Totally robotic gastric bypass: approach and technique

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• The da Vinci robotic system offers advantages in abdominal surgery but has seen limited use in bariatric procedures.
• Robotic platforms may enhance Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) due to improved ergonomics and precision in confined spaces.
• Slow adoption of robotic RYGB is attributed to conversion challenges from laparoscopic techniques and initial increases in operative time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a standardized totally robotic technique for RYGB.
• To focus on patient safety, operative times, surgical technique, and outcomes.
• To address the barriers to robotic adoption in bariatric surgery.

Main Methods:

• Development of a standardized, stepwise totally robotic technique for RYGB.
• Application of the technique in nearly 300 cases.
• Systematic evaluation of patient safety, operative times, and surgical outcomes.

Main Results:

• The standardized totally robotic RYGB technique was safely implemented.
• The procedure demonstrated minimal complications.
• Operative times were comparable to established methods.

Conclusions:

• Totally robotic RYGB can be safely performed using a systematic, stepwise approach.
• This technique offers a viable alternative with acceptable operative times and low complication rates.
• Robotic technology can be effectively integrated into bariatric surgery practices.