Postoperative Stay Research Articles

Robot-assisted vs laparoscopic bariatric procedures in super-obese patients: clinical and economic outcomes

The increased operative time and costs represent the main limitations of robotic technology application to bariatric surgery. Robotic platforms may help the surgeon to overcome the technical difficulties in super-obese (SO, BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) patients, in which multi-quadrant operations could be challenging. We aimed to evaluate the effect of robot-assisted (R) versus laparoscopic (L) approaches in Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in SO and Super-Super Obese (SSO, BMI ≥ 60 kg/m2) patients in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Bariatric procedures performed from 2012 to 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, primary SADI-S or RYGB. Operative time (OT), early complications, post-operative stay (POS), overall costs and follow-up data were analyzed. A subgroup analysis for surgical procedures and SSO patients was also performed. Among 4596 patients, 174 RYGB and 91 SADI-S in BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 patients were selected. After Propensity Score Matching analysis, two groups of patients were identified (laparoscopic and robot-assisted), each one composed of 18 RYGB and 26 SADI-S. Intraoperative and post-operative complication rates and POS were comparable. Mean OT was longer in robotic procedures compared with laparoscopy (199.1 ± 65.7 and 109.5 ± 39.1 min, respectively, p < 0.001). The difference in OT was eliminated after only SSO patients were included in the analysis (172.7 ± 24.1 vs 152.6 ± 26.2 min for R-SADI-S and L-SADI-S, respectively, p = 0.107). Robotic surgeries were associated with higher costs (8134.6 ± 1886.7 and 2386.7 ± 388.2 € in R-RYGB and L-RYGB, respectively; 7996.6 ± 873.1 and 3954.6 ± 631.1 € in R-SADI-S and L-SADI-S). Despite increased costs, robotic approach may represent an added value in more complex cases such as SSO patients.

Evaluation of an enhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) program in lung cancer lobectomy: An eight-year experience

IntroductionEnhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) protocols have proven useful in reducing postoperative stay (POS) and postoperative complications (POC). We studied the performance of an ERALS program for lung cancer lobectomy in our institution, aiming to identify which factors are associated with a reduction of POC and POS. MethodsAnalytic retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital involving patients submitted to lobectomy for lung cancer and included in an ERALS program. Univariable and multivariable analysis were employed to identify factors associated with increased risk of POC and prolonged POS. ResultsA total 624 patients were enrolled in the ERALS program. The median POS was 4 days (range 1–63), with 2.9% of ICU postoperative admission. A videothoracoscopic approach was used in 66.6% of cases, and 174 patients (27.9%) experienced at least one POC. Perioperative mortality rate was 0.8% (5 cases). Mobilization to chair in the first 24h after surgery was achieved in 82.5% of cases, with 46.5% of patients achieving ambulation in the first 24h. Absence of mobilization to chair and preoperative FEV1% less than 60% predicted, were identified as independent risk factors for POC, while thoracotomy approach and the presence of POC predicted prolonged POS. ConclusionsWe observed a reduction in ICU admissions and POS contemporaneous with the use of an ERALS program in our institution. We demonstrated that early mobilization and videothoracoscopic approach are modifiable independent predictors of reduced POC and POS, respectively.

Robot-assisted vs laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy: a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundLaparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard treatment for adrenal lesions. Robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA) is a safe approach, associated with higher costs in absence of clear-cut benefits. Several series reported some advantages of RAA over LA in challenging cases, but definitive conclusions are lacking. We evaluated the cost effectiveness and outcomes of robotic (R-LTA) and laparoscopic (L-LTA) approach for lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy in a high-volume center.MethodsAmong 356 minimally invasive adrenalectomies (January 2012–August 2021), 286 were performed with a lateral transabdominal approach: 191 L-LTA and 95 R-LTA. The R-LTA and L-LTA patients were matched for lesion side and size, hormone secretion, and BMI with propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Postoperative complications, operative time (OT), postoperative stay (POS), and costs were compared.ResultsPSM analysis identified 184 patients, 92 in R-LTA and 92 in L-LTA group. The two groups were well matched. The median lesion size was 4 cm in both groups (p = 0.533). Hormonal hypersecretion was detected in 55 and 54 patients of R-LTA and L-LTA group, respectively (p = 1). Median OT was significantly longer in R-LTA group (90.0 vs 65.0 min) (p < 0.001). No conversion was registered. Median POS was similar (4.0 vs 3.0 days in the R-LTA and L-LTA) (p = 0.467). No difference in postoperative complications was found (p = 1). The cost margin analysis showed a positive income for both procedures (3137 vs 3968 € for R-LTA and L-LTA). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for postoperative complications were hypercortisolism (OR = 3.926, p = 0.049) and OT > 75 min (OR = 8.177, p = 0.048).ConclusionsThe postoperative outcomes of R-LTA and L-TLA were similar in our experience. Despite the higher cost, RAA appears to be cost effective and economically sustainable in a high-volume center (60 adrenalectomies/year), especially if performed in challenging cases, including patients with large (> 6 cm) and/or functioning tumors.Graphical abstract

Robotic vs laparoscopic approach for single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy: a propensity score matching analysis

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) are technically demanding hypo-absorptive bariatric procedures. They are often indicated in superobese patients (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2), as robotic platform could improve ergonomics against a thick abdominal wall, preventing bending of instruments and simplifying hand-sewn anastomoses. We aimed to report our experience with robotic SADI-S (R-group) and to compare outcomes with the laparoscopic (L-group) approach. Among 2143 patients who underwent bariatric procedures at our institution between July 2016 and June 2021, 116 (5.4%) consenting patients were scheduled for SADI-S as primary or revisional procedure: 94 L-group, 22 R-group. R-group and L-group patients were matched using PSM analysis to overcome patients selection bias. Postoperative complications, operative time (OT), post-operative stay (POS) and follow-up data were compared. After PSM, 44 patients (22 patients for each group) were compared (Chi-square 0.317, p = 0.985). Median age, gender, median BMI, preoperative rates of comorbidities, previous abdominal bariatric and non-bariatric surgeries and type of surgical procedures (SADI-S/SADI) were comparable. Median OT was shorter in the L-group (130 Vs 191 min, p < 0.001). 30-days’ re-operative complications and late complications rates were comparable. At 25-months’ mean follow-up, the median Percentage Excess Weight Loss (72%) was comparable between the groups (p = 0.989). L-group and R-group were comparable in terms of re-operative complication rate and short-term outcomes. The robotic platform may increase the rate of single step procedure in challenging cases. Larger studies with longer follow-up and cost-analysis are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Evaluation of an enhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) program in lung cancer lobectomy: An eight-year experience

IntroductionEnhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) protocols have proven useful in reducing postoperative stay (POS) and postoperative complications (POC). We studied the performance of an ERALS program for lung cancer lobectomy in our institution, aiming to identify which factors are associated with a reduction of POC and POS. MethodsAnalytic retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital involving patients submitted to lobectomy for lung cancer and included in an ERALS program. Univariable and multivariable analysis were employed to identify factors associated with increased risk of POC and prolonged POS. ResultsA total 624 patients were enrolled in the ERALS program. The median POS was 4 days (range 1–63), with 2.9% of ICU postoperative admission. A videothoracoscopic approach was used in 66.6% of cases, and 174 patients (27.9%) experienced at least one POC. Perioperative mortality rate was 0.8% (5 cases). Mobilization to chair in the first 24h after surgery was achieved in 82.5% of cases, with 46.5% of patients achieving ambulation in the first 24h. Absence of mobilization to chair and preoperative FEV1% less than 60% predicted, were identified as independent risk factors for POC, while thoracotomy approach and the presence of POC predicted prolonged POS. ConclusionsWe observed a reduction in ICU admissions and POS contemporaneous with the use of an ERALS program in our institution. We demonstrated that early mobilization and videothoracoscopic approach are modifiable independent predictors of reduced POC and POS, respectively.

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Partial Splenectomy: A Systematic Review.

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy (LPS) is a challenging procedure. The aim of this review was to evaluate its feasibility, safety, and potential benefits. We conducted a comprehensive review for the years 1995-2018 to retrieve all relevant articles. A total of 44 studies with 252 patients undergoing LPS were reviewed. Six studies described combined operations. Ranges of operative time and estimated blood loss were 50-225min and 0-1200ml, respectively. There are eight patients need blood transfusion in 231 patients with available data. The conversion rate was 3.6% (9/252). Overall, 27 patients (10.7%;27/252) developed postoperative or intraoperative complications. Overall mortality was 0% (0/252). The length of postoperative stay (POS) varied (1-11days). Among four comparative studies, one showed LPS could reduce POS than laparoscopic total splenectomy (LTS) (LTS 5.4 ± 1.8days, LPS 4.2 ± 0.8days, p = 0.027) and complications (pleural effusion (LTS 9/22, LPS 0/15, p = 0.005), splenic vein thrombosis (LTS 10/22, LPS 0/15, p = 0.002)). Another comparative study showed LPS may benefit emergency patients. However, one comparative study showed LPS was associated with more pain, longer time to oral intake, and longer POS in children with hereditary spherocytosis. The fourth comparative study showed robotic subtotal splenectomy was comparable to laparoscopy in terms of POS and complication. The main benefits were lower blood loss, vascular dissection time, and a better evaluation of splenic remnant volume. In early series of highly selected patients, LPS appears to be feasible and safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Quantifying Excess Length of Postoperative Stay Attributable to Infections: A Comparison of Methods

To quantify the net effect of deep surgical site infection (DSSI) on postoperative stay (POS) among patients who had undergone open heart surgery, and to assess the comparability of two methods, two observational studies were conducted: one on a retrospective cohort of 701 operated patients, and the other on a cohort of 31 infected patients versus a cohort of uninfected patients, with 1:1 matching. In addition to DSSI, a further three factors were identified by multivariate analysis as independent POS-related predictor variables. After internal validation of the multivariate model, excess POS attributable to DSSI amounted to 20.7 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.7–24.9). In contrast, excess length of stay attributable to DSSI among the matched pairs who survived infection (22) totaled 14.3 days (95% CI 3.2–25.4) and 26.5 days (mean and median differences). Multivariate techniques may prove a more appropriate and reliable analysis than matched-pair comparisons for the purpose of evaluating the extra stay and cost attributable to the nosocomial infections.