Complications of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery distant from the surgical site.

Abstract

With the ever-increasing popularity of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery over the past decades, the literature reporting complications distant from the surgical site involving the use of this technology has also grown. The goal of this non-systematic review is to summarise these reports with a systems-based presentation of these complications. The most commonly observed complications were related to the peripheral nervous system and the most devastating occurring in cardiac and ophthalmic systems. There were no reports of patient complications directly related to the robot itself. While several of the reported complications are not unique to robotic surgery, they are included to maintain awareness of their possibility. The limitation of surgical time, judicious fluid administration, and constant vigilance of patient positioning are all recommended as possible preventative measures.