An Emergency Robotic Programme for Acute Complicated Diverticulitis: A Tertiary Centre Experience.

INTRODUCTION

Robotic-assisted surgery is now the standard for elective colorectal procedures, but its use in emergencies remains limited. This study describes the feasibility of a dedicated emergency robotic programme for acute complicated diverticulitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed a prospectively maintained database (2020-2023). Of 31 patients undergoing robotic surgery for suspected complicated diverticulitis, 19 met inclusion criteria and underwent robotic left colectomy or Hartmann's procedure.

RESULTS

Median total procedure time was 171 minutes (IQR 42) and median total OR time was 235 minutes (IQR 55), with no conversions to open surgery. Overall 30-day morbidity was 47.4% (9/19) and mortality was 10.5% (2/19), broadly consistent with published laparoscopic/open outcomes, though no concurrent comparator group was analysed.

CONCLUSION

This initial, uncontrolled experience suggests that a dedicated emergency robotic programme for acute complicated diverticulitis is technically feasible. These hypothesis-generating results warrant confirmation through prospective, comparative studies before conclusions about safety or superiority can be drawn.