Abstract
Background
The rising prevalence of childhood obesity and concomitant increase in comorbid disease pose significant challenges for the health care system. While mounting evidence demonstrates the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for severely obese adolescents, the potential role of robotic technology has not been well defined.
Objective
The aim of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) in treating severe adolescent obesity. In addition, 30-day outcomes and hospital charges were compared to subjects undergoing RSG versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 28 subjects (14 LSG vs. 14 RSG) at a single institution was conducted. Data collection included demographics, body mass index, comorbidities, hospital length of stay (LOS), operative time, 30-day outcomes, and hospital charges. Analysis was performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests.
Results
There were no differences in subject demographics or comorbidities. While median operative time was longer for RSG vs. LSG (132 vs. 100 min, p = 0.0002), the median LOS for RSG compared to LSG was shorter (69.6 vs. 75.9 h, p = 0.0094). In addition, RSG-related hospital charges were higher ($56,646 vs. $49,498, p = 0.0366). No significant differences in post-operative outcomes or complications were observed.
Conclusions
RSG is equally safe and efficacious when compared to LSG among adolescents. Similar to studies in adults, LOS is shortened while hospital charges are higher. Larger prospective studies are needed to gain insight regarding cost benefit ratios.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Wei Wang, MS, Jennifer Cooper, MS, Lindsey Asti, MS, Jennifer Smith, RN, Anita, Joselyn, MD, and Tarun Bhalla, MS for their aiding this manuscript.
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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. For this type of study, formal consent was not required.
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The authors declare they have no competing interests.
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Pepper, V.K., Rager, T.M., Diefenbach, K.A. et al. Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescents; Reality or Hype. OBES SURG 26, 1912–1917 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-015-2029-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-015-2029-4