Open AccessRobotic‐assisted surgery for rectal cancer: Current state and future perspective
Author(s) -
Matsuyama Takatoshi,
Kinugasa Yusuke,
Nakajima Yasuaki,
Kojima Kazuyuki
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
annals of gastroenterological surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.308
H-Index - 15
ISSN - 2475-0328
DOI - 10.1002/ags3.12202
Subject(s) - medicine , robotic surgery , laparoscopic surgery , invasive surgery , intensive care medicine , surgery , general surgery , laparoscopy
Interest in minimally invasive surgery has increased in recent decades. Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery ( RALS ) was introduced as the latest advance in minimally invasive surgery. RALS has the potential to provide better clinical outcomes in rectal cancer surgery, allowing for precise dissection in the narrow pelvic space. In addition, RALS represents an important advancement in surgical education with respect to use of the dual‐console robotic surgery system. Because the public health insurance systems in Japan have covered the cost of RALS for rectal cancer since April 2018, RALS has been attracting increasingly more attention. Although no overall robust evidence has yet shown that RALS is superior to laparoscopic or open surgery, the current evidence supports the notion that technically demanding subgroups (patients with obesity, male patients, and patients treated by extended procedures) may benefit from RALS . Technological innovation is a constantly evolving field. Several companies have been developing new robotic systems that incorporate new technology. This competition among companies in the development of such systems is anticipated to lead to further improvements in patient outcomes as well as drive down the cost of RALS , which is one main concern of this new technique.