Single-surgeon surgery in laparoscopic colonic resection.
OBJECTIVE
Short-term benefits have been demonstrated for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy. However, minimally invasive surgery is still in an evolutionary phase. In demonstrating that robotic devices also are useful in laparoscopic colonic surgery, it is fundamental to prove that a single surgeon can perform almost the entire operation on his own.


METHODS
A single surgeon performed forty-one, laparoscopic-assisted, colorectal resections with the assistance of a robotic device (Automated Endoscopic System for Optimal Positioning, Computer Motion) maneuvering the laparoscope. A surgical assistant was included only for the open part of the operation. Main outcome measures were conversion rate, total operating time, and percentage of assistance by a second surgeon.


RESULTS
There were no intraoperative complications, one case of conversion to open surgery, and three postoperative complications. The total operating time ranged from 126 to 252 minutes. A single surgeon with the assistance of a robotic device was able to perform approximately 70 percent of an ileocecal resection, 70 percent of a right hemicolectomy, 80 percent of a sigmoid resection, and 85 percent of a anterior rectal resection without further help of a surgeon.


CONCLUSIONS
A single surgeon with the assistance of a computerized robotic system can complete at least two-thirds of a laparoscopic-assisted, colorectal resection on his own. The use of a robotic device in laparoscopic-assisted, colonic surgery is safe, efficient, and feasible, and will prove even more so in future. This also will result in a patient-driven demand for high-standard, minimally invasive surgery.
Hildebrandt
U
U
Departments of General and Clinical-Experimental Surgery, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.
Plusczyk
T
T
Kessler
K
K
Menger
M D
MD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001331:Automation; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011361:Professional Competence; D012371:Robotics; D013997:Time Factors