Designing a robotic colorectal program.

Designing a successful robotic colorectal program requires consideration and implementation of several important concepts with continued perseverance through many obstacles that may arise. The ideal strategy is to establish a core group of committed individuals, define the goals and vision of the program, enlist corporate partners, and gain financial support with a sound business, educational, and research plan. Factors such as cost, limited availability, and demanding training are often hindrances to the implementation of a new robotic colorectal program while scheduling conflicts and inadequate resources may present obstacles to developing a colorectal program in institutions with existing robotic surgical programs. In developing a business plan one should consider the potential for increased patient referrals and the benefits of reduced hospital stay, decreased infection and complication rates, and quicker recovery compared with open surgical procedures. The optimal robotics surgical staff will include those most eager to be trained, as they are highly motivated and have the greatest enthusiasm to succeed. The early foundation of accomplishment will be vital to the long-term success of the program. In addition to building the ideal surgical team, patient selection is one of the most crucial considerations in developing a successful robotics program. Initiating a positive impression for robotic-assisted laparoscopic colorectal procedures will be an important precursor to continued success. Likewise, maintaining a regular schedule of procedures may advance the team's competencies and deter complacency. Proper planning, deliberate implementation, and sustained perseverance are key to the successful initiation of a robotic colorectal program.