Robotic Cholecystectomy Is a Safe Educational Alternative to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy During General Surgical Training: A Pilot Study.

Objective: The role of robotic surgery in general surgery (GS) continues to expand. Several programs have integrated robotic-based simulators and models into surgical education; however, residents' robotic experience in the operating room is currently limited. We sought to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic cholecystectomy (RC) when independently performed by GS chief residents.

Methods: From June 2016 to October 2018, RC and laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) performed independently by chief residents on a resident staff surgical service were prospectively included. Patient demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications were analyzed and compared between both cohorts.

Results: A total of 20 RC and 70 LC were included. Patient characteristics, indications for surgery, and comorbidities were similar in both groups. RC was more likely to be performed electively (95% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001). No difference in operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative bile duct injury, or conversion to open was observed. Patients undergoing LC had an overall longer mean length of hospital stay (2.7 days ± 2.1 vs. 0.8 days ± 0.4, p < 0.001); however, length of hospital stay was similar between RC and LC performed electively (p = 0.946). No difference in postoperative complications and 30-day readmission was observed.

Conclusions: RC can be safely and independently performed by GS residents with similar outcomes as LC. Efforts should be directed toward creating a platform to bridge competent simulator skills into safe performance in the operating suite. The integration of robotic training into the core GS curriculum should be encouraged.