Robotic-assisted completion cholecystectomy: A safe and effective approach to a challenging surgical scenario - A single center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Reoperation following a previous subtotal or aborted cholecystectomy presents a challenging surgical scenario that has traditionally required an open completion cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to describe an institutional experience with a robotic-assisted approach to completion cholecystectomy.

METHODS: A database was retrospectively audited to identify all patients who underwent robotic-assisted cholecystectomy performed by two hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons at a single centre from 2010 to 2019.

RESULTS: Twenty six patients who underwent a robotic-assisted completion cholecystectomy were identified. Median operative time was 142 min (48-247 min) with a blood loss of 50 cc (0-500 cc). Minor complications (Clavien-Dindo ≤ II 90 days) occurred in three patients (11.5%) with no major complication or mortality reported. Median hospital length of stay was 1 day (0-6 days) with one patient readmitted.

CONCLUSION: This study represents to our knowledge the largest series of robotic-assisted completion cholecystectomies to date. The robotic approach appears to be a safe and effective procedure associated with a low morbidity and high success rate.