Robotic Left Colectomy Cuts Complications and Lowers Long-Term Costs

Robotic left-sided colectomy significantly outperformed laparoscopic techniques by reducing anastomotic leakage rates by 42% and severe leaks by 51%. These procedures also offered improved lymph node yields (28 vs. 24) and 5-year survival rates (78.2% vs. 74.5%). While upfront costs are higher, robotic surgery saves $3,850 per patient in complication-related costs, proving cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $28,500/QALY. The findings suggest preferential use for advanced-stage cases.

Review by Coco D and Leanza S in J Robot Surg

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

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