On September 16, 1998, the ILOST surgeons performed the world's first laparoscopic adjustable banding surgery (LAP-BAND) sitting at a distance from the patient, with the assistance of robotic technology.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Cadiere, using a mechanical arm mounted on the operating table, which the surgeon manipulated via a computer terminal. The surgeon placed the thumb and middle finger of both hands into two Velcro rings placed under a video screen at his terminal. By manipulating the rings, electrical impulses were sent to the computer and translated into identical movements of the robotic arms. Two other robotic-activated instruments included a grasping arm and a dissecting and electrocoagulating hook. The surgeon watched the procedure using a camera mounted on a rigid 10-millimeter (mm) endoscope, which projected a three-dimensional image on two screens, one placed at the level of the patient's right shoulder and the other in front of the surgeon.

The surgeons concluded that robot-assisted procedure is feasible and can be performed safely. The advent of the laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery has resulted in lower hospital stays, less pain, quicker return to normal activity, and better immunologic response compared with open surgery. Robot-assisted LAP-BAND surgery may further improve upon the laparoscopic approach, particularly by making the surgeon more comfortable. The patient was discharged from the hospital the second day after the procedure.