Reliability of robotic system during general surgical procedures in a university hospital

BackgroundData concerning the reliability of robotic systems are scarce, especially for general surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and consequences of robotic malfunction in a teaching institution.MethodsFrom January 2006 to September 2012, 526 consecutive robotic general surgical procedures were performed. All failures were prospectively recorded in a computerized database and reviewed retrospectively.ResultsRobotic malfunctions occurred in 18 cases (3.4%). These dysfunctions concerned the robotic instruments in 9 cases, the robotic arms in 4 cases, the surgical console in 3 cases, and the optical system in 2 cases. Two malfunctions were considered critical, and 1 led to a laparoscopic conversion (conversion rate due to malfunction, .2%). Overall, there were more dysfunctions at the beginning of the study period (2006 to 2010) than more recently (2011 to 2012) (4.2% vs 2.6%, P = .35).ConclusionsThe robotic system malfunction rate was low. Most malfunctions could be resolved during surgery, allowing the procedures to be completed safely. With increased experience, the system malfunction rate seems to be reduced.