The new surgical robot Hugo™ RAS for total hysterectomy: a pilot study

Background: With the rising popularity of robotic surgery, HugoTM RAS is one of the newest surgical robotic platforms. Investigating the reliability of this tool is the first step toward validating its use in clinical practice; and presently there arelimited data available regarding this. The literature is constantly enriched with initial experiences, however no study has demonstrated the safety of this platform yet. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate its reliability during total hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: A series of 20 consecutive patients scheduled for minimally invasive total hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy for benign disease or prophylactic surgery were selected to undergo surgery with HugoTM RAS. Data regarding any malfunction or breakdown of the robotic system as well as intraand post-operative complications were prospectively recorded. Results: Fifteen of the twenty patients (75.0%) underwent surgery for benign uterine diseases, and five (25.0%) underwent prophylactic surgery. Among the entire series, an instrument fault occurred in one case (5.0%). The problem was solved in 4.8 minutes and without complications for the patient. The median total operative time was 127 min (range, 98-255 min). The median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range:30-125 mL). No intraoperative complications were observed. One patient (5.0%) developed Clavien-Dindo grade 2 postoperative complication. Conclusions: In this pilot study, HugoTM RAS showed high reliability, similar to other robotic devices. What is new? Present findings suggest that HugoTM RAS is a viable option for major surgical procedures and deserves further investigation in clinical practice.