Initial Experience with Robotic-Assisted CT-Guided Ablation: Analysis from a Single Center's Learning Curve in the...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Percutaneous ablation is a key treatment for abdominal lesions.
• Robotic assistance offers potential for enhanced precision in minimally invasive procedures.
• Evaluating the learning curve and proficiency retention is crucial for adopting new robotic technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the initial experience and learning curve associated with robotic-assisted percutaneous ablation of abdominal lesions.
• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, accuracy, and procedural efficiency of this technique.
• To determine if proficiency is maintained after a period without device use.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 54 consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted ablation.
• Assessment of feasibility (successful robotic applicator insertion), safety, accuracy, and procedure timings.
• CUSUM analysis to evaluate the robotic device learning curve and proficiency retention after a 6-month interval.

Main Results:

• 93.6% feasibility for robotic applicator insertion, with all failures in the initial learning phase.
• Low complication rate (5 events: 4 minor, 1 major), with only one related to robotic guidance.
• Performance plateaued around 20 cases, with maintained accuracy and consistent procedure times post-learning curve and after the 6-month interval.

Conclusions:

• Robotic-assisted percutaneous ablation is feasible and safe after an initial learning curve.
• Proficiency in robotic ablation is retained even after a 6-month interval without use.
• This technology offers consistent procedural times and maintained accuracy for abdominal lesion ablation.