Robot-assisted hybrid laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: surgical technique and early outcomes.

BACKGROUND Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed laparoscopically remains the gold standard in bariatric surgery. The role of robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has not been clearly defined. METHODS We present 80 consecutive cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed at a single institution. Mechanics, early outcomes, and learning curve are evaluated. Eighty robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses were performed on 71 women and 9 men with a mean age of 39 years, mean preoperative weight of 134 kg, and mean BMI of 48. RESULTS Total mean operative time was 209 minutes. There was no mortality, leak, stricture, or obstruction. CONCLUSION Robot-assisted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a safe and feasible option for bariatric surgery. Its role in improving surgical outcomes needs to be defined further.