Outcomes of robotic-assisted colorectal surgery compared with laparoscopic and open surgery: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Robotic technology has been applied to colorectal surgery over the last decade. The aim of this review is to analyze the outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery systematically and to provide objective information to surgeons.


METHODS
Studies were searched and identified using PubMed and Google Scholar from Jan 2001 to Feb 2013 with the search terms "robot," "robotic," "colon," "rectum," "colorectal," and "colectomy." Appropriate data in the studies about the outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery were analyzed.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine publications were included in this review and composed of 39 case series, 29 comparative studies, and 1 randomized controlled trial. Most of the studies reported that robotic surgery showed a longer operation time, less estimated blood loss, shorter length of hospital stay, lower complication and conversion rates, and comparable oncologic outcomes compared to laparoscopic or open surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Robotic colorectal surgery is a safe and feasible option. Robotic surgery showed comparable short-term outcomes compared to laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. However, the long operation time and high cost are the limitations of robotic surgery.
Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Republic of Korea.
Chang Woo
CW
Kim
Chang Hee
CH
Kim
Seung Hyuk
SH
Baik
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D061887:Conversion to Open Surgery; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D061646:Operative Time; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics; D016896:Treatment Outcome