An initial experience with a novel technique of single-port robotic resection for rectal cancer.

Abstract

The da Vinci single-port (SP) system is designed to facilitate single-incision robotic surgery in a narrow space. We developed a new procedure of rectal resection using this system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of SP robotic rectal resection for rectal cancer patients based on our initial experience. A study was conducted on consecutive patients with mid or low rectal cancer who had SP robotic resection at our institution between July and September 2020. The demographic characteristics, perioperative data, and pathology results of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. There were 5 patients (3 males, 2 females, median age 57years (range 36-73years). The median tumor height from the anal verge was 4cm (range 3-5cm). Two patients received preoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer. A single docking was conducted, and the median docking time was 4min 20s (range 3min 30s to 5min). The median total operation time was 195min (range 155-240min), and the median time of pelvic dissection was 45min (range 36-62min). All patients had circumferential and distal tumor-free resection margins. One patient experienced an anastomosis-related complication. The median duration of hospital stay was 7days (range 7-8days). Our initial experience suggests that SP robotic rectal resection is safe and feasible. Further clinical trials comparing SP and multiport robotic rectal resection should be conducted to verify the superior aspects of this new system.