Robotic rectal surgery: Outcomes of the first 102 totally robotic cases handled using the single‐docking technique in a reference institution

Abstract

Background and Objective Rectal cancer is often surgically treated, but it is still associated with morbidity rates. Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly being used to reduce complications, and the use of such techniques can be found in the literature. This study aims to report our experience in a reference oncology center. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on a prospective database of patients who underwent robotic surgery for rectal cancer using the single‐docking technique from September 2014 to April 2018. Clinical and surgical variables, as well as morbidity and mortality rates, were analyzed. Results One hundred and two patients underwent robotic surgery. Intraoperative complications occurred in six patients (4.9%), and postoperative complications in 24 patients (23.5%), of which anastomotic fistula represented 3.9%. The conversion rate was 1.96%. Two cases (1.9%) faced death within 30 days. The median length of hospitalization was 3 days. The median number of lymph nodes dissected was 15. Clinical and surgical data were correlated with postoperative complications, and no statistically significant differences were found. Conclusion Robotic surgery is a safe and feasible approach to manage rectal cancer. The method presents satisfactory results with regard to the rate of operative complications, conversion rate, oncologic outcomes, and length of hospitalization.

An Overview of Robotic Colorectal Surgery Adoption and Training in Brazil

“…Retrospective studies conducted in Brazilian institutions have shown positive outcomes, reinforcing that robotic-assisted surgery is a reliable and effective option for managing colorectal pathological conditions, such as deep infiltrating bowel endometriosis [ 20 ] and rectal cancer [ 21 ].…”

“…Intraoperative complications occurred in 4.9% of patients, and only 1.9% of cases required conversion, and the average hospital stay was three days. The median number of lymph nodes harvested was fifteen [ 21 ].…”

Current status and role of robotic approach in patients with low-lying rectal cancer

“…Many previous studies have demonstrated that RS for rectal cancer is a safe and feasible surgical approach in terms of intraoperative complication, conversion rate, and short-term surgical outcomes [ 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 ]. Intraoperative and perioperative outcomes after rectal cancer surgery are presented in Table 1 .…”

“…For other intraoperative and perioperative outcomes such as estimated blood loss, length of hospital stays, and postoperative morbidity including anastomotic leakage, the results of RS were comparable to those of LS without showing notable advantages, although RS was suggested to have difficulty in bleeding control [ 22 23 24 27 ].…”