Learning curve and short-term outcomes of our first 150 consecutive robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures using the Hugo™ RAS system: a single-centre, single-surgeon experience

Robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasingly being adopted as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, data on the learning curve and short-term outcomes of RYGB using the Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system remain limited. This study assessed the technical feasibility, console-time learning curve, and short-term postoperative outcomes of robotic-assisted RYGB using the Hugo™ RAS system. We conducted a retrospective, single-centre case series of the first 150 consecutive robotic-assisted RYGB procedures performed by a single experienced bariatric surgeon using the Hugo™ RAS system between May 2023 and July 2026. Patient characteristics, console time, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Segmented regression analysis was used to characterize the console-time learning curve and estimate the breakpoint. Of 150 procedures, 147 were included in the clinical series; three converted to laparoscopy were excluded from statistical analyses. Console-time data were available for 139 cases. Mean console time was 104.6 min and decreased across the sequential series. Segmented regression identified a breakpoint at approximately case 17, after which the decline in console time became less pronounced. The documented complication rate during available follow-up was 7.5%. Mean hospital stay was 2.03 days. No mortality occurred. Robotic-assisted RYGB using the Hugo™ RAS system was technically feasible and associated with a progressive reduction in console time. These findings provide further clinical data on the implementation of Hugo™ RAS for RYGB. Prospective comparative multicentre studies are needed to assess clinical outcomes, reproducibility, and generalizability.