Venkatesh Munikrishnan, FRCS, Ajay C Vallabhaneni, MD, Sudeepta K Swain, MS, DNB. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The use of robotic technique for rectal cancer surgery is slowly gaining popularity and acceptance but cost remains a main factor for more widespread uptake. The aim of this study was to find effective ways to control the costs without compromising the oncological principles of rectal cancer surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 108 patients with rectal cancer operated by an experienced colorectal surgeon using DaVinci Surgical Robot between August 2015 to January 2018 at a tertairy care hospital in India
RESULTS: On analysis the average cost for robotic rectal cancer surgery was INR 504037.30 ($ 6990.32). If the cost of first 54 cases(INR 536132.8/$ 7423.80) is compared to the second 54 cases(INR 472536.20/$ 6553.44), there is a drop in cost of about INR 63,596.80 ($880.50). The cost savings can be attributed to high volume of rectal cancer surgery performed and the experience gained by the operating surgeon and the assisting team. We have a two-team approach, and member of each team has a set assigned duties which help to reduce time and overall costs. For Robotic Rectal Cancer surgery we use 3 arms only (a camera and 2 working arms) with single docking technique and reusable ports.
CONCLUSION: Robotic Rectal Surgery can be cost effective without compromising on oncological principles by high volume surgeons using a trained two team approach using 3 arm technique with single docking and reusable ports.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 94878
Program Number: P670
Presentation Session: Poster Session (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster