Functional, oncologic and clinical outcomes of robotic rectal resection using the Hugo™ RAS system versus...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Rectal cancer treatment often involves surgical resection.
• Evaluating novel robotic systems for rectal surgery is crucial.
• The Hugo™ RAS system is a new platform for robotic-assisted surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare functional, oncologic, and clinical outcomes of robotic rectal resection (Hugo™ RAS) versus conventional laparoscopic surgery.
• Assess short-term results of robotic-assisted surgery in rectal cancer.
• Evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Hugo™ RAS system.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 40 rectal cancer patients.
• Comparison between 25 laparoscopic resections and 15 robotic resections (Hugo™ RAS).
• Assessment of functional outcomes (LARS score, pain, urinary/sexual function) and complications (Clavien-Dindo) at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Robotic group showed significantly lower LARS scores (9.8 vs. 19.2) and pain levels (93% vs. 71% pain-free) at 6 months.
• Improved sexual function observed in male patients undergoing robotic surgery (p=0.045).
• Clinically significant reductions in anastomotic leakage (0% vs. 12%) and paralytic ileus (6.7% vs. 16%) favored the robotic group, despite no statistical significance in overall complications.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgery with the Hugo™ RAS system is a feasible and safe alternative for rectal cancer resection.
• The Hugo™ RAS system provides improved functional recovery compared to laparoscopy.
• Comparable short-term oncologic outcomes are achieved with robotic rectal resection.