Robotic left hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis: Description of the technique and initial results

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to describe the robot-assisted intracorporeal anastomosis technique in left colon surgery (rLCS) and report the initial results.

Method: The rLCS was performed in 25 consecutive patients, starting with a Pfannenstiel incision and introducing a prepared anvil. The robot was docked and the affected segment resected. Colotomy was performed and the anvil was introduced in the proximal segment. End-to-end anastomosis was performed and reinforced. An air-leak test was performed.

Results: The results varied in terms of patient's age, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, weight and the technique performed. Most patients had cancer. There was no suture failure or mortality, and the mean hospital stay was 3 days.

Conclusions: The rLCS is a safe, reproducible technique with good initial results. Prospective studies should be performed to demonstrate its advantages.

Keywords: intracorporeal anastomosis; left colectomy; robotic surgery.