Abstract

BackgroundObesity is a major health problem, demonstrated to double the risk of colorectal cancer. The benefits of robotic colorectal surgery in obese patients remain largely unknown. This meta‐analysis evaluated the clinical and pathological outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery in obese and non‐obese patients.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Healthcare Management Information Consortium (HMIC) and Midwives Information and Resources Service (MIDIRS) databases were searched on 1 August 2018 with no language restriction. Meta‐analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Obese patients (BMI 30 kg/m2 or above) undergoing robotic colorectal cancer resections were compared with non‐obese patients. Included outcome measures were: operative outcomes (duration of surgery, conversion to laparotomy, blood loss), postoperative complications, hospital length of stay and pathological outcomes (number of retrieved lymph nodes, positive circumferential resection margins and length of distal margin in rectal surgery).ResultsA total of 131 full‐text articles were reviewed, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. There were 3166 non‐obese and 1420 obese patients. A longer duration of surgery was documented in obese compared with non‐obese patients (weighted mean difference −21·99 (95 per cent c.i. −31·52 to −12·46) min; P < 0·001). Obese patients had a higher rate of conversion to laparotomy than non‐obese patients (odds ratio 1·99, 95 per cent c.i. 1·54 to 2·56; P < 0·001). Blood loss, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and pathological outcomes were not significantly different in obese and non‐obese patients.ConclusionRobotic surgery in obese patients results in a significantly longer duration of surgery and higher conversion rates than in non‐obese patients. Further studies should focus on better stratification of the obese population with colorectal disease as candidates for robotic procedures.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.