Effectiveness of robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery in patients with BMI ≥ 50-59.9 and BMI ≥ 60 for the treatment of severe obesity in a national medical center in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a global health issue that significantly increases morbidity and mortality when the Body Mass Index (BMI) reaches values ≥ 50. While metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity, it carries risks. Robotic surgery is promising but not extensively studied in Mexico, which presents an opportunity for research at a National Hospital with an academic program.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 44 patients who underwent robotic MBS using the da Vinci surgical system from January 2018 to August 2023 at Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE. Data collected included surgery type, duration, complications, and weight loss metrics over 54 months post-operatively.

Results: The study involved 44 patients with severe obesity including BMI ≥ 50-59.9 kg/m² for group 1 and BMI ≥ 60 kg/m² for group 2. The average initial BMI was 54.7 kg/m² for group 1 and 68 kg/m² for group 2. The average operative times for group 1 were 10.09 min for docking, 86.23 min for robotic console time, and 95.73 min for total intraoperative time. Group 2 had average times of 9.80 min for docking, 82.4 min for robotic console time, and 92.2 min for total intraoperative time. Follow-up showed significant weight loss initially, with weight recurrence after 24 months due to different factors. No serious complications or mortality were observed.

Conclusion: Robotic MBS at a national academic medical center in Mexico shows promising outcomes for patients with BMI ≥ 50-59.9 and BMI ≥ 60, with significant weight and BMI improvements at 54 month follow-up. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to strengthen these findings.

Keywords: BMI; Metabolic and bariatric surgery; Mexico; Obesity; Robotic surgery.