Robotic versus open cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is often associated with extensive surgical resection and has traditionally been performed via laparotomy. Data on minimally invasive robotic approaches remain limited. We evaluated surgical safety and survival outcomes of robotic CRS/HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM).

METHODS

A single-center propensity score-matched study was conducted using a prospectively collected database (2018-2025). PSM patients treated with robotic CRS/HIPEC were matched 1:1 to open CRS/HIPEC controls using propensity scores based on age, sex, BMI, histology, and PCI.

RESULTS

Of 99 cases, 15 robotic and 71 open CRS/HIPECs were identified. After matching, 15 robotic and 15 open cases were balanced by age, sex, BMI, diagnosis, prior surgical score, and PCI. CC-0/1 rate was 100.0% in robotic and 93.3% in open CRS/HIPEC (p = 1.00). Median blood loss was lower in the robotic group (100 mL vs 250 mL, p = 0.04). Median hospital stay was shorter after robotic CRS/HIPEC (6 vs 9 days, p = 0.05). No differences were observed in major complications (26.7% vs 33.3%, p = 1.00) and reoperation (0.0% vs 6.7%, p = 1.00). No 90-day mortality was observed in either group. Median follow-up was 58 months. Median overall survival (not reached vs 52 months, p = 0.20) and progression-free survival (not reached vs 42 months, p = 0.19) did not differ between robotic and open CRS/HIPEC.

CONCLUSION

In PSM patients with low tumor burden, robotic CRS/HIPEC is not associated with increased morbidity or worse survival. It may offer benefits such as reduced blood loss and shorter hospitalization. Multicenter studies are warranted to optimize patient selection.