Implementation of Novel Robotic Systems in Colorectal Surgery

Abstract Colorectal surgery practice has shown substantial changes since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) by providing shorter lengths of hospital stay and reduced morbidity rates compared to open surgery. The challenges of MIS in colorectal surgery settings are magnified when the rigid nature of the laparoscopic instruments and assistant-driven camera platforms interfere with the flow of the surgery. Robotic devices have been developed to overcome the drawbacks of laparoscopic surgery and have been further improved with additional haptic feedback and flexible scopes that ease their operation. Colorectal surgery has benefited from the ample opportunities that robotic systems offer, however, the unavailability of the platform in every medical center, prolonged operative time, cost, and the steep learning curve pose obstacles for the globalization of these robotics. Debates continue about whether the purported advantages of the robotic systems will translate into clinical effectiveness over conventional laparoscopy. This chapter discusses the current role of alternative robotic approaches in colorectal surgery settings and future directions of robotic surgery.