In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of robotic-assisted liver surgery (RALS) compared to laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS) in advanced colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that RALS is similarly safe and effective as LLS for these patients.
Some background
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The standard treatment used to be surgery and chemotherapy. However, in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) cancers this treatment is only of limited effectiveness.
More recently, other less invasive methods for surgery had been used such as LLS or RALS. These methods are safe treatment options and are also associated with fewer complications after surgery. LLS surgery consists of the insertion of a tube with a camera into a body open to remove the tumor from the liver. RALS consists in the use of robotic hands to perform the surgery. Robotic hands are associated with more wide and precise movements (fewer tremors).
Prior studies showed that RALS is associated with improved short-term outcomes. However, long-term outcomes remain poorly studied.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 629 patients. Of these, 115 underwent RALS and 514 underwent LLS. Patients were followed up for an average of 2.9 years after surgery.
Patients from both groups had similar overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 5 years. OS at 5 years was 61% in the RALS group compared to 60% in the LLS group. DFS at 5 years was 38% in the RALS group compared to 31% in the LLS group.
Other outcomes including the need for intensive care and length of hospital stay were also similar.
The bottom line
This study concluded that RALS is as safe as LLS for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.
Published By :
World Journal of Surgery
Date :
Nov 20, 2019
