Endoluminal Surgery and Next Steps

Abstract

The expansion of colorectal cancer screening programs predicts a remarkable increase in rectal cancer diagnosis and nonmalignant polyps. While most polyps are managed endoscopically, many patients are referred to surgery. Over 30 thousand patients with colon polyps undergo surgical resection annually in the United States. Most of these surgical resections typically report benign pathology but end up with organ loss. Such organ resections may enclose significant morbidity and mortality rates. On the other hand, advanced endoscopic interventions have significantly evolved and are gaining popularity due to claiming organ preservation with low morbidity and mortality. These procedures have the potential to develop further and, in no doubt, are becoming standard of care. There are recent articles reporting successful and feasible initial incorporation of robotic systems for submucosal dissection procedures. These developments confirm that endorobotic submucosal dissection and endorobotic surgery may soon become a reality for colorectal lesions. This article aims to discuss endoluminal surgery for colorectal lesions and future directions.