Background

With over five years of data, MBSAQIP has become one of the most robust databases in bariatric surgery. We documented the trends that have emerged over time with improvements in robotic and laparoscopic techniques.

Methods

We used the MBSAQIP national registry from 2015-2019 to identify trends for robotic (RA) and laparoscopic (LA) bariatric surgery, particularly within SG (CPT 43775) or RYGB (CPT 43644). Analysis excluded patients with emergent or revisional surgery, ASA class 5, and those with conditions present at the time of surgery.

Results

The use of robotic surgery increased from 6.2% in 2015 to 13.6% in 2019. From 2015 to 2019, most outcomes remain unchanged or improved. With regard to SG, RA continues to have a significantly higher rate of operative length, conversion, 30-day readmission and intervention though there was a decrease in unplanned ICU admission and significant adverse events. With regard to RYGB, RA continues to have a significantly higher rate of operative length and 30-day readmission. In 2019, laparoscopic RYGB no longer shows a significantly increased risk of bleeding and need for transfusion in comparison to RA.