[Robotic-assisted laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer: a report of 13 cases].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted laparoscopic colectomy for colonic cancer. METHODS The clinical outcomes of 13 patients with colon cancer undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic colectomy from May 2010 to November 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS All the operations were performed successfully, including 5 right colectomies, 3 left colectomies, and 5 sigmoidectomies. The operative time was (171.5±31.8) minutes. The estimated blood loss was (54.6±21.8) ml. Time to the return of bowel function was (60.9±15.8) hours and postoperative hospital stay was (6.4±3.6) days. There was one patient developed fat liquefaction at the incision. No bleeding, anastomotic fistula, anastomotic stenosis, or other complications were found. CONCLUSION Robotic-assisted laparoscopic colectomy is safe and feasible for colon cancer resection.