Robotic vs. laparoscopic right hemicolectomy-An analysis of costs

The use of robotic surgical methods for performing right-sided hemicolectomy has been somewhat controversial, primarily due to concerns related to costs. The purpose of this study is to document the initial robotic right hemicolectomies conducted at our institution and to compare them with a laparoscopic reference group. A significant focus of this study is the detailed analysis of the costs associated with both techniques within the German healthcare system. Surgical and cost-related data for 34 cases each for robotic and laparoscopic right-sided hemicolectomy performed at N & uuml;rnberg Hospital were compared. This comparison was conducted through a retrospective single-center case-matched analysis. Cost analysis was carried out following the current guidelines provided by the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK) of Germany. The average age of the patient cohort was 70 years, with a male patient proportion of 57.4%. Analysis of perioperative parameters indicated similar outcomes for both surgical techniques. Regarding the incidence of complications of Clavien-Dindo stages III-V (8.8% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.48), a positive trend towards robotic surgery was observed. The cost analysis showed nearly identical total costs for the selected cases in both groups (mean <euro>13,423 vs. <euro>13,424; p = 1.00), with the most significant cost difference noted in surgical (operative) costs (<euro>5,779 vs. <euro>3,521; p < 0.01). The lower costs for laparoscopic cases were primarily due to the reduced material costs (mean <euro>2,657 vs. <euro>702; p < 0.05). In conclusion, both surgical approaches are clinically equivalent, with only minor differences in the total case costs.