The current status of robotic vascular surgery in the abdominal cavity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Robotically assisted procedures have emerged within vascular surgery as an alternative to open procedures for the treatment of arterial aneurysms and arterial occlusive diseases. METHODS: A thorough literature search was conducted to retrieve studies reporting the use of robotic systems for the management of aneurysms and arterial obstructive diseases. RESULTS: Eleven studies included data about abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) or aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) related conditions. Among 260 patients, the reported aortic clamping time in AAA repairs ranged from 39 to 113 minutes, whilst the time needed for the anastomosis varied between 21.5-43 minutes for AAA and AIOD treatment. The conversion rates also ranged between 0-2% respectively, whilst patient hospital stay varied between 1.5 to 12.2 days. CONCLUSION: Despite the relatively small number of relevant studies, the results are promising. However randomised control trials will help elucidate further the potential superiority of robotic mediated procedures in vascular surgery.