Introduction: Robotic techniques are one of the main achievements in modern minimally invasive surgery, constantly expanding its use in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Technological progress over the years has led to a higher level of operative precision, improved surgical conditions and reduced tissue trauma. The purpose of this review was to present the current state of knowledge about the efficacy, safety and treatment outcomes of robotic surgery, comparing it with laparoscopic and open techniques in oncological abdominal procedures in patients with colon cancer. Methods: A literature review was prosecuted, including clinical studies, cohort analyses and meta-analyses including studies comparing robotic, laparoscopic and open techniques performed on patients with colorectal cancer. Results: Based on the collected data, robotic surgery provides oncologic outcomes similar to laparoscopic and open techniques, while providing patients with shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative pain and lower complication rates. The number of removed lymph nodes and the length of resection margins were generally higher in robotic procedures, which indicate superior precision and better visualization of the operative field. The complication rate and recovery time in robotic surgery was lower compared with laparoscopy open surgery. Conclusions: Robotic surgery as the treatment of colorectal cancer is a safe and effective alternative to classic techniques as laparoscopy and open surgery, providing matching oncologic efficacy along with significant clinical benefits in recovery and patient quality of life. Constant development of technology, standardization of treatment protocols and increasing surgical experience will enable further adoption of this method in oncologic centers.
Pluta et al. (Mon,) studied this question.