ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The introduction of robotics in bariatric surgery is a novel development since the beginning of this century. The aim of this study is to compare surgical outcome of the robotic gastric bypass with the laparoscopic counterpart. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to compare the results of 100 fully robotic gastric bypasses (RGB) and 100 laparoscopic gastric bypasses (LGB) performed by a single surgeon. Surgical outcome was analysed by evaluating operation room time and surgical time, morbidity and mortality, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: In the RGB and LGB group, respectively, 92 and 80 % of operated patients were female (p = 0.024). Mean age was 39 (range 20-62, SD 10.21) and 42 years (range 18-65, SD 11.87), respectively (p = 0.158). Mean BMI was 40 (range 35-47, SD 2.66) and 42 (range 35-56, SD 4.75), respectively (p < 0.05). Mean surgical time was 67 (range 39-210, SD 22.46) and 31 min (range 18-62, SD 9.12), respectively (p < 0.05). Mean operation room time was 117 (range 80-257, SD 30.13) and 66 min (range 38-101, SD 12.68), respectively (p < 0.05). The surgery-related 30-day morbidity rate was 5 % in both groups. Major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo class 3-4) was 3 and 1 %, respectively (p = 0.62). There was no mortality. Median hospital stay was two postoperative days in both groups. A learning curve developed after 25 procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The RGB is a feasible procedure. Although more time is needed, a standardized technique results in fair operation times in the hands of an experienced surgeon.
