Safety and feasibility of novel single-port robotic systems in colorectal cancer surgery: a comparative study with the da Vinci Xi system.

PURPOSE: To compare perioperative outcomes and safety between the novel single-port robotic systems (SPRS) and the da Vinci Xi robotic system (DVRS) in radical colorectal cancer resection.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 59 patients who underwent curative colorectal resection were assigned to either the SPRS group (n = 21) or the DVRS group (n = 38). Intraoperative metrics, postoperative recovery parameters, and complications were compared between groups.

RESULTS

All procedures were successfully completed without open conversion and the number of lymph nodes harvested was comparable. The SPRS group demonstrated significantly longer operative times (298.86 ± 76.08 min vs. 227.84 ± 70.20 min; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in estimated blood loss, time of gastrointestinal recovery(first flatus), time of dietary resumption (liquid/soft diet), or 30-day readmission rates (p > 0.05). The DVRS group exhibited prolonged median postoperative hospitalization (10.00 days [IQR 8.00-11.75] vs. 8.00 days [IQR 7.00-9.00]; p < 0.05). Patients in the SPRS group reported significantly higher satisfaction scores regarding the cosmetic appearance of postoperative scars compared to those in the DVRS group(7.71 ± 1.01 vs. 6.66 ± 0.91; p < 0.001). Complication rates showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05). All complications were Clavien-Dindo grade I-II managed conservatively, except one SPRS case requiring endoscopic intervention for grade IIIa gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel single-port robotic systems are safe and feasible for radical colorectal cancer surgery. They achieve short-term outcomes comparable to the da Vinci Xi system, with the advantages of a shorter hospitalization and better cosmetic outcomes but at the expense of a longer operative time.