Abstract
Objective
Review the safety, efficacy and cost of robot-assisted sialolithotomy with sialoendoscopy (RASS) for large submandibular gland hilar sialoliths.
Study Design
Retrospective case series.
Methods
Patients ≥18 years diagnosed with submandibular hilar sialolithiasis between 1/1/2015 and 7/31/2018 who underwent RASS were identified. Procedure success, post-operative complications, procedure duration, and costs associated with the procedure were reviewed.
Results
33 patients fit inclusion criteria. 94% of patients had successful sialolith removal. Mean sialolith size was 8.9 mm. 15.1% had transient tongue paresthesia. 0% had permanent tongue paresthesia compared to a 2% rate of lingual nerve damage cited in the literature for combined approach sialolithotomy (CAS). The average total cost was $16,921. Insurance paid 100%, 90–99%, 70–89.9%, and 40–69.9% of the expected reimbursement in 43.8%, 18.7%, 18.7% and 12.5% of patients respectively. 6% of patients self-paid. Compared to CAS, the cost of reusable robotic arms and drapes totaled $475, though these costs were included in the standardized operative cost per minute and were not forwarded to the patient. The mean procedure time was 62 minutes. Compared to published mean procedure times for CAS, the reduced operative time may account for a savings of $3332–$6069.
Conclusion
RASS is a safe modality for submandibular hilar sialolith removal with a high success rate, low risk for temporary tongue paresthesia, and lower rate of permeant lingual nerve damage compared to CAS. Compared with CAS, RASS may result in a net reduction of operative room costs given its shorter procedure time.
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Abbreviations
- CAS:
-
Combined approach sialolithotomy
- RASS:
-
Robot-assisted sialolithotomy with sialoendoscopy
- SMG:
-
Submandibular gland
- IRB:
-
Institutional Review Board
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Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge and thank Katie Baumes, Edward Jasewicz, and Matt Lusnar for their assistance in obtaining the cost and insurance data.
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Tampio, A.J.F., Marzouk, M.F. Robot-assisted sialolithotomy with sialoendoscopy: a review of safety, efficacy and cost. J Robotic Surg 15, 229–234 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-020-01097-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11701-020-01097-0