SP3.1.6 Robotic versus Laparoscopic and open colorectal resections – comparison of short term postoperative outcomes over 3 years

Abstract

Abstract Aim To compare the short terms surgical and oncological outcomes of elective robotic versus laparoscopic and open colorectal resections done over a period of 3 years at a single centre. Methods All robotic colorectal resections performed during a three year period (2017–2019) at a single centre were compared with laparoscopic and open resections from the same period. Data including patient demographics, preoperative and postoperative oncological staging, length of stay, 30 day readmission, need for critical care stay, 30 day complication rate (using clavien dindo classification) and immediate oncological outcomes were collected from electronic patient records. Results During the three year period, 188 robotic resections (82.9% - rectal resections, 17.1% colonic resections) of which 178 were cancer resections were performed. In the same period 585 laparoscopic and 116 open colorectal resections were performed. Conversion rate for robotic resections was 3.72%. Median lymph node harvest for the robotic resections was 20. Major complication rate in the robotic group was 5.3% as compared to 6.1% for the open and laparoscopic group. Median length of stay in the robotic group was 5 days which was significantly lower than for open rectal resections (11 days, p<0.0001). Although there was no statistically significant difference in length of stay between robotic (5 days) and laparoscopic rectal resections and colonic resections (7 and 6 days respectively). Conclusion Robotics is a safe approach for colorectal resections with good oncological outcomes and our experience demonstrates a shorter length of stay and reduced complications.