Implementation of a Robotic Surgical Program With the Dexter Robotic Surgery System: Initial Experiences in...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• General Surgery

Background:

• The adoption of surgical robots in minimally invasive visceral surgery is growing.
• The Dexter Robotic System is a new platform being evaluated.
• This study assesses the Dexter system's safety, performance, and surgeon stress during elective cholecystectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of the Dexter Robotic System in a general visceral surgery department.
• To assess the safety and performance of robotic cholecystectomy using the Dexter system.
• To measure surgeon stress and physical discomfort during robotic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Three surgeons performed robotic cholecystectomies using the Dexter system.
• Perioperative outcomes and safety data were collected for 30 days post-surgery.
• Surgeon stress and discomfort were evaluated using validated questionnaires (SMEQ, STAI, LED).

Main Results:

• Fifty-nine patients underwent robotic cholecystectomy with no intraoperative complications or device issues.
• All surgeries were completed robotically, with two conversions to laparoscopy due to patient anatomy or incidental findings.
• Surgeons demonstrated a rapid learning curve, with operative times stabilizing after 10-15 cases, reporting low stress and high comfort.

Conclusions:

• The Dexter robotic system was safely implemented in clinical practice.
• The system demonstrated an efficient learning curve and low perceived surgeon stress, even for those new to robotic surgery.
• Further investigation is required to ascertain if the Dexter system offers advantages over conventional surgical techniques.