Micro-Hand Robot-Assisted Versus da Vinci Robot-Assisted Cholecystectomy: A Multi-centre, Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Surgical Robotics
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Robot-assisted cholecystectomy is a common minimally invasive procedure.
• Evaluating novel robotic systems like micro-hand robot-assisted cholecystectomy (MRC) against established systems like da Vinci robot-assisted cholecystectomy (DRC) is crucial for advancing surgical options.
• Benign gallbladder disease necessitates effective and safe surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical effectiveness of micro-hand robot-assisted cholecystectomy (MRC) versus da Vinci robot-assisted cholecystectomy (DRC).
• To evaluate key clinical outcomes in patients with benign gallbladder disease undergoing either MRC or DRC.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 166 patients with benign gallbladder disease.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: MRC (83 patients) and DRC (83 patients).
• Primary endpoint was surgical success rate; secondary endpoints included docking time, operative time, blood loss, gallbladder breach rate, postoperative pain, and hospital stay.

Main Results:

• No conversions to open surgery were required in either group.
• The da Vinci robot-assisted cholecystectomy (DRC) group experienced longer docking times and a higher gallbladder breach rate compared to micro-hand robot-assisted cholecystectomy (MRC).
• The MRC group reported higher postoperative pain scores, but overall postoperative outcomes and complications were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions:

• Micro-hand robot-assisted cholecystectomy (MRC) demonstrates comparable clinical effectiveness and safety to da Vinci robot-assisted cholecystectomy (DRC) for benign gallbladder disease.
• MRC is an effective and safe surgical option, expanding the choices for patients requiring cholecystectomy.
• The study supports MRC as a viable alternative in robot-assisted gallbladder surgery.