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Replies to post #214670 on Biotech Values
Robot-assisted surgeries—a technology oft-touted by hospitals—are longer and more expensive than other types of minimally invasive surgeries, according to a growing body of studies. And in some types of surgery, they have a lower success rate.
Two studies published online last week in JAMA compared robotic-assisted surgeries to laparoscopic surgeries. Both are minimally invasive procedures done through small incisions, designed to avoid the large incisions made in open surgeries, which often result in more pain and complications.
In Dr. Jayne’s study, researchers compared the robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgeries among 471 rectal cancer patients undergoing a resection, or removal of part of the rectum.
The researchers looked at the rate of conversion—when a minimally-invasive surgery must convert to open surgery—expecting robotic-assisted surgeries to have half the conversion rate as the laparoscopic ones. But they found no statistically significant difference in the conversion rates.
They also found that robotic-assisted surgeries were about 35 minutes longer and cost about £1,000 more, or over $1,300.
In the other study, researchers compared robotic-assisted and laparoscopic surgeries for kidney removal, usually done in cancer patients.
They reviewed 13 years of data and found that the percentage of what’s called a radical nephrectomy performed with robotic assistance increased to 27% in 2015, when there were 862 procedures, from 1.5% in 2003.
They also found the robotic surgeries exceeded four hours 46% of the time, compared with 26% of the time for the laparoscopic procedures, says Benjamin Chung, associate professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine and senior author on the study. The longer operating time results in a greater cost, as does an extra $985 per surgery for robotic instrumentation supplies.
The incidence of complications and length of hospital stay were equivalent for the two techniques.
