Flexible robotic transanal resection of rectal polyps – A case series

Abstract

Abstract Background Flexible systems in robotic transanal surgery (RTA) are a proposed solution to the challenges of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). RTA was performed with the Medrobotics Flex ® Robotics System to determine its safety and feasibility. Methods Medrobotics Flex ® Robotics System was used for transanal resection of benign rectal polyps by a single surgeon in a tertiary centre, and cases retrospectively reviewed. Results Five patients underwent flexible RTA, average age was 67 years. Polyps were between 5 and 12 o'clock, mean distance of 8.3 cm from the anal verge. Average operating time was 143 min. There was no peri‐operative or 30‐day morbidity or mortality. Histopathology included tubulovillous adenoma (TVA), and one hyperplastic polyp, all were clear of the surgical margin. Conclusion This is the first case series using Medrobotics Flex ® Robotics System for RTA in a tertiary Australian public hospital. Flexible RTA is safe and feasible for the resection of benign rectal polyps.