First experience in colorectal surgery with a new robotic platform with haptic feedback

AimThe use of robotic techniques in colorectal surgery is increasing. Recently, the Senhance surgical robotic system was introduced as a novel robotic platform designed to overcome some of the limits of standard laparoscopy. This study describes the initial, single-center experience, evaluating feasibility and safety of the new robotic system in performing colorectal surgical procedures. MethodsFrom June 2015 to November 2016, perioperative data of the first 45 patients who underwent robotic colorectal surgery with the Senhance surgical robotic system were collected and analysed. Indications for surgery included inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, endoscopically unresectable adenomas and complicated diverticular disease. ResultsThe median age of patients was 57 (range: 18-92) years and the median body mass index (BMI) was 24 (range: 16-30) kg/m(2). Surgical indications were colorectal cancer (66%), complicated inflammatory bowel disease (18%), diverticular disease (11%) and endoscopically unresectable adenoma (4.4%). The median operative time was 256minutes, and the median docking time was 10.7 (range: 2-25) min. There were three conversions to standard laparoscopy and none to laparotomy. All patients operated on for malignancy (28 adenocarcinoma and 2 neuroendocrine tumours) underwent an appropriate oncological procedure. The median time to discharge was 5 (range: 3-19) days. The incidence of postoperative complications was 35.5% (Clavien-Dindo I/II, 14 patients; and Clavien-Dindo III, two patients). One patient was readmitted in the postoperative period. No patient required reoperation. ConclusionThe results of this audit suggest that adoption of the Senhance surgical robotic system in colorectal surgery is feasible and safe. More clinical data are needed to determine whether this approach can offer any other benefits over other minimally invasive surgical techniques.