Long-Term Single-Surgeon Outcomes of 320 Robotic Colorectal Cancer Resections: Safety, Oncologic Reliability, and...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Robotic surgery adoption for colorectal cancer is growing, yet long-term data from single surgeons remain scarce.
• This study evaluates a standardized robotic colorectal program over a nine-year period.
• Assessing perioperative, oncologic, and economic outcomes is crucial for understanding its long-term value.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term outcomes of a standardized robotic colorectal surgery program.
• To evaluate the safety, reproducibility, and economic sustainability of robotic colorectal resections.
• To compare robotic surgery outcomes against traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 320 consecutive patients undergoing robotic colorectal resection (2016-2025).
• Procedures included various resections using the da Vinci Si/Xi system.
• Key outcomes measured: conversion rates, major complications, mortality, R0 resection, operative time, length of stay, reoperation, and cost-effectiveness using the Quantify the Impact (QTI) tool.

Main Results:

• Low conversion rate (1.9%), anastomotic leak (2.2%), and mortality (1%).
• High R0 resection rate (99.7%) and low reoperation rate (2.5%).
• Estimated savings of €483 versus laparoscopy and €3181 versus open surgery.

Conclusions:

• A standardized robotic colorectal program demonstrates safe and reproducible outcomes.
• The program is economically sustainable, offering cost savings compared to laparoscopic and open surgery.
• Long-term data support the continued adoption of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer.