Robotic-assisted surgery is emerging as a viable and increasingly adopted option for emergency colorectal procedures, according to a July 23 study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Researchers analyzed data from over 83,000 patients in the ACS’ national surgical quality improvement program database and found robotic surgery accounted for 6.6% of emergency colorectal procedures in 2021. The approach found lower conversion rates to open surgery and shorter hospital stays compared to laparoscopic and open techniques.
Robotic surgery was most effective in stable patients with conditions like diverticulitis and nonseptic cancers. Utilization is projected to rise to over 20% by the end of 2025, signaling growing acceptance despite challenges in access and training, according to the study.
