First-in-human robot-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid resection using ANSUR surgical unit^®

Area of Science:

• Robotics in Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• The ANSUR surgical unit, a new robot functioning as first assistant and scopist, received medical device approval in Japan in 2023.
• This report presents the initial clinical application of this innovative surgical system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the first instance of robot-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid resection for sigmoid colon cancer utilizing the ANSUR surgical unit.
• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of this novel robotic system in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A 69-year-old female patient with advanced sigmoid colon cancer underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid resection.
• The procedure employed the ANSUR surgical unit for the surgical intervention.

Main Results:

• Successful tumor resection was achieved without conversion to open surgery.
• Operative time was 147 minutes with 36 mL estimated blood loss; no device malfunctions or adverse events occurred.
• The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 with no complications, and histopathology confirmed stage IIIB disease with clear margins.

Conclusions:

• This case represents the first successful robot-assisted laparoscopic sigmoid resection for sigmoid colon cancer using the ANSUR surgical unit.
• The procedure was technically safe and oncologically sound, indicating the potential of the ANSUR system.