Single port robotic radical prostatectomy versus multi-port robotic radical prostatectomy: A human factor analysis during the initial learning curve

Learning Curve Analysis of Single-Incision Ovarian Cystectomy: Comparative Study of Robotic and Conventional Laparoscopic Techniques

Ovarian cystectomy, aimed at preserving fertility, has advanced through minimally invasive surgical techniques. This study evaluates the learning curves and surgical outcomes of three such approaches: DaVinci Robotic Single-Site (RSS), DaVinci Robotic Single-Port (RSP), and laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). To analyze the learning curves and surgical outcomes for these techniques, providing insights into their effectiveness and proficiency development. Retrospective analysis of 104 patients with ovarian tumors, divided into RSS (n = 52), RSP (n = 22), and LESS (n = 30) groups. Metrics analyzed included age, BMI, tumor size, hemoglobin drop, operative time, docking time, console time, and tumor location. No significant differences in age, BMI, transfusion rate, hemoglobin drop, or length of stay were found among the groups. RSS had larger tumors on average, and LESS had a higher occurrence rate on the right side. LESS demonstrated the shortest operative time, while RSS and RSP had comparable times. Docking and console times did not differ significantly between RSS and RSP. RSP reached proficiency faster than RSS in docking and console times, while LESS exhibited the greatest variability in operative time. RSP offers a faster and more consistent learning curve, making it advantageous for complex procedures, whereas LESS provides shorter operative times but with higher variability. These findings are crucial for surgical training and resource allocation in medical institutions.

Intraoperative workload of the surgeon in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review

In the present study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the intraoperative workload of surgeons performing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed-MEDLINE and Web of Science databases through April 2024 using the following search terms: "workload AND robot assisted radical prostatectomy", "workload AND robotic radical prostatectomy", "task load AND robotic radical prostatectomy", "task load AND robot assisted radical prostatectomy" and "NASA-TLX AND robot assisted radical prostatectomy" by combining population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) terms, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We therefore selected studies that included patients with prostate cancer (P) who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy (I) and reported a workload/task load questionnaire (C) to assess the intraoperative workload/task load of the surgeon performing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (O). A total of 11 studies were identified. The surgeon's workload during RARP was assessed using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration task load index (NASA-TLX) and/or the surgery task load index (SURG-TLX) in the studies. Total NASA-TLX scores of the studies ranged from 22.7 ± 3.2 to 62.0 ± 6.4. Mental and physical demands, flow interruptions, surgeon experience, the use of single or multiple ports, and the relationship between the surgeon and other staff in the operating theater may play a role in the intraoperative workload of the console surgeon. The studies we reviewed suggest that RARP offers an acceptable workload for the console surgeon despite its mental demands.

Current Expectations and Opinions on Single-port Robotic Surgery: A Survey Among European Experts by the SPARC Collaborative Group

Single-port (SP) robotic surgery is a relatively new technology that is expected to become available on the European market within a year. We investigated the current expectations of robotic surgery experts and opinion leaders practicing in Europe. A 17-item online questionnaire was sent to 120 participants identified as "experts" on the basis of their general contributions to the field of robotic surgery. Overall, 90 responses were registered, with a response rate of 75%. Italy (30%), France (15%), and the UK (12%) provided the most participants, who worked mainly in academic-either public (60%) or private (20%)-hospitals. Most respondents (79%) had no previous experience with "single site" surgery, and attendance at scientific meetings (79%) and perusal of the literature (65%) were the sources of SP knowledge most frequently reported. The perceived advantages of SP robotic surgery included lower invasiveness (61%), easier access to the retroperitoneal or extraperitoneal space (53%), better cosmetic results (44%), and lower postoperative pain (44%). The most "appealing" SP procedures were retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy via an anterior approach (43%) and transvesical simple prostatectomy (43%). Within the limitations of this type of analysis, our findings suggest high interest and a positive attitude towards SP technology overall.

Patient summary

Technology for single-port (SP) robotic surgery, in which just one skin incision is made in the abdomen to perform the operation, will soon be available in Europe. We conducted a survey on SP surgery among European experts in urological robotic surgery. The results show that there is high interest in and a positive attitude to SP surgery. The SP approach could result in better cosmetic results and lower postoperative pain for patients.

Comparing the safety and efficacy of single-port versus multi-port robotic-assisted techniques in urological surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Comparing the safety and efficacy of single-port (SP) versus multi-port (MP) robotic-assisted techniques in urological surgeries.

METHODS

A systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis was performed using PRISMA criteria for primary outcomes of interest, and quality assessment followed AMSTAR. Four databases were systematically searched: Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The search time range is from database creation to December 2022. Stata16 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There were 17 studies involving 5015 patients. In urological surgeries, single-port robotics had shorter length of stay (WMD = - 0.63, 95% Cl [- 1.06, - 0.21], P < 0.05), less estimated blood loss (WMD = - 19.56, 95% Cl [- 32.21, - 6.91], P < 0.05), less lymph node yields (WMD = - 3.35, 95% Cl [- 5.16, - 1.55], P < 0.05), less postoperative opioid use (WMD = - 5.86, 95% Cl [- 8.83, - 2.88], P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time, positive margins rate, overall complications rate, and major complications rate.

CONCLUSION

Single-port robotics appears to have similar perioperative outcomes to multi-port robotics in urological surgery. In radical prostatectomy, single-port robotics has shown some advantages, but the specific suitability of single-port robots for urological surgical types needs to be further explored.

Early outcomes of single-site versus multi-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Single-site robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (ssRARP) has been promoted in many institutions due to its minimally invasive approach. This review aimed to investigate early outcomes of ssRARP in comparison with multi-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (mpRARP).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed for articles related to ssRARP case series and studies that compared ssRARP with mpRARP. The primary outcomes were functional and oncological outcomes, incision length, length of hospital stay and cost.

RESULTS

24 ssRARP case series involving 1385 cases, and 11 comparative studies involving 573 ssRARP cases and 980 mpRARP cases were included. Rate of immediate, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month recovery of continence in the ssRARP case series were 41 % [95 % CI: 0.38-0.45], 70 % [95 % CI: 0.67-0.73], 90 % [95 % CI: 0.87-0.93] and 93 % [95 % CI: 0.90-0.96]. 3-month potency recovery and positive surgical margin rate were 53 % [95 % CI: 0.46-0.60] and 21 % [95 % CI: 0.19-0.24]. No significant differences were detected between ssRARP and mpRARP in terms of 3-month (OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 0.80-1.57) or 6-month (OR: 0.72; 95 % CI: 0.36-1.46) continence recovery rate, 3-month potency recovery rate (OR: 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.50-1.70), positive surgical margin rate (OR: 0.83; 95 % CI: 0.62-1.11), biochemical recurrence rate or total cost. Furthermore, ssRARP was associated with a significantly shorter length of incision and hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

ssRARP has significant advantages in cosmetic effect, length of incision and rapid recovery. Consequently, ssRARP is expected to become the preferred form although more evidence is needed to determine its long-term effect.

Single-port and multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A meta-analysis

Objective

To compare the perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes between single-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP) and multiport robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (MP-RARP) via a meta-analysis.

Methods

For relevant articles, three electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception until January 15, 2022. A meta-analysis has been reported in line with PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR Guidelines. The risk ratio and weighted mean difference (MD) were applied for the comparison of dichotomous and continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of the 368 retrieved abstracts, 41 underwent full-text review, and seven studies were included in the final analysis, comprising a total cohort of 1,934 cases of RARP (355 SP-RARP cases and 1,579 MP-RARP cases). Compared to MP-RARP, the SP-RARP group had less postoperative pain score (MD = -0.7, 95% CI -1 to -0.4, P<0.001), morphine milligram equivalents usage (MD = -3.8, 95% CI -7.5 to -0.1, P=0.04), hospital stay (MD = -1, 95% CI -1.8 to -0.1, P=0.019), and urinary catheterization time (MD = -1.1, 95% CI -1.9 to -0.3, P=0.008). However, the SP-RARP group had a longer console time than the MP-RARP group (MD = 5.3, 95% CI 2.6 to 7.9, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that early results were mostly equivalent with the single-port approach. This technology may help to reduce the hospital stay and postoperative pain for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy compared to MP-RARP, without compromising the functional and early oncological outcomes.

Single-port Transvesical Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: The Surgical Learning Curve of the First 100 Cases

OBJECTIVE

To determine the number of cases required to reach plateau performance.

METHODS

We performed a single-surgeon review of the first 100 consecutive procedures. All procedures were performed using the da Vinci single-port robotic system between November 2020 and March 2022. Time was used as the measure of the learning curve (LC). Relevant surgical steps were considered separately for detailed analysis. Data were collected retrospectively and analyzed through the cumulative sum method and moving average graphing. A comparative analysis was done between subgroups of 20 consecutive cases for perioperative outcomes.

RESULTS

All cases were completed successfully, without extra ports or conversion. The LC for prostate excision showed initial exponential improvement and reached plateau at case 28. Vesicourethral anastomosis time gradually shortened over time, with a clear inflection point at case 10. Total operative time rapidly improved and plateaued early to 213.0 minutes. Robot-docking and undocking, achieving hemostasis, wound closure, and intraoperative idle times were consistent throughout the series. Estimated blood loss decreased significantly after the first 20 cases (from median of 135.0-88.0 mL, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

In our early experience, the LC for single-port transvesical robot-assisted radical prostatectomy suggests that performance improved after 10-30 cases in the hands of an experienced robotic surgeon.

Single-Port Robotic Applications in Urology

Objective: The da Vinci single-port (SP) platform represents the latest innovation in minimally invasive urologic surgery, and the adoption of this technology by urologists is increasing. In this article, we briefly describe the evolution of minimally invasive and single-site surgery, and offer a comprehensive review of the current literature on the SP platform. Materials and Methods: For relevant articles, three electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from their inception until August 15, 2022. The published literature to date within SP robotic surgery in urology will be discussed. Evidence Synthesis: There are relatively few high-quality studies on the SP system, but there are multiple case series describing unique indications and surgical approaches with the SP robot, demonstrating safety and feasibility in the hands of experienced robotic surgeons. There also are an increasing number of prospective, larger cohort studies comparing outcomes between SP and multiport (MP) approaches that show benefits of the SP system regarding improved cosmesis, postoperative pain control, and decreased length of stay. Conclusions: Multiple prospective studies have shown benefits regarding cost and pain control for SP platform procedures compared to the traditional MP robotic approach. While its high cost and learning curve represent barriers to adoption, the SP platform represents a critical development in minimally invasive surgery. As this technology is further implemented at more institutions, long-term, high-quality data should accrue that will demonstrate its true value.

Perioperative results of single-port vs multi-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy via peritoneal approach: a meta-analysis

To compare the perioperative outcomes of single-port robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP) and multiport robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (MP-RARP) via transperitoneal approach, we conducted a comprehensive database search of eligible studies up to October 2022 and compared their results. This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and a leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to control for heterogeneity and risk of bias. A total of six articles were included, involving 926 patients, among which 256 underwent SP-RARP and 670 underwent MP-RARP. Comparing the two, SP-RARP was associated with shorter hospitalization time (- 0.5 days; 95% CI - 1.02, - 0.06, p < 0.05) and less intraoperative blood loss (- 29.88 ml; 95% CI - 45.66, - 14.10, p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in any complications, operative time, positive surgical margins, or short-term follow-up outcomes (continence and potency at 3 months). These findings provide reference data for the selection of surgical methods in performing transperitoneal RP and support further research on the broad applicability of the SP platform.

Comparison of single-port and multi-port Retzius-sparing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Dissemination of robotic surgical technology for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has yielded advancements including the Retzius-sparing (RS) approach and the single-port (SP) platform. The safety and feasibility of each individual advancement have been evaluated, yet there is a lack of literature comparing SP RS-RALP to conventional multi-port (MP) RS-RALP. All patients who underwent RS-RALP at our institution between January 2019 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding baseline patient and tumor characteristics, operative characteristics, and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed using the Fisher's exact test and two-tailed unpaired t tests. 62 patients were evaluated: 31 received SP RS-RALP and 31 received MP RS-RALP. Differences in patient age, BMI, and initial PSA were not observed. Lower median lymph node yield (SP: 4 vs MP: 12, p < 0.01), lower estimated blood loss (SP: 111.2 vs. MP 157.8 mL, p < 0.01), shorter operative time (SP: 207.7 vs. MP: 255.9 min, p < 0.01) and decreased length of stay (SP: 0.39 vs. MP: 1.23 days, p < 0.01) were observed in the SP RS-RALP cohort. No differences in positive surgical margins, complications, or biochemical recurrence rates were observed. SP RS-RALP is non-inferior to MP RS-RALP in terms of both perioperative and early oncologic outcomes. Despite the small sample size, the SP platform is a safe and feasible option for RS-RALP and confers potential benefits in the form of shorter operative time and reduced length of stay.

Intraoperative workload during robotic radical prostatectomy: Comparison between multi-port da Vinci Xi and single port da Vinci SP robots

The goal of this study was to quantify and compare prospective self-reported intraoperative workload and teamwork during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for multi-port da Vinci Xi (MP) and single-port da Vinci SP (SP) robots. The self-reported workload (surgeon and surgical team) and teamwork (surgeon) measures were collected and compared between MP and SP RARPs, as well as the learning curve. Results from 25 MP and SP RARPs showed that overall, the NASA-TLX workload subscales were lower, and the teamwork modified NOTECHS subscales were higher for the MP RARPs compared to the SP RARPs. The underlying reason for the significant differences between these two RARP surgical procedures could be other factors (e.g., robot design factors) in addition to the surgeon and surgical team's experience. The results also suggested learning effects through the 25 SP RARPs; however, twenty-five procedures may not be enough to achieve proficiency with the SP system.

Efficacy and safety of single port robotic radical prostatectomy and multiport robotic radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of single port (SP) robot radical prostatectomy and multiport (MP) robot radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Using the China National Knowledge database, EMBASE, Cochrane library, PubMed, and other databases to obtain relevant research, SP robot radical prostatectomy and MP robot radical prostatectomy were comprehensively evaluated. The software used to evaluate the impact of the results in the selected articles was Review Manager 5.2. Deviation analysis, forest plot analysis, and sensitivity analysis were carried out for the collected data.

Results

A total of 7 related studies that met the criteria were finally included. The data showed that the operation time of MP in the control group was significantly longer than that in the SP group [mean difference (MD) =−13.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): (−17.35, −9.23); P<0.00001; I²=50%]. The duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay for SP surgery was shorter than that for MP surgery [MD =−18.30; 95% CI: (−29.17, −7.42); P=0.0010; I²=94%]. The blood loss of SP surgery was less than that of MP surgery [MD =−15.54; 95% CI: (−28.37, −2.71); the total effective rate was 0.02; I²=0%]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between SP and MP surgery [risk ratio (RR) =0.95; 95% CI: (0.55, 1.63); P=0.85; I²=0%]. At the same time, the sensitivity analysis and funnel plot showed that this study was robust and publication bias was limited.

Discussion

Our results show that SP robotic radical prostatectomy is superior to MP robotic radical prostatectomy in terms of efficacy and safety. SP robot radical prostatectomy is worthy of wide promotion.

Da Vinci Single-Port Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

The field of robotic surgery continues to evolve and the advent of the single-port (SP) platform is another step toward the future. The SP platform is a new technology that has promising implications for urologic surgery. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared this platform in 2018, multiple urologic procedures have been described, with radical prostatectomy being the most common. This article aims to describe and illustrate the step-by-step technique of SP radical prostatectomy. We have described our technique from the patient positioning and trocar placement until the anastomosis. We included in the video compilation surgical steps such as bladder dropping and anterior bladder neck dissection, posterior bladder neck and seminal vesicles, posterior prostate dissection and nerve sparing, apical dissection and dorsal venous complex control, posterior reconstruction and anastomosis, and lymph node dissection.

Robotic-assisted genitourinary reconstruction: current state and future directions

With the widespread dissemination of robotic surgical platforms, pathology previously deemed insurmountable or challenging has been treated with reliable and replicable outcomes. The advantages of precise articulation for dissection and suturing, tremor reduction, three-dimensional magnified visualization, and minimally invasive trocar sites have allowed for the management of such diverse disease as recurrent or refractory bladder neck stenoses, and radiation-induced ureteral strictures, with excellent perioperative and functional outcomes. Intraoperative adjuncts such as near-infrared imaging aid in identification and preservation of healthy tissue. More recent developments include robotics via the single port platform, gender-affirming surgery, and multidisciplinary approaches to complex pelvic reconstruction. Here, we review the recent literature comprising developments in robotic-assisted genitourinary reconstruction, with a view towards emerging technologies and future trends in techniques.