Single-stage totally robotic dissection for rectal cancer surgery: technique and short-term outcome in 50 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: To overcome the pitfalls of laparoscopy, a robotic system has been introduced in rectal cancer surgery. However, there is no standard procedure to maximize the advantages of the da Vinci S Surgical System. Therefore, we describe our technique of applying the robotic system during all of the steps of dissection in rectal cancer surgery and the short-term outcome.

METHODS: Prospectively collected data were reviewed from 50 consecutive patients who underwent single-stage, totally robotic dissection for rectal cancer resection between July 2007 and June 2008. Robotic dissection was performed following these steps: 1) ligation of the inferior mesenteric vessels and medial to lateral dissection, 2) mobilization of the sigmoid/descending/splenic flexure colon, and 3) rectal dissection. The remaining steps including rectal transection and anastomosis were performed by a conventional laparoscopic method.

RESULTS: There were 32 (64%) men and 18 (36%) women. The mean distance from the anal verge to the tumor margin was 7.3 (range, 2-13) cm. The conversion rate was 0%. The mean operative time was 304.8 (range, 190-485) minutes, and 20.6 (range, 6-48) lymph nodes were harvested. The circumferential margin was positive in one patient. The length of hospital stay after surgery was 9.2 (range, 5-24) days. Anastomotic leak rate was 8.3%, and all of the patients with leakage were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage robotic dissection for rectal cancer surgery is feasible, and its short-term outcome is acceptable. Our technique can be a suitable procedure to maximize the advantages of the da Vinci system.