Preclinical cadaveric study of transanal robotic proctectomy with total mesorectal excision combined with laparoscopic assistance.

BACKGROUND: Anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard method of rectal cancer resection. However, this procedure remains technically difficult. A robotic transanal approach could overcome some of these limitations. An initial laboratory experience with robotic transanal TME using a new designed port on human cadavers is reported.

METHODS: The feasibility of robotic transanal TME and ideal set-up were evaluated in human cadavers. For the da Vinci Si HD system transanal access and total mesorectal excision, a specifically designed port was used.

RESULTS: It was possible to complete a proctectomy with transanal total mesorectal excision. The port proved to be very reliable and facilitated docking of the robotic arms.

CONCLUSION: Using the robotic technology and a specifically designed port for robotic transanal access, TME was shown to be feasible and one specific preferred set-up was determined. Further clinical trials will be necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of this technique.