Proctoring System Enables Safe Induction of Robotic Gastrectomy: Short-term Outcomes of the First 10 Cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIM: The Japan Society of Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) proctoring system was established to prevent serious pancreatic pressure injuries in Japan in 2019. To safely perform robotic gastrectomy (RG) in our hospital, which has no experience in robotic surgery, we conducted a clinical trial with the support of this proctoring system. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study was a single-center clinical prospective study. The primary endpoint was morbidity determined using Clavien-Dindo classification (C-D) Grade IIIa or higher. RESULTS: Ten patients, seven males and three females, were recruited in this study. RG was performed under the proctoring system of the JSES in the initial six cases and was completed independently for the remaining four patients. We successfully performed the initial ten cases without C-D classification grade IIIa or higher morbidities. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the significance of a proctoring system for introducing RG to facilities with limited experience in robotic surgery. Despite some limitations, this study demonstrated successful outcomes in the initial ten cases, emphasizing the benefits for both surgeons and patients. This study provides valuable insights into the safety of RG in small institutions and calls for further research in this area.