Abstract:
Introduction of the da Vinci robotic surgical system has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. Innovative robotic technologies have helped surgeons overcome the technical difficulties of conventional laparoscopic surgery. At present, da Vinci robotic colorectal surgery is a safe and feasible option and has shown comparable short-term outcomes with conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, it has no oncological advantage despite its significantly higher cost. Promising technologies have been developed to overcome the drawbacks and obstacles of the current robotic systems. Moreover, further randomized controlled clinical trials are required to assess the long-term results and potential benefits of robotic surgery over laparoscopy. This review aimed to elucidate the current developments in robotic colorectal surgery and to explore emerging surgical robotic technologies currently available or in development.