Robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
BACKGROUND
Robotic surgery promises to extend the capabilities of the minimally invasive surgeon. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of robotic surgery in the setting of laparoscopic gastric bypass.


METHODS
The Zeus robotic surgical system was used in 50 laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures. The learning curve was staged to add complexity to the robotic tasks as experience grew. Robotic setup time, robotic operative time, total operative time, and operative outcomes were tracked prospectively.


RESULTS
We observed a significant decrease in the robotic setup time. Our robotic learning curve demonstrated decreased operative time, even as more complex tasks were accomplished. Total operative time also decreased significantly over the series. There were no complications in our series that could be attributed to the robotic technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is safe. The steadiness and extra degrees of freedom of surgical robotic systems may improve the accuracy of laparoscopic tasks. The learning curve for robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is significant but manageable.
Ali
M R
MR
Department of Surgery, University of California-Davis, 2221 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. Mohamed.ali@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Bhaskerrao
B
B
Wolfe
B M
BM
D000328:Adult; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008643:Mesentery / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome