EP804 - Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Comparative Study of Surgical outcomes and Postoperative Recovery

Purpose/Background: Robotic and laparoscopic approaches are commonly used for minimally invasive colorectal surgery, but comparative data regarding their clinical outcomes remain inconsistent. This retrospective cohort study evaluates surgical outcomes and postoperative recovery between robotic and laparoscopic colorectal resections at a single institution.

Methods/Interventions: Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent partial colectomy, right or left hemicolectomy, low anterior resection, or abdominoperineal resection from March 1st, 2020, and February 29th, 2024, at a single institution were included. Patient demographics, clinical covariates, and outcomes were extracted via retrospective review. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for clinical and demographic covariates.

Results/Outcomes: Analysis included 281 patients (57% robotic, 43% laparoscopic; mean age 62, BMI 29.9). Primary analysis of post-operative complications demonstrated no significant difference by surgical approach (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: -1.27 to 1.92; p = 0.89). Secondary analyses also found no significant difference in length of stay (β = -0.94, 95% CI: -2.60 to 0.49; p = 0.255) or time to return of bowel function (β = -3.90, 95% CI: -11.07 to 2.65; p = 0.23). However, robotic approach was associated with a mean increase of 43 minutes in operative time (β = 42.7, 95% CI: 22.7 to 61.0; p < 0.001). No significant differences in 90-day readmission (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.27 to 2.01; p = 0.55) were detected.

Conclusion/Discussion: Robotic and laparoscopic approaches yield similar outcomes for complications, recovery, and readmission, but robotic surgery is associated with longer operative time. These findings support the use of either minimally invasive technique based on surgeon experience and patient suitability. Further prospective, multi-center studies are needed to determine whether the increased operative time with robotics translates to improved long-term outcomes or patient benefits.