Combined robotic transanal total mesorectal excision (R-taTME) and single-site plus one-port (R-SSPO) technique for ultra-low rectal surgery-initial experience with a new operation approach

Int J Colorectal Dis. 2017 Feb;32(2):249-254. doi: 10.1007/s00384-016-2686-3. Epub 2016 Oct 15.

Abstract

Objective: Robot-assisted rectal surgery is gaining popularity, and robotic single-site surgery is also being explored clinically. We report our initial experience with robotic transanal total mesorectal excision (R-taTME) and radical proctectomy using the robotic single-site plus one-port (R-SSPO) technique for low rectal surgery.

Methods: Between July 2015 and March 2016, 15 consecutive patients with ultra-low rectal lesions underwent R-taTME followed by radical proctectomy using the R-SSPO technique by a single surgeon. The clinical and pathological results were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The median operative time was 473 (range, 335-569) min, and the estimated blood loss was 33 (range, 30-50) mL. The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 12 (range, 8-18). The median distal resection margin was 1.4 (range, 0.4-3.5) cm, and all patients had clear circumferential resection margins. We encountered a left ureteric transection intraoperatively in one patient, and another patient required reoperation for postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction. There was no 30-day mortality.

Conclusion: R-taTME followed by radical proctectomy using the R-SSPO technique for patients with low rectal lesions is technically feasible and safe without compromising oncologic outcomes. However, there were considerable limitations and a steep learning curve using current robotic technology.

Keywords: Rectal cancer; Robotic surgery; Single-site; Transanal total mesorectal excision.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anal Canal / surgery*
  • Demography
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectum / surgery*
  • Robotics*