Single-center Retrospective Assessment of Robotic-assisted Simultaneous Pancreas-kidney Transplants: Exploring Clinical Utility

The diabetic population is witnessing a rise in obesity rates, creating specific hurdles for individuals seeking pancreas transplantation, as they are frequently disqualified due to their elevated body weight. Introducing a robotic-assisted approach to transplantation has proven to yield improved outcomes, particularly in obese patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted between January 2015 and September 2023. The study included a total of 140 patients, with 16 receiving robotic-assisted transplants and 124 undergoing open procedures during the study period. The median age is 45 (36.8, 52.7) and 44.5 (36.8, 51.8) (RSPK VS OSPK, P=0.487). There were no significant differences in demographics except body mass index (RSPK VS OSPK, 34.9 VS 28.1, p<0.001) and a higher percentage of patients with high cardiac risk in RSPK group. The robotic approach has a lengthier overall operative time and warm ischemia time (WIT). Surgical and non-surgical complications at 30-days and 1-year grafts and patient survival (93.8% VS 96.8%, RSPK VS OSPK, p=0.521) were similar. Our findings suggest that employing robotic assistance in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is a secure. Wider adoption and utilization of this technique could potentially improve transplant accessibility for obese diabetic individuals.