Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Obesity surgery presents challenges requiring advanced techniques.
• Robotic surgery offers potential benefits in complex procedures like sleeve gastrectomy.
• Evaluating new instruments like vessel sealers and triple staplers is crucial for safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and efficacy of vessel sealer and triple stapler in robotic sleeve gastrectomy.
• To determine weight loss and complication rates associated with this surgical approach.
• To exemplify the use of these instruments in robotic bariatric surgery.

Main Methods:

• An observational case series of twenty robotic sleeve gastrectomies was conducted.
• Data collected included demographics, body mass index, comorbidities, surgical times, and outcomes.
• Specific focus on complications, stapler usage, and weight loss at three months.

Main Results:

• No conversions, strictures, leakage, or mortality were observed.
• One instance of postoperative bleeding at the trocar site occurred.
• Mean excess body weight loss (EWL%) at three months was 24.91 ±2.84 kg, with an average of 6.27 staplers used.

Conclusions:

• Robotic sleeve gastrectomy with vessel sealer and triple stapler is a safe and effective initial approach for obese patients.
• These instruments facilitate the procedure, demonstrating efficacy in achieving weight loss.
• The study highlights the safety of robotic surgery in bariatric procedures during early experience.