Cost analysis of robotic sleeve gastrectomy (R-SG) compared with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (L-SG) in a single academic center: debunking a myth!

Abstract

Background: Although use of the da Vinci robotic platform in bariatric surgery is gaining momentum, there are financial concerns.

Objectives: Our retrospective study evaluated the cost of robotically assisted sleeve gastrectomy (R-SG) versus conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (L-SG).

Setting: Center of Excellence bariatric surgery center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Methods: We analyzed consecutive patients who underwent primary R-SG and compared them with L-SG patients. Primary outcomes were overall cost for length of stay, operating time, and supplies. Secondary outcomes were 30-day complications, reoperations, and readmissions.

Results: We had no adverse events in either group. The overall cost for R-SG and L-SG was not statistically different (mean total cost for R-SG and L-SG was $5308.99 and $4918.88, respectively). Operating time cost was significantly higher for R-SG compared with L-SG ($1340 versus $112 for R-SG and L-SG, respectively). R-SG had a shorter length of stay compared with L-SG (1.4 versus 1.5 d, respectively).

Conclusions: Our study revealed no difference in cost R-SG and L-SG, with a trend toward shorter length of stay for R-SG over time.

Keywords: Hospital length of stay cost; Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; Operating time cost; Robotic sleeve gastrectomy; Supplies cost.