Evaluation of midlevel and upper-level residents performing their first robotic-sutured intestinal anastomosis

Background This study analyzed the experience of residents performing their first robotic intestinal anastomosis. Methods Eleven residents were tested. Participants performed 2 ex vivo hand-sewn suture lines followed by 3 robotic suture lines. Results The leak pressures in hand-sewn groups were 28.5 and 28.1 mm Hg; and 17.4, 7.6, and 21.4 mm Hg for 3 consecutive robotic groups. Completion time was longer in the robotic groups. The need for haptic assistance decreased between the first and third robotic drills. An analysis of the subjective evaluations also was performed. Conclusions Complex hand-sewn tasks can be reproduced successfully by the residents using the robot-suturing technique. The quality of suturing and completion time improved over 3 consecutive exercises, although it did not reach the level of the hand-sewn suturing group.