Flexible robotic transanal resection of rectal polyps - A case series.

BACKGROUND

Flexible systems in robotic transanal surgery (RTA) are a proposed solution to the challenges of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). RTA was performed with the Medrobotics Flex® Robotics System to determine its safety and feasibility.

METHODS

Medrobotics Flex® Robotics System was used for transanal resection of benign rectal polyps by a single surgeon in a tertiary centre, and cases retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent flexible RTA, average age was 67 years. Polyps were between 5 and 12 o'clock, mean distance of 8.3 cm from the anal verge. Average operating time was 143 min. There was no peri-operative or 30-day morbidity or mortality. Histopathology included tubulovillous adenoma (TVA), and one hyperplastic polyp, all were clear of the surgical margin.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case series using Medrobotics Flex® Robotics System for RTA in a tertiary Australian public hospital. Flexible RTA is safe and feasible for the resection of benign rectal polyps.