Laparoscopic and robotic sleeve gastrectomy: short- and long-term results

Sleeve gastrectomy has gained popularity over the past decade due to its safety, feasibility, and good results. The purpose of this study is to describe our results, both short and long term, with this procedure.

This study is a nonrandomized, controlled, retrospective review of 409 patients who underwent a minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health System from January 2008 to December 2013. A total of 304 patients underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and another 105 patients underwent a robotic procedure using the da Vinci Surgical System®. Patient demographics, comorbidities, date of surgery, postoperative morbidity and mortality, operating time, length of stay, and excess weight loss were reviewed.

The mean age was 41 years (18-70) with no statistical difference between the two groups. Patient's demographics were similar (p = 0.395) in both groups. The mean operative time for the robotic group was 110.6 versus 84.18 min in the laparoscopic group, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the perioperative complications, length of stay, or % excess weight loss.

There is no significant difference between the robotic and laparoscopic group in terms of complications, length of stay, and estimated blood loss. Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy is associated with longer operative time and increased cost.