Nodal retrieval and short-term outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic colectomies for colon cancer.

Abstract

713 Background: It is debatable whether robotic colectomies is advantageous over laparoscopic colectomies for colon cancer (CC). We aim to evaluate oncologic and perioperative outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic colectomies in a national database. Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried from 2010-2014 for patients with resectable (stage I-III) CC. Lymph node (LN) retrieval, length of stay (LOS), perioperative outcomes and OS were analyzed based on type of surgery: right colectomy vs. left colectomy and robotic (ROBO) vs. laparoscopic (LAP). Results: 61,903 patients met inclusion criteria. There was no difference in inadequate LN retrieval (< 12 LN), or short-term mortality between ROBO and LAP groups. There was a significant decrease in conversion to an open operation and LOS for ROBO vs. LAP groups as well as increased 5 year OS (Table). ROBO colectomies increased four-fold over 5 years. About half were done at community hospitals (56%) and at low ROBO volume hospitals (47.2%). Inadequate LN retrieval in the ROBO group was greater at low volume centers (9.2%) compared to high volume centers (12.3%) (p < 0.0001) as well as at community hospitals (12.2%) compared to academic hospitals (8.5%) (p=0.0003). Conclusions: This population analysis showed that robotic colectomies was associated with equivalent short-term outcomes and LN retrieval as laparoscopic colectomies. However, half of robotic colectomies were done at community hospitals or low volume hospitals, where the rate of inadequate LN retrieval was higher than at academic hospitals or high volume centers. As robotic colectomies increases, it is important that technology is implemented judiciously so that oncologic outcomes are not compromised. [Table: see text]