Background Robotic resections represent a novel approach to treatment of colorectal cancer. The aim of our study was to critically assess the implementation of robotic colorectal surgical program at our institution and to compare it to the established laparoscopically assisted surgery. Patients and methods A retrospective case-control study was designed to compare outcomes of consecutively operated patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or robotic colorectal resections at a tertiary academic centre from 2019 to 2020. The associations between patient characteristics, type of operation, operation duration, conversions, duration of hospitalization, complications and number of harvested lymph nodes were assessed by using univariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 83 operations met inclusion criteria, 46 robotic and 37 laparoscopic resections, respectively. The groups were comparable regarding the patient and operative characteristics. The operative time was longer in the robotic group (p < 0.001), with fewer conversions to open surgery (p = 0.004), with less patients in need of transfusions (p = 0.004) and lower reoperation rate (p = 0.026). There was no significant difference between the length of stay (p = 0.17), the number of harvested lymph nodes (p = 0.24) and the overall complications (p = 0.58). Conclusions The short-term results of robotic colorectal resections were comparable to the laparoscopically assisted operations with fewer conversions to open surgery, fewer blood transfusions and lower reoperation rate in the robotic group.

BACKGROUND Despite negligible absorption of elemental mercury after acute ingestion, retention in the appendix with subsequent local and systemic complications is possible. We present a case of elemental mercury sequestration in the appendix, managed by laparoscopic appendectomy. CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old Caucasian female was found unconscious following application of long-lasting insulin detemir and ingestion of elemental mercury in a suicidal attempt. Diagnostic investigations revealed several radiopaque collections in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and elevated mercury levels in the blood. Much of the ingested elemental mercury was eliminated from the GI tract with stools stimulated by several enemas. However, a significant amount of mercury remained sequestrated in the appendix despite all conservative measures. Consequently, following deliberations by an interdisciplinary team of specialists, laparoscopic appendectomy was performed 29 d after the mercury ingestion. The surgery itself and postoperative course were uneventful. CONCLUSION Since conservative measures are often unsuccessful in the management of mercury retention in the appendix, surgery remains a compelling option to prevent possible associated complications.

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