Experiences in Robotic Colorectal Surgery: Comprehensive Insights from a Multi-center Analysis Using the Senhance Robotic System

Abstract

Introduction: Robotic-assisted surgery has revolutionised minimally invasive approaches, particularly in colorectal surgery. While many single-center studies on colorectal surgeries exist in present literature, including experiences with Senhance® Robotic Systems, comprehensive multi-center studies are lacking. This study, conducted through the TransEnterix European Patient Registry ("TRUST"), aims to assess the safety and feasibility in this context. Methods: The present study explored procedural times, complications, robotic malfunction and limitations, adverse events and pain management outcomes for colorectal procedures, including sigmoid resection, right hemicolectomy and rectal surgery collected in two European centers. Results: Data from 355 colorectal surgeries showed that the median duration of surgery was 147.2 minutes (IQR: 124.3–183.0), the docking time was reported with a median of 3.4 minutes (IQR: 2.0–5.4) and the console time was found at a mean of 84.4 minutes (SD: 33.6). Despite minimal blood loss, pain scores, and robotic malfunction, 2,9% of the cases (10 instances) required conversions to either an open or laparoscopic approach. Further, most robotic limitations were attributed to limited motion (18.9%, 67 cases) and collisions (11.5%, 41 cases). Adverse events (24 cases, 6.8%) were effectively managed, with 23 instances judged completely unrelated to the robotic system. Conclusion: This study underscores the positive outcomes and safety profile of Senhance® Robotic Systems in colorectal surgery, contributing valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.