Single-port surgery: laboratory experience with the daVinci single-site platform

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• The da Vinci single-port platform is a novel robotic surgical system.
• Its feasibility and validity in gynecologic surgery require evaluation.
• The porcine model offers anatomical similarities to humans for surgical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and validity of a dedicated da Vinci single-port platform.
• To evaluate its application in gynecologic surgery using a porcine model.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study was conducted on 4 female pigs under general anesthesia.
• A 2-cm umbilical incision was used to place the robotic single-port device and establish pneumoperitoneum.
• Data collected included port placement, docking, and operative times, blood loss, and complications.

Main Results:

• A total of 28 gynecologic procedures were performed, including oophorectomies, hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections.
• No statistically significant difference in operative times was observed for symmetrical procedures.
• The procedures were completed without complications or the need for additional trocars.

Conclusions:

• Single-port robotic surgery with a dedicated platform is feasible for technically challenging gynecologic procedures.
• The system allows for procedures to be performed within acceptable operative times.
• This approach avoids complications and the need for extra trocars in a porcine model.