Could ICG-aided robotic cholecystectomy reduce the rate of open conversion reported with laparoscopic approach? A head to head comparison of the largest single institution studies

J Robot Surg. 2017 Mar;11(1):77-82. doi: 10.1007/s11701-016-0624-6. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

Abstract

Comparative studies between robotic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) focus heavily on economic considerations under the assumption of comparable clinical outcomes. Advancement of the robotic technique and the further widespread use of this approach suggest a need for newer comparison studies. 676 ICG-aided robotic cholecystectomies (ICG-aided RC) performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Division of General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery were compiled retrospectively. Additionally, 289 LC were similarly obtained. Data were compared to the largest single institution LC data sets from within the US and abroad. Statistically significant variations were found between UIC-RC and UIC-LC in minor biliary injuries (p = 0.049), overall open conversion (p ≤ 0.001), open conversion in the acute setting (p = 0.002), and mean blood loss (p < 0.001). UIC-RC open conversions were also significantly lower than Greenville Health System LC (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, UIC ICG-RC resulted in the lowest percentages of major biliary injuries (0 %) and highest percentage of biliary anomalies identified (2.07 %). ICG-aided cholangiography and the technical advantages associated with the robotic platform may significantly decrease the rate of open conversion in both the acute and non-acute setting. The sample size discrepancy and the non-randomized nature of our study do not allow for drawing definitive conclusions.

Keywords: Cholangiography; Cholecystectomy; Cholecystectomy, laparoscopic; Cholecystectomy, robotic-assisted; Conversion to open surgery; Surgical procedures, robotic.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biliary Tract / injuries
  • Cholecystectomy / adverse effects
  • Cholecystectomy / methods*
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / adverse effects
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / methods*
  • Cholecystitis / surgery
  • Conversion to Open Surgery / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Fluoroscopy / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography, Interventional / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Robotic Surgical Procedures / methods*