Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery: Evaluating Outcomes, Learning Curves, and Ergonomics in Laparoscopic vs. Robotic Approaches

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery has undergone a transformative shift over the past two decades, with laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques establishing themselves as the standard of care. While both approaches reliably offer clear advantages over open surgery, such as reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospitalizations, and accelerated functional recovery, debate continues regarding their comparative superiority. Despite evidence from recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses showing comparable short-term outcomes, critical gaps persist regarding oncologic adequacy in complex rectal resections, functional outcomes, long-term cost-effectiveness, and the physical strain placed on surgical teams.The steep learning curve of laparoscopic surgery and its inherent ergonomic constraints contrast with the enhanced dexterity, 3D visualization, and ergonomic relief provided by robotic systems. However, the high financial burden and institutional resource demands of robotic platforms mandate a rigorous, evidence-based appraisal of their clinical and operational ROI. Furthermore, as surgical education adapts to integrated digital and robotic curricula, standardizing learning metrics and mitigating surgeon occupational burnout remain top priorities for the field.This Research Topic aims to deliver a rigorous, evidence-based comparative evaluation of laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery. By bridging clinical trial data with real-world practice, this collection seeks to define the distinct indications, technical nuances, and economic viability of each platform. We aim to highlight high-quality research that advances clinical decision-making, standardizes training pathways, and optimizes long-term health and functional outcomes for patients while safeguarding surgeon well-being.We welcome original contributions, robust comparative studies, and high-level reviews focused on, but not limited to, the following key subthemes:• Comparative Clinical & Oncologic Outcomes: Short- and long-term comparisons of operative times, conversion rates, margin positivity, lymph node yield, local recurrence, and disease-free survival, with a focus on challenging cases (e.g., low rectal cancer, narrow male pelvis, high BMI).• Functional & Quality-of-Life Metrics: Assessment of postoperative urinary, sexual, and bowel function, along with standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).• Learning Curves & Surgical Education: Standardized evaluation of learning curves, competency frameworks, simulator-based training, and proficiency metrics across laparoscopic versus robotic platforms for trainees and attending surgeons.• Ergonomics & Occupational Health: Quantitative and qualitative assessments of physical workload, fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, and long-term career longevity among surgical teams operating on laparoscopic versus robotic systems.• Health Economics & Resource Utilization: Comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, health utility assessments, operating room efficiency metrics, and institutional implementation costs comparing both modalities.• Technological Innovations & Future Directions: Impact of novel platforms, single-port systems, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, image-guided navigation (e.g., indocyanine green fluorescence), and digital surgery solutions on operative outcomes.To ensure high methodological quality and clinical relevance, this collection welcomes submissions under the following Frontiers article types:• Original Research (including randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and propensity-score matched analyses);• Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-compliant);• Study Protocols for ongoing high-impact clinical trials;• Brief Research Reports & Pilot Studies evaluating novel technological iterations;• Perspective & Mini-Review Articles addressing surgical training, health economics, and ergonomic standards. Topic editors: Tommaso Violante, Giacomo Calini, Richard Sassun Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84686/minimally-invasive-colorectal-surgery-evaluating-outcomes-learning-curves-and-ergonomics-in-laparoscopic-vs-robotic-approaches