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Laparoscopic colectomy (LC) is a safe and reliable option for patients with colon cancer. This study examined factors associated with LC use and cost differences between LC and open colectomy (OC). Using the Cost & Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database (2008), patients with colon cancer undergoing elective LC or OC were selected. Chi square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences between LC and OC. Logistic and multiple regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with LC and predictors of cost. All analysis was weighted. A total of 63,950 patients were identified (LC 8.1%, OC 91.9%). The majority was female (52.7%), white (61.4%), using Medicare (61.1%), and had surgery performed at a large (64.2%), nonteaching (56.9%), urban (87.3%) hospital in the South (37.7%). Mean age was 70 years. On unadjusted analysis, LC was associated with a lower mortality rate (1.7 vs 2.4%), fewer complications (18.9 vs 27.1%), shorter length of stay (5 vs 7 days), and lower total charges ($41,971 vs $43,459, all P < 0.001). LC is a less expensive but less popular surgical option for colon cancer. Stage, race, Charlson score, teaching status, location, and hospital size influence the use of a laparoscopic approach. LC is associated with fewer complications and decreased mortality which contribute to its lower cost as compared with OC.

Riansuwan et al. at Cleveland Clinic developed a scoring system to quantify the risk of Hartmann's nonreversal based on age, preoperative transfusion, pulmonary comorbidity, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, perforation, and anticoagulation. Our study validates the scoring system in a community hospital setting. Patients undergoing Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis (2006 to June 2009) were identified from our hospital's database. Two groups were formed based on Hartmann's reversal within 1 year and those with nonreversal. An independent-sample t test and logistic regression using score and nine other variables as predictors of Hartmann's non-reversal were run. Sixty-three of 93 patients (67.7%) had a Hartmann's reversal. Higher scores and higher mean age were seen in the nonreversal group (15.5 ± 3.0 vs 12.1 ± 2.5 and 73 ± 15 vs 63 ± 14 years, respectively). Patients with scores 18 or above were not reversed; 43 of 49 patients (88%) with scores of 13 or less were reversed. Logistic regression confirmed that the only predictive variable for nonreversal is a higher score. The scoring system is predictive of nonreversibility of Hartmann's procedure for acute diverticulitis. This will be useful in allowing surgeons to strategize accurately and to counsel patients realistically. Higher scores may allow both the surgeon and patient to have a low threshold for exploring alternatives to Hartmann's procedure.

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Introduction Robotic colectomy could reduce morbidity and postoperative recovery over laparoscopic and open procedures. This comparative review evaluates colectomy outcomes based on surgical approach at a single community institution. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent colectomy by a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon at a single institution from 2015 through 2019 was performed, and a cohort developed for each approach (open, laparoscopic, and robotic). 30-day outcomes were evaluated. For dichotomous outcomes, univariate logistic regression models were used to quantify the individual effect of each predictor of interest on the odds of each outcome. Continuous outcomes received a similar approach; however, linear and Poisson regression modeling were used, as appropriate. Results 115 patients were evaluated: 14% (n = 16) open, 44% (n = 51) laparoscopic, and 42% (n = 48) robotic. Among the cohorts, there was no statistically significant difference in operative time, rate of reoperation, readmission, or major complications. Robotic colectomies resulted in the shortest length of stay (LOS) (Kruskal-Wallis P < .0001) and decreased estimated blood loss (EBL) (Kruskal-Wallis P = .0012). Median age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 53-72). 54% (n = 62) were female. Median American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification was 3 (IQR 2-3). Median body mass index was 28.67 (IQR 25.03-33.47). A malignant diagnosis was noted on final pathology in 44% (n = 51). Conclusion Among the 3 approaches, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day morbidity or mortality. There was a statistically significant decreased LOS and EBL for robotic colectomies.