Robotic Assisted Transanal Polypectomies: Is There Any Indication?

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a standard technique for rectal lesion removal.
• Robotic assistance may offer enhanced dexterity and visualization in TAMIS procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and advantages of robotic-assisted transanal polypectomy compared to conventional TAMIS.
• To assess perioperative outcomes, morbidity, and mortality associated with robotic TAMIS.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 9 patients who underwent robotic TAMIS between February 2014 and October 2015.
• Data included patient and tumor characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes.

Main Results:

• All 9 procedures were successfully completed in the lithotomy position with defect closure.
• Mean operative time was 71.9 minutes with a mean blood loss of 39.8 ml.
• No severe postoperative complications or readmissions were observed, with a median hospital stay of 2.5 days.

Conclusions:

• Robotic TAMIS is a safe and feasible option for treating complex rectal lesions.
• The robotic platform provides enhanced range of motion for the surgical arms, facilitating procedures in the lithotomy position.