Robotic colorectal surgery using the Senhance® robotic system: a single center experience

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial experience of a single robotic center with the Senhance (R) robotic systems (TransEnterix Surgical Inc, Morrisville, NC, USA) in colorectal surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent colorectal surgery using the Senhance (R) robotic systems, from November 2018 to November 2020. Perioperative, intraoperative, and short-term postoperative data were assessed. Results There were 57 patients (28 women and 29 men, mean age 61.7 +/- 6.2 years [range 23-84 years]). Forty-eight (84.2%) patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancer (22 colon cancer and 26 rectal cancer) and 9 (15.8%) for benign conditions. Mean operating time was 194 min +/- 57.8 min (range 90-380 min). In total, 27(47.4%) operations were performed on the colon and 30 (52.6%) on the rectum; mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 8 +/- 6.2 days (range 3-48 days). There were 2 (3.4%) conversions to open surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Seven patients (12.3%) had postoperative complications 3 (5.3%) of whom had to be treated under general anesthesia. There was no mortality. In 48 patients operated on for colorectal cancer, the mean lymph-node harvest was 18 +/- 7.9 (range 7-38 lymph nodes). In the rectal cancer group of 26 patients, the distal resection margin was 3.3 +/- 1.8 cm. Conclusions In our experience, surgery using the new Senhance (R) robotic system was safe and feasible in surgery of the colon and rectum. Randomized controlled trials comparing this type of colorectal surgery with laparoscopic and/or other types of robotic surgery are needed.