Robotic-Assisted Proctectomy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case-Matched Comparison of Laparoscopic and Robotic Technique

Background: The objective of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic proctectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: This is an IRB-approved case-matched review. Seventeen robotic proctectomies (RP), 10 with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and 7 completion (CP), were matched to laparoscopic proctectomies (LP). Short-term and functional outcomes were compared between LP and RP. Results: In CP cohort, operative times were longer in the RP group (351 RP vs 238 LP min, p = 0. 03), mean robotic time 90 min. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was similar between RP-CP and LP-CP groups (p = 0. 18). Return of bowel function (RBF) was slower in RP-CP group (3. 0 vs 1. 7 days, p = 0. 04), and length of stay (LOS) was longer (6. 4 vs 4. 1 days, p = 0. 02). In the IPAA group, there were no differences between operative times (p = 0. 14), robotic time 86 min; EBL (p = 0. 15), and postoperative complications. Return of bowel function (3. 6 vs 2. 6 days, p = 0. 3) and LOS (8. 5 vs 6. 1 days, p = 0. 17) were similar between RP and LP. Bowel and sexual function were equivalent between LP and RP-IPAA groups. Conclusions: Robotic proctectomy is a safe and effective technique for patients with IBD. It is comparable to LP with regard to perioperative outcomes, complications, and short-term functional results.