Factors Associated With Prolonged Operative Times in Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy and Its Association With Short‐Term Outcomes

Background This study aimed to investigate factors associated with prolonged operative time in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients with colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy between 2011 and 2021. Linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with prolonged operative time. The association between longer operative times and complications and hospital stay was assessed. Results One hundred and ninety‐seven patients (52.3% female; mean age: 68.8 ± 14.1 years) were included. Factors independently associated with operative time were male sex ( β = 17.3, 95% CI: 2, 32.5; p = 0.026) and extended hemicolectomy ( β = 67.7, 95% CI: 27.6, 107.9; p = 0.001). American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) IV classification had a borderline significant association with operative time ( β = 100.4, 95% CI: −2.05, 202.9; p = 0.055). Male sex ( r = 0.158; p = 0.026), body mass index ( r = 0.205; p = 0.004), ASA classification ( r = 0.232; p = 0.001), extended hemicolectomy ( r = 0.256; p < 0.001), and intracorporeal vessel control ( r = 0.161; p = 0.025) had significant positive correlation with operative times. Patients with operative times ≥ 160 min had significantly longer hospital stays (5 vs. 4 days; p = 0.043) and similar complication rates to patients with shorter operative times. Conclusions Male sex, advanced ASA classification, and extended hemicolectomy were independently and significantly associated with longer operative times in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Longer operative times were associated with longer hospital stays and similar complication rates.