Surgery of the alimentary tract for benign and malignant disease with the novel robotic platform HUGO TM RAS. A first world report of safety and feasibility.

INTRODUCTION: As robotic surgery increases its reach, novel platforms are being released. We present the first 17 consecutive cases of alimentary tract surgery performed with the HugoTM RAS (Medtronic).

METHODS: patients were selected to undergo surgery from February through April 2023. Exclusion criteria were age <16 years, BMI>60, ASA IV.

RESULTS: 17 patients underwent ileocaecal resection for Chrons disease (2 M and 1 F) and pseudo-obstruction of the terminal ileum (1 M), cholecystectomy (3 M and 5 F), subtotal gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (1 F), sleeve gastrectomy (1 F), hiatal hernia repair with Nissen fundoplication (1 M), right hemicolectomy (1 M) and sigmoidectomy (1 M). No conversion to an open approach or any arm collisions requiring corrective actions were reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience with the HugoTM RAS point to safety and feasibility for a rather wide spectrum of surgical procedures of the alimentary tract.