Robotic Use in Colorectal Disease: A Critical Analysis

Laparoscopic surgery is widely accepted in colorectal surgery, with proven short-term benefits. Nevertheless, widespread adoption of this approach is far from being a reality in part due to some inherent technical limitations. Robotic technologies have been developed to overcome some of these shortcomings, and several authors have embraced it, strongly supporting the superiority of this approach compared with laparoscopy. However, as we await more robust data, the routine use of robotic technology for the treatment of colorectal diseases, outside of clinical trials currently under way, does not appear to be cost effective and justified. In this article, we will review the available evidence for the specific colorectal procedures, focusing primarily on rectal surgery, an application with potential advantages for robotic technology.