RoLaCaRT-1: Robotic versus Laparoscopic Colon - a Randomised Trial

Increasing evidence demonstrates worse oncologic outcomes for patients treated for cancer of the right colon. Recent advances in the surgical treatment of colon cancer may have significant impact on patient outcomes. These include minimally invasive surgery, complete mesocolic excision and intracorporeal anastomoses which may influence nodal harvest, morbidity, and survival. There has also been a rapid increase in the uptake of robotics in colorectal surgery in recent years. However, the introduction of new surgical procedures, techniques and technology are often associated with significant increases in health cost.

RoLaCaRT-1 aims to evaluate surgical morbidity, ‘successful surgery’ rates and patient reported outcomes up to 90 days, from performing right hemicolectomy robotically compared with laparoscopic hemicolectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma (tumour or malignant polyp) of the caecum, ascending or proximal transverse colon.  The study also aims to evaluate trial feasibility and assess surgeons’ experience with the robotic approach.