V1590: Robotic Microsurgical Varicocele Repair: Initial Experience and Surgical Outcomes From a Single Academic Center.

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Introduction and Objectives
The Robotic platform has emerged as a feasible alternative to the traditional microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy(MSV) with the operating microscope. Several small series and one larger series at a private institution have reported comparable outcomes to the operating microscope. Potential advantages of the robotic platform are enhanced visualization, increased surgeon autonomy (with the 4th arm), lack of tremor, and improved ergonomics. We report our initial experience and outcomes for robotic microsurgical varicocelectomy (RMSV).

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed surgical outcomes for a single surgeon at an academic center from 2011 to 2012. All patients that underwent surgery were included in the study. Residents and fellows were involved in all procedures. Patients either underwent repair with the operating microscope or the DaVinci robotic platform with a dual console. Demographic information, operative times, and outcomes at the initial postoperative visit were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with a one-way ANOVA test.

Results
Results are shown in Table 1. There was no significant difference in operative times between the 2 groups. Figure 1 shows the single side operative times for the 2 groups and figure 2 shows the robotic time by date of surgery. A small learning curve was seen.

Conclusions
RMSV is safe and effective with no significant increase in operative times or complications. In addition it provided improved visualization, ergonomics, and a unique more controlled training environment for residents and fellows to advance microsurgical and robotic skills.

Funding: None.