Short-term outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Sigmoidectomy using the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System: A Comparison with Laparoscopic Surgery Using Propensity Score Matching

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer is a common and deadly form of cancer. Sigmoid colon cancer is the most prevalent type of colon cancer. Robotic-assisted surgical systems, like the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System, have attracted much attention in recent years. This study aimed to examine the safety of Senhance by comparing Senhance-assisted surgery with conventional laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. Methods This retrospective single-center study analyzed data from patients undergoing sigmoidectomies between March 2020 and 2023. Propensity score matching was employed to create comparable groups. Patient characteristics, short-term surgical outcomes, and pathological data were assessed. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo system. Results Prior to propensity score matching, there were differences between groups regarding the cancer stage. After matching, two groups comprising 17 patients each were comparable across various factors. The operative time was significantly longer in the Senhance-assisted group (235 min vs. 165 min, p = 0.002), underscoring the importance of optimizing surgical techniques. However, no significant differences were observed in blood loss, complications, or pathological characteristics between the groups. Conclusions Robotic-assisted sigmoidectomy using Senhance appears to be as safe as conventional laparoscopic surgery.