Robot-assisted hybrid laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: surgical technique and early outcomes

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed laparoscopically remains the gold standard in bariatric surgery. The role of robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has not been clearly defined. METHODS: We present 80 consecutive cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed at a single institution. Mechanics, early outcomes, and learning curve are evaluated. Eighty robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses were performed on 71 women and 9 men with a mean age of 39 years, mean preoperative weight of 134 kg, and mean BMI of 48. RESULTS: Total mean operative time was 209 minutes. There was no mortality, leak, stricture, or obstruction. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a safe and feasible option for bariatric surgery. Its role in improving surgical outcomes needs to be defined further.