Robotic CME in 110 consecutive cases: feasibility and short-term technical and oncological outcomes

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been introduced from open surgery, to compare right colon cancer surgery to total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer and it is currently being applied by robotic approach. CME concept is based on the complete removal of right mesocolon and the dissection deep at the level of the central feeding vessels. Aside the CME, intracorporeal anastomosis completes a total minimally invasive approach to the treatment of right colon cancer. This study retrospectively analyzed the feasibility and efficacy of robotic CME and intracorporeal anastomosis in a cohort of consecutive patients affected with right colon cancer.

The data of 110 patients undergone a robotic CME with IA anastomosis for right colon cancer from 2018 to 2023 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative, postoperative, and short-middle term outcomes were considered for analysis, as well as pathologic and oncologic outcomes. A time-to-event analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method for OS and DFS.

All patients underwent a robotic right colectomy. Median operative time was 184 min, blood loss was negligible, no intraoperative complications occurred. Three conversions (2.7%) were experienced due to bulky lymph nodes and severe local advanced tumor. Mean postoperative stay was 6 days. Six postoperative complications occurred, 4 postoperative ileus, 1 late dehiscence of the colonic stump and an iatrogenic colonic perforation. The latter needed reintervention.

Robotic CME with central vessels ligation seems feasible and safe, with acceptable morbidity and adequate short-middle term outcomes.