Robotic Cholecystectomy Incurs More Disposable Cost than Laparoscopic with Similar Outcomes

Dallal RM, Araya S, Sadeh JI, et al. Impact of the Robotic Platform and Surgeon Variation on Cholecystectomy Disposable Costs—More Is Not Better. Surgery. 2025;109332.

Use of robotic platforms for the performance of surgical procedures is increasing. Benefits of the robotic platform may include improved dexterity, ergonomics, precision, and the addition of 3-dimensional visualization.

Evidence supporting improved patient outcomes from use of the robotic platform varies according to the procedure being considered. Adoption of the robotic platform for cholecystectomy is controversial; since cholecystectomy is a frequently performed procedure, cost comparisons of laparoscopic and robotic cholecystectomy are needed.

This study determined the costs of disposable equipment for the two approaches, including 13,548 laparoscopic and 1,258 robotic procedures over the interval 2017–2024. The data showed that robotic cholecystectomies increased from 0.1%–26% over the study interval.

The median cost of disposable items was $534 for each laparoscopic cholecystectomy and $1,309 for each robotic cholecystectomy. There was no significant difference in complications or readmission rates for the two procedures. Conversion to open cholecystectomy occurred more frequently with laparoscopic procedures, but the conversion rate was low and the costs of conversions did not significantly reduce the cost difference.

The authors concluded that robotic cholecystectomy did not offer significant benefits to offset the increased cost of disposable equipment needed for the procedure.