Early discharge versus standard discharge after robotic colon resection

BACKGROUND Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, combined with minimally invasive surgery, improve patient outcomes in colorectal surgery by reducing complications and length of hospital stay. METHODS This single-centre study included adult patients undergoing elective robotic colorectal surgery for benign and malignant disease managed with ERAS protocols. Data were collected from operations performed between May 2022 and May 2024. The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee (ID NCT05408182). Exclusion criteria were patients over 75 years of age, those with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3 or higher, those on anticoagulation requiring postoperative bridging, those with a BMI greater than 30, or those with an ostomy created during surgery. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of early discharge protocols for selected patients following robotic colorectal surgery. RESULTS 120 robotic colectomies were performed. Five procedures required conversion to laparotomy and were excluded. Of the remaining 115 patients, 62 (53.9%) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 62.9% were discharged within 72 hours. Six patients (15.4%) were discharged within 24 hours, 21 patients (53.8%) within 48 hours, and 12 patients (30.8%) within 72 hours. Readmission rates were 5.1% for those discharged within POD 3 and 8.7% for those discharged after POD 3. Reoperation rates were 2.6% for those discharged within POD 3 and 4.3% for those discharged after POD 3. CONCLUSIONS Early discharge within 3 days of surgery is feasible and safe for selected patients. Success depends on the coordinated efforts of the healthcare team and the patient's family. Robotic surgery allows easier anastomosis and may reduce postoperative complications.