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An Emergency Robotic Programme for Acute Complicated Diverticulitis: A Tertiary Centre Experience
Ellen Van Eetvelde1, Tommaso Violante2,3,4, Sarah Violon1
1Department of Abdominal Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium.
Introduction:
Robotic-assisted surgery is now the standard for elective colorectal procedures, but its use in emergencies remains limited. This study describes the feasibility of a dedicated emergency robotic programme for acute complicated diverticulitis.
Methods:
We retrospectively analysed a prospectively maintained database (2020-2023). Of 31 patients undergoing robotic surgery for suspected complicated diverticulitis, 19 met inclusion criteria and underwent robotic left colectomy or Hartmann's procedure.
Results:
Median total procedure time was 171 minutes (IQR 42) and median total OR time was 235 minutes (IQR 55), with no conversions to open surgery. Overall 30-day morbidity was 47.4% (9/19) and mortality was 10.5% (2/19), broadly consistent with published laparoscopic/open outcomes, though no concurrent comparator group was analysed.
Conclusion:
This initial, uncontrolled experience suggests that a dedicated emergency robotic programme for acute complicated diverticulitis is technically feasible. These hypothesis-generating results warrant confirmation through prospective, comparative studies before conclusions about safety or superiority can be drawn.