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Surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia leads to recurrence or persisting dysphagia in a minority of patients. Redo antireflux surgery in GERD and hiatal hernia is known for higher morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate conventional versus robot-assisted laparoscopic redo antireflux surgery, with the objective to detect possible advantages for the robot-assisted approach. ⋯ There were no differences in mortality, complications or outcome. Robotic support, when available, can be regarded beneficial in redo surgery for GERD and hiatal hernia. Results of this observational study suggest technical feasibility for minimal-invasive robot-assisted redo surgery after open primary antireflux surgery, a reduced number of conversions and shorter hospital stay.
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The aim of the study was to assess if the cost of robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy is similar to the cost of standard laparoscopic hysterectomy when performed by surgeons past their initial learning curve. A retrospective chart review of all hysterectomies was performed for benign indications without concomitant major procedures at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center (OCMMC) and Saddleback Memorial Medical Center between January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013. Robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomies (RTLH) and standard laparoscopic hysterectomies (LAVH and TLH) were compared. ⋯ Further analysis showed significantly less blood loss (mean diff. = -78.5 ml, 95 % CI = [-116.8, -40.3]; p < 0.0001) and shorter surgery time (mean diff. = -21.9 min., 95 % CI = [-39.6, -4.2]; p = 0.016) for RTLH versus LAVH/TLH. There was no significant association between hospital stay and surgery type (p = 0.43). After adjusting for patient-level covariates, there was no statistically significant cost difference of performing robotically assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy versus standard laparoscopic hysterectomy when performed by surgeons past their initial learning curve at two community hospitals.
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To address surgical complications, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Checklist. With the foundation of the WHO's checklist, a robotic-specific checklist (RORCC) was developed using standardized content and face validity methods. The RORCC was implemented in a high volume gynecological (GYN) specialty group using minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. ⋯ Thirty-day readmissions pre-checklist and post-checklist were 12 and 5, respectively, which is a significant (p = 0.02) reduction. The duration of surgery was not significantly affected (p = 0.40) with pre-RORCC surgery time at 110.1 (35.7) min versus post-RORCC surgery time at 112.9 (37.4) min. This study demonstrated the feasibility of integrating an electronic, interactive, and robotic-specific checklist for gynecologic robotic-assisted surgery which resulted in a significant reduction in readmissions at the 30-day without significantly impacting operating room times.