Our Summary

This study looked at how safe and effective a new robotic surgery system called Revo-i was when used for gallbladder removal surgery. They tested this on 15 patients who had gallbladder disease. The main measure they were interested in was whether there were any problems during the operation. They also looked at complications up to 30 days after surgery and asked patients what they thought of the Revo-i’s performance.

All surgeries were successfully completed, with an average operation time of about 115 minutes and an average blood loss of around 3.33 milliliters. There were no complications during or after the surgery, including no cases where the gallbladder was accidentally punctured. On average, patients stayed in the hospital for 2 days after the surgery. Most patients were happy with how the Revo-i performed.

The study concluded that using the Revo-i for gallbladder removal surgery is feasible and safe. This is the first clinical study of the Revo-i robotic surgical system in human patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the Revo-i robotic surgical system and what was it used for in this study?
  2. How did the Revo-i perform in terms of operation time, blood loss, and patient safety during the gallbladder removal surgeries?
  3. What were the patient’s responses regarding the performance of the Revo-i and what was the average hospital stay after the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that using a robotic surgery system like Revo-i for cholecystectomy is safe and effective, with no reported complications during or after the surgery in a recent study. This technology can potentially lead to quicker recovery times and fewer risks compared to traditional surgical methods. It is important to discuss with your doctor the best treatment options for your specific case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal surgery, include those with symptomatic gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, gallbladder cancer, or biliary dyskinesia. Patients who have recurrent episodes of gallbladder pain or complications from gallstones such as pancreatitis or jaundice may also be recommended for cholecystectomy. In some cases, patients with asymptomatic gallstones but other risk factors for complications may also be advised to undergo cholecystectomy.

Timeline

Before cholecystectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of gallbladder disease such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or blood tests to confirm gallbladder disease.
  • Patient is advised by a healthcare provider to undergo cholecystectomy if conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms.

After cholecystectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation including fasting and anesthesia consultation.
  • Patient undergoes cholecystectomy surgery, which may be performed laparoscopically or robotically.
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room post-surgery and may stay in the hospital for a day or two.
  • Patient is discharged with instructions for post-operative care, including pain management and diet modifications.
  • Patient follows up with healthcare provider for incision check-ups and monitoring of recovery.
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and diet, with some restrictions on fatty foods.
  • Patient experiences relief from symptoms of gallbladder disease and improved quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a cholecystectomy surgery?

  2. How does the Revo-i robotic surgery system compare to traditional laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal?

  3. What is the success rate of the Revo-i robotic surgery system in terms of completing the surgery without complications?

  4. How long is the recovery time after a cholecystectomy using the Revo-i robotic surgery system?

  5. Are there any specific criteria that make a patient a good candidate for gallbladder removal using the Revo-i robotic surgery system?

  6. How experienced is the surgical team in using the Revo-i robotic surgery system for cholecystectomy procedures?

  7. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo gallbladder removal using the Revo-i robotic surgery system?

  8. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions that should be followed after a cholecystectomy with the Revo-i robotic surgery system?

  9. How does the cost of using the Revo-i robotic surgery system for gallbladder removal compare to traditional laparoscopic surgery?

  10. Are there any ongoing studies or research being conducted on the Revo-i robotic surgery system for cholecystectomy procedures?

Reference

Authors: Lim JH, Lee WJ, Choi SH, Kang CM. Journal: Updates Surg. 2021 Jun;73(3):1029-1035. doi: 10.1007/s13304-020-00877-5. Epub 2020 Sep 16. PMID: 32936390