Outcomes after laparoscopic or robotic colectomy and open colectomy when compared by operative duration for the procedure

Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with important early postoperative advantages. These procedures can however increase total operative duration. Our hypothesis is that increased operative duration is associated with post-operative complications that may outweigh the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. We analyzed data from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC)R. This is a statewide database of patients who have undergone colon or rectal resections. Colorectal procedures were divided into four groups by surgical approach: open, laparoscopic, robotic and laparoscopic and robotic procedures converted to open. The sample was divided into three groups by operative duration: less than 2 h, between 2 and 4 h and greater than 4 h and compared by selected preoperative variables and outcomes. Small but significant differences in perioperative outcomes were noted in colectomies with a >4 h operative duration. However, laparoscopic procedures exceeding 4 h were not associated with significant differences perioperative outcomes.