P291 Higher standards, delivered locally: A comparative study of outcomes following implementation of robotic colorectal cancer surgery at an established laparoscopic unit in a district general hospital

Published Date: 07th October 2026

Publication Authors: Shukla. S, Chadwick. M, Samad. A, Kalaiselvan. R

Aim
Robotic platforms are being increasingly utilized in colorectal cancer surgery, but outcome data from district general hospitals (DGHs) remains limited. This study compares the outcomes of robotic cancer resections, following implementation in 2022, with laparoscopic resections over the past five years at a single DGH in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted, including all elective colorectal cancer resections between 2020–2025 comparing the laparoscopic and robotic modalities. Outcomes included total resection volume, R0 resection rates, conversion to open, length of stay (LOS), perioperative morbidity and adverse events.

Results
Of the 585 included resections, 170 were robotic and 176 were for rectal cancer (103 laparoscopic, 73 robotic). R0 resection rates were comparable between the laparoscopic and robotic groups (93.2% vs 96.5%, p = 0.164). Robotic resections had a shorter LOS (6 vs 7 days, p = 0.043) and lower conversion rates (1.7% vs. 5.69%, p = 0.057) (approaching statistical significance). Perioperative morbidity (anastomotic leak, surgical site infection, need for intensive care) and adverse events (30 day readmission, re-operation and 90-day mortality) were comparable across groups (no statistical difference) and exceeded the targets set in the National Bowel Cancer Audit in the UK.

Conclusion
Introduction of robotics to a highly performing laparoscopic unit has been safe and effective without compromising on oncological or perioperative outcomes. Robotics reduced the conversion rates and length of stay, while still exceeding national quality standards. These findings support the adoption of robotic colorectal programmes in non-tertiary centres, with longer-term follow-up data required to evaluate functional outcomes, including stoma rates.

Shukla. S; Chadwick, M; Samad, A; Kalaiselvan, R. (2026). P291 Higher standards, delivered locally: A comparative study of outcomes following implementation of robotic colorectal cancer surgery at an established laparoscopic unit in a district general hospital. Colorectal Disease. 28(S2), [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/codi.70595 [Accessed 14 October 2026]