Improved perioperative and short-term outcomes of robotic versus conventional laparoscopic colorectal operations.
BACKGROUND
Robotic assistance may offer unique advantages over conventional laparoscopy in colorectal operations.


METHODS
This prospective observational study compared operative measures and postoperative outcomes between laparoscopic and robotic abdominal and pelvic resections for benign and malignant disease.


RESULTS
From 2005 through 2012, 200 (58%) laparoscopic and 144 (42%) robotic operations were performed by a single surgeon. After adjustment for differences in demographics and disease processes using propensity score matching, all laparoscopic operations had a significantly shorter operative time (P < .01), laparoscopic left colectomies had a longer length of hospital stay (2009 and 2010: 6.5 vs 3.6 days, P = .01); and laparoscopic right colectomies had a higher risk for overall complications (P = .03) and postoperative ileus (P = .04). There were no significant differences in the outcomes of pelvic operations (P = .15).


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with conventional laparoscopy, some types of robotic-assisted colorectal operations may offer advantages regarding postoperative length of stay and perioperative complications.
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Mark A
MA
Casillas
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Stefan W
SW
Leichtle
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Wendy L
WL
Wahl
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Richard M
RM
Lampman
Center for Statistical Consultation & Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Kathleen B
KB
Welch
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Trisha
T
Wellock
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Erin B
EB
Madden
Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, 5325 Elliott Drive, Suite 104, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. Electronic address: clearyrk@trinity-health.org.
Robert K
RK
Cleary
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D057216:Propensity Score; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012371:Robotics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
30-day outcomes; Colectomy; Laparoscopic colorectal surgery; Robotic surgery