How robotic platforms are revolutionizing colorectal surgery techniques: a comparative review.

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical robotics
• Colorectal surgery

Background:

• Robotic technology has revolutionized colorectal surgery, offering enhanced precision and control.
• Despite benefits, challenges include extended operative times, high costs, and specialized training requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively review the impact of robotic platforms on colorectal surgery outcomes.
• To analyze peri- and post-operative results across major robotic systems.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholars up to August 2024.
• Key search terms: 'robotic assisted surgery,' 'robotic platforms,' 'colorectal surgery.'
• Comparison of Da Vinci, Versius, Senhance, and Revo-I platforms based on operative duration, blood loss, hospitalization, oncological outcomes, and cost.

Main Results:

• Robotic surgery improves patient outcomes, including shorter recovery and effective cancer resection.
• Challenges persist, such as longer intraoperative times, instrument collisions, need for bedside assistance, and significant costs.

Conclusions:

• Robotic platforms offer significant advantages in colorectal surgery, despite current limitations.
• Increasing complexity of rectal cancer cases and dissections will drive future demand for robotic systems.