TTP2.13 Robotic assisted surgery reduces length of stay for patients undergoing left-sided colorectal resections

Aims Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) may reduce post-operative length of stay (LOS) for patients undergoing colorectal resection. This is important for improving patient quality of life, decreasing hospital acquired morbidity, and alleviating NHS pressures. This study compares LOS for RAS versus laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resections in a regional retrospective analysis. Methods Patients undergoing RAS and laparoscopic left-sided colorectal resections (May 2022–October 2024) were identified from a prospectively-collected database. LOS and readmission data were retrieved from our patient management system. Outliers were excluded using the IQR method, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Results Median LOS for RAS resections (n=149) was 2 days [IQR 1-4], with 29% (n=43) discharged on post-operative day 1 (POD1). Median LOS for laparoscopic cases (n=77) was 7 days [IQR 4-8], with only 1.2% discharged on POD1. The reduction in LOS with RAS was significant (U = 1678.5, p<0.001). Readmission rates were 17.4% (n=26) for RAS and 14.3% (n=11) for laparoscopic cases, with 14% of POD1 RAS discharges readmitted. All readmissions were managed at ward level. Conclusions RAS significantly reduces LOS for left-sided colorectal resections, with 29% of patients discharged on POD1 and comparable readmission rates. This study suggests increasing RAS utilisation may reduce hospital-acquired morbidity and bed pressures.