Pain Evaluation Across Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Procedures

Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal conditions, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, has been shown to offer benefits over traditional open surgery. These benefits include less pain after surgery, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications. This study aims to compare two types of minimally invasive surgery-laparoscopic and robotic surgery-to determine which approach results in less postoperative pain for patients undergoing colon or rectal surgery. The central hypothesis is that robotic surgery, due to its higher precision and reduced tissue trauma, will lead to lower pain levels after surgery. The study will enroll adult patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón in Madrid. Participants will undergo either laparoscopic or robotic surgery based on clinical availability and surgical planning, as long as they meet all inclusion criteria under the hospital's enhanced recovery protocol (RICA program). Researchers will assess patients' pain levels at different time points after surgery (immediately after recovery, at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and at discharge) using validated pain scales. The use of pain medications, hospital stay duration, complication rates, and quality of life up to 12 months after surgery will also be measured. All patient data will be collected anonymously using a secure electronic system (REDCap). The study will last approximately 2 years and include about 80 patients (40 in each group). The results could help surgeons and hospitals choose the most effective surgical approach to reduce postoperative pain and improve patient recovery in colorectal surgery.