Robotic assistance provides excellent outcomes during the learning curve for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: results from 100 robotic-assisted gastric bypasses

Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has a reported learning curve of 100 cases. Robotic-assisted surgery decreases the learning curve in complex laparoscopic surgeries. We hypothesize that robotic-assisted, hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy during a LRYGB will improve results during the initial 100 cases when compared with the literature. Methods Our first 100 robotic-assisted gastrojejunostomies performed during LRYGB were reviewed from a prospective database. Patient demographics, operative times, length of stay, reoperations, anastomotic leak, pulmonary embolus, and death were all evaluated. Results The mean age and body mass index were 42 and 50, respectively. Operative times ranged from 148 minutes to 437 minutes (mean = 254). There were no leaks or deaths. Four patients had complications, including reoperation (1), incisional hernia (1), pulmonary embolus (1), and recurrent umbilical hernia (1). Conclusions Robotic-assisted LRYGB is feasible and safe, as evidenced by the excellent outcomes from this series during the initial learning curve for LRYGB.