Laparoscopic versus robot-assisted cholecystectomy: a retrospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• General Surgery

Background:

• Robot-assisted surgery is increasingly adopted across surgical specialties.
• Limited comparative studies exist between laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and robotic cholecystectomy (RC).
• This study presents a large single-surgeon series comparing LC and RC outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of robotic cholecystectomy (RC) versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
• To evaluate the effectiveness of robotic assistance in managing complications during cholecystectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 326 patients undergoing LC (n=147) or RC (n=179) between 2005 and 2012.
• Standardized surgical techniques and selection criteria were applied to both groups.
• Data collected included demographics, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Main Results:

• Both LC and RC groups demonstrated comparable demographics, operative times, and EBL.
• Conversion rates to open surgery were low in both groups (3 for LC, 2 for RC).
• Major complication rates were similar (3 in each group), with mean LOS of 1.01 days for LC and 0.9 days for RC.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and robotic cholecystectomy (RC) are comparable in terms of feasibility, safety, and outcome reproducibility.
• Robotic assistance shows potential benefit for managing biliary injuries during cholecystectomy procedures.