Standardized single docking, four arms and fully robotic proctectomy for rectal cancer: the key points are the ports and arms placement

Abstract

Rectal cancer continues to be a surgical challenge. As more technology is developed, the surgeon must both incorporate this new technology into his practice and, at the same time, keep improving oncologic surgery and overall outcomes. We describe a standardized approach and fully robotic proctectomy, using four arms and one single docking (SI system). Patient cart and ports placement, as well as arms position to avoid collision, are key points to perform the entire procedure with one single docking. Although the place of robotic surgery might still need to be defined, standardizing the procedures is a step towards its evaluation. We propose with this report a solution to perform a single docking four arms robotic proctectomy.