First experience in colorectal surgery with a new robotic platform with haptic feedback

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Robotic techniques are increasingly utilized in colorectal surgery.
• The Senhance surgical robotic system offers a novel platform to address limitations of standard laparoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Senhance surgical robotic system in colorectal procedures.
• To report the initial single-center experience with this new robotic platform.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of perioperative data from 45 patients undergoing robotic colorectal surgery with the Senhance system (June 2015 - November 2016).
• Indications included inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, unresectable adenomas, and diverticular disease.

Main Results:

• The median operative time was 256 minutes, with a median docking time of 10.7 minutes.
• 3 conversions to laparoscopy occurred; no laparotomies were necessary. Oncological procedures were appropriate for all malignancy cases.
• Post-operative complication rate was 35.5%, with no reoperations required. Median discharge was 5 days.

Conclusions:

• The Senhance surgical robotic system demonstrates feasibility and safety for colorectal surgery.
• Additional clinical data are required to ascertain advantages over existing minimally invasive surgical techniques.