Colorectal surgery in elderly patients: our experience with DaVinci Xi® System

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Geriatric Surgery

Background:

• Robotic technology was introduced in 2002 to enhance minimally invasive surgery for colorectal procedures.
• Laparoscopic surgery offered benefits, but robotics aimed for further improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of robotic surgery in elderly patients with colorectal diseases.
• To compare outcomes between younger (<70 years) and older (≥70 years) patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the first 50 colorectal robotic surgeries using the DaVinci Xi® System.
• Comparison of outcomes between patients younger and older than 70 years.

Main Results:

• 28 patients <70 years and 22 patients ≥70 years were analyzed.
• Higher mean ASA score in the elderly group, but no significant differences in post-operative morbidity, hospital stay, or oncological outcomes.
• Procedures included right colectomies, left colectomies, and rectal resections.

Conclusions:

• Robotic colorectal surgery is safe and feasible in elderly patients, including those with high ASA scores.
• The approach offers systemic benefits for older patients.
• Age should not be an exclusion criterion for robotic colorectal surgery.