Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery. Initial experience in foregut surgery.
BACKGROUND
A new type of computer-enhanced telemanipulator device for "robotic" laparoscopic surgery was recently approved. We prospectively evaluated the initial patients undergoing procedures with this new device at our institution.


METHODS
Patient demographics, operative indications, port placement, operative time, robot time, complications, and hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluation was appropriate for the individual procedure.


RESULTS
Initially, 35 cases were managed. There were 22 anti-reflux procedures, 9 Heller myotomies, 1 pyloroplasty, 1 distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, 1 esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis, and 1 diagnostic laparoscopy. The operative times ranged from 88 to 458 min. The robot use times were between 16 and 185 min. There were no device-related complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-enhanced robotic telesurgery is a safe and effective treatment method for a variety of diseases of the proximal gastrointestinal tract. Further study is needed to determine the benefits of this approach as compared with current technology.
Melvin
W S
WS
Department of Surgery and Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Ohio State University School of Medicine and Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA. Melvin.14@osu.edu
Needleman
B J
BJ
Krause
K R
KR
Schneider
C
C
Wolf
R K
RK
Michler
R E
RE
Ellison
E C
EC
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000601:surgery; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018662:Fundoplication / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005734:Gangrene / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010180:Pancreatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011708:Pylorus / Q000601:surgery; D012371:Robotics; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors