Versius robotic surgical system: case series of 18 robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies

Abstract

ObjectiveTo present the results of the first series of patients treated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with the use of the Versius® Surgical System (CMR Surgical Ltd., Cambridge, UK). RARP has demonstrated better perioperative outcomes compared to open RP. However, RARP remains limited by platform availability and cost‐effectiveness issues. The increasing competition from new robotic surgical platforms may further drive utilisation of the robotic approach.Patients and MethodsData were collected prospectively for our first 18 consecutive patients with localised prostate cancer who underwent RARP at our centre over a 3‐month period. We recorded parameters, including patient demographics and perioperative outcomes. We also report our optimised set‐up with regard to trocar placement, bedside unit placement, and overall composition of the operating room for this procedure. Describing the incremental modifications carried out to achieve reductions in set‐up and operating times to optimise utilisation of the Versius system.ResultsThe median (interquartile range [IQR]) set‐up time was 8.5 (7–10) min. The median (IQR) console time was 201 (170–242) min. The median (IQR) operative time was 213 (186–266) min. The median (IQR) total surgery time was 226 (201–277) min. Bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy median (IQR) time was 19 (17–20) min. There were no complications and/or limitations related to the use of the Versius system including need for conversion. There were no relevant intra‐ or postoperative complications at the 1‐month follow‐up related to the use of the Versius system. Patients were discharged after a median (IQR) of 4 (3.75–5) days, and the transurethral catheter was removed after a mean (range) of 8 (7–14) days. Continence at 2 months was achieved in 72.2% of the patients.ConclusionsPerforming RARP using the Versius system is feasible, safe, and easily reproducible. Our set‐up enables a rapid docking approach and efficient completion of the surgery.

The use of Versius CMR for pelvic surgery: a multicentric analysis of surgical setup and early outcomes

“…Positive margin (PM) rate can be evaluated for radical prostatectomies. The outcomes are variable, one series showed 83.3% of PM rate on 18 cases (11 pT3, published data) [ 6 ] and in the other one (4 pT2c cases), no PM were found. At a follow-up ranging from 9 to 11 months, a single case of biochemical recurrence was noticed.…”

“…As far as surgical margin status is concerned, radical prostatectomy is the only oncological intervention we included. In this setting, PM rate from a single institution series appears of importance (83.3%); the small sample size and a high rate of pT3 could have accounted for the occurrence [ 6 ]. Moreover, PM is counterbalanced by low BCR, (a single case showing a raise in post-operative PSA out of 22 RALP), provided long-term PSA is still awaited.…”

Navigating Now and Next: Recent Advances and Future Horizons in Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

“…Notably, no complications or limitations related to the Versius system were reported, and the patients exhibited promising recovery outcomes, including a high rate of continence at two months post-operation. This study underscores the feasibility, safety, and reproducibility of RARP using the Versius system, highlighting its potential for broader clinical adoption [103].…”

Evaluation of Clinical Research on Novel Multiport Robotic Platforms for Urological Surgery According to the IDEAL Framework: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…The remaining 59 studies included in our systematic review were noncomparative surgical series or case reports [30] , [31] , [32] , [33] , [34] , [35] , [36] , [37] , [38] , [39] , [40] , [41] , [42] , [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] , [58] , [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] , [70] , [71] , [72] , [73] , [74] , [75] , [76] , [77] , [78] , [79] , [80] , [81] , [82] , [83] , [84] , [85] , [86] , [87] , [88] .…”

“…Eight studies reporting clinical data for the Versius robotic system were included in our review [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] ( Table 3 ). The first publication describing use of the Versius robot for urological surgery in real patients was by Reeves et al [50] in 2022 (stage 1–2a).…”