96 Safety and Short-Term Outcomes of Initial Robotic Upper GI Procedures: A Tertiary Centre Experience

Abstract Aim To evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of our initial phase for Robotic Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) program at a tertiary centre. Method This retrospective study included all first-year cohort of patients who underwent elective robotic UGI procedures at a tertiary centre between August 2023 and September 2024. Procedures were performed by three surgeons who completed robotic training for daVinci XI. Data was stratified by both procedure type and operating surgeon. Variables analysed included patient demographics, operative and console time, indications, complications, readmission rates and length of stay. Clinical information was sourced from electronic patient records. Results A total of 131 robotic UGI procedures were performed, including 70 cases(53%) in level-1 complexity as cholecystectomy (n=44,33%) and hernia repair (n=26,20%). 51 cases(47%) were level-2 complexity as bariatric surgery (n=32,24%) and anti-reflux surgery (n=19,15%). While 10 cases (0.07%) were level 3 cases such as oesophagectomy (n=5,0.04%), and 5 cases (0.04%) of gastrectomy. The average operative time was approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Clavin-Dindo 3 or above was seen in 6 cases (0.05%). Readmission rates were low (n=7, 0.06%). The average length of hospital stay ranged from 1.5 days (cholecystectomy) to 13 days (oesophagectomy). Conclusions Robotic-assisted UGI surgery demonstrated strong safety profile across a broad range of procedures, with low complication severity and minimal readmission rates. Length of hospital stay was acceptable and aligned with procedural complexity. Smooth transition through level-1 to level-3 UGI cases was achieved through one year. These findings support the safe integration of robotic platforms into routine UGI surgical pratice.