Ten-year experience of robotic latissimus muscle flap reconstructive surgery at a single institution

Robotic reconstructive surgery has been performed since 2012 at our institution. The purpose of this study was to report our 10-year experience with robot-assisted reconstructive surgery and compare the clinical outcomes of different robotic models.

Medical records of 41 patients who had chest or breast reconstruction during October 2012 ∼ May 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Different robotic models were evaluated and compared in terms of surgical technique, demographic variables, postoperative complication, and operative parameters. esthetic assessments were performed by four plastic surgeons to evaluate symmetry, scar formation, and general esthetic features based on patients' photographs.

Overall, out of 41 robot-assisted reconstructive surgeries, 13 were performed with the Da Vinci Si model, 18 with the Da Vinci Xi model, and 10 with the Da Vinci Sp model. The docking time, robot operation time, and hospitalization time were shorter for surgeries, which used the Da Vinci Sp model than other models. All other complications and operative parameters showed no significant difference. Improved esthetic outcome was achieved for all patient groups. Group Sp had the most favorable score, followed by Group Xi and Group Si, although there were no statistical implications.

Ever since the introduction of the Da Vinci model in 2012, we have successfully implemented the robot-assisted reconstructive surgery. Surgical technique improved over the last 10 years. With the introduction of the Sp model, we are now at the stage of further developing the surgical technique and establishing the robotic reconstructive surgery.