Introduction and Problems of Robot-Assisted Surgery for Colorectal Cancer During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Japan: A Single-Institution Experience

Abstract

Ryo Ohta, Yasuyuki Yokoyama, Kohki Takeda, Kumiko Sekiguchi, Takao Shimizu, Keisuke Minamimura, Takeshi Yama-da, Nobuhiko Taniai and Hiroshi Yoshida

Introduction The colorectal robot-assisted surgery acquired insurance coverage in 2018, and its demand has increased significantly in Japan. The introduction of robot-assisted surgery should follow guidelines led by the Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES). The requirements are wide-ranging, including acquisition of certification through training courses, visits to other facilities by the medical team, necessity of inviting proctors, and acquisition of facility conditions. However, introducing robot- assisted surgery in accordance with these guidelines is not easy during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods We considered the current situation and problems in our department, which recently introduced robot-assisted colorectal surgery. Furthermore, we examined the problems associated with introduction of robot-assisted surgery in Japan.

Results In our department, there was no doctor with experience in robot-assisted surgery, so we started by obtaining the certificates of operator and assistant. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a reservation limit for the certificate acquisition program, which caused a delay in taking the course. In addition, it was difficult to observe the operation as a team due to the number of people at the receiving hospital and the COVID-19 infection of the operating room staff in our hospital. At proctor, events such as the outbreak of COVID-19 clusters at the workplace of the invited doctor caused the schedule to be canceled suddenly.

Conclusion In anticipation of future infectious disease outbreaks similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to establish a system that can easily and smoothly introduce robot-assisted surgery in Japan.

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