Clinical implementation of the Versius robotic surgical system in visceral surgery-A single centre experience and review of the first 175 patients

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgical systems introduce new opportunities for the minimal accessed surgeon. The combination of three-dimensional magnified vision and articulated instruments with seven degrees of freedom provide a good and safe alternative to laparoscopic surgery. Indeed some of these features may support the case that robotic surgery may be better than conventional surgery. In this study, we report our experience of robotic surgery by using the first open console, modular robotic platform in Germany, the Versius Surgical System®. METHODS: We implemented the Versius Surgical System® in April 2021 at our centre. Since then, 175 patients received robotic assisted surgery. All patients were included in this study. Data were analysed by using the SPSS (IBM Statistics) Software. RESULTS: 175 patients underwent robotic surgery. We started the implementation of the system by performing cholecystectomy. After the first 50 successful operations, we began to perform robotic assisted oncological resections. We saw a learning curve with improvements in total operative time and console time until reaching a standard similar to conventional laparoscopic surgery. The perioperative complication-ratio was equivalent for operations matched the histopathological outcome (MERCURY graduation, R0-staus) at oncological resections. However, four patients had to be revised because of secondary bleeding. Interestingly the total hospital stay for right sided hemicolectomy and oesophagus-resection was shorter than in laparoscopic surgery. SUMMARY: In our opinion, the Versius Surgical System® seems to be a good, promising system and a safe alternative to other robotic systems, although any comparison is still missing. The open design enabling a better communication between console surgeon and bedside-unit assistant as well as the mobile bedside units are very interesting and allow more flexibility. Nevertheless, there are limitations of the system that require a direct comparison with other robotic systems as well as continuous advancement.