Robotic colorectal surgery: summary of the current evidence

Abstract

The use of robotic approach seems to be capable of addressing most of the shortcomings of the standard laparoscopic surgery. The technique has proved its safety profile in both colonic and rectal surgery. However, the cost involved may restrict its use to patients with challenging rectal cancer and in specialist centres.

Iatrogenic ureteral injury in colorectal cancer surgery: a nationwide study comparing laparoscopic and open approaches

“…The use of a robotic approach has been suggested to provide an advantage during pelvic dissection [30]. The implementation of robotic approach could, perhaps, decrease the incidence of iatrogenic ureteral injury in rectal cancer surgery, but this has yet to be investigated.…”

The da Vinci Xi: a review of its capabilities, versatility, and potential role in robotic colorectal surgery

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] In general, authors have found robotic surgery to be feasible and safe, referring to it as submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com…”

“…A consistent conclusion in the majority of papers is that robotic colorectal surgery tends to be associated with a higher cost and a longer operative time. [13][14][15][16][17] However, the quality of these studies and consequently the conclusions drawn should be subjected to greater scrutiny. Most of these publications have been either case series or retrospective comparative studies.…”

New Trends in Robotic Colorectal Surgery

“…In parallel, in the colorectal field, numerous articles have been published [2], confirming the interest of the surgical community for the robotic approach. Right [3,4] or left [5] robotic colectomy has been reported feasible and safe, even if clear advantages over standard laparoscopy are still awaited and are still a matter of debate [6].…”

“…Robotic technology might thus improve the outcomes in this situation. Several authors and reviews have reported very interesting results [2,7], even if a large randomized study is still needed [8].…”