Right Hemicolectomy With Complete Mesocolon Excision Using Modular Robotic Platform

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) is a technique that is gaining increasing acceptance in colorectal surgery.1,2 Nevertheless, it is considered technically demanding, as it requires advanced surgical skills and a thorough knowledge of anatomical variations, particularly during dissection along the mesenteric axis at the origin of the colic vessels, the trunk of Henle, and the gastroepiploic vessels.3 In this context, robotic surgery represents a valuable alternative, offering enhanced image stability, elimination of physiological tremor, and greater precision in movement. These advantages may facilitate meticulous dissection and help the surgeon overcome the technical challenges associated with CME.4–6 We present a clinical case of a right hemicolectomy with CME performed using the modular and portable robotic platform Hugo™ RAS system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA), for right colon cancer located in hepatic flexure treated at the Digestive Surgery Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS in Rome. Written informed consent for video recording was obtained from the patient prior to surgery, together with consent for the surgical procedure. This case demonstrates the feasibility of performing a right hemicolectomy with CME using a modular and portable robotic platform showing our own setup for the procedure. The system’s innovative design with 4 robotic arms may contribute to enhancing surgical precision in complex colorectal procedures. To our knowledge, this is one of the first experiences of the use of a modular and portable robotic platform for right hemicolectomy with CME. However, further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes and the broader applicability of this platform in colorectal surgery. See Video