Feasibility and Safety Study of the Use of a New Robot (Maestro™) for Laparoscopic Surgery

Background: In laparoscopic surgery, telerobotic systems such as Da Vinci™ were developed, among other things, to give back exposure and vision control to the operating surgeon. However, new limitations such as the separation of the operating surgeon from the operating table, cost, and size were unveiled. A new device, Maestro™, appears promising in addressing these limitations. The current work evaluates the feasibility, safety, and surgeon satisfaction with the assistance provided by the Maestro System.

Methods: Non-consecutive patients who were candidates for laparoscopic digestive surgery were enrolled in a descriptive prospective, monocentric study. Case selection was solely based on the availability of the device, but not on the patient's characteristics. Surgery was performed by a leading surgeon with the help of one less experienced surgeon. Feasibility was defined by the maintenance of the initial surgical plan. Safety was assessed by the absence of serious adverse events related to the device and surgeon satisfaction was evaluated by a questionnaire following the intervention.

Results: All 50 procedures were completed without conversion in laparotomy and without adjustment of the surgical team. Four complications were recorded during the study; however, none related to the use of the Maestro System. In 92% of the cases, the surgeon was satisfied with the assistance provided by the Maestro System.

Conclusions: In standard elective digestive procedures by laparoscopy, the use of the Maestro System is feasible and safe. It is beneficial to the surgeon and operative room organization by limiting the size of the surgical team.