In a nutshell
This study investigated the short- and long-term outcomes of totally robotic and robotic-assisted colon surgery in the treatment of colon cancer. Researchers suggested that totally robotic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for these patients.
Some background
Robotic methods (use of robotic arms) are now widely used in non-invasive colorectal surgeries. The most common robotic-assisted colon surgeries involve an anastomosis outside the body (after surgery the intestine parts are re-attached outside of the body). This can be associated with various technical problems. These problems could be solved with an anastomosis inside the body. However, there is very little information about the outcomes of this procedure.
Moreover, totally robotic colon surgeries are now available, but too little is known about the outcomes after surgery.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes between a totally robotic (TR) with an anastomosis inside the body (group A) and a robotic-assisted (RA) colon surgery with an anastomosis outside the body (group B).
This study included information about 192 patients with colon cancer. Of these, 64 patients were assigned to group A and 128 to group B. They were followed up for an average of 27-29 months.
No significant difference was observed between both groups in cancer outcomes after surgery. However, the average surgery time was found to be longer in group A (168 minutes) when compared to group B (153 minutes). The surgery body opening was longer in group A (4.5 cm) when compared to group B (6.9 cm). After surgery outcomes including pain rates and surgery complications were lower in group A.
The 3-year overall survival was 91.6% in group A and 89.2% in group B. Disease-free survival (the percentage of patients without signs and symptoms of cancer) was also similar between both groups (81.4% in group A and 78.2% in group B).
The bottom line
This study concluded that totally robotic colon surgery is a safe treatment option with manageable side effects.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of patients. Also, the study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete.
Published By :
Medicine
Date :
Mar 01, 2019
