Optimizing outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery with robotic platforms. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baek, Se-Jin; Piozzi, Guglielmo Niccolò; Kim, Seon-Hahn
• Is Part Of: Surgical oncology. Volume 37(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Colorectal neoplasm -- Robotic surgery -- Minimally invasive surgery; Cancer -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- surgery -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.994059
• DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2021.101559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-7404

Abstract

Abstract: Advanced robotic technology makes it easier to perform total mesorectal excision procedures in the narrow pelvis for rectal cancer while maintaining the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Robotic surgery for rectal cancer leads to lower conversion rates and faster recovery of urogenital function than conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, longer operative time and high cost are major weaknesses of robotic surgery. To date, most other short-term surgical outcomes, pathologic outcomes, and long-term oncologic outcomes of robotic surgery have not shown significant advantages over laparoscopic surgery. However, robotic surgery is still a valid and highly anticipated surgical approach for rectal cancer because it greatly reduces the surgeon's workload and learning curve. There are also advantages when robotic techniques are applied to technically demanding procedures such as lateral pelvic lymph node dissection or intersphincteric resection. The introduction of new surgical robot systems, including the da Vinci ® SP system, is expected to expand the applications of robotic surgery and provide new advantages. Highlights: This article summarized the research results on the short- and long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery using the robotic platform. Comparable results are found about most short- and long-term oncologic outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. This review covers the fields of colorectal surgery where the benefits of robotic platform stand out, as well as new promising benefits in the future.