Our Summary

This research was conducted to compare two different surgical methods - laparoscopic and robotic-assisted - used for colectomy (removal of the colon) in children. The study looked at all children who had these surgeries at their institution between January 2010 and March 2023.

They collected information on the patient’s background, surgical data, and any problems that occurred within 30 days after the surgery. They also calculated any additional costs associated with the robotic approach.

They performed 55 colectomies in total: 31 using the laparoscopic method and 24 using the robotic-assisted method. The main reasons for these surgeries were inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, sigmoid volvulus, and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

The study found that the robotic-assisted surgery took a bit longer - on average, about 36 minutes more. However, there were no instances where they had to switch from one method to the other during surgery. There were also no significant differences in the rate of post-surgery complications or the length of hospital stay between the two methods.

The main difference was the cost: the robotic approach was associated with an additional cost of 2156€ per surgery.

In simple terms, this research found that using a robot to assist in colon removal surgery in children is just as safe as the traditional laparoscopic method. However, it takes a bit longer and costs more.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the research comparing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted colectomy in children?
  2. Did the study find any significant differences in post-surgery complications between the laparoscopic and robotic-assisted methods?
  3. How does the cost of robotic-assisted colectomy compare to the traditional laparoscopic method?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic colectomy is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgical team, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications as directed. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with the medical team before the procedure to ensure a smooth and successful surgery. After the surgery, following post-operative care instructions, such as taking pain medication as prescribed and gradually resuming normal activities, can help with a quicker recovery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are recommended for laparoscopic colectomy are those with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, sigmoid volvulus, and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. These patients can benefit from a minimally invasive approach to surgery, which typically results in less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery.

Timeline

Before the laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation
  • Patient meets with the surgeon to discuss the procedure and ask any questions
  • Patient may need to follow a special diet or take medications to prepare for surgery
  • On the day of surgery, patient is admitted to the hospital and prepared for the procedure

After the laparoscopic colectomy:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is monitored closely for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications
  • Patient is encouraged to start moving around and walking to aid in recovery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within a few days, depending on their recovery progress
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or follow a specific diet plan to support their recovery and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic colectomy include:

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic colectomy compared to traditional open surgery?
  2. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with laparoscopic colectomy that I should be aware of?
  3. How long is the recovery time for laparoscopic colectomy compared to open surgery?
  4. Will I have a smaller incision and less scarring with laparoscopic colectomy?
  5. How experienced are you and your surgical team in performing laparoscopic colectomies?
  6. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  7. What kind of follow-up care will I need after laparoscopic colectomy?
  8. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  9. How will you monitor my progress and ensure that the surgery was successful?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical methods I should consider for my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Martin G, Montalva L, Paré S, Ali L, Martinez-Vinson C, Colas AE, Bonnard A. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2023 Oct;17(5):2287-2295. doi: 10.1007/s11701-023-01647-2. Epub 2023 Jun 19. PMID: 37336840