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Super obese (SO) patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m(2) still represent a real anesthesiological and surgical challenge. While the best procedure to perform in this population remains unclear, robotic technology has been proposed to accomplish Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The study aim is to report our experience of robotic RYGB for SO patients and to compare it with open and laparoscopic surgery.

Revisional bariatric procedures (RBP) can be technically challenging. While robotics might provide help for complex procedures, the study aim was to report our experience with robotic RBP.

Strategies to spare operating room (OR) times are crucial to limiting the costs involved in robotic surgery. Among other factors, the pre-operative set-up and docking phases have been incriminated at first to be time consuming. The docking process on the standard multiport da Vinci Surgical System has not been shown to significantly prolong the overall OR time. This study aims to analyse whether the length of the docking process on the new da Vinci Si Surgical System with Single-Site™ technology remains acceptable.

Computerized management of medical information and 3D imaging has become the norm in everyday medical practice. Surgeons exploit these emerging technologies and bring information previously confined to the radiology rooms into the operating theatre. The paper reports the authors' experience with integrated stereoscopic 3D-rendered images in the da Vinci surgeon console.

Very recently, robotic single site cholecystectomy (RSSC) has been reported feasible and safe for selected cases. While an intra-operative cholangiography can be performed, data is scarce with respect to its use. Indocyanin green (ICG) has been shown to be a viable option to visualize biliary anatomy. Since the introduction of a new near infrared camera integrated to the da Vinci Si System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA), the surgeon is able to assess the biliary anatomy by a non-invasive and non-ionizing method. This paper presents the first report of ICG imaging during a RSSC.

The interest of robotics in performing partial and total splenectomy is poorly reported so far. We report herein our experience.From November 2001 to November 2009, 24 consecutive robotic splenectomies were performed by the same surgeon. All data were prospectively collected and reviewed retrospectively.Twelve men and 12 women with a median age of 48 years underwent a robotic splenectomy, three of which were partial splenectomies. The indications were: ABO incompatibility for kidney transplantation (n = 7), haematological disease (n = 7) and miscellaneous pathologies (n = 10). Mean operative time was 199 ± 65 min. Median blood loss was 75 (range 5-300) ml. There was one intraoperative complication and two conversions. The postoperative morbidity was 8.3% with no mortality. Median hospital stay was 5.5 days.This series reports the safety and feasibility of robotic partial and total splenectomy. Its use as an alternative to the standard laparoscopic approach is particularly beneficial in more challenging cases.

Optimizing quality of life is a major goal for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer and distal cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the value of robotic surgery for palliation in these patients.

The robotic approach is an interesting option for overcoming the limitations of laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We aimed to report our technique and outcomes of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA).

Background Since the introduction of robotics, relatively few series have been published evaluating its role for right colectomy. The aim of this study was to report our preliminary experience with totally robotic right colectomy (TRRC). Methods Between 2009 and 2010 we performed three TRRCs, using a hand-sewn intracorporeal anastomosis. Data were retrospectively reviewed. Results Two women and one man underwent a TRRC. Mean operative time was 270 min. Mean blood loss was 30 ml. There was no conversion. Mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 18. There were no complications. Median hospital stay was 10 days. After a median follow-up of 10 months, there was no tumoural recurrence. Conclusion TRRC is not only safe and feasible but also oncologically effective. Although preliminary and small, this experience confirmed the results from previous series using a hand-sewn intracorporeal anastomosis. Larger series are required to draw firm conclusions concerning the possible indications for TRRC. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.