Robotic surgery in colorectal cancer: present and future

Abstract

After more than a decade of development, the role of robotic rectal cancer surgery has been established. However robotic right hemicolectomy has just commenced. For rectal cancer surgery, the Da Vinci system is more flexible, accurate, and stable than traditional laparoscopy. The robotic surgery is safe and efficient, and protects the pelvic autonomic nerve function better. At the same time, robotic surgery is easy to learn, promoting its popularization. In robotic right hemicolectomy, the surgery suitable for Da Vinci system is also improved. Da Vinci system is not perfect. High cost is a major obstacle to the wide applications. Lack of tactile feedback and limited mobility of robotic arms also should not be ignored. The next generation of robotic system may make up for these deficiencies through a number of new technologies. The combination of robotics with single port laparoscopic techniques and multi-organ resections is expected to expand the advantages of robotic surgery in colorectal cancer and promote its development.