Setup and positioning in robotic colorectal surgery

Preparation for robotic colorectal surgery is more complicated than open and laparoscopy approaches. The colorectal surgeon interested in robotic training should be familiar with and well prepared for robotic draping, positioning of the operating table, the patient cart, the vision cart, the surgeon console, and other operating equipment. Port placement requires more strategy than for the laparoscopic platform and differs depending on the type of robotic system utilized. Anesthesia personnel should be prepared for potential airway issues related to operating table and patient positioning. Robotic technology is complex and, though the system checks itself at an enormously rapid rate, there is a low incidence of robotic malfunction. All operating room personnel should be familiar with these malfunctions and how to resolve them.