Robotic colorectal surgery using the Senhance^® robotic system: a single center experience

The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial experience of a single robotic center with the Senhance^® robotic systems (TransEnterix Surgical Inc, Morrisville, NC, USA) in colorectal surgery.

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent colorectal surgery using the Senhance^® robotic systems, from November 2018 to November 2020. Perioperative, intraoperative, and short-term postoperative data were assessed.

There were 57 patients (28 women and 29 men, mean age 61.7 ± 6.2 years [range 23-84 years]). Forty-eight (84.2%) patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer (22 colon cancer and 26 rectal cancer) and 9 (15.8%) for benign conditions. Mean operating time was 194 min ± 57.8 min (range 90-380 min). In total, 27(47.4%) operations were performed on the colon and 30 (52.6%) on the rectum; mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 8 ± 6.2 days (range 3-48 days). There were 2 (3.4%) conversions to open surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Seven patients (12.3%) had postoperative complications 3 (5.3%) of whom had to be treated under general anesthesia. There was no mortality. In 48 patients operated on for colorectal cancer, the mean lymph-node harvest was 18 ± 7.9 (range 7-38 lymph nodes). In the rectal cancer group of 26 patients, the distal resection margin was 3.3 ± 1.8 cm.

In our experience, surgery using the new Senhance^® robotic system was safe and feasible in surgery of the colon and rectum. Randomized controlled trials comparing this type of colorectal surgery with laparoscopic and/or other types of robotic surgery are needed.