Background: The learning curve for transition from open to laparoscopic proctectomies is difficult. Most surgeons have considerable laparoscopic experience prior to performing robotic-assisted procedures. There are data regarding the transition from open to robotic proctectomies. Minimally invasive anterior resection for rectal cancer has gained widespread popularity in recent years, especially when using a robotic platform.

Objectives: To analyze the experience to the transition from open to robotic anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a computerized database. All patients who had a robotic-assisted proctectomy between December 2016 and March 2019 were included and were compared to patients who underwent an open anterior resection in the same time period. A single experienced colorectal surgeon with no prior experience in colorectal laparoscopic surgery performed the procedures.

Results: During the study period, 55 patients underwent robotic-assisted proctectomy and 55 had an open proctectomy. Patients had similar pre-operative demographic and clinical characteristics with the majority of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The surgical time was significantly lower in the open surgery group (168 minutes vs. 310 minutes, P = 0.005). Both the surgical and pathological outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, with good short-term oncologic outcomes and low complication rates.

Conclusions: The transition from open to robotic-assisted proctectomy is feasible and safe and provides a good alternative for undertaking a minimally invasive surgery for the experienced open colorectal surgeon