Comparison of robotic single site cholecystectomy and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy using propensity score matching

Abstract

PURPOSE To demonstrate the feasibility and potential of robotic single site cholecystectomy (RSSC), the study aimed to compare RSSC with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). METHODS In total, 791 consecutive patients underwent CLC or RSSC in our center, between 2019 and 2022. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 117 patients for each group were selected. RESULTS After propensity score matching, the only statistically significant difference between CLC and RSSC was operative time, which was 29.15 ± 11.45 min in the CLC group versus 38.57 ± 12.59 min in the RSSC group (P < .001). Because the difference in surgical time between the two groups was minimal, it has little clinical relevance. Using cumulative sum analysis, the maturation phase of the total operation and docking times occurred after the 53rd case. To reduce bias, comparison of results with CLC and cases of RSSC was performed in the maturation phase, which revealed only total operative time as statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION RSSC is a technically feasible and safe method for treating benign gallbladder diseases, with a relatively short learning curve and reasonable operation time.