Colorectal procedures with the novel Hugo™ RAS system: training process and case series report from a non-robotic...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery platforms are rapidly evolving, yet data on their application in various surgical fields by inexperienced teams remain limited.
• This study addresses the need for information on new robotic systems' usability in colorectal surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the training pathway for a robotics-naïve surgical team using the Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system for colorectal procedures.
• To present the initial clinical outcomes and feasibility of the Hugo™ RAS system in a series of 10 patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective analysis of the first 10 consecutive colorectal surgeries performed with the Hugo™ RAS system by a team with no prior robotic experience.
• The surgical team underwent comprehensive training on robotic surgery and the specific Hugo™ RAS platform before commencing patient procedures.

Main Results:

• Ten patients underwent procedures including colectomies, sigmoid resections, rectal resection, and rectopexy between May and December 2023.
• Median docking time was 14 minutes and median operative time was 185 minutes, with manageable technical issues like occasional arm clashing.
• No conversions, intraoperative complications, or postoperative morbidity were reported; hospital stays ranged from 2 to 4 days.

Conclusions:

• The Hugo™ RAS system is suitable for performing common colorectal procedures safely.
• Extensive prior robotic experience is not essential for adopting the Hugo™ RAS system.
• A structured training program is crucial for surgical teams new to robotic-assisted colorectal surgery.