Use of Robotics in Colorectal Surgery: An Initial Single-Centre Experience.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Robotic-assisted surgery offers an alternative to traditional open and laparoscopic methods for colorectal cancer (CRC).
• This study details the initial single-centre experience with the Versius® robotic system for colorectal resections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Versius® robotic system in managing colorectal cancer.
• To assess complication rates and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted colorectal resections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study of 56 patients with non-metastatic CRC undergoing robotic-assisted colorectal resection.
• Data collected included operative details (console time, blood loss) and postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification).
• Statistical analyses included Chi-square, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05 significance).

Main Results:

• The mean operative time was 131 ± 50.99 minutes.
• In-hospital complications occurred in 37.5% of patients, with local complications (26.8%) more frequent than systemic (10.7%).
• No significant association was found between preoperative variables and postoperative complications; no perioperative mortality was observed.

Conclusions:

• The Versius® robotic system is feasible and safe for colorectal cancer resections.
• Acceptable complication rates and the absence of perioperative mortality support its use.
• This system represents a promising advancement in robotic colorectal surgery.