Da Vinci SP robotic approach to colorectal surgery: two specific indications and short-term results

A systematic review of the Da Vinci® Single-Port system (DVSP) in the context of colorectal surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to review the application of the da Vinci® Single-Port system (DVSP) in colorectal surgery, with a view to assessing its safety and feasibility, and investigating its clinical and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the scientific literature was conducted across three major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane) up to November 2024. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024612762) and conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies pertained to the utilisation of DVSP in the domain of colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

Eleven articles were included in the final analysis. No randomized controlled trials were identified. A total of 396 patients (199 men, 197 women) underwent robotic colorectal surgery using the DVSP. Surgical resections were indicated for benign pathology in 56 patients, colon carcinoma in 194 cases, and rectal carcinoma in 146 cases. The median incision length for Uniport placement was 4 cm. The median docking time was 5.96 min (IQR, 9.33 min), and the median console time was 105 min (IQR, 62.51 min). The mean operative time was 186.3 min (IQR, 77.65 min). Intraoperative complications were rare, with only two cases reported (0.47%). Postoperative complications occurred in 12.47% of patients, with ileus being the most common. No patients were readmitted for complications within 30 days. Short-term oncological outcomes seemed promising, with a median of 24.59 lymph nodes retrieved. There were no reported deaths within 30 days. The median follow up time was 11.4 months (IQR, 11.76 months).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the use of DVSP in colorectal surgery is both feasible and safe. Short-term clinical and oncological outcomes seem promising. However, longer follow-up data and larger patient cohorts are needed to fully assess the long-term efficacy of this novel technique.

PROSPERO REGISTRY

Registration number CRD42024612762.

Evaluation of the da Vinci single-port system in colorectal cancer surgery: a scoping review

Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of colon and rectal cancer has gained popularity due to its association with reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery. The Da Vinci Single-Port (SP) System combines single-port laparoscopy with robotic assistance. This scoping review aims to evaluate the safety and short-term postoperative outcomes of utilizing the Da Vinci SP platform in colorectal cancer surgery. A scoping review was conducted adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data were collected from PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science Library as of December 22, 2023. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined criteria, focusing on the application of the SP robotic system in colorectal procedures. Data extraction included demographics, surgical details, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. A narrative summary of the results was provided due to the heterogeneity in study designs. From an initial 2312 articles, 22 studies were selected for analysis, encompassing 465 patients undergoing robotic SP colorectal surgeries. Of these, 384 (82.6%) had a cancer diagnosis. The median age was 65 years, with approximately 60% being male. The median operative time was 225 min, with docking times averaging 12-20 min. Conversion to multi-port laparoscopy occurred in 4.2% of cases, with no conversions to open surgery. Mean intraoperative blood loss ranged from 50 to 150 ml. The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved ranged from 15 to 28. A diverting ileostomy was constructed in 20.3% of patients. Median times to flatus and soft diet were 2.5 and 3 days, respectively, with hospital stays ranging from 3 to 11 days. Perioperative complications occurred in 15.1% of patients, including wound infections (5.1%), anastomotic leakage (3.7%), and postoperative ileus (2.8%). Negative margin status (R0 resection) was achieved in 95% of cases. The Da Vinci SP robotic platform demonstrates promising safety and effectiveness in colorectal cancer surgery. It achieves high rates of successful oncological resection, adequate lymph node retrieval, and minimal intraoperative blood loss. Postoperative outcomes indicate quicker recovery times and manageable complication rates. However, longer follow-up studies are necessary to fully assess recurrence rates and long-term survival benefits associated with this innovative surgical approach.

Total Mesorectal Excision with New Robotic Platforms: A Scoping Review

Colorectal surgery is one of the specialties that have significantly benefited from the adoption of robotic technology. Over 20 years since the first robotic rectal resection, the Intuitive Surgical Da Vinci system remains the predominant platform. The introduction of new robotic systems into the market has enabled the first documented total mesorectal excision (TME) using alternative platforms. This scoping review aimed to assess the role and adoption of these emerging robotic systems in performing TME for rectal cancer surgery. Methods: A comprehensive search of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted up to August 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Results: Thirty-six studies were included in the review. The majority of rectal surgical procedures were performed using eight different robotic platforms. Intraoperative, short-term, and functional outcomes were generally favorable. However, pathological results were frequently incomplete. Several studies identified the lack of advanced robotic instruments as a significant limitation. Conclusions: The quality of the resected specimen is critical in rectal cancer surgery. Although TME performed with new robotic platforms appears to be feasible and safe, the current body of literature is limited, particularly in the assessment of pathological and long-term survival outcomes.

Robotic approach to colonic resection: For some or for all patients?

The robotic approach is rapidly gaining momentum in colorectal surgery. Its benefits in pelvic surgery have been extensively discussed and are well established amongst those who perform minimally invasive surgery. However, the same cannot be said for the robotic approach for colonic resection, where its role is still debated. Here we aim to provide an extensive debate between selective and absolute use of the robotic approach for colonic resection by combining the thoughts of experts in the field of robotic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery, dissecting all key aspects for a critical view on this exciting new paradigm in colorectal surgery.

Treatment of side limb full-thickness prolapse of the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis following intersphincteric resection: a case report and review of literature

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) with coloanal anastomosis is an oncologically safe anus-preserving technique for very low-lying rectal cancers. Most studies focused on oncological and functional outcomes of ISR with very few evaluating long-term postoperative anorectal complications. Full-thickness prolapse of the neorectum is a relatively rare complication. This report presents the case of a 70-year-old woman presenting with full-thickness prolapse of the side limb of the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis occurring 2 weeks after the stoma closure and 2 months after a robotic partial ISR performed with the Da Vinci single-port platform. The anastomosis was revised through resection of the side limb and conversion of the side-to-end anastomosis into an end-to-end handsewn anastomosis with interrupted stitches. This study describes the first case of full-thickness prolapse of the side limb of the side-to-end handsewn coloanal anastomosis following ISR. Moreover, a revision of all reported cases of post-ISR full-thickness and mucosal prolapse was performed.

Robotic colorectal surgery and future directions

As the adoption of robotic-assisted procedures expands across various surgical specialties, colorectal surgery stands out as a prominent beneficiary. This rise in usage can be traced back to the increased accessibility of robotic platforms and a growing institutional shift towards cutting-edge surgical methods. When compared with traditional laparoscopic methods, robotic techniques offer distinct advantages. Their true potential shines in surgeries involving complex anatomical regions, where the robot's enhanced dexterity and range of motion prove invaluable. The three-dimensional, magnified view provided by robotic systems further boosts surgical precision and clarity. These advantages render robotic assistance especially suitable for colorectal surgeries, notably in intricate areas such as the rectum and endoluminal spaces. As the medical world emphasizes minimally invasive surgical methods, there's a pressing need to evolve and optimize robotic techniques in colorectal surgery. This article traces the evolution of robotic interventions in colorectal surgeries, highlighting both its historical milestones and anticipated future trends. We'll also explore emerging robotic tools and systems set to reshape the colorectal surgical arena.

Perioperative outcomes for single-port robotic versus single-incision laparoscopic surgery: a comparative analysis in colorectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) may offer improved cosmesis, reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery than conventional platforms, but widespread implementation was limited by technical demands. A single-port robotic platform was recently introduced, with components that further enhance SILS benefits without the technical challenges. No study to date has compared the two platforms to validate benefits. Our goal was to compare outcomes of SP robotics and SILS in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

A prospective cancer registry was reviewed for CRC patients undergoing curative resection through a SILS or SP robotic approach from 2010 to 2022. Patient and cancer demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were compared in a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort, adjusting for baseline characteristics. The main outcome measures were complications, operative time, and oncologic quality measures.

RESULTS

Matching resulted 50 SP robotic and 50 SILS patients. Cohorts were well matched in all demographics, but SP robotic rectal cancer cases were significantly closer to the anorectal ring than SILS (1.8 cm vs. 3.4 cm, p = 0.018). SP robotic and SILS platforms had similar operative times. Intraoperative conversions was comparable, but more SILS cases required additional ports to be placed (p = 0.040). The intraoperative complications rate, complete total mesorectal excision rates, and lymph node yield were not statistically significantly different. There were no positive margins in either group. Postoperatively, groups had analogous day of return of bowel function, comparable morbidity, and discharge destination. There was no mortality in either group. The length of stay was significantly shorter with SP robotics than SILS (mean 4.135 vs. 5.282 days, median 4 (2-8) vs. 5 (2-14) days; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-port robotics provided high quality oncologic surgery, adding the technical benefits of robotics to clinical and cosmetic benefits of single-port surgery. There were comparable operative time, complication rates, and oncologic outcomes in CRC cases, with shorter hospital stays with SP robotics. This early data is encouraging for expansion SP robotic technology.

Short-term outcomes of da Vinci SP versus Xi for colon cancer surgery: a propensity-score matching analysis of multicenter cohorts

Recent advancements in robotic systems have led to the introduction of the da Vinci SP system, which allows surgeons to perform colon cancer surgery through fewer ports. This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of colon cancer surgeries conducted using the da Vinci SP and Xi systems. Patients who underwent robotic colon cancer surgeries between November 2020 and December 2022 at two tertiary referral centers were considered for inclusion. Following propensity-score matching, short-term outcomes between the two systems were retrospectively analyzed. Out of 189 patients included in the study, 106 from 53 propensity-score matched pairs were analyzed. Patients operated on with the SP system exhibited smaller incision lengths (5.0 cm vs. 9.4 cm, p < 0.001) experienced less pain at 8 h (3.0 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001) and at 24 h post-operation (2.9 vs. 3.3, p = 0.001) and had a shorter duration of hospital stay (5 days vs. 6 days, p = 0.002). The overall rate of postoperative complications was 10.4%, with no significant difference between the SP and Xi groups (7.5% vs. 13.2%). Robotic-assisted colon cancer surgery using the da Vinci SP system is feasible and demonstrates favorable short-term outcomes. Compared to the Xi system, the SP system offers advantages in terms of cosmesis, postoperative pain, and recovery duration for colon cancer patients.

Clinical status and future prospects of single-incision robotic-assisted surgery: a review

Since the advent of conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery, the prosperity of minimally invasive surgery has been thriving on the advancement of endoscopic techniques. Cosmetic superiority, recovery benefits, and noninferior surgical outcomes weigh single-incision laparoscopic surgery as a promising modality. Although there are surgical challenges posed by steep learning curve and technological difficulties, such as instruments collision, triangulation loss and limited retraction, the establishment of robotic surgical platform as a solution to all is inspiring. Furthermore, with enhanced instrument maneuverability and stability, robotic ergonomic innovations adopt the advantages of single-incision laparoscopic surgery and surmount its recognized barriers by introducing a novel combination, single-incision robotic-assisted surgery. As was gradually diffused in general surgery and other specialties, single-incision robotic-assisted surgery manifests privileges in noninferior clinical outcomes an satisfactory cosmetic effect among strictly selected patients, and has the potential of a preferable surgical option for minimally invasive surgery.

Short-term outcomes of single-incision robotic colectomy versus conventional multiport laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer

Since the da Vinci SP (dVSP) surgical system was introduced, single-incision robotic surgery (SIRS) for colorectal diseases has gained increasing acceptance. Comparison of the short-term outcomes between SIRS using dVSP and those of conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (CMLS) was performed to verify its efficacy and safety in colon cancer. The medical records of 237 patients who underwent curative resection for colon cancer by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical modality: SIRS (RS group) and CMLS (LS group). Intra- and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Of the 237 patients, 140 were included in the analysis. Patients in the RS group (n = 43) were predominantly female, younger, and had better general performance than those in the LS group (n = 97). The total operation time was longer in the RS group than in the LS group (232.8 ± 46.0 vs. 204.1 ± 41.7 min, P < 0.001). The RS group showed faster first flatus passing (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.1 ± 1.2 days, P = 0.003) and less opioid analgesic requirement (analgesic withdrawal within 3 postoperative days: 37.2% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.018) than the LS group. The RS group showed a higher immediate postoperative albumin level (3.9 ± 0.3 vs. 3.6 ± 0.4 g/dL, P < 0.001) and lower C-reactive protein level (6.6 ± 5.2 vs. 9.3 ± 5.5 mg/dL, P = 0.007) than the LS group during the postoperative period. On multivariate analysis after adjusting for deviated patient characteristics, no significant difference was observed in short-term outcomes, except for operation time. SIRS with dVSP showed short-term outcomes comparable with those of CMLS for colon cancer.

International standardization and optimization group for intersphincteric resection (ISOG-ISR): modified Delphi consensus on anatomy, definition, indication, surgical technique, specimen description and functional outcome

AIM

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is an oncologically complex operation for very low-lying rectal cancers. Yet, definition, anatomical description, operative indications and operative approaches to ISR are not standardized. The aim of this study was to standardize the definition of ISR by reaching international consensus from the experts in the field. This standardization will allow meaningful comparison in the literature in the future.

METHOD

A modified Delphi approach with three rounds of questionnaire was adopted. A total of 29 international experts from 11 countries were recruited for this study. Six domains with a total of 37 statements were examined, including anatomical definition; definition of intersphincteric dissection, intersphincteric resection (ISR) and ultra-low anterior resection (uLAR); indication for ISR; surgical technique of ISR; specimen description of ISR; and functional outcome assessment protocol.

RESULTS

Three rounds of questionnaire were performed (response rate 100%, 89.6%, 89.6%). Agreement (≥80%) reached standardization on 36 statements.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an international expert consensus-based definition and standardization of ISR. This is the first study standardizing terminology and definition of deep pelvis/anal canal anatomy from a surgical point of view. Intersphincteric dissection, ISR and uLAR were specifically defined for precise surgical description. Indication for ISR was determined by the rectal tumour's maximal radial infiltration (T stage) below the levator ani. A new surgical definition of T3isp was reached by consensus to define T3 low rectal tumours infiltrating the intersphincteric plane. A practical flowchart for surgical indication for uLAR/ISR/abdominoperineal resection was developed. A standardized ISR surgical technique and functional outcome assessment protocol was defined.

Safety Issues in the Development of an Innovative Medical Parallel Robot Used in Renal Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Robotic-assisted single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is becoming an increasingly widespread field worldwide due to the benefits it brings to both the patient and the surgeon. The goal of this study is to develop a secure robotic solution for SILS, focusing specifically on urology, by identifying and addressing various safety concerns from an early design stage. Starting with the medical tasks and protocols, the technical specifications of the robotic system as well as potential; hazards have been identified. By employing competitive engineering design methods such as Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Risk assessment, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), a safe design solution is proposed. A set of experiments is conducted to validate the proposed concept, and the results strongly support the development of the experimental model. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method is applied to validate the mechanical architecture within a set of simulations, demonstrating the compliance of the robotic system with the proposed technical specifications and its capability to safely perform SILS procedures.

New Robotic Platforms in General Surgery: What's the Current Clinical Scenario?

Background and Objectives: Robotic surgery has been widely adopted in general surgery worldwide but access to this technology is still limited to a few hospitals. With the recent introduction of new robotic platforms, several studies reported the feasibility of different surgical procedures. The aim of this systematic review is to highlight the current clinical practice with the new robotic platforms in general surgery. Materials and Methods: A grey literature search was performed on the Internet to identify the available robotic systems. A PRISMA compliant systematic review was conducted for all English articles up to 10 February 2023 searching the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Clinical outcomes, training process, operating surgeon background, cost-analysis, and specific registries were evaluated. Results: A total of 103 studies were included for qualitative synthesis after the full-text screening. Of the fifteen robotic platforms identified, only seven were adopted in a clinical environment. Out of 4053 patients, 2819 were operated on with a new robotic device. Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery specialty performed the majority of procedures, and the most performed procedure was cholecystectomy. Globally, 109 emergency surgeries were reported. Concerning the training process, only 45 papers reported the background of the operating surgeon, and only 28 papers described the training process on the surgical platform. Only one cost-analysis compared a new robot to the existing reference. Two manufacturers promoted a specific registry to collect clinical outcomes. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the feasibility of most surgical procedures in general surgery using the new robotic platforms. Adoption of these new devices in general surgery is constantly growing with the extension of regulatory approvals. Standardization of the training process and the assessment of skills' transferability is still lacking. Further studies are required to better understand the real clinical and economical benefit.

Single-incision robotic colorectal surgery with the da Vinci SP® surgical system: initial results of 50 cases

PURPOSE

The da Vinci SP® (dVSP) surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), a robotic platform designed for single-incision surgery, overcame the need for multiple ports in traditional robotic surgery and issues including triangulation and retraction in single-incision laparoscopic surgery. However, previous studies only included case reports or series with small sample sizes. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and performance of the dVSP surgical system and its instruments and accessories for colorectal procedures.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who had surgery with the dVSP from March 2019 to September 2021 at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were investigated. The pathologic and follow-up data of patients who had malignant tumors were analyzed separately to evaluate oncological safety.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (26 male and 24 female) with a median age of 59 years (interquartile range 52.5-63.0 years) were enrolled. The procedures included low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (n = 16), sigmoid colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vessel ligation (CME + CVL) (n = 14), right colectomy with CME + CVL (n = 9), left colectomy with CME + CVL (n = 4), right colectomy (n = 6), and sigmoid colectomy (n = 1). Operative time significantly decreased after 25 cases (early phase vs. late phase; operative time 295.0 min vs. 250.0 min, p = 0.015; docking time 16.0 min vs. 12.0 min, p = 0.001; console time 212.0 min vs. 190.0 min, p = 0.019). Planned procedures were successfully completed in all patients. Postoperative outcomes were acceptable with only six cases of mild adverse events through a 3-month follow-up. No local recurrence and only one case of systemic recurrence occurred within 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the surgical and oncological safety and feasibility of dVSP, which may be a novel surgical platform for colorectal surgery.

Current Status and Future of Robotic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer-An English Version

Robotic surgical systems were created in part to solve several constraints of laparoscopic surgery and offer technical advantages. With a substantial body of evidence that demonstrates its efficacy in the treatment of rectal cancer, robotic surgery will soon become another conventional treatment. However, further investigations and randomized trials focusing on primary endpoints are needed to establish some advantages for robot-assisted colon surgery. Da Vinci Single-SiteⓇ and SPⓇ platforms were developed to overcome the shortcomings of single-port laparoscopic surgery. Despite the currently insufficient evidence, it appears that the SP platform addresses many of the limitations of single-port transabdominal or transanal surgery. Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery and total mesorectal excision were developed to overcome some of the limitations of conventional platforms, using wristed instrumentation to enhance dexterity and ergonomics. Studies on the effectiveness and viability of this novel approach are ongoing. The near-infrared fluorescence technique, real-time stereotactic navigation technology, and other surgical data platforms based on artificial intelligence incorporated into the robotic system will play an important role in improving outcomes. Robotic systems for advanced colorectal cancer offer technical advantages for complex and precise surgeries. If the cost of robotic surgery is reduced by expanding its indications and enhancing competition among different robotic platforms, it will provide clinical benefits to more patients and reduce social healthcare costs.

Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer

Background: Robotic surgical systems were created partly to solve several constraints of laparoscopic surgery and to offer technical advantages. With a substantial body of evidence demonstrating its efficacy in rectal cancer treatment, robotic surgery will soon become another conventional treatment. However, further investigations and randomized trials focusing on primary endpoints are necessary to establish some advantages of robot-assisted colon surgery.Current Concepts: Da Vinci Single-Site and SP platforms (Intuitive Surgical Inc.) were developed to overcome the shortcomings of single-port laparoscopic surgery. Despite the currently insufficient evidence, it seems that the SP platform addresses several limitations of single-port transabdominal or transanal surgery. Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery and total mesorectal excision were developed to overcome conventional platforms’ limitations, using wristed instrumentation to enhance dexterity and ergonomics. Studies on the effectiveness and viability of this novel approach are ongoing. The near-infrared fluorescence technique, real-time stereotactic navigation technology, and other surgical data platforms based on artificial intelligence incorporated into the robotic system will play an important role in improving outcomes.Discussion and Conclusion: Robotic systems for advanced colorectal cancer offer technical advantages for complex and precise surgeries. If robotic surgery costs are reduced by expanding its indications and enhancing competition among different robotic platforms, it will provide clinical benefits to more patients and reduce social healthcare costs.