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Published on: March 26, 2018
Early Postoperative Complications of Robotic-assisted Versus Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A Propensity
Giovanni Albano1, Alfonso Agnino2, Matteo Parrinello1
1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Humanitas Gavazzeni, Via M. Gavazzeni, 21, 24125, Bergamo, Italy.
Objective:
The current work was designed to evaluate whether robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery is associated with a different incidence of early postoperative complications compared with the traditional minimally invasive approach.
Design:
A retrospective monocentric cohort study was conducted.
Setting:
The study was performed in an academic hospital.
Participants:
A total of 375 patients who underwent standard thoracoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve surgery and robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery between April 2014 and November 2022 were enrolled.
Intervention:
None.
Measurements And Main Results:
After adjustment using propensity score analysis, 98 patients from each group were identified. Patients who underwent robotic surgery presented a similar rate of early complications to patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Nevertheless, they showed shorter intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stays. Finally, patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery were more frequently discharged home.
Conclusions:
This study identified a similar incidence of early complications in robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery compared with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery; conversely, patients receiving robotic-assisted surgery were discharged earlier, and more frequently discharged home.
Insights
Robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery shows similar early complication rates to minimally invasive approaches. Patients undergoing robotic surgery experienced shorter hospital stays and were more often discharged directly home.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery offers advantages over traditional sternotomy.
- Robotic-assisted surgery presents a potential advancement in minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of early postoperative complications between robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery and traditional minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective monocentric cohort study.
- 375 patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery or robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery (April 2014 - November 2022).
- Propensity score analysis to adjust for baseline characteristics.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in early complication rates between robotic and minimally invasive mitral valve surgery groups.
- Robotic surgery associated with shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays.
- Increased likelihood of home discharge following robotic-assisted procedures.
Conclusions:
- Robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery demonstrates comparable safety regarding early complications to minimally invasive techniques.
- Robotic approach facilitates earlier patient discharge and higher rates of home discharge.

