Initial experience with “Saroa” in radical prostatectomy: A novel surgical assist robot featuring tactile feedback and a roll clutch system

Abstract Objectives Robotic surgical systems have revolutionized laparoscopic surgery, offering enhanced articulation, dexterity, and precision for complex procedures, such as radical prostatectomy. Although these systems enable surgeons to operate more intuitively, the risk of injury and hemorrhage from excessive force during tissue retraction remains a concern. Methods We enrolled 31 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) using either the Saroa or da Vinci Xi surgical system at our hospital between January 2022 and January 2024. Perioperative complications and pathological outcomes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. Results No significant differences in preoperative demographics were observed between the systems. Operation times were longer using Saroa, but significant differences were not observed between the systems in terms of pathological outcomes, urinary continence, and postoperative complications. Conclusions This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Saroa surgical system for RARP. This system incorporates several innovative features, such as a roll clutch system and tactile feedback, which enhance precision and workflow in minimally invasive surgery. The tactile feedback may benefit surgeons with limited laparoscopic experience, promoting gentler tissue handling. Further investigation is warranted to assess long-term oncological and functional outcomes following RARP with Saroa.