FTP5.14 A comparison of robotic and laparoscopic surgery in the management of benign and malignant general surgical conditions

Abstract

Abstract Background Robotic surgery is a relatively novel approach to minimally invasive surgery. The ability for greater precision, control and visualisation offers an advanced treatment option. This study compared the clinical outcomes for general surgical patients undergoing robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis of 172 surgical patients undergoing surgery for malignant and benign conditions was conducted. Analysis of demographics, pre-, intra-, and post-operative care and complication rate was studied. Patients were divided into three groups: Colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and general (diverticular disease, rectal prolapse and hernia repairs). Results This study compared 114 robotic surgeries to 58 laparoscopic procedures for general surgery patients. Among the robotic patients, 83 were treated for CRC, 20 for IBD and 11 in the general group; sigmoid cancer (42.2%) and Crohn's disease (75%) were the most common pathologies respectively. In the laparoscopic group, 69% were treated for CRC and 31% for IBD. Robotic surgery had a longer median operation time of 255 minutes compared to 250 minutes for laparoscopic surgery, but shorter average hospital stays (6.2 days vs 11 days) and lower 30-day readmission rates (7.9% vs 17.2%). Fewer robotic patients required blood transfusions (1.8%) than laparoscopic patients (8.6%). One laparoscopic patient required conversion to open surgery, and the mortality rate was 0% across all groups. Conclusion Robotic surgery has been found to have shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and fewer readmissions compared to laparoscopic surgery for a variety of pathologies. These findings suggest that it may be a superior approach to minimally invasive surgery.