Aim: Based on experience with 150 robot-assisted vascular reconstructions, the authors discuss current potential applications of the Da Vinci robotic system in vascular surgery, as well as a potential for further use of this new technology in vascular surgery.
Material and methodology: In vascular surgery, laparoscopic methods have never been used as much as in general surgery. Although many studies presenting interesting outcomes have been published, laparoscopic vascular surgery has not been generally accepted. Its main problems include duration of the procedure and, in particular, the vascular staple size and associated difficulties with the vascular anastomosis suturing. However, recently, there have been many revolutionary advancements in medicine, including vascular surgery. Robot-assisted surgery is the next step in the development of miniinvasive methods. From November 2005 to August 2009, the authors performed 150 robot-assisted vascular reconstructions in the aorto-iliac region. Besides aorto-femoral reconstructions, the most significant procedures also included aortic aneurysm procedures, procedures on pelvic and splenic arteries, as well as hybrid procedures.
Results: In four cases (2.7%) conversion to classical procedures were required and four subjects (2.7%) developed serious postoperative complications. In a single case (0.7%), the robotic apparatus had a defect during the procedure and the procedure was completed using laparoscopy. In a single case (0.7%), the procedure had to be cancelled because of an inoperable finding on the aorta. The average duration of the procedure in this study group was 228 minutes, the average time required for anastomosis suturing was 27 minutes and the average stapling time was 39 minutes.
Conclusion: Robotic systems increase accuracy, control and quality of surgical procedures and offer higher quality surgery to patients. The authors managed to reach the world primacy in the field of vascular surgery and the Czech Republic has become a significant world leader in this superspecialized surgical specialty.