Da Vinci Single-Port Robotic Surgery in Europe: Where Do We Stand? A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• The da Vinci Single-Port (SP) system is an advancement in robotic surgery, enabling single-incision procedures.
• The SP system received European Medicine Agency (EMA) approval in January 2024.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical evidence on the feasibility, safety, and versatility of SP-assisted surgery.
• To assess the adoption and outcomes of the da Vinci SP system across various surgical specialties.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.
• Adherence to PRISMA and PICOS guidelines for systematic review methodology.
• Inclusion of 14 studies evaluating SP-assisted procedures.

Main Results:

• Successful adoption of the SP platform in complex procedures like esophagectomy, prostatectomy, and nephrectomy.
• SP surgery demonstrated reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and low complication rates.
• Identified limitations include restricted workspace and a steep learning curve.

Conclusions:

• The da Vinci SP platform broadens the possibilities for minimally invasive surgery.
• European centers show slower adoption compared to international trends, especially in high-volume US centers.
• Urology continues to be the predominant specialty utilizing the SP system.