Robotic ambulatory colorectal resections: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgery have advanced colorectal procedures.
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols facilitate shorter hospital stays, including same-day discharges (SDD).
• Limited review exists on robotic ambulatory colorectal resections (RACrR) for SDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on robotic ambulatory colorectal resections (RACrR) with same-day discharge (SDD).
• To assess the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of RACrR for SDD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across three databases and internet searches.
• Data extraction by two independent reviewers.
• Inclusion criteria: robotic colorectal resections with hospital stay < 24 hours.

Main Results:

• Four studies with 136 patients were analyzed.
• Common indications included colorectal cancer and diverticulitis; low anterior resection was frequent.
• Low postoperative complication rate (4%) and readmission rate (<1%) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Robotic ambulatory colorectal resections (RACrR) appear safe and feasible in a carefully selected patient cohort.
• Further high-quality studies with larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings.
• Limitations include small sample sizes and potential recall bias from retrospective studies.