Current status of robotic colorectal surgery in Australasia: A questionnaire survey of consultant members of the colorectal surgical society of Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Background: There has been considerable interest worldwide in the application of a robotic operating platform in the practice of colorectal surgery. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current uptake of robotic colorectal surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Design: Survey data were obtained from the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) registry of all specialist colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. Setting: Specialist colorectal surgeons responded to the survey through e-mail contact via an official e-mail from the CSSANZ. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to members of the CSSANZ regarding their current robotic surgical practice. Main Outcome Measures: Volume of and nature of robotic surgery being currently undertaken in Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on seeking to understand the surgeon and patient factors that would promote robotic practice and also any factors or barriers in the implementation of robotic colorectal surgery being performed. Sample Size: The sample size was 77. Results: Seventy-seven replies were received from a total of 227 surveys. The response rate is similar to other comparable surveys published when the laparoscopic colorectal era was introduced. Most surgeons performed minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery; however, only 29% performed any robotic surgery and 50% of these performed