Full robotic hartmann's reversal: technical aspects and preliminary experience.

AIM Laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal (HR) is a major abdominal operation that is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The robotic approach, with its intrinsic advantages, could potentially overcome the technical complexity of laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term results of a series of 24 robotic HR (RHR) cases. METHOD The data from 24 patients who underwent RHR between September 2016 and July 2019 at two different institutions were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. A full robotic single docking reversal procedure with intracorporeal anastomosis was performed in all patients. RESULTS The mean age and body mass index of the patients were 69 years and 26 kg/m2 , respectively. Of the patients, 58% were ≥70 years old and 42% had comorbidities (mean Charlson comorbidity index 3). The mean operating time was 240 min. There were no cases of conversion to the open or laparoscopic approach. No diverting loop ileostomies were constructed. The mean length of hospital stay was 6 days. Minor complications were recorded in three patients. Neither major complications nor 30-day readmissions were registered. CONCLUSIONS RHR is a feasible and safe procedure. The robotic approach has low rates of major complications and conversion and could potentially increase the number of patients undergoing HR.