Robotic-assisted surgery for low rectal cancer: Initial experiences from 15 consecutive cases at Cho Ray Hospital

Abstract Introduction: Conventional laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancer has several challenges regarding the technique issues such as a limited range of motion instruments. With the advantages, Robotic-assisted surgery has resolved this problems compared with the conventional laparoscopic surgery because it’s dexterity could improve the range of motion instruments. To evaluate the short-term and early oncological outcomes of robotic-assisted surgery for low rectal cancer. Material and Methods: Prospective study to describe one consecutive series of robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection for low rectal cancer at Department of Digestive Surgery of Cho Ray hospital. Results: Between October 2017 and June 2018, robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection with total mesorectal excision has performed on 15 consecutive patients with rectal cancer at Cho Ray hospital. The mean age was 50. Male/ female ratio was 2.75/1. The types of procedures performed were: 13 low anterior resections (LAR), 1 intersphincteric resection with coloanal anastomosis, and 1 abdominoperineal resection (APR). The overall mean operation time was 240 minutes. None of the cases was converted to open procedure. Mean harvested lymph nodes were 12. There was no surgical morbidity or mortality. On the postoperative day 1 and 2, mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores were 3.5. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.5 days. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic resection for low rectal cancer is a feasible and safe procedure with acceptable oncological results.