BACKGROUND

Surgical robotic systems are superior to traditional laparoscopic technologies with regard to generation of 3-dimensional images, and they also offer better instrumentation. Here, we report on our early results for 1-stage robot-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure.

METHODS

From March 2009 to July 2009, five consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure assisted by the da Vinci robotic system. Patient demographics, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and length of postoperative hospital stay were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

No patient required conversion to laparotomy or conventional laparoscopy. The average robotic console time was 176.0±32.1 minutes. One female patient developed postoperative pulmonary infection that was successfully treated medically; the others' postoperative courses were uneventful. The average length of postoperative stay was 5.8±2.5 days. At follow up, all 5 patients were free of recurrent stones.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with primary closure are effective and safe for selected patients. Future experience is needed to further study the efficacy and role of this novel approach.