Robotic colorectal surgery at Epworth: a case control study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Experience with robotic colorectal surgery suggests it is safe and effective. Cost, steep learning curves, and long operating times have prohibited robotics from supplanting laparoscopic approaches. METHODS: 213 patients undergoing colorectal operations were retrospectively categorized into robotic (n=60) or laparoscopic surgery (n=153) and matched by surgeon and operation. RESULTS: Robotics cases had longer procedure times (303±14 vs 129±5 mins, p<0.0001), lower complications (p=0.048), more frequent ICU admissions (p=0.0001) with equivalent ICU stay, longer overall length of stay (9.6±1.2 vs 6.9±0.41 days, p=0.009), but equivalent 30-day readmission rates. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery is safe, with equivalent complication rates, but consistently longer operating times.