Clinical Feasibility and Technical Aspects of Single Port Robotic TransAnal Minimally Invasive Surgery (SP-rTAMIS) for Rectal Neoplasm.

BACKGROUND

Single port robotic platform offers articulation and 360° camera rotation for anorectal tumour excision in a narrow pelvic space. This study assesses the clinical usefulness and outcomes of SP robotic transanal surgery.

METHODS

Nine patients who underwent transanal excision using the SP robotic platform were included. A GelPOINT path Transanal Access channel with insufflation stabilisation bag was used to maintain rectal inflation.

RESULTS

All patients underwent full-thickness excision without intraoperative complications. The mean distance from anal verge was 6.41 cm. Prone position was used regardless of the direction of the tumour due to the 360° rotation. The mean operative time was 66.1 min. The mean docking time was 8.7 min with only one docking. All oncologic resection margins were negative, and recurrence was not observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

SP robotic transanal surgery allows flexible vision and meticulous procedures in narrow spaces; therefore, this method has greater feasibility and oncologic safety.