Robotic Emergency General Surgery Program

Overview

Background Abdominal surgical emergencies account for 20-30% of visceral surgery procedures. However, these emergencies are responsible for more than half of the morbidity in our discipline, with a surgical site infection rate four times higher than in elective surgery, and significantly higher rates of surgical revision and conversion (PMID: 34225343 and 27016997 and 27120712). In cases where minimally invasive surgery is converted to laparotomy, patients are three times more likely to be admitted to critical care units (PMID: 39966134). Visceral surgery currently represents the largest and fastest-growing discipline in robotic surgery. Robotic management of emergency general surgery has been described in the literature for several years, particularly in the United States. Robotic surgery allows a shift from open procedures to minimally invasive techniques or simplifies complex laparoscopic procedures. Several literature reviews and meta-analyses report decreased laparotomy rates, reduced perioperative morbidity, and shorter average length of hospital stay (PMID: 38446451 and 38918109). Abdominal surgical emergencies account for 20-30% of visceral surgery procedures. However, these emergencies are responsible for more than half of the morbidity in our discipline, with a surgical site infection rate four times higher than in elective surgery, and significantly higher rates of surgical revision and conversion (PMID: 34225343 and 27016997 and 27120712). In cases where minimally invasive surgery is converted to laparotomy, patients are three times more likely to be admitted to critical care units (PMID: 39966134). Visceral surgery currently represents the largest and fastest-growing discipline in robotic surgery. Robotic management of emergency general surgery has been described in the literature for several years, particularly in the United States. Robotic surgery allows a shift from open procedures to minimally invasive techniques or simplifies complex laparoscopic procedures. Several literature reviews and meta-analyses report decreased laparotomy rates, reduced perioperative morbidity, and shorter average length of hospital stay (PMID: 38446451 and 38918109).Primary Objective:To assess the implementation of a robotic surgery program for emergency visceral procedures (proof of feasibility in our university hospital). Secondary Objectives: Reduce perioperative morbidity, Reduce the rate of laparotomy, Reduce the average length of hospital stay (LOS), Reduce postoperative admission to critical care, Reduce operative time.