Sigmoidectomy for Diverticulitis-A Propensity-Matched Comparison of Minimally Invasive Approaches

As the availability and use of robotic surgery increases, current data suggest comparable outcomes to laparoscopic surgery but at an increased cost. Elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease is the most common colorectal application of robotic surgery and there is limited comparative data specifically for this indication.

We identified all elective cases of laparoscopic- and robot-assisted surgery for diverticular disease among a practice of 7 colorectal surgeons within an established enhanced recovery protocol. We performed propensity matching based on surgical indications (recurrent disease, ongoing symptoms, or fistula), stoma creation, and body mass index to create a matched cohort. Our primary outcomes were return of bowel function, length of stay, opioid use, and pain scores during the first 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were operative room and hospital charges.

From 2011 to 2016, 69 robotic cases were propensity matched from a group of 222 laparoscopic cases to create a 1:1 case ratio that was equivalent in terms of patient demographics and operative indications. Time to first bowel movement was slightly quicker in the robotic group (1 [1] versus 2 [1.5], P = 0.09), while length of stay (3.5 [1.6] versus 3.6 [1.4] d, P = 0.64) was equivalent. Pain scores were lower in the robotic group on day 0 (4.6 versus 6.1, P = 0.0001), but similar on day 1 and day 2 (4.3 versus 4.1, P = 0.62 and 3.8 versus 3.3, P = 0.19). There was no difference in postoperative 72-h opioid use between groups (110.8 MME [144.5] versus 97.4 MME [101.5], P = 0.70). In the robotic arm operating room charges were slightly more ($2835 ± $394 versus $2196 ± $359, P < 0.0001), but total hospital charges were over significantly increased ($41,159 [$7840] versus $25,761 [$11,689], P < 0.0001).

Via a carefully matched cohort of elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease at a single community institution, we have demonstrated that laparoscopic- and robotic-assisted surgery result in clinically equivalent return of bowel function, length of stay, postoperative pain, and opioid use.