2017 Resarch Forum

SG: M-7

Applicant: Domenech Asbun MD Principal Investigator: Andrea Pakula MD MPH FACS

A review of our first 74 robotic-assisted general surgery cases Domenech Asbun MD, Ruby Skinner MD FACS FCCP FCCM, Andrea Pakula MD MPH FACS

INTRODUCTION Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly common in general surgical practices. However, the technology is relatively new and results of incorporating robotic surgery into different settings are being evaluated. PURPOSE To evaluate the first batch of robotic-assisted general surgery cases performed at Kern Medical, a community-based teaching hospital. METHOD An IRB-approved retrospective chart review of all cases of robotic-assisted general surgery at our institution between May 11, 2016, and April 5, 2017. Information collected included date of procedure, procedure performed, and surgeons involved. RESULTS The general surgery group at Kern Medical performed a total of 74 robotic-assisted surgeries in the approximately 11-month time span. The most commonly performed procedure was a cholecystectomy (n=24), followed by vertical sleeve gastrectomy (n=10), bilateral inguinal hernia repair (n=8), and right inguinal hernia repair (n=7). Other procedures included various repairs of other abdominal wall hernias (n=8), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n=5), paraesophageal hernia repair (n=3), and other cases in which more than one procedure was performed (n=9). There was one primary surgeon who was involved in all procedures, either as the sole surgeon (n=65) or in conjunction with a second surgeon (n=9). The majority of bariatric surgeries and surgeries involving multiple procedures was completed during the second half of the studied time period. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a robotic surgery program was feasible in our community-based teaching hospital, with increasing complexity of cases observed as the program developed. The most common robotic-assisted general surgery cases were cholecystectomies, followed by abdominal wall hernia repairs and bariatric surgical procedures.