Robot-Assisted Versus Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an effective treatment for severe obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. Presently, gastric bypass is performed most often laparoscopically, although a robotic-assisted procedure is the preferred approach for an increasing number of bariatric surgeons. Methods This retrospective study compared the results of 100 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations using the da Vinci robot and 100 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses performed laparoscopically. Short-term outcomes were determined by evaluating mortality, length of stay, length of operation, return to the operating room within 90 days of operation, conversions to open procedure, leaks, strictures, transfusions, and hospital readmissions. Results There was no mortality, pulmonary embolus, or conversion to open procedure in either group. Both the laparoscopic and robotic operative times decreased progressively, although the robotic operation time was longer (mean, 144 versus 87 min, P