Does Robotic or Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Surgery Produce Better Results?
A 2024 review of 21 studies found that robotic and standard laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery produced similar weight loss results and similar rates of complications. The robotic approach did, however, come with longer operating times, slightly longer hospital stays, and notably higher costs.
Who Was Studied and How the Research Was Done
Researchers gathered 21 published studies that compared robotic sleeve gastrectomy with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the keyhole technique that has become the most widely performed weight loss surgery. The studies were published between 2011 and 2024. The review pooled data across all 21 articles to look for patterns in outcomes.
What the Researchers Found Across Both Techniques
Weight loss outcomes and rates of readmission, conversion to open surgery, and complications were all comparable between the two approaches. Where the results differed was in the practicalities: the robotic approach took on average about 27 minutes longer in the operating theatre and was linked to an average cost difference of around 5,800 US dollars per procedure, with a longer hospital stay as well.
What This Research Does and Does Not Tell Us
The review drew on studies from multiple countries and settings, which adds breadth to the findings. Because it pools results from different studies rather than running a single controlled trial, individual results will still vary from person to person. The authors concluded that the robotic platform did not appear to offer any clear benefit over the laparoscopic approach for this procedure.
About this research: Comparing the Efficacy of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis, published in Obesity Surgery, 2024. Read the study summary
More detail about the approaches used at our practice is on our robotic surgery page. If you are considering your options, call us on (03) 9760 2777 or request an appointment through our website.