da Vinci robotic system versus laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer

Abstract

Objective To compare the surgical outcomes of RAC versus LAC for the surgery of sigmoid-rectal cancer. Methods In this study, 19 patients received robotic assisted colectomy (RAC) and 37 patients received laparoscopic assisted colectomy (LAC). Results The duration of surgery was longer in the RAC group (240±76)min vs. (177±74)min, t=3.006, P=0.004. The blood loss was less in the RAC group (67±40) vs. (153±151) ml, t=-2.422, P=0.019. The time to tolerate solid food was shorter in the RAC group (6.1±2.2)d vs. (7.4±4.4)d, t=-1.329, P=0.189 and the post-operative hospital stay was shorter in the RAC group (8.5±2.6)d vs. (10.0±3.6)d, t=-1.577, P=0.121. Mobidity and number of lymph nodes harvested were similar in both groups. 7 cases were converted to open surgery in LAC group but none in RAC group. Conclusion Compared to laparoscopic surgery, Robotic-assisted colorectomy was safe and associated with less blood losses, lower conversion rate to open surgery and faster recovery of bowel function. Key words: Colorectal neoplasms; Robotics; Laparoscopes; Colorectal sugery