Consecutive Laparoscopic Colorectal Resections in a Single Workday by the Same Surgeon: Efficient or Risky?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Increasing global demand for laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) necessitates efficient surgical scheduling.
• Surgeons may perform multiple LCS procedures within a single workday to meet this demand.
• The safety of consecutive LCS procedures by the same surgeon requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and outcomes of performing consecutive laparoscopic colorectal resections by the same surgeon in a single workday.
• To compare patient outcomes between the first and subsequent LCS procedures performed on the same day.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of consecutive LCS procedures performed by the same surgeon between 2006 and 2019.
• Patients were divided into two groups: first LCS (G1) and second/third LCS (G2) in a single workday.
• Procedures were stratified by complexity (Level I, II, III); demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared.

Main Results:

• A total of 1433 LCS procedures were reviewed; 10% were G1 and 11% were G2.
• G1 had a higher rate of Level III complexity (23% vs 6%) and longer operative time (160 vs 139 minutes) compared to G2.
• No significant differences were observed in anastomotic leak, overall morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, or readmission rates between G1 and G2.

Conclusions:

• Consecutive laparoscopic colorectal resections performed by the same surgeon in a single workday are safe.
• This practice demonstrates no adverse impact on patient outcomes, including anastomotic leaks, morbidity, or mortality.
• Encouraging this efficient strategy at high-volume centers with experienced colorectal surgeons is recommended.