Short-Term Outcomes Including Cost of Distal Pancreatectomy Using the Hinotori Surgical Robot System

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• The hinotori Surgical Robot System, Japan's first domestic surgical robot, has seen increasing adoption since its 2020 approval.
• Limited reports exist on its application in pancreatic surgery.
• This study assesses short-term outcomes of robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) using the hinotori system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) utilizing the hinotori Surgical Robot System.
• To compare these outcomes with those of RDP performed using the da Vinci Surgical System Xi.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 73 RDP cases performed between July 2020 and June 2025.
• Comparison of perioperative outcomes between the hinotori group (22 patients) and the da Vinci group (51 patients).
• Data analyzed included operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in median age or sex distribution between the hinotori and da Vinci groups.
• Median operative time and blood loss were comparable between the two systems.
• The hinotori group experienced significantly shorter hospital stays (9.0 vs. 13.5 days) and lower hospitalization costs (1,499,810 vs. 1,735,355 yen).

Conclusions:

• Robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy using the hinotori system is a safe and feasible option.
• Perioperative outcomes with the hinotori system are generally comparable to the da Vinci system.
• The hinotori system offers potential benefits in reduced hospital stay and cost-effectiveness for RDP.