Single-incision robotic cholecystectomy is associated with a high rate of trocar-site infection

Background Single-incision robotic cholecystectomy has been developed to decrease post-operative pain and improve cosmetic results. Methods Thirty-seven patients underwent single-site robotic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2015. Postoperative outcomes and costs were compared to reported outcomes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the configuration of suprapubic trocars. Results The median age was comparable between the two groups (46 years in the robotic group vs. 47 years in the laparoscopic group). The operative time was longer in the robotic group (132 minutes) than in the laparoscopic group (53 minutes). The average length of stay was 1 day in the robotic group and 1.7 days in the laparoscopic group. Costs were higher in the robotic group (2229.46 €) than in the laparoscopic group (1141 €). In the robotic group, the trocar-site infection rate was 13.5%. Conclusion The robotic approach does not seem to offer additional benefit in terms of surgical outcomes.