SP8.3 - Institutional initial experience and outcomes for the first 100 robotic upper gastrointestinal cases: A single tertiary centre results

Abstract Background Robotic surgery is a widespread technique with potential benefits including shorter admissions, fewer complications as well as better surgeon ergonomics and precision. Evidence suggests that robotic surgery has a rapid learning curve, with number of cases linked to operative time. In this study, we report our preliminary results after initiation of upper gastrointestinal robotic assisted surgery. Methods This retrospective study included all robotic elective upper gastrointestinal cases, performed by two surgeons using Da Vinci XI from August 2022 to May 2023. Cholecystectomy and anti-reflux surgeries were performed. Demographics, console timing, number of cases per list and post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo Scale) were analysed. Results 100 Robotic UGI cases were analysed consisting of 86 cholecystectomies and 14 anti-reflux surgeries. Females represented the majority of cases (68%). Mean age was 53.0 years (18-78) while mean ASA and BMI were 2 and 30.3 kg/m^2 respectively. Cholecystectomies required 43.0 minutes while anti-reflux surgeries required 119.3 minutes on average. The mean length of stay was 0.90 days for cholecystectomies, and 1.46 days for anti-reflux surgery. There were two readmissions post cholecystectomy for pneumonia and liver bed collection. Only one patient developed a Clavien-Dindo grade >3 complication for port site hernia repair post cholecystectomy. Average console time fell with increasing case number, creating a tangible impact on efficiency as surgeons increased the number of cases per list from three to four. Conclusion Our initial experience has shown favorable outcomes of robotic surgery. There was a noticeable rapid learning curve, encountering only one major post-operative complication. This high effectiveness should stimulate the swift introduction of robotic surgery to other hospitals.