The challenge of robotic surgery in oncology: a feasibility study with the Senhance™ Surgical System

Abstract

Robotic-assisted surgery is an evolution of minimally invasive techniques, though its application in complex oncological cases requires further investigation to verify feasibility and safety. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of the robotic platform Senhance™ Surgical System across various oncological procedures. We retrospectively analyzed data from the prospective multi-center TRUST registry, including 966 patients who underwent gastrointestinal, gynecological, or urological cancer surgeries at eight European sites. Investigated parameters included procedural times, conversion rates, instrument usage, and perioperative complications. The results demonstrate the system's viability, with low overall rates of unplanned conversions (4.8%), adverse events (2.9%), and serious adverse events (2.3%), which compare favorably to other published oncological studies. Procedural characteristics varied by discipline; urology constituted the largest cohort, while gynecology had the shortest operative times but the highest rate of instrument changes, suggesting a unique complexity. Most technical issues were manageable warnings rather than critical system malfunctions. A limited 1-year follow-up of gynecological patients showed expected oncological outcomes. In conclusion, this large-scale analysis provides substantial evidence that oncological surgery with the Senhance™ Surgical System is safe and feasible, demonstrating low complication rates and adaptable workflows that support its expanding role in cancer care.