Robotic-assisted abdominoperineal resection: technique, feasibility, and short-term outcomes

Abstract

Aim: The use of robotic-assisted laparoscopy seems fully adapted to pelvic surgery. However, few studies focus on robotic-assisted abdominoperineal resection (RAAPR). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, short-term postoperative outcomes, and pathological results of RAAPR. In addition, we provide a detailed description of the operative procedure and a brief review of the current literature.

Methods: Between January 2013 and April 2018, we performed a total of 428 robotic surgeries, including 294 colorectal resections (68.7%). Data were prospectively collected and included demographics, intraoperative findings, postoperative outcomes, and pathological data. For this study, we included the first 20 consecutive RAAPRs performed with the four-arm da Vinci Si surgical system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA).

Results: Twenty patients (nine men) with a mean age of 68 years and a mean BMI of 24.5 ± 5.0 kg/m² underwent RAAPR for low rectal adenocarcinoma (80%) or squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. Sixteen (80%) patients underwent preoperative pelvic radiotherapy and eight (40%) had a history of previous abdominal surgery. Mean operative duration was 218 ± 52 min. There was no conversion to open surgery. Mortality, reoperation, and morbidity rate were 5%, 25%, and 60%, respectively. Three (15%) patients presented perineal complications. Mean length of hospital stay was 20 days. Three (15%) patients had pT4 tumor. Mesorectal excision was considered complete in 90%. On average, 16.5 ± 7.2 lymph nodes were retrieved.

Conclusion: RAAPR is feasible, with acceptable pathologic and short-term outcomes. The current literature does not demonstrate significant differences between robotic and laparoscopic APR. Indeed, we cannot justify its use in routine on the basis on the available evidence.

Keywords

Abdominoperineal resection / total mesorectal excision / robotic surgery / feasibility / rectal cancer / anal cancer

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