SP6.08 Does Robotic-Assisted Surgery mitigate risk for overweight and obese patients with Colorectal Cancer?

Background Over 60% UK adults are overweight or obese. Obesity is not only associated with increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, but can lead to longer operative time, increase risk of perioperative mortality and subsequently prolong hospital stay. We assessed impact of patient body mass index (BMI) on operating time, post-operative complications and length-of-stay, and oncological resection margins for patients undergoing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) for colorectal cancer. Methods Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database for patients undergoing elective RAS for colorectal cancer between 1/7/2021-31/12/2024 at one NHS National Wait Times Hospital. Patients were categorised into subgroups as per BMI: normal (18-24.9); overweight (25-29.9) and obese (>30). Outcomes including surgical operating time, post-operative complications and length-of-stay, and resection margin status were assessed in relation to BMI category. Chi-squared and ANOVA statistical analysis were performed. Results 182 patients underwent RAS-resection for colorectal malignancy. Two patients with BMI <18 were excluded from analysis. 39 patients (21.4%) had a normal BMI; 74 patients (40.7%) were overweight, and 67 patients (36.8%) were obese. BMI did not significantly impact operative time (F(27,27) = 1.032, p=0.468), risk of post-operative complications (x2(2) = 3.849, p=0.146), post-operative length-of-stay (F(27,161) = 0.906, p=0.568) or resection margin (x2(2) = 1.374, p=0.503). Subgroup analysis of right-sided (n=55, 30.5%) and left-sided/rectal malignancies (n=125, 69.5%) demonstrated similar outcomes. Conclusions RAS-assisted surgery is a safe and efficient method for colorectal cancer resection in overweight and obese patients. Further health-cost analysis would be beneficial to understand impact on NHS efficiency.