Prospective analysis of 246 fires of da Vinci SureForm SmartFire stapler in colorectal cancer: First Indian study.

Introduction: One of the critical steps involved is the distal transection of the rectum in rectal cancer surgeries. Multiple staple firings have been proven to increase the rate of anastomotic leakage. In this study, we intended to learn the effectiveness of the robotic SureForm SmartFire (SS) stapling system and its application in robotic sigmoid colon and rectal procedures performed at our institution.

Patients and methods: Prospective study of patients who underwent surgeries for sigmoid/rectal cancer at our centre was considered. During the surgery, SS staplers were used, and its internal data log with regard to reload selection by the colour, reloads, clamp attempts and staple fires was considered along with intra- and post-operative outcomes.

Results: 246 firings were done in 147 cases with mean body mass index of 26.3 ± 4.3 kg/m2; mean blood loss was 53.6 ± 21.8 ml. None of our patients had stapler-related complications, and the mean length of stay was 7.18 ± 1.5 days. Average reloads used in robotic-low anterior resection (LAR) were 1.73 with the fire attempts beyond lap angle occurring only in robotic-assisted LAR (RA-LAR)/abdominoperineal resection in 87 fires (41%) with 120 instances of controlled and sequential pauses occurred in 246 fires once fire pedal was activated.

Conclusion: Apart from oncological nodal and margin clearance in the carcinoma rectum surgery, obtaining adequate distal margin, sphincter preserving approach and distal transection of the rectum forms one of the key steps in the low anterior resection. Robotic SS staplers have 120° angulation in both axes with EndoWrist technology that has better manoeuvrability within the confines of the pelvis.