In a study of nearly 1,830 patients, robotic cholecystectomy (rc) demonstrated lower complication rates compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lc), particularly beneficial for high-risk patients with elevated BMI.

• Adverse outcomes for rc were 3.3% versus 8.7% for lc (p < .001), with significant advantages in patients at high risk or with a BMI ≥ 30-35.
• Total variable costs for rc were higher, averaging $2,211.60 in low/intermediate risk and $2,417.05 in high-risk patients (p < .001).

Surgeons may consider rc for select high-risk patients despite the increased costs, guided by a new predictive risk calculator that enhances decision-making.