SP1.2.5Robot-assisted Colorectal Surgery: Short-term Outcome of First 70 cases at Different Time-intervals along the Learning Curve

Abstract

Aim To analyse the evolution of robot-assisted colorectal surgery (RACS). Methods All the patients who underwent RACS between June 2018 and December 2020 were selected. Study period was divided into 3 intervals along the learning curve; group A represents the 1st 10 months, group B 2nd 10 and group C last 11. Results Over the 31-month study period, 70 RACS were performed. Male to female ratio was 4:3, with mean age of 66 years and BMI 28.7. ASA score was reported as 1-2 in 65% patients and 35% as 3. Indication was malignancy for 89% patients and the remainder benign pathology. High or low anterior resection performed were 72%, right hemicolectomies 21%, Hartmann’s 3%, abdominoperineal resections 3%, and left hemicolectomy 1%. RACS performed in group A was 20 compared to 19 in B and 31 C. Type of RACS performed, BMI, ASA, complications, anastomotic leaks, R0 resections and harvested lymph nodes were unrelated to selected time-intervals along learning curve. Mean total duration of procedure dropped down to 247 minutes in group C from 375 in group A (p = <0.001). No significant difference in mean length of stay and readmission rate was observed in 3 groups (p = 0.7, p = 0.59). Conclusion The study demonstrates that introduction of this new surgical technique is safe even in the early phase of adoption with no significant difference in pre-and post-operative morbidities. Significant difference in time taken for surgery was observed with reduction of 88 minutes in average operating time between the start and end of the study.