Robotic Right Colectomy for Colon Cancer; Two Case Reports

Abstract

Since the Japanese insurance system initiated coverage of robotic proctectomy, the number of procedures performed and their importance are gradually increasing. Robotic colectomy is also increasingly reported worldwide, but not in Japan. We herein report two cases of robotic right colectomy utilizing the da Vinci surgical system Xi^® for the first time in Japan. D3 lymphadenectomy and right colon mobilization was performed with the placement of four trocars in line with and above the pubic tubercle, and intra-corporeal anastomosis was performed using SureForm^®. Both patients were discharged on postoperative day 6 without any complications. It has been reported that robotic colectomy requires a longer operation time than that required for conventional laparoscopic colectomy, but the estimated blood loss, complications, and pain after surgery may be decreased. To confirm the safety and curability of robotic colectomy, further studies and case encounters are needed.