This is an open access book. Colorectal surgery is one of the most performed procedures in
dedicated colorectal and general surgery units worldwide. In the last two decades the
minimally invasive laparoscopic approach has become very popular worldwide attracting great
interest among patients (lower risk of infection less pain and faster recovery) and
demonstrating excellent oncological results. Technology is improving rapidly offering
revolutionary innovations particularly with the advent of robotic surgery which offers
important advantages over laparoscopy for both surgeons and patients: improved ergonomics
wristed instruments and a better vision. These advantages may be particularly useful for more
complex and challenging situations (complete mesocolic excision low rectal cancer one-stage
treatment of colorectal and liver metastases etc.) translating into potential improved
surgical and oncological results. Although several books have been published on the subject
the great interest in robotic surgery makes it mandatory in our opinion to have a general
update in view of the latest technical innovations and the results of the most relevant and
recent literature. The book is divided into chapters dealing with the different colorectal
segments with their robotic surgical operations and specific technical variants. The new
frontiers of benign and emergency colorectal diseases are also considered as well as the new
robotic platforms recently introduced in the healthcare market. Some of them such as the da
Vinci SP single port device may represent a revolutionary approach for this surgery. Training
and cost aspects were also considered.
