Single-port versus multi-port robotic complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer

Minimally invasive approaches have transformed right cancer surgery, with robotic platforms enhancing challenging techniques like complete mesocolic excision (CME). While traditionally performed using the da Vinci® Multiport system (MP), the introduction of the Single Port™ platform (SP) offers a valuable alternative. This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility and pathologic surrogates of resection adequacy of robotic right colectomy with CME performed with the daVinci SP® compared to the daVinci Xi® platform in selected patients. From February 2024 to February 2025 consecutive patients who underwent robotic right colectomy and CME either with MP or SP platform were enrolled in the study. The two populations of patients were compared with particular attention to number and location of lymph nodes harvested as a surrogate outcome for oncologic adequacy. From February 2024 to February 2025, 52 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. There were no differences in population characteristics with the exception for BMI, which was lower in the SP group. Operative times were longer in the SP group. No differences were noticed in either postoperative outcomes such as length of stay (LOS) or complications rate nor in pathological findings, especially in the number of apical lymph node harvested. SP robotic right colectomy with CME appears feasible and achieves pathologic surrogates of resection adequacy comparable to MP surgery in highly selected patients.