Single-port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SPR-TAMIS) approach to local excision of rectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Trans-anal excision is the surgical treatment of choice for endoscopically unresectable rectal polyps, early rectal cancers, small carcinoid tumors, and other low-risk tumors. The single-port robotic (SPR) platform is the newest development in robotic surgery capable of performing trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). In theory, the single incision design would naturally lend itself to the size limitation of the anal canal, but in practice, this method has not been tested. Herein we describe the techniques and first reports of performing TAMIS using the SPR platform. TECHNIQUE: We describe in detail how to perform the SPR-TAMIS technique using lessons and experience gained from performing this on five patients who had endoscopically unresectable rectal polyps or T1 rectal cancers. Each patient was followed for a minimum of 30 days and was seen in clinic post-operatively. A retrospective chart review was performed to obtain information on technical success, anatomic measurements, and reported complications.
RESULTS: The SPR TAMIS was successfully performed on all five patients without any reported complications. All underwent a non-piecemeal excision and had return of regular bowel function at 30-day follow-up. All patients were discharged from the hospital the same day as their operation.
CONCLUSIONS: SPR-TAMIS is a novel, safe, and feasible procedure capable of achieving non-piecemeal resections of low-risk rectal tumors. Further study needs to be conducted to determine complication rates, functional and oncologic outcomes, and ensure the long-term safety profile.