Robotic-assisted single-incision right colectomy: early experience.

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) offers cosmetic benefits and potentially reduced pain.
• Robotic systems may facilitate instrument manipulation in LESS procedures.
• Single-incision colectomies are gaining traction across surgical disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the early experience with robotic single-incision right hemicolectomies.
• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of this approach.
• To explore the utility of the daVinci-S robotic system in single-site colectomy.

Main Methods:

• Three robotic single-incision right hemicolectomies were performed using the daVinci-S system.
• A single umbilical incision (4 cm) was utilized for port placement.
• Procedures involved a medial-to-lateral dissection and extracorporeal resection and anastomosis.

Main Results:

• No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.
• Average operative time was 152 minutes.
• Two cases successfully managed pneumoperitoneum using specific port techniques, while one required conversion.

Conclusions:

• Robotic-assisted single-incision right hemicolectomy is a safe and achievable procedure.
• Effective management of pneumoperitoneum is key to success.
• This approach may offer patient benefits like reduced pain and improved cosmesis.