Robotic versus open resection of benign nonadrenal retroperitoneal tumors: A propensity score-matched study

Background: Robotic resection of benign nonadrenal retroperitoneal tumors (BNRTs) is considered safety and feasibility. However, whether robotic BNRT resection (RBR) is superior to open BNRT resection (OBR) has not been reported. The comparative study was designed to analyze the short outcomes of RBR versus OBR on patients with BNRTs.

Methods: Demographics and perioperative outcomes among patients who underwent RBR (n = 30) versus OBR (n = 30) for BNRTs between January 2015 and September 2018 were reviewed. A 1:1 propensity score matched analysis was performed between both groups.

Results: There were no significant differences in the operative time, blood transfusion rate, and morbidity rate between the RBR and OBR groups. No patients underwent RBR required conversion to laparotomy. Robotic approach reduced estimated blood loss (EBL) (50 vs. 100 ml, p = 0.00) and postoperative hospital stay (PHS) significantly (4.6 vs. 7.9 d, p = 0.00) when compared with OBR. In patients with tumors adherent to major vessels, RBR also reduced EBL and PHS significantly (50 vs. 250 ml, p = 0.02; 4.4 vs. 9.3 d, p = 0.00), which were similar to the results of the patients with tumors larger than 5 cm (50 vs. 200 ml, p = 0.00; 4.9 vs. 7.5 d, p = 0.01).

Conclusions: When compared with OBR, RBR was associated with less EBL, and shorter PHS in selected patients even for tumors which are large or adherent to major vessels.