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Introduction: We implemented the NICE procedure as a robotic natural orifice colorectal resection utilizing the rectum to extract the specimen and complete an intracorporal anastomosis for diverticulitis in 2018. Although complicated diverticulitis is associated with higher rates of conversion and post-operative morbidity, we hypothesized that the stepwise approach of the NICE procedure can be equally successful in this cohort. We aimed to compare feasibility and outcomes of the NICE procedure for uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis., Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with diverticulitis who underwent robotic NICE procedure from May 2018 through June 2021 were included. Cases were stratified into uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis (fistula, abscess, or stricture). Demographic, clinical, disease, intervention, and outcomes data were analyzed. The main outcome measures were return of bowel function, length of stay, opioid consumption, and postoperative complications., Results: Of a total of 190 patients, those presenting with uncomplicated diverticulitis (53.2%) were compared to those with complicated diverticulitis (47.8%). Uncomplicated diverticulitis had fewer low anterior resections (15.8% vs 49.4%; p < 0.001) and shorter median operative time (186 vs 220 min; p < 0.001). Both cohorts had equal rates of successful intracorporeal anastomosis (100%) and successful transrectal extraction (100% vs 98.9%; p = 0.285). Both cohorts had similar return of bowel function (median 21 h and 18.5; p = 0.149), median length of hospital stay (2 days, p = 0.015) and mean total opioid use (68.4 MME vs 67.3; p = 0.91). There were also no significant differences in overall postoperative complication rate over a 30-day time period (8.9% vs 12.5%; p = 0.44), readmission (6.9% vs 5.6%; p = 0.578) and reoperation (3% vs 4.5%; p = 0.578)., Conclusion: Despite being inherently more complex and technically challenging, complicated diverticulitis patients have similar success rates and post-operative outcomes compared to uncomplicated diverticulitis patients when undergoing the NICE procedure. These results implicate the benefits of robotic natural orifice techniques may be even more pronounced in complicated diverticulitis patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Totally intracorporeal surgery for left-sided resection carries numerous potential advantages by avoiding crossing staple lines and eliminating the need for an abdominal incision. For those with complicated diverticulitis, minimally invasive surgery is known to be technically challenging due to inflamed tissue, distorted pelvic anatomy, and obliterated tissue planes, resulting in high conversion rates. We aim to illustrate the stepwise approach and modifications required to successful complete the robotic Natural-orifice IntraCorporeal anastomosis with transrectal specimen Extraction (NICE) procedure in this cohort., Methods: Consecutive, elective, unselected patients presenting with complicated diverticulitis defined as fistula, abscess and stricture underwent the NICE procedure over a 24-month period. Demographic and intraoperative data were collected, and video recordings were reviewed and edited on encrypted server., Results: A total of 60 patients (50% female) underwent the NICE procedure for complicated diverticulitis with a mean age of 58.9 years and mean BMI of 30.7 kg/m 2 . The mean operative time was 231.6 min. All cases (100%) were achieved with intracorporeal anastomosis using a circular stapling device. All but one patient (98.3%) had successful transrectal extraction of the specimen. Forty-four (73%) of the specimens required a specimen-thinning maneuver to successfully extract the specimen and there were no conversions. We identified seven key technical modifications and considerations to facilitate successful completion of the procedure which are illustrated, including early release of the disease, mesentery-sparing dissection, dual instrument control of the mesenteric vasculature, release of the rectal reflection, use of NICE back table, specimen-thinning maneuver, and closure of the rectal cuff., Conclusion: We present a stepwise approach with key modifications to successfully achieve totally robotic intracorporeal resection for those presenting with complicated diverticulitis. This approach may help overcome the technical challenges and provide a foundation for reproducible results.

Background: Surgical value is based on optimizing clinical and financial outcomes. The clinical benefits of laparoscopic surgery are well established; however, many patients are still not offered a laparoscopic procedure. Our objective was to compare the modern clinical and financial outcomes of laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery., Methods: The Premier Perspective database identified patients undergoing elective colorectal resections from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. Cases were stratified by operative approach into laparoscopic and open cohorts. Groups were controlled on all demographics, diagnosis, procedural, hospital characteristics, surgeon volume, and surgeon specialty and then compared for clinical and financial outcomes. The main outcome measures were length of stay (LOS), complications, readmission rates, and cost by surgical approach., Results: A total of 6343 patients were matched and analyzed in each cohort. The most common diagnosis was diverticulitis (p = 0.0835) and the most common procedure a sigmoidectomy (p = 0.0962). The LOS was significantly shorter in laparoscopic compared to open (mean 5.78 vs. 7.80 days, p < 0.0001). The laparoscopic group had significantly lower readmission (5.82 vs. 7.68 %, p < 0.0001), complication (32.60 vs. 42.28 %, p < 0.0001), and mortality rates (0.52 vs. 1.28 %, p < 0.0001). The total cost was significantly lower in laparoscopic than in open (mean $17,269 vs. $20,552, p < 0.0001). By category, laparoscopy was significantly more cost-effective for pharmacy (p < 0.0001), room and board (p < 0.0001), recovery room (p = 0.0058), ICU (p < 0.0001), and laboratory and imaging services (both p < 0.0001). Surgical supplies (p < 0.0001), surgery (p < 0.0001), and anesthesia (p = 0.0053) were higher for the laparoscopic group., Conclusions: Laparoscopy is more cost-effective and produces better patient outcomes than open colorectal surgery. Minimally invasive colorectal surgery is now the standard that should be offered to patients, providing value to both patient and provider.

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is safe and feasible for benign and malignant colorectal diseases. SILS has comparable or improved outcomes compared to multiport laparoscopy but technical limitations when operating in the pelvis. To address these limitations, we developed an innovative SILS+1 approach using a single Pfannenstiel incision for pelvis access with one additional umbilical port. Our goal was to compare outcomes for SILS and SILS+1 in lower abdominal and pelvic colorectal surgery., Methods: Review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent an elective reduced port laparoscopic lower abdominal/pelvic colorectal procedure from 2009 to 2014. Cases were stratified by approach: SILS versus SILS+1 then matched 1:2 on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, and procedure. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative outcome variables were evaluated. The main outcome measures were operative time, conversion rate, length of stay, complication, morbidity, and mortality rates., Results: One hundred thirty-two reduced port AR/LAR patients were evaluated-44 SILS and 88 SILS+1. The groups were similar in age, gender, BMI, and ASA class. The primary diagnosis in both cohorts was diverticulitis (90.9 % SILS, 87.5 % SILS+1), and main procedure performed an anterior rectosigmoidectomy (86.4 % SILS, 88.2 % SILS+1). Significantly more SILS+1 patients had previous abdominal surgery (p = 0.01). The operative time was significantly shorter in SILS+1 (mean 166.6 [SD 48.4] vs. 178.0 [SD 70.0], p = 0.03). The conversion rate to multiport or open surgery was also significantly lower with SILS+1 compared to SILS (1.1 vs. 11.4 %, p = 0.02). Postoperatively, the length of stay across the groups was similar. SILS trended towards higher complication and readmission rates (NS). There were no unplanned reoperations or mortality in either group., Conclusions: SILS+1 facilitates pelvic and lower abdominal colorectal surgery, with shorter operative times and lower conversion rates. The additional port improved visualization and outcomes without any impact on length of stay, readmission, or complication rates.

Background: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery has recently gained enthusiasm for application in colorectal surgery. We present the safety and feasibility of using the da Vinci® robotic system for the surgical treatment of sigmoid diverticulitis., Methods: Between August 2008 and November 2009, robotic-assisted laparoscopic anterior rectosigmoid resection (RALS-AR) for diverticulitis was performed in 24 consecutive patients. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were assessed., Results: RALS-AR was performed in 14 male (58.3%) and 10 female (41.7%) patients with a diagnosis of recurrent diverticulitis. The mean patient age and BMI were 49.8 ± 9.3 years (range = 30-62 years) and 29.9 ± 6.3 kg/m(2) (range = 15.9-46.9 kg/m(2)), respectively. Disease stratification identified 15 cases of uncomplicated (62.5%) and 9 cases of complicated (37.5%) disease. The procedures required 14.1 ± 6.7 min (range = 6-30 min) for robotic docking, 100.5 ± 31.0 min (range = 50-180 min) for surgeon console time, and 224.2 ± 47.1 min (range = 150-330 min) for the total operative time. Robotic docking and surgeon console time represented 51.9% of the total operative time. A primary colorectal anastomosis was fashioned with avoidance of colostomy in all patients. There were no significant intraoperative complications, and none of the procedures required conversion to open, hand-assisted, or conventional laparoscopic technique. The length of hospital stay was 3.4 ± 2.6 days (range = 2-14 days), and the postoperative complication rate was 12.5% (n = 3). There were no anastomotic leaks, secondary surgical interventions, or hospital readmissions., Conclusions: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic technique is a safe and feasible option for the surgical treatment of diverticulitis. The approach may be offered to patients with uncomplicated or complicated disease, and it results in a short hospital stay and low complication rate.

Background: By 2030, projections indicate that nearly half of USS adults will be obese, with 29 states exceeding a 50% obesity rate. High Body Mass Index (BMI) presents particular challenges in treating diverticulitis, including worsened symptoms and increased risk of surgical complications. The Robotic Natural orifice Intracorporeal Anastomosis with Transrectal Extraction (NICE) procedure has been developed for colorectal surgeries to tackle these challenges. This study evaluates the efficacy of the Robotic NICE procedure in achieving comparable surgical outcomes in patients with both high and normal BMI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study assessed the outcomes of robotic-assisted colectomy utilizing the NICE technique in patients with diverticulitis, dividing them into two groups based on BMI: high BMI (≥ 30 kg/m^2) and non-high BMI (< 30 kg/m^2). Results: Among the 194 patients analyzed, the incidence of complicated diverticulitis was significantly higher in the high BMI group (60.5%) compared to the non-high BMI group (39%; p = 0.003).The high BMI group had higher ASA scores, indicating sicker patients. The high BMI group also had a significantly higher rate of unplanned operations within 30 days (7.9% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.034). However, no significant differences were observed in the length of hospital stay, time to first flatus, or ICU admission rates between the two groups. Binary logistic regression highlighted the length of stay as a significant predictor of postoperative complications (Odds Ratio: 1.9686, 95% CI: 1.372–2.825, p < 0.001). Other factors, including age, operative time, and gender, did not significantly predict complications. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Robotic NICE procedure can mitigate some of the challenges typically associated with conventional minimally invasive surgery in which abdominal wall incision is made, providing consistent outcomes regardless of BMI. Further research is needed to explore long-term benefits, aiming to establish this approach as a standard for managing diverticulitis in our patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (RP/IPAA) has become the standard of care for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. Despite its correlation with an excellent quality of life and favorable long-term outcomes, RP/IPAA has been associated with several complications. Prolapse of the ileoanal pouch is a rare and debilitating complication that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pouch failure. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence and treatment of pouch prolapse. We present the case of a recurrent J-pouch prolapse treated with a novel minimally invasive "salvage" approach involving a robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy with mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]