Short- and long-term outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic resection for diverticular disease: a comparative study from a tertiary referral center

Abstract: Diverticular disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders and minimally invasive surgery is currently considered the standard of care for the elective treatment. This retrospective, single-center, observational study included patients undergoing elective surgery for diverticular disease between January 2020 and December 2024. Patients were stratified into laparoscopic group (LG) and robotic-assisted group (RG). Baseline characteristics, intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes, complications, recurrence, functional outcomes and postoperative quality of life (Qol) were compared. The RG showed reduced intraoperative blood loss, lower conversion rates, and faster postoperative bowel recovery. No statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative complications, stoma rate, recurrence, long-term functional outcomes, or quality of life. Both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches are safe and effective for elective left-sided colectomy in diverticular disease. Robotic surgery may provide technical advantages that could translate into clinical benefits, particularly in complex inflammatory conditions such as diverticular disease.