[Initial experience in robot-assisted colorectal surgery in Mexico]

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical robotics
• Colorectal surgery

Background:

• Colorectal surgery has advanced with mechanical sutures and minimally invasive techniques.
• Robotic surgery, initially for patient-doctor needs, has expanded to colorectal procedures.
• This report details initial experiences with robot-assisted colorectal surgery and its current role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the initial experience of managing colorectal disease using robot-assisted surgery.
• To analyze the current role of robotic platforms in colorectal surgery.
• To report the first colorectal surgical cases in Mexico using robotic technology.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of five patients undergoing robot-assisted colorectal surgery.
• Analysis of patient demographics, surgical indications, procedures, operative time, conversions, bleeding, complications, and hospital stay.
• Literature review on the role of robotic-assisted surgery in colorectal disease and cancer.

Main Results:

• Five patients (3 male, 2 female, mean age 62.2 years) were included.
• Procedures included low anterior resections and left hemicolectomies with primary anastomoses.
• Mean operative time was reduced with robotic assistance (4h 20min vs. 6h), with no conversions and a mean hospital stay of 5 days.

Conclusions:

• Robot-assisted colorectal surgery is a viable and safe option, supported by clinical evidence.
• The technology offers advantages demonstrated in various global surgical centers.
• The initial cases in Mexico yielded promising results, supporting its recommendation.