Our Summary

This study compared the results of three types of colectomy surgeries (surgery to remove part of the colon): robotic, laparoscopic (minimally invasive surgery using small incisions), and open surgery. The researchers used data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to analyze the results of patients who underwent these surgeries in 2013.

The patients were matched based on factors like age, gender, body mass index, the surgical procedure performed, diagnosis, and ASA classification (a system that assesses the fitness of patients before surgery).

The results showed that although the robotic surgery took longer to perform, patients who underwent this procedure had a shorter stay in the hospital. In addition, patients who had robotic surgery experienced fewer complications such as infection at the surgical site, bleeding that required a transfusion, dependency on a ventilator, and ileus (a disruption in the normal functioning of the bowel).

After making adjustments for other factors that could influence the results, the researchers found that the outcomes were similar between the three groups, except for the length of hospital stay, which remained shorter for the robotic surgery group.

In conclusion, the data showed several short-term benefits of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopic and open surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the key findings in the comparison of perioperative outcomes between robotic, laparoscopic, and open colectomy?
  2. How did the outcome of robotic surgery compare to laparoscopic and open surgery in the study?
  3. What were the criteria for patient selection in the study comparing robotic, laparoscopic, and open colectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic colectomy is to expect a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery, as shown by ACS-NSQIP data. Additionally, the risk of complications such as superficial surgical site infections, bleeding requiring transfusion, ventilator dependency, and ileus may be lower with laparoscopic surgery. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions closely to ensure a smooth recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with colorectal conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and benign tumors. Additionally, patients who are relatively healthy and have a lower risk for complications may be good candidates for laparoscopic colectomy.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and consultation with their surgeon
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or bowel preparation protocol
  • Patient may undergo preoperative testing such as blood work, imaging studies, and possibly a colonoscopy
  • Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery

After laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive laparoscopic colectomy procedure
  • Patient may have a shorter operating time compared to open surgery
  • Patient experiences a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery
  • Patient may experience lower rates of complications such as infection, bleeding, and ileus compared to open surgery
  • Patient may have a quicker recovery and return to normal activities compared to open surgery
  • Patient follows up with their surgeon for postoperative care and monitoring of recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the specific benefits of undergoing a laparoscopic colectomy compared to open surgery?
  2. What is the typical recovery time and expected post-operative pain level for a laparoscopic colectomy?
  3. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with laparoscopic colectomy that I should be aware of?
  4. How many laparoscopic colectomy procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific dietary or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after a laparoscopic colectomy?
  7. Will I need to take any medications or undergo any additional treatments after the surgery?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for patients who undergo laparoscopic colectomy compared to open surgery?
  9. Are there any specific follow-up appointments or tests that I will need to schedule after the surgery?
  10. How can I best prepare for a laparoscopic colectomy procedure to ensure a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Benlice C, Aytac E, Costedio M, Kessler H, Abbas MA, Remzi FH, Gorgun E. Journal: Int J Med Robot. 2017 Sep;13(3). doi: 10.1002/rcs.1783. Epub 2016 Oct 21. PMID: 27766727