Robotic distal pancreatectomy: Initial experience with the Versius robotic surgical system. Stage 2a IDEAL prospective case series

Abstract

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is a well-established minimally invasive procedure. However, feasibility and technical details when using Versius robotic surgical system are still unexplored. This is a prospective stage 2a development IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term monitoring) case series. All consecutive robotic DP (RDP), including both splenectomy (DPS) and spleen-preserving DP (SPDP), were analysed. Pre- intra- and post-operative details were prospectively recorded. 6 DPS and 3 SPDP were performed between May 2022 and May 2024. Conversion to open was recorded in one case. The average operating time and robot docking time were 185 ​min (range: 118–300) and 9.3 ​min (range: 3–15), respectively. No reoperation or 90-days mortality were recorded. Ports placement, instruments used, and surgical strategy are described in detail. We present the first series on RDP performed by Versius robotic surgical system. The procedure is safe and feasible, and careful patient selection is required for the first cases.