title: Robotic transverse colectomy for mid-transverse colon cancer: surgical techniques and oncologic outcomes.
abstract: Robot-assisted surgery for colon cancer has been reported in many studies, most of which worked on right and/or sigmoid colectomy. The aim of this study was to report our experience of robotic transverse colectomy with an intracorporeal anastomosis, provide details of the surgical technique, and present the theoretical benefits of the procedure. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer performed by a single surgeon between May 2007 and February 2011. Out of 162 consecutive cases, we identified three robotic transverse colectomies, using a hand-sewn intracorporeal anastomosis. Two males and one female underwent transverse colectomies for malignant or premalignant disease. The mean docking time, time spent using the robot, and total operative time were 5, 268, and 307 min, respectively. There were no conversions to open or conventional laparoscopic technique. The mean length of specimen and number of lymph nodes retrieved were 14.1 cm and 6.7, respectively. One patient suffered from a wound seroma and recovered with conservative management. The mean hospital stay was 8.7 days. After a median follow-up of 72 months, there were no local or systemic recurrences. Robotic transverse colectomy seems to be a safe and feasible technique. It may minimize the necessity of mobilizing both colonic flexures, with facilitated intracorporeal hand-sewn anastomosis. However, further prospective studies with a larger number of patients are required to draw firm conclusions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung Uk
authors.initials: KU
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Republic of Korea. yapark74@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yoonah
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kang Young
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Seung-Kook
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sohn
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044684:Colon, Transverse / Q000601:surgery*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: Colectomy; Robotics; Transverse colon