TU4.2 Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer: a single-center experience

Abstract Aim To present our learning-curve data for patients that underwent robotic-assisted colorectal surgery (RCRS) at a large NE London DGH. Methods We report our data from 50 initial colorectal cancer resections, performed by two surgeons. We report the gender, age, histopathology, surgery performed, surgical time, conversion, post-operative complications, and hospital stay. Results The first 50 patients who underwent RCRS between February 2020 and December 2021 for malignancy were included. Twenty-one were right hemicolectomies, 16 high anterior resection, 6 extended right hemicolectomies, 4 low anterior resections (including a planned robotic boari flap in 1 case by a trained urologist), 3 abdominoperineal excisions of rectum. The male to female ratio was 1:1 and the mean age was 65 (range: 22–85) years. The ASA class distribution was 4% ASA I, 64% ASA II, 32% ASA III. The median surgical time was 263 minutes (120–620) with median console time 136 minutes (50–540), the median hospital stay 5 days (range: 2–35) and a conversion rate of 6% (3/50 patients). The most common post-operative complications were ileus 4% (4/50), wound infection 6% (3/50), anastomotic leak 6% (3/50), and abscess formation 2% (1/50). 1 mortality occurred in a patient with an operated leak who contracted COVID-19. All patients underwent confirmed R0 resections with a negative CRM. Conclusion We report our first 50 robotic cases for colorectal malignancy, showing that robotic-assisted surgery can be performed with low rates of conversion 3 cases (6%) and low rates of post-operative complications despite a challenging patient demographic and a sharp learning curve.