Three-step standardized approach for complete mobilization of the splenic flexure during robotic rectal cancer surgery

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this technical note is to describe a three-step technique for expeditious and complete mobilization of the splenic flexure (CMSF) during single docking totally robotic rectal cancer surgery.

Method: A prospectively maintained database was searched for all patients who underwent single docking totally robotic rectal cancer surgery with CMSF through a stepwise technique.

Results: We studied 89 patients underwent CMSF during single docking totally robotic lower anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Conclusion: The technique demonstrates that CMSF can be performed with a standardized approach using the natural embryological planes of surgery. Moreover, this technique does not involve any change in patient's position on the operating table or undocking the robotic system. We have included an intra-operative video recording to demonstrate the technique.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; education; flexure mobilization; robotic surgery.