Comparison of short-term outcomes and defecatory function following robotic and conventional laparoscopic surgery for stapled-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis‐a retrospective cohort study

Background: This study assessed the potential advantages of robotic-assisted Stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (Ro Stapled-IPAA) in ulcerative colitis (UC) compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery (Lap), with a focus on short-term outcomes and postoperative defecatory function, an aspect not previously explored. Materials and methods: Out of a total of 132 patients who underwent proctocolectomy or residual rectal resection, consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive Stapled-IPAA for UC at our hospital from May 2014 to May 2024 were included. The Ro approach was chosen for individuals with severe colitis extending into the anal canal, deeper rectal cancers (beyond T1), and cases requiring residual rectal resection, taking advantage of its benefits. Perioperative outcomes, including anastomosis height, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, complication rate, postoperative hospital stay, and defecatory function using Wexner scores and anorectal manometry before proctocolectomy and 6 months after stoma closure, were compared between the Ro and Lap groups. Results: Thirty-three patients (Lap, n =21; Ro, n =12) were included. The Ro group demonstrated a significantly lower anastomosis height (0.5 vs. 3.0 cm, P <0.001), reduced intraoperative blood loss (35 vs. 118 ml, P =0.032), shorter postoperative hospital stay (8 vs. 10.5 days), and no cases of anastomotic leakage (0 vs. 14.3%), as compared to the Lap group. Pouch failure occurred in 14% of Lap group; none were observed in the Ro group. Wexner scores favored the Ro group at 12 months after stoma closure (0 vs. 8 points), and there was better maximum voluntary squeeze pressure (302 mmHg vs. 175 mmHg, P =0.03), indicating preserved contraction of the external sphincter muscle despite the lower anastomosis. Conclusion: Ro Stapled-IPAA for patients with UC led to better short-term outcomes and preservation of defecatory function with lower anastomosis than Lap, suggesting the clinical advantages of the robotic approach in this field.