Background: This study reviewed the use of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for colon resection. We described the experience of one fellowship-trained, MIS surgeon over six years performing 70 consecutive colectomies using the da Vinci system. Methods: Between September 2002 and September 2007, data on 70 patients undergoing robotic colectomy for diverticular disease, polyps, cancer, or carcinoid tumor were collected. Operations were right colectomy, sigmoid colectomy, and low anterior resection (LAR). All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Results: A total of 38 right colectomies and 32 sigmoid colectomies and LAR were performed in 33 males and 37 females. The preoperative diagnosis were diverticular disease (n=20), polyps (n=40), cancer (n=8), and carcinoid (n=2). The right colectomies required 33.6 ± 12.1 (range: 20 – 64) min for the port setup, 146.7 ± 43.9 (range: 53 – 306) min for the robotic portion and 220.8 ± 43.2 (range: 150 – 380) min for the total case. The estimated blood loss was 54.9 ± 78.1 (range: 15 – 500) ml, the body mass index 27.2 ± 4.2 (range: 17.0 – 36.8) kg/m² and the length of stay 4.6 ± 4.6 (range: 2 – 27) days. The robotic portion represents 66.4 % of the total case time. The sigmoid colectomies and LAR required 30.0 ± 9.8 (range: 10 – 57) min for the port setup, 101.8 ± 25.3 (range: 67 – 165) min for the robotic portion and 228.4 ± 40.5 (range: 147 – 323) min for the total case. The estimated blood loss was 71.2 ± 47.9 (range: 15 – 200) ml, the body mass index 27.1 ± 4.9 (range: 17.0 – 40.5) kg /m² and the length of stay 4.8 ± 4.5 (range: 2 – 27) days. The robotic portion represents 44.6 % of the total case time. Ten complications occurred. Eight cases were converted – two to open and six to laparoscopic, two of which were results of robotic malfunction. Residents participated in 40 cases. In the years 2003 – 2007: 5, 11, 10, 12, 19, and 13 robotic colectomies were performed respectively. Conclusion: These 70 consecutive cases demonstrated robotic colectomy to be a safe and technically feasible approach. The number of robotic colectomies performed a year has steadily increased over the last six years.
Session: Poster
Program Number: P388
